How do I book a tour?
You can book directly through the tour page on this website, by phone, or by email. A deposit is required to secure your place. Once booked, we send you a detailed information pack covering flights, pre-tour accommodation, what to pack and how to prepare.
What is the average group size?
Groups are kept small; typically 8 to 16 guests depending on the destination. Australia and Italy tours often run with 8 to 10 guests. Japan tours start from 13. Smaller groups mean more flexibility on walks and a more personal experience overall.
Can I travel as a solo person?
Yes, many of our guests travel solo. We welcome solo travellers on all tours. A single supplement applies if you require your own room; twin-share options are available for those happy to share.
What is included in the tour price?
Tour prices include accommodation on a twin-share basis, most meals, guided walks, transport within the tour, and the services of a ParkTours guide throughout. International and domestic flights to the tour starting point are not included. A full inclusions list is provided with each tour.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellation conditions vary depending on how close to departure you cancel. Full details are provided in your booking confirmation. We strongly recommend taking out travel insurance at the time of booking to cover cancellations due to illness or unforeseen circumstances.
What happens if ParkTours cancels a tour?
If we need to cancel a tour, we contact all booked guests as early as possible and offer either a transfer to an alternative departure or a full refund. We recommend travel insurance to cover any non-refundable costs you may have arranged independently.
Do you run tours year-round?
We run tours across different seasons depending on the destination. Australian tours run year-round, timed to the best conditions for each region. Overseas programs such as Japan and Italy run seasonally; typically autumn and spring. Current departures are listed on each destination page.
How fit do I need to be for a walking tour?
Walk grades vary by destination, but any reasonably fit person can join our tours. Many walks offer easier and more challenging options where the terrain allows. The general walk grade for each tour is listed on the destination page, and our Walk Grading page gives further detail. During the tour, your guide quickly gets a sense of the group and can suggest options for individual guests.
What gear or equipment do I need to take?
We focus on half and full day walks, returning to hotel or lodge accommodation each afternoon, so you only need a daypack with rain wear, sunscreen, drinking water, a phone and lunch. A few tours include an overnight hike where you carry personal gear for that section. We recommend hiking boots on most tours for ankle support and grip on varied terrain. A detailed packing list is included with your tour information.
Who will be my guide?
Our guides come from many nations and backgrounds, with a shared love of exploring the outdoors. They are knowledgeable about the natural and cultural environments they work in, and genuinely invested in making your time on tour worthwhile.
What pre-tour arrangements do I need to make?
Once you have booked, we send you general and tour-specific information to help with your planning. This covers flight and travel options, pre and post-tour accommodation, travel insurance, packing lists, group meeting arrangements and more.
How does ParkTours support responsible travel?
In each country we use locally owned hotels, restaurants, transport and tour operators wherever possible, and work with local guides and interpreters who know their area. This keeps more of your travel spend in local communities rather than going to large chains and multinational companies. We also make regular donations to community, environmental and charitable organisations in Australia and the countries we visit.
Do you cater for people who are blind or have low vision?
We currently welcome guests with low vision on our tours. We are also working on tours specifically designed for guests who are blind or have very low vision. Get in touch to register your interest.
Do you cater for people who are deaf or have low hearing?
Yes. We welcome guests who are deaf or have low hearing. Tell us your needs at the time of booking and we will make sure your guide is briefed. Most of our program is visual and experiential; walks, wildlife watching, landscapes and food. Hearing impairment is not a barrier to joining a ParkTours tour.
Do you cater for people who have limited mobility?
ParkTours tours involve daily walking on natural terrain, which can include uneven ground, hills and bush tracks. Most tours are not suited to guests with significant mobility limitations. If you have specific needs, please contact us before booking and we can advise honestly on whether a particular tour is right for you.
Do you cater for people who use wheelchairs or mobility scooters?
Our current tours involve walking on natural terrain that is not suitable for wheelchairs or mobility scooters. We are working on accessible tour options for the future. Contact us to register your interest.
Do you cater for people with specific dietary requirements and food allergies or intolerances?
Yes. At the time of booking we ask about any specific dietary requirements and communicate these to our accommodation and dining partners ahead of the tour.
Do you cater for people with cognitive disabilities or people on the Autism Spectrum?
Yes, we are happy to discuss this. Please call us so we can understand your needs and talk through which tours would be the best fit.
Have any of the staff undergone disability awareness training?
Not formally, though this is on our priority list. If you have specific concerns, we encourage you to call and speak with us directly before booking.
Do you provide assistance for individuals whose primary language is not English?
Tours run in English and we do not offer translation services. That said, we have welcomed guests from many countries and find that much of what we do crosses language barriers naturally; walking, wildlife, food and landscapes need little translating. If you are unsure whether a tour will work for you, call us to talk it through.
Do you offer a discount for carers?
We handle this on a case-by-case basis. Get in touch to discuss how we can best accommodate you.
Can you cater for assistance animals?
Yes. As our tours involve varied activities and environments across multiple destinations, we recommend contacting us before booking so we can talk through the specifics for each trip.