Spicers Great Walk Retreat (QLD)

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WHAT'S THE 'GREAT WALK' RETREAT?

A four-day, four-night exploration of some of the countries most idyllic high-country. Explore Queenslands stunning World Heritage Listed rainforest through guided hikes, while staying at some of the regions best eco-camping facilities and being provided with nourishing meals and beverages.

WHAT LEVEL OF FITNESS DO I NEED?

- You need to be able to walk an avg. 14km a day for multiple days
- You need good aerobic fitness as we are hiking in the mountains
- Comfortable with wearing a back pack with avg. weight of 6kg
- Strong & stable on your feet to navigate rock scrambles & uneven ground

WHAT CAN I DO TO PREPARE?

- Go hiking in the bush as often as you can
- Add extended walks 12 – 18km to your training program
- Ensure you have the right shoes, not too old and not too new with good grip. The most common issue we see is soles coming off old hiking boots the glue disintegrates overtime.
-If your shoes are new wear them in before you come
-Try hiking poles they help to take weight off your knees
-Build your leg strength and aerobic fitness
-You might like to consider a personal trainer if you want a more structured and supported preparation plan

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The Spicers Retreats Team

From the moment you arrive at one of our retreats it becomes clear – Spicers Retreats are not just different, but truly special. The Spicers experience is one that combines stunning natural settings, award winning dining experiences, and our warm and attentive service to deliver an experience unlike any other in Australia.

An essential part of any Spicers experience is the natural setting our Retreats are positioned. We care about the environment and have worked to ensure we take a responsible approach when it comes to looking after our guests, team and business. From sourcing more environmentally sustainable products to more efficient ways to recycle waste.

We are dedicated and committed to delivering the most exceptional, luxurious experiences this country has to offer.

Itinerary

Day 1

TRAIL DIFFICULTY: moderate to hard (Grade 4)

Distance: 12km

Meet your guides & fellow walkers at 7.45am Spicers Hidden Vale Retreat located at 617 Grandchester Mt Mort Road Grandchester (pre-tour accommodation can be arranged subject to availability). Park your vehicle here for the duration of the trip. (Please note undercover parking is not available, if this is a concern we can assist with arranging transfers.) Make your way to reception to be provided with your hiking gear for the day ahead. We will transfer your luggage into the bus before departing for the start of the walk, which is a 40min drive away.

This is an adventurous day that sees you climb the Mistake Mountain Range with a 600m ascent. Trails will be long, rough, and steep in sections with some rock scrambling required. We use the natural rock to navigate some sections and your guides will safely lead the way. A highlight is the 16m rock ladder, which you’ll be safely harnessed to. We aim to arrive at camp by approx. 3.30pm each day (depending on conditions & the group). From here the afternoon is at your leisure ahead of your daily briefing in the lounge at approx. 5:30pm before a share style dinner at 6pm.
Day 2

TRAIL DIFFICULTY: Moderate (Grade 3 & 5)

Distance: 18km

Breakfast is served at 7am with tea and coffee available earlier (times may vary depending on the time of year and conditions) for an 8am departure

You’ll start with a meandering climb before entering the Gondwana Rainforest for your first encounter of this natural wonder and a taste of what’s to come. You’ll emerge from the rainforest to follow a former logging trail, some sections aren’t under canopy so in the warmer weather we take plenty of water breaks. In the final section of the day we step deep into the rainforest on a private Grade 5 trail that takes us into camp.
Day 3

TRAIL DIFFICULTY: Moderate (Grade 4 & 5)

Distance: 16km

We start the day with a relatively flat warm up as we make our way up the access road enjoying the sounds of the rainforest birds as we go. This initial track can sometimes get muddy so we may have to skirt our way around some puddles as we make our way past.

As we descend into the valley we become enveloped by rainforest. We ascend down some rocky boulder sections that will require us to crouch down and go slowly. The pace is slower as we take care with our footing navigating the tree roots and rocky sections.

The last section of the day offers a climb up to camp where your hosts will be waiting to welcome you to Spicers Timber Getters Eco Cabins. Architecturally the camps are the same however each has a unique interior and exterior.
Day 4

TRAIL DIFFICULTY: Moderate (Grade 3 - 5)

Distance: 16km

We start the day with a heartwarming climb up the fire trail past, an old pine plantation. Once at the top we once again head deep into the rainforest on Grade 5 trail. We come across some huge rainforest trees with buttresses six feet tall. Once again the pace is slower as we all take care with our footing navigating the tree roots and rocky sections. Emerge from deep in the rainforest to climb up and over Bare Rock offering 360 degree views on a clear day. From here we join the public trails and will often pass fellow walkers, not many of whom will ever venture where you have just been. In the final section of the trail the modern world comes into earshot as we hear trucks carrying goods from the coast to the west. Vehicles will be waiting for you at the end of the trail ready to transfer you to Spicers Hidden Peaks Cabins. The drive is approximately 15 minutes to camp where you will be greeted and shown to your handcrafted log cabin, each with your own en-suite. After you have rested and settled into camp meet around the fire pit to share stories and your favourite memories from the trip followed by a celebration dinner.
Day 5

Enjoy a leisurely morning with a cooked breakfast at 8am ahead of a 10am transfer back to Spicers Hidden Vale or Brisbane.

Here we say a fond farewell sending you away with a memories that you will cherish for a lifetime.

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Cancellation Policy

Our Change and Cancellation Fees
Subject to your refund and remedy rights under the Australian Consumer Law, the following change and cancellation fees apply to our standard rate packages and bookings (including online bookings and bookings made over the phone, via chat by email or in-person). Please refer back to your confirmation received at the time of booking as special packages and rates will be marked as non-refundable in which the below does not apply unless affected by COVID-19.

Retreats
For our regional retreats:

Date changes or booking cancellations to confirmed bookings made between 30 days and 15 days prior to arrival will incur a 50% amendment/cancellation fee.
Date changes or booking cancellations to confirmed bookings within 14 days of arrival will incur a 100% amendment/cancellation fee.

For our retreats in Brisbane and Sydney:

Date changes or booking cancellations to confirmed bookings made up to 3 days prior to arrival will not incur an amendment/cancellation fee.
Date changes or booking cancellations to confirmed bookings within 48 hours of arrival will incur a 100% amendment/cancellation fee.

COVID-19 Affected Bookings
Should a government mandated intrastate or interstate travel restriction, or lockdown be enforced that prevents you from travelling on your booked date, we will move your booking to a future date within 12 months at the same retreat, with no penalty. If you do not have a future date in mind, we will hold the amount paid as credit to be used at the same retreat within 12 months. If you wish to cancel your booking, a full cancellation fee will apply. It is the traveller’s responsible to ensure they are eligible to travel.

Special terms and conditions

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend that you take out appropriate travel insurance to cover your travel arrangements. Your insurance protection should include cover for cancellation, medical and repatriation expenses, personal injury and accident, death and loss of personal baggage and money and personal liability insurance.

Health
You must ensure that you are aware of any health requirements and recommended precautions relevant to your travel.

Prices
All prices are subject to availability and can be withdrawn or varied without notice. The prices quoted over the phone, via chat by email or in-person are valid for 48 hours, subject to change thereafter. Availability can change at any time. To proceed with this reservation and secure your booking we require a 100% deposit.

Credit Card Fees
The following fees apply for credit card payments:- 1% Visa Debit or Credit and Mastercard Debit or Credit, 1.54% for Diners Club, 2.5% Union Pay and 3.3% for American Express. There are no additional fees for EFTPOS, direct deposit or cash payments.

Liability
To the extent permitted by law, neither Spicers Retreats, Hotels & Lodges nor any of its related bodies corporate, directors, employees or agents accept any liability in contract, tort or otherwise for any injury, damage, loss (including consequential loss), delay, additional expense or inconvenience caused directly or indirectly by the acts, omissions or default, whether negligent or otherwise, of third party providers over whom we have no direct control, force majeure or any other event which is beyond our control or which is not preventable by reasonable diligence on our part. Under circumstances where our liability cannot be excluded and where liability may be lawfully limited, such liability is limited to the remedies required of us under applicable law (including the Australian Consumer Law). This liability clause is subject to your rights under the Australian Consumer Law and nothing in these terms and conditions is intended to limit any rights you may have under the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth).

Special Requirements
Please advise any special requirements you may have for your travel arrangements such as special meals, room type or disabled access.

Privacy Policy
We are committed to protecting your personal information and agree to handle your personal information in accordance with our Privacy Policy, which is available online at https://spicersretreats.com/privacy/. By providing personal information to us, you agree that our Privacy Policy will apply to how we handle your personal information and you consent to us collecting, using and disclosing your personal information as detailed in our Privacy Policy. In particular, you agree that in certain circumstances (such as where you request us to book an experience for you), we are permitted to disclose your personal information to external recipients. Such recipients may include the travel service providers (e.g. tour providers) with whom you make a booking. Generally, we will only disclose your personal information to these persons in connection with facilitation of your travel booking and/or to enable the performance of administrative and technical services by them on our behalf. Where we disclose your personal information to any person, you agree that we will not be required to ensure that person’s compliance with Australian privacy laws or otherwise be accountable for how they handle your personal information. When used above, “disclose” includes to transfer, share, send, or otherwise make available or accessible to another person or entity.

Governing Law
If any dispute arises between you and us, the laws of Australia will apply. You irrevocably and unconditionally submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Australia, and waive any right that you may have to object to an action being brought in those courts.

Acknowledgement
You acknowledge that you are 18 years of age or older and that you understand and agree with the above Booking Terms and Conditions and our Privacy Policy.

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