Australia - 2012 Eclipse

ECLIPSE OF THE SUN DATE:  14 November, 2012

ITINERARY

11 Nov 2012

Arrive Cairns, transfer at your own expense to your selected accommodation. Free day to explore Cairns at your leisure.
In : 11 NOV                                           Out: 15 NOV 2012
Multi Shared Accommodation

 

12-13 Nov - Cairns

Free days in Cairns for optional touring

Check out the following web sites (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.

 

15 Nov - Cairns to Magnetic Island

Leaving Cairns, we visit the Johnstone River Crocodile Farm to learn more about the most feared animal in Northern Australia; the estuarine or saltwater crocodile. Spend a couple of hours learning how this prehistoric animal has survived and flourished in Australia’s harsh north and see large crocodiles up close and personal. 

We then drive to Townsville where we take the ferry to Magnetic Island, so named by Captain Cook because his compass went crazy when he sailed past in 1770. This afternoon we take you back in time on the historical forts walk, keeping an eye out for the Koalas in their natural habitat and taking in the stunning panoramic views of the Coral Sea. 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.

 

16-18 Nov - Whitsunday Sailing

We jump aboard the ferry first thing this morning to head back to the mainland. We soon reach Airlie Beach where the next adventure awaits – Whitsunday sailing.  You will have the opportunity to sun-bathe, snorkel and swim whilst exploring the idyllic Whitsunday Islands on a million dollar yacht.  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. We disembark in the afternoon of Day 4 and stay overnight in Airlie Beach.

Meals: 16th: Breakfast, Dinner ; 17th:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner; 18th: Breakfast

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

 

19 Nov - Airlie Beach to Carnarvon National Park

We start early today for our big drive to Carnarvon National Park. Carnarvon National Park is a little known jewel located in the remote Queensland outback and home to Carnarvon Gorge. This remarkable natural attraction features 30km of walking trails, 200 species of birds, ancient plants and Aboriginal rock-art dating back 3500 years.
Camp Overnight adjacent to Carnarvon National Park. (Tented Accommodation)

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

 

20 Nov - Carnarvon Gorge

Chances are that your sleep will be broken this morning by the many birds that live amongst the 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, Dinner

 

21 Nov - Carnarvon National Park to Kroombit Cattle Station

Today we travel 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: Breakfast, Dinner

 

22 Nov - Kroombit Cattle Station

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

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

23 Nov - Kroombit to Rainbow Beach

After a hearty breakfast we head eastwards to Rainbow Beach where we hit the coast for the first time in four days!    Rainbow Beach is a vibrant young coastal town, with glistening coloured sands and a relaxed atmosphere. In the afternoon we can take a walk to view the coloured sands that give Rainbow its name, and learn about the Rainbow Serpent. We may also visit the spectacular Carlo Sand Blow. This evening relax in our accommodation, located just 100 meters from the beach.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

 

24-25 Nov - 2 Day Fraser Island Tour (fee is payable upon arrival ($22.00).

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: 24th: Breakfast. Lunch, Dinner | Day 11: Lunch, Dinner

 

26 Nov - Rainbow Beach to Brisbane

This morning 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.  We then travel south and take a short break at the spectacular lookout at Wild Horse Mountain to enjoy panoramic views of the Sunshine Coast overlooking Noosa and Mooloolaba before continuing on to Brisbane.
End of touring.

 

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