Nov-Dec 2002 Australia Eclipse Tour Itinerary Details

SYDNEY  Sunday, Nov. 24   -- Upon arrival in Sydney you'll be met and transferred to our hotel. For those arriving early, the day will be free to relax or explore on your own. (Overnight at the Furama Central Hotel.)

SYDNEY  Monday, Nov. 25 -- After breakfast, you'll meet your Tour Leader for an orientation talk before embarking on a walking tour of the Sydney Botanical Gardens and the Opera House. A short stroll around Circular Quay and you'll arrive at the Rocks.  Sydney's first white settlement was on the rocky spur of land from which the Harbour Bridge now crosses to North Shore.  It was a squalid, raucous place of convicts, whalers, and street gangs, though in the 1820s the nouveau riches inexplicably built three-storey houses on the ridges overlooking the slums.  Since the 1970s, redevelopment has turned the Rocks into a historical precinct, full of narrow cobbled streets, fine colonial buildings, converted warehouses and tea rooms.  You'll have a walking tour of the area before lunch at a local restaurant.  Return to the hotel with a few hours to relax.  This evening we have arranged a special dinner-and-drinks sailing cruise on spectacular Sydney Harbour for the group. (Overnight at the Furama Central Hotel.  Breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided.)

SYDNEY Tuesday, Nov. 26 -- Today you can choose from one of two options (included in the cost of your trip).

Option 1: 4WD tour of the Blue Mountains & Twilight Tour.   This fantastic tour gives you the opportunity to experience the Blue Mountains in a way that is unique to Australian Wild Escapes. Heading westwards across the coastal plain we make our way to the Great Dividing Range of Australia. It is here we leave the 'average' Blue Mountains tourist behind and enter the National Park to unlock a piece of Australia you would never have known existed.  We visit ancient Aboriginal sites and outstanding lookouts, examine rock formations and the unusual plants and wildlife that abound the area. From the quaint little village of Leura we skirt around Cliff Drive to Katoomba where you will find yourself looking out over the magnificent Jamieson Valley and the Three Sisters. As the sun goes down we enjoy the magical twilight hours in a hidden valley within the National Park. Kangaroos come out from hiding (conditions permitting) as we sample a glass of fine Australian wine and selection of cheeses. After a delicious home prepared dinner under the stars, we then skirt the area with powerful spotlights to catch a glimpse of some of the mountain's nocturnal life. We eventually depart, letting ourselves out of the National Park, arriving at our hotel at around 9:00pm. A magical day of wilderness, wildlife, and fine food.

Option 2: Cycle tour of Hunter Valley.  A trip to Sydney is not complete without a visit to the world class wineries of the Hunter Valley - allow us to take you there. Leaving your hotel we travel through the historic Rocks area before crossing over the magnificent Sydney Harbour Bridge. We wind our way through the leafy Northern Suburbs, and then escape through the brilliant sandstone outcrops of Ku-ring-gai National Park to reach the mighty Hawkesbury River. We stop for a traditional Aussie morning tea deep in the bush and then continue on to the historic township of Wollombi, famous for its local brew called Dr Jurd's Jungle Juice. From Mt View we descend into the Hunter Valley and begin our wine tasting at a few of the very special boutique wineries in the area. We chat to the owners, admire their cottage locations and let them show off the best of their vintages. Lunch follows and consists of cheese platter with champagne, a home prepared buffet accompanied by wines and fruit juice and home baked cake. With Lunch over, select your comfortable multi geared Mountain Bike for an enjoyable ride through the Vineyards, doing some tastings along the way. We return to Sydney in the late afternoon.

(Overnight at the Furama Central Hotel.  Breakfast and lunch provided.)

TASMANIA Wednesday, Nov. 27 -- This morning we will transfer to the airport for the flight to Tasmania.  Fly Sydney to Launceston on QF #877 (12:25-14:10) Coach Class.

Welcome to Tasmania. 'Tassie' is a place of wonderful contrasts, consisting of wild ocean beaches, dense temperate rainforests, rugged mountains, deep blue lakes and delicate alpine moorlands. The state was originally known as Van Diemen's Land and was an infamous British penal colony during the 19th century. Today approximately one-quarter of Tasmania is designated as national parks. About 20% of the state has World Heritage status!

Transfer to Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair. This is Tassie's best known national park and is part of the World Heritage area. The spectacular mountain peaks, deep gorges, lakes and wild open moors constitute this amazing region. Over the next several days enjoy daily hikes through this wilderness with interpretations from guides and the park rangers.

(Overnight at the Cradle Mountain Lodge.  Breakfast and lunch provided.)

TASMANIA Thursday, Nov. 28 -- Today will be free to relax or take part in activities offered at the lodge.  There are over 20 different guided walking tracks ranging from 20 minutes to 9 hours.  You can also choose from 4WD tours, Horseback riding, Fly Fishing, Native Animal Viewing, or relax with a massage at the Resort Spa. (Overnight at the Cradle Mountain Lodge.  Breakfast provided.)

TASMANIA Friday, Nov. 29 -- Full day to enjoy the activities offered by the lodge and the spectacular scenery of Lake St. Clair National Park. (Overnight at the Cradle Mountain Lodge.  Breakfast provided.)

ADELAIDE Saturday, Nov. 30 -- Say goodbye to the lodge today and drive to Launceston.  This scenic drive will take us through rolling countryside, lush farmlands, and the rugged scenery of Lake St. Clair National Park. Upon arrival, we will transfer to the airport for our trip to Adelaide.   Fly Launceston to Melbourne on QF #870 (14:45-15:50) coach class.  Fly Melbourne to Adelaide on QF #697 (16:25-17:10) coach class. On arrival in Adelaide we will transfer to our hotel. Once called the City of Churches it is now more known as the Festival City. The evening will be free to explore on your own, or perhaps try your luck at one of the local casinos. (Overnight Adelaide Hilton. Breakfast and lunch provided.)

ARKAROOLA Sunday, Dec. 1 -- This morning we'll depart Adelaide for Arkaroola in the Flinders Ranges, arriving late this afternoon for an evening meal. En route, we'll likely see kangaroos, emus and other wildlife. The vast Arkaroola Mt. Painter Sanctuary is home to the most rugged chain of mountains in the Ranges. There's no doubt that the multi-award winning Arkaroola Sanctuary is a special place that will spellbind you with its beauty.  Arkaroola is one of the best places in the Southern Hemisphere for viewing the stars at night. A large computer driven astronomical observatory offers an expert nightly tour through the universe. (Overnight Arkaroola.   Breakfast provided.)

NOTE: To make the best use of our time at Arkaroola, meals will be taken at your leisure and are not included with the cost of your trip.  (An exception is the champagne BBQ dinner on the evening of the eclipse on Dec. 4th, which is included in the cost of the trip.)

ARKAROOLA Monday, Dec. 2 -- This morning we'll hear Professor Vic Gostin discuss the history and geology of the Flinders Ranges. Afterwards we'll enjoy a Ridgetop tour - a journey to the depths of an ancient sea bed and across the peaks of the Flinders Range's most rugged mountains to Sillers Lookout.  Here you'll feel on top of the world and enjoy awe-inspiring views to Lake Frome. After dinner there will be an Aboriginal Heritage and Culture evening including a talk by Olga Gostin, reader in Aboriginal Anthropology, and we'll meet with members of the Nepabunna Aboriginal people. (Overnight Arkaroola.)

ARKAROOLA Tuesday, Dec. 3 -- Today will be free to choose from the many optional activities and tours provide by the resort.  Take a scenic flight, enjoy a 4WD drive tour, or go on a bushwalk.  This evening there will be a talk given by Professor Gostin on the significance of Lake Acraman. Nearby Lake Acraman is the site of the world's second largest known meteor strike. Vic Gostin is the discoverer of the site and has a fascinating story to tell. (Overnight Arkaroola.)

ARKAROOLA Wednesday, Dec. 4 -- Today will be free to relax or go on a tour as we prepare for the eclipse.  Late this afternoon we'll travel to the viewing site and enjoy a champagne BBQ and view the eclipse. Totality occurs about 7.15 pm local summer time. (Overnight Arkaroola. Dinner provided.)

ADELAIDE Thursday, Dec. 5 -- This morning we'll return to Adelaide, making stops along the way and arriving early this evening.   (Overnight Adelaide Hilton. Lunch provided.)

AYERS ROCK Friday, Dec. 6 -- Private transfer to the airport for our flights to Australia's outback and Red Center. Fly Adelaide to Alice Springs on QF #681 (09:30-10:30) coach class. Fly Alice Springs to Ayers Rock on QF #1937 (11:55-12:50) coach class. Upon arrival we will transfer to our resort with some time to relax. This afternoon at 3pm, pick up and depart Ayers Rock Resort and travel through desert plains for the short journey to The Olgas, known to the Aborigines as 'Kata Tjuta' (meaning 'many heads').  On arrival, the size and grandeur of these 36 massive domes of conglomerate red rock will certainly impress you.  Here you will have the opportunity to walk through and explore the unusually shaped formations, including the amazing Valley of the Winds.

This is truly a unique experience and to further enhance your enjoyment, you will have the "Sounds of Silence" dinner memorable experience. At Kata Tjuta you will have the time to see the sunset while you're having wines along with the interesting sound of didgeridoo. After you enjoyed your dinner, you will be introduced to the amazing Aborigines traditional way of viewing the constellations, stars, and planets which make up the skies of the Southern Hemisphere. Return to hotel late this evening.  Central Australia has one of the darkest and clearest skies in the world, making it an ideal location to view the stars.  We return you to our resort accommodation approximately two hours after sunset.  What to bring:  walking Shoes; sun hat; sunscreen; camera. (Overnight at the Desert Gardens Hotel.  Breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided.)

SYDNEY Saturday, Dec. 7 -- The ultimate tour of Uluru, includes sunrise, Ayers Rock base tour, and free time at the Uluru Cultural Centre overlooking Uluru, before joining Aboriginal Guides for the Liru Tour.  Learn the real meaning and history of Uluru directly from local Aboriginal Guides.  Retrace the path of the Liru Ancestors through unique bushland to Uluru.  See the scars left on the rock during their battle with Kuniya thousands of years ago.  Hear the tragic fate of Lungata, the Emu thief, whose body we see laying at the base of Uluru.  See demonstrations of ancient bush skills such as making kiti (bush glue), starting a fire without matches and carving wooden tools with only a sharpened stone. Afterwards, transfer to the airport for our flight to Sydney. Fly Ayers Rock to Sydney on QF #781 (12:50-17:20) coach class. Upon arrival, transfer to our hotel for check in. Tonight we'll enjoy a farewell dinner at the Waterfront Restaurant for an exclusive sumptuous seafood dinner. (Overnight at the Furama Central Hotel. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided.)

RETURN HOME or EXTEND YOUR TRIP, Sunday, Dec. 8 -- Now you must choose.  Fly home or extend your trip to visit other areas of Australia. For those flying home late this evening you can join one of the following day tours.

Option 1: 4WD tour of the Blue Mountains - no twilight dinner (Additional Cost: $223 AUD) This fantastic Ecotour begins at your hotel and the historical Rocks area of old Sydney. Heading westwards across the coastal plain we make our way to the Great Dividing Range of Australia. It is here we leave the 'average' Blue Mountains tourist behind and enter the National Park to unlock a piece of Australia you would never have known existed. We visit ancient Aboriginal sites and outstanding lookouts, examine rock formations and the unusual plants and wildlife that abound the area. From the quaint little village of Leura we skirt around Cliff Drive to Katoomba where you will find yourself looking out over the magnificent Jamieson Valley and the Three Sisters. We enjoy a delicious barbecue lunch including a selection of fine Australian wines and cheeses under the canopy of the Australian bush. Before returning to Sydney we drop into a hidden valley where we roam the area, seeking out the many kangaroos that graze in the wild (conditions permitting). Reluctantly we leave the National Park passing by the Olympic 2000 site, arriving at your hotel around 5.30pm.

Option 2: Full Day Dolphin and Island Discovery Cruise at Port Stephens  (Additional Cost: $111 AUD)  Travel north from Sydney across the Hawkesbury River, through the Hunter Valley and Newcastle to Port Stephens joining your Imagine Dolphin Watch Cruise and Buffet lunch. Enjoy voyaging under sail to view wild Dolphins as they swim in the wake of the vessel.  Return to Sydney at approximately 4pm.

This evening you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home.

Accommodations are limited.  Don't delay.
For information and reservations, contact:

Mr. Pat O'Connell
Asia Transpacific Journeys
Boulder, Colorado USA
800-642-2742 or 303-443-6789
pat@southeastasia.com

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