Essential Trip Information

• This is a 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.

WALKING & TREKKING
This is a 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.

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:

+61 409 265 359

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 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 & LOCATION
We will collect you from our starting point location in central Hobart at 8am on Day 1 of the walk (please see the joining point section in the Essential Trip Information document for more information). On the last day we will transfer you to central Hobart by early evening. If you are flying out of Hobart on the last day we recommend you book flights no earlier than 5:30pm.

DIETARY REQUIREMENTS
It is very important that you advise us of any dietary requirements and allergies at least 2 weeks prior to departure. We need this information well ahead of time to be able organise catering for the trip. Freycinet's remote location means that specific food items will not be available on short notice, and once the trip has commenced changes to dietary requirements are not possible.

MEDICAL CONDITIONS
As we operate in remote areas, you will need to bring all of your own personal medications with you. While our leaders are qualified in remote area or wilderness first aid and carry satellite phones, we do not carry any emergency medications. If a person requires urgent medical attention during the trip, it may take several hours or more for emergency services to attend the scene and take you to a medical facility. If you have any pre-existing medical issues that will affect your ability to complete the trip or may have an impact on other guests’ experiences and you do not disclose these prior to the departure, we reserve the right to remove you from the trip.

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
Individual travellers receive a private room at no additional cost.

OPERATIONS
This trip is operated by our trusted partner Freycinet Experience Walk in conjunction with Intrepid.

WEATHER CONDITIONS
Please note that the weather in Tasmania can change without notice, which may affect your itinerary. We reserve the right to alter the itinerary if deemed necessary for safety reasons. In particular the boat trip to Schouten Island is weather dependent and may be rescheduled to another day or replaced with an alternative activity should the weather not allow safe delivery of the boat cruise. Always carry additional warm clothing, including a waterproof outer layer.

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 travel health 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. 

MEDICAL CONDITIONS
As we operate in remote areas, you will need to bring all of your own personal medications with you. While our leaders are qualified in remote area or wilderness first aid and carry satellite phones, we do not carry any emergency medications. If a person requires urgent medical attention during the trip, it may take several hours or more for emergency services to attend the scene and take you to a medical facility. If you have any pre-existing medical issues that will affect your ability to complete the trip or may have an impact on other guests’ experiences and you do not disclose these prior to the departure, we reserve the right to remove you from the trip.

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.

Each evening, gather around the communal dining table to enjoy freshly prepared meals showcasing the best local Tasmanian produce. Crafted by lodge hosts using quality regional ingredients, the menu celebrates the flavours of Tasmania and can cater to a range of dietary requirements.

The lodge dining experience is about more than great food. It's a chance to relax after a day on the trail, share stories with fellow travellers, and enjoy the warm atmosphere of a remote wilderness retreat.

Tasmania's east coast is renowned for its fresh seafood, premium meats, seasonal produce, and award-winning cool-climate wines. A selection of local wines, craft beers, and ciders is available to complement your meal, providing an authentic taste of the region.

Prepared fresh each day, every meal reflects the lodge's connection to its natural surroundings and commitment to showcasing the best of Tasmania.

DIETARY REQUIREMENTS
It is very important that you advise us of any dietary requirements and allergies at least 2 weeks prior to departure. We need this information well ahead of time to be able organise catering for the trip. Maria Island’s remote location means that specific food items will not be available on short notice, and once the trip has commenced changes to dietary requirements are not possible.

Nestled among native coastal bushland, Friendly Beaches Lodge offers a unique and sustainable stay within Freycinet National Park. Set on a private sanctuary just moments from the beach, it is the only accommodation located on the coastal side of the park, providing a peaceful and secluded experience.

After a day of walking, relax in the comfortable shared lounge, enjoy a hearty meal, and unwind in your private bedroom. The award-winning lodge is thoughtfully designed to blend with its natural surroundings, featuring inviting communal spaces, large picture windows, and stunning views of the landscape.

Accommodation is spread across two lodges, each offering four bedrooms, a lounge with fireplace, bathroom facilities, and shared living areas, with a maximum of five guests sharing each lodge. Individual travellers receive a private room at no additional cost.

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. We are not responsible for any incidental expenses that may be incurred because of changes to itineraries, including but not limited to visas, vaccinations or non-refundable flights.

Make sure you have access to an extra USD 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 all travellers; however, local currency may be needed once in the country to cover these costs. Please confirm with your leader on Day 1 if you need to carry this in cash, or whether access via card or electronically is sufficient.

We aim to provide all of the things you need to complete your stay, but there are some items that aren’t provided due to the natural environment, or that you need to make sure to bring along to make your walking experience comfortable:
• Footwear
• Quality waterproof jacket
• Waking poles (optional)
• Walking boots with good ankle support or sturdy walking shoes with good tread are required. (Sandshoes and trainers are not recommended for walking). New boots need to be broken in (at least 2–3 months in advance for your personal comfort)
• Shorts x 1
• Long sleeve shirt for sun protection x 1
• Thermal/warm long sleeved top x 1
• T-shirts x 2
• Long pants x 1 (jeans are not recommended for walking in)
• Warm jumper or fleece jacket
• Socks to wear with boots x 3 pairs
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Swimwear
• Sun hat
• Beanie
• Small beach towel
• 1 litre water bottle (1 litre capacity or greater is essential)
• Toiletries
• Insect repellent
Suggested items for evening
• Change of clothes
• Lightweight sandals/shoes
Optional items you might consider bringing along
• Trekking poles - we do have 10 pairs at the lodge
• Dressing gown
• Head torch
• Small binoculars

Please note that there is no mobile phone coverage at the lodge and out on the trails each day. Coles Bay has coverage but it can be very patchy and depends on your carrier.

There is power available in the main lodge for you to charge phones and cameras, but there is no power in the sleeping lodges.

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.

Every departure is supported by a dedicated team, with two experienced walking guides leading the trail and two lodge hosts providing exceptional hospitality throughout your stay.

Passionate, knowledgeable and welcoming, our team is committed to creating a memorable experience both on and off the track. With backgrounds ranging from environmental science and the arts to outdoor leadership and other professional fields, they bring a diverse range of skills, insights and local knowledge to each journey.

Behind the scenes, our local drivers and operations team help ensure every aspect of your adventure runs smoothly, allowing you to relax and immerse yourself in the beauty of Freycinet National Park.

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 leaders or local representatives 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 group 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