12 Day Great Australian Aircruise

Description

Day 1 - Sydney/Longreach

Leaving the city behind the journey begins in the heart of the outback at Longreach. A frontier township which centuries ago offered hope to the pioneers and drovers and still today embodies the true characters of the Australian outback. The Champion family welcome you to their property and offer their genuine country hospitality. Longreach is also the birthplace of Qantas, the history of the airline is displayed in a museum constructed at one of the old hangars where you will also be treated to a great dining experience. Accommodation:Longreach Motor Inn or similar.

Day 2 - Mt Isa/Katherine

This morning visit the "Stockman's Hall of Fame" - a magnificent museum constructed as a tribute to Australian pioneers. Reboard the aircraft and experience the true concept of Aircruising. There are no check-in formalities, no baggage handling - everything is taken care of! The magnitude of one of Australia's largest mining projects comes to life with a visit to Mt Isa Mines providing a true appreciation of the size and impact this has on the Australian economy. The aircraft awaits to continue the journey to the Northern Territory and the township of Katherine. This evening enjoy a delightful barbecue on the banks of the Katherine River in true Australian style. Accommodation: Knotts Crossing Resort or similar

Day 3 - Katherine Gorge/Kakadu National Park

This morning a taste of life in these remote communities with a visit to the School of the Air. Listen to one of the daily classes conducted to children that live in remote regions. From here marvel at Mother Nature as you cruise two of the thirteen gorges that form the Katherine Gorge. Joining the aircraft this afternoon for a spectacular flight along the Arnhemland escarpment to view the magnificent waterfalls and wildlife that make up this world heritage reserve. Cruise at sunset along the Yellow Waters Lagoon to view the incredible beauty and abundant wildlife of this remarkable region. Accommodation: Gagudju Crocodile Holiday Inn

Day 4 - Arnhem Land/Darwin

Kakadu National Park is home to the most outstanding concentration of Aboriginal art and history in Australia. This morning, cruise the East Alligator River. Examine some of the finest examples of Aboriginal art at Ubirr Rock. A short flight this afternoon to Australia's most northern capital - Darwin. Accommodation:Holiday Inn Esplanade or Saville Park Suites

Day 5 - Darwin

Darwin's distance from the other major Australian capitals has enabled it to create a unique relaxed lifestyle of its own. Whilst not a large commercial centre its situation as the gateway to Asia means that its port facilities are enormously important to the rest of the country. A tour of the town will highlight this unique relaxed lifestyle and its prominence in world events like WWII. Accommodation:Holiday Inn Esplanade or Saville Park Suites

Day 6 - Bungle Bungle National Park/The Kimberley Region

The journey begins to take on new dimensions as the aircraft takes you deep into the rugged Kimberley providing unsurpassed aerial views of the ancient Bungle Bungle Range before landing in Kununurra. This afternoon experience the thrill of a ride on the spectacular Ord River past the raw and unimaginable beauty of the Kimberley. Accommodation:Kununurra Country Club

Day 7 - Buccaneer Archipelago/Broome

Today experience the breathtaking scenery as the red untamed landscape of the Kimberley meets the rugged far northwest coastline. Relatively inaccessible by road, you can view this awesome beauty from the comfort of your private aircraft 500 feet above with the chance to see whales frolicking in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. This region is truly one of the last untouched frontiers. This unforgettable flight concludes in Broome, the pearling port of the west. Accommodation:Cable Beach Club Resort

Day 8 - Broome

Explore the township of Broome, established in the romantic days of the flourishing pearling industry at the turn of the century. Meet one of the local characters that worked in the industry and listen as he regales tales from a time past. Then venture on to Roebuck Bay and experience the thrill of a hovercraft ride across the calm waters of the Bay stopping to view the archaeological site of the Dinosaurs footprints. Accommodation:Cable Beach Club Resort

Day 9 - Gibson Desert/Uluru

The private aircraft awaits to transport you across the country to the "Red Centre", the magnitude of this vast country is highlighted by the unending red desert plains that occupy most of Australia. These vast plains are only broken by the sight of the massive monolith - Uluru as it encroaches on the horizon. On landing you will be taken to the rock to hear your guides interpretation of the Aboriginal myths and legends that have surrounded this area for thousands of years. This evening a dining experience to surpass all others, firstly enjoy the visual spectacle as the sun set creates an ever changing array of colours on the rock, followed by a dining experience under the starlit southern skies. Accommodation:Sails in the Desert

Day 10 - Kata Tjuta/Alice Springs

This morning there is the opportunity to view the rock at sunrise and undertake a relaxed walk around its base followed by a visit to Kata Tjuta(The Olgas), which are thirty-six conglomerate sandstone domes again steeped in Aboriginal folklore. Rejoining the aircraft, we head north to Alice Springs, probably the most famous of all Australian outback towns. Accommodation:Crowne Plaza Alice Springs

Day 11 - Macdonnell Ranges/Alice Springs

An unforgettable experience this morning as you board a hot air balloon for a flight across Alice and the MacDonnell ranges. Then it is on to visit the institutions that have provided Alice Spings with its prominence over the years including the Royal Flying Doctor Service and the historic Telegraph Station which touches on the history of the lost generation. Accommodation:Crowne Plaza Alice Springs

Day 12 - Birdsville/Sydney

Today your private aircraft returns to Sydney, but not without landing first to visit Australia's most famed outback pub. Situated on the historic Birdsville Track, since 1885 the Birdsville Hotel has been a meeting point and customs station for all the drovers passing through. Sadly this will be a farewell drink at the end of a memorable adventure!

Details

State: MULTI-STATE

Departure Days: Wed, see departure dates.

Highlights:

Cruise the mighty chasms of Katherine Gorge

Photograph steely-eyed crocodiles in Kakadu

Aerial sightseeing over the Bungle Bungle Range

Watch the sun set on the Indian Ocean at Cable Beach, Broome

Stroll along the banks of the Todd River in Alice Springs

Admire the majesty of Uluru and Kata Tjuta

Category: 4WD

Duration: 12 Days

Departure Point & Time: Sydney

Pricing Information

Our Price

Price Per Person based on Twin Share. Dep. 4th May - 1st June 05

$$11,561 AUD

Price Per Person based on Twin Share. Dep. 15th June - 10th Aug 05

$$11,745 AUD

Price Per Person based on Twin Share. Dep. 24th Aug. - 7th Sept 05

$$11,561 AUD

Inclusions:

This tour is fully inclusive. It includes all your travel costs – accommodation, meals, transfers, transportation, sightseeing excursions, entry fees, porterage and taxes from point of departure. There are no hidden extras so you know the full cost of your holiday before you leave home. Baggage: You will recieve a complimentary suitcase and cabin bag. These will be provided with your final documents 3 weeks prior to departure. It is imperative that the specially provided bags be used on the tour as baggage is restricted to 10kg.

Meals are All Meals Our journey planners have carefully selected dining opportunities that are often an experience in themselves. Where possible, meals are a-la-carte or self-selection, offering you the freedom to experience each region’s distinct character through its local produce.

Accommodation Hotels are chosen to capture each destination’s character. Accommodation extends from elegant, centrally located city hotels to small, boutique style establishments in picturesque locations and remote hideaways. Where available, accommodation will be five star, in places where this is not possible accommodation has been chosen to ensure you receive the highest standard of service and comfort available for that destination.

Extra Charges:

The only costs we have not included are items of personal nature such as, telephone calls, drinks, travel insurance, excess baggage and laundry.

Cancellation Policy

8 weeks or more - Loss of Deposit Less than 8 weeks - 10% of total costs Less than 6 weeks - 20% of total costs Less than 4 weeks - 50% of total costs Less than 2 weeks - 90% of total costs Less than 1 week notice, failure to join the tour or leaving the tour once it has departed - 100% of total costs

To make a booking or check availability, please enter the number of people** you wish to book each of the different products, and click the appropriate button. Any applicable charges for additional activities are paid for on the tour.

No. Persons	Product	Charge
	Price Per Person based on Twin Share. Dep. 4th May - 1st June 05	$11,561 AUD
	Price Per Person based on Twin Share. Dep. 15th June - 10th Aug 05	$11,745 AUD
	Price Per Person based on Twin Share. Dep. 24th Aug. - 7th Sept 05	$11,561 AUD