Frequently Asked Questions

Booking & Payment

How do I book a tour or trail transfer? You can book by calling us directly, emailing through our contact form, or using the booking button on each tour page. We'll confirm availability and send you a booking confirmation with all the details you need.

What payment methods do you accept? We accept bank transfer, credit card, and cash payments.

What is your cancellation policy? Cancellations made more than 30 days before departure receive a full refund. Contact us for specific details.

Do you offer gift vouchers? Yes! Gift vouchers are available for any dollar amount or specific tour. They're valid for 12 months from purchase and make a perfect gift for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Contact us to arrange.

Tour Information

Are your tours suitable for children? It depends on the tour! Our Collie day tours, mural tours, and shorter wildflower walks are family-friendly and suitable for children 5+. Our Canning Stock Route expedition is recommended for adults and older teens due to the remote and challenging nature. Check individual tour pages for specific age recommendations.

What fitness level do I need? Fitness requirements vary by tour. Our trail transfers and mural tours require minimal walking. Wildflower walks involve easy to moderate terrain. The Canning Stock Route requires good physical condition for camping and vehicle recovery if needed. Each tour page lists specific requirements.

Can seniors join your tours? Absolutely! Many of our Collie region tours are perfect for seniors, including our mural tours, gentle wildflower walks, and heritage Taphouse tours. Collie has the paved trails and non-paved trails. Forest Explorers Town Mural Trail Tour is paved. 2km west of Collie we have the Karak Trail also paved. Wildflower and mural tours are offered across our Collie region that are wheelchair accessibility friendly. We have an outstanding soon to be completed accessibility trail being constructed at the Wellington Dam Mural, a wonderful access of Guido Van Helton's Mega Mural named "Reflections" - exciting times for all. We can adjust pace and difficulty to suit your mobility level.

Just let us know your needs when booking.

What should I bring? Each tour has specific requirements listed on its page. Generally: sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses), comfortable walking shoes, water bottle, camera, and weather-appropriate clothing. For multi-day tours like the Canning Stock Route, we provide a comprehensive pre-departure list upon booking.

What if the weather is bad? Western Australia's weather is generally reliable, but we monitor conditions closely. For day tours, we'll contact you if we need to reschedule due to extreme weather. For multi-day expeditions, we have contingency plans built into the itinerary. Your safety is our priority.

Trail Transfers

How many bikes can you transport? Our 4WD can transport up to 2 bikes along with up to 4 passengers comfortably. If you have a larger group, please contact us to discuss options as we collaborate closely with Adventure Connections and Crankin Cycles in Collie.

Do you pick up from accommodation in Collie? Yes! We offer pick-up and drop-off from Collie accommodation, trailheads, and agreed locations within Australia's Southwest, Specific pick-up times are arranged when you book.

Can you transport e-bikes? Yes, we can transport e-bikes. Please let us know when booking so we can ensure proper securing and handling of your equipment.

Safety & Licensing

Are you licensed and insured? Yes, Forest Explorers holds all necessary accreditations, commercial tour operator licenses and carries comprehensive public liability insurance. Your safety and peace of mind is paramount.

What experience do your guides have? Our guides (Steven and the Forest Explorers team) have over 15 years of experience in the Western Australian outback, including extensive knowledge of the Pilbara, Goldfields, and desert regions. We hold relevant first aid certifications and remote area expertise.

What happens in an emergency? All our tours carry first aid equipment, personal location device, starlink communication devices (on remote tours), and emergency protocols. Our guides are trained in remote area first aid and emergency response.

Groups & Private Tours

Do you offer private or custom tours? Yes! We can create custom itineraries for private groups, families, or corporate teams. Contact us to discuss your specific requirements, preferred dates, and interests.

Is there a minimum group size? Minimum group sizes vary by tour, though we like to keep our groups under 10 on local walks. Many of our day tours can accommodate individuals or couples, while our Canning Stock Route expedition is six vehicles. Check individual tour pages or contact us.

Do you offer group discounts? Yes, we offer discounts for groups of 12+ people on most tours. Corporate and school group rates are also available. Contact us for a custom quote.

Wildflower Tours

When is the best time to see wildflowers? Western Australia's wildflower season typically runs from August to November, with peak viewing in September and October. Timing varies slightly each year depending on winter rainfall. We monitor conditions and can advise on the best dates for your visit.

Can you guarantee we'll see wildflowers? While we can't control nature, our 26 years of local experience means we know exactly where and when to find the best displays. We monitor blooming conditions throughout the season and select routes with the highest probability of spectacular viewing.

General

Can I bring my dog? Unfortunately, pets cannot be accommodated on most tours due to national park regulations and the comfort of other guests. Service animals may be permitted with prior arrangement.

Do you provide food and drinks? This varies by tour. Day tours typically don't include meals (BYO), though we provide water. Multi-day expeditions like the Canning Stock Route include detailed catering information in your pre-tour pack. Dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice.

What languages do you speak? Our tours are conducted in English. If you require translation services, please let us know when booking and we can discuss options.

How far in advance should I book? For day tours and trail transfers, booking 2 weeks ahead is usually sufficient, though peak wildflower season fills quickly. For the Canning Stock Route expedition, we recommend booking 6 months in advance due to vehicle requirements.

Q Where do we meet for the local tours - Forest Explorers will collaborate with you via phone, message or email.

Wildflower Tours - depart at the Collie Visitor Centre 156 Throssell Street in the carpark at the western end.

We have a silver 4WD Toyota. You can travel with us Max 4 or follow in your own vehicle.

Mural Town Walking Tour 90min - departing the Wagon 82 Forest Street, Collie.

Q Are Snakes on the trails - No not usually, our footsteps create too much noise.

They hear us and are long gone or hidden before we arrive. Forest Explorers carry's a First Aid Snake Bite pack.

Q Does Collie have wildflowers - We sure do and they are as diverse and stunning as all of Western Australian Wildflower's .Our Wildflower walks are 1.5km long situated 3km west of Collie. The wildflower walks are conduct on Grade 1 pavement and Grade three trails, some walking fitness required. You can also find these Collie Wambenger Walks on the Trails WA Website.

The Jabitj Trail in the Wellington National Park is longer at 3km.The WNP is 31km west of Collie. This is a grade three and more rocks to traverse, we offer delicious cookies and fresh fruits.

CANNING STOCK ROUTE - Four Western Deserts

FAQ What do we need on the CSR? Forest Explorers suggests - sufficient fuel for 1100km at heavy fuel consumption. Min of 60l drinking water, not all wells have good water. Most well water is used for washing/boiling and showering. Light truck rated all terrain tyres in good condition, Vehicle mounted UHF Radio, 2 spares, Suspension needs to be in top order, consider upgrading or replacing shock absorbers if vehicle is a few years old. Clothing & bedding for all conditions. General vehicle spares, oil, belts, hoses, filters, air compressor, tyre gauge, Food items for duration, Dune flag and recovery boards. Lighter the better for your vehicle and your travel experience.

Q How many spare tyres do you need for the Canning Stock Route? Planning & Preparation for the Canning Stock Route is extensive, and we support you prior & along the way as do other Western Australis 4wd tagalong tour guides. Forest Explorers takes one spare and one skin. We run our tyres on low psi of between 15 - 20 cold. We trust our tyres as they have strong walls now days. Being on tour for 22 days we take it slow and have had one flat trye out of our five expeditions.

Q. Is the Canning Stock Route very challenging? Yes & No. Our tour is 22 days from Wiluna to Halls Creek in the Kimberley - crossing a variety of rock,900 plus sand dunes and corrugations, though the comradery, views, sunsets, sunrises and wildlife make up for the partially rough track. It really is a magnificently spiritual country. With qualified and returning experienced tour guides we are here to support you & your 4wd vehicles journey.

More questions answered on our Canning Stock Rute Page