John Howie will be the tour leader/manager. Since 1995 John has led many successful music tours of Ireland, Scotland, Europe, the U.S., New Zealand and the Australian outback. He has also led many successful music cruises. John is a musician and former secondary school music teacher. He and his twin brother, Graeme, perform as The Howie Brothers, one of Australia’s leading country music / easy listening / vocal harmony acts.
Gill Delaney (accordion/piano/ukulele/mouth organ player from Wangaratta) has played in dance bands most of her life, and knows a million tunes! She will be coming on the tour as a musician and assistant tour manager, as long as we get sufficient bookings. She will be involved in lots of fun-filled informal music sessions with the tour group.
Bluegrass Parkway, from WA, is Australia’s most highly credentialed and experienced bluegrass band. The band places a high priority on presenting bluegrass in its most authentic traditional form; e.g., performances take place around a single microphone. Another feature of the band is the very entertaining on-stage repartee that takes place between band members.
The Lost Quays is a male vocal group dedicated to singing shanties and other songs of the sea. The Lost Quays mostly perform a cappella (unaccompanied), but sometimes include instruments like guitar, ukulele and concertina. Their repertoire is presented with gusto and good humour. Seen at Festivals around WA, and at the Australian Wooden Boat Festival, in Hobart, in February 2023.
Trumpet player and vocalist David Rastrick’s Jazztrix Quartet play a wide array of jazz styles for your listening and dancing pleasure – from swing to Bossa Nova, soul-jazz, blues, ballads and more. The South-West Australian group has a swingin’ repertoire of jazz classics as well as a set of tasteful and innovative original compositions.
VIEW ITINERARYDAY 1 Saturday 19 August 2023 Margaret River
Midday: Our coach will do a pick-up at the airport, for those flying in to Perth this morning. We will travel to Margaret River. First stop is Bunbury, Western Australia’s second largest city. We continue to Busselton, to see the largest wooden jetty in the Southern Hemisphere. If we’re lucky we will catch a glimpse of the dolphins along the coastline. We arrive in Margaret River late afternoon. Evening: Commencement of Tour Dinner, including a few songs from John Howie & Gill Delaney. Overnight: Stay Margaret River. (D)
DAY 2 Sunday 20 August 2023 Margaret River
Travel to the town of Augusta, and Cape Leeuwin, the most south-westerly point of the Australian continent, where the Southern and Indian Oceans meet. See Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, mainland Australia’s tallest lighthouse. Visit spectacular Jewel Cave (optional). Then visit the beach at Hamelin Bay, where you may see the famous Hamelin Bay stingrays. Visit the Boranup Forest, one of the finest karri forests in WA. Finish the day with a drive through Margaret River’s beautiful winery/vineyard region, including a wine-tasting at one of the wineries. Evening: A free night for you to explore Margaret River’s restaurants & live music venues at your leisure. (B,WineTasting)
DAY 3 Monday 21 August 2023 Pemberton
Morning: Travel to the inland town of Pemberton. Along the way visit the Beedelup Falls, in Greater Beedelup National Park. On arrival in Pemberton spend some time at the local Visitor Centre (including museum). The south-west corner of WA is famous for its giant karri, jarrah, & tingle trees. We will see some amazing tall tree forests in this region. Visit two impressive ‘climbing trees’, on the outskirts of town….the Gloucester Tree (used as a fire lookout tree) and the Dave Evans Bicentennial Tree. We will then travel on the Pemberton Tramway, which travels through deep forests and picturesque countryside as well as telling the story of the timber railways that were so important in the region’s development and growth. We then check into our hotel. Free time. Evening: Enjoy dinner in our hotel followed by a fun-filled music/singalong session, with John Howie & Gill Delaney. Overnight: Best Western Pemberton. (B,D)
DAY 4 Tuesday 22 August 2023 Albany
Drive through Shannon National Park, to the town of Walpole. On the outskirts of Walpole, do the 5km Knoll Scenic Drive, on a peninsula between two bodies of water. After morning tea in Walpole, do the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk (optional), in Walpole-Nornalup National Park. The raised, tree-top walkway gives you a bird’s eye view of some of the tallest trees on Earth – W.A.’s majestic tingle trees. For those not wishing to do the tree-top walk, there are excellent walks, amongst the giant trees, at ground level (free of charge). Then proceed to the town of Denmark. On the way visit Green’s Pool & Elephant Rocks (granite rocks that look like elephants). Lunch & time to look at the interesting shops/art galleries, etc., in Denmark. Afternoon: Travel to Albany, on the shores of the Southern Ocean. Albany is the oldest European settlement in Western Australia and was a major whaling station. On arrival, visit South Coast WoodWorks Gallery (lovely furniture; award-winning wood products). Evening: Enjoy dinner, and performance by the outstanding David Rastrick Jazz Band, at excellent Albany music pub/venue, Six Degrees. Overnight: Ace Accommodation. (B)
DAY 5 Wednesday 23 August 2023 Albany
Morning: Sightseeing coach tour of historic Albany, with local guide.
Take in magnificent views of King George Sound and Princess Royal
Harbour. Head up to the Mt Clarence Desert Corp Memorial and Padre
White Lookout, for amazing views of Albany. Walk along the boardwalk
at Middleton Beach. Visit the National ANZAC Centre. Afternoon: Visit
The Gap and Natural Bridge, in Torndirrup National Park, on the outskirts
of Albany. Then return to Albany. Evening: A free night for you to explore
Albany’s restaurants. You may like to join John Howie at one of Albany’s
best Italian pizza/pasta restaurants. (B)
DAY 6 Thursday 24 August 2023 Perth
Travel along the Albany Highway, to Perth. Afternoon: On arrival, check
into our hotel. Evening: Informal dinner at the Old Shanghai Food Hall,
in the suburb of Northbridge. Excellent & inexpensive food from all over
Asia: Chinese, Indian, Korean, Japanese, Malaysian, etc. After dinner you
may like to attend one of Perth’s excellent informal live music events –
e.g., a fun-filled Irish music ‘session’ (optional). Overnight: Comfort Inn &
Suites Goodearth, Perth. (B)
DAY 7 Friday 25 August 2023 Perth
Morning: Sightseeing coach tour of Perth & Fremantle, with local guide.
See the Governor’s Residence, Parliament House, Perth University, and
Perth’s impressive new 60,000 seat stadium (Optus Stadium). Visit Kings
Park & the Botanic Garden (containing over 2,000 plants) & learn about
W.A.’s amazing wildflowers. In Fremantle see historic Fremantle Prison
(built by convicts in the 1850s & used as a place of incarceration and
punishment for nearly 140 years). Visit The Roundhouse (originally
a prison; oldest building in WA). See the statue of the late Bon Scott (lead singer, AC/DC). Afternoon: Free time in Fremantle. You may like
to visit Fremantle Prison and/or the outstanding W.A. Shipwrecks
Museum (includes a section of the Batavia, which was shipwrecked on
the W.A. coast in 1629). (Both of these visits, optional.) You may like to
visit The Record Finder, an excellent 2nd hand record store at 43 High
St., Fremantle. Evening: Enjoy a performance by outstanding local sea
shanty group, The Lost Quays. (B)
DAY 8 Saturday 26 August 2023 Rottnest Island/Perth
Today you may like to visit Rottnest island (optional), 19 kms west of
Fremantle. The island is known for its laid-back atmosphere (cars are not
allowed on the island), its native wildlife (including the quokka – a small
native marsupial) and its beautiful beaches & bays. Travel to and from
the island by ferry. Enjoy Australian Pinnacle Tours’ Grand Island Tour
(including train trip to & from Oliver Hill Gun Fortification & Tunnels,
light lunch & coach tour of the island). Please see details regarding cost
of optional Rottnest Island excursion on back of brochure. Return to our
hotel approx. 6.45pm. Evening: Dinner in our hotel, including exclusive
performance by outstanding local bluegrass band, Bluegrass Parkway.
(B,D)
DAY 9 Sunday 27 August 2023 Depart
After breakfast bid farewell to your new friends before returning home.
Our coach will do one transfer to Perth airport, this morning, for those
flying home this afternoon. (B)
| TWIN FARE PER PERSON | SINGLE FARE |
|---|---|
| $3,195 | $3,755 |
The following activities are ‘optional’, and the entrance, or admission cost is not included in the tour price. Jewel Cave (Day 2). 55 minute guided tour. This is a spectacular cave, but quite a lot of steep steps involved. Cost: Adults: $22.50 p/p. Seniors (60 +): $20. 10% discount p/p, if we get 10 or more people.(2)Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk (Day 4). Current prices: Adults: $21 p/p. Concession (Australian Seniors card; War Veterans card; Disability pension): $15.50 p/p.(3) Fremantle Prison & W.A. Shipwrecks Museum (Day 7). Fremantle Prison. Current prices: Adults: $22 p/p. Concession (seniors & pensioners): $19 p/p. Group price (10+ people): $19 p/p. W.A. Shipwrecks Museum. Free admission, but they do suggest a $5 donation. (4) Rottnest Island Excursion. There are 2 costs: (1) Return ferry trip, from Barrack St. Wharf, Perth: Adult: $113 p/p (2022 price) (including $20 Rottnest Island Landing Fee); Concession: $108.30 p/p (2022 price) (including $20 Rottnest Island Landing Fee). (2) Grand Island Tour (including lunch), with Australian Pinnacle Tours. $84 p/p.(2022 prices). Total: Adults: approx. $197. Concession: approx. $192.30.
Please indicate (if you wish to go on any of the optional activities) by ticking the appropriate tick boxes, on the tour booking form.
PLEASE NOTE: If any of the musical entertainment in the itinerary is unavailable, we will make every effort to replace that entertainment with similar performers/events.
You can extend your stay in Western Australia for only the price of accommodation. (i.e., you might like to consider travelling to Perth at least 1 day early – i.e., the day before the tour commences). Please contact Travelrite on 1800 630 3443 for more information.
It is important that all tour participants have a basic 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 (ABN64 005 817
078) is the tour organiser. All passengers must complete and sign the
Travelrite International booking form.
Tour Costs
The tour costs are based on general transport and
accommodation costs at 1 September 2022. Travelrite International
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 60 days of departure from Australia.
Deposit and Payment
A deposit of $500 per passenger should be
sent with a completed Travelrite International booking form. Final
payments are due to be paid to Travelrite International 60 days prior
to the commencement of the tour. A 1.5% administration fee will be
added to payments by credit card.
Cancellation Charges
| Days prior to Departure | Cancellation Fee |
|---|---|
| Over 60 days | $500 |
| 60 days or less | 100% of full fare |
| Non-appearance/no written notice: | 100% of full fare |
Refunds
The tour is based on arrangements which do not allow for
any refunds in respect to sightseeing, accommodation, meals or other
services not utilised after the tour has commenced.
Travel Insurance
Adequate travel insurance is highly recommended
to cover tour group members for the consequences of
unforeseen events during the tour and for cancellation fees which
could result from events such as illness, accident, death etc.
Baggage
All passengers qualify for 1 piece free baggage allowance.
Minimum Tour Numbers
The tour arrangements have been
made on the basis of a minimum number of passengers travelling.
In the event that less than the required number of passengers
have confirmed their booking 60 days from the date of departure, Travelrite International reserves the right to cancel the tour, giving a
full refund of monies paid, or offer arrangements to proceed with the
tour at a modified fare.
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 (ATAS No. A10538)
is the tour organiser. Travelrite International Pty Ltd, its agents, officers,
affiliates,and/ or suppliers of services pursuant to, or in connection
with these tours, shall act only as agents in making arrangements for
hotels, transportation, including transportation by train, restaurants,
or any other service and do 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 tours, 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. Baggage is at owners’ risk throughout the fly/cruise. 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 tours. This contract shall be construed in accordance with
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 to book this tour on your behalf and you acknowledge that Travelrite 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 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 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 your attorney for this purpose. You agree to pay Travelrite any cost thereof and you indemnify Travelrite 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 $500 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
Phone: (03) 8803 6868
Email: sales@travelrite.com.au
ABOUT TRAVELRITE INTERNATIONAL:
Travelrite International
Pty Ltd (ABN 64 005 817 078) is a well-established travel company
which has been marketing throughout Australia for over 30 years and
operating in Victoria for more than 35 years. It has a fully licensed
(ATAS No. 10538) office at Balwyn which is also accredited with IATA.
As such they directly represent the major airlines of the world and all
major domestic and international hotel, tour and transport operators.
Travelrite International Pty Ltd is a full member of Australian
Federation of Travel Agents – AFTA.
“One of the best tours we have ever done. Great program and lovely people.”
“Well organised tour that ran smoothly. Very impressed with Wayne Horsburgh, intelligent, talented and caring.”
