RED CENTRE & GULF COUNTRY STATIONS 21 DAYS Departing 03 July 2017 DAY 1: Mon 03 Jul MEL/SYD/ADL FLY TO AYERS ROCK (D) Meet your tour escort at Melbourne Tullamarine airport (Sydney and Adelaide passengers will meet your escort at the accommodation) and proceed to check-in for your flight to Ayers Rock. Upon arrival transfer to the accommodation to settle in before travelling to sunset strip in Uluru National Park to watch the ever changing colours of this great monolith at sunset. Return to the hotel in time for dinner. Overnight: Uluru DAY 2: Tue 04 Jul ULURU KINGS CANYON (BD) Up early this morning and travel to Uluru to take one of the many interesting walks around the base with interpretive signs explaining the features and their significance to the Anangu (local Aboriginal people). Afterwards travel out to Kata Tjuta and stop off for panoramic photo opportunities of The Olgas and take a short stroll into Olga Gorge to see the many massive domes of this unique area. Afterwards drive to Kings Canyon, arriving in time for dinner. Overnight: Kings Canyon DAY 3: Wed 05 Jul KINGS CAYON ALICE SPRINGS (B) Another early start to travel the short distance to Kings Canyon where it s on with the walking shoes to climb into this unique and beautiful place and marvel at the sheer cliffs of the Canyon itself, the Lost City and the Garden of Eden. Afterwards continue driving through picturesque outback scenery with stands of desert oaks on the way to Alice Springs, our stop for the next three nights. Overnight: Alice Springs DAY 4: Thu 06 Jul ALICE SPRINGS & SHOWTIME WEANER SALE (B) This morning enjoy a town tour visiting Anzac Hill Lookout, the Royal Flying Doctor Service and School of the Air. After an early lunch (own expense) travel south to Roe Creek and the Bohning Yards to see the offering of cattle to be sold this afternoon. The expected yarding of between 3500 4000 steers/heifers, aged between 8 and 20 months will comprise of Angus Hereford, Hereford Cross and Santa Gertrudis/Shorthorn Cross cattle. After the sale attend the Stud Bull (multi breeds) sale to see approximately 50 stud bulls go through the auction ring. A free evening to maybe enjoy a traditional outback meal including the infamous Drovers Blowout with entertainment at the Overlanders Steakhouse. Overnight: As Above
DAY 5: Fri 07 Jul ALICE SPRINGS AGRICULTURAL SHOW (B) After breakfast visit the Arid Zone Research Station on the outskirts of Alice and listen to how natural herbage and grasses together with introduced species are assisting the pastoral industry. Afterwards stop at the National Road Transport Hall of Fame to see the impressive collection of Australia s unique road transport heritage and pride themselves on the preservation and presentation of vehicles of the past. Continue to the Alice Springs Agricultural Show at the Showgrounds and see how the outback stage this event. You ll experience various cattle exhibits, side show alley plus all the other features of an outback show including horses and camp drafting and hopefully the Grand Parade. Overnight: As Above DAY 6: Sat 08 Jul ALICE SPRINGS TENNANT CREEK (BD) An early start this morning travelling north and stop in and visit a large cattle station (subject to confirmation with Alice Show still operating) then continue to the awe-inspiring granite boulders of the Devils Marbles with time spent walking through these unique formations. Travel to the remote settlement of Tennant Creek, a former gold mining town in the 1930 s which today boasts a large cattle industry with many of Australia s premier cattle stations located in the area. Overnight: Tennant Creek DAY 7: Sun 09 Jul TENNANT CREEK MOUNT ISA (BL) Commence our journey east this morning after Three Ways Roadhouse toward Mt Isa, the oasis of the outback as described by locals, via the small settlement of Camooweal. Mt Isa is home to one of the largest and most productive mining operations in Australia due to the vast mineral deposits located in the area. This evening is free to dine out (own expense) in a Qld outback pub setting. Overnight: Mt Isa DAY 8: Mon 10 Jul MOUNT ISA LAWN HILL GORGE (BLD) This morning visit a mining operation to gain an insight into the processes and scale of this industry. The remainder of the day is spent venturing north to spectacular Lawn Hill Gorge, a national park of sandstone ranges with deep gorges and a limestone plateau with its permanent creeks and is home to a wide range of birds and wildlife. Arrive at our destination for the next two nights on approximately 80 acres. Overnight: Adels Grove DAY 9: Tue 11 Jul LAWN HILL GORGE (BLD) A full day to relax and soak up the atmosphere in this outback paradise. Enjoy the scenic walks in the gorge plus the waterways with their picturesque rock pools. Optional canoe hire is available to enjoy this truly majestic spot, take an optional cruise or perhaps a trip to the World Heritage listed Riversleigh Fossil Site. Overnight: As Above DAY 10: Wed 12 Jul LAWN HILL GORGE KARUMBA (BD) Sadly depart this magical spot and just before Burketown, the centre of Gulf beef cattle stations, see the Burke & Wills northern most camp on their epic journey and travel through Escott Station & Gregory Downs. Afterwards stop at Normanton to see the Purple Pub, the historic Westpac bank building, council chambers, the iconic crocodile and Burns Philip trading store then continue to our two night stay on the Gulf of Carpentaria. Overnight: Karumba DAY 11: Thu 13 Jul KARUMBA BARRAMUNDI HATCHERY (B) This morning visit a barramundi breeding hatchery, the only one of its kind in the world breeding the Southern Gulf strain of barramundi, for an informative talk to hear how they breed the fish for release in the gulf river systems. Afterwards the remainder of the day is at leisure to enjoy the Gulf or perhaps take an optional cruise, a croc & crab tour, visit the Barramundi Centre or charter a boat to go fishing. Overnight: As Above
DAY 12: Fri 14 Jul KARUMBA COBBOLD GORGE (BLD) Up early this morning and travel to Normanton to meander around the historic Railway Station where nostalgia of years gone by is still evident, then board the historic Gulflander train for a ride out to Critters Camp. Board the coach once again and travel across the lower Gulf to Croydon and stop off to visit the olde worlde general store. Continue through Forsayth - the end of the line for another outback train, the Savannahlander, then continue on arriving at Cobbold Gorge in time for dinner. Overnight: Cobbold Gorge DAY 13: Sat 15 Jul ROBIN HOOD STATION UNDARA (BD) This morning enjoy a unique solar powered silent boat cruise through majestic Cobbold Gorge. Afterwards travel through harsh stony country to Robin Hood Station, home to the Terry family, for a drive through this 1284 sq km cattle property with an informative talk from a family member. Afterwards follow the scenic ridge top road to Einasleigh and see the olde worlde bush Queenslander style pub and take a stroll around Copperfield Gorge then continue on past Mt Surprise before arriving at our unique accommodation where you can enjoy outback entertainment around the campfire after dinner. Overnight: Undara DAY 14: Sun 16 Jul UNDARA LAVA TUBE TOUR CHARTERS TOWERS (BD) Today have the opportunity to walk in the path of a volcano and explore the fascinating geological phenomenon of the lava tubes on our guided tour. Head southbound today passing through the vast grasslands of the Gulf through Greenvale on the Gregory Highway. End the day in the historic town of Charters Towers which was a major gold and rail centre in the late 1800s. Overnight: Charters Towers DAY 15: Mon 17 Jul CHARTERS TOWERS (B) Take time this morning on a guided town tour to see the restored Stock Exchange building and other historic buildings of architectural excellence and the views from Bucklands Hill Lookout. Meet a local stock agent who will take you to a long established pastoral property and meet the owners for a talk on beef produced for the live export trade. The remainder of the afternoon and evening is at your leisure. Overnight: As Above DAY 16: Tue 18 Jul CHARTERS TOWERS BOWEN AIRLIE BEACH (BD) Today travel along the coast and stop at Bowen, well known for its extensive tomato, vegetable and tropical mango production and visit the Bowen Growers Association for an informative talk and the opportunity to visit one or two properties. Afterwards continue to the doorstep and main town of the Whitsunday Island group, Airlie Beach, and transfer to the accommodation in time for dinner. Overnight: Airlie Beach DAY 17: Wed 19 Jul WHITSUNDAY ISLANDS CRUISE ROCKHAMPTON (BD) This morning enjoy a cruise on the world famous crystal clear aqua waters to see pristine Whitehaven Beach. The Whitsundays comprise of 74 islands, most of which are uninhabited and teeming with dense rainforest. Arrive back at the dock and make our way to Rockhampton, enroute seeing the vast sugar cane fields which should be in the midst of harvest season at Mackay (the sugar capital of Australia) producing approximately 1/3 of the country s sugar crop. Here you will view the shipping terminal at the world s largest sugar port at Slade Point before continuing south crossing the Tropic of Capricorn north of Rockhampton, known as the Beef Capital of Australia, with over 2.5 million cattle in the region. Enjoy a tour of the city to see the beautiful Botanical gardens and the architecturally significant stone buildings and churches before settling into your hotel in time for dinner. Overnight: Rockhampton
DAY 18: Thu 20 Jul ROCKHAMPTON (BD) This morning travel out to a commercial crocodile farm for a guided tour of this operation including the breeding lakes, active nesting sites, see the feeding process and gain an overall insight into croc farming in general and the products made. The remainder of the day is at leisure for private sightseeing or relaxing. Overnight: As Above DAY 19: Fri 21 Jul ROCKHAMPTON HERVEY BAY (BD) Travel the short distance today and visit the renowned Gracemere Saleyards complex with modern selling ring and stud stock selling centre. Continue to Bundaberg passing through sugar canefields and visit the home of Australia s most famous rum: Bundy Rum, for an inspection tour and tasting. End the day in the beautiful coastal township of Hervey Bay late this afternoon. Overnight: Hervey Bay DAY 20: Sat 22 Jul HERVEY BAY FULL DAY FRASER ISLAND TOUR (BL) World Heritage-listed Fraser Island has diverse landscapes from cool towering rainforests, over 100 freshwater lakes to swim, eucalyptus woodland, mangrove forests, wallum and peat swamps and sand dunes. Fraser Island is the world s largest sand island stretching 123km and spans 166,000 hectares and is home to a diverse range of wildlife including the Fraser Island Dingo. Enjoy a full day ranger guided 4WD tour including lunch around this fascinating island before returning to the accommodation where the remainder of the afternoon and evening are at your leisure. Overnight: As Above DAY 21: Sun 23 Jul HERVEY BAY BRISBANE FLY HOME (B) After breakfast begin the journey south through Maryborough and Gympie, skirting the Sunshine Coast to our destination at Brisbane in time for your late afternoon flight home, so ending a wonderful journey through the Red Centre and Gulf country. TOUR COST: $7,465.00 per person, twin share* Based on a minimum of 20 passengers travelling Non-refundable deposit required: $1000.00 per person Balance required no later than: 12 May 2017 Single Supplement: $1,665.00 Cancellation: In the event of cancellation, levies will apply. See Booking Conditions MULTIPLE NIGHT STAYS: Alice Springs Charters Towers * 3 Nights Lawn Hill Gorge Rockhampton Karumba Hervey Bay TOUR HIGHLIGHTS: Uluru & Kata Tjuta 3 nights Alice Springs & sightseeing 2 nights in spectacular Lawn Hill Gorge Gulflander train ride to Critters Camp Undara Lava Tubes guided tour Hervey Bay 2 nights FARM & TECHNICAL VISITS: Bohning Yards stockyards sale, Alice Springs Alice Springs Agricultural Show Mine visit, Mount Isa Robin Hood cattle station property Stock Agent presentation, Charters Towers Walk into Kings Canyon Devils Marbles Karumba on the Gulf of Carpentaria Cobbold Gorge solar powered boat cruise Whitsunday Island cruise, Airlie Beach Full day Fraser Island guided tour Stud Bull Sale, Alice Springs Alice Springs cattle station property Barramundi hatchery, Karumba Cane sugar shipping terminal, Mackay Commercial crocodile farm, Rockhampton
Tour cost includes: Return economy airfares and pre-payable from Mel/Syd/Adl to Ayers Rock and from Brisbane. Air-conditioned vehicle travel with experienced driver/guide. Twin share 3-3½ star accommodation throughout. Meals as per itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner). All sightseeing entries and farm & technical visits as indicated in the itinerary. A tour escort travelling with the group on tour. Tour cost does NOT include: Travel Insurance Swagman Tours can assist with a quote/issuing a policy, please don t hesitate to contact us. Items of a personal nature ie laundry/phone calls etc. Any item listed as optional in the itinerary. All beverages plus meals not listed in the itinerary. FARM & TECHNICAL VISITS: A fully furnished list of confirmed visits both to farming properties and technical stops will be given with your ticket wallets approximately 3 weeks prior to your departure. * CHANGES AND ALTERATIONS may take place from original details listed in the itinerary * IMPORTANT NOTES: Post touring options are available and will incur an amendment fee of $75 per person (plus extra touring costs). TOUR LEADER JOHN DENHOLM John commenced employment at Roberts Ltd as a junior clerk before being promoted to saleyard work auctioneering and country representation. After a brief stint at Trans Australia Airlines, John accepted a position at Webster Ltd as a country representative and auctioneer and remained there for 5 years. Afterwards he formed a successful independent agency business before selling it to Webster Ltd and returned to the company in his former role. John later took up the position as southern livestock manager, and after the company was taken over by Roberts Ltd he continues employment there as a senior livestock representative & auctioneer. FOR BOOKINGS CONTACT: SWAGMAN TOURS Level 1, 182 Latrobe Terrace (PO Box 7473) GEELONG WEST VIC 3218 P: 1800 808 491 E: karen@swagmantours.com.au W: www.swagmantours.com.au