Question 1

Do you need experience to attend your bushwalks and tours?

Accepted Answer

Mansfield Bushwalks are dedicated to providing pack-free walks and tours that are accessible to those with minimal or no experience. We also offer more challenging walks for those with experience.

Question 2

Are there age, ability or fitness limits for your walks?"

Accepted Answer

Mansfield Bushwalks offers pack-free walks and tours that are accessible to families, children and older individuals. We also weclome those with disabilities. A general level of fitness is benefcial. If you have any health concerns please contact us directly to discuss the suitability of our walks and itineraries. Please Note: We reserve the right to refuse participants if we cannot cater to their medical/physical requirements.

Question 3

Will we have a professional walking guide?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Mansfield Bushwalks is an accredited business owned and led by qualified guide, Simone Richardson. Simone (Monnie) is a local raised in Mansfield and has spent over 50 years in this region. She is passionate about nature and encouraging others to enjoy outdoor adventures in a relaxed way.
 
Monnie has the following key qualifications and experience:
 
Diploma of Teaching (1985)
Bachelor of Education (1991)
Current Teacher Registration, 30+ years experience
Current First Aid certification
Current Bronze Medallion
Childsafe Standards workshop (2019)
Wilderness First Aid (2019)
Responsible Service of Alcohol & Hygienic Practices for Food Safety (2019)
Parks Victoria Licensed Tour Operator & Activity Provider. License No. CA-1601
 
Monnie is experienced in all featured walks and will share interesting information regarding each area's history, flora and fauna. 
 
PLEASE NOTE: At times, for convenience and/or due to time restraints, the guide may leave the group in a designated place in order to, for example collect the transport vehicle or for a self guided walk or for free time.

Question 4

What regions and forests do your walks and tours cover?

Accepted Answer

Mansfield Bushwalks offer pack-free walks and tours acoss the high country region of Mansfield and surrounds, including:
Mt Buller State Forest
Mirimbah state Forest
Mount Buller Alpine National park
Mount Stirling Alpine national Park
Mansfield State Forest
Jamieson State Forest
Kevington State Forest
Howqua State Forest
Gaffneys Creek State forest
Tolmie State Forset
Whitlands State Forest
Ancona State Forest
Lake Eildon National park
Goughs Bay State Forest
Knockwood State Forest
Mount Wombat – Garden Range FFR
Powers Lookout State reserve
Maintongoon Bush Reserve
Big River State Forest

Question 5

What duration walks do you offer?

Accepted Answer

Mansfield Bushwalks speciaise in short pack-free walks ranging in duration from approximately 2 hours to half day tours. All times are approximate only and will depend on the group and particular itinerary if applicable. Maximum estimates are listed as a guide only.

Question 6

What size groups can you cater for?

Accepted Answer

Mansfield Bushwalks focus on providing small group walks and tours. We work on a ratio of 1 guide per 10 persons. Typically our walks are for a maximum of 10 persons. On request we can offer larger group walks, subject to additional guide and transport availability.

Question 7

What is included on a walk or tour?

Accepted Answer

Mansfield Bushwalks include the following in our walks and tours:
Complimentary mini-bus pickup from designated points including the Mansfield Information Centre and the Mansfield Coffee Merchant AND return dropoff.
Additional water
Spare sunscreen
Wet weather ponchos if required
Your Guide/s will also be equipped with First Aid Supplies, Satellite Communications and a PLB (Personal Location Beacon).
 
See also - 'What to bring' and 'What we can arrange' below.

Question 8

What do you need to bring on a walk or tour?

Accepted Answer

IMPORTANT: You MUST bring any medication that may be required during the walk, eg; epipen/asthma medication/heart medication MUST be carried by the participant. For safety please also bring a fully charged mobile phone.
 
Mansfield Bushwalks also recommends you bring along the following for our walks and tours:
Sunglasses & sunscreen
Hat - beanie in cooler months / sunhat in warmer months
Water Bottle
High energy snacks including muesli bars, nuts, biscuits, sweets, chocolate bars
Comfortable walking shoes such as runners or Blundstone style boots (serious walking boots are not necessary)
Comfortable walking clothes such as shorts / long pants, shirt / t-shirt, jumper, loose dress, active wear
In hot weather, we suggest including your swimmers, a towel and old runners, if the walk or tour allows for a paddle / swim in the river or lake.

Question 9

What extras or upgrades can be arranged for a walk or tour?

Accepted Answer

Mansfield Bushwalks can assist with a range of extras for your walk or tour including:
COLD PACK - Eskie and ice blocks
HOT PACK - Thermos, tea, coffee, milk, cuppa soups, milo, hot chocolate etc.
LUNCH PACK - Fresh sandwiches, wraps and rolls etc.
FIRE PACK - Wood, paper, fire lighters, marshmallows etc.
DRINKS PACK - Water, Soft Drink, Juices etc.
We can also arrange tailored itineraries suited to couples, families, corporates, school groups and more... contact us direct to discuss.

Question 10

Can you cater for dietary requirements?

Accepted Answer

Special dietary requirements may not be catered for unless arranged prior with Mansfield Bushwalks or a local caterer - additional fees may apply. We advise bringing your own suitable options as required, eg; gluten free bread.

Question 11

Can you arrange group tours and itineraries?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Mansfield Bushwalks specialise in group tours suitable for friends, family, school groups, corporates, tourists and more. You can choose one of our featured regional tours or we can tailor one just for you. Discover FEATURE TOURS >
 
You may also want to include some 'stay and play' activiities including:
 
Breakfast & industry best coffee at the iconic Mansfield Coffee Merchant
Local yoga session or a relaxation massage
Catered 'Bush Brunch' or gourmet Picnic Packs by the High Country Food Co.
Local wine tastings at the award winning Delatite Winery & Ros Ritchie Cellar Door
Family visit to the Mansfield Zoo, High Country Maze or Mansfield Mini-Golf
Enjoy an amaeteur outdoor Photography lesson by a local professional
Take in a latest release movie at the Mansfield Cinema & Luna Bar
Take a trip to Jamieson Brewery or Mansfield's own Social Bandit Brewhouse
Experience an immersive Outdoor Bush Art Painting Lesson
Enjoy a round at the local Mansfield Golf Club
Dine at a local restaurant or one of our country hotels
Contact us directly to discuss how we can turn your walking experience into a local adventure!

Question 12

Do you offer accommodation packages with your walks?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Mansfield Bushwalks also own and operate Mansfield Apartments - contemporary accommodation based in Mansfield's town centre, with fantastic amenities and easy access to all local services, resturants, hotels and cafes. We offer special rates for walkers who choose to stay and play! Contact us directly for the best deal. Read more at: www.mansfieldapartmentsvictoria.com.au

Question 13

Are your walks and tours pet friendly?

Accepted Answer

We love our furry friends, but unfortunately pets are not permitted on our walks and tours.

Question 14

Is there paperwork we need to complete prior to a walk or tour?

Accepted Answer

Yes - you will need to read and sign a disclaimer and provide medical information if applicable prior to each walk/tour. We will provide the disclaimer to you in person on the day. If you require a copy prior please contact us directly by email ~ mansfieldbushwalks@outlook.com

Question 15

What is your commitment to the natural environment?

Accepted Answer

Respect for our native environments will be paramount at all times. 
All groups will be requested to (and supervised to ensure) all rubbish taken in is also taken out. This includes food scraps.
We are committed to ensuring walks and tours are of minimal impact to the environment and National or State Parks or Reserves. Our walks always remain on designated paths.
Native flora and fauna and their habitats will not be removed, damaged or changed in any way by our walking and tour groups.
Conservation issues will be shared with walkers to enhance tour group knowledge and understanding of the fragile nature of the natural bush / alpine ecosystems.
Awareness of endangered species and ways we can support their survival will be shared to promote knowledge and understanding amongst walkers.

MANSFIELD BUSHWALKS

Not all who wander are lost...

What you Need to Know