# Once Were Wild Travel — full content feed _Generated for AI search agents. Last refreshed: 2026-07-23T09:18:53.961220+00:00_ ## Frequently asked questions ### Who travels with Once Were Wild? Our journeys are designed for women, often 45 and beyond, who are curious, independent and ready to step gently out of the everyday. Groups stay small, usually six to eight, so connection comes easily. ### What is included in the price? Most journeys are all inclusive of accommodation, meals as specified, wine with dinner, guided experiences and transport. Each journey page lists exactly what is covered so there are no surprises. ### How do I secure my place? A 20 percent deposit reserves your spot. The balance is due 60 days before departure. We will guide you gently through every step once you register your interest. ### Can you cater for dietary needs? We thoughtfully accommodate most dietary needs. As our shared menus include animal proteins we cannot cater for vegan diets on the standard retreat, though a dedicated vegan retreat can be arranged with enough interest. ### Do you arrange corporate and private journeys? Yes. We build custom small group journeys and corporate retreats from scratch, designed entirely around your people, your story and your dates. ### Is travel insurance required? Travel insurance is strongly advised for every guest, to protect you from unexpected situations that may require a change of plans at short notice. ## Journeys and retreats ### Maleny Creative Immersion Retreat - Page: https://oncewerewild.com/tours/maleny-creative-immersion-womens-retreat-sunshine-coast - Region: Sunshine Coast Hinterland - Nights: 6 nights - Dates: From November 22 OR November 28, 2026 - Price from: $4,200 (GST included) - Price unit: per person, twin share - Note: Single $4,750 (GST included) - Summary: A Creative Immersion Retreat in Maleny for women ready to slow down, embrace their creativity, and let their hearts soar. - Highlights: - 6 nights with all meals included - Quality Australian wines with dinner - Smartphone Photography: Capture Beautiful Memories Easily - Hand sculptured Montelupo Clay Bust workshop - Peter Hudson Drawing with Charcoal - Glass blowing with Wolfgang Engel - Private Tina Cooper Gallery Viewing - Wreath Making with Viera (Retreat 1) - Eco Printing on Silk Scarves with Kim (Retreat 2) - Voice coaching/singing lesson with Cardie - Dance yoga and bongo drums with Carolita - Bespoke jewellery consultation with German Master Jeweller Birgit Wasshausen - Private transport throughout - Small group women's retreat - Maximum of 10 like-minded women - Sunrises and sunsets - Platypus viewing and hinterland walks - Visits to the artisan villages of Maleny and Montville - Includes: - Premier boutique cottage accommodation - Bespoke dining by an accomplished chef - Australian wines paired with dinner - Master artisan creative workshops - Guided hinterland walks and experiences - All transportation and daily flow - Pick up/drop off Maroochydore Airport or Landsborough train station, if required - Not included: - International and domestic airfares - Travel insurance - Personal expenses - Optional activities not listed in the itinerary ### Slow and Soulful Tasmania - Page: https://oncewerewild.com/tours/tasmanian-slow-and-soulful-small-group-womens-tours - Region: Tasmania - Nights: 12 to 23 nights - Dates: 12 nights from Jan 10, 2027 OR Jan 21, 2027 | 23 nights from Jan 10, 2027 - Price from: $8,250 (GST included) - Price unit: per person, 12 night tours - Note: Full 23 night Odyssey $15,800 (GST included) - Summary: From untamed coastlines and pristine national parks to charming towns and vineyards, immerse yourself in Tasmania’s unique beauty and character. A deeply immersive journey through Tasmania’s wild landscapes, rich history, and exceptional produce, designed for women who value time, texture, and meaningful experiences. - Highlights: - The scenic east coast highlights include: A Mt Wellington (Kunanyi) sunrise - A Bruny Island wilderness cruise and an evening penguin discovery walk - Meeting Kimmy the Koo at One Hundred Acres Hideaway - Visiting the Devil Unzoo to see the elusive Tasmanian Devil and other wildlife - A seal experience, and amazing hikes on the Tasman Peninsula - Exploring the colonial history at Port Arthur - Cycling on Maria Island ... home to dramatic landscapes, painted cliffs, wallabies and wombats - A day exploring Freycinet National Park and the stunning wineglass bay - Take in Bicheno's Governor Island Marine Reserve, Whalers Hill, the Blowhole and Fairy Penguin Colony - Bay of Fires and Bridestowe Lavender Farm - The Rugged Northwest highlights include a visit to the famous Tamar Valley Region - A deloraine truffle hunt, mole caves, and platypus viewing - A private visit to Burnie flower farm - A full day excursion exploring the Tarkine Rainforest and Rugged Coastline loop - Cradle Mountain with dove lake hike (weather permitting) - Strahan and a Gordon River Cruise - Lake St Clair walk - Historical Richmond, wineries, artisan providores, colonial history - Includes: - Twin share accommodation only - Meals as specified (B-L-D), local wine with dinner - All transportation during the tour - National Park Fees and all excursion entry fees - Experienced local hosts/guides - All listed activities and entry fees unless marked “optional” (park entry, Tree Top Walk, winery visits/tastings as specified) - Pennicott cruises/Gordon River cruise - Wildlife sanctuaries - Maria island ferry and cycle hire - Bridestowe Lavender farm entry - Selected tastings and local producer visits noted in the itinerary - Logistics throughout - Not included: - International/domestic flights to/from Hobart/Launcestion - Travel insurance (mandatory) - Personal expenses/drinks beyond those specified (other than wine with dinners) - Optional excursions and upgrades (Snorkelling/Diving/Kayaking/Scenic flights) - Any permits or fees for optional privately arranged activities not listed in the itinerary ### Wild and Wondrous West Coast - Page: https://oncewerewild.com/tours/western-australian-wild-and-wondrous-small-group-womens-tours - Region: Western Australia - Nights: 12 to 23 nights - Dates: 12 nights from Feb 05, 2027 OR Feb 16, 2027 | 23 nights from Feb 05, 2027 - Price from: $8,850 (GST included) - Price unit: per person, 12 night tours - Note: Full 23 night Odyssey $16,900 (GST included) - Summary: This slow‑burn, all‑inclusive small‑group journey for women celebrates nature, culture, and local food & wine. Travel through turquoise bays, karri forests, granite peaks, wild southern coastline, red‑earth goldfields, coastal dunes and limestone pinnacles ... all paced for connection, reflection and shared discovery. - Highlights: - Key experiences & highlights: - Rottnest Island ferry, cycling, snorkelling and quokka encounters - Margaret River: vineyard tastings, Dirt Temple Wine + Art, Injidup Natural Spa, coastal hikes, group surf lesson - Truffle hunt (Manjimup) and Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk (Walpole) - Elephant Rocks, Greens Pool and Sculptures Drive (Denmark → Albany) - Porongurup & Stirling Range hikes and Mount Barker winery tastings - Kalgan River walk, Fish Traps and Two People’s Bay picnic - Optional Bremer Canyon Killer Whale expedition (extra cost) - Maria Island cycling, wombat spotting - Freycinet National Park: Wineglass Bay lookout, picnic and swim; optional scenic flight - Fitzgerald River National Park botany and coastal walking - Esperance: Cape Le Grand, Twilight Beach, Frenchman Peak - Goldfields: Norseman, Kalgoorlie Super Pit, Hannans North mine and heritage Hannan Street - Wave Rock, Hippos Yawn, Mulka’s Cave, salt lakes and wildlife in Hyden - Tin Horse Highway, York heritage, The Pinnacles and “sand therapy” at sunset - Lancelin sandboarding and coastal relaxation - Kings Park and final celebratory dinner in Perth - Includes: - Twin share accommodation only - Meals as specified (B-L-D), local wine with dinner - All transportation during the tour - National Park Fees - Experienced local hosts/guides - All listed activities and entry fees unless marked “optional” (park entry, sculpture drives, Tree Top Walk, winery visits/tastings as specified) - Rottnest Island ferry (Wadjemup) and local bicycle hire where indicated - Surf lesson, truffle hunt, sandboarding and other included activity equipment - Picnic/packed lunches on designated days - Selected tastings and local producer visits noted in the itinerary - Logistics throughout - National Park fees - Not included: - International/domestic flights to/from Perth/Albany - Travel insurance (mandatory) - Personal expenses/drinks beyond those specified (other than wine with dinners) - Optional excursions and upgrades (Bremer Canyon Orca Whale excursion, scenic flights) - Any permits or fees for optional privately arranged activities not listed in the itinerary ### Quintessential Queensland: Maleny to Cooktown (Coastal Route) - Page: https://oncewerewild.com/tours/quintessential-queensland-small-group-womens-tours - Region: South East to North Queensland - Nights: 15 nights - Dates: From Sunday 30th May, 2027 to Tuesday 15th June, 2027 - Price from: $9,600 all inclusive - Price unit: - Note: $9,600 all inclusive - Summary: Embark on the ultimate Queensland odyssey as we journey over 1,600 kilometers from the lush hinterlands of the Sunshine Coast to the historic frontier of Cooktown. This spectacular expedition bridges the gap between the vibrant South East and the untouched wild of Far North Queensland. Along the way, you will witness the dramatic transition from sub-tropical beaches to ancient tropical rainforests and the rugged outback. - Highlights: - Walk the stepping stones of the Paperbark Forest Boardwalk - Cross tidal creeks on a full-day amphibious LARC! Paradise Tour - Sunrise Wallabies (Cape Hillsborough) - Walk among wild wallabies foraging on the beach at dawn - Beautiful Whitsundays base - Pristine national park trail hikes - Peak Winter Reef Diving (Cairns/Port Douglas): Experience the Great Barrier Reef with June's crystal-clear visibility and no marine stingers. - Scientist-Led Jungle Trek (Cape Tribulation) - Explore off-limits, old-growth Daintree rainforest with a local expert - Includes: - Comfortable accommodation (twin-share) - All tours listed in the itinerary/entry fees to listed tours and activities - Expert Female Driver/Guides: Two dedicated, professional female guides who handle all the logistics, driving, and route management. - Intimate Women-Only Convoy: Guided travel in a tight-knit group of just 6–8 women, fostering real connection and lifelong friendships. - Boutique Twin-Share Accommodation: 15 nights in handpicked, comfortable twin-share cabins, spacious mainland villas, and beachside retreats. - Fresh, healthy meals prepared by your guides at our accommodation bases, alongside custom trek-ready packed lunches, and wine with dinner. - Restaurant meals where mentioned - Full-Day Amphibious LARC Tour - A premium full-day catamaran cruise to the iconic Whitehaven Beach and the Hill Inlet Lookout track. - Outer Great Barrier Reef Expedition - Private Scientist-Led Daintree Rainforest Trek - Kuku Yalanji Cultural Experience - National Park Entry Fees: All permits, vehicle access passes, and entry fees for our scheduled hikes and conservation zones. - Not included: - Airfares to the tour starting point or return flights from Cooktown/Cairns and beyond at the conclusion of the trip. - Personal expenses: Souvenirs, laundry services, snacks, and items of a personal nature. - Optional activities not listed in the itinerary - Optional Scuba Diving Upgrades: Optional upgrades from snorkeling to certified or introductory scuba diving while out on the Great Barrier Reef cruise. - Travel Insurance: Comprehensive travel and medical insurance (mandatory for all participants). ### Quintessential Queensland: Cooktown to Maleny (Inland Route) - Page: https://oncewerewild.com/tours/quintessential-queensland-cooktown-to-maleny-the-inland-route - Region: South East to North Queensland - Nights: 15 nights - Dates: Thursday June 17, 2027 to Friday 2nd July, 2027 - Price from: $9,100 all inclusive - Price unit: - Note: $9,100 all inclusive - Summary: Join us on this unforgettable women's only outback Australia journey. Reconnect with your adventurous spirit on this 15-night slow-travel tour from Cooktown to Maleny. Enjoy premium hiking in Carnarvon Gorge, ancient Undara lava tubes, the magnificent Porcupine Gorge National Park and comfortable, short driving blocks. - Highlights: - Atherton Tablelands iconic Waterfall Circuit, a world-famous scenic loop that includes Millaa Millaa Falls, Zillie Falls, and Ellinjaa Falls. - Lake Eacham - a massive, crystal-clear volcanic crater lake bordered by dense rainforest. - Guided Undara Lava Tubes Tour: A small-group tour led by a Savannah Guide into the prehistoric underground volcanic systems. - Porcupine Gorge Pyramid Track: a 2.4km return hike that descends 120 metres through 500 million years of geological history. After admiring the isolated monolith of multi-coloured sandstone rising from the canyon floor, we'll find a spot to enjoy lunch and a refreshing swim in this outback oasis. The gorge floor is famous for its permanent, deep waterholes and tranquil rock pools. - Venus Gold Battery Experience: Authentic gold panning and entry to the oldest surviving gold processing battery in Queensland. - Carnarvon Gorge Guided Trail Walks: Expertly co-led treks through the main gorge tracks, including the Moss Garden and indigenous art sites. - Includes: - Comfortable accommodation (twin-share) - All tours listed in the itinerary/entry fees to listed tours and activities - Two dedicated, professional female guides who handle all the logistics, driving, and route management - Guided travel in a tight-knit group of just 6–8 women, fostering real connection and lifelong friendships - Fresh, healthy meals prepared by your guides at our accommodation bases, alongside custom trek-ready packed lunches - Restaurant meals where specified - Guided Undara Lava Tubes Tour - Venus Gold Battery Experience - Carnarvon Gorge Guided Trail Walks - All National Park fees and entry to listed activities - Not included: - Airfares to the tour starting point or return flights from Cooktown/Cairns and beyond at the conclusion of the trip - Personal expenses: Souvenirs, laundry services, snacks, and items of a personal nature - Optional activities not listed in the itinerary - Travel Insurance: Comprehensive travel and medical insurance (mandatory for all participants) ### Custom Tours - Page: https://oncewerewild.com/tours/custom-tours - Region: Designed around your people - Nights: Tailored - Dates: By arrangement - Price from: Enquire - Price unit: bespoke quotation - Note: Custom small group Australian journeys, minimum 7 nights - Summary: Step out of the noise and into the rainforest, or beyond. Tell us about your guest profile and dream holiday. - Includes: - Fully hosted, seamless planning - Custom itinerary from scratch - Private group, families or teams - Maleny corporate rainforest retreats - Celebrations and milestone journeys - Flexible dates and group sizes - Not included: - International and domestic airfares - Travel insurance - Visa fees (if applicable) - Personal expenses - Optional activities not listed in the itinerary ## Journal (blog) ### Europe's sweltering heat. - Page: https://oncewerewild.com/blog/europes-sweltering-heat - Published: 2026-06-28 - Summary: Surviving the European Heatwave: Our Nudist Beach Escape in Slovenia The summer heatwave sweeping across Europe has been absolutely insane. With temperatures soaring, just walking outside felt like stepping into an oven. We desperately needed a way to cool down, so we took a detour and found the ultimate, uninhibited relief at a stunning nudist beach in Slovenia. ### Ningaloo Reef Bucket-List Majestic Encounters - Page: https://oncewerewild.com/blog/ningaloo-reef-bucket-list-majestic-encounters - Published: 2026-06-15 - Summary: Swimming alongside a massive, gentle whale shark is a core bucket-list experience that changes how you view the ocean forever. Western Australia's Ningaloo Reef is one of the few places on Earth where these gentle giants gather reliably close to shore. ## Manifesto **There is a version of you who has been waiting.** She has earned every grey hair, every passport stamp, every hard won lesson. She is ready to move. We design personal, unprocessed and unrushed journeys that invite you to rediscover your inner wild. Grounded in connection and shaped by untamed roads and shared tables, we turn a lifetime of lived travel into your next unforgettable story. We do not do tourist tracks or checkbox travel. We curate intimate, small group journeys for women ready to step out of their comfort zones and dive into the world. ## How we travel ### Small Group Journeys Carefully curated adventures for women who want depth over distance, and meaning over mere sightseeing. ### Maleny Retreats Nestled in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, our Maleny retreats are spaces to breathe, to create, and to return to yourself. ### Custom Tours Your team, your story, your experience. We build journeys from scratch around what matters to your people.