|
Great Australian Aircruise - 12 Days
Highlights
• Cruise the mighty chasms of Katherine Gorge
• Photograph steely-eyed crocodiles in Kakadu
• Experience spectacular aerial sightseeing of the ancient Bungle Bungle Range, remote Mitchell Falls and Buccaneer Archipelago on Australia's far northwest coastline
• Watch the sun set on the Indian Ocean at Cable Beach, Broome
• In Kakadu National Park marvel at ancient rock art and cruise the Yellow Waters Lagoon
• Dine under the stars at Uluru
• Explore a collection of famed outback towns - Broome, Longreach, Darwin, Kununurra and Alice Springs
Day 1 - Sydney / Longreach
Leaving the city behind the journey begins in the heart of the outback at Longreach. A frontier township which centuries ago offered hope to the pioneers and drovers and still today embodies the true characters of the Australian outback. On arrival visit the acclaimed Stockman's Hall of Fame. Longreach is also the birthplace of Qantas. Visit the Qantas museum depicting its history constructed in one of the original hangars.
Accommodation: Albert Park Motel or Jumbuck Motel
Day 2 - Katherine
This morning visit the Champion family, who welcome you to the property and share their experiences in these harsh landscapes before reboarding the aircraft. The journey continues to the Northern Territory and the township of Katherine. This evening enjoy a delightful barbecue on the banks of the Katherine River in true Australian style.
Accommodation: Knotts Crossing Resort or similar
Day 3 - Katherine Gorge / Cooinda
Cruise two of the thirteen gorges that form Katherine Gorge. Join the aircraft this afternoon for a spectacular flight along the Arnhem Land escarpment to view the magnificent waterfalls and wildlife that make up this world heritage reserve. Cruise at sunset along the Yellow Waters Lagoon to view the incredible beauty and abundant wildlife of this remarkable World Heritage region.
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Gagadju Crocodile Hotel or similar
Day 4 - Kakadu / Darwin
Kakadu National Park is home to the most outstanding concentration of Aboriginal art and history in Australia. This morning, cruise the East Alligator River. Examine some of the finest examples of Aboriginal art at Ubirr Rock. Take a short flight this afternoon to Australia's most northern capital - Darwin.
Accommodation: Mantra on the Esplanade or similar
Day 5 - Darwin
Darwin's distance from the other major Australian capitals has enabled it to create a unique relaxed lifestyle of its own. Whilst not a large commercial centre its situation as the gateway to Asia means that its port facilities are enormously important to the rest of the country. Explore the tropical city of Darwin at your leisure. This evening enjoy a delightful suset cruise on Darwin Harbour.
Accommodation: Mantra on the Esplanade or similar
Day Six - Darwin / Kununurra
Departing Darwin this morning you will enjoy spectacular aerial sightseeing over Lake Argyle and the fascinating Bungle Bungle Range which is located in Purnululu National Park – look for the tiger-striped, beehive shaped domes. On arrival in Kununurra we embark on a boat ride up the Ord River, through the inspiring scenery of the Kimberley region. Our cruise continues to the impressive Dam Wall, which holds back the waters of Lake Argyle, capable of holding 23 times the volume of water of Sydney Harbour. We learn about the local industries and the fascinating irrigation systems of this area. After our cruise we visit the historic Argyle Homestead, home of the famous pioneering family, the Duracks.
Accommodation: Kununurra Country Club or similar
Day 7 - Kununurra / Broome
This morning our exclusive aircraft will once again provide spectacular views this time over the far northwest coastline and the Mitchell Plateau. This remote part of Australia is rarely seen because it is extremely difficult to access from the ground. Enjoy a birds-eye view of this remote and stunning area that so few get the privilege to see. Arriving at the historic pearling port of Broome, we explore this unique township. The architecture reflects the Asian cultures that were predominant here in the early 20th century. On completion of this fascinating tour you will be transferred to the renowned Cable Beach Club Resort, your accommodation for the next two nights.
Accommodation: Cable Beach Club Resort
Day 8 - Broome
Explore the township of Broome, established in the romantic days of the flourishing pearling industry at the turn of the century.
Accommodation: Cable Beach Club Resort or similar
Day 9 - Broome / Gibson Desert / Uluru
The private aircraft awaits to transport you across the country to the "Red Centre", the magnitude of this vast country is highlighted by the unending red desert plains that occupy most of Australia. These vast plains are only broken by the sight of the massive monolith - Uluru as it encroaches on the horizon. On landing you will be taken to the rock to hear your guides interpretation of the Aboriginal myths and legends that have surrounded this area for thousands of years. This evening a dining experience to surpass all others, firstly enjoy the visual spectacle as the sun set creates an ever changing array of colours on the rock, followed by a dining experience under the starlit southern skies.
Accommodation: Sails in the Desert
Day 10 - Kata Tjuta / Alice Springs
This morning there is the opportunity to view the rock at sunrise and undertake a relaxed walk around its base followed by a visit to Kata Tjuta (The Olgas), which are thirty-six conglomerate sandstone domes again steeped in Aboriginal folklore. Rejoining the aircraft, we head north to Alice Springs, probably the most famous of all Australian outback towns.
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Alice Springs
Day 11 - Macdonnell Ranges / Alice Springs
This morning we visit the institutions that have provided Alice Spings with its prominence over the years including the Royal Flying Doctor Service and the historic Telegraph Station which touches on the history of the lost generation.
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Alice Springs
Day 12 - Birdsville / Sydney
Today your private aircraft returns to Sydney, but not without landing first to visit Australia's most famed outback pub. Situated on the historic Birdsville Track, since 1885 the Birdsville Hotel has been a meeting point and customs station for all the drovers passing through. Sadly this will be a farewell drink at the end of a memorable adventure!
2011 Departure Schedule
Tour Code
(S)GA100
GA101
GA102
GA103
(S)GA104
GA105
GA106
GA107
GA108
(S)GA109
|
Departs: Sydney
04 May
18 May
01 June
15 June
29 June
13 July
27 August
10 August
24 August
07 September
|
Returns: Sydney
15 May
29 May
12 June
26 June
10 July
24 July
07 August
21 August
04 September
18 September
|
(S) Single travellers are not required to pay a single supplement on this journey. Single supplement cannot be taken in conjunction with any other offer.
Please enquire about our Early Bird Fares - Save $1000 per person if you book and pay in full by 15 November 2010. This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other. The offer is based on per person twin share. Cannot be used in conjunction with No Single Supplement offer.
|