1. What’s the tours group size? How many people will be in the group? 

The maximum group size for most of our tours is 10 people. We will still run tours if there is only one person booked into the tour. If there are more than 12 people, we will split up into multiple groups. However, our tour group size might be smaller due to covid restriction.

2. What is the instructor ratio for each group? 

In general, 1:12 is the largest ratio, however, it will depend on each activity and how many people are booked in and also the age of the participants. If there are more children under 12 years old in the group, we will adjust the ratio accordingly to meet the industrial safety standard.

For caving and most water-based activities, we have two leaders per group.

3. What's the minimum age requirement to join the tours? 

It depends on each tour. Our family and kids abseiling tours, climbing, caving, canyoning tours are suitable for most families with primary school kids. Our water-based program is more suitable for children aged 12 years and up, however, we can also tailor a program that suits your group.

If your group has younger kids, it is best to book a private group with us. We can put a young kid's friendly program together for your group. We have included kids as young as 4 years old for our adventure activities in the past.

1. Do I need to be fit to participate in the tours? 

You don’t have to be fit to do our activities, most of our tours are suitable for all ages and abilities. However, the fitter you are, the easier it will be. Please contact us prior to booking if you have concerns about your level of fitness that might not suit the activities.

For rafting and kayaking tours, you will need to be able to swim to participate.

1. What’s your cancellation policy?

General Cancellations
Percentages of the fee are to be retained if cancellations occur at the following rate:
20 to 30 days – 25% of the total fee
14 to 19 days – 50% of the total fee
Less than 14 days – Full payment required
Adventure Guides Australia reserves the right to re-schedule any activity if conditions are unsafe or to provide an alternative activity or program. Participants may NOT cancel or change their activity dates or content without approval.

For more information, please see our Terms and Conditions

2. If the weather is not suitable to run the tours on my chosen tour date, can I change my tour date or get a refund?  

Yes. We are trying to run as many tours as possible, however, if the weather has an impact on us running the tours, we can either refund you or change your tour date.  

3. If there are COVID restrictions in place that will not allow my tour to go ahead on my chosen tour date, can I change my tour date or get a refund?  

Yes. If there are COVID restrictions in place that will not allow the tour to run as per DHHS guidelines, you can change the date of your tour or we can refund you.

1. Where shall I meet my instructor on the day of my tours? What should I look for? 

Prior to your tour starting date, you will receive a message from us about the meeting place on the day.

All Instructors are wearing red Adventure Guides Australia uniforms which is easy for you to spot them.

Mount Buffalo Meeting Place: 

For abseiling, rock climbing, caving and canyoning adventures we will meet you at the stone hut at the lower end of the Gorge Precinct Visitors Car Park (Gorge Day Visitors Centre).
(Below the Old Mount Buffalo Chalet)

Beechworth Tour Meeting Place:
We will meet outside the Beechworth Visitor Information Centre 103 Ford St, Beechworth VIC 3747 unless otherwise arranged.

2. Will there be a phone reception in the National Park? 

It is important for you to contact us before entering the park as you might not get phone reception while in the park. Telstra is the only provider that gets phone reception in Mt Buffalo National Park so if you are with another provider, you won’t have any service whilst up the mountain. Even though Telstra Costumers will have reception, you won’t have it everywhere in the National Park.

1. What should I bring on the day of the tours? 

• Clothing:  warm clothes, beanie, jumper, thermals, rain jacket, sturdy shoes that have a solid sole that surrounds and protects the toes; towel, a change of dry clothing and spare pair of shoes if participating in water sports.
• Sun protection: sunglasses, sunscreen, hats etc.
• Food and Water: 2 litres of water and some snacks
• Others: personal medication ie asthma puffers, EpiPens. If completing a full-day program, you will require to bring lunch and snacks.

2. When should I arrive for the tour?

Please arrive at the meeting place at least 15 minutes early, so we can check you in and start the tour on time.

3. Where can I check the weather before the tour?
It is difficult to accurately predict Alpine weather and in particular severe weather events that can be quite localized, so always be prepared for adverse weather conditions where appropriate. You can check the weather on the BOM website the morning of your tour and if you have reception you can do it up at buffalo.

Mount Buffalo Weather - https://www.theweathernetwork.com/au/14-day-weather-trend/victoria/mt-buffalo
BOM - Alpine Weather - http://www.bom.gov.au/vic/forecasts/mounthotham.shtml

Long Range Forecast - http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/outlooks/#/overview/summary/

Snow Forecasts - Long Range - https://www.snowatch.com.au/long-range-forecast/ 

Mount Buffalo Snow Cams: https://visitmountbuffalo.com.au/snow-updates/

1. Do I need to carry snow chains? 

Yes, if you are travelling in snow season, from Jun to Oct.

Snow chains must be carried by all vehicles including 4WD and AWD during most of the declared snow season (Jun-Oct). You could be fined if you aren't carrying chains. Road signage will direct you to fit the chains if necessary.

You can hire snow chains for around $30-$40 per day from any of the ski hire outlets in Myrtleford, Porepunkah or Bright. Be sure to pay attention to how they are fitted.

2. Entry and Parking

There is free entry and parking on Mt Buffalo. There is plenty of parking at the Gorge, Cresta Valley, and Dingo Dell.

For more information about travelling to Mount Buffalo please visit: 
https://visitmountbuffalo.com.au/about-mount-buffalo/
https://visitmountbuffalo.com.au/mount-buffalo-visitor-information/

1. What’s the minimum number to book a private lesson/tour for my group? 

You need a minimum of six people to book a private tour with us or are willing to pay the minimum fee for fewer people.  Please give us a call to discuss your group plan or fill out the inquiry form. 

2. May I request a specific date and time for my group to do the tours other than the one listed on the website?

Absolutely! A private group booking is possible with Adventure Guides Australia. We can design and provide a tour to suit your specific group's needs. You can book private tours on a date you choose and suggest a time you prefer.

1. How can I buy a gift card/voucher? 

Buying someone a unique experience as a gift is a wonderful idea. You can buy most of our tours online as a gift by clicking the "Buy Gift Card" button at checkout.  You pay for the tour, the person who receives the Gift Card can choose a time suits them to use the Gift Card by redeeming the gift card on our website.

Step 1: Purchase e-gift card on our website using the same tour booking link and choose "Buy Gift Card" button instead of the "Buy Now" button at checkout.

Step 2: A unique Gift Voucher Code will be sent to your email address instantly.

Step 3: Find the tour and choose a date on the tour calendar,  use the Gift Voucher Code to redeem the tour at checkout.

2. How long the gift card valid for?

Each eGift Card is valid for 3 years from the day of purchasing.

3. Can I have a digital copy of the Gift Card with the voucher code on it? 

Yes, you can.  After paying for the Gift Card, you will receive an email with a digital copy of the Gift Voucher. You can print it out to give it as a present.

COVID Safe Practice

Upon attendance, please adhere to the current COVID safe guidelines as per the DHHS website below:

Department of Health and Human Services Victoria | Coronavirus (COVID-19) (dhhs.vic.gov.au)
Participants should not attend the activity if:
1. They have a fever of ≥38°C on the day of the event.
2. They have had any signs or symptoms of COVID-19 in the past 14 days. Such as a new continuous cough, fever, change/loss of taste/smell.
3. They have been in contact with anyone who is sick (symptomatic) in the past 14 days.
4. They have travelled within the past 14 days to any local, interstate or international location with widespread ongoing community COVID-19 transmission.

Travel Safe, Covid Safe, see our Covid-19 Practices