Introducing the BEST OF THE WONDERFUL WEST! Join Victor Tours for the whole tour or just one or two sectors.

Transcription

1 Tour starts in Adelaide on Tuesday 12 June 18. 2nd sector starts in Perth on Saturday 16 June, 18. Optional opportunities to ride Gold Class on the Indian Pacific and/or Ghan. Introducing the BEST OF THE WONDERFUL WEST! Join Victor Tours for the whole tour or just one or two sectors. Welcome to Sector 1 of our Best of the West tour. VICTOR HARBOR TO PERTH THE NULLARBOR PLAIN This sector is simply relocating the coach to Perth. Perhaps you don t like flying or riding on the Indian Pacific then join us as we express to Perth across the amazing Nullarbor Plain. Day 1 (D): VICTOR HARBOR TO STREAKY BAY Tuesday 12 June, 2018 We re on the road early today as we drive up to Port Augusta and across the Peninsula to Streaky Bay. We ll be making plenty of refreshment and restroom stops along the way. Streaky Bay Hotel Motel Day 2 (BD): STREAKY BAY TO EUCLA Wednesday 13 June, 2018 Following a hearty breakfast, we re on our way. Today s journey takes us through Ceduna and Yulata then final across the border into Western Australia. Eucla Motor Hotel Day 3 (BD): EUCLA TO NORSEMAN Thursday 14 June, 2018 Today we continue with our trek across the vast Nullarbor Plain. From Eucla we travel to Norseman, a statue of the horse Norseman is located in the main street. The horse allegedly pawed at the ground and unearthed a nugget of gold that started the Norseman gold rush.

2 Norseman Eyre Motel, Norseman Day 4 (BD): NORSEMAN TO PERTH Friday 15 June, 2018 Our destination today is Perth. We travel through gold country, heading up to Coolgardie before turning west once again. We pass through Southern Cross, Merredin and Northam before heading into Western Australia s capital city. We ll be here for three nights so we can settle in! Pan Pacific Perth Day 5 (BD): PERTH Saturday 16 June, 2018 Today is totally at leisure. Perhaps take an optional tour to Rottnest Island, or a cruise up the Swan River for a winery lunch. Do some shopping in Perth s Hay Street Mall or perhaps just relax after our drive across the Nullarbor! At dinner this evening, we ll meet the rest of the group who have come in by plane or the Indian Pacific. Pan Pacific Perth Welcome to Sector 2 of our Best of the West tour. THE WEST COAST PERTH TO DARWIN Join us on our middle sector as we travel along the beautiful West Coast of Australia. It is home to plenty of extraordinary experiences Western Australia boasts the largest collection of wildflowers on the planet, some of the whitest beaches in the country, exotic marine life, diverse landscapes and unique natural formations. We ll also see how the mining has impacted on Australia s largest state. For those of us who would like to experience the wonderful journey across the Nullarbor by train, rather than Sector 1 (coach) or flying across, we will be offering an option to travel from Adelaide to Perth on the Indian Pacific! And for those of us who would like to experience The Ghan from Darwin to Adelaide, this will also be an option. INDIAN PACIFIC PRE-TOUR INDIAN PACIFIC (full board BLD) Thursday 14 & Friday 15 June, 2018 This evening, we board the Indian Pacific we ll travel Adelaide to Perth, which includes the longest stretch of straight railway track in the world, crossing the vast plains of the Nullarbor. On our journey, we ll see unique landscapes, an array of wildlife and get up close to some of the sights of our most famous outback towns, especially during the scheduled stops at Cook and Kalgoorlie. All along the Indian Pacific route, keep an eye out for a sighting of the magnificent wedge tailed eagle, the symbol of this great train. We will be pampered by Gold Service - superior day and overnight accommodation, stylish restaurant dining car and delicious freshly prepared meals. We may relax in the Lounge and Bar Car. Refreshments, video entertainment, newspapers and board games are available. Tea and coffee is available 24 hours a

3 day. We will also have a dedicated Cabin Steward to look after us and help with our off-the-train experiences of which most are now included in the price. Two nights Indian Pacific Gold Class PRETOUR (BLD): ARRIVE PERTH Saturday 16 June, 2018 The Indian Pacific arrives into the East Perth Railway Station at approximately 3pm. We will transfer to our city centre accommodation where we can check in and relax. This evening, we ll met up with the rest of our travel companions. PERTH TO DARWIN TOUR Day 5 (D): ADELAIDE TO PERTH Saturday 16 June, 2018 Welcome to our very special tour along the West Coast of Western Australia. This morning, we transfer to Adelaide Airport to connect with our flight to Perth (flight TBA). On our arrival in Perth, we transfer to our hotel. We ll be here for two nights so relax and settle in before dinner. Pan Pacific Perth Day 6 (BD): DISCOVERING PERTH Sunday 17 June, 2018 After a hearty breakfast we embark on a sightseeing tour of the Western Australian capital and discover the unique charm of Perth 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. Late morning, we join Captain Cook Cruises for a cruise down the Swan River to Fremantle. A full commentary is included as we pass Kings Park, the Swan Brewery, the Royal Perth Yacht Club and Point Walter Spit as well as tea and coffee. Our coach will be there to meet us in Fremantle and after time to purchase lunch, we ll be taken on a sightseeing tour of this historic town. Later this afternoon, we return to Perth via the coast road. Pan Pacific Perth Day 7 (BLD): PERTH TO CERVANTES Monday 18 June, 2018 This morning we depart Perth and begin our journey north. Our first stop for the day is the interesting town of New Norcia. It was here that the Spanish Benedictine monks established a monastery as an Aboriginal mission; it is now one of the great cultural heritage sites of Australia. On our arrival, we enjoy a tour of the town before our lunch at the New Norcia Hotel, which began its life in 1927 as a guest house for parents visiting their children in the schools. We then visit the amazing Museum & Art Gallery. This afternoon we head towards the coast to Cervantes, a small fishing town with a number of pristine beaches. Cervantes Pinnacles Motel, Cervantes Day 8 (BD): CERVANTES TO KALBARRI Tuesday 19 June, 2018 One of the highlights of our tour will be a visit to Nambung National Park, located 17 kms south of Cervantes, the home to The Pinnacles, scores of eerie limestone pillars. The Pinnacles are one of the State s foremost natural wonders and attracts visitors from all over the

4 world. After our visit, we stop for morning tea before following the coast road through Jurien and Green Head, making our way to Dongara for our lunch break. As we head towards Geraldton, we stop for a photo opportunity in the Greenough region. 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. Onto Geraldton, where we ll take a look at the local sights including the St. Francis Xavier Cathedral and a stop at the HMAS Sydney Memorial. From Geraldton we take the scenic coastal road where the scenery is nothing short of spectacular and rivals Victoria s Great Ocean Road. We ll stop for photo opportunities before arriving into Kalbarri. Best Western Plus Edge Resort, Kalbarri Day 9 (BLD): KALBARRI TO SHARK BAY Wednesday 20 June, 2018 We spend some time in the Kalbarri National Park this morning have your cameras ready as we see Nature s Window, a natural rock arch which frames the river view perfectly! The Murchison River runs through this spectacular park so we also stop at Hawkes Head for good views of the river and one of the gorges. Now time to start for our next destination so we rejoin the North West Coastal Highway, travelling north. We have a little detour today, turning down the Peron Peninsula for our lunch stop at Hamelin Pool. After visiting the Telegraph Station, we also take a short walk to see a colony of Stromatolites (fossil micro-organisms) that date back to the beginning of life on earth. We head to the Peron Peninsula for our overnight stay at Denham, most westerly town in Australia and the access point to Monkey Mia. Of course, Monkey Mia is a well-known reserve, famous for its local dolphins. The Shark Bay region we are about to visit was named by explorer William Dampier in But he was not the first to discover this area. The first European landing took place in October 1616 when Dutch sea captain Dirk Hartog landed at Cape Inscription years before Captain Cook set out on his much publicised voyage of discovery to the Pacific and Australia s eastern shores. Today the area is recognised as one of the very special places on earth and is World Heritage listed. For more than 30 years now, three generations of Bottle Nosed Dolphins have been visiting the beautiful beach at Monkey Mia on the north eastern arm of the Peron Peninsula, to interact with their human visitors. The famous dolphin beach is the ideal place to enjoy this most unusual activity. Of course the dolphins cannot be guaranteed but when they come into shore and mingle with National Park Rangers, it s an attraction not to be missed! Heritage Resort Shark Bay, Denham Day 10 (BD): DENHAM TO CARNARVON Thursday 21 June, 2018 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. Mid-morning, we depart Monkey Mia and travel back through Denham where we have our morning tea break from the coach. As we depart the Peron Peninsula, we stop at Eagle Bluff Lookout and also Shell Beach. Back on the highway, we travel north to Carnarvon. One Mile Jetty, built in 1897, is located here and if anyone is up for an easy walk or an optional ride on the Coffee Pot train you can view the Gascoyne River mouth, mangrove and marine life, migrating birds and jetty activity (renowned for its great fishing) with sunset a particularly attractive time to go! We ll meet up for dinner in the hotel restaurant this evening.

5 Gateway Motel Carnarvon Day 11 (BD): CARNARVON TO EXMOUTH Friday 22 June, 2018 Our travels take us up to Coral Bay where we join a captivating 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! After our cruise we drive to Exmouth which is famous for its annual fishing competition and is also the location of a jointly operated Australian/USA Naval Communication Station. Potshot Hotel Resort, Exmouth Day 12 (BD): EXMOUTH TO TOM PRICE Saturday 23 June, 2018 This morning we drive via Giralia Station, a remote cattle farm, to join North West Coastal Highway. We stop at the Nanutarra Roadhouse to purchase lunch and then continue north to Tom Price, our home for the next two nights. Tom Price Hotel Motel Day 13 (BD): EXPLORING TOM PRICE Sunday 24 June, 2018 We have arranged to join Lestock Tours for the Pilbara Iron Mine Tour. It will be compulsory to wear the supplied hard hats and goggles. The tour will give us a good understanding of the magnitude of the operations and we ll be amazed by the enormity of the iron ore mine. After time for our lunch break, we ll spend the afternoon exploring the Karijini National Park our sightseeing will include Oxer Lookout the junction of four mighty gorges: Red, Weano, Joffre and Hancock Gorge. After our interesting day we return to our accommodation to freshen up before dinner. Tom Price Hotel Motel Day 14 (BD): TOM PRICE TO PORT HEDLAND Monday 25 June, 2018 We farewell our hosts and head back through the National Park this morning, stopping for our morning break at Fortescue Falls at Dales Gorge. Leaving the park, we head north to Port Hedland for our overnights stay. Port Hedland is a dynamic town of 15,000 people located in the Pilbara Region of Western Australia. The original inhabitants, the Karriyarra people, call the place Marapikurrinya for the hand shaped formation of the tidal creeks coming off the natural harbour. The main industries are iron ore processing and export, salt production from extensive evaporation ponds for export, shipping of manganese and other minerals, and livestock production mainly cattle. The Port is one of the world s largest in tonnage terms, with over 70 million tonnes of product worth more than $3 billion shipped each year. Hospitality Inn Port Hedland

6 Day 15 (BD): PORT HEDLAND TO BROOME Tuesday 26 June, 2018 Today s journey takes us along the edge of the Great Sandy Desert to Broome. This is one of the remotest parts of Australia with no settlement along the roadside other than a couple of service stations. With the Indian Ocean on our left and the Great Sandy Desert to our right, we will travel more than 600 kilometres after Port Hedland without a town to be seen! But what a surprise when we get to Broome! After more than 2200 kilometres since we left Perth, we are now in tropical Australia and a modern oasis that began its life as a pearling centre. After today s long travel day, how wonderful it will be to look forward to a relaxing day tomorrow! Oaks Resort, Broome Day 16 (BD): EXPLORING BROOME Wednesday 27 June, 2018 Broome is situated on the coast of the Southern Kimberley Region. It is bounded by wide sandy beaches and turquoise waters and enjoys a warm climate with plenty of sunshine. The discovery of rich pearling grounds off the coast in the 1880s lead to the foundation of Broome township in By 1910 Broome was the world's leading pearling centre. After breakfast we embark on a sightseeing tour of the local sights. As we explore this romantic town of the North West, with its history entrenched in the pearling industry, we see Gantheaume Point and the Port Area before Chinatown where we visit the fascinating attraction called the Pearl Luggers. It s often said that Broome s pearling industry is as rich in culture as it is in pearls. This morning we are taken through an exciting array of pearling equipment with memorabilia from actual hard hat diving suits to the hand powered pumps which fed precious air to the divers below. To hear the stories first hand is a memorable experience. There s now time to purchase lunch and shopping or for some of us, there s a pool back at the hotel calling our name! Late afternoon, we drive to Cable Beach to watch the sun set and enjoy dinner at Zanders Restaurant. Oaks Resort, Broome Day 17 (BD): BROOME TO FITZROY CROSSING Thursday 28 June, 2018 We have a leisurely breakfast before we hit the road again. We depart Broome and begin our journey along the Great Northern Highway with a little detour to see the longest Cattle Trough in the Southern Hemisphere and the famous Boab Prison Tree. Our destination is Fitzroy Crossing - set on the banks of the mighty Fitzroy River, 391 kilometres east of Broome, Fitzroy Crossing is a true outback town. We take a drive out to the original town site and see the legendary Crossing Inn built in 1897 as a shanty inn and trade store for long-distance travellers. Fitzroy River Lodge, Fitzroy Crossing Day 18 (BD): FITZROY CROSSING TO HALLS CREEK Friday 29 June, 2018 We start our day with a cruise on Geikie Gorge. The Fitzroy River has carved its path through the fossil "Barrier Reef" formed 300 million years ago, resulting in mountainous cliffs and breathtaking scenery. After our cruise we continue east to Halls Creek on the northern edge of the Great Sandy Desert and the site of Western Australia's first gold rush. The ruins of Old Halls Creek, a few kilometres from the existing town, bear testament to these early harsh days of pioneering and search for wealth in this remote area we may take a look if road conditions allow. Kimberley Hotel, Halls Creek

7 Day 19 (BLD): HALLS CREEK TO KUNUNURRA Saturday 30 June, 2018 After breakfast we depart Halls Creek and travel north to the Turkey Creek Roadhouse for our morning break. We then drive into the Argyle Diamond Mine where we meet a guide for a tour of the mine. 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 and lunch in the Mess, we continue onto Kununurra for our next two nights accommodation. Marvel at the wonderful scenery of the Carr Boyd Range along the way! Lakeside Resort, Kununurra Day 20 (BD): EXPLORING KUNUNURRA Sunday 1 July, 2018 Early 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). After a slightly later breakfast, we will take a sightseeing tour of Kununurra. Kununurra (which means big water ) was established as the residential and administrative centre of the Ord River Scheme - a huge irrigation scheme which was developed in the 1970s. We visit the town centre, the Diversion Dam and Kellys Knob for views over the vast irrigated area. We then drive to the Lake Argyle Tourist Village for a light lunch. The Ord River Scheme was a progressive and far sighted move to develop the tropical north of Western Australia. During the wet the rivers of the East Kimberley become raging torrents. At times the Ord River can empty 50 million litres a second into the Cambridge Gulf! One of the many highlights of our tour to the East Kimberley will be our cruise this afternoon from below the massive wall of Lake Argyle into Lake Kununurra and onto our motel, 55 kilometres downstream. Lakeside Resort, Kununurra Day 21 (BLD): KUNUNURRA TO KATHERINE Monday 2 July, 2018 Our journey today takes us across the border into the Northern Territory, east through Timber Creek at the northern edge of the Gregory National Park. The park covers 12,500 square kilometres and is in a transitional zone between tropical and semi arid regions. Later, we travel through the Victoria River Crossing and onto Katherine for our overnight accommodation. Knotts Crossing Resort, Katherine PICNIC LUNCH Day 22 (BD): KATHERINE TO DARWIN Tuesday 3 July, 2018 Our destination today is Darwin; our travels take us through Pine Creek to Adelaide River which 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 during WWII, buried in the cemetery. This afternoon, we board the fabulous Spectacular Jumping Crocodile Cruise. See powerful saltwater crocodiles as they propel themselves high out of the water to snatch their prey. With the help of experienced guides we learn more about these magnificent creatures, and have the opportunity to watch crocs jump for food from the safety of our boat. Back on dry land, we make our way to Darwin. Oaks Elan Darwin

8 Day 23 (BD): EXPLORING DARWIN Wednesday 4 July, 2018 After our travel day yesterday, we have a leisurely breakfast before taking in the sights of Darwin. Many people aren t aware of the importance of Darwin during World War II so we ll look at the city as it is today and also learn about the involvement and history of the bombings 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 the new 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. We then take a drive through Fannie Bay, popular with sailors, windsurfers and water skiers to East Point where we visit the Military Museum. Here we discover how the Japanese raids on Darwin were kept a secret from the Australian population and have now been made public. Returning to our hotel, we have the rest of the day to relax and enjoy the resort facilities perhaps a dip in the pool or some retail therapy the shopping area is a short walk from our hotel. Tonight we transfer to the Darwin Wharf where we board the Spirit of Darwin for our sunset dinner cruise on Darwin s harbour we ll see Darwin s skyline from a totally different perspective whilst enjoying our dinner onboard. What a great way to finish our day! Oaks Elan Darwin Day 24 (B): HOMEWARD BOUND Thursday 5 July, 2018 For some of us, our holiday is coming to an end. Say farewell to the travellers continuing south with Victor Tours by coach, then we transfer to the airport to connect with our flight to Adelaide. What a fantastic time we ve had!! 3 NIGHT GHAN EXPEDITION OPTIONAL POST-TOUR For those of us who wish to travel southbound on the Legendary Ghan, the tour with our group will be cut short by a day in Darwin as The Ghan departs today!! Day 23 (BLD): THE LEGENDARY GHAN Wednesday 4 July, 2018 Ready yourself for an incredible, one-of-a-kind experience on The Ghan Expedition. Beginning today, this epic four day, three night, 2979km tour will take you to some of the most remote yet captivating parts of Australia in style and luxury. After boarding the Ghan and enjoying lunch, we will arrive in Katherine. You will depart on your choice of off train tours that are included in your Gold Class Package - for example the Nitmiluk First Gorge Rock Art Cruise or the Cultural Tour. Once you return why not enjoy a cold glass of wine or beer also included in your package. The Ghan, Gold Class Cabin Day 24 (BLD): KATHERINE TO ALICE SPRINGS Thursday 5 July, 2018 Wake up to a new view outside your window, in a world which feels a million miles from home. An outback sunrise could be one of the most spectacular you'll ever see, setting the tone for the day ahead. After a sumptuous breakfast we'll arrive in Alice Springs ready for another day of exploration. Here we have the opportunity to embark on one of the included Off Train Excursions, taking in the delights of this famous outback town. A full day in Alice Springs gives us ample opportunity to visit the town landmarks, get up close and personal with Australia's incredible flora and fauna or explore the Alice at your own leisure. At this point you may choose to upgrade your excursion with the ultimate outback experience; an intimate scenic fixed wing flight over Uluru and Kata Tjuta. There really is no better way to comprehend the vastness of the Territory. Come this evening, we'll dine beneath a canopy of stars at an authentic Outback Bush Barbecue set in a strikingly lit quarry.the Ghan, Gold Class Cabin

9 Day 25 (BLD): ALICE SPRINGS TO COOBER PEDY Friday 6 July, 2018 After breakfast this morning you'll wake up and rub your eyes with disbelief as we pull into the middle-of-nowhere stop at Manguri. Here, a friendly tour guide awaits ready to whisk us away for the day. Your destination - the sun-scorched opal mining capital of world, Coober Pedy! Venture into the tunnels and caves of this underground town, where you may even catch opal fever as you mine for riches, visit the otherworldly underground Serbian Orthodox church. Below the earth's surface, we enjoy a gourmet lunch in the most unique of locations before setting off to the stunning outback moonscape that is the Breakaways. Dine in style in the Queen Adelaide Restaurant, meet and share stories with new friends in the Outback Explorer Lounge. The Ghan, Gold Class Cabin Day 26 (B): ARRIVE IN ADELAIDE (ETA 10.50am) Saturday 7 July, 2018 Looking out of your window this morning you'll notice a dramatic change in landscape as the rich ochre tones of the outback make way for the beautiful green fields and pastoral lands of South Australia. After breakfast we'll have time to reflect on your journey before The Ghan rolls into Adelaide at approximately 10.50am. Welcome to Sector 3 of our Best of the West tour. THROUGH THE MIDDLE! DARWIN TO VICTOR HARBOR This sector is also relocating the coach to Victor Harbor see the tropical Top End change into a desert landscape then into the pastoral lands as we travel closer to home. Day 24 (BD): DARWIN TO RENNER SPRINGS Thursday 5 July, 2018 We re on the road very, very early today as we retrace our steps to Katherine. From here, we continue south past Mataranka, Daly Waters and onto Renner Springs for our overnight accommodation. Renner Springs Desert Inn Day 25 (BD): RENNER SPRINGS TO ALICE SPRINGS Friday 6 July, 2018 Following breakfast, we continue our journey south travelling through Tennant Creek. Our destination today is Alice Springs. Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Day 26 (BD): ALICE SPRINGS TO COOBER PEDY Saturday 7 July, 2018 We see plenty of desert country today as we pass through Erldunda and Marla on our way to Coober Pedy. Mud Hut Motel, Coober Pedy

10 Day 27 (B): COOBER PEDY TO VICTOR HARBOR Sunday 8 July, 2018 We re on the home stretch today as we make our way through Glendambo to Port Augusta. This afternoon, we continue south, through Adelaide to arrive home in Victor Harbor late afternoon to complete a wonderful tour. All itineraries are subject to change due to occasional restrictions in opening times/days of some attractions. We cannot be held responsible for any changes due to closures, inclement weather etc. All Inclusive pricing as follows; 27 day Victor Harbor to Victor Harbor 23-day Victor Harbor to Darwin 20-day Perth to Darwin 23-day Perth to Victor Harbor $ pp & $ ss **$ pp & $ ss (see note) **$ pp & $ ss (see note) **$ pp & $ ss (see note) ** Airfares, Ghan or Indian Pacific and home transfers will need to be added, please ask Adona at the time of booking. All GHAN or Indian Pacific bookings must be made before Sept 30 th Indicative fares for the Indian Pacific from Adelaide to Perth are approximately $2000pp for GOLD Class. Indicative fares for the GHAN from Darwin to Adelaide are approximately $2500pp for Gold Class. Airfares Adelaide Perth approximately $400pp one way Airfares Darwin Adelaide approximately $400pp one way