Essential Trip Information

• This pack-carrying trip involves plenty of walking over varied terrain and is best suited to travellers with a good level of mobility. Good footwear, clothing for all types of weather, plus perhaps walking poles are recommended. Training for this tour is important. To ensure that you are physically able to enjoy yourself you should be able to comfortably walk 15km on unpaved terrain by the start of the tour. Details on physical activities can be found in the itinerary.

On this trip you will walk between approximately 12km and 20km a day, albeit there are opportunities for you to shorten some walks. Please read the daily itinerary for more information. On this walk you carry your own packs which weigh approximately six to eight kilograms. If you prefer a portered experience please check out our other trip 'Tasmania's Maria Island Walk (Portered)' (trip code PWXP).

While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip.

We recognise that there may be times when your group leader or local representative may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the group leader or local representative to speak to their direct manager.

You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. Please do be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing us while still travelling will give us the opportunity to resolve the issue in real-time.

For general contact details please use the following page: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/contact-us

ALL general enquiry must be directed to our reservations team. In case of a GENUINE CRISIS OR EMERGENCY, or concerns about a missed pick-up on the day of departure ONLY (if applicable), you can reach our local office on the numbers listed below:

GENUINE EMERGENCY ONLY: 1300 997 321

ITINERARY CHANGES
Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns.

Can’t stop thinking about your adventure? Tell us all about it! We read each piece of feedback carefully and use it to make improvements for travellers like you. Share your experience with us at: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/feedback/

WALKING & TREKKING
This is a pack-carrying hiking trip. Please come physically prepared and with the right hiking gear in order to complete the hikes safely and comfortably. Please read the trip notes carefully and take note of the packing list.

START & END TIMES
We collect guests from central Hobart hotels from 7:30am on Day 1 of the walk. On the last day we offer a scheduled airport transfer at 4:00pm or transfer guests to their hotel in central Hobart by 5:00pm. We recommend guests book flights no earlier than 6:00pm.

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
A Single Supplement is bookable on this trip, subject to availability at the time of booking.

OPERATIONS
This trip is operated by our trusted partner Wild Bush Luxury.

GENERAL HEALTH
All travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. For the safety and wellbeing of yourself and others, if you are unwell prior to travelling, please stay at home and contact us to make alternative arrangements.

When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to manage and enjoy our style of travel. Please note that if in the assessment of our group leader or local representative a traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, we reserve the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund.

You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements in their original packaging as they may not easily be obtained while travelling. If you are carrying medication, ensure you check your government's foreign travel advice for any local restrictions or requirements. 

HYDRATION
Daytime temperatures across Australia be extreme (especially from September to March) with temperatures over 40ºC (104ºF). Even for travellers familiar with these temperatures, it’s easy to become dehydrated. The key point to remember is not to wait until you’re thirsty, but to drink water regularly. Adding an electrolyte solution can aid in replenishing the salts/electrolytes lost when travelling at this time of year. You will be required to carry at least 1L of water per hour of walking.

As we operate in remote areas, guests will need to bring all of their own personal medications on tour. Whilst our guides are qualified in remote area or wilderness first aid and carry satellite phones, we do not carry epi-pens, Ventolin or other emergency medications. If a person requires urgent medical attention whilst on tour, it may take several hours or more for emergency services to attend the scene and take you to a medical facility. Under certain circumstances, your tour consultant may request a medical certificate of fitness before you are cleared to participate in the tour. If pre-existing medical issues that will affect your ability to complete the tour or have an impact on other guests' experiences are not disclosed prior to the departure, we reserve the right to remove you from the tour.

FOOD & WINE

Our guests often say the food is a highlight of their trip. After a day of walking you can relax with a three-course gourmet meal prepared by our team and enjoyed by candlelight under the stars with your new group of friends.

We toast another wonderful day on Maria Island with award winning Tasmanian wines from local family owned vineyards like Cape Bernier, Bream Creek, Milton and Gala, or choose one of our thirst-quenching local beers.

Your skilled guides will prepare all your meals made with the freshest of local Tasmanian produce. Take your time and enjoy leisurely cooked breakfasts, then feast on lunch in stunning locations.

Tasmania’s produce, wines and local beers are world famous – with this bounty of options incorporated into the menu planning, as we collaborate with local suppliers, to ensure bellies are sated when joining us on The Maria Island Walk.

We can happily adapt our menu to accommodate most dietary needs.

Accommodation is based on twin share. We accommodate for single travellers, who may may be required to share accommodation with another single walker of the same gender. For guests who prefer not to share a room, we can accommodate and offer a single occupancy rate.

After a day of walking, you will relax in comfortable accommodation. The first two nights are in exclusive bush camps, and the last night we stay in the historic, heritage-listed Bernacchi House in the settlement of Darlington. Our accommodation is exclusive to our guests, to thoroughly immerse you in the wilderness and history of Maria Island

EXCLUSIVE BUSH CAMPS
This isn’t camping as you know it. Our wilderness camps are located only moments from stunning beaches, tucked away in the beautiful surrounding forest. They have been designed to leave only a small environmental footprint with bush showers and clean composting toilets. You’ll fall asleep in a comfortable bed in your own bush cabin to the sound of waves gently lapping nearby and wake to the sound of birds in the forest.

BERNACCHI HOUSE
The last night on Maria Island is spent at Bernacchi House, a rare, heritage listed house dating back to 1880. Enjoy hot showers and relax in front of the fire on the cooler nights. In 2022, the home was refurbished with key elements undertaken by Laura Stucken, local designer and co-owner of award-winning Van Bone Restaurant. Despite the refresh, the historic property remains true to its original fabric and story. Local artisans incorporated in the project include Scott Van Tuil, who designed the sandstone side tables and coffee tables in the home as a nod to the famous Painted Cliffs of Maria Island, and Simon Ancher Studio, who supplied floating beds using Tasmanian timber. Soft furnishings were sourced from Hobart-based Featherston Interiors and vases from local potters across the Mercury passage at Dunalley, Tim and Tammy Holmes (Potters Croft), are dotted through the house. A comfortable and cosy stay, and a short walking distance from the ferry terminal to/from Darlington to the mainland.

CONTINGENCY FUNDS
We try to plan for every eventuality, but there are still some things beyond our control. We reserve the right to change an itinerary after departure due to local circumstances or a Force Majeure Event. In such emergency circumstances, the additional cost of any necessary itinerary alterations will be covered by you. Please note we are not responsible for any incidental expenses that may be incurred as a result of the change of itineraries including but not limited to visas, vaccinations or non-refundable flights. Make sure you have access to an extra US$500 for emergencies (e.g. severe weather, natural disasters, civil unrest) or other events that result in unavoidable changes to the itinerary (e.g. transport strikes or cancellations, airport closures). Sometimes these things necessitate last-minute changes to enable our trips to continue to run, and as a result, there may be some extra costs involved. The recommended amount is listed in USD for the relatability of universal travellers, however, local currency may be needed once in the country to cover these costs.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

We provide the following for your use when you arrive at our office the morning of your walk:
• 50 litre back pack
• Waterproof jacket
• Sleeping bag and liner
• Pillow case
• Head torch

Whilst we can provide all of the above you are welcome to use your own gear.

Note: Sleeping bags are provided at each camp as are day packs for optional walks.

POWER AND PHONES

Mobile service coverage is very patchy and depending on your carrier may not be available. Guides have phones that can be used if necessary. There is no power at the bush camps so please make sure cameras are fully charged and spare batteries packed if necessary.

LUGGAGE STORAGE

You can store excess luggage at our office and this will be loaded on to the bus which meets you as you return from the island at the end of your walk.

WHAT TO BRING

• Walking boots with good ankle support or sturdy walking shoes with good tread (Sandshoes and trainers are not recommended for walking).
• Lightweight shoes/sandals for around the camps and at the house
• Long pants x 1 (ideally from a quick dry material – not heavy denim)
• Shorts x 1
• Long sleeve shirt x 1
• Thermal top and bottoms x 1 set
• Fleece jacket or warm jumper x 1
• T shirts x 3
• Socks and underwear x 3
• Beanie or woolly hat, and gloves (recommended even in the summer months)
• Sun hat and sunglasses
• Travel towel
• Water bottle(s) or bladder, 2 litre total capacity required
• Toiletries in small containers. Soap and body lotion are provided at camps. Body wash, shampoo, conditioner and body lotion are provided at Bernacchi House.
• Swimwear and sarong
• Camera/Binoculars
• Sunscreen and insect repellent – this is also available at the camps
• Walking Poles (please bring along if you ordinarily walk with poles).
• Personal medications

For maximum comfort, we recommend your pack should weigh approximately 6 – 8kg.

Mobile service coverage is very patchy and depending on your carrier may not be available. Guides have phones that can be used if necessary.

WEATHER IN TASMANIA
Tasmania has four distinct seasons with the warmest months being December to March. Summer temperatures are between 17C/62F and 23C/73F and winter temperatures sit between 3C/37F and 11C/51F, or even colder at higher altitudes with possible snowfall. Regardless of when you travel to Tasmania you should always be prepared for sudden, temporary deterioration in the weather, especially if out in nature, and particularly early or late in the season. Always carry additional warm clothing, including a waterproof outer layer.

TRAVEL ADVISORIES & ALERTS
We recommend that you check your government's foreign travel advisory for the latest information about the destination before you travel. You will also need to ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all destinations and activities on your trip. We also recommend saving the phone number for emergency consular assistance for your government’s consulate in the destination/s you’ll be travelling. Links to travel advisories and any current travel alerts for our trips can be found here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/travel-alerts

PERSONAL SAFETY
Ensure you have a secure method of carrying your passport, phone, credit cards and cash while travelling such as a money belt. Leave all other high value items, including jewellery, at home Use safety deposit boxes at hotels to store your valuables when available and ensure your luggage is lockable. Be aware of the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft. Exercise caution when walking at night, don’t walk alone and stick to well-lit streets wherever possible. Be vigilant on public transport and look out for your fellow travellers. Take precautions such as carrying your bag in front of you and never leaving personal items unattended.

LGBTQIA+ TRAVELLERS
Intrepid welcomes all LGBTQIA+ customers on our trips, however we operate in parts of the world that are less accepting. We support LGBTQIA+ customers to travel to these destinations and are committed to ensuring they face no discrimination on any part of the trip we control. We recommend you visit Equaldex (https://www.equaldex.com/) and your government's foreign travel advice for LGBTQIA+ travellers when choosing your trip.

Intrepid won't tolerate any kind of violence, harassment (whether physical, verbal or sexual), or disrespect toward fellow travellers, our teams or local communities.

To ensure the wellbeing of everyone on the trip, decisions made by your group leader are final.

Romantic relationships between travellers and group leader or local representative are not permitted while on trip.

Any behaviour that prevents your leader from continuing the itinerary as planned, breaks local laws or opposes any of these guidelines may result in Intrepid denying your booking or removing you from the trip.

If something concerns you during your travels, please speak to your group leader immediately. Alternatively, you can contact us on the emergency contact number detailed in the Problems and Emergency Contact Information section of this Essential Trip Information.

As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and likely a range of age groups too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part. Due to privacy reasons, we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information about your fellow travellers booked on your trip prior to departure.

Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips for those travelling internationally. We require that, at a minimum, you are covered for medical expenses, including emergency repatriation. If you are travelling within your home country or region, please confirm before travel that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily should an accident occur. We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your group leader or local representative.

If you have credit card insurance, your group leader or local representative will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number, rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country.

For travellers who reside within the European Union, Switzerland or the USA, the requirement to purchase travel insurance cannot be compulsory. However, the purchase of travel insurance is still highly recommended, and each country you visit may have its own specific entry requirements. For example, some mandate travel health insurance for all foreign travellers, regardless of their nationality. Travellers from the European Union, Switzerland or the USA who decline travel insurance when travelling outside their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form at the Group Meeting, recognizing personal responsibility for emergency medical and repatriation costs should they arise.

For assistance with travel insurance or other services, please visit the link below:

https://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-resources/our-services

AUSTRALIANS TRAVELLING DOMESTICALLY
Travel insurance will help ensure you’re protected in case of any unforeseen changes to your journey – such as flight cancellations or illness. For this reason, we recommend you purchase comprehensive domestic travel insurance for your trip. This may not be something you would have typically done in the past when travelling domestically in Australia, but it does offer you a number of benefits. While Australians and Australian Permanent Residents travelling within Australia are not required to be covered for hospital care due to being covered by Medicare, a comprehensive domestic travel insurance policy should cover you for expenses incurred. Domestic travel insurance plans may also include personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, loss of luggage and personal effects, and other benefits. It is also advisable that domestic travellers have current ambulance cover in the case of emergency evacuation or incidents requiring ambulance transportation. Please be sure to carefully check the policy’s inclusions with your preferred insurer.

Our Responsible Travel Policy outlines our commitment to preserving the environment, supporting local communities, protecting the vulnerable, and giving back to the places we travel. All our trip leaders and local representatives, suppliers, and staff are trained on these principles and are core to us delivering sustainable, experience-rich travel.

Explore the different parts of our Responsible Travel Policy by visiting:
https://www.intrepidtravel.com/responsible-travel

RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN
As an Australian-owned business with a vision to change the way people see the world, Intrepid is committed to reconciliation and strengthening relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous peoples. While Intrepid might have done a lot to empower communities, businesses and our partners around the world over the years, there’s still a lot for us to do here at home. We are working towards a better, more inclusive and fairer Australia. You can find more information about our Reconciliation Action Plan here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/reconciliation