Sydney- Ballarat- Kangaroo Island
The seven-day tour begins with an early departure from Sydney to fly to the Victorian gold mining town of Ballarat. The flight will take us over the Great Dividing Range, the Murray River and the rich sheep, wheat and cattle country of Southern Australia.
Upon arrival at Ballarat we are met by our guide who will take us firstly to Sovereign Hill, a reproduction of the 1860's gold town. After lunch at the United States Hotel we go to Lake Wendourie, Bakery Hill (site of the Eureka Stockade), Anderson's Mill and of course the historic city of Ballarat itself. Our departure is timed around 4:00pm so that we will arrive at Kingscote, on Kangaroo Island, at around 5:30pm.
Kangaroo Island
This morning commences with a journey along the North coast covering Western River Cove, Snellings Beach, Stokes Bay, Wisanger and Emu Bay.
Around lunchtime sees us in the Flinders Chase National Park. After a BBQ we continue our sightseeing with the magnificent Admiralty Arch and Remarkable Rocks. The rock formation is unique as it has all the appearance of being a sculpture that would suit any modern art museum. Of special interest is Seal Bay. If we are lucky, the seal colony will be basking in the afternoon sun.
Kangaroo Island- King Island
Our departure this morning has to be early so that we have sufficient time to spend on King Island.
Upon arrival we are met by our guide who will take us on a tour of the main town centre of Currie. From here we see the kelp harvesting and the now defunct Rutile and Scheelite mines.
One of King Island's main products is its food, ranging from world class cheese and meat, to the finest seafood available. When it is time for a meal, the produce offered can only be described as gastronomical.
King Island- Strahan
The flight Southwards is one of the most spectacular you will ever view. As the aircraft flies along the Western coastline of Tasmania you will experience the sheer magnificence of towering cliffs battered by seas since time immemorial.
At Strahan we transfer to our boat for the tour along Macquarie Harbour and the Gordon River. From the boat we can see first hand why this World Heritage region was fought over by various conservation groups.
Upon returning to the dockside we drive inland, climbing the steep slopes of the surrounding hills to Queenstown. Here you will be amazed at the barren "lunar" like landscape that surrounds this mining town.
Strahan- Launceston- Flinders Island
Our flight today firstly takes us over Lake St Clair National Park and the central wilderness area of Tasmania. Of special interest is Cradle Mountain and Mt Ossa.
After a short refueling stop in Launceston we fly across Banks Strait, crossing Cape Barren Island for our destination- Whitemark, the main township on Flinders Island.
In the mid 1800's it was taken that the last of Tasmania's Native population was taken to Flinders Island. The day is spent touring around the island with sights as diverse as Mt Strzlecki, to the gem fields that are famous for the Killiecrankie "Diamonds". Our overnight accommodation is at the Furneaux Tavern, looking out over Franklin Sound. The view from the dining room is spectacular.
Flinders Island- Mallacoota Inlet
This morning we continue to explore Flinders Island with a visit to Wybalenna and Emita, concluding with lunch at Trouser Point. Afternoon sees us flying across Bass Strait, over oilrigs that represent one of Australia's largest Oil Fields.
After landing at what is essentially the southeastern corner of Australia we are driven into Mallacoota. Here we take time to tour this sleepy fishing village before going on to our accommodation. The rest of the day is free to enjoy the scenery or perhaps take a leisurely walk along the beach.
Mallacoota- Sydney
After a late breakfast we stroll down to the local wharf to be met by Neil Rankin. Today we spend cruising Mallacoota Inlet and the Croajingolong National Park.
Mallacoota began as a cattle run in 1856 and was a sleepy hollow until 1894 when gold was discovered. Today it has reverted to being a small hamlet by-passed by the hustle and bustle of modern life. Of particular interest is the abundant bird-life that proliferates the area, especially Sea Eagles.
We return to shore in the mid afternoon to freshen up prior to reboarding the aircraft for the flight back to Sydney.
Cost: 7-Day tour= $2 799; 5-Day tour= $1 799 (off peak) $1 899 (peak)
Single supplement: $279 (7-day tour) $169 (5-day tour)
For bookings, queries and information, e-mail [email protected]