Question: When do the programmes start and end?
Answer: All programmes start on a Sunday and finish on a Thursday.

Question: When should I check in and check out?
Answer: Check in at 12:00 Noon for lunch at 12:30. Check out time is after lunch.

Question: What do I need to bring?
Answer:  Medications and essential supplements. Medicare card and, if applicable, pension or health care card. Bath robe. Swim suit for steam room. Comfortable walking shoes. Slippers. Torch. Casual clothes for health centre.

Question: What are the dates of your programmes?
Answer: Please see the table on the right:

Question: Will Highwood pick me up from Melbourne (Tullamarine) airport?
Answer: Yes, the cost is $60 one way.  We also pick up from Lilydale train station at a cost of $30 one way.

Question: Which airport should I fly in to?
Answer: Melbourne Tullarmarine. Avalon is much more expensive to pick up from - $120.

Question: Can I claim back any money from my health insurance fund for my stay at Highwood?
Answer: Usually not because we are not a hospital. However, it is worth checking if your fund covers you for any "preventive health" or "natural therapy" treatments.

Question: Does Highwood have qualified counsellors?
Answer: Dr. Bird has experience in counselling for many issues. We do not have a designated person whose job description and qualification is just counselling.

Question: Where is Highwood located?
Answer: We are 20 minutes East of Healesville or 40 minutes East of Lilydale on the Maroondah Highway (Victoria, Australia). Drive through Healesville and the "Black Spur". When you get out of the Black Spur look for our sign on the left of the Highway. If you get to the turnoff to Marysville, you have gone too far.

Question: Can I bring my children?
Answer: Children of guests cannot be catered for at Highwood (even though we love children). This is mainly to do with safety and accommodation issues and the need to control noise.

Question: Can I bring a carer?
Answer: Yes.

Question: Can I come for times other than the 4, 11 and 18 day programmes.
Answer: Yes, guests can book in for programmes of other lengths and will be charged on a pro rata basis. However, we encourage guests to come at the start of the 18 day programme so they don't miss out on important orientation and lecture material. There is a progression in education during the programme and coming later may feel more like 'jumping in at the deep end'.

Question: Do you offer discounts?
Answer: Because we already offer a very substantial discount for pensioners and health care card holders, we do not offer any other discounts other than those advertised from time to time and mentioned on our pricing page. Persons who feel they can show evidence of special financial hardship can be considered on a case by case basis (ask to talk to the General Manager).

Question: What is the difference between the 4, 11, and 18-day programmes?
Answer: Medically speaking, most major benefits are seen after guests have been present for seven days. This is because during the first week there are detox reactions, adjustments to a healthier routine and withdrawal issues. This is the main difference. Also, the longer programmes get a much fuller lecture programme, covering a wider area of common health concerns.