Mornington Peninsula Destination Guide

Explo

r e th e

’s playground a i r o t hidden secrets of Vic

MORNINGTON PENINSULA DEST IN ATION GUIDE

Point Nepean

POINT NEPEAN NATIONAL PARK

Port Phillip Bay

Portsea SORRENTO ARTISTS TRAIL

Sorrento Back beaches

Dromana

Collin’s Settlement Blairgowrie

Arthur’s Seat

BAY TRAIL

Rosebud

Red Hill

Rye Bass Strait

Main Ridge COASTAL WALK

TWO BAYS WALKING TRACK

St Andrews Beach Green’s Bush

0 Melbourne

Melbourne

Gunnamatta Beach 10

5 Kilometres

Bushrangers Bay

MORNINGTON PENINSULA 0 NATIONAL PARK

Boneo

Cape Schanck

SAFE TRAVELS ON OUR TRIPS We are excited to offer more Australian walking holiday options to our travellers. The safety and wellbeing of all our travellers, leaders and staff remains a high priority, so we have chosen destinations and walks where you will travel to isolated areas and avoid crowded places. We have reviewed all our health and safety policies and are implementing new hygiene and sanitation standards to ensure you can relax and enjoy your trip with us. We comply with regulations on COVID-19 safety.

On guided trips, we have small groups and use our own private transport, so we are self-contained. Cleaning and sanitiser is used in all our vehicles and available for all travellers, along with face masks. Our chosen hotels all observe COVID-19 safety guidelines.

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MORNINGTON PENINSULA – QUICK LOOK The Mornington Peninsula’s outstanding cool-climate vineyards and popular beaches are well known, but there are also rugged coastlines, stunning national parks and beautiful hinterlands to explore. Plus the region’s renowned accommodation, food and wine – all within easy reach of the trails.

MORNINGTON PENINSULA

Merricks WESTERNPORT BEACH WALK

Point Leo

•B est time to walk: Year-round. Each season offers something different. Popular seasons: springtime from late September to late November and autumn from early February to mid-May. Winter can be a good time for shorter walks on the Peninsula as well, especially when combined with the wonderful food and wine offerings of the area.

•D ifficulty: Moderate.

• Length: We offer a variety of self-guided and guided trips. Discuss your travel plans with our Mornington Peninsula Trip Expert to find an itinerary that best suits you.

Shoreham Westernport Bay

Flinders

Disclaimer The information in this Destination Guide has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith.

However, it is subject to change and does not form part of the contract between the client and RAW Travel.

Contact Us The RAW Travel Office can be contacted Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm on +61 3 5976 3763. If there is a genuine emergency outside of these hours, call our emergency phone on +61 (0) 478 649 848.

Copyright © July 2020 by RAW Travel

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MORNINGTON PENINSULA EXPLORE THE HIDDEN SECRETS OF VICTORIA’S PLAYGROUND The Mornington Peninsula is home to hundreds of walking trails and hiking tracks that offer the best of both coastal and bush landscapes. The area is synonymous with outstanding local produce and wine, and abundant native Australian flora and fauna – and you can experience all of it on your own two feet!

From day walks to long weekends and multiday hikes, this region has it all!

Challenge yourself on all (or part) of the 100km Mornington Peninsula Walk. This triangular route links four well-established trails: Two Bays Trail, Coastal Walk, Point Nepean walks and the Bay Trail.

Starting in Dromana on the coast, you’ll head inland for spectacular views from Arthur’s Seat before traversing through bush and woodland along the Two Bays Trail. As you reach the coast again, on the aptly named Coastal Trail, the scenery turns more rugged and dramatic as you walk along cliff tops overlooking Bass Strait and down on the beaches.

Point Nepean National Park takes you to the tip of the Peninsula, and introduces you to some of the WWII history of the area, as well as offering up more spectacular views across to Queenscliff and out the Port Phillip Bay heads.

The last section, the Bay Trail, is a gentle section along the Port Phillip Bay coastline, home to stunning shorelines and beaches.

Explore towns and charming villages with their iconic beach boxes, piers and local cafes and galleries. This section has something for everyone.

On our guided highlights walk we have combined the best sections of the walk with a stay in the rugged Westernport Bay village of Flinders, a great base for visiting the hinterland village of Red Hill. With an abundance of vineyards and chef-hatted restaurants, Red Hill is a foodie’s dream. You can hand-pick cherries and strawberries from farm gates, roam galleries, craft markets and artisan workshops, and walk along sections of the original steam train railway.

If you’d prefer to explore the Mornington Peninsula on your own terms, our self-guided itineraries allow you to travel on your preferred dates, but with the same exceptional RAW Travel service – a comprehensive pre-trip briefing, exclusive navigation app, private transfers, boutique accommodation and local backup should you need it.

Many of the RAW Travel Team are passionate Mornington Peninsula locals. They’ve grown up on these trails and explored all the nooks and crannies of this region. Who better than to help you plan your walk, and provide you with insider recommendations?

Happy Hiking!

RAW Travel Mornington Peninsula Destination Experts info@rawtravel.com | Phone: (03) 5976 3763 RAW Travel acknowledges and pays respect to the Boon Wurrung/Bunurong people, the traditional custodians of these lands and waters.

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SECTION 1:

INSPIRATION

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SECTION 2:

TRAVEL ESSENTIALS

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SECTION 3:

ON THE TRAIL PAGE 33 SECTION 4:

RAW TRAVEL

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SECTION 1:

INSPIRATION Why you’ll love the Mornington Peninsula

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When to walk

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Trail descriptions

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Why experience this region with RAW Travel? 11 Is this the right trip for me?

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What’s it like underfoot?

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History and heritage

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Indigenous culture

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Wildlife, sealife and plantlife

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What we offer

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Guided walks

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Self-guided walks

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RAW Travel Insights

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Responsible travel

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Extending your holiday

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SECTION 1: INSPIRATION WHY YOU’LL LOVE THE MORNINGTON PENINSULA 3 Escape: Enjoy day walks, a long weekend or the challenge of a full week.

3 Dramatic scenery: Rugged coastlines, beautiful hinterlands, wild surf beaches, spectacular panoramas, and ever-changing views.

3 History and heritage: From earliest Aboriginal times to the evocative era of European adventurers, mariners and pastoralists.

3 Wildlife haven: Close encounters with familiar natives and some unusual new discoveries.

3 Food and wine: Premier cool-climate wine region; artisan food producers; and exquisite dishes prepared from quality local produce.

Eat & Drink!

The Mornington Peninsula is a wine and food lover’s nirvana. There’s a farmers’ market in almost every small town and even the breweries serve good food. Get your tastebuds ready for these tempting treats...

• Sorrento’s famous vanilla slice • Local wine, in particular the cool-climate grapes: chardonnay, pinot gris, tempranillo and pinot noir • Craft brew or cider from locally grown apples and pears • Hand-picked berries, especially strawberries and cherries • Truffles (in winter time) • Delicacies from the Mornington Peninsula Chocolaterie • Fish’n’chips with your feet in the sand.

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MORNINGTON PENINSULA WHEN TO WALK The Mornington Peninsula is a year-round destination! Each season offers something different. The most popular seasons tend to be springtime from late September to late November and autumn from early February to mid-May. But winter definitely has its charms as the region enjoys mild winters and opportunities for cosy dining and hot springs during your trip.

Spring September to November offers mild temperatures and the best time to see wildflowers along the track. October and November tend to be the busier months, though busy is a relative term as you can have sections of the track to yourself even during these months. You could be walking in mellow sunshine or wet gales. November tends to be a little drier and warmer. Berry season begins in springtime, local markets start up and you might see some of the young wildlife or farm animals beside the trails as you walk. It is a great time for seeing lush greenery and full creeks and streams as you walk following the winter months.

Summer Summer is the quintessential Australian season where you can break your walk with dips in the stunning waters on the Bay Trail, take shade in the woodlands and sip on chilled local wine and brew while dining alfresco.

When not walking you might like to snorkel or take your fish and chips to the beach and eat with your toes between the sand. Walking during these months are best done in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the hottest time of the day. Remember to ‘Slip, Slop, Slap’ and stay hydrated even more during these months.

Note: During school holidays there is higher traffic and many of the beach villages can be jammed with tourists, making accommodation difficult to secure and longer wait times at local restaurants and cafes.

Autumn Autumn is one of the ideal hiking months, when temperatures cool and become more comfortable. This is a great time to challenging yourself on the full 100km track. March to May is the best time to walk because there are beautiful clear sunny days (18–22 degrees), making it ideal weather for walking, though of course this is not guaranteed! If you’re lucky enough you can see amazing sunsets at this time of year with ocean mists from pounding surf spray. Apples are in season so the local cider is at it freshest. Evenings are cooler so an evening soak in the geothermal springs.

Winter Walking in winter (June to August) can be amazing and very dramatic. With the right gear it’s a true adventure. The cooler temperatures mean cozy dining by the fire in local restaurants, crisp air and stormy views over dramatic cliffs. You might like to do shorter walk options and spend your time exploring the indoor galleries, shops and wine tasting.

Early December is typically very quiet along the track and a great time to visit – the calm before the storm of holiday seasons travellers to come.This time of year is a wonderful time to have a splash in the ocean at one of the safe beaches; our guides know when and where it’s safe.

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MORNINGTON PENINSULA TRAIL DESCRIPTIONS Two Bays Walking Track From Port Phillip Bay to Bushrangers Bay, Two Bays is a 26km walk across the Peninsula.

Starting in Dromana you wind your way up relatively steep gravel paths to Arthur’s Seat, descending to travel through the backstreets of Rosebud before linking to the lush forest and fern gullies of Greens Bush. As you emerge onto the trail towards Cape Schanck you will walk through grasslands and along rugged cliffs with spectacular views. Keep an eye out for the locals – kangaroos and wallabies abound on this track.

Signage: A circular symbol displaying a blue wren can be seen on signage along the track.

The Coastal Walk Continuing along from the Cape Schanck Lighthouse, the 30km Coastal Track weaves along the beaches and cliffs overlooking Bass Strait and through the Mornington Peninsula National Park. Early on in the walk you are treated to some stunning views from the lookout points above Fingal Beach. You can see the rest of the walk stretched out in front of you. After winding along sandy trails through tunnels of thick coastal ti-tree the trail comes out onto Gunnamatta Beach.

This is your first big stretch of sand walking and includes the popular surf beaches of St Andrews and Rye. From Sorrento through to Portsea the path heads back along the cliffs offering more exceptional views and ends up at the London Bridge carpark.

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SECTION 1: INSPIRATION Signage: The walk is well signed with the hooded plover symbol. Arrow markers indicate the walking track; orange markers indicate longer ‘through tracks’ and blue markers indicate circuit tracks.

Point Nepean Walks You can walk all the way to the tip of the Mornington Peninsula in Point Nepean National Park on this 16km return walk, which takes you past the old Quarantine Station, WWII military defences, and along coastal and bush tracks. This walk introduces the important role the Peninsula played in Australia’s settlement and provides outstanding views to Queenscliff and the Port Phillip Bay Heads. Point Nepean is the traditional Country of the Bunurong People who have lived on and around this important cultural place for over 35,000 years. The coastline has been an important source of shellfish and other foods. Extensive shell middens are reminders of that history. Much of the trails are on sealed road and through coastal bush, with some hills and stairs around the sights.

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The Bay Trail Leaving Fort Nepean National Park this 28km trail takes you along the beaches and villages of Port Phillip Bay from Portsea to Dromana. It offers easy walking featuring piers, quaint villages, foreshore camping spots and sheltered bays. Most of the path is wide gravel or pavement with a small section of boardwalk. Along the way you’ll encounter more history in the Collins Settlement at Sorrento Historic Park, the location of Port Phillip Bay’s first settlement. Discover where many artists have been inspired along the Sorrento–Portsea Artists’ Trail and be awestruck by the grand holiday homes of Melbourne’s rich and famous. The trail finishes back in Dromana.

The Red Hill Rail Trail The old railway line between Merricks and Red Hill was built as an extension to the old Stony Point Line and the steam trains used to carry local produce such as apples, strawberries and pears to Melbourne’s markets. The line was closed in 1953 and while much of the land is now under private

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MORNINGTON PENINSULA ownership, there is a section between Red Hill and Merricks offering lovely views over Western Port and a pleasant country walk past vineyards. From Red Hill to Merricks the 6km trail is mostly flat or downhill, through pine trees. As you come into the final descent to Merricks, you can see all the way to Phillip Island and the Nobbies on a clear day.

Shared trail: This trail is shared by walkers and their dogs, mountain bike riders and horse riders. Be aware of your fellow travellers along the route.

Flinders–Blowhole–Stockyard Creek This 10km hike is all about the rugged wilderness, jagged cliffs and wild ocean It follows the coastline along the Flinders ocean beach, a favourite with local surfers.

A bit of good old Aussie ‘bush-bashing’ is required on these trails, through long grass and scrubland and up hills that form the sea cliffs. Dramatic views back towards Flinders and Phillip Island as well as the Bass Strait coastline are a prominent feature throughout.

The trail becomes a well-defined grass path then a boardwalk at the approach to the Blowhole – a name earned by the combination of tide, swell and wind that creates a spray up to a few metres in the air when the tide is right. The Blowhole is at the end of Elephant Rock, while on the right is Little Bird Rock. You may even see some magnificent sea eagles soaring above. Beware of large sea swells and slippery bluestone rocks – sure footing is important on this walk.

The final part of the walk is easier going along a narrow corridor of the Mornington Peninsula National Park and then out onto wide cliff paths to Stockyard Creek, an isolated bay that seldom sees any visitors.

WHY EXPERIENCE THIS REGION WITH RAW TRAVEL? RAW Travel has operated active walking trips since 2002 and trips on the Mornington Peninsula for 10 years. We are one of the most experienced operators you can choose.

We enjoy providing a friendly, personal service where you’re treated as an individual.

We are proud to call the Mornington Peninsula our home. Our staff know this area and its hidden secrets intimately. We know all the best places to walk, eat and drink because we go exploring every week!

When you book a trip with us you will deal with real hikers who’ve completed all the walks. Get great advice every time! You can also come along to our free talks about our iconic walks.

We provide detailed information and notes for your walk that will help your trip go smoothly.

You deal with a reputable and experienced Australian operator that has the best local contacts and relationships. You will also benefit from 24-hour support of a RAW Travel staff member based on the Mornington Peninsula who will be there to greet you on your first day of the trip.

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MORNINGTON PENINSULA Why people choose us…

RAW Travel are Australia’s experts in selfguided walking. We are the only Australian walking company B Corp accredited, which means we give back to local communities when you walk with us.

When you book a trip with us you’ll enjoy: • Personalised locally based service; call us to discuss your travel plans • Expert first-hand knowledge of hiking around the Mornington Peninsula; we know the area because we’ve operated trips here for 10 years • First-day briefing from our driver – a knowledgeable, passionate local • Private transfers each day and advice on walk options • Flexibility around your travel plans • Pre-booked accommodation along the route to reduce transfer times • Meals made fresh with local seasonal produce.

• Luggage transfers – all you carry is your daypack.

• Exclusive app for track navigation; a comprehensive information pack; and access to 24-hour support from our local staff member for any emergencies.

IS THIS THE RIGHT TRIP FOR ME? Whether you’re 8 or 80, these quintessential Australian walks are achievable by people of all ages who have a reasonable level of fitness and walking experience. If you’ve walked the Overland Track in Tasmania or the Larapinta Trail in the Northern Territory, for example, you’ll have no problems with any of the Mornington Peninsula trails as they are less remote and less challenging than either of these walks.

When considering booking a trip it is important that you look at the descriptions in this Destination Guide about accommodation, food and level of physical difficulty to ensure that

the trip matches your expectations. Particularly with the physical difficulty rating, it’s vital to select a trip that is realistic for your ability.

Read through this Destination Guide and the specific trip itineraries on our website before booking.

Physical grading We use several criteria to assess the difficulty of our walks, including the number of hours walking required each day, terrain and conditions underfoot, weather, gradient, altitude, signage and facilities along the trail.

We have graded our Mornington Peninsula Walks as 3–4 (Moderate). You’ll need a reasonable level of fitness and should be participating in regular exercise in the lead up to your trip.

Along the route there are various pull-out points where you can leave the track early if you do not feel like continuing. Talk to our guides and they will outline what is possible based on individual needs.

Our gradings are only a guide. Your individual experience, fitness level and mental attitude should also be considered. Keep in mind that if a walk is graded moderate, it doesn’t mean you will never feel tired. See our website for more details about our Trip Gradings.

Plan and prepare The more training you do and the better prepared you are, the more you will enjoy walking on the Mornington Peninsula. We recommend completing 1 or 2 training walks per week (increasing to 15km each) while carrying an 8kg pack; regular hill, stair and sand walking will also help.

If you are walking the full 100km, we recommend completing 3 walks per week and increasing your kilometres.

Regular training before you go will let your body adjust to walking comparable distances, day in day out.

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SECTION 1: INSPIRATION Practise hiking in an environment with the same equipment that you will take on your hike. Your training should prepare you to walk several hours a day with ascents and descents.

It is important to train on terrain that is similar to that which you will encounter on your chosen route.

While we often see amazing improvements in people’s fitness with a program of regular training before a trip, you have to be realistic about whether you can commit to regular training with your current lifestyle. If you feel you are unable to commit to doing the training needed to achieve the level of fitness required then you should consider another trip that is less demanding. This is the only way to accurately judge whether you can cope with the demands of any given trip.

• Read more: How to prepare your mind and body for a long-distance walk

WHAT’S IT LIKE UNDERFOOT? The different trails on the Mornington Peninsula range from sand dunes and rocky coastlines of the ocean beaches along the Coastal Trail and out of Finders, to the eucalyptus and fern forests along the Two Bays trail. You will also encounter some road walking (paved and gravel), in particular along the Bay Trail.

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Some sections involve walking through grassy dirt paths where the track is firm under foot, while other sections can be muddy, depending on the weather conditions. The trail will be undefined in sections and hikers should be sure-footed and have a good sense of balance.

There are also a number of beach and dune sections (in particular along the Coastal Trail) so hikers need to be prepared for walking on sand, which can be tough going but also a highlight.

You can expect to walk between 4 and 8 hours each day with regular stops to take in the natural beauty, and for snacks and lunch.

HISTORY AND HERITAGE Since the first European settlement in Sorrento back in 1803 the Mornington Peninsula has been creating a long cultural and artistic history. Evidence of this can be found throughout the walks.

The heritage of the Peninsula can be seen in the architecture and gardens of colonial homes and grand mansions dotted across the coastline and countryside, in particular along the Bay Trail. This area has also inspired many artists over the years and along a section of the trail designed to bring their artwork to life, by putting images of their paintings as close to

MORNINGTON PENINSULA

the scene viewed by the artist as possible. See where the European settlers first camped near Sorrento back in 1803 and learn about the famous and infamous residents that followed.

Get a glimpse into early pioneer life at Victoria’s oldest homestead – the McCrae Homestead and Museum The Coastal Track has two maritime and military historical bookends in Point Nepean National Park which played a critical defence role in both World Wars and the lighthouse at Cape Schanck built in the 1850s to prevent shipwrecks along the treacherous coastline.

Along the trail you will see historical lookouts that provided early settlers with critical viewpoints and some iconic formations such as ‘London Bridge’ that captured the imagination of even the first visitors in early settlement times.

The Two Bays trail was first proposed in 1984 as part of Victoria’s 150th anniversary celebrations and also has its own historical attributes. The beginnings of the trail in Dromana was first created and opened to the public in 1929 as a dirt trail that led to Arthur’s Seat, named by British explorers in 1802 due to its resemblance to Arthurs Seat hill in Edinburgh, Scotland. The Greens Bush section is the largest area of native bushland on the Mornington Peninsula, purchased from the Green Family and incorporated into the former Point Nepean National Park in 1989.

Just before Cape Schanck you will walk past the stunning Bushrangers Bay, which gets its name from two bushrangers who rowed ashore here in 1853 – Henry Bradley and Patrick O’Connor.

Merricks is a tiny settlement, believed to be named after an early cattle station owner

that has changed little over the years from its earlier rural functions. Many of the original settler houses still stand today including the newly restored General Store (built in 1927).

The Old Rail Trail follows part of the original steam trail line that stopped here on the way to Red Hill. It only operated for a few decades in the early 1900s though it has an important place in history playing a key role in the development of the region by helping to distribute local produce (fruit such as apples, pears and strawberries) to Melbourne as well as bring back in stock feed and fertiliser.

INDIGENOUS CULTURE Victoria has a long Indigneous history and, in particular, the Mornington Peninsula, which is located on the traditional lands of the Boon Wurrung/Bunurong people of the Kulin Nation. They are the Traditional Owners of the land that covers the coast from the Werribee River in the north-west, down to Wilson’s Promontory in the south-east, taking in the catchments of the Old Carrum swamp, Tarwin River and Westernport Bay, and including Mornington Peninsula, French and Phillip Islands.

Part of their mythology in the area talks of the ‘Mindie’, a menacing creator spirit that came during a terrible storm, across the heads and into the Peninsula shaping the dunes and lashing water into low lying points that became wateroles. The abundance of wildlife and sealife meant that area was a favourite hunting location; Rosebud to Rye was a haven for birds and animals due to the swampy vegetation and further down in Portsea and Point Nepean the shellfish and fishing was plentiful. Throughout the area now known as the Mornington PAGE 15

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MORNINGTON PENINSULA Peninsula National Park there were more than 50 species of edible plants as well as an abundance of native marsupials.

Other areas featured on the RAW Travel walks hold cultural significance are the location of Dreamtime stories. For example Arthur’s Seat is known as Wonga to the Indigenous inhabitants of the area. Its lush gullies and streams provided food and drinking water.

For thousands of years the Boonoorong people would gather here. The men would then head to Cape Schanck and the women to Monmar (Point Nepean). Monmar is a place of significance for the women being the location for birthing, women’s ceremony and initiation rituals. There aren now 70 registered Aboriginal archaeological sites within the Point Nepean National Park.

“We can stand in the same water with our feet in the same sand and hear what they heard. We enjoy the natural sounds of the place and the chance to acknowledge the past respectfully and to walk where our ancestors walked… The whole region, from Point Nepean to the Sisters and Arthur’s Seat to Cape Schanck, are all connected by a thousand generations worth of tradition, story and song.”

Source: Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation RAW Travel acknowledges and pays respect to the Boon Wurrung/Bunurong people, the traditional custodians of these lands and waters.

WILDLIFE, SEALIFE AND PLANTLIFE We are fortunate to have such beautiful nature in our own backyard, and this extends to some of our favourite native wildlife.

Kangaroos in particular can be seen along many of the trails around the Mornington Peninsula. You can see ‘roos any time of day, but they are most active during the early hours and at dusk. Along the Two Bays Trail through Greens Bush and between Bushrangers Bay and Cape Schanck, as well as in the bushland behind Sorrento back beach you may find Eastern grey kangaroos grazing or bounding across your path. Wallabies are another common sight.

Other Australian native mammals are somewhat more elusive than the kangaroo but you might be lucky enough to spot echidnas, wombats and bandicoots.

As you walk listen to the sound of myriad bird calls and look out for rosellas, cockatoos, galahs, kookaburras, sea eagles, and a variety of colourful small birds that inhabit the coastal cliffs, scrubby dunes, banksia woodlands and wetlands of Mornington Peninsula National Park. Be careful of the endangered hooded plover.

The marine environment in this region of the Victorian coastline is home to many unique plant and animal species. Kelp forests are unique to the south-east waters and provide food and shelter for the abundant marine life, including fish, Australian fur seals and dolphins. Along the more sheltered Bay Trail you might be lucky to see dolphins frolicking, while on the rugged ocean coastline of the Coastal Trail, Humpbacks, Southern Right Whales and even Orca can be seen on their migratory path during the winter months (July to September).

WHAT WE OFFER RAW Travel offers fully supported guided and self-guided options around the Mornington Peninsula; join a multi day walk, a long weekend or a day walk.

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SECTION 1: INSPIRATION GUIDED WALKS All guided RAW Travel trips are accompanied by an experienced group leader who is trained in first aid and knowledgeable about walking in the area you are visiting. The group leader will support and assist you through the walk and help you have the best time possible. Our group leader, along with our own RAW Travel driver and minibus, brings the Mornington Peninsula to life, passing on interesting knowledge about the unique features of the environment that independent walkers will most often miss.

Our team knows the best places to take you, where to look for wildlife and the names of plants and flowers along the way. They also bring a measure of certainty to each day’s walk and make sure everything goes to plan.

For some walkers, the educational aspect that a guide can bring to their walking makes it all worthwhile. Our group leader knows and understands the local conditions, tide times and how the wave and swell size can alter decisions to walk the beaches. Fast changing weather and current track conditions can determine when to walk and what to see or avoid. This can make a big difference to an enjoyable walk. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through and offer suggestions for things to do and see.

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The camaraderie of a guided walking group is often the highlight of a trip. New friends are made, and you can socialise and share your experiences with them at the end of their day.

Female walkers also appreciate the feeling of security that comes with a group. On a guided walk you can expect to walk between 4 and 8 hours each day with regular stops to take in the natural beauty, and for snacks and lunch.

Group size Groups are restricted to a maximum of 10 guests. We like to keep our groups small and personal so that each traveller can benefit from the full support and attention of our staff.

Fellow walkers On guided trips, your fellow walkers come from all walks of life and share a love of the outdoors and a spirit of adventure. People join this trip as both singles and couples, so you are likely to enjoy good company from like-minded people with similar interests. We have made our walks as flexible as possible to cater for different walking abilities and wishes and your trip leader will consult with you to determine what you’d like to get from your walk.

MORNINGTON PENINSULA If you wish to vary from the standard program, your leader will do their best to accommodate your wishes, within the limits of the group’s needs. We have found this arrangement works well.

SELF-GUIDED WALKS Some people crave solitude and the ability to appreciate nature quietly and unobtrusively, not to mention the adventure factor of exploring on their own terms. On our self-guided walks you walk without a guide, following our notes and electronic map (phone app) to pinpoint your location.

Though the paths are well signed for the most part and easy to find and follow. If you enjoy the challenge of doing your own exploration and relying on your own knowledge and abilities, a self-guided walk will give you the important back-up from RAW Travel in case anything goes amiss, but the freedom to walk your own way.

A self-guided walk is ideal if you are hesitant about group travel or want to travel with your own friends and set your own pace. It’s also a great option if you are restricted to travelling at a particular time: you can choose your own departure date (depending on availability of accommodation, of course). Luggage transfers are included on all walking days, meaning you will only walk with a day pack. No technical expertise is required, so anyone who is active and in good health can do the Mornington Peninsula 100km walk.

RAW TRAVEL INSIGHTS Written by our RAW Travel Destination Experts and Group Leaders our RAW insights are great background reading. You’ll find a wide range of inspirational and practical topics, including: Top 10 tips for preventing blisters Fuelling your body for happy hiking Hot weather hiking Say goodbye to single-use plastics

RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL RAW Travel practices ‘leave no trace’ outdoor ethics on all our trips, aiming not only to minimise the environmental impact of our visit but also to leave a positive contribution. You will often see your leader collecting litter left by other walkers.

We aim to support local producers, hotels and the economy as much as possible and most of our food is bought locally. We also employ local people to help run our trips in the region and try to ensure that a good proportion of the cost of your trip stays in the local economy of the Mornington Peninsula. That way local people stand to directly benefit from the tourism that comes in their region.

Giving back and treading lightly At RAW Travel we’re committed to reducing our carbon footprint by offsetting all our trips and flights. We use small local suppliers to ensure the benefits of travel are distributed equally and reach those people who need it the most.

We give 10% of our annual profits for environmental causes and social purpose.

Our staff are also given volunteering time for carefully selected social and environmental causes. By contributing to initiatives that benefit our environment – as well as carbon offsetting our travel activities and those of our customers – we can be a good role model for the travel industry and help bring about more sustainable practices. So your choice of a walking trip with RAW is a more positive choice for the planet.

Business as a force for good RAW Travel is a certified Benefit Corporation (B Corp). B Corps are a growing group of companies who are reinventing business by pursuing purpose as well as profit.

Expert tips for layering clothes

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MORNINGTON PENINSULA As well as playing our part in ensuring we account positively for the environmental impacts we have through travelling, we want people to continue to enjoy their travelling and feel positive about it, so we carbon offset all trips and flights booked with us, and we plant a tree for every customer. None of these costs are passed on to our travellers.

RAW Travel is also a supporter of KIVA micro-credit finance, which is empowering women, in particular, to access loans to improve their family’s living conditions and their communities.

RAW Travel has been a long-time supporter of initiatives and charities that create just societies, tackle poverty, encourage gender equality and combat sex trafficking in Asia.

We are proud that the charity challenges we ran from 2003 to 2017, which raised over $18 million for many diverse charitable causes.

EXTENDING YOUR HOLIDAY Great Ocean Road Walks Our specially designed Wild Coast Discovery tour brings together highlights from two of Australia’s finest walks. We’ve combined the best of the outrageously beautiful Great Ocean Walk with the wild dramatic beauty of the Great South West Walk – a largely undiscovered gem of a hiking trail close to the South Australian border.

The overwhelming variety of experiences along both these trails make it unique: abundant

wildlife, shipwrecks, a UNESCO World Heritage landscape dating back tens-of-thousands of years, towering forests, huge sea cliffs, two lighthouses and a spectacularly eroded coastline bordered by beautiful countryside.

As well as being accompanied by our highly experienced RAW Travel guides you’ll enjoy ‘walk and talks’ with local Indigenous guides who provide both fascinating insights into the rich Aborginal cultures and traditions of this area. This truly is a walking tour that offers something for everyone.

We also offer guided and self-guided options on the Great Ocean Walk where we’ve been operating trips since 2007 and guided trips on the Great South West Walk.

Explore Melbourne Melbourne is an exciting city to explore before or after your walk. It is packed with attractions, from laid-back laneways and lush parks to grand libraries and museums, all wrapped up in a vibrant atmosphere.

Broadsheet is the authority on the cultural life of Melbourne and showcases the best the city has to offer, from the best restaurants, bars and coffee shops, to art shows, galleries and fashion.

We can tailormake a Melbourne city break to your requirements (minimum 2-night accommodation booking required).

Trips usually include an arrival transfer, accommodation and a city sightseeing tour.

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Call RAW Travel 1300 208 245

SECTION 2:

TRAVEL ESSENTIALS When to walk

25

Getting fit for this walk

25

Accommodation style

25

Food and drink

25

Transport

26

Recommended apps

26

Health

27

Travel insurance

27

Visas

27

Smart Traveller

29

What to pack

29

Specialist gear for this walk

30

How to book your RAW Travel trip

30

Participation conditions

31

RAW Traveller’s Code

31

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MORNINGTON PENINSULA WHEN TO WALK The Mornington Peninsula is a year-round destination. Each season offers something different. The most popular seasons tend to be springtime from late September to late November and autumn from early February to mid-May. See p7 for more information.

GETTING FIT FOR THIS WALK Walking is one of the most natural things to do, so you may feel that you are already in good enough shape. However, you will be walking for many hours over successive days carrying a daypack, which is likely very different to your current walking schedule.

We recommend that you undertake a training program according to your level of fitness for at least 3 months leading up to your departure. Regular exercise prior to the trip will allow you to build your fitness steadily so that you will enjoy and complete the trip with a smile and energy left over.

If you can train on varying terrain that you might experience along the walks, this will also increase your enjoyment. In particular, sandwalking for the sections of the Coastal Walk – you can be walking for a number of kilometres at a time on sand.

Moderate activities such as walking pose little health risk but before starting any new

exercise program we recommend that you see your doctor for a check-up, particularly if you have a medical condition, are aged over 40 years, are overweight or haven’t exercised in a long time.

ACCOMMODATION STYLE On our walks we book a range of comfortable 3-4 star accommodation ranging from historic hotels, modern resort-style establishments to smaller boutique style properties such as B&B’s. Perfectly located for you to relax or explore and to make the most out of your time on the trail. Rooms are comfortable and all have their own private ensuite.

FOOD AND DRINK Meal inclusions On all our trips you will be well fed with hearty food featuring local produce from the area – after all, that is what the Mornington Peninsula is known for! We don’t skimp on the quality because we know the importance of plentiful, good nutrition when you are hiking.

The Mornington Peninsula is home to some of the best fine dining restaurants and local pubs and eateries, offering a range of cuisines to suit all palates and budget. You have the freedom to choose what you want to eat for dinner and when. We will provide you with some great suggestions and ideas.

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SECTION 2: TRAVEL ESSENTIALS Guided walks On our guided trips, all breakfasts and lunches are included in the trip cost, except breakfast on the first day. An ample breakfast to prepare you for your day’s walk is always available and usually includes a delicious selection of toast, spreads, cereals, fruit and cooked items at some locations. For lunch there are picnic lunches with plenty of trail mix, fruit, wholesome fresh rolls and sandwiches and cool drinks. You will also be treated to some special experiences such as lunch at Merricks General Store, a Mornington Peninsula icon, where you can accompany your country style meals with wine tasting from excellent local vineyards. On guided trips, rest stops fresh fruit and snacks – all included in the trip cost.

Self-guided walks On our self-guided walks you will enjoy hearty breakfasts and lunches with generous portions and flavours highlighting local produce in the area. Sometimes the meals will be prepared for you; other times you will receive a picnic hamper with provisions.

Special dietary requirements We can cater for special dietary requirements.

Please discuss your needs with our Destination Expert at the time of booking.

TRANSPORT Guided walks Our guided walks use a private minibus. On each walking day you will be met by our driver at some point. This usually gives you the option to skip a section of the walk and take the bus to meet the group at the next stop.

Your leader will explain these options each evening and if you are worried about being able to walk a full day they can explain the details for you.

Self-guided walks For self-guided walks, a RAW Travel representative will meet you on Day 1 for an orientation briefing. You will have been sent detailed notes prior to your departure that will help guide you along the walk. They explain

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the day-to-day running of the trip and the luggage shuttle service.

You will also receive a map, details on what to expect to see in the area (eg wildlife and native plants) and phone numbers for help or any emergencies. You will be given the driver’s number so that you can contact him or her during your walk.

RECOMMENDED APPS As technology has improved, the number of options for staying connected while travelling has increased. While this means more choice, it can also be confusing. At RAW we are strong advocates of detoxing and techfree adventures, but it’s still worth knowing what’s reliable and economical. Read our recommendations for travel apps that you will actually use.

For walking on the Mornington Peninsula, we also recommend you download to your phone the following apps: RAW Travel Before you travel, we’ll send you a unique ID to use our exclusive RAW Travel navigation app so that you can access your real time position on your walk, all your accommodation details, local contacts, emergency numbers and more.

VicEmergency This is the official Victorian Government app for access to community information and warnings for all types of emergencies in Victoria, including bushfires.

Snap Send Solve – Wildlife Victoria Report sick, injured or orphaned wildlife with your smartphone. This app allows you to submit images, precise geolocation and relevant notes about the animal and the situation in less than 30 seconds.

Victorian Tide Tables – BoM See also the Bureau of Meteorology’s website

Call RAW Travel 1300 208 245

MORNINGTON PENINSULA HEALTH Although there are no specific health requirements for this trip, to participate fully in an active travel experience It is important that you are in good physical health and to consult your doctor or travel clinic for up-to-date medical information and vaccinations.

Read the trip itineraries on the website thoroughly and then realistically self-assess your physical ability to complete the trip as described. Our Destination Experts are available to answer any questions you have to help you choose the most suitable trip for you.

If you have any medical conditions you should consult your doctor to assess your suitability of participating in your selected trip before booking. You also need to declare, for assessment, any pre-existing medical conditions to your travel insurance provider.

It is essential that all RAW travellers have comprehensive travel insurance. It is recommended that all guests have travel insurance, medical insurance or ambulance insurance that will cover the cost of evacuation.

We sell Cover-More travel insurance and you can easily get a quote over the phone.

First-aid supplies We recommend that you carry first-aid supplies for common ailments (and take any personal medical requirements). Your first aid supplies should include (but not be limited to): • Band-aids, bandages and dressings • Blister pads for your feet and zinc tape

To participate fully in a group travel experience you need to be in good physical health. If, in the opinion of our group leader, any guest is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, RAW Travel reserves the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund. We therefore ask you to read the itinerary on the website thoroughly and then realistically self-assess your physical ability to complete the trip as described.

Please consult with your doctor if you have any doubts. Your safety is our primary concern once you join the tour. Your leader may vary the walk itinerary when required due to track conditions, severe weather, sea or tide conditions.

TRAVEL INSURANCE If you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel! We sell Cover-More travel insurance and you can easily get a quote over the phone. No one plans for anything to go wrong, but if it does we want to make sure that you have adequate cover.

Your travel insurance should include emergency evacuation and medical. We do recommend that you take out insurance at the time of booking as your insurance will cover you in instances of cancellation that are out of your control.

Find out more: 10 things you need to know about travel insurance

• Antiseptic for cuts and scrapes

VISAS

• High factor sunscreen, lip balm

Most international visitors require a visa to visit Australia. Requirements vary widely by country so contact your local Australian embassy to find out more.

• Headache tablets • Antihistamine tablets We recommend using zinc oxide tape/moleskin to cover ‘hot spots’ on your feet to stop potential blisters developing. Dehydration is the biggest risk when undertaking physical activity.

It is so important to be aware of your fluid intake and to constantly drink water throughout the day, even when you do not feel thirsty.

Find out more: A ustralian embassies and consulates overseas

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Call RAW Travel 1300 208 245

MORNINGTON PENINSULA SMART TRAVELLER Be informed. Be prepared. Stay smart while you are travelling. Smartraveller is provided by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. It provides up-to-date travel advice for Australians travelling overseas. You can subscribe to receive free updates, including about widespread health or security issues. w ww.smarttraveller.gov.au

WHAT TO PACK

Clothing • Several pairs of walking socks • T-shirts (lightweight, quick-drying fabric) • Long-sleeved trekking shirts • Shorts • Rain jacket • Long-sleeve shirt with collar (for sun protection) • Long-legged pants (or shorts with long gaiters)

Victorian weather is notoriously changeable.

Be prepared for a variety of weather, with the possibility of cold, windy and wet conditions and in the warmer months hot days as well.

It is not necessary to ‘dress’ for evening meals; casual, comfortable clothing is sufficient.

• Warm jacket and hat

Essential items • Personal identification

• Walking poles

• Copy of your travel insurance policy and 24-hour contact number

• Small binoculars

• Credit card and spending money • Comfortable daypack (25–35 litres) with rain cover • Water bottle(s) or hydration bladder (2+ litres recommended) • Comfortable and well worn in hiking shoes or boots • Camera and mobile phone Personal items • Blister kit, rehydration salts, mosquito repellent, sunscreen and first-aid kit including any personal medication

• Warm fleece/gloves/beanie in winter Optional items • Waterproof cover for day pack • Long gaiters • Flip flops/comfortable ‘evening’ shoes Miscellaneous • Alarm clock (or use your phone) • LED head torch with spare batteries • Mobile phone charger • Camera and spare batteries for camera • Reading and writing material • Padlock for bag • Waterproof bags for rain protection while walking

• Toiletries • High-factor sunscreen and high UV sunglasses • Hand sanitiser • Toilet paper and small ziplock bags for rubbish • Blister pads and/or tape for hotspots or blisters on your feet • Lightweight quick drying towel and swimwear (summer months)

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SECTION 2: TRAVEL ESSENTIALS SPECIALIST GEAR FOR THIS WALK Walking shoes/boots Waterproof walking boots with full ankle support are recommended for walking on the Mornington Peninsula. Make sure your footwear is well worn in and comfortable. We also recommend hiking socks with at least one spare pair, as you will find these minimise the chance of getting blisters. The key to preventing blisters and avoiding unnecessary pain is to eliminate friction. Here’s a range of blister prevention strategies for you to test on your training walks.

Find out more: W hat boots should I buy and how do I look after them?

Trekking poles Trekking poles are not essential for the Mornington Peninsula walks. However, there are some steep and/or sandy sections where they can be useful. If in doubt, talk to the Destination Expert. If you have never used trekking poles before, then we definitely recommended them if you have – or have had – any issues at all with sore knees, ankles or hips, or are not used to walking with a day pack for extended periods.

Find out more: Do I need trekking poles and which ones should I buy?

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Trousers/gaiters It is recommended that you bring at least one pair of long trousers and/or gaiters to protect your legs against long grasses on some short sections of the walks and the (remote) possibility of snake bite.

HOW TO BOOK YOUR RAW TRAVEL TRIP Before making a RAW Travel booking, please read this Destination Guide thoroughly to make sure that the Mornington Peninsula walks are right for you. We have compiled lots of important information about accommodation, food, fitness required, weather and what to expect so that you can make an informed decision. On our website you’ll also find detailed itineraries and other important information.

A deposit of AUD$500 per person is due at the time of booking and balance of payment is required 8 weeks prior to travel. All quotes are subject to availability at the time of booking and valid for 7 days.

When you submit your booking form, you are committing to an itinerary and travel dates.

When arrangements are confirmed, nonrefundable deposits are paid to suppliers to secure these bookings. Any changes to the itinerary and/or travel dates after arrangements have been confirmed will incur additional charges.

Call RAW Travel 1300 208 245

MORNINGTON PENINSULA PARTICIPATION CONDITIONS To travel with RAW Travel you must accept the booking conditions (online at the time of booking), which include the following ‘participation conditions’: When booking on one of our trips the applicant understands that RAW Travel operates adventure holidays worldwide.

In developing countries, the standards of accommodation, transport, safety, hygiene, telecommunication facilities, level of infrastructure development and medical facilities are not equivalent to those familiar to the applicant’s usual living arrangements, or would find on a conventional holiday. This type of trip inherently involves a higher level of personal risk, which the applicant agrees to fully assume. The applicant acknowledges that travel on a RAW Travel trip requires a degree of flexibility, and understands that the trip’s route, accommodation and modes of transport are subject to change without prior notice due to local circumstances. Should RAW Travel deem it advisable to amend an itinerary for any reason, it may do so by shortening, varying or re-routing any trip. These changes are binding and additional expenses will be charged to the applicant if the reason for any major alteration is outside RAW Travel’s control.

RAW TRAVELLER’S CODE By paying your deposit and completing your booking forms with us, you signal your agreement to the following RAW Traveller’s Code: • I have chosen a trip that suits my abilities, level of fitness, and state of health.

• I do not have any physical conditions or disabilities that are a hazard to me or other RAW Travellers.

• I have a valid passport and all necessary visas and vaccinations required for travel.

• I will read the RAW travel pre-trip materials about clothing, medical requirements, and culture-specific etiquette.

• I will respect the laws and customs of countries visited.

• I will follow environmental guidelines and regulations while on the trip in accordance with the RAW Travel leader’s direction.

• I will respect the rights and privacy of other trip members.

• I understand that travel within a group invariably involves compromise to accommodate diverse desires, travel goals, personalities, and physical abilities of all group members.

• RAW Travel leaders may be required to improvise and exercise good faith, use discretion and/or make decisions based upon group consensus. These decisions may not always please each individual, but are intended to satisfy the larger desires of the group.

• I understand that RAW Travel reserves the right to refuse participation during a tour to anyone whose health or behaviour could impede the welfare or enjoyment of fellow guests. An individual may be asked to leave a trip if the leader feels that the person’s continuing participation may prove detrimental to the individual or the group.

• I understand travelling off the beaten track means access to medical facilities and evacuation services may be limited.

• I understand the weather is out of RAW Travel’s control.

• I will drink alcohol responsibly

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Call RAW Travel 1300 208 245

SECTION 3:

ON THE TRAIL Joining the tour

35

Luggage transfers

35

How much water to carry

35

Weather

35

Mobile phone coverage

36

Money

36

Safety on the trail

36

Trail etiquette

37

RAW emergency contact

37

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MORNINGTON PENINSULA JOINING THE TOUR Guided walks You can join our guided walks from the Frankston train station (1 hour from Melbourne CBD) or RAW Travel’s office in Mornington. You will be met by your RAW Travel trip leader and bus driver. Your leader will be wearing a RAW Travel shirt and the bus will be signed.

Self-guided walks Meet at the RAW Travel office, conveniently located in central Mornington (with ample car parking nearby) or pick-up can be arranged at nearby Frankston train station (1 hour by train from Melbourne CBD). You will be transferred to the start of your walk By public transport (train and bus) Trains from Melbourne’s Southern Cross Station travel to Frankston regularly.

Check the Public Transport Victoria PTVC website for timetables to work out the best connections and current services; they can change depending on the season and public holidays. This website also has bus details to Mornington.

From Tullamarine (Melbourne International Airport) Catch a taxi from the airport to Melbourne’s Southern Cross Station, then Metro Frankston Line to Frankston Station or take the SkyBus (which leaves every 15 minutes) from the airport to Southern Cross Station.

Travel from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport to Frankston or Mornington on the Mornington Peninsula on the regular airport bus. For more information phone 03 9783 1199 or http://www.skybus.com.au/peninsulaexpress/

LUGGAGE TRANSFERS On all walking days, your main luggage will be transferred to your next accommodation by 4pm each day. It will be picked up from your accommodation each morning, so you’ll need to have it packed and ready by 9am. When you check-in to your accommodation, ask where you should leave your luggage in the morning.

Please clearly mark ALL of your luggage to avoid delays, mix ups or loss. You are not able to transfer with your luggage if you are unable to walk one day. You will need to catch public transport or a taxi – your accommodation hosts can assist you with organising this.

You are limited to one medium sized suitcase per person at a maximum weight of 24kg.

Additional luggage will incur extra fees and may mean that your extra bag is not transferred if we are not aware of it at the time of booking. Keep in mind that you may have to carry your luggage upstairs at some accommodations, so it is best to keep your luggage weight as light as possible.

HOW MUCH WATER TO CARRY You will need to carry at least 1 litre of drinking water with you most days but have the capacity to carry 2 litres on longer days.

We will be able to refill your bottles part way through most days when we meet up with our support crew. Dehydration is the biggest risk when undertaking a physical activity. It is vital to be aware of your fluid intake and to constantly drink water throughout the day, even when you do not feel thirsty.

Snacks Light, high energy food like trail mix, protein bars and dark chocolate are good for snacks.

If you have specific dietary requirements or certain snacks that you prefer, we suggest you bring some from home.

WEATHER Victoria is renowned for its unpredictable weather patterns and the Mornington Peninsula shares this attribute. Rain and cold conditions are a possibility at any time of year and conversely hot temperatures can occur at any time from October to April. For the most part, however, the weather in the popular months is fine for walking and it would be a rare day indeed that you couldn’t walk along the track. In extreme heat conditions we will shorten the walks.

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SECTION 3: ON THE TRAIL Check the weather forecast in the week before you go on your walk and make sure you are adequately equipped. See also: When to Walk (p7).

MOBILE PHONE COVERAGE Mobile telephone coverage varies from intermittent to strong along the various Mornington Peninsula walks. Coverage depends on your carrier and your location on the walk. Your leaders will be carrying 2-way radios.

MONEY Spending money Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary.

Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping, souvenirs and other personal expenses. You will also need to budget for any meals not included in your trip price.

ATMs There are a large number of ATM cashpoints that accept Visa and MasterCard in the start/ end locations of Flinders, Sorrento, Dromana, as well as in all major villages and towns around the peninsula.

Emergency funds Ensure you have access to additional funds to be used if unforeseen incidents or circumstances outside our control (e.g. a natural disaster) necessitate a change to your planned route. This is a rare occurrence but we recommend being prepared. Some comprehensive travel insurance companies will make payments on your behalf in an emergency. Some more basic covers require you to pre-pay yourself then make a claim.

Do your research before you travel.

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SAFETY ON THE TRAIL Bushfires The Mornington Peninsula is in a high bushfire risk area. On days rated Severe and Extreme fire danger, all walkers are advised to consider safety along their planned walking route. If temperatures and winds are high, escape routes need to be considered as many sections of the walk have no safe refuge due to impenetrable heathland vegetation, thick fuel-laden forest, steep cliffs or a combination of these.

Snakes and other critters The warmer months bring snakes out onto the track and it is not unusual to come across a tiger snake or brown snake on your walk.

Stay alert but do not panic. Keep your distance – snakes will usually slither away as they feel you approaching. Give them time to disappear and they will try and avoid you. Make sure you check rocks and logs before you sit down on them. To put your mind at rest, the incidence of people being bitten by a snake on this walk is negligible and with a bit of common sense you’ll be fine.

Walkers need to also be aware that they can occasionally share the walking track with spiders, ants, bees, European wasps and leeches. This is all a part of the experience of being out ‘in the bush’. Walkers with any allergies need to ensure they have appropriate medication and carry a basic first-aid kit.

Safety beacons For self-guided walkers, we recommend carrying a Personal Locator Beacon (PLBs).

They are designed to give out a distress call to emergency services with your location. We recommend the Spot GPS Satellite Messenger, which acts as a PLB but also allows you to send pre-programmed texts to nominated mobiles saying that you’re OK or on your way. It also has a tracking feature that allows someone to track your moving position on a Google map – useful if you have a driver waiting for you or worried family members.

Call RAW Travel 1300 208 245

MORNINGTON PENINSULA Tides and oceans For self-guided walkers, check the tide timetables for the area. Some sections of the Coastal Walk do involve sand walking that is difficult and at times impassable during high tide. At the beginning of the walk between Cape Schanck and Gunnamatta Beach there is a side track that leads down to Fingal beach via a long path of steep stairs. If you visit the beach, be sure to return to the high track as access through to Gunnamatta is difficult along the beach, especially at high tide.

On the ocean beaches between Cape Schanck and Portsea, swimming can be dangerous and we advise to keep to the lifeguard patrolled areas at Gunnamatta and Portsea.

TRAIL ETIQUETTE Trail etiquette is about providing a safe environment where you and fellow hikers can enjoy themselves. Often these ‘rules’ are unwritten but are commonly accepted within the hiking community.

At RAW, we endorse ‘leave no trace’: • Hike quietly – nature and the solitude that comes with it is often what draws us to hike.

• Take your rubbish with you, keep the trails clean and protect the local environment and natural habitats.

• If you need to use the ‘bush loo’, bury your waste.

• Stay on the track even if it is muddy and wet.

This is particularly important around cliff areas or slippery slopes. Safety is not to be taken lightly. It is also an important element in the conservation of the local environment.

If you stop for a rest, move slightly off the trail (unless there is no choice). Staying on the formed walking tracks also means you avoid disturbing any protected significant cultural sites, such as shell middens in the sand dunes, which are the remains of Aborginal dining sites.

Shared trails Some trails may be ‘shared’. If this is the case, horses have right of way – please give them space to pass. Hikers have right of way over bikers (though use common sense). Where other hikers are concerned, uphill hikers have right of way. This is because changing pace uphill is more difficult. When walking in a group you may find the pace is often slower than individuals or smaller groups, so be aware and move to the side. In Australia, keep to the left, pass on the right. Remember, a ‘hello’ and a smile goes a long way on a trail.

Respect wildlife and their habitats Be careful where you step, stay on the trails and respect the wildlife and their habitats.

This means not disturbing animals in any way – don’t feed them or try to touch them. Don’t leave litter or trample plants. Lizards and other reptiles use rocks and logs for habitat so leave them alone. For marine wildlife, don’t let any litter enter our waterways – this includes fishing line, hooks and bait bags.

If you see injured wildlife, Wildlife Victoria has a 24-hour hotline: 13 000 94535 or 13000Wildlife.

Find out more: G reen travel hack – Say goodbye to singleuse plastics

RAW EMERGENCY CONTACT In the case of a genuine crisis or emergency, the RAW Travel office in Mornington can be reached on 03 5976 3763. Outside normal office hours, phone 0478 649 848.

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Call RAW Travel 1300 208 245

SECTION 4:

RAW TRAVEL About RAW Travel

40

Our people

40

Our commitment

41

Expert, friendly service

41

Giving back and treading lightly

42

Business as a force for good

42

Free resources to help you plan your trip 43 Trip gradings

43

Explore the world with RAW

43

Follow us on Facebook

45

Free travel information nights

45

‘Walk and talk’ training days

45

Book your flights with us

45

Travel insurance

45

City breaks

45

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SECTION 4: RAW TRAVEL ABOUT RAW TRAVEL RAW Travel is Australia’s most experienced and innovative walking company. Founded by avid walkers and responsible travel advocates Dave and Melinda Reynolds, RAW Travel is a family-owned business with a proud history of operating walks for 20+ years. We have introduced many thousands of happy travellers to their first multi-day walk or cycle.

RAW connects people to the world through sustainable adventure travel by focusing on a limited selection of the world’s best walking adventures that excite, inspire and challenge.

We specialise in self-guided trips and offer unrivalled flexibility in tailormaking itineraries.

Our staff are experienced hikers with a passion for exploring and going above and beyond for our customers. We provide a friendly, personal and expert service. The intimate knowledge we have of our chosen

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walking destinations allows us to create exciting journeys for our clients while taking meticulous care of all the details.

Check out our amazing walking destinations online or visit us at our beachside location in the Victorian coastal town of Mornington.

You can easily make an appointment with one of our Destination Experts and afterwards browse the many shops, cafes, beaches or nearby vineyards of the Mornington Peninsula.

OUR PEOPLE We have an experienced, dedicated and passionate team in our Mornington Head Office, as well as expert guides and support staff on the ground in Europe, Japan, UK and Australia. We have many things in common, including a passion for walking, a love of adventure travel in beautiful and historic locations, and the ability to go above and beyond to make our clients’ travel dreams become a reality.

Call RAW Travel 1300 208 245

MORNINGTON PENINSULA Why book your trip with RAW Travel?

Our trips are flexible and tailored to you! ✔ We listen to our walkers; we’ll plan an itinerary to suit your needs and ability. ✔ We operate our own trips. ✔ We have staff dedicated to each destination: you get first-hand advice from people who know the walks. ✔ We have our own staff in-country, so help is never far away should you need it. ✔ We offer authentic travel and unrivalled experience.

OUR COMMITMENT

EXPERT, FRIENDLY SERVICE

We won’t cut corners or ever intentionally compromise the quality of your trip. We don’t want to run thousands of trips every year – because the quality of your experience is much more important than quantity to us.

We’re still small enough to care about our travellers as individuals and we want to stay that way!

We’re a specialist company and we enjoy providing a friendly, personal service where you’re treated as an individual – no call centres here!

We know that people desire a certain level of comfort along with their adventure, so great accommodation and discovering delicious local food is a hallmark of our trips. RAW Travel owns and operates its own adventures, with our own staff on the ground in many destinations so we are able to keep control over the quality of our trips at the same time as we offer you reassurance and support.

We take notice of the feedback you give us and your opinions do matter.

As a primarily ‘direct to customer’ company we avoid the commissions and overheads associated with the traditional travel distribution network. We charge fair prices but still provide great advice before you go, experienced leaders who love their groups, good quality accommodation and solid value for your money.

At RAW Travel we don’t just plan your travel, we take our

clients on a journey. From your research and ideas we

work with you to plan your

dream travel experience.

We consider your fitness levels, your achievements, your motivations and then

together we map out every step of the journey.

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SECTION 4: RAW TRAVEL Our Destination Experts deliver a level of advice and experience that comes from being 100% focused on our chosen walks, rather than hundreds of different trips, as is often the case with bigger companies. We pride ourselves on our intimate knowledge of our chosen walking destinations and we really do “know because we go”.

Our staff take these walks each year and share their insider insights with you to help create exciting journeys where you can experience the best of your chosen destination, while being reassured that all the details are taken care of. Help is never far away should you need it from our locallybased staff and suppliers.

GIVING BACK AND TREADING LIGHTLY

At RAW Travel we’re committed to reducing our carbon footprint by offsetting all our trips and flights. We use small local suppliers to ensure the benefits of travel are distributed equally and reach those people who need it the most.

We give 10% of our annual profits for environmental causes and social purpose.

Our staff are also given volunteering time for carefully-selected social and environmental causes.

By contributing to initiatives that benefit our environment — as well as carbon offsetting our travel activities and those of our customers — we can be a good role model for the travel industry and help bring about more sustainable practices. So your choice of a walking trip with RAW Travel is a more positive choice for the planet.

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BUSINESS AS A FORCE FOR GOOD

RAW Travel is a certified Benefit Corporation (B Corp). B Corps are a growing group of companies who are reinventing business by pursuing purpose as well as profit.

As well as playing our part in ensuring we account positively for the environmental impacts we have through travelling, we want people to continue to enjoy their travelling and feel positive about it, so we carbonoffset all trips and flights booked with us, and we plant a tree for every customer. None of these costs are passed on to our travellers.

RAW Travel is also a supporter of KIVA micro-credit finance, which is empowering women, in particular, to access loans to improve their family’s living conditions and their communities.

Through the hundreds of charity fundraising trips we ran between 2003 and 2017, RAW Travel has been a long-time supporter of initiatives and charities that create just societies, tackle poverty, encourage gender equality and combat sex trafficking in Asia.

We are proud that the challenges we ran raised over $18 million for many diverse charitable causes.

Call RAW Travel 1300 208 245

MORNINGTON PENINSULA FREE RESOURCES TO HELP YOU PLAN YOUR TRIP We’ve got inspirational brochures, essential preparation guides, comprehensive destination guides, insights and more!

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We have used several criteria to assess the difficulty of each walk we offer, including the number of hours walking required each day, terrain and conditions underfoot, weather, gradient, altitude, signage and facilities.

Basic accommodation and food in remote areas will contribute to a walk being graded more difficult. Keep in mind that if a walk is graded moderate, it doesn’t mean you will never feel tired.

Our multi-day walks require a suitable level of physical preparation. More detail is provided in our essential free guides to getting walking fit, which are available for each of our destinations.

GETTIN G WAL FOR T KING HE EU FIT ROPEA N ALP How to prepar S e fo r your

RAW Travel offers a range of multi-day walks for complete beginners through to demanding treks that will satisfy and thrill even veteran adventurers. We have graded each RAW Travel trip from 1 (introductory) to 10 (tough).

Our grading system is intended to differentiate only the walks that RAW Travel offers, so they won’t necessarily match another travel company’s assessment of their trips.

GETTIN G WAL KING FOR T FIT HE CA MINO How to prepar e for your

TRIP GRADINGS

GETTIN

G WAL FOR N KING FIT EPAL How to pr epare

for your

multi-

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Find out more:

RAW Travel Trip Gradings

EXPLORE THE WORLD WITH RAW Subscribe to our monthly newsletter for travel inspiration, events and insights. http://rawtravel.com/subscribe

GETTIN G THE CO WALKING FIT AST TO COAST FOR How to PATH prepar e for yo ur m ulti-da

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GETTIN GW FOR C ALKING FIT ORNW ALL How to prepar e for your

multi-

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Call RAW Travel 1300 208 245

MORNINGTON PENINSULA FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK We love connecting with like-minded travellers on social media and we’d like you to be part of our RAW Travel community. We regularly share tips and resources, as well as photos and stories from other travellers and our staff.

Like and follow us, and be sure to give us a shout out to say hello. We really enjoy reading comments from our community of travellers! www.facebook.com/rawtravel/

FREE TRAVEL INFORMATION NIGHTS We love meeting our clients face-to-face and getting to know them. We travel around Australia and New Zealand to talk about a selection of our iconic walks. If you have ever wanted to experience an iconic walk with RAW Travel then come to one of these events. We guarantee you’ll be inspired by trip insights, videos and stunning images from our Destination Experts.

Find out more:

http://rawtravel.com/talks/

‘WALK AND TALK’ TRAINING DAYS We love to walk and we love to talk! During the year, we regularly offer opportunities (in Victoria) to go on walks with our Destination Experts and ask questions about your chosen destination, pre-departure preparation and gear. We limit these walks to between 20 and 25 people (depending on the location). The pace in generally relaxed so there is plenty of time to chat.

Find out more:

RAW Travel Events

BOOK YOUR FLIGHTS WITH US RAW Travel is a Business Class and Premium Economy Flights Specialist. We will find you the best deals and make sure you arrive well-rested to start your walk. Our in-house travel agents take the stress out of planning all the travel arrangements around your walk.

They can book your international flights, give you advice about land transfers to the start

of your walk, organise the perfect city break, and more! For a personalised service that you won’t find on online booking sites, along with specific destination knowledge you won’t necessarily find with your own travel agent, contact RAW Travel on (03) 5973 5413 or email flights@rawtravel.com Find out more:

RAW Travel Flights

TRAVEL INSURANCE If you are travelling on any trip with RAW Travel you will require comprehensive travel insurance. We sell Cover-More travel insurance and you can easily get a quote over the phone. No one plans for anything to go wrong, but if it does we want to make sure that you have adequate cover.

We highly recommend you purchase cover as soon as you start booking your travel arrangements, and include cancellation cover. Your travel insurance also must include emergency evacuation and medical cover.

Any advice given here is a general guide only.

Please research and purchase a policy best suited to your needs and circumstances.

Find out more: 10 things you need to know about travel insurance

CITY BREAKS Get the most from your time in Europe with one of our city breaks. Our city breaks offer the chance to explore and get an insider view with locals, try cultural activities and stay in unique and well-located hotels. They take the guesswork out of the bewildering range of hotels and activities in the big cities and ensure that you can make the most of your limited time. Connect with locals and find the best places to eat instead of spending your time getting lost or feeling overwhelmed about where to start!

Find out more:

RAW Travel City Breaks

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CAMINO De SANTIAGO Spain’s epic pilgrimage trail

WALKING THE UK The best coastal, dales and moorland walks in the UK

KUMANO KODO Hiking ancient paths in traditional Japan

PORTUGUESE COASTAL CAMINO A stunning walk from Porto to Santiago de Compostela

EUROPEAN ALPS

NAKASENDO WAY

The breathtaking Tour Du Mont Blanc, Italian Dolomites & Swiss Alps

Walking in the heart of old Japan

VIA FRANCIGENA

PERU

Italy’s beautiful pilgrim trail

An intimate exploration of history, culture and ancient trails

LE PUY CAMINO

YOGA & HIKING TRIPS

Walk through the most beautiful medieval villages of France

Renew your spirit

SLOVENIA

NEPAL

Hike nature’s paradise

Himalayan trekking with a difference

Australia’s most innovative and inspiring walking company 1300 208 245 | info@rawtravel.com | www.rawtravel.com | We donate 10% of our profits to give back to the planet at no additional cost to you.

Our trips are 100% carbon neutral.