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| From Perth to Darwin Aboriginal Culture | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Code | AK-WPBD | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Duration | 20 Days | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Tour Price Apr 2012 - Mar 2013 |
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| Apr 2013 - Mar 2014 |
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| Frequency |
2012 Departure Dates Tue 10 Apr Tue 01 May Tue 12 Jun Tue 24 Jul Tue 04 Sep
2013 Depature Dates Tue 30 Apr Tue 11 Jun Tue 23 Jul Tue 03 Sep Bold dates are guranteed departures
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| Style | Aboriginal Culture | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Transport | Premium Coach | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Suitability | Open Age | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Start | Perth | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| End | Darwin
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Day 1: Arrive Perth
On arrival in Perth you will be transferred to your hotel. This afternoon enjoy an orientation tour of Perth including beautiful Kings Park. Enjoy a welcome drink this evening with your Tour Director and fellow travelling companions.
Hotel: Travelodge Perth, Perth. (D)
Day 2: The Pinnacles
Travel to Yanchep National Park, where you will enjoy an Aboriginal cultural experience in an authentic bush setting. Meet Aboriginal guides who will share with you their way of life in a traditional community and will treat you to the enchanting sounds of the didgeridoo. Visit Nambung National Park to view the mystical Pinnacles, formed by calci舀ed limestone thousands of years ago.
Hotel: All Seasons Geraldton, Geraldton. (B, D)
Day 3: Kalbarri National Park
Visit Kalbarri National Park and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Murchison River Gorge from Hawks Head Lookout. Travel to Hamelin Pool to see the world’s best-known colony of Stromatolites then visit spectacular Shell Beach, formed by billions of tiny white seashells. Continue to Monkey Mia this afternoon.
Hotel: Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort, 2 nights. (B, D)
Day 4: Monkey Mia
Watch for the famous dolphins that swim into shore. These wild mammals of the ocean swim into the shallows to mingle with people. (Note: As dolphins are wild their appearance cannot be guaranteed.) The rest of the day is at leisure. Perhaps take an optional sailing cruise to spot dugong and dolphins. (B)
Day 5: Carnarvon
We travel along the Coral Coast to Carnarvon, the fruit bowl of Western Australia, which is famous for its banana plantations.
Hotel: Fascine Lodge, Carnarvon. (B, D)
Day 6: Ningaloo Reef
Travel to the quaint seaside town of Coral Bay and join a sub-sea viewer over the Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia’s largest coral reef. Observe the abundance of marine life that inhabit these tropical waters and marvel at the underwater world of coral gardens.
Hotel: Potshot Hotel Resort, Exmouth. (B, D)
Day 7: The Pilbara
This morning visit Giralia Station, an area of outstanding biodiversity and a birdwatcher’s paradise. Travel inland to the mineral rich Pilbara region.
Hotel: Windawarri Lodge, Tom Price. (B,L,D)
Day 8: Karijini National Park
Enjoy a guided tour of the Pilbara Open Cut Iron Ore Mine. You will be amazed by the massive pit and see the huge machinery in action. Journey into Karijini (formerly Hamersley Range) National Park. The park is the traditional home of the Banyjima Aboriginal people, who gave the park its indigenous name. Evidence of their early occupation dates back more than 20,000 years. The startling landscape of spectacular gorges, waterfalls and rock pools, created by millions of years of erosion, provides a striking contrast to the stark red of the Pilbara landscape.
Hotel: Karijini Eco Retreat, deluxe eco tents with en suites, Karijini NP. (B, L, D)
Day 9: Karratha
Today we leave Karijini National Park and travel to Karratha, headquarters of the North West Shelf Project.
Hotel: All Seasons, Karratha. (B, D)
Day 10: Broome
This morning we travel via Port Hedland, a major shipping outlet for the mineral-rich Pilbara region, then skirt the edge of the Great Sandy Desert before arriving in idyllic Broome. See Chinatown and Streeters Jetty where pearling luggers unload their fresh catch of oysters.
Hotel: Cable Beach Club Resort, Broome, 2 nights. (B, D)
Day 11: Broome 'Free Time'
Today is at leisure to explore this tropical hideaway. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the 22 kilometres of pristine sand and swim in the turquoise blue water that is Cable Beach. Wander through Chinatown, home to some of the world’s finest pearl showrooms. This evening sit back, relax and watch the spectacular sunset over the Indian Ocean. Or you may like to take a camel ride along Cable Beach. Ask your Tour Director for details. (B)
Day 12: Derby - Fitzroy Crossing
Travel to the port of Derby on the edge of King Sound. See the famous Boab Prison Tree used by the first police as an overnight holding cell, before arriving in the township of Fitzroy Crossing.
Hotel: Fitzroy River Lodge, Fitzroy Crossing. (B, D)
Day 13: Geikie Gorge
Cruise through Geikie Gorge, formed by the waters of the Fitzroy River tunnelling through the Napier Range. Watch for freshwater crocodiles, fruit bats and wallabies as the 30 metre high walls of the gorge tower above us. Travel to historic Halls Creek.
Hotel: Kimberley Hotel, Halls Creek. (B, L, D)
Day 14: Lirrgarn Argyle Diamond Mine
Visit the Lirrgarn Argyle Diamond Mine, the largest diamond mine in the world. Travel to El Questro cattle station.
Hotel: Emma Gorge Resort, tented cabins with private facilities, El Questro, 2 nights. (B, ,L D)
Day 15: El Questro
Cruise through Chamberlain Gorge, a fresh waterhole abounded by tropical vegetation. Keep your eyes peeled for crocodiles sunning themselves as you glide past. At Emma Gorge Resort there is time to hike into Emma Gorge. (B, D)
Day 16: Wyndham
We travel along the Gibb River Road to Parry Lagoon Nature Reserve (weather permitting). See the birdlife of this region and learn about traditional lifestyles. Continue to Wyndham to the 5 Rivers Lookout. View Dreamtime Statues and rock art murals at Warriu Park. Visit the historic Argyle Downs Homestead then cruise the placid waters of the Ord River from Lake Argyle to Kununurra.
Hotel: Pinctada Kimberley Grande, Kununurra, 2 nights. (B, D)
Day 17: Kununurra
Today we see the Ord River Irrigation Scheme, visit Hidden Valley National Park and Kelly’s Knob Lookout. Learn all about the sandalwood industry from soil to oil when we visit the Sandalwood Factory at Mount Romance. You are invited tonight by the Dessert family to the Hoochery Rum Distillery for an exclusive gourmet barbecue. You’ll taste the rum and learn about the distillery and the local way of life. (B, D)
Day 18: Katherine
Cross vast cattle stations en route to Katherine in the Northern Territory.
Hotel: Paraway Motel, Katherine. (B, D)
Day 19: Katherine Gorge
We join our local guide on a cruise through Katherine Gorge. We make a short stop at the Adelaide River War Cemetery, a site dedicated to those killed in the air-raids in Darwin in the 1940’s. On arrival in Darwin, we’ll enjoy an orientation tour including Parliament House and the Botanic Gardens.
Hotel: Travelodge Mirambeena Resort, Darwin. (B, D)
Day 20: Depart Darwin
You will be transferred to Darwin Airport to connect with your onward flight. (B)
TOUR INCLUDES
Transportation: Tour by luxury air-conditioned coach with 2-door access, restroom, seatbelts, reclining seats, panoramic windows
Fully Guided: Tour with an experienced, professional Tour Director and Tour Driver
Dining Inclusions
Full Buffet Breakfasts (19) B
Lunches (4) L
You are Invited Dinner (1) D
Hotel Dinners (16) D
Accommodation
Twin share rooms with private facilities in centrally located hotels. 3 nights in eco tents/tented cabins with en suites
Plus
Welcome drink
Travel wallet and map
Airport transfers (see flight information below)
Hotel porterage included
OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS
(Prices on request)
To ensure your holiday is filled with memorable experiences, we have included a range of quality Optional Excursions for you to choose from and partake in, if you wish, during your holiday. We understand that everyone is an individual, and have therefore allowed some free time for you to experience different types of touring. These have not been included in the tour fare as we realise they may not appeal to all people. Our selection of optional excursions include scenic flights, helicopter rides, cruises, dinners, ballooning, fishing trips, four wheel drive tours, cultural experiences, horse riding and even camel riding.
Bookings
The excursions can be booked through your Tour Director or Driver/Guide. You will be asked during the early part of your tour to name those that you may wish to join, as advance reservations are often necessary. Please note that occasionally weather or seasonal conditions may not permit their operation. Some also depend on a minimum number of participants and suitable time being available.
PERTH
ROTTNEST DISCOVERY : Explore the beauty and tranquility of Rottnest as you relax in the comfort of an air conditioned coach. This tour includes historical, cultural and natural points of interest. Complete your Rottnest experience with a light lunch.
MONKEY MIA
FRANCOIS PERON NATIONAL PARK DAY TOUR: This is a full day trip adventuring through a spectacular, special piece of earth, right where outback Australia meets the coast. Your tour is a combination of cultural history, sensational scenery, fascinating plants, wild animals and bush survival skills. Includes lunch, morning and afternoon tea, sunscreen, use of binoculars, polarised sunglasses and an expert local guide.
WOW! WILDLIFE EXPERIENCE: A fascinating two and a half hour wildlife cruise in one of the world's most important animal behavioral research sites. Scientists from all over the world come to Monkey Mia to unravel the mysteries of the marine world. There are people listening to dolphins; putting video cameras on tiger sharks; tagging turtles; studying stingrays and tracking dugongs. You'll find out their discoveries. You'll learn the relationships between the animals; the reason for the behaviour you're seeing; have some myths exploded and some secrets revealed. There is a huge variety of wildlife at Monkey Mia and we'll try to introduce you to as much of it as possible.
ORIGIN OF THE MERMAID MYTH CRUISE : Potentially see the same animals as the morning "Wow! Wildlife Experience" but with a much better chance of seeing dugong since this is usually when we visit the Restricted-Access, Dugong Management Zone, which we are allowed into only once a day. Dugong feed on sea-grass. Shark Bay has the largest sea-grass banks in the world, and its 10,000 dugongs represent about 10% of the world's dugong population. Although dugongs are shy and extremely difficult creatures to find and approach, we have over the last 14 years developed techniques for getting you close without disturbing them.
SUNSET SAIL CRUISE PRICE: Unwind by the magic of a Monkey Mia sundown cruise. Drift away with especially chosen relaxation music. As nightfall washes over you, the sun blends hues of blue and gold and the land, sea and sky melt into inky darkness pricked by diamonds.
SHARK BAY SCENIC FLIGHTS
15 Minute Scenic Flight - Monkey Mia and Peron Homestead
25 Minute Scenic Flight - Denham, Monkey Mia, Peron NP & Big Lagoon
40 Minute Scenic Flight - Denham, Useless Loop, Zytdorp Cliffs, Steep Point & Dirk Hartog Island
BROOME SCENIC FLIGHTS
2.5 Hr Buccaneer Archipelago Scenic Flight : Join a spectacular scenic flight over rich pearling waters, hundreds of tiny islands and historic mission sites crossing mineral rich rugged Kimberley country. Land at Cape Leveque for morning tea.
Enjoy a 20 minute scenic flight over Broome and see the local attractions. This flight provides the first time traveller to Broome a complete orientation of the town and its surrounds.
PEARL LUGGERS TOUR THE SEA, THE MEN, THE LEGEND : Let us take you on one of the most fascinating historical journeys in Western Australia. Through daily guided tours and enthralling stories learn of the impact pearling has had upon Northern Australia and why such a large number of nationalities were enticed, often by force, into our pearling industry. Experience what it was like to be a pearl diver and discover why so many put their lives at risk. See two of Broome's last remaining wooden pearling luggers, taste the exclusive pearl meat from the pearl oyster, view artefacts from the early perilous days of deep sea pearl diving, and see a pearl valued in excess of $100,000.
WILLIE CREEK PEARL FARM: Located 38 kilometres north of Broome, the Willie Creek Pearl Farm is perfectly situated on the protected tidal estuary of Willie Creek. A natural harbour, the warm azure waters of the creek provide a perfect growing environment for the Pinctada maxima oyster and produces world renowned South Sea Pearls. At Willie Creek Pearl Farm you will gain a fascinating insight into the world of cultured pearling. On board our boat you will learn about modern pearling techniques and after refreshments your guide will demonstrate the intricate process of cultured pearling including the seeding of a live oyster shell.
Or you can combine both The Sea, the Men, the Legend Tour with Willie Creek Pearl Farm for the special price of $99.00 per person.
RED SUN CAMELS: Enjoy a leisurely camel ride along the white sand of Cable Beach, one of Broome's most famous attractions. A perfect way to unwind as you watch the sunset over the Indian Ocean. Note: Weight restrictions apply.
EL QUESTRO WILDERNESS PARK SCENIC FLIGHTS: Views of El Questro denied to the earthbound. Seeing the Wilderness Park from on high is breathtaking and from an open door chopper its exhilarating. It is the only way to access distant waterholes and scenic areas where travel by land is virtually impossible. Enjoy a scenic journey over some of El Questro's many gorges and waterfalls, views of the majestic Cockburn Ranges.
KUNUNURRA EAST KIMBERLEY TOURS: Experience Kununurra, the eastern gateway to the Kimberley and surroundings by air with a morning scenic flight over the renowned Ord Irrigation area, mighty Ord River and the enormous man made Lake Argyle before arriving at the Bungle Bungle where you will transfer to an air conditioned 4WD. On your travels to Cathedral Gorge let our guides recount the Bungles heritage and share nature's hidden secrets. Be amazed on your walk into Cathedral Gorge, where you will be surrounded by the Beehive Domes for which the park is so famous. Arrival into the gorge displays a magnificent amphitheatre designed by nature at its best. Relax in this shaded area and enjoy a memorable picnic lunch before returning on your walk to rejoin the 4WD. Travel to our Bungle Bungle Bush Camp for afternoon tea then rejoin the aircraft to complete your afternoon scenic flight over the ancient Ragged Ranges and the Argyle Diamond Mine. Easy to moderate 3 km walk into Cathedral Gorge via the Beehive Domes. Sturdy footwear is required.
DARWIN
1 DAY LITCHFIELD NATIONAL PARK : Visit Litchfield National Park, an area of immense beauty rivalling Kakadu, which has only in recent years opened up to the overland visitor. Visit the township of Batchelor, and then by coach climb the Tabletop Range to view Florence Falls and Tolmer Falls. Venture to Wangi Falls where there is a serene crystal clear pool, ideal for swimming and relaxing. This afternoon return to Darwin arriving approximately 6.00pm. Note: Lunch is included.
CROCOSAURUS COVE PRICE: Enter the world of the awesome Northern Territory Saltwater Crocodile, with some of the largest in captivity on display. Located right in the heart of Darwin.
TASTE OF THE TERRITORY SUNSET CRUISE PRICE: The 'Tumlaren' is a beautifully presented sailing schooner. This cruise includes complimentary sparkling wine at sunset and a delicious light tasting plate of Territory style food including smoked kangaroo with bush tomato relish, semi-dried tomatoes, Australian olives and a variety of cheeses. Experienced crew share interesting and informative commentary on the sites and rich history of Darwin Harbour, Cyclone Tracey and WWII. Note: Return transfers included.
SUNSET DINNER CRUISE PRICE This unique dining experience aboard the schooner 'Alfred Noble' includes a four course meal of a due of dips followed by a fresh chilled seafood platter. From the BBQ barramundi, gourmet chicken and prime beef skewers are served with hot herb bread and a choice of salads. Finally a light dessert platter of tropical fruit, chocolate wafers and hand-made macaroons.
SUNSET CRUISE: Our Sunset Cruise aboard the ìCharles Darwinî takes place on our Bridge deck (Second level) in full air-conditioned comfort. Guests also have access to the Sun Deck (Third, top deck) where the best views of Darwinís famous Sunset are experienced. This two-hour cruise includes a great commentary on the harbour and Darwinísí great history. There is a licensed bar onboard with great priced drinks to enjoy. Note: Return transfers included.
SUNSET BUFFET DINNER CRUISE : The Dinner Cruise aboard the “Charles Darwin” is a great way to get a birdís eye view of the famous Darwin Sunset whilst enjoying a delicious Territory Style Buffet with Australian Seafood and Local produce all in air-conditioned comfort. This two-hour cruise on the ìCharles Darwinísî Captains Deck (main Deck) also includes great commentary and offers the best value for money dinner cruise on Darwin harbour. This Sunset cruise is the perfect way to feed the family and enjoy the scenery. Note: Return transfers included.
