Tour commences August 15 1999

MODULE 1

Sunday August 15
1O:l5pm Depart Los Angeles on Air New Zealand flight NZ15

Monday, August 16
CROSS THE INTERNATIONAL DATE LINE

Tuesday, August 17 (D)
6:05am Arrive Sydney
On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your accommodation.
The Mercure Hotel Sydney
3 nights

This brand new unique hotel is very well located right in the heart of the
central railway precinct. Close to Darling Harbour, China Town, Star City
Casino, Her Majesty's and the Capitol Theatres. The hotel has great
facilities including a restaurant, cafe bar, roof top swimming pool, and a
gym.

This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at The Revolving Restaurant.

Wednesday. August 18 (B)
SYDNEY SIGHTS

Enjoy an exciting tour of Australia's oldest and largest city. First
established as a penal settlement for convicts, Sydney is now one of the
world's most popular tourist destinations. Your coach captain will drive you
around the Sydney area, providing excellent commentary and pointing out such
prominent sights and attractions as the Harbor Bridge, the world famous Opera
House, popular beaches and The Rocks", an area originally built by convicts
for European settlers:

SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE PERFORMANCE - OPTIONAL

Prominently featured on Sydney Harbour near Circular Quay, this fabulous
structure is home to Australia's world-renowned opera ballet and theater
companies, and symphony orchestras. The unique Sails in the Wind'
architectural motif is in keeping with the harbour surroundings, and has
contributed to the building's status as one of the world's most
internationally recognized structures.

 

MODULE 2

Thursday, August 19 (B, D)
Those just arriving today will be met and transferred to the hotel. This
morning is free for those already in Sydney.
The Mercure Hotel Sydney 1 night

DINNER CRUISE ON SYDNEY HARBOUR

No trip to Australia would be complete without a cruise on Sydney Harbour.
The vessels of the Captain Cook fleet offer spectacular views of the harbour
complex, harbourside beaches and the beautiful waterfront homes. Passengers
also enjoy a relaxed, in-depth narration by a friendly and informative
Captain Cook Commentator. This world renowned cruise gives one a very
comprehensive view of Sydney Harbour and a real understanding of what Sydney
is all about! Enjoy a sumptuous hot carvery buffet dinner, including seafood,
salads, desserts, tea and coffee.

Friday. August 20 (B)
This morning, you will be transferred to Sydney Airport for the flight to Cairns.
9:O5am Depart Sydney on Ansett Airlines flight AN9lO
12:05pm Arrive Cairns
On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your accommodation via Kuranda
Marriott Courtyard GBR Resort (Palm Cove)
3 nights

Nestled amongst an ancient Melaleuca grove on the beach front at Palm Cove,
the resort is 20 minutes from the Cairns Airport. The resort offers unlimited
sporting activities for all ages.

Beautifully appointed guest rooms all feature private balconies with views of
the garden, pools or Coral sea. Individually controlled air-conditioning,
colour TV, radio and direct dial telephones. Rooms are also equipped with
refrigerators, tea and coffee making facilities, mini bar and ceiling fans.
Showers and baths in all rooms. 24 hour room service,

Away from your room, you can enjoy a relaxing drink, indoors or outdoors at
the Golden Cane Bar. Choose between a Ia carte, buffets and barbeques, or
light snacks at The Garden Terrace. Either way, you'll be surprised and
delighted by the abundance of fresh local seafoods and tropical fruits the
Resort features daily.

For those who like to stay active, the resort features a free form swimming
pool, heated spa, sauna, tennis courts, gym, games room.

SKYRAIL

Skyrail is simply the world's most beautiful rainforest experience. Never
before has the general public been able to experience the amazing tropical
rainforest canopy and the most fascinating community of plants and animals on
earth until now! Stretching some 4 1/2 miles across the rainforest canopy,
Skyrail is the world's longest gondola cableway. Passengers glide along in
six person cabins, just feet above the World Heritage Rainforest. Traveling
at tree top level you will be totally immersed in this unique "world". You
will see, hear, smell and become a part of the tropical rainforest
environment.

Saturday. August 21 (B, L)
DAINTREE RAINFOREST - OPTIONAL

>From your hotel travel north to the Daintree River. There are stunning
oceanside views along the way. You will cross the Daintree River by cable
ferry before continuing on to Alexandra Lookout. You will enjoy an
interesting guided rainforest walk to see ancient Fan Palms, Black Palms
Cycads and the other wonders of this World Heritage area. While in the
rainforest you will also enjoy a tropical barbecue luncheon. Back on the
banks of the Daintree River you will enjoy afternoon tea and a one hour river
cruise.

Sunday. August 22 (B, L)
GREAT BARRIER REEF

Spend an exciting full-day on the Great Barrier Reef, one of the natural
wonders of the world! Aboard a high-speed catamaran you will pierce the ocean
waves before arriving at Agincourt Reef. Here thousands of species of animals
and plants exist in a kaleidoscope of color and brilliance. There are several
activities to choose from. You can dive, snorkel or stay dry by exploring the
stunning reef world from the comfort of a semi-submersible. After a tasty
smorgasbord lunch you can watch fish feed from a unique viewing platform or
from the underwater observatory. A marine biologist is on hand to give
interesting insights into the reefs community of organisms. Whichever
activity you choose, you'll bring home a lifetime of memories.

Monday. August 23 (B)

This morning, you will be transferred to Cairns Airport for the flight to Darwin.
9:OOam Depart Cairns on Ansett Airlines flight AN 361
11 :O5am Arrive Alice Springs
11:50am Depart Alice Springs on Ansett Airlines flight AN8
1:45pm Arrive Darwin
On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
Rydges Plaza Hotel Darwin 1 night

Located in the centre of Darwin only minutes from major shopping malls, 7
miles away from the Darwin airport.

All rooms feature private marble bath and shower, bathroom amenities, colour
television, 2 telephones, tea and coffee making facilities All rooms are also
equipped with individually controlled air conditioning, mini bar, refrigerators
and hair dryers. Electricity 240Vm 50 cycles AC.

Services and facilities include: Assistant Manager 24hrs, hair dressing
salon, currency exchange, medical service, laundry and dry cleaning service,
fully equipped health club, heated outdoor swimming pool, spa and sauna

Restaurants and Bars-
The Lobby Lounge - Elegant Cocktail pre dinner drinks Bar
La Tasca - Tapas Bar Spanish Style Restaurant
El Patio - Buffets, snacks and Al a Carte
Pool Bar - A poolside cocktail bar

AFTERNOON CITY TOUR with SUNSET

You'll take a trip down memory lane to visit historic sites, see war relics
and ruins. See Cyclone Tracey's remnants and the city's' modern developments,
including the New Parliament House and Supreme Court Building. You'll learn
the fascinating history and stories behind the sights and buildings along the
Esplanade, including Old Admiralty House, the Hotel Darwin, Lyons Cottage,
Leichardt Marker, and the gun emplacements. See the Black Madonna Child,
Aboriginal Paintings in St. Mary's cathedral; visit the Joss House, Browns
Mart Theatre, and Palmerston Town Hall Ruins. Stop by Darwin's Botanical
Gardens, pass the Fannie Bay Goal, and see the original Qantas Hanger and
Ross Smith Memorial. Enjoy a visit to the Museum of the Northern Territory
where you can view the Aboriginal Art Gallery, Cyclone Tracey Exhibition, and
Maritime Museum. You'!l also have the opportunity to discover the diversity
of marine life in the Timor Sea with a visit to the Indo Pacific Marine. At
East Point, overlooking the entrance to Darwin's Harbour, you'll see what was
once Darwin's Coastal Defense Battery and you'll see hundreds of wallabies
living within 7km of Darwin City Centre. Here you might also witness one of
the best sunsets you have ever seen whilst enjoying a glass of champagne.

Tuesday. August 24 (B L)
7:OOam Depart Darwin for Kakadu

You'll be collected early and taken via magnetic art hills to the new,
interactive nature museum and viewing platform called Windows on the
Wetlands. You'll travel along the Arnhem Highway on the way to Kakadu and see
some towering
examples of cathedral ant hills. Once inside the Park, we'll visit some
archaeologically important Aboriginal sites and famous rock paintings at
Nourlangie Rock, where there's also spectacular views of the Arnhem
escarpment. Then we'll head for Cooinda, where we visit the Warradjan
Cultural Centre and take a boat cruise on Yellow Waters, which is teeming
with brilliant birdlife warily watched by saltwater crocodiles - this is a
birdwatcher's dream.

You will arrive at tour hotel in the afternoon/evening
Frontier Kakadu Village
1 night

A modern ground level motel set in large tropical landscaped gardens.
Facilities include a fully licensed restaurant, a cocktail bar, a swimming
pool and BBQ area and tennis courts.

All rooms are air conditioned with ceiling fans, private bathrooms, tea and
coffee making facilities, refrigerator and colour TV, in-house videos and
direct dial STD/ISD telephones.

Restaurant and Bars: Fully licensed restaurant, Cocktail Bar

Wednesday. August 25 (B, D)
This morning, you will be transferred to Darwin Airport for the flight to Alice Springs.
3:15pm Depart Darwin on Ansett Australia flight AN96
5:1Opm Arrive Alice Springs
On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel, then on to your dinner.
The Frontier Oasis
2 nights

Located 1 km south of the general post office, just a short walk from the
Alice Springs shopping mall & overlooking the Todd River.

102 units, 30 poolside rooms. All rooms have 1 queen size bed & 1 single bed.
Triple bedded rooms & interconnecting rooms available, Air-conditioning,
fridges, TV', tea & coffee making facilities, ISD/STD telephones. Some rooms
include kitchenette facilities.

OUTBACK BUSHMAN'S DINNER

This evening you will be collected from your hotel for the OUTBACK BUSHMAN'S
DINNER. An unforgettable evening with traditional Aussie outback food and
entertainment. Sip champagne and watch the sun set on the surrounding
ranges. Enjoy a baking lesson with a difference by your Outback host. The
menu includes: damper cooked over the hot coals, barbecued steak and
sausages, selection of salads, dessert, tea and coffee, Complimentary
beverages include: champagne, beer, wine, port soft drinks and iced water.
Sample a taste of emu, kangaroo and crocodile! During dinner, meet the
singing balladeer and join in with some central Australian songs.

As the lights are turned out, venture out under the clear Centralian sky to
marvel at the starts of the Southern hemisphere. Explore the Aboriginal,
Greek, and scientific meanings of the stars with our astronomers and large
professional telescopes. Learn about the latest scientific theories and
discover where your zodiac star constellation is situated and how it moves
about the heavens.

Then explore the stars of the Southern Hemisphere with the guidance of your
host. Returns to your hotel approximately 9:45pm.

Thursday, August 26 (B)
ALICE SPRINGS TOWN TOUR - OPTIONAL

During this tour you will see some of the highlights of the Alice Springs
area, including the historic Old Telegraph Station. Visit the Flying Doctor
Service and learn how this marvelous facility operates. When open, there is a
visit to the famous "School of the Air" to view outback teaching methods. The
tour also includes entrance to an unusual art gallery and museum, either
Panorama Guth or Strehlow Center. You will also enjoy a panoramic view of
Alice Springs from Anzac Hill Lookout.

FLIGHT TOUR TO AYERS ROCK - OPTIONAL

V.I.P will pick you up from the hotel and transfer to the Alice Springs
airport. Depart Alice Springs by air and see the best aerial views available
around Alice Springs and the outback. Our pilots are experienced in outback
flying and will ensure a memorable air adventure.

Fly via Lake Amadeus the great salt lake over the Western McDonnell Ranges,
to Yulara (Ayers Rock). On arrival you will be met and escorted on a base
tour of the Rock, followed by a visit to Maraku Aboriginal Arts & Crafts
Center. Lunch will be at The Desert Gardens, followed by some free time at
the resort.

Afternoon tour to the Olgas, with a short walk into the Gorge where the guide
will tell you tales of the aboriginal people. From the Olgas, travel back to
Ayers Rock to watch the changing colors of the rock as the sun sets below the
sand dunes before transferring back to Ayers Rock airport for your flight
back the Alice.

Inclusions: Courtesy transfers, scenic flights, ground tours, lunch and
national Park Fees.

MORNING BALLOON TOUR - OPTIONAL

Note: AVIATION INSURANCE OF AUD$1O IS TO BE PAID DIRECT TO OUTBACK
BALLOONING ON THE MORNING OF THE FLIGHT.

Let us introduce you to the gentle joy and total freedom of hot air
ballooning. Our vehicle will pick you up from your accommodation 1 112 hours
before dawn. In the still of the morning when the day is fresh and cool, the
wind is gentle and the sun's rays strike the MacDonnell Ranges giving you a
spectacular light show.

This is the best way to see some of the most rugged and spectacular scenery
in Australia. Kangaroos and wallabies love the early mornings and seem to be
hiding beneath the bush just waiting for you to see them from the balloon

After your flight a Champagne Breakfast is served in the bush.

Please bring a hat, sturdy shoes, and note that white is not recommended
wear. Your morning tour will last a total of 4 hours

TAKE A CAMEL TO DINNER - OPTIONAL

Depart from your hotel by coach to the Camel Farm for your TAKE A CAMEL TO
DINNER tour.

The early settlers made excellent use of camels as beasts of burden in the
dry and arid Australian Outback. Though camels are rarely used in commercial
enterprise here today, you will enjoy a most unusual camel-back experience.

Enjoy a one hour safari from the Mecca Date Garden in Alice Springs along the
Todd River to dInner at the Frontier Camel Farm's restaurant. Meet your
camels under the shady palms at the Mecca Date Garden and get to know them on
the leisurely ride to dinner. Other locals waiting to meet you after your
ride include young kangaroos and our Herpetologist who will introduce you to
his large collection of arid Australian reptiles. Dinner; baked fillet of
Northern Territory fish or prime beef, salads, home-made beer bread,
delicious dessert, tea and coffee. Returns approximately 9:00pm.

Tourists return from Australia raving that this experience was one of the
highlights of their vacation!

Friday. August 27 (B)
1 :00pm Depart Alice Springs on The Ghan

When you board the historic Ghan Train you embark on a legendary journey on a
legendary train. This is one of the world's most famous long distance trains,
named after the Afghan camel drivers who did so much to open up the heart of
Australia during the last century. Facilities on the train include The Oasis
Bar - a smoking lounge, which offers a selection of beers, cocktails and soft
drinks, and also an endless supply of self-service coffee and tea throughout
the journey.

You will be met at Coober Pedy station and transferred to your accommodation.
The Desert Cave Hotel
1 night

The Desert Cave Hotel, is the world's first and only international standard
underground hotel. The unusual design of the complex required it be
constructed on four levels. An innovation that is specific, it should be
realised that the Desert Cave has been built into, over, and through the side
of a hill

All underground rooms are designed with high ceilings and air venting systems
ensuring even the most sensitive Visitor feels comfortable and secure within
the serenity and beauty of the sandstone walls. All aboveground rooms are
fully air- conditioned. Each suite has its own shower/toilet, colour TV' (in
house movies available), clock radio, mini bar, fridge, and coffee and tea
making facilities. Room service, dry cleaning and laundry facilities can be
arranged. Direct dial telephone including ISD is also provided. Disabled
facilities are provided All four levels of the complex have ramp access. Two
rooms have been specifically designed for the disabled with wide doorways,
wide shower access, and hand railings. There are also disabled facilities in
the public areas.

Other services at the resort include:
-Swimming Pool
-Sauna/Spa
-Gym
-Convention Room
-Room Service
-Currency exchange (in-house purchases only)
-Airport Transfers ($5.00 p/p)
-Translation Service

The Hotel also features an International standard restaurant and the world's
only underground bar. There's also an underground shopping Arcade with the
following specialty shops:
-Opal World, selling opals and opal jewelry
-DeCave, selling Australian Arts and Crafts
-The Crystal Cafe, Choose from Continental or Australian breakfasts, tempting
pastries or a light lunch.
-Historical Display - Gives a visitor a comprehensive knowledge of specific
issues important and relevant to this outback region.
-Underground Display Gallery -visitors can wander through the sandstone
passes which resemble the mining "drives. Well lit illustrations and
photographs depict a visual history of Coober Pedy
-Desert Cave Tours - a comprehensive look at Coober Pedy which takes you on a
town tour, a walk through an opal mine, and an underground home. A visit to
the opal fields, the magnificent Breakaways and an opal cutting demonstration
are included.

Saturday August 28 (B)
COOBER PEDY TOWN TOUR

Coober Pedy, located in the Outback Desert that Australia is so well known
for, is famous for its opal mining. Because of the heat, early settlers
converted their diggings into semi-underground dwellings, which provided
shelter from the sun and cooler temperatures. During your tour there will be
time to visit a real working opal mine, and a working opal field where there
is opportunity to search for opals. An original miner's underground home is
another attraction, along with an underground church and an opal cutting
demonstration.

Around midday, you will be transferred to Coober Pedy Airport for the flight
to Adelaide.

Flight 1
2:OOpm Depart Coober Pedy on Kendall Airlines flight KD477
4:35pm Arrive Adelaide

Flight 2
2:35pm Depart Goober Pedy on Kendall Airlines flight KD2477
4:3Opm Arrive Adelaide
On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your accommodation.
The Vista Hotel
3 nights

Sunday, August 29 (B)
Day at leisure

Adelaide: population one million.
Adelaide is a gracious well planned city, set on a narrow coastal plain
between the rolling hills of the Mount Lofty Ranges and the blue waters of
the Gulf St Vincent Adelaide combines the vitality of a large modern city
with an easy going Australian lifestyle. Once known as the City of Churches,
Adelaide is set amidst green parkland and is graced with fine old stone
buildings from its early free settlement days, which have perhaps left it
with the conservative cultured atmosphere of today. The relaxed atmosphere is
emphasised by pleasant shopping malls where buskers and outdoor cafes give
the area a European atmosphere and museums and art galleries. The city is
also the home of the Biennial Arts Festival and Motor Racing Grand Prix: One
of Adelaide's main attractions is its restaurants - the choice is endless,
and also some fine old pubs. Not to be missed in Adelaide are the marvelous
beaches stretching right along the coastline: The surrounding hills and
vineyard areas of the Clare and Barossa Valleys and McLaren Vale, make up the
coastal lushness.

BAROSSA VALLEY -OPTIONAL

Discover South Australia's finest wine country on a half-day Barossa Valley
tour: Enjoy a leisurely drive through this beautiful vineyard area with its
many countryside villages. Experience a guided tour of the magnificent
Chateau Yaldara where you will have the opportunity to sip some fine wine. A
highlight of the tour is the drive along the famous date palm-lined driveway
of Seppeltsfield Estate. Tour the grounds and buildings of this fire estate
before returning to Adelaide.

Monday. August 30 (B, L)
KANGAROO ISLAND

Kangaroo Island is an unspoiled destination offering many of the images most
associated with Australia - abundant and diverse wildlife, beautiful
wildflowers, rugged coastline with pounding waves, white sandy beaches,
rolling farmland dotted with sheep and cattle, red dirt roads and friendly
Aussie hospitality: The island has a splendid variety of animals - sealions,
seals, kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, echidnas, platypus, goannas, whales
(during winter months), bandicoot, 4 species possum, and 243 species of birds
Included on this one day tour are round-trip coach transfers from Adelaide to
Cape Jervis, a ferry ride to Penneshaw on Kangaroo Island, and motorcoach
touring on the island. An excellent barbecue lunch is included.

Tuesday. August 31 (B, D)
This morning, you will be transferred to Adelaide Airport for the flight to
Melbourne.
11:50am Depart Adelaide on Ansett Australia flight AN1 80
1:30pm Arrive Melbourne
On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your accommodation,
Own arrangements

COLONIAL TRAMCAR DINNER

Dining in Melbourne can be a fabulous experience, especially aboard the
converted 1927 tram that has become the Colonial Tramcar Restaurant. This
glossy, burgundy restaurant on wheels is the only traveling tramcar
restaurant in the world. As it cruises the scenic streets of Melbourne,
diners enjoy fine cuisine and can sample the very best of Australian wines,
The atmosphere is cozy, the service friendly and the decor as inviting as the
colonial period it reflects. Enjoy.

Wednesday. September 1
HEALESVILLE SANCTUARY - OPTIONAL

Ride on Australia's most notable narrow gauge railway through the spectacular
Blue Dandenong Ranges with Bellbirds and kookaburras echoing the steam
train's whistle. Tour through the richness of the Yarra Valley, a pastoral
experience of farms and vineyards. haystacks and wine grapes. Healesville
Sanctuary is a truly Australian experience. It is cradled in the forested
foothills of the Great Divide where you can surround yourself with Australian
wildlife.

 

Thursday. September 2
CONVENTION BEGINS

Tuesday, September 7
1:00pm Depart Melbourne on Air New Zealand flight NZ122
6:3Opm Arrive Auckland
1O:4Opm Depart Auckland on Air New Zealand flight NZ2
3:4Opm Arrive Los Angeles

back to home page