Faq

Curious? We hope so! Here are some of our more common queries, but if you have one that's not here, please don't be shy. Remember, there's no such thing as a silly question.

How can I contact bothfeet?

You can phone us, email us, fax us, post something to us or even drop in and see us (by arrangement!).  Our contact us area has all the details. 

Can't I walk these trails on my own?

Of course you can.  But most people don’t!  We organise everything for you, including meeting you in Melbourne CBD and dropping you back, great places to stay, delicious things to eat along the way, all accompanied by our professional guides.  You don’t carry your luggage or your mobile phone, just water, sometimes your lunch, your camera and a sense of curiosity.

Will I need special shoes?

We require all walkers to have solid, closed toe walking shoes or hiking boots, preferably with ankle support.  Sports shoes, trainers or runners are not suitable to complete these walks.

Do I need to be really fit?

No, you don’t.  bothfeet walks aren’t designed for pro athletes.  If you already walk for fitness, swim a little, play golf or regularly climb a few stairs you will manage our walks with ease.  We aren’t out to set personal bests in distance; we just believe that walking is the best way to see some of the most beautiful parts of Victoria.  We walk an average of 12-15km per day and most days will have an option to walk half days. 

How far will we walk each day?

Most of our trips cover on average between 12 and 15km per day.  Our 6 Day Great Ocean Walk covers a little more:  about 19km per day.

Do I need travel insurance?

We recommend everyone that travels with bothfeet has travel insurance. 

Can I still travel with a pre-existing medical condition?

In most cases, yes.  We require everyone to fill in a confidential medical form for us and if you have a pre existing medical condition, receive your doctor’s approval.

What do I have to carry?

You carry only a day pack containing up to two litres of water, a weather proof jacket and any personal items such as a camera and sunglasses. Occasionally you carry lunch, but on most days our guides bring that in their packs.   We can provide a day pack for you to use, if you don’t have one.  The rest of your kit is transferred on ahead, waiting for you at the days end.

What else will I need to bring?

Thermals may seem silly in the middle of Summer, but don't be tempted to leave them behind.  The weather in Spa Country and the Otways can be changeable, no matter what time of year you travel.  For a complete list of what you need to bring and what we supply see our Gear List. 

What if my travelling partner is less active than I am?

All our journeys can be enjoyed at your own leisurely pace. One of our guides will only walk as fast as the slowest person, and there is always time to stop and take photographs, look at the flora and fauna or have a snack and a drink some where unique along the way. 

All our walks are vehicle assisted, and there is usually an option to break the trips into half days if you prefer.

What will I receive before I travel with bothfeet?

When you book and pay a deposit, you will receive some information about your trip and the region of Victoria you will travel to.  Upon receipt of your final payment, we send out a comprehensive travel kit, including information of what to bring and what you can expect on your journey.  This can come to you either by email or by post, and will come either directly to you or care of your travel agent, depending on how you booked with us.

Can I use a travel agent to make my booking?

Yes all our journeys can be booked through your travel agent.

What sort of people travel with bothfeet?

Our journeys are open to travellers of all ages - assuming you are fit and healthy - we take travellers from 18 to 80.  The trips provide all walkers with the opportunity to meet new people and learn more about the world in which they live.  The majority of travellers are between 40 and 65.  Children are welcome on bothfeet journeys with Kids and of course on any of our Custom Journeys.

Travelling with Kids

If you are interested in traveling with children over the age of five, why not ask about our special “with Kids” departures – a range of Custom Journeys specifically designed with school holidays and curious youngsters in mind.   Mum and Dad can still enjoy a welcome short break, while special activities and shorter walks keep the younger family members entertained.

How long have we been running trips for?

bothfeet has been running for 3 years, built on the foundations of many years of tour operating experience.  The owners have been working with other tourism businesses for over 12 years, and some of our experienced guides have been leading tours in Australia and overseas for more than two decades.

Most of the walking trails used by bothfeet are recently opened, making walking as a group to these areas a brand new experience.

Does bothfeet cater for special dietary requirements?

If we know in advance, we can cater for most dietary requirements.  We include space for this on our booking form, which each traveller needs to reserve a place on our walks.   

Where do I join the tour?

bothfeet operate walks in Victoria, Australia.  Our tours start and end at a prearranged central pick up point in Melbourne CBD.  We will confirm the pick up time and place when we receive your deposit.  You need to make your own arrangements to meet at this point. 

Some of our journeys depart early, so we recommend interstate or international customers stay in Melbourne the night before to ensure a timely pick up. 

Will I have mobile phone coverage?

Mobile coverage in most of the forest areas we walk will be limited or non existent.  Some of our accommodation venues will be in mobile range, but it should not be assumed you will have coverage.  Our guides will carry satellite phones for use in case of emergency only.

What language are the tours conducted in?

All our tours are conducted in English.  Certain other languages may be catered for by arrangement on our Custom Journeys series.

What standard is the accommodation?

There are no tents on a bothfeet journey!  bothfeet specially select all our places to stay based on comfort, quality and uniqueness.  All are comfortable and offer warm hospitality.  Some are retreats, some remote Eco lodges and others are four star resorts.  Some have shared facilities and some have private ensuites.  The accommodation depends on the style of walk and the location. 

What is included on my walk?

Nearly everything!  We include your accommodation, transfers to and from Melbourne CBD to join your walk, all meals, some wine with dinner (half a bottle per person), morning and afternoon tea, use of a weather proof jacket and day packs, the services of our professional guides and entrance fees to any attractions we visit.

What is not included?

At your own expense will be additional wine beyond the half bottle per person at most dinners, and your own personal spending on souvenirs, scenic flights and mementos.

Can I travel as a single?

We welcome single travellers on our journeys, but due to the boutique and remote nature of our accommodation choices, we cannot cater for single rooms with supplements.  All people travelling on a single basis will twin share a room with one other walker.

What is Twin Share?

Twin share means two people sharing a room.  This will mean either a couple sharing a queen size bed or two people in one room each having a separate single bed.

How far ahead do I need to book?

We suggest you book early to ensure the date of your choice.  Each season has its advantages:  wildflowers are present in Spring and early Summer, milder days are generally assured in early Autumn; the lavender is harvested in Hepburn in January.  Festivals and events are prevalent in Spa Country, while natural wonders such as whale migration occurs in late Spring around the Great Australian Bite.    If you have a particular special interest let us know and we will try and advise you of the best time to travel. 

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