SOUTHERN SKY Eclipse Luxury Solar Eclipse tour with Fred Watson and Ray Norris with special guest David Malin
Special Guest General Overview A total solar eclipse will be visible from Far North Queensland in November 2012. We are delighted to offer you this tour which includes the delightful combination of luxury accommodation in PalmCove and the World Heritage areas of the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. Join Astronomers David Malin and Stuart Ryder of the Australian Astronomical Observatory alongside, Fred Watson and Ray Norris, to view this spectacular site on this tour the Southern Sky Eclipse. Join us for an experience of a lifetime! P r o f e s s o r D a v i d M a l i n David Malin was born in England, studied chemistry and explored photography very early on, working for a multinational chemical company as a chemist in optical and electron microscopy using photomicroscopy. Malin went from exploring the infinitely small to the infinitely far away when he joined the Anglo-Australian Observatory as its photographic scientist in 1975. David invented new ways of extracting information from astronomical photographs, which lead to the discovery of two new types of galaxies. The new techniques were incorporated into a method of making unique three-color photographs of previously unseen deep space objects. His photographs have been widely published in books and magazines such as LIFE and National Geographic, and have been praised for their scientific value for many years. Host D r S t u a r t R y d e r Stuart Ryder is a staff astronomer at the AAO and coordinates Australian usage of large telescopes offshore, including the 8 metre Gemini telescopes in Hawaii and Chile and the twin 6.5 metre Magellan telescopes in Chile. He uses these together with the Australia Telescope Compact Array radio telescope to study the deaths of massive stars in supernova explosions. Stuart has been on 8 total solar eclipse expeditions since 1991, to places as diverse as Mexico s Baja peninsula, Turkey, Mongolia, the Australian outback, China, and the Caribbean. While he has accumulated over a quarter of an hour in the Moon s shadow, somehow it never seems to be enough! 2
Luxury Palm Cove Angsana Pool Palm Cove, is one of the few places in the world where natural and manmade 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 Your roomy one bedroom pool-view suite comes complete with full kitchen and laundry facilities in a decadent ambiance inspired by the resort pool. 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. 3
Itinerary Highlights Day 1 Friday, 9 November 2012 Palm Cove Transfer from Cairns Airport 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 Journey into crocodile territory through to the World Heritage listed Daintree National Park along the beautiful coastal route to Cape Tribulation. Take a walk in the rainforest before rubbing shoulders with Australian wildlife at the Hartley s Crocodile Adventure in the afternoon. Lunch included. B, L Day 3 Tuesday, 13 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 4
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 on board the Poseidon will take us to some special locations to discover its beautiful coral reefs, bird life and wonderful fish in their thousands. Scuba Diving on request. *Join David Malin this evening for a super talk about the colours of the Universe. B L S Day 5 Sunday, 11 November 2012 Atherton Tablelands This scenic day tour travels from the arid outback plateau of the Atherton Tablelands to some of the most spectacular waterfalls such as the Millaa Millaa Falls. En route we journey through rich dairy regions and visit a world-renowned tea growing plantation. B Day 6 Tuesday, 14 November 2012 Palm Cove Eclipse Day - Weather permitting, eclipse viewing will take place at the Angsana Resort under the guidance of Stuart Ryder, experienced eclipse chaser! For those who are keen for a spot of souvenir shopping can transfer into Cairns this afternoon. A Celebration Dinner will give you the opportunity to share your tales from the day s event. B D Day 7 Wednesday, 15 November 2012 Farewell your fellow eclipsers. An airport transfer will be organized. (Flight details pending) B 5
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 Supper talk by David Malin Kuranda Train 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 C o s t accommodation package only (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 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 6
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! A deposit of $1,000pp. 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 Due date Terms and conditions Deposit: $1000 deposit payable on booking $1000 pp non-refundable after 1st May 2011 booking form Second payment: up until $2500 (total) nonrefundable after 1st May 2012 $2500 total 1st May 2012 + Insurance copy Ask about the Eclipsing the Dinosaurs tour + Flight details Looking for an interesting way of getting to Cairns? Join Dr Paul Willis on a 4 day fossil hunting expedition Final payment 1st August 2012 100% non-refundable of payment after 1st August 2012 from Longreach to Cairns. Final payment 7
Southern Sky Eclipse Passenger Details Please fill out one form per couple or family. Two couples sharing should fill out separate forms. Traveller s Name: 1. 2. Date of Birth Date of Birth (for self-organised groups of 3 or 4 people) 3. 4. Date of Birth Date of Birth Contact details: Mobile: Home: Email: Postal: State: Postcode: Country: Please tick your room preference and let us know with whom you will be sharing. If you would like us to match you for a twin sharing arrangement with a menber of the same sex please indicate below. Room type Accommodating COST Travel Companion names One Bedroom Suite Single $4840 Twin Share $3640 Two Bedroom Suite Twin Share $3840 Triple Share $3440 Quad Share $3140 Same Sex Paired Twin Share $3840 If you will be travelling with a telescope please tell us it s dimensions and weight when packed. Special meal required Mobility issues Deposit Details Payment options: Pay $1000 by cheque Pay $1000 by direct deposit Pay $1000 by credit card (PayPal) Date: