Sydney- Lightning Ridge- Longreach
Our adventure begins with an early morning departure from Bankstown Airport- destination: the opal mining town of Lightning Ridge. En route we fly over the rugged Warrumbungle Mountains.
Upon arrival at the "Ridge" we are met by Col Henry, who will act as our guide around this unusual township and into actual mining sites. You will have the opportunity to buy opals directly from local miners.
Mid-afternoon sees us winging our way across the central Queensland plains past Charleville to Longreach. Despite the towns "Wild West" apperance, our overnight accomodation is the beautifully landscaped Albert Park Motel, a four star hotel/motel.
Longreach- Mt Isa- Escott Station
After breakfast we have time for a first hand view of Qantas' origins as it was Longreach where Australia's international airline had it's beginnings. Before we board the aircraft our last stop is at the Stockman's Hall of Fame where we have the opportunity to relive the past lives of early explorers.
Lunch is served on board whilst we head North-West across the channel country to Mt Isa. The "Isa" is the home of the largest lead, copper and zinc mine in the world.
Late afternoon we re-board the aircraft for the short flight to Escott Station, a cattle property nestled on the banks of the Nicholson River and at the edge of the Gulf of Carpentaria.
Mt Isa- Borroloola- Katherine
After a leisurely breakfast we re-board the aircraft, flying North-West over Lawn Hill National Park- our destination: the small, remote community of Borroloola to lunch and refuel.
Upon arrival in Katherine the remainder of the afternoon is free for a much desreved rest in preparation for a day of exploration.
Katherine Gorge- Mataranka Springs
This morning we cruise on the Katherine Gorge where we experience the sheer canyons of this spectacular view of nature. We visit the former Mataranka Homestead and enjoy a BBQ lunch at the outdoor restaurant. The afternoon has three highlights- the opportunity to swim in the famous Mataranka thermal pool and visits to the historic replica of the Elsey Homestead of Jeanie Gunn of "We of the Never Never" fame, and to the famous Cutta Cutta caves.
Katherine- Kakadu National Park
Today's adventure commences with the short flight across to Cooinda. From here we experience the Yellow Waters wildlife cruise. The journey across the floodplains of the upper South Alligator River is highlighted by the abundance of wetland birdlife and salt-water crocodiles that make the Northern Territory so famous.
At the conclusion of the tour we re-board the aircraaft for the flight to Darwin. The evening is free to enjoy the sights of Australia's Northern capital.
Darwin
This morning we tour Darwin commencing with a visit to the Territory Wildlife Park followed by lunch at the Dolly Pot, overlooking Fanny Bay. After lunch we explore the city of Darwin taking time for your all important souvenir shopping.
Darwin- Kununurra- Kalumburu Mission- Derby
Today's flight includes some of the most spectacular scenery in Australia. We fly South-West, over the Daly River native Australian reserve, then South to the highlight of the flight- the Bungle Bungle ranges. Our pilot's experience in this area will enable you to enjoy the extensive views afforded from the aircraft, of the uniqueness that nature has created and to capture forever on film such a magnificent spectacle.
We now head North to the town of Kununurra. Upon landing we are met by Neil Richards who will take us on a tour of the Ord River scheme. After lunch we travel to the original Durack homestead, a monument to the early pioneers of the Kimberley region; then re-board the aircraft for the short flight to Kalumburu.
Kalumburu was formerly a French Benedictine Mission that came to fame in 1932 when two German flyers, Hans Bertram & Adolf Klausmann were lost on the rugged Kimberley Coastline. The mission received a magnificent organ from Adolf Hitler, in thanks for their rescue. Today you can still see the organ with Hitler's signature.
From Kalumburu we fly parallel with the Kimberley Coastline passing somme of the most beautiful aand rugged wilderness remaining in Australia. Our overnight destination is the historic town of Derby. Noted for it's spectacular tides (up to 40ft)the town offers a view of life largely gone from modern Australia.
Derby- Broome
This morning we board the aircraft early so we can reach the historic pearling town of Broome. After checking into the hotel you are free to explore for the morning.
Our air-conditioned coach will collect us after lunch. We begin with a visit to the Shell House followed by the Wharf, the Japanese Cemetery, Cable Beach Resort, Chinatown and the historic outdoor theatre. We finish at Gantheaume Point to watch the sunset over the Indian Ocean.
Broome- Balgo Hill Mission- Alice Springs
Our flight today crosses some of the most inhospitable country of the Australian continent. After crossing the top end of the Great Sandy Desert we land at Balgo Hill. This remote outpost, on the edge of the Tanami Desert, is home to around 200 people. Set in the heart of the desert it typifies the harshness of the out-back.
Of particular note is the fine Native Australian art gallery that is situated at Balgo. Here you can buy original "non-tourist" art works that are rarely available to ordinary travellers. The afternoon is spent flying across the desert to Alice Springs. Our accomodation is at the Alice Springs Resort situated on the banks of the Todd River.
Alice Springs
We explore Alice Springs today. Highlights include the Old Telegraph Station, Simpson's Gap, Stanley Chasm, Royal Flying Doctor base, Guth Panoramic Gallery and possibly the most unusual, the Camel Farm. Here you may either view the action or alternatively have someone take your photograph whilst you ride the "ship of the desert"
Alice Springs-Uluru (Ayers Rock)- Coober Pedy
Our day begins with a short flight to the world's largest monolith, Uluru, formerly known as Ayers Rock. Before landing, the pilots will follow the regulated flight path to allow aerial views of both Uluru and the Olgas. You should obtain some tremendous photos of these spectacular landforms.
We board our own mini-coach for the drive to the mysterious dome shaaped Olgas and around the base of Uluru. Out of respect to the Native Australian owners of this sacred area, we do ask that patrons try to remain staisfied looking at Uluru, as the indigenous peoples believe it a profanity to climb the "Rock".
In the late afternoon we head back to the aircraft for the flight across the Great Victoria Desert to the town of Coober Pedy, renowned for its underground inhabitants. Our accomodation is at the Desert Cave Hotel.
Coober Pedy- Broken Hill- Sydney
After a late breakfast we are taken on a tour of this unusual town where we visit an opal mine, see an opal cutter at work and browse through the opal displays. Additionally we visit an underground church & home.
By late morning we are back in the aircraft flying across the Lake Eyre Basin to the most remote town in New South Wales- Broken Hill. The town was founded in 1883, when a boundary rider, Charles Rasp, discovered silver. Our tour includes a visit to one of the major mining sites to see how the area has expanded.
In the late afternoon we re-board the aircraft and head eastwards, crossing NSW, and into Sydney- the conclusion of our journey.
Cost: $5350 (off-peak)- $6999 (peak)
Single supplement: $599
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