AustrAliAn EclipsE 2012 luxury solar eclipse tour with FRED WATsON and RAY NORRis Exclusive Outback Site
General Overview Join Astronomers Fred Watson and Ray Norris for the Australian Eclipse 2012. A total solar eclipse lasting just over two minutes will be visible from Far North Queensland in November 2012. We are delighted to offer you this tour which includes the luxury of accommodation in Palm Cove, a remote outback station, and the World Heritage areas of the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. See the eclipse from either Maitland Downs Cattle Station, Experience the full wonder of an outback night sky while bush camping. or The Angsana Resort and Spa, Palm Cove, A luxurious 5-star resort superbly located on the foreshore of the Coral Sea under the eclipse path. Join us for an experience of a lifetime to view the Outback Australian Eclipse, 2012 Palmer River Region
Fred Watson Guest Hosts Ray Norris p r o F e S S o r F r e d Wa t S o n a S t r o n o m e r We are thrilled to have Professor Fred Watson join us on this exciting program to view the Australian Eclipse. Fred led us to Peru to view an ancient pre-incan observatory, and to Europe to trace the history of the telescope (as told in his book, Stargazer, the Life and Times of the Telescope). Recently, Fred was awarded a Member of Australia for his services to astronomy particularly through outreach. Fred is Astronomer-in-Charge of the Australian Astronomical Observatory in Coonabarabran, New South Wales, which operates Australia s largest optical telescope (the 3.9-metre AAO telescope) and is Project Manager for the International Radial Velocity (RAVE) survey at the observatory. Maitland Downs Eclipse Site p r o F e S S o r r a y n o r r i S - a S t r o n o m e r Professor Ray Norris, an astrophysicist at CASS (CSIRO - Astronomy and Space Science) will also be joining us on tour. While working on his degrees in England, he began researching stone circles and archaeo-astronomy in Britain. His work in Indigenous Studies involves spearheading the Aboriginal Astronomy project and the Sydney Rock Engravings project, which you can read about in his book Emu Dreaming. Ray has enjoyed working with several different indigenous groups, particularly the Yolngu communities of Eastern Arnhemland. He has presented the results of this research to audiences across Australia, including at the Garma Indigenous Festival, and will provide a deeply fascinating perspective to this tour program.
Luxury Palm Cove Angsana Pool Palm Cove, is one of the few places in the world where natural and man-made ingredients are mixed together to create a truly special location. This glorious beachside community bursts with activities, luxury accommodation and wonderful restaurants, yet still retains a relaxed seaside atmosphere. Absolute Beach Front Angsana Resort and Spa, Great Barrier Reef This five-star resort is located just 20 minutes north of Cairns and at the doorstep of the world s longest coral reef and oldest rainforest. The Angsana Resort is the only one in Palm Cove to enjoy absolute beach frontage. Sea-facing Suite S u i t e S Exquisitely designed, your roomy suite comes complete with full kitchen and laundry facilities in a decadent ambiance inspired by pool or beachfront views and spacious patios. Two-bedroom suites, each with private en suite, are large and allow two singles or a group/family of up to 5 people to share. Singles can be matched up by gender in a two-bedroom apartment. Ocean-view apartments and extra bedding are available on request.
Exclusive Outback Site Maitland Downs owner John Steeped in history; including gold rushes in the 1870s; Palmer River is situated 270 kilometres north-west of Palm Cove and is expecting over 100,000 eclipsers to arrive, in order to watch the Australian Eclipse 2012. We are extremely fortunate to have the special permission of the owner of Maitland and Downs Cattle Station, John (pictured right) to establish an exclusive camp on the station. o u t B a c K S i t e c o n d i t i o n S Our exclusive site is on the property of Maitland Downs Cattle Station and has been written about several times as one of the best vantages for the eclipse. See: http://home.cc.umanitoba.ca/~jander/tot2012/tse12intro.htm Whilst all efforts will be made to ensure a good viewing of the eclipse, Mother Nature will determine the outcome. For more information the following websites may be useful and describe weather conditions in detail. Real-time satellite images of Australia from Weather Zone: www.weatherzone.com.au/satellite.jsp Archive satellite images from Dundee University (registration required): www.sat.dundee.ac.uk/ Queensland forecasts from the Bureau of Meteorology in Australia: www.bom.gov.au/weather/qld You have two options: 1. stay at the Angsana Resort and Spa, Palm Cove or 2. go to Maitland Downs Cattle Station. Either place will give you the best of possible vantage points for the Australian eclipse 2012. Maitland Downs Outback Splendor
Itinerary Highlights Day 1 Friday, 9 November 2012 Palm Cove Transfer from Cairns Airport for a visit to the Royal Flying Doctors Base then continue on to the Angsana Reef Resort and Spa, Palm Cove. Stroll along the beautiful beachfront, or enjoy a treatment in the Day Spa. Meet in the Lobby Lounge before a Welcome Dinner and an astronomical talk by Fred Watson. D Day 2 Saturday, 10 November 2012 Kuranda Kuranda Rail is a breathtaking journey on one of the world s most scenic train routes through hand-hewn tunnels and across bridges, providing amazing views of the Barron Gorge Falls and rainforest. Explore the Village in the Rainforest and the Heritage Markets, before travelling to Mareeba Wetlands for an ornithologist s delight! B Day 3 Sunday, 11 November 2012 ( Your Choice) Choose Either:* Numbers strictly limited A full day along Australia s most scenic coastal drive, through the World Heritage-listed Daintree National Park and on to historical Cooktown. After lunch (included), you ll continue to the unique geological oddity, Black Mountain, which is spoken of in ancient Aboriginal legend. Oroles Golf Enjoy the lush rainforest environment of Palm Cove whilst playing 9 holes at the Novotel Rockford Resort. Your excursion includes return transfers and a 2-course lunch. Or Take advantage of the award-winning Angsana Spa. Angsana Spa treatments place special emphasis on the use of aromatherapy and the sense of touch to pamper the body, mind and soul. *services provided on request. B Great Barrier Reef
Daintree Rainforest Day 4 Monday, 12 November 2012 Great Barrier Reef Visible from the moon the Great Barrier Reef is Queensland s most famous attraction. Special guest expedition leader Adam Cropp, marine biologist, will take us to some special locations to discover its beautiful coral reefs, bird life and wonderful fish in their thousands. B L Day 5 Tuesday, 13 November 2012 Outback Adventure with Red Desert Tours Telescopes and personal supplies in hand, we depart for the 3-4 hour journey through the Atherton Tablelands to Maitland Downs Station. Enjoy the tranquility of the bush setting or participate in some bush-related activities, before Ray Norris imparts astronomical legend under the stars. B L D The exclusive bush-camp site permits perfect viewing of the eclipse as well as the approaching shadow. This experience is one that will stay with you for long after the event. Day 6 Tuesday, 14 November 2012 Maitland Downs Station, Palm Cove Eclipse Day - Weather permitting A Celebration Dinner will give you the opportunity to share your Australian eclipse images and tales from the day s event. B D Tjapukai Member Day 7 Wednesday, 15 November 2012 Farewell your fellow eclipsers. An airport transfer will be organized. (Flight details pending) B
i n c l u S i o n S 6 nights luxury accommodation at the Angsana Reef Resort and Spa Breakfast daily Full buffet Eclipse Information and Beach BBQ with Fred Watson Under the Stars talk by Ray Norris Kuranda Train, Royal Flying Doctors and Cairns excursion Full day Great Barrier Reef Cruise with Gourmet Seafood Buffet Lunch Mareeba Wetlands Fauna and Flora education Celebration Eclipse Dinner and Farewell Eclipse souvenir pack Private air-conditioned motor coach transport Hotel taxes and service charges Airport transfers (subject to days of arrival and departure) Tips and gratuities Tour Price Does Not Include: International / Domestic airfares Additional charge(s) relating to documentation for telescopes Travel insurance (required) Costs of passport or visas Meals except where indicated & does not include beverages with meals (unless stated on itinerary) Optional excursions Personal expenses and anything else not included in the tour includes features c o S t (children under 12 prices on application) Suite Type Status Per Adult Notes One Bedroom Single $5,040 1 King Bed includes single supplement Twin Share $3,840 Two Bedroom Twin Share $4,040 1 King Bed Triple Share $3,640 + 2 Single Beds Quad Share $3,340 o u t B a c K to u r S $1150 per person Includes: Lunch, dinner, breakfast Basic bush camp facilities Transport to/from Angsana Resort, Palm Cove
S e c u r i n g y o u r p l a c e : Local planning authorities expect over 100,000 people to attend the eclipse in Cairns and accommodation is at a premium. Don t miss out! Take advantage of the Early Bird Deposit of $1,000pp. This secures your place and confirms the tour price. Two additional payments are then due to finalise your booking. Fill out the booking form and return it along with your deposit to marnie@fredwatson.com.au or post it to: Marnie Ogg PO Box 973 Newport NSW, 2106 Australia P a y m e n t S c h e d u l e Amount per person Deposit: $1000 booking form $200 outback option Due date 1st May 2011 Terms and conditions $1000 pp non-refundable after 1st May 2011 Second payment: $2500 total + Insurance copy + Flight details 1st May 2012 $2500 (total) nonrefundable after 1st May 2012 Final payment Final payment 1st August 2012 100% non-refundable of payment after 1st August 2012