When you start to think about The Great Gold Walk, then move into the trip-planning phase, a lot of questions will come to mind.
That is why we are here! Please do not hesitate to email us on thegreatgoldwalk@gmail.com at any time.
Your questions may include the following:
Getting There
Q. How do we get to Ballarat from Melbourne Airport?
A. Ballarat is about 110K from Melbourne Airport. A taxi will take you about 1-hour/20 minutes and cost about $240AUD. If you have 4 in your group, consider a taxi. Taking a bus to Melbourne central then a train is not recommended as it takes up to 3 hours.
For smaller groups it is recommended that you prebook the Ballarat Airport Shuttle bus that leaves about every hour and a half, and takes about an hour and a half to get to Ballarat. The cost is around $35AUD per head. Allow an hour and a half from your scheduled ‘plane landing time to your bus departure time.
http://airportshuttlebus.com.au/?id=livebookings
Note: If you are spending some time in Melbourne before TGGW, then take the train to Ballarat from Southern Cross Station in central Melbourne.
Q. How do we get from Bendigo back to Melbourne Airport?
A. For smaller groups it is recommended that you prebook the Bendigo Airport Service shuttle bus that leaves about every hour and a half, and takes about two and a quarter hours to get to Bendigo. The cost is around $42AUD per head. Allow an hour and a half from your scheduled ‘plane landing time to your bus departure time.
http://bendigoairportservice.com.au
Alternatively, a taxi will cost around $270AUD. Check the cost with the driver.
If heading to central Melbourne, take the train.
Luggage Transfer
Q. How does the luggage transfer work?
A. As this is a new walk, there is insufficient luggage volume to support a dedicated transfer service, so the reliable local taxi services are used. You must call and book these services as you go (see Baggage Transfer). Taxis are also used to transfer walkers on some days. Small tips are not required but are always welcome.
Guidebook
Q. Can we purchase TGGW guidebook separately?
A. The guidebook is only supplied as part of the TGGW package.
Car Hire
Q. Can we hire a car for the trip for accompanying person?
A. Any of the main car hire companies will arrange a hire car from Melbourne Airport/Melbourne for an accompanying person(s).
Accommodation Booking
Q. Can we change our accommodation booking directly with the accommodation operator after the final booking with TGGW, without using TGGW service?
A. Yes, you can as your contract is directly with the accommodation operator but we would not recommend this as it may cause confusion. If you wish to stay privately on one or more of the nights, just note ‘accommodation not required’ for that day on your accommodation booking form.
Trail Signage
Q. Is the trail waymarked?
A. Hard work by many volunteers and government agencies has seen a waymarked trail put in place for much of the way. In some areas, TGGW takes a more interesting route, including a walk to Maldon, which is not to be missed.
Walk History
Q. How long has this walk been operating?
A. Walkers have used this route for 20 years or more. The TGGW has been ‘test walked’ by groups over the last two years. The TGGW commenced taking bookings in late 2016, for walks commencing operation from April to October 2017.
TGGW Cost
Q. What is the cost of the TGGW?
A. Please refer to the Walk Fees section under Walk Overview on this website.
Please Note. There is a special offer for any walker booking and completing the walk in 2017. If you complete the walk and file your review on Trip Advisor under ‘The Great Gold Walk Australia’, TGGW will refund to your bank account half of your walk fee on the publication of your review.
Walk Lunches
Q. Will accommodations make up lunches for the next day?
A. As this is a new walk, operators will not offer this, but you should ask as early as possible the day before to see if this could be done. Alternatively, you will need to purchase a light lunch in the town.
Walk Season
Q. Why is TGGW only offered for certain times of the year?
A. We want you to really enjoy TGGW and if the weather is too hot this will not be the case. The Australian bush really ‘comes to life’ in cooler weather.
Dogs
Q. Can I take my dog on TGGW?
A. This walk is not suitable for dogs, and for some parts of the walk dogs are banned.
Cycling
Q. Can I cycle TGGW?
A. Some parts of TGGW route are suitable for cycling, but other parts are not and alternative routes are required. TGGW does not offer a cycling option as part of its service.
Accompanying Persons
Q. Is the walk suitable for accompanying persons that would like to enjoy this part of Victoria but by driving rather than walking?
A. Very suitable. There are good sealed roads connecting all of the towns and lots to see and do. The car driver could also transfer the luggage. Alternatively, non-walkers could taxi forward to the next town and spend the time sightseeing there.
Further Information
Q. What is a good website to research about the State of Victoria?
A. www.visitvictoria.com, the official state tourism website is the best place to start. TGGW crosses the Goldfields and Daylesford & Macedon Ranges regions. Alternatively, search by the town names that TGGW passes through. TGGW will be listed on TripAdvisor.