Kimberley & West Coast Wonders

Transcription

1 Relax Escape Experience Kimberley & West Coast Wonders 25 Days Thursday 23 August to Sunday 16 September 2018 Shop L10 The Link Correspondence to Grafton Shoppingworld PO Box 384, South Grafton NSW 2460 T enquiries@northlandcoaches.com.au F

2 TOUR COST DARWIN El Questro Price per person twin share. Katherine Derby Kununurra Halls Creek Broome Fitzroy Port Headland Crossing Karratha Travel Club Members Non Members Exmouth Karijini NationCarnarvon Monkey Mia Kalbarri Single Supplement BRISBANE $10,380 $2, Deposit of $ at the time of booking. Grafton Cervantes $9, Progress Payment By 24 May 2018 ~ $3, PERTH Balance due on or before 5 July Itinerary subject to change without notice. Cancellation provisions will apply please contact our office for full details. Minimum numbers will apply to this tour. Payments can be paid by Cash, Cheque, Money Order or Eftpos. Credit card facilities are also available as is direct deposit. Tour Inclusions Coach Transfer to Brisbane Airport Flight Brisbane to Darwin 24 nights quality accommodation a combination of Hotel & Safari Style Tents Museum & Art Gallery of the Northern Territory Sunset Cruise, Darwin Adelaide River War Cemetery Lunch at Lazy Lizard Tavern, Pine Creek Nabilil Dreaming Sunset Dinner Cruise, Katherine Lunch at the Victoria River Roadhouse Lunch at Lake Argyle Ord River Cruise, Lake Argyle to Kununurra 5 Rivers Lookout, Wyndham Chamberlain Gorge Cruise, El Questro Argyle Diamond Mine Tour and Lunch Geikie Gorge Cruise, Fitzroy Crossing Boab Prison Tree, Derby Lunch at Derby Boab Inn Entry to Pearl Luggers, Broome Dinner at Zanders Restaurant, Cable Beach Hamersley Mine Tour, Tom Price Ningaloo Reef Cruise, Coral Bay Space & Technology Museum, Carnarvon Lunch and tour at Telegraph Station, Hamelin Pool Monkey Mia Lunch at Rainbow Jungle, Kalbarri HMAS Sydney Memorial, Geraldton Tour of The Pinnacles, Nambung National Park Tour of New Norcia Museum & Art Gallery, New Norcia Lunch at the New Norcia Hotel Swan River Cruise to Fremantle Flight Perth to Brisbane Coach Transfer to Grafton Entry to attractions as set out in itinerary Luxury five star coach travel Professional and caring Coach Crew Meals as indicated in itinerary 23 breakfasts 23 dinners (B) breakfast, (L) lunch, (D) dinner You may wish to continue on our West to East Nullarbor Tour and travel from Perth back to Grafton. This will be a total of 42 days. Please contact our office for further details.

3 Day 1 Thursday 23 August Home to Darwin D Welcome to our fantastic tour to The Magnificent Kimberley's and the Wonderful West Coast. After our pickups are complete we travel to Brisbane Airport. We check in for our flight to Darwin and then you will have time to have a cuppa before you depart. On arrival in Darwin Airport you will be welcomed by your Northland Coach & Travel driver and transferred to our accommodation for two nights. Accommodation:- Oaks Elan, Darwin Day 2 Friday 24 August Darwin B D Today we take in the sights of Darwin. The present city centre was established in 1869 and contains many of its remaining historic buildings such as the Old Court House and Government House. We see Parliament House built on the site of the Darwin Post Office bombed during the war, the port area plus the many other fascinating sights of Australia s northern gateway. Their culture and history is vividly represented at The Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory which we visit next. There are many impressive displays of natural history, both ancient and contemporary Aboriginal art and a Maritime Museum. Particularly popular is the unsettling Cyclone Tracy exhibition. This evening we transfer to Cullen Bay Marina to board our boat for dinner whilst watching the sun set. Accommodation:- Oaks Elan, Darwin Day 3 Saturday 25 August Darwin to Katherine B L D We say farewell to Darwin and head to Adelaide River where we visit the Adelaide River War Cemetery. Adelaide River is the site of the only Australian War Cemetery on Australian soil. There are 432 servicemen and 63 civilians, all of whom died as a result of Japanese bombing raids, buried in the cemetery. From here, we continue onto Pine Creek where we stop for lunch at the Lazy Lizard Tavern. This afternoon we arrive into Katherine and check into our accommodation. Tonight we cruise through Katherine Gorge in style as we join the Nabilil Dreaming Sunset Cruise. Relax as we float through the tranquil surroundings and experience the spectacular beauty of the gorge by candlelight whilst enjoying a delicious smorgasbord dinner. Accommodation:- Knotts Crossing Resort, Katherine Day 4 Sunday 26 August Katherine to Kununurra B L D Today we head west to our destination of Kununurra. From Katherine we travel the Victoria Highway across Savannah Plains that rise to sandstone escarpments peppered with ancient Boab trees in the Gregory National Park. This park covers 12,500 square kilometres and is in a transitional zone between tropical and semi-arid regions. We stop for lunch at the Victoria River Roadhouse located within the park beside the Victoria River. This afternoon we travel through Timber Creek and past the historic Bullo Station made famous by author Sara Henderson. We cross the border into Western Australia and turn our clocks back 90 minutes. Arriving in Kununurra, the gateway to the Kimberly we check in to our hotel for the next two nights. Accommodation:- Kununurra Lakeside Resort, Kununurra Day 5 Monday 27 August Kununarra B L D This morning we have time for optional flights over Purnululu National Park ex Kununurra (early morning is the best time to fly over the Bungle Bungles). For those not wanting to fly, this is the perfect opportunity for a sleepin! After a slightly later breakfast, we take a tour of Kununurra. The town was established as the residential and administrative centre of the Ord River Scheme - a huge irrigation scheme that was developed in the 1970s. Our sightseeing will include the town centre, the Diversion Dam, Ivanhoe Crossing and the vast farming land under irrigation producing melons, mangoes and until recently, sugar cane. Farmers are now turning to a more lucrative (though longer term) crop of Indian sandalwood. We finish our town tour and head to Lake Argyle for lunch. One of the many highlights of our tour to the Kimberley's will be our cruise this afternoon from below the massive wall of Lake Argyle into Lake Kununurra, 55 kilometres downstream. The Ord River Scheme was a progressive move to develop the tropical north of Western Australia. During the wet the rivers become raging torrents and the Ord River can empty 50 million litres a second into the Cambridge Gulf! Accommodation:- Kununurra Lakeside Resort, Kununurra

4 Day 6 Tuesday 28 August Kununurra to El Questro B L D We head north to Wyndham, a small frontier town that typifies the character of the Kimberley, established near the tidal waters of the Cambridge Gulf. Many people say the 5 Rivers Lookout from the top of the Bastion overlooking Wyndham is one of the finest in Australia! Today s destination is El Questro Station - a million acre cattle station and wilderness park. On arrival we enjoy an early lunch before a cruise through Chamberlain Gorge. Hidden within the fiery red of El Questro's Cockburn Range, lies the spectacular Emma Gorge Resort which is our home for tonight. Nestled between palms and pandanus, gravel paths link the Tented Cabins, Restaurants, Bar, Reception and Gorge. A large swimming pool and lounge area shaded by native trees and landscaped gardens lies on the banks of Emma Creek. Time this afternoon to enjoy the resort and it surrounds. Accommodation:- Emma Gorge Resort, El Questro Day 7 Wednesday 29 August El Questro to Halls Creek B L D Departing El Questro, we travel south to the Argyle Diamond Mine where we meet a guide for a tour of the mine. It is one of the world's largest supplier of diamonds and the world's largest supplier of natural coloured diamonds. It is Australia's only major diamond producer, producing the extremely rare and valuable pink diamonds, as well as fine whites and intriguing champagne and cognac diamonds. After the mine tour we enjoy a buffet lunch in the Miners Mess within the site. Then we continue south to Halls Creek located on the edge of the Great Sandy Desert and the Tanami Desert. Accommodation:- Kimberley Hotel, Halls Creek Day 8 Thursday 30 August Halls Creek to Fitzroy Crossing B L D This morning, we continue west through the magnificent red mountain scenery of the Kimberley to Fitzroy Crossing. On arrival we enjoy lunch at the Fitzroy Crossing Lodge. This afternoon we travel out to nearby Geikie Gorge where we take a cruise through this spectacular landscape famed for its sheer white and grey walls. The Fitzroy River has carved its path through the fossil "Barrier Reef" formed 300 million years ago, resulting in mountainous cliffs and breathtaking scenery. Accommodation:- Fitzroy River Lodge, Fitzroy Crossing Day 9 Friday 31 August Fitzroy Crossing to Broome B L D Our destination today is Broome but on the way we have a little detour to Derby. We see the famous Boab Prison tree which was used in the early days as an overnight lock up for prisoners before the final trek into Derby. Nearby is a water trough at 120m long and 1.2m wide, locals claim it is the biggest water trough in the southern hemisphere. In Derby we have a drive around and see the unique wharf. The tides here are Australia s highest at 11 metres and the second highest in the southern hemisphere. We enjoy our lunch today at the Derby Boab Inn. This afternoon we travel into Broome situated on the coast at the southern tip of the Kimberley region. It is bounded by wide sandy beaches and turquoise water and enjoys a warm climate with plenty of sunshine. The discovery of rich pearling grounds off the coast in the 1880 s led to the foundation of Broome Township in Accommodation:- Oaks Cable Beach Sanctuary, Broome Day 10 Saturday 1 September Broome B D We take a sightseeing tour of Broome this morning. We ll see the red rocks of Gantheaume Point, the port area and we will take time to wander through the Japanese Cemetery. The cemetery dates back to the very early pearling days and bears witness to the close ties Japan established with Broome in the early 20th century. We then head to Chinatown and the fascinating attraction, Pearl Luggers. It s often said that Broome s pearling industry is as rich in culture as it is in pearls. We ll be taken through an exciting array of pearling equipment with memorabilia from actual hard hat diving suits to the hand powered pumps. The rest of the day is free to do as we please wander around Chinatown & see The Sun Pictures building, the open air theatre owned by the Yamsaki family, perhaps some pearl shopping or just soak up the atmosphere of this town. Late afternoon, we ll drive out to the famous Cable Beach where we have dinner. We arrive just before sunset for a unique photo opportunity. Accommodation:- Oaks Cable Beach Sanctuary, Broome

5 Day 11 Sunday 2 September Broome B D Today we have the full day at leisure. You may want to further explore the area with a pearl farm tour or maybe something different! A Hovercraft tour? What about a camel ride along Cable Beach or simply relax with a good book around the pool. Whatever you choose to do the day is yours. Accommodation:- Oaks Cable Beach Sanctuary, Broome Day 12 Monday 3 September Broome to Port Headland B L D We farewell Broome today and head south on the Great Northern Highway travelling through some of the most sparsely populated and remote areas of Australia as we skirt the Great Sandy Desert to the east and Eighty Mile Beach to the west. We ll deviate from the Highway to view Eighty Mile Beach near Wallal Downs Station and stop enroute for our picnic lunches. From here we travel to Pardoo Roadhouse for an afternoon stop and then onto Port Hedland. Port Hedland today operates one of the world's largest tonnage ports, handling over 100 million tonnes of product worth over $3 billion a year. The main industries which define Port Hedland are iron ore processing and export, salt production and exporting manganese, other minerals and livestock. Accommodation:- Hospitality Inn, Port Headland Day 13 Tuesday 4 September Port Headland to Karijini B L D After breakfast we have a look at the huge mining/port operation. We now head east on the Great Northern Highway into the Pilbara. We stop enroute at the Auski Roadhouse before turning off and into the Hamersley Ranges and the Karijini National Park. We travel into the park and stop to see Fortescue Falls at Dales Gorge before making our way to our accommodation for the next two nights. Karijini Eco Retreat is an environmentally friendly retreat and campground, nestled in the pristine bushland at Joffre Gorge - in the heart of the world class Karijini National Park. The Eco Tents are a comfortable natural "Glamping" experience with private ensuite bathrooms. This is a true eco-experience, so please bring a torch. Accommodation:- Karijini Eco Retreat, Karijini National Park Day 14 Wednesday 5 September Tom Price B D This morning we drive to Tom Price where we have arranged to join Lestok Tours for the Hamersley Mine Tour. It will be compulsory to wear the supplied hard hats and goggles and have enclosed shoes. The tour will give us a good understanding of the magnitude of the operations. We ll see the Haul Truck workshop area, the main pit area, working trucks, shovels and drills, the crushing and screening plants and the train load out area. Following the tour we ll have time to purchase lunch back in town. This afternoon we explore a little more of this amazing National Park with a stop at Oxer Gorge Lookout. Accommodation:- Karijini Eco Retreat, Karijini National Park Day 15 Thursday 6 September Karijini to Karratha B L D We leave Karijini today and make our way through the stunning Millstream-Chichester National Park, covering an area of approximately 200,000 hectares around the Fortescue River. We make our way into Karratha established in 1968 to accommodate the processing and exportation workforce of the Hamersley Iron mining company and, in the 1980s, the petroleum and liquefied natural gas operations of the North West Shelf Venture. With nearby Dampier the major port in the north west and of note today is the statue of the famous Red Dog. Accommodation:- Karratha International Hotel, Karratha Day 16 Friday 7 September Karratha to Exmouth B L D This morning we make our way south west towards the North West Cape. As we travel along the North West Coastal Highway we have Ningaloo Reef running along the coast to our right where we are headed. We pass Giralia Station a large (265,000 hectare) and very isolated farm which runs approximately 25,000 sheep, before arriving into Exmouth. This remote but fascinating area of Western Australia is famous for its annual fishing competition and is also the location of a jointly operated Australian/USA Naval Communication Station. Accommodation:- Potshot Motel, Exmouth

6 Day 17 Saturday 8 September Exmouth to Carnarvon B D Following breakfast we head south towards Coral Bay where we join our coral viewing vessel for a cruise around the Ningaloo Marine Park, with its remarkable reef. Although the Ningaloo Reef is not as well-known as the Great Barrier Reef off the Queensland coast, it is just as spectacular. It is also very accessible. In some places it can be viewed literally metres from the shore! Whilst on board the knowledgeable crew gives an informative talk about the many things you re seeing under the glass. After cruising, we have a little time in this very relaxing town to purchase lunch. Time now to leave the North West Cape and travel to Carnarvon for our overnight stop. Accommodation:- Carnarvon Motel, Carnarvon Day 18 Sunday 9 September Carnarvon to Monkey Mia B L D This morning we visit the Carnarvon Space and Technology Museum. It s here we will learn about Carnarvon s part it played in the space race. From here we continue south on the North West Coastal Highway. We ll stop at Hamelin Pool to see a colony of Stromatolites (fossil micro-organisms) that date back to the beginning of life on earth. We enjoy our lunch at the Telegraph Station then make our way to Shell Beach where countless tiny white shells have formed this amazing beach, which stretches for 60 kilometres. Some deposits are as much as ten metres deep. We then make our way through Denham to Monkey Mia. Accommodation:- Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort, Monkey Mia Day 19 Monday 10 September Monkey Mia to Kalbarri B L D After breakfast this morning we take to the beach to wait for the dolphins. With any luck, the famous dolphins will visit this morning and we can learn all about them by visiting the Information Centre located on the beach front at Monkey Mia. From here we head back towards the highway and enjoy our lunch at the Overlander Roadhouse, then south to Kalbarri. This coastal town is located at the mouth of the Murchison River and is encircled by two distinctly different landscapes. East of town are inland river gorges with rock formations as old as 400 million years and to the south towering ocean cliffs plummeting to the waves below. Accommodation:- The Edge Resort, Kalbarri Day 20 Tuesday 11 September Kalbarri B L D Our local touring today takes in the Kalbarri National Park. We stop at Hawks Head where we get good views of the Murchison River and one of the gorges. Have your camera ready as we see Nature s Window, a natural rock arch which frames the river view perfectly! Back in town we make our way to Rainbow Jungle; The Flamin Galah Café is our lunch venue. Rainbow Jungle is considered to be Australia s most beautiful parrot habitat. It contains the largest parrot free flight aviary in the country. It also has the biggest flock of Purple Crowned Lorikeets in the world. Wander through the centre along paved brick pathways, through landscaped tropical gardens, past waterfalls, fountains, stained glass windows, gargoyles and lily ponds. There s time this afternoon for a walk along the beach if anyone wishes to stretch their legs. Accommodation:- The Edge Resort, Kalbarri Day 21 Wednesday 12 September Kalbarri to Cervantes B D We have an early start this morning, taking the coastal road south, stopping for magnificent views along the cliffs before rejoining the highway. On our arrival in Geraldton, we take a look at the local sights including the port area and the HMAS Sydney Memorial before stopping for an early lunch break. Early afternoon, we continue south through Dongara stopping briefly for a photo opportunity of the Greenough Trees - this area is characterised by river red gums which have given up defying the prevailing winds and bent themselves almost parallel to the earth in an attempt to escape the salt and the wind blowing off the Indian Ocean. The whole area does lie in the lee of a range of sand dunes which protect it from the worst of these winds. From here, we travel along the coast to the town of Cervantes. Cervantes is the access point to the truly remarkable Nambung National Park. This afternoon, we visit the Park - home to Western Australia s Pinnacles. Like a moon scene, strange looking limestone pillars, some 2 metres tall. We then return to Cervantes for dinner and our overnight accommodation. Accommodation:- Cervantes Pinnacles Motel

7 Day 22 Thursday 13 September Cervantes to Perth B L D Today we head across to the interesting town of New Norcia. New Norcia is Australia s only monastic town and has a unique heritage. Founded in 1847 by Spanish Benedictine Monks, the town has had many purposes; a mission, a monastery, a provider of education and now as a place of spiritual retreat. We delve into the town's unique history, discover the ongoing and completed work necessary for the upkeep and restoration of this special part of Australia. But it is not only the majestic buildings set amongst the Australian bush that sets New Norcia apart; its history is also encapsulated in the archival records of New Norcia and in the library and museum collections. We enjoy a tour of the town and a visit to the amazing Museum & Art Gallery. After our tour we enjoy lunch in the New Norcia Hotel. This afternoon we make our way to Western Australia's capital, Perth. Accommodation:- Pan Pacific, Perth Day 23 Friday 14 September Perth B D Following breakfast we embark on a sightseeing tour of Perth and discover the unique charm of the City, featuring the main city block with its unusual combination of skyscrapers and colonial architecture, including Parliament House, St Mary's Cathedral, Government House, Barrack Arch, London Court and the Perth Mint. We then head to the parklands and the spectacular views over the city and river from Kings Park. Hopefully we may see some wildflowers! There will be time for a short walk through the tree tops along Federation Walkway before we join Captain Cook Cruises for a cruise down the Swan River to Fremantle. Our coach will meet us at Freo. We will spend some time in the historic port area before travelling back to Perth via the coastal road. Accommodation:- Pan Pacific, Perth Day 24 Saturday 15 September Perth B D After all of our driving and touring, today is yours to enjoy. Take a ferry to Rottnest Island and get your photo with one of the locals, a Quokka. Or cruise up the Swan river to sample West Australian Wine In the Swan Valley. Maybe just see the sights in the city like the gold pour demonstration at The Perth Mint or visit Barrack Square to see The Bell Tower or maybe a Chocolate Walking Tour around the city. For those who are joining the tour today, welcome and we will meet up with you tonight at dinner in the hotel. Accommodation:- Pan Pacific, Perth Day 25 Sunday 16 September Perth to Home B Sadly, our holiday has come to an end for some. We say goodbyes and for those leaving the tour today the transfer to the airport has been arranged. On arrival back on the east coast you will be meet by a Northland Coach & Travel driver and coach to transfer back to your home town. For everyone else the adventure continues. You may wish to continue on our West to East Nullarbor Tour and travel from Perth back to Grafton. This will be a total of 42 days. Please contact our office for further details.

8 Terms & Conditions of Travel Acceptance of Terms & Conditions It is understood by Northland Coach & Travel that the terms and conditions of travel are accepted by the passenger when the deposit is paid. Payments, Cancellations and Refunds Bookings can be made by completing the booking form and a deposit per person is required within 7 days of booking to confirm your seat. All balance payments must be received by Northland Coach & Travel within the date specified prior to the tour commencement. Payments are available to be made by cash, cheque, eftpos and direct deposit. Northland Coach & Travel also reserves the right to cancel this tour due to insufficient numbers and in this instance a substitute date will be offered or a full refund will be made available. Cancellation Policy The following fees apply according to the notice given:- 60 days or more prior to the commencement of the tour forfeit deposit paid days prior to commencement of tour 20% of total fare to be paid days prior to commencement of tour 40% of total fare to be paid 13 8 days prior to commencement of tour 50% of total fare to be paid 7 days or less no refund payable. Where a non refundable ticket is pre purchased this will be in addition to the cancellation fee. If the tour has already commenced, no refund of fare or unused portion of the tour can be given. Travel Insurance Travel insurance is not included in this tour. We strongly recommended that you take out fully comprehensive travel insurance. We can help with travel insurance or contact your local Insurance Agent to discuss options available to you. Tour Prices Tour prices are correct at time of printing but subject to change without notice for unforseen circumstances such as higher hotel rates and fuel prices. All prices quoted include GST. Tour price excludes drinks, telephone calls, travel insurance or items of a personal nature. General Conditions Seats cannot be reserved on tours. However it is a policy of Northland Coach & Travel that passengers will rotate seats daily so that all passengers enjoy front and window seats. Should you require a single seat on this tour, you will be required to pay the coach content of the additional seat. Luggage Restrictions Due to strict government vehicle weight restrictions, one medium size suitcase per person. Maximum weight of all luggage not to exceed 20kg. We suggest you have a suitcase with wheels for easy of manoeuvrability. In addition, one piece of hand luggage may be carried onboard the coach with your personal items. Special Dietary Requirements Special meal requests must be advised at the time of booking. All efforts are made to accommodate special dietary requirements, like vegetarian and coeliac meals however in some locations this cannot be guaranteed. Single Supplement & Travelling Alone A limited number of single supplements rooms are available on each tour (the additional cost for sole use of a room). Where a single passenger is willing to share accommodation with a fellow single passenger, will endeavour to find a compatible rooming companion of the same gender for you. If we are unable to do this, then the passenger will be treated as a single and the supplement must be paid. Accommodation is on a twin share basis and Northland Coach & Travel accepts no responsibility for the rooming partner. Special Needs It is essential you advise us of any mobility, medical conditions or special needs you may have at the time of booking so that we can ensure your needs are met as best as possible. Passengers requiring special assistance are welcome onboard provided they are accompanied by an able-bodied companion capable of providing all necessary assistance and do not require special assistance from Northland Coach & Travel personnel or anyone else on the tour. Smoking & Alcohol Government regulations prohibit the consumption of alcohol on board Coaches. Smoking is also not permitted. Smokers will find that frequent stops made for sight-seeing provide the ideal opportunity to smoke. Liability Northland Coach & Travel reserves the right to alter or change the itinerary, accommodation or carriers at any time for any reason. Northland Coach & Travel reserves the right to substitute coaches at any time when circumstances may require so, without prior notice. Northland Coach & Travel shall not be liable to any person taking its tour for loss, injury or damage to such persons or their belongings or otherwise in connection with any accommodation, transportation or other services or resulting directly or indirectly for any occurrences beyond its control including breakdown of equipment, theft, delay or cancellation or changes in itinerary or schedules etc.

9 Tour Booking Form PLEASE RESERVE THE FOLLOWING PERSONS ON Tour Name: Kimberley & West Coast Wonders Departure Date: 23 August 2018 GIVEN NAME:.. SURNAME: Please print your name as per your Photo ID Preferred name on tour:... GIVEN NAME:.. SURNAME:. Please print your name as per your Photo ID Preferred name on tour:.... ADDRESS: PHONE: (Home).. (Mobile) ACCOMMODATION Type Double Twin Single (extra to be paid for single supplement) If sharing with someone (Name):.... Are you a Northland Travel Club Member? Yes/No Medical Dietary Requirements:.... In the event of an emergency please provide us with your Next of Kin details. NAME:.. PHONE:... PAYMENT: Enclosed is my Deposit / Full Payment of $... FOR.. PERSONS Cheques to be made payable to Northland Coach & Travel On behalf of all persons named, I/We have read, understand and agree to abide by the booking conditions. SIGNATURE:. DATE:. Please complete this form and post with your deposit to Northland Coach & Travel PO Box 384 South Grafton NSW 2460 Shop L10 The Link, Grafton Shoppingworld Tel: Fax: enquiries@northlandcoaches.com.au