



Day 1 Longreach
Today group members arrive in Longreach (own arrangements). This evening
we enjoy an included Welcome Dinner. Please ask about airfares for flights to
join the tour.
Day 2 Longreach
This morning we will visit the Qantas Founders Museum. The museum tells the
story of Australia’s national airline, from its early days in Outback Queensland
to the present day. Characters of the early Qantas days, their pioneering spirit
and the impact the airline had for all Australians, is brought to life through life
size exhibits, historical artefacts and interactive displays including the National
Heritage Listed Qantas Hangar. We will also enjoy informative guided tours of
the Boeing 707, Boeing 747, Super Constellation and DC-3 in the Museum’s new
Airpark Enclosure. After lunch, we visit The Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame.
It tells the story of the rural areas from the arrival of the Aborigines more than
40,000 years ago, settlement by the British, exploration, the establishment of
grazing, agriculture, mining, forestry and other industries in country Australia.
It also follows the story of the many kinds of technologies which are playing a
role in farming, business and communications to the present day.
Day 3 Winton
This morning we travel to Winton. On arrival we visit the Lark Quarry Dinosaur
Trackways for a guided tour. We’ll see amazing fossilized footprints from
a dinosaur stampede 95 million years ago. We continue with a visit to the
Australian Age of Dinosaurs Display in Winton’s Corfield and Fitzmaurice
building. One of Australia’s largest dinosaur fossils (‘Elliot’) was discovered
near Winton in 2002. After dinner, enjoy an Old-time Movie Night, a special one
hour movie show at Winton’s Royal Theatre, one of the few remaining open air
picture theatres still operating in Australia, complete with original projection
equipment and canvas seats! Show includes old cinema newsreels, old movie
ads, ‘The 3 Stooges’, ‘Popeye’, etc. Enjoy tea and bikkies after the show!
Day 4 Mt Isa
This morning we visit the outstanding Waltzing Matilda Centre, which tells
the intriguing story behind the writing of Waltzing Matilda, written by ‘Banjo’
Paterson in the Winton area in 1895. We then travel to Mount Isa, via Combo
Waterhole, a famous billabong that has important links with the Waltzing Matilda story. ‘Banjo’ Paterson visited Combo Waterhole for a picnic before
writing the song. Did his visit provide inspiration for the song? We will then drop
into the Blue Heeler Hotel, in the town of Kynuna. This pub is full of character
and has links to the Waltzing Matilda story. Then continue on to the town of
McKinlay. Stop at the Walkabout Creek Hotel, location for the pub scenes in
the movie Crocodile Dundee. Continue on to Mount Isa, travelling through the
beautiful ochre-red Selwyn Ranges (hilly and dramatic scenery, similar to the
MacDonnell Ranges in central Australia). Mount Isa is outback Queensland’s
largest town, built around a vast silver, copper, zinc and lead mine.
Day 5 Birdsville
Today we travel 685km south to Birdsville. Deep in the heart of wild and
isolated country, Birdsville is situated between the eastern edge of the
Simpson Desert, the vast gibber plains of Sturt’s Stony Desert to the south
and rich Channel Country to the north.
Day 6 Birdsville
This morning we will enjoy a sightseeing tour of Birdsville with local guide.
Travel a short distance west of Birdsville to see (and climb) Big Red, a huge
sand dune at the edge of the Simpson Desert. We will also travel a short
distance north of Birdsville, to see a small stand of Australia’s rarest tree – the
Waddy Tree. A member of the local aboriginal community will accompany
us on this morning’s tour (if available), and talk to us about Birdsville and his
working life as a drover. The afternoon will be free.
Day 7 Innamincka
Today we travel south-west to Innamincka. The town of Innamincka is situated
on Cooper Creek close to where the ill-fated Burke and Wills expedition of
1860-61 came to its tragic end.
Day 8 Innamincka
This morning we visit Burke’s grave and the beautiful Cullyamurra Waterhole,
both a few kilometres east of our hotel. The scenery along Cooper Creek, in
the vicinity of Innamincka, is stunning. Beautiful water holes, fabulous gum
trees, and lots of colourful Australian birds. Then visit the famous Dig Tree,
where on April 22nd 1861 Burke, Wills and King probably realized they were
doomed. In the afternoon, we will visit the former Australian Inland Mission
Hospital building, now a National Parks office and museum, located right next
to our hotel.
Day 9 Tibooburra
Today we continue our journey south to Tibooburra, a true outback town
in the ‘corner country’ of far western New South Wales. Along the way, we
visit Cameron Corner, where the borders of NSW, Queensland and SA meet
and see Australia’s famous Dingo Fence. We then visit Fort Grey, where Sturt
established his last base camp in 1845 before pushing on to the Cooper. On
arrival into Tibooburra, you will have time to explore the town, including the
two pubs. The interior walls of the Family Hotel boast a mural of artwork by
famous Australian artists, including Clifton Pugh and Russell Drysdale.
Day 10 Broken Hill
Today we travel to Broken Hill. On the way, we stop at Milparinka, virtually a
ghost town these days with a population of just 77. We will visit Depot Glen, a
shaded waterhole on Preservation Creek – one of the most famous exploration
sites in Australia. It was here that explorer Charles Sturt and his party were
marooned for 6 months, in 1845, on their epic search for an inland sea. Second
in command James Poole perished here; we visit his grave. On arrival in Broken
Hill, we will have a sightseeing tour of this fascinating outback mining town
including a visit The Big Picture art gallery before checking into our hotel.
Day 11 Broken Hill
This morning we will continue our sightseeing of Broken Hill with a visit to
White’s Mineral and Mining Museum, where you meet colourful proprietor Kevin
‘Bushy’ White. We will see The Broken Hill Sculptures & Living Desert Sanctuary
with its amazing sculptures in the desert. We then visit the Pro Hart gallaery and
museum to learn about this amazing artist. We will travel to the fascinating old
mining town of Silverton, now virtually a ghost town. A colourful local guide/
raconteur will accompany us on this trip where we will visit the famous Silverton
Hotel, which has featured in various movies and TV commercials.
Day 12 Port Augusta
Today we travel west to Port Augusta. Lying at the top of the Spencer Gulf,
Port Augusta was vital to all the properties in the Flinders Ranges and beyond.
Nowadays it‘s known as the Crossroads as it has become the starting point
for tourism for the Nullarbor Plain, the Flinders Ranges and all journeys
north to Central Australia and the Northern Territory. On arrival, we enjoy an
orientation tour of the city, including the Wadlata Outback Centre to see the
Tunnel of Time.
Day 13 Coober Pedy
Today we travel to Coober Pedy. On arrival we check into our underground
desert hotel.
Day 14 Coober Pedy
Today we will enjoy a sightseeing tour of Coober Pedy. We visit the historic
Old Timers Mine – hand-dug in 1916, features a walk through tour of display
galleries, two underground homes and precious seams of opal, and the
Umoona Mine & Museum contains an underground house, Aboriginal
interpretive centre, panoramic theatre, historic displays, opal retailing shop
and showroom plus Aboriginal arts and crafts. We also see an underground
church and have a chance to search for opals. There will also be a chance to
purchase opals and other souvenirs.
Day 15 Alice Springs
Today will be spent travelling along the Stuart Highway to Alice Springs. Alice
Springs nestles in a valley in the beautiful MacDonnell Ranges, on the banks of
the often-dry Todd River. The vibrant town, which acts as the business centre
of a vast area of Central Australia, has modern facilities and has a particularly
good selection of cafés and restaurants. On arrival, we check into our hotel.
Day 16 Alice Springs
This morning we enjoy a sightseeing tour of Alice Springs, we will see
numerous sites of historical significance such as Anzac Hill, which features
panoramic views of the MacDonnell Ranges, and also the Old Telegraph
Station Reserve, which marks the town’s important role as the mid-point of
the 19th-century telegraph line running from Adelaide to Darwin. After lunch,
we explore the spectacular region to the west of Alice Springs, including West
MacDonnell National Park. Visit Simpsons Gap, one of the most prominent
waterholes in the region, the Flying Doctor’s Memorial, Standley Chasm and
the Hermannsburg Historic Precinct, where famous aboriginal artist Albert
Namatjira was born & raised.
Day 17 Departure
This morning after breakfast, we are transferred to Alice Springs Airport for
flights back home.
Tour deposit fully refundable up to 90 days prior to departure
TWIN FARE PER PERSON | SINGLE FARE |
---|---|
$5,950 | $7,375 |
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 60 days of departure from
Australia.
DEPOSIT AND PAYMENT:
A deposit of $750 per passenger for is
required at the time of booking. Full payment will be required 60 days
before departure for the Outback Tour. Cancellation over 90 days before tour departs the deposit is refundable. Cancellation between 90 and 61 days before departure will result in the loss of the deposit. 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.
TRAVEL INSURANCE:
Travel insurance is recommended to cover the costs
of cancellation fees due to illness, death in family, etc.
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.
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 ORGANISATION:
Travelrite reserves the right to change advertised
entrances if necessary for the smooth operation of the tour.
BAGGAGE:
Due to coach restrictions, tour members can only bring one
large suitcase.
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 break-down, 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
Email: balwyn@travelrite.com.au
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.
“My third Travelrite tour and I have never been disappointed.”
“I had a wonderful time on the tour. Really enjoyed the whole two weeks. Great group of people.”