HOLIDAY COAST TOURS DISCOVERING THE STUART HIGHWAY DARWIN - THE RED CENTRE PORT MACQUARIE

Transcription

1 DRAFT ITINERARY LEG 2 HOLIDAY COAST TOURS DISCOVERING THE STUART HIGHWAY DARWIN - THE RED CENTRE PORT MACQUARIE DAY 1: (D): PORT MACQUARIE TO DARWIN 2016 Welcome to our tour which will explore the Stuart Highway. The journey from Darwin to Port Augusta takes us through the tropical wonders of the north and into the desert of Central Australia. On our arrival into Darwin we are transferred to our hotel where we have time to freshen up and enjoy the hotel s facilities. Tonight, we ll meet up with the group which have been exploring the Kimberley and transfer to Cullen Bay for dinner at Seafood on Cullen whilst watching the sun set. For those of us who cannot eat seafood, alternative dishes are offered. Doubletree Hilton Esplanade, Darwin (or similar) Day 2 (BD): EXPLORING DARWIN 2016 Following a hearty breakfast, we spend the morning exploring Darwin with a tour of the city sights. The present city centre was established in 1869 and contains most of its remaining historic buildings such as the Old Court House and Government House. We see the new Parliament House built on the site of the Darwin Post Office bombed during World War II, and the many other fascinating sights of Australia s northern gateway. We also drive through Fannie Bay, popular with sailors, windsurfers and water skiers. This area is home to the Museum & Art Gallery of the Northern Territory and The Cyclone Tracy Gallery. A more unusual attraction in the area is the Fannie Bay Gaol, which operated from 1883 to 1979 and was one of Australia's toughest. We then have the afternoon free for shopping, personal sightseeing, or perhaps just relaxing by the pool. Late afternoon, we transfer to the marina to board the Spirit of Darwin for our dinner cruise we ll see the Darwin skyline from a totally different perspective and enjoy an interesting commentary. Back on dry land, we return to our hotel. LOCAL OP FOR TRANSFERS Doubletree Hilton Esplanade, Darwin (or similar) Day 03 (BLD): DARWIN TO KAKADU 2016 We have a great day of touring in store today. After breakfast we head south to join the Arnhem Highway our destination today is the Top End s most important asset the World Heritage Listed Kakadu National Park. Aborigines have inhabited the land for more than 50,000 years, leaving behind incredible galleries of rock art - more than 5000 sites of historical or cultural importance have been identified, though only a few are open to visitors. Add Kakadu's magnificent scenery, unique flora and fauna, and we have one of the world's greatest natural wonders. Our first stop is at Fogg Dam. The diverse habitat, said to have the greatest predator biomass known in the world, may be viewed from a number of boardwalks which we will meander along this morning. Our morning tea break will be at the Window on the Wetlands Visitor Centre which provides an overview of the wetlands. The centre stands on Beatrice Hill, one of the highest places on the Adelaide River floodplain. The top floor of the centre commands superb views across the floodplains. A highlight today will be the Jumping Croc Cruise on the Adelaide River for some close encounters with resident salt water crocodiles before lunch at the Bark Hut Inn. Our sightseeing this afternoon will include Ubirr Rock the site of one of the best and most accessible rock art galleries in the park. The Main Gallery is an easy 1km walk from the car park and contains examples of mouth sprayed hand stencils, hunters carrying spears and fish, birds and animals presented in x-ray style, revealing internal organs and bone structures. Our overnight accommodation is at Cooinda Lodge Gagadju Lodge Cooinda, Kakadu National Park DAY 4: (BLD): KAKADU TO KATHERINE 2016

2 One of the highlights of our tour will be this morning s Yellow Water Sunrise Cruise on the Yellow Waters Billabong. We should see a large number of birds and animals as we go along, and hopefully some crocodiles resting on the muddy banks. After the cruise we return to the Lodge for breakfast before checking out. As we depart Cooinda, we stop briefly at the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre then stop at Nourlangie Rock for a short walk and to view more examples of ancient aboriginal art. Leaving the park, our lunch venue is in Pine Creek, then we drive south to Katherine. We now have a few hours at leisure. Be sure to have an early night as we have a long travel day tomorrow! Knotts Crossing Resort, Katherine DAY 5: (BLD); KATHERINE TO TENNANT CREEK 2016 Another of the highlights of a tour to the Top End is a cruise of Nitmiluk or Katherine Gorge. The National Park is made up of 13 separate gorges of the extended system through which the Katherine River flows. Sheer walls of sandstone dotted with ancient Aboriginal rock art surround the crystal waters of the Katherine River where freshwater crocodiles can be seen along the banks with flowering orchids and lilies. The dominating cliffs of the gorge provide a perfect backdrop for the stories we will hear about the aboriginal legends relating to this remarkable area. Katherine Gorge is one of the Territory s most amazing natural attractions. Back on dry land we enjoy breakfast before continuing our journey south. The countryside begins to change dramatically as we leave the tropics behind us. but there are still some surprises in what appears to be a dry and harsh desert environment. We stop at Mataranka for our morning break, then push on to Daly Waters, famous for its pub and, in the 1930's its international airfield, Australia's first, where the fledgling Australian airline QANTAS stopped for refuelling. We enjoy a late lunch in the pub. This afternoon, we pass Newcastle Waters and Elliott before arriving at Tennant Creek for a slightly later dinner. Bluestone Motor Inn, Tennant Creek DAY 6 (BLD): TENNANT CREEK TO ALICE SPRINGS 2016 After our late night we have a more leisurely breakfast before we hit the road. We depart Tennant Creek and continue our journey south to Alice Springs. Our morning stop is at the Devils Marbles (steeped in aboriginal legend as the eggs of the sacred serpent). We enjoy a packed lunch at a suitable spot today, cross the Tropic of Capricorn before arriving in "the Alice. Lasseters Hotel & Casino Alice Springs DAY 7 (BLD): EXPLORING ALICE SPRINGS 2016 Today we have a good look around the Alice. We start with a visit to ANZAC Hill for panoramic views of the town and the surrounding area. Next is the Old Telegraph Station and the original Alice Springs. Returning to the centre of town we visit the Royal Flying Doctor Base for an interesting tour. Following Namatjira Drive we travel into the Western McDonnell Ranges, stopping at Simpsons Gap to stretch our legs. Our destination is Standley Chasm where we first enjoy lunch, followed by a stimulating walk into the chasm. Returning to our hotel, we have some time to relax before our evening out. Dinner tonight will be special. Just 15 minutes out of Alice is Earth Sanctuary a World Nature Centre at Quandong Homestead. Tonight we will enjoy a mouth watering bush BBQ with music and entertainment and experience the spirit of the outback through stories of the aboriginal dreamtime. We will even learn how to cook a swagman s damper! After dinner we can relax around the camp fire before heading back to the hotel Lasseters Hotel & Casino Alice Springs Day 8: (BLD): ALICE SPRINGS TO AYERS ROCK 2016 We say farewell to the Alice this morning and head south. Our morning tea break is at the Henbury Meteorite site and then onto Erldunda. Here we leave the Stuart Highway and head west on the Lasseter Highway travelling through the desert country, dotted with spinifex and desert oaks, Mt Connor will be on our left. This sandstone mesa is often confused as Ayers Rock. Our afternoon break is at Curtin Springs before the last leg of our journey into Yulara.

3 Outback Pioneer Hotel, Ayers Rock Resort DAY 9 (BD): ULURU & KATA TJUTA 2016 Following breakfast at the resort, we make our way to the Rock for a short walk along the base. At the Cultural Centre we can learn about Aboriginal perceptions of Ulurru, its powerful spiritual significance and how Anangu Traditional Owners and Ranges are looking after the Park together. There are many fine examples of Anangu art to see. You may like some statistics! Ayers Rock is located in the World Heritage Listed Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. It rises 348 metres from the desert floor and has a girth of 9.4km. It s the world s most famous monolith with at least two thirds of the Rock lying beneath the surface. We take a drive around the Rock, stopping for photo opportunities along the way. Lunch today is available from the hotel or you may wish to head into the shopping village at Yulara. This afternoon we visit the nearby Olgas, called by the Aboriginal people, Kata Tjuta or place of many domes. There are excellent views from an observation deck and time for a short walk before returning to Yulara. Prior to sunset we drive out to Sunset Strip to watch the changing colours on this magnificent monolith as the sun sets over the horizon. Uluru puts on a remarkable light show as it changes from red to orange to lilac in a matter of minutes. We enjoy this special experience before returning to the resort for a slightly later dinner. Outback Pioneer Hotel, Ayers Rock Resort Day 10: (BLD): AYERS ROCK TO COOBER PEDY 2016 Departing Yulara, we retrace our steps to Erldunda, then turn south. Our lunch is at Kulgera before we cross the border into South Australia. We travel through Marla and then onto Coober Pedy for our next two night s accommodation. First time visitors, in particular, will be fascinated by Coober Pedy. About 80 per cent of the population lives underground. The reason for this is that the temperature can rise to 50 C in summer and it has been known to rise to 60 C. Mud Hut Motel, Coober Pedy Day 11: (BD): COOBER PEDY 2016 Our touring this morning begins at the famous Old Timers Mine which offers visitors a window in to the opal mining of yesteryear with a self-guided tour through an original opal mine, hand dug in Precious opal still remains in the wall so that visitors can see opal in its natural state. The tour helps us relive the development of opal mining practices and appreciate the colourful past of Coober Pedy from a group of dishevelled tents to the modern mining town of today. The complex also incorporates a display dugout (underground home), a Museum, an extensive opal display and a demonstration of opal mining machines. We then commence our morning town tour. First is a visit to the Big Winch Lookout to get a sensational view of Coober Pedy. We then call at an underground church and see the Coober Pedy Golf Course (the only one in the world with reciprocal rights to Saint Andrews in Scotland!). We say farewell to our guide and have some free time to purchase lunch and do some more opal shopping! This afternoon, we are again joined by a guide for a tour to the stunning Breakaways, 34kms north from Coober Pedy. This area is a favourite location for film crews. Returning to the motel, we have time to freshen up for dinner. Mud Hut Motel, Coober Pedy Day 12: (BLD): COOBER PEDY TO WOOMERA 2016 Today we are back on the coach for our drive south through Glendambo to Pimba and Woomera. Woomera was once a closed defence town but is now open to the public. The nearby Woomera Rocket Range carried out 3,000 missile and rocket launches during its 30 years of operation. Since its beginning in 1947 undoubtedly the most ambitious and probably most expensive project was sponsored by the European Launcher Development Organisation, which amongst other things, was to place European communication satellites into orbit making Woomera a household name. Upon our arrival we enjoy lunch before visiting the Heritage Centre. This exhibition will give us a fascinating insight into the Woomera Rocket Range. This afternoon we settle into the ELDO Hotel and have time to relax. ELDO Hotel

4 Day 13: (BLD): WOOMERA TO WILPENA 2016 We have an early start this morning as we travel to Port Augusta, once an important base for arid land explorations to the north and later a busy shipping port. Then we embark on a historical train journey aboard the specially chartered Pichi Richi Rail. This section of rail line is the original Port Augusta to Alice Springs line which travels through the famous Pichi Richi Pass to the historic township of Quorn. The railway heritage is reflected in the names of some of the old hotels - The Grand Junction and the Trans Continental. This once bustling town is just as it was in the late 1800s but without the bustle. A real treasure! After lunch, we drive across the Wilochra Plains towards Hawker. We call at the Kanyaka Homestead ruins enroute (once the home of Hugh Proby). This afternoon we arrive at the Wilpena Pound Resort, which is set amongst the natural and unique Flinders Ranges bush. Wilpena Pound Resort NOTE: Minimum. numbers required for Pichi Richi Rail charter. If not sufficient numbers in the group, we will travel by coach. Day 14: (BLD): WILPENA NATIONAL PARK 2016 After breakfast we meet our local guide for a tour of this stunning National Park. The Flinders Ranges are well known for their wild flowers but it s the dramatic gorges and spectacular peaks that are the real highlights of this beautiful part of Australia. We will drive through two gorges today (subject to weather conditions and time) Brachina Gorge and Bunyeroo Gorge. We also visit Gumcreek Station for a picnic lunch - weather permitting we will have lunch near the Wockerawirra Creek under a tree known as the Kekwick Tree. This tree was named after William Kekwick, an explorer who travelled through this area with John McDouall Stuart. Local legend has it that William Kekwick died in this area and was buried under this tree. This afternoon, we return to National Park HQ to visit the Interpretative Centre and some free time to enjoy the National Park. Some of us may like to take an optional flight over Wilpena Pound (own cost). We meet up for our transfer to Stokes Hill Sundowners where we ll marvel at the vast ancient landscape and observe the ever changing colours of sunset over Wilpena Pound. We ll enjoy refreshing pre-dinner drinks and canapés then head back in to the resort for a two-course dinner. Wilpena Pound Resort Day 15: (BD): WILPENA TO BROKEN HILL 2016 This morning we retrace our steps back to Hawker, then travel through Cradock and Orroroo to Peterborough where we have time to purchase lunch. Our afternoon journey takes us across the border into NSW. Our overnight accommodation is in Broken Hill. Desert Sand Motor Inn, Broken Hill Day 16: (BD): BROKEN HILL TO BOURKE 2016 We have an early start this morning as we begin our homeward journey. We head east to Wilcannia on the Darling River. Legends were made along the Darling. Literary myths were created by Henry Lawson, Will Ogilvie and Breaker Morant. Kidman, Tyson and McCaughey created pastoral kingdoms of unparalleled proportions. The Light Horsemen of World War 1 were bred on these vast plans. Wilcannia was once known as Queen City of the West and the site of the original Resches Brewery. Unfortunately the town has seen better days! We follow the Darling River up to Tilpa for our lunch stop and then continue through Louth to Bourke. Dinner this evening will be at the local club. Please note: today s journey is subject to weather and road conditions. Darling River Motel, Bourke Day 17: (BD): BOURKE TO NARRABRI 2016 We enjoy a local tour this morning, before we drive to Brewarrina. Brewarrina's most significant feature is its Aboriginal fish traps. Known in the local Aboriginal language as Ngunnhu, the traps are believed to be at least 40,000 years old, possibly the oldest surviving human-made structure in the world. Consisting of river stones arranged to form small channels, the traps directed fish into

5 small areas from which they could be readily plucked. The traps were included in the National Heritage List on 3 June the only such site in NSW outside of Sydney - with a current application for World Heritage Listing. The ready availability of fish made Brewarrina one of the great inter-tribal meeting places of pre-european eastern Australia. We have lunch at the Brewarrina Visitors Centre. This afternoon we make our way through Walgett and Burren Junction to Narrabri for our final night on tour. Nandewar Motor Inn, Narrabri Day 18: (BL): NARRABRI TO PORT MACQUARIE 2016 Unfortunately our tour is almost at an end. This morning we travel through Gunnedah to Bendemeer where we enjoy lunch. Our afternoon journey takes us through Walcha and down to Port Macquarie. We arrive home late afternoon to complete a wonderful holiday. NT/Top End/18D DRW-KAK-KAT-TCRK-ASP-KGC-AYQ-CPY-WOOM-PTA-BHILL-PTMC 2016