Australia - 2012 Eclipse

ECLIPSE OF THE SUN DATE:  14 November, 2012

ITINERARY

01 Nov - Brisbane to Rainbow Beach

Our journey commences bright and early when we depart Brisbane.  This morning we take a short break at the spectacular lookout at Wild Horse Mountain. Enjoy panoramic views of the Sunshine Coast overlooking Noosa and Mooloolaba, before arriving at Rainbow Beach; a vibrant young coastal town, with glistening coloured sands and a relaxed atmosphere.

In the afternoon we participate in a sea kayak trip to paddle amongst wild dolphins at Double Island Point. If you are lucky you may also see turtles and thousands of soldier crabs. This evening relax in our accommodation, located just 100 metres from the beach.

Meals: Dinner

 

02-03 Nov: Two Day Fraser Island 4wd Tour

Spend the next two days exploring Fraser Island on a ranger guided 4WD safari with Fraser Explorer, staying at Eurong Resort. You will drive along Seventy-Five Mile Beach, visit Lakes’ Wabby and Mackenzie, Eli Creek, the Maheno Wreck and climb Indian Head. Return to Rainbow Beach for an overnight stay.

Meals: Day 2: Lunch, Dinner | Day 3: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

04 Nov - Rainbow Beach to Kroombit Cattle Station

This morning take part in a cultural demonstration from your guide, learning about the didgeridoo, boomerang and spear throwing, and the Rainbow Serpent. After a few hours at Rainbow Beach we head inland through cattle country to Kroombit Cattle Station. Here we experience genuine outback living with the chance to ride a mechanical bull and take a walk of the property. Tonight you will taste a traditional camp oven dinner, cooked in the open fire.

Meals: Dinner

 

05 Nov - Kroombit Cattle Station

Today is jam-packed with wonderful activities also included in the price of your tour. Learn first-hand about Queensland farming life as you participate in a “muster” on horseback, try your skill at trap-shooting and witness a mini-rodeo as animals are herded into the ring. This evening enjoy another hearty camp-oven dinner and re-live your days experiences around the campfire with a beer from the bush bar.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

06 Nov - Kroombit to Carnarvon Gorge

This morning, start the day with a hearty bush breakfast, before heading further inland through Central Queensland’s remote outback to the little known jewel of Carnarvon National Park. Carnarvon Gorge, central to this park is a remarkable natural attraction with 30kms of walking trails, 200 species of birds, ancient plants and Aboriginal rock-art dating back 3,500 years. This afternoon we will get a taste of the gorge with a short walk amongst the numerous kangaroos and wallabies that inhabit the area. Camp overnight adjacent to Carnarvon National Park.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

 

07 NOV - Carnarvon Gorge

Chances are that your sleep will be broken this morning by the many birds that live amongst trees surrounding the camp. After breakfast you will spend the full day hiking through the many walking trails scattered throughout this magnificent gorge. Walks are mostly of easy grade and therefore suitable for all ages and fitness levels, however the options are varied.

You will see 500 year old cycads, grass trees and eucalypts, native wildlife and learn about the indigenous ancestors that inhabited this region for more than 3500 years. See the best examples of rock-art in Queensland, made from the ochre taken from the region. After a days exercise, you will return to your camp for a good nights sleep within this wilderness region.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

08 Nov - Carnarvon Gorge to Airlie Beach

We start early today for our big drive from Carnarvon Gorge to the Mackay region. This is the first time we’ve hit the coast in four days and we now follow the coast to arrive at the Whitsunday gateway of Airlie Beach where we stay overnight.

Meals: Breakfast

 

09-11 Nov - Whitsunday Sailing, live-aboard

You will have the opportunity to sun-bathe, snorkel and swim whilst exploring the idyllic Whitsunday Islands on a yacht worth millions of dollars. Visit the many beaches, coves and islands on this two night sailing trip, with the opportunity to hoist the sails and even take the wheel. Note that you will sleep on the boat, moored in quiet coves. Cabins are share only; no twin and doubles for these two nights.

Back on land, we leave Airlie Beach and head to Townsville. From here we take the ferry to Magnetic Island, so named by Captain Cook because his compass went crazy when he sailed past in 1771. This evening, relax with a cold beer and watch the sunset from the beach bar of the only backpackers in Australia located right on the beach.

Meals: Day 9: Lunch, Dinner | Day 10: Breakfast, Lunch | Day 11: Breakfast

Whitsunday Sailing does not include Environmental Management Charge (Reef Tax) and which are payable direct. Stinger suit hire AUD $10-$15 

 

12 Nov - Magnetic Island to Cairns

You will get up early for a morning hike before taking the ferry back to the mainland.  Today includes a visit to the Johnstone River Crocodile Farm to learn more about the most feared animal in Northern Australia: the estuarine or saltwater crocodile. Learn how this prehistoric animal has survived and flourished in Australia’s harsh north and see large crocodiles up close and personal. From here, we stop at Babinda Boulders for a refreshing rainforest walk. As we arrive into Cairns, you will be able to cherish the many great experiences of Australia’s East Coast. Overnight Cairns.

 

13 Nov - Cairns

Free day for optional touring.

Check out the following web site (nearer to the date) for what’s happening in Cairns over these dates. Information about cairns eclipse festival

 

14 Nov - Cairns -  Total Eclipse of the Sun

This will be the first opportunity to see a total eclipse from Australia since the South Australian eclipse of 2002. In 2012 the eclipse will be visible from North Queensland. The eclipse track will begin in the Gulf of Carpentaria, cut through Cape York and after moving out into the Coral Sea continue across the Pacific Ocean towards North America. Cairns is on the path of the eclipse and may be the best viewing spot. Totality will occur at 6.40am Eastern Standard Time with the Sun 14 degrees above the horizon. Totality will last just over two minutes.

 

16 Nov - Cairns

Day of Departure from Cairns.

 

What’s Included

• Entrance into the crocodile farm
• Return Ferry to Magnetic island and local transfers
• Hostel accommodation on Magnetic Island on dorm share with continental breakfast.
• 3 days / 2 nights sailing trip (Includes meals, and snorkelling gear)
• Hostel accommodation at Airlie Beach based on dorm share with continental breakfast
• Tents, equipment hire, national park fees at Carnarvon National Park
• 2 Nights hostel accommodation at Rainbow Beach based on dorm share with continental breakfast
• 2 Days Fraser Island (incl: accommodation, meals, ferry return, national park fees and touring)
• All meals as indicated / National Park Fees
• 4 Nights hostel accommodation in Cairns with continental breakfast.

Further Information

NOT INCLUDED

Pre and post accommodation and flights. Any optional activities, entrance fees, Reef Taxes.

Insurance

Travel insurance is NOT included; we strongly recommend that passengers have their own travel insurance against illness, injury, loss/damage to personal belongings

Luggage

Due to limited space on all our Vehicles, a strict limit of 15kgs per passenger is applied.

If our guides feel the luggage is to heavy, (Guides Health & Safety) groups may have to make their own arrangements to transport the luggage to their final destination.

Group participation Tours

This is a group participation tour (preparing food, cooking, collecting fire wood, washing dishes etc. )

Children on Tour

All Children under the age of 18 years of age are not permitted to travel unless they are accompanied by an adult, group leader, teacher or youth worker.

Meals on tour

Emphasis is on fresh food wherever possible and our meals are nutritious and varied. If you are vegetarian or gluten intolerant we can cater for you, but if you have very specific dietary this will need to be advised.  Example menu: Breakfast - cereals, toast, tea and coffee. Lunch - sandwich and cold salads; Dinners – Cooked meals. We always carry water in the vehicle and plenty of drinks, ice-creams etc stops (own expense) along the way.

Can I smoke and drink in the vehicle?   

Australian Government regulations prohibit smoking and the drinking of alcohol inside tourist vehicles in Australia. 

On tour

To show respect for your tour guide and fellow passengers please turn your mobile phone and/or Ipod off during the day and do not talk during your guides commentary they are there to show you this amazing country and they enjoy sharing their knowledge and love of the area. 

Deposits and Final Payments

A deposit of A$200 per person, is required upon booking.  Balance payable 90 days prior to departure.

Cancellation Policy

A Cancellation must be in writing

• Cancellation within 90 days of departure – 10% cancellation fee
• Cancellation within 60 days of departure – 20% cancellation fee
• Cancellation within 42 days of departure – 40% cancellation fee
• Cancellation of within 28 days of departure – 60% cancellation fee
• Cancellation of within 14 days of departure – 100% cancellation fee