



A successful author with twenty-seven books to his credit, Jim has been the resident Australiana expert on Macquarie Radio's top rating weekend show with George and Paul for seventeen years Having spent the first twenty years of his working life as a teacher and academic, Jim started recording with a band he created in the late 1970s called Bandy Bill & Co and became a professional entertainer in 1988.
With 30 years involvement in the entertainment industry as an entertainer, recording artist, songwriter and producer, Jim toured extensively and has recorded over twenty albums with Festival, EMI, ABC Music, Sony and his own label, Singabout Australia. His comedy hit songs include Since Cheryl Went Feral and Don’t Call Wagga Wagga Wagga. The son of British migrants, Jim attended Sydney Boys’ High and Sydney Teachers’ College, taught in schools and universities in NSW and Britain and has two masters’ degrees in literature. He was on the board of the Country Music Association of Australia for fifteen years, was given Life Membership of the CMAA in 2015 and still performs as an entertainer and speaker, sharing his passion for all things Australian. National Party Past President, Helen Dickey, once said, ‘Jim Haynes is simply the best Australian comic entertainer we have.”
Jim was awarded the Order of Australia Medal in the Australia Day Honour’s List in 2016, 'for service to the performing arts as an entertainer, author, broadcaster and historian'.
VIEW ITINERARYDAY 1 Friday 1 October, 2021 Mountain Scenery and Art
Blackheath/Hill End
This morning we depart Sydney and travel into the Blue Mountains and first
to the town of Blackheath, where we stop for lunch and explore the town
before we visit Govetts Leap Lookout and view the spectacular panorama
and travel on to the gold mining town of Hill End. This evening we enjoy
an included Welcome Dinner. Jim will give a presentation entitled GOLD!
DAY 2 Saturday 2 October, 2021 Gold
Hill End
Today Jim will guide us to experience the goldmining heritage of the well
preserved town of Hill End. In 1872, the largest single piece of reef gold
in the world – the Beyers and Holtermann Nugget – was found in the
Hill End goldfields. These goldfields became world famous as ‘the richest
quarter mile in the world’. We will don a hard hat and head lamp to explore
the subterranean world where miners sought their fortune at the Bald Hill
Tourist Mine. We will visit the History Hill Museum were we will see rare
artefacts from the 19th century gold rush. Hill End’s striking landscapes
have inspired many famous Australian painters, including Brett Whiteley,
John Olsen and Russell Drysdale. We will see these views at the Beaufoy
Merlin lookout and Bald Hill lookout
DAY 3 Sunday 3 October, 2021 Life and Times of Henry Lawson
Mudgee/Gulgong/Dubbo
This morning we first travel to the town of Mudgee known for its
vineyards and fine wines. We have a wine tasting and an included lunch at
a local winery. We then travel to the picturesque former gold rush town
of Gulgong. Known as the place where poet Henry Lawson spent his
childhood Jim will take is to the Henry Lawson Centre. We then continue
on to Dubbo.
DAY 4 Monday 4 October, 2021 Animals – wild and free
Dubbo
Today Jim will take us to the Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo. We take a
zoofari! We will see the hundreds of rare and endangered animals in this
huge open range sanctuary including the King of the Jungle at the amazing
Lion Pride Lands.
DAY 5 Tuesday 5 October, 2021 Exploring the Heavens
Warrumbungles
This morning we first visit the Western Plains Cultural Centre in Dubbo.
We then travel to the town of Coonabarabran which is located just outside
the Warrumbungles National Park. The Warrumbunges are known as a
dark place and one of the best star gazing places in Australia. This evening
Jim will takes us to visit the Observatory for a star gazing night.
DAY 6 Wednesday 6 October, 2021 Wonders of the Warrumbungles
Warrumbungles
Today we explore the Warrumbungles. We see the Australian Museum
Diprotodon Exhibition. The Diprotodan which was like a giant wombat
was the largest marsupial to have ever lived. We take a tour through the
Warrumbungles and have time to explore the town of Coonabarabran.
Jim will give a presentation on Henry Lawson. This evening there will be a
further optional visit to an observatory.
DAY 7 Thursday 7 October, 2021 An evening of Bush Verse
Lightening Ridge
Today we travel via the town of Baradine to the outback opal mining town
of Lighting Ridge. This evening we will enjoy dinner at the Bowling club
and some bush verse with Jim and guests.
DAY 8 Friday 8 October, 2021 Opals
Lightening Ridge
Today Jim will help us we explore the outback opal mining town of Lighting
ridge. During the day our tour will include a tour of an underground opal
mine to see how these precious stones are mined. We learn about and
get to see the famous Black Opals at an opal centre and museum. We
will also visit the amazing stone Amigo's castle built by hand by an Italian
immigrant over 20 years and more. A great day! This evening we will enjoy
a camp oven dinner and the show at the Hidden Gem Theatre with great
entertainers Mel and Susie. A fantastic experience!
DAY 9 Saturday 9 October, 2021 Cotton and Kaputar
Tamworth
This morning we travel to the town of Narriabri famous for its cotton
production. We then continue on to Tamworth.
DAY 10 Sunday 10 October, 2021 Country Music
Tamworth
Today Jim will guide us around Tamworth. We will see the famous Golden
Guitar. We visit the extensive Country Music Museum and Roll of Renown,
before enjoying a Matinee Concert. This evening Jim will host a final night
dinner to celebrate our tour.
DAY 11 Monday 11 October, 2021
Home through the Hunter Valley
We depart Tamworth today. We first travel to Scone for lunch and
continue on to Sydney
Twin Fare | Single Fare |
---|---|
$3,950 | $4,650 |
Please contact one of our friendly consultants for a quote 1800 630 343
International touring can involve a considerable amount of walking and stair climbing in the places visited and it is important that all tour participants have a level of physical fitness that allows them to take part in this activity without the need of assistance from others.
Tour Operator: Travelrite International Pty Ltd, (ABN 64 005 817 078) is the tour operator.
Tour Costs:
The tour costs are based on general transport,
entry, and accommodation costs. Travelrite reserves the right
to alter the costs if any of these factors change, giving any
passenger that has booked the right to withdraw with full
refund of monies paid or modify arrangements. No alterations
to price will be made within 45 days of departure.
Deposit and Payment: deposit of $750 per passenger for is required at the time of booking. Full payment will be required 60 days before departure for the Tour. Cancellation over 60 days before tour departs will result in the loss of $500. Cancellation under 60 days before tour departs will result in a loss of all monies paid. Payment may be made by cheque or cash a 1.5% administration fee will be charged on payments made by credit cards.
Refunds:
The tour is based on arrangements that do not allow
for any refunds in respect to sightseeing, accommodation,
meals, airfare or other services not utilized after the tour has
commenced.
Travel Documents:
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with Travelrite International for visa requirements.
Travel Insurance:
Adequate travel insurance is highly
recommended to cover cruise members for the consequences
of unforeseen events during the cruise and for cancellation fees
which could result from events such as illness, accident, death etc.
Baggage:
Due to coach restrictions, tour members can only
bring one large suitcase.
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Travelrite reserves the right to change
advertised entrances if necessary for the smooth operation of
the tour.
Minimum Tour Numbers:
The tour has
been priced on the basis of a minimum number of passengers
having booked 45 days prior to departure. Travelrite reserves
the right to cancel the tour, giving a full refund of all monies
paid or offer arrangements to proceed with the tour at a
modified cost.
Tour Participation:
Children under 5 years of age are ineligible on coach & cruise tours. Children under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. Passengers with disabilities are welcome on Travelrite & Cruise Offers tours provided they are accompanied by a companion capable of providing all necessary assistance, and do not require special assistance from Travelrite & Cruise Offers personnel. Travelrite and Cruise Offers reserves the right to refuse to carry anyone if it is felt the individual cannot cope with the requirements of coach & cruise tour travel and who may require services and facilities that Travelrite & Cruise Offers cannot guarantee will be available. You agree to not hold the Travelrite & Cruise Offers responsible for any decision made by any of them or any service provider to refuse to carry you, provide any facilities or accommodation to you or to provide any service to you.
Responsibilities: Travelrite International Pty Ltd. (ABN 64 005 817 078) is the tour organizer. Travelrite acts only as an agent in the making of arrangements for hotels, transportation, restaurants or any other service and does not assume any liability whatsoever for any injury, damage, death, loss, accident or delay to person or property due to an act of negligence or a default of any hotel, carrier restaurant company or person rendering any services included in the tour, or by act of God. Further no responsibilities are accepted for any damage or delay due to sickness, pilferage, labour disputes, machinery breakdown, quarantine, government restraints, weather, terrorism or other causes beyond their control. No responsibility is accepted for any additional expense, omission, delays, re-routing or acts of any government authority. The passage contract between the carriers concerned, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the carriers and the purchasers of this tour and/or the passengers. The right is reserved to withdraw any tour and/or make such changes in the tour as may be found desirable or necessary for the convenience of the parties and the proper carrying out of the tour. This contract shall be construed in accordance of the laws of the State of Victoria, Australia and any legal action must be undertaken in the State of Victoria.
Delays And Unforeseen Events:
You engage Travelrite
International to book this tour on your behalf and you
acknowledge that Travelrite International acts as your agent for
the purpose of making contracts between you and the various
providers of accommodation, transportation and other services
that comprise the tour. Travelrite International may without
reference to you provide or make available to you, or may as
your agent engage any third party to provide or make available
to you, any good or service which Travelrite International
reasonably believes is necessary for your benefit to maintain
the tour itinerary, repatriate you or otherwise accommodate,
transport or sustain you in circumstances in which the tour
itinerary fails wholly or partly for any reason. You appoint
Travelrite International your attorney for this purpose. You
agree to pay Travelrite International any cost thereof and you
indemnify Travelrite International in respect of any cost it incurs
in this regard. Travelrite advises you to obtain travel insurance
generally including in respect of the risk that any such good or
service may become required.
How to Book: Bookings can be made by completing a booking form and sending it with a deposit of $750 per person to:
Travelrite International Pty Ltd
423 Whitehorse Road Balwyn, Victoria 3103
Further information can be obtained by telephoning
Toll Free: 1800 630 343
Telephone (03) 8803 6868
Fax (03) 9836 8068
Email balwyn@travelrite.com.au
https://www.travelrite.com.au/
About Travelrite International: Travelrite International Pty Ltd (ABN 64 005 817 078) is a well-established family-owned business that’s been operating in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs for more than 35 years. Travelrite International is a full member of the Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA), is fully Accredited with ATAS (A10538) and IATA. As such they directly represent the major airlines of the world and all major domestic and international hotel, tour and transport operators.
“Had a great time. Well organised. Ship crew were fantastic. Tour Manager did a great job. Guides were good, and we had a very friendly group.”
“Tour Host was very personable, great lectures. Top class guides made all the difference.”