Southwest
Australia & Tasmania
October 7-22,
2008
With an Optional, Post-trip Extension to the Great Barrier Reef
Australia's
South West is renowned as one of the world's richest floral regions
hosting many unique species. Due to its long isolation endemic birds
are also found, and we plan to find many of the Western Australia
and Tasmanian specialties listed in our itinerary below. These two
regions combined offer us an excellent chance to see marsupial mammals
in the wild, such as the Platypus, Short-beaked Echidna, Woylie and
a variety of wallabies and kangaroos.
Our
circular route takes in grand scenery, fascinating geology and a host
of habitats in which the names indicate the exotic nature of the landscape,
flora and fauna. Join us to explore Banksia / Eucalyptus Woodland,
Jarrah / Marri Forest, Karri / Tingle Forest, Wandoo Woodland, Coastal
Beaches and Estuaries and Southern Mallee Shrubland and Heath. We
plan to visit several famous national parks including Stirling Range,
Porongurup, South Bruny and Cradle Mountain. Our timing is set to
explore varying landforms with extensive botanical diversity in Australia’s
spring, peak blooming time for the unique flora. Spring is also great
for high levels of activity for nesting birds.
Colleague
Alex Vargo of former Audubon Camp in the West joins Peg Abbott as
a host for this adventure. Alex celebrates her retirement from Colorado
College with this journey. She is an animal behaviorist and entomologist,
and as in past journeys to Africa, the Olympic Peninsula and Yellowstone,
she’ll add in-depth knowledge in her fun and unique style!
ITINERARY
Tues.,
Oct. 7 Perth
Welcome to Perth, one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Today
you are free to explore the city, or to relax at our lovely hotel,
located close to Kings Park and Botanic Garden, a 400 hectare area
of natural Australian bush vegetation. A leisurely walk here is a
great opportunity to view native acacias, banksias and grevilleas
as examples of the unique plant communities of Western Australia.
This park and its gardens are known worldwide for conservation efforts.
From a network of trails the views of the Darling Range, the Perth
Skyline and the Swan River from here are fantastic. As some may be
tired, we do not plan a group meal, but those arriving can enjoy dinner
together at the hotel or a local restaurant. Perth has an excellent
zoo as well, where you can learn about the native plants and animals.
It is close to the beach if you’re in the mood to relax or walk
the white sands of the Indian Ocean. There are lots of great shops
and restaurants in the city center, and the history of gold mining
is most impressively displayed at the Perth Mint, a marvelous historic
building.
Accommodations at Sullivan’s Hotel in Perth
Wed.,
Oct. 8 Perth / Darling Range
Our local guide greets us early this morning at our hotel. Today we
visit the Darling Range, one of the most ancient places on Earth,
known for colorful 2.5 billion year old granite and quartzite rock.
Along the trails we hope to find birds such as White-breasted Robin,
Western Yellow Robin, Golden Whistler, Red-winged Fairy-wren, Splendid
Fairy-wren, Inland Thornbill, White-naped Honeyeater, Western Spinebill,
Australian Ringneck and Western Rosella. Botanically the Darling Range
is very rich and features a mixed forest of Jarrah (a species of eucalyptus),
massive gnarled Marri trees, banksias and casuarinas. After lunch
we look for bird species such as Red-capped Parrot, Grey Butcherbird,
Yellow-throated Miner, Crested Pigeon, Common Bronzewing, Banded Lapwing,
Tawny Frogmouth and Nankeen Night Heron. We finish by visiting one
or two wetlands to look for water birds in the late afternoon. Tonight,
now that we are gathered and a bit rested, enjoy a welcome dinner.
Accommodations at Sullivan’s Hotel in Perth (B,L,D)
Thurs.,
Oct. 9 Narrogin / Dryandra / Numbats
Today we travel south east of Perth to Dryandra State Forest, a 28,000
hectare nature conservation area of open semi-arid eucalyptus forest
in Southwest Australia’s wheatbelt region. Dryandra State Forest’s
17 tracts of protected habitat lie between huge areas of farmland.
They feature wandoo and powderbark wandoo (two species of Eucalyptus)
woodland, mallet plantations (a Eucalyptus species valuable as lumber),
Gastrolobium (legume family members unique to Southwest Australia),
and Dryandra (Banksia, spp.) shrubs, which are spectacular when in
flower.
Spring
brings a fantastic array of wildflowers and orchids. Colorful birds
we look for include the Regent Parrot, Elegant Parrot, Red-capped
Parrot, Painted Button-quail, Rufous Treecreeper, Restless Flycatcher,
Bush Stone-curlew, Blue-breasted Fairy-wren, Western Thornbill, Dusky
Woodswallow, Scarlet Robin, Red-capped Robin, Jacky Winter, Grey Shrike-thrush,
White-browed Babbler, Yellow-plumed Honeyeater, Brown-headed Honeyeater
and soaring above the open woodlands, Wedge-tailed Eagles.
We
also make an effort to see the rare and endangered Numbat, one of
Australia’s few diurnal mammals which specializes in a diet
of termites. After an early dinner, we go out for a nocturnal spotlighting
tour at Dryandra State Forest to look for Tawny Frogmouth, Western
Grey Kangaroo, Tammar Wallaby, Western Brush Wallaby, Woylie, Common
Brushtail Possum and possibly, Short-beaked Echidna.
Accommodations at Albert Facey Inn in Narrogin (B,L,D)
Fri.,
Oct. 10 Narrogin / Stirling Range
We drive south today to the Stirling Range, stopping at a number of
good birding and wildlife viewing places en route. The Stirling Range
is one of the richest floral areas of the world, and our timing should
be perfect for the peak of spring blooming. This scenic range has
an inventory of 90 families, including 1500 species, almost 90 of
which are endemics. Flowering shrubs include nine species of Mountain
Bells (Darwinia, spp.), unique to the region, and over 120 species
of orchids!
Stirling
Range National Park hosts a variety of habitats including wandoo,
yate, mallee and heath, which grow on soils of sandstone and shale.
In addition to fascinating geology and an amazing array of flowering
plants, we look for characteristic birds of the region such as Emu,
Short-billed Black-Cockatoo, Purple-crowned Lorikeet, Regent Parrot,
Elegant Parrot, Rufous Fieldwren, Tawny-crowned Honeyeater, Crested
(Western) Shrike-tit, Banded Stilt, Little Eagle and Square-tailed
Kite.
At
days end return to our lodgings, where we can see the summit of Bluff
Knoll, a prominent feature of the park and the tallest peak in Southwest
Australia. If it’s clear the night skies here are just amazing,
and peace and quiet abound.
Accommodations in cabins at the Stirling Range Retreat, Borden
(B,L,D)
Sat.,
Oct. 11 Stirling Range to Albany
While traveling from the Stirling Range to Albany, we visit Porongurup
National Park, known for its 1.1 billion year old granite, home to
awe-inspiring Karri (another form of Ecalyptus) forest. Bird species
we may see here include Red-eared Firetail, White-breasted Robin,
Red-winged Fairy-wren and Long-billed Black-Cockatoo. The Porongurup
Range was burnt out by the great wildfires of early 2007 so our visit
also provides a demonstration of post-fire forest re-growth and the
adaptation of the Australian flora to wildfire. Purple and yellow
flowering shrubs can be spectacular here, with a rich mix of plants
from legume, banksia, drandra, hakea, and grevillea families. Mammals
include the large
Western Grey Kangaroos and smaller Brush Wallabies. The park is popular
among hikers, who seek panoramic views.
After
a picnic lunch we continue driving south west to Albany, Australia’s
first settlement in the western region, now a thriving city with beautiful
scenery on the southern coast. Along the way we watch for raptors,
water birds and bush birds such as Rufous Songlark. In Albany, we
walk beaches and estuaries searching for species such Pied and Sooty
Oystercatchers, White-breasted Sea-Eagle, Osprey, possibly Fairy Tern,
and among the dunes, Rock Parrot. Using spotting scopes we scan for
seabirds such as Australasian Gannet and Flesh-footed Shearwater.
Accommodations at the Ace Motor Inn in Albany (B,L,D)
Sun.,
Oct. 12 Cheyne Beach / Albany
This morning we get an early start to drive about an hour east to
Cheyne Beach, one of the best places to see endemic and near-endemic
birds of Southwest Australia. Here, in native habitat we look for
Noisy Scrub-bird, Western Bristlebird, Western Whipbird, Little Wattlebird,
Southern Emu-wren, Brown Quail, Brush Bronzewing, and Fan-tailed Cuckoo.
Pacific Gull and other shorebirds may be found near the coast. Enjoy
a picnic lunch at a picturesque site, and in the afternoon, we make
our way back to Albany looking out for species that we have yet to
see. Albany was once a major whaling station and you may wish to visit
the museum that chronicles this industry. Now that whaling has ceased,
Southern Right Whale females and young find refuge in the harbor from
July to October. If we hear that good numbers are still around, we
may set up an optional whale watch tour (additional cost) for those
interested.
Accommodations at the Ace Motor Inn in Albany (B,L,D)
Mon., Oct. 13 Mallee Biogeographic Region / Albany
Mallee, dominated by a variety of Eucalyptus species, is a term for
a biogeographic region of Southwest Australia. Today we visit an area
with an excellent example of native mallee and mallee heath forest
to look for Western (Mallee) Whipbird, Southern Scrub-robin, Crested
Bellbird, White-browed Babbler, Purple-gaped Honeyeater, Spotted Pardalote
(Yellow-rumped form), Shy Heathwren, Southern Emu-wren and possibly
Stubble Quail.
All
along the coast near Albany there are interesting areas to explore;
we choose our afternoon destination according to what species we still
want to see. We plan to network with other guides to find wildflower
hotspots; nature and boardwalk trails give us access to these often
quite close to town. Situated on the Southern Ocean, Albany has a
Mediterranean climate and is home to about 30,000 people. Some may
wish to explore town and the harbor in the late afternoon.
Accommodations at the Ace Motor Inn in Albany (B,L,D)
Tues.,
Oct. 14 Albany / Perth / wetlands
After breakfast, we drive back to Perth, completing our circle route
with a diversion to look for the last of the south-west endemics,
the Western Corella. We also stop at some scenic ocean viewpoints
and beaches, where we may find additional shorebirds and waders. We
bid goodbye to our Southwest Australia local guide as we reach the
city. The late afternoon and evening are free; you can catch up on
laundry and dine at our hotel, explore King’s Park, or venture
into Perth for a fine evening meal.
Accommodations at Sullivan’s Hotel in Perth (B,L)
Wed.,
Oct. 15 Perth to Hobart
This morning we transfer to the Perth airport for our flight to Hobart,
Tasmania’s capitol city on the southern coast. Lunch will be
served on the plane. Hobart is a delightful harbor city, with lots
of shops, coffee and wine bars, historic buildings and restaurants.
We’ve left the day open so you can explore and dine at your
leisure; we suggest Salamanca Place, with its lively waterfront market.
Accommodations at Lenna of Hobart (B, L on plane)
Thurs.,
Oct. 16 Mount Wellington / Hobart / Bruny Island / Little Penguins
This morning is free so you can enjoy a leisurely breakfast or a walk
around Hobart’s Waterfront. At 10.30am please return to the
hotel and be ready to start the Tasmanian part of our trip. Dr. Tonia
Cochran, owner of Inala and your local Tasmanian guide, meets us to
head up to Mount Wellington, the mountain that towers over Hobart
and its scenic harbor. Here we should have spectacular aerial views
(weather permitting). Enjoy birding in nature reserves around Hobart
where we hope to find Black Currawong, and both Scarlet and Flame
Robins. Tonia hosts a picnic lunch for us, and together we travel
to Kettering to connect with the vehicle ferry to Bruny Island.
Bruny
Island, situated off the south east coast of Tasmania, is one of the
most delightful places you will ever visit. Its few residents enjoy
a peaceful rural lifestyle; from South Bruny Island National Park
we find panoramic ocean vistas. This afternoon we visit Adventure
Bay, one of Australia’s most significant historic places for
both Aboriginal inhabitants and early European settlers. Birding in
coastal and cool temperate rainforest habitats, we hope to find Scrubtit,
Tasmanian Scrubwren, Tasmanian Thornbill and other bird species. On
Bruny we have a great chance to see a range of Tasmanian endemic flora
including Gondwanan relics. A night excursion to see the Little Penguin
and Short-tailed Shearwaters in their seaside burrows is something
you’ll never forget!
Accommodations on Bruny Island are in private guest cottages on
Bruny Island (2 bedrooms with shared bath facilities) (L,D)
Fri.,
Oct. 17 Bruny Island /Inala /Cape Bruny /nocturnal mammals
Enjoy breakfast provisions set up for us in each cottage. Today Tonia
shares a significant achievement of her life on a walking tour of
“Inala” a privately owned 500 acre Land for Wildlife property
which is a refuge for a number of threatened birds and home to all
of the Tasmanian endemics. Birds we are likely to see include the
endangered Forty spotted Pardalote (Inala is one of the best places
to find this species), Strong billed, Black headed and Yellow throated
Honeyeaters and Tasmanian Native Hen.
At
11:00 we join a 3 hour eco-cruise around the coastline of Bruny Island
for chance of seabirds and a visit to a fur-seal haul-out. There is
also a chance of sighting whales at this time of year. We return for
a picnic lunch, then visit Bruny’s southern coastline to view
the second oldest lighthouse in Australia. Here we have the chance
to see the Tasmanian subspecies of the Short-beaked Echidna, one of
the world’s only three living monotremes. Birding highlights
here may include Tawny-crowned Honeyeater, Olive Whistler and Yellow-tailed
Black Cockatoo. In competition with the birds for our attentions are
photogenic views of Tasmania’s rugged Southern Ocean coastline.
After
an early dinner, we venture out at night to look for a range of Tasmania’s
nocturnal marsupials and birds, including Eastern Quoll, white morphs
of the Bennett’s and Brush-tailed Possums, Tawny Frogmouth and
Southern Boobook, one of Australia’s smallest owls.
Accommodations in private guest cottages on Bruny Island (B,L,D)
Sat.,
Oct. 18 Bruny Island / Mount Field National Park
After breakfast in your cottage, we leave Bruny Island and travel
back to Hobart. There is an opportunity to visit Salamanca Market
on Hobart’s waterfront this morning (Saturday is the key day)
and we allow 1-2 hours of free time here to give you the chance to
visit. The historic Georgian warehouses that line Salamanca Place
are Hobart’s cultural hub; home to galleries and theatres, craft
shops, cafes and restaurants. The market is one of the few places
where you actually meet the people who create, make or grow what they
sell. A range of products, from locally-grown organic fruit and vegetables
and freshly cut flowers, to fine Tasmanian arts and crafts can be
purchased here.
We
then continue on to Mount Field National Park. Stretch your legs as
we walk to a spectacular waterfall and fern gully, birding en route
with hopes of finding Pink Robin, Scrubtit and Black Currawong. In
this area we have a good possibility of Platypus, usually high on
everyone’s list among Australia’s unique marsupials. Also,
as time permits, we have a chance to explore part of the SW World
Heritage Area during the afternoon.
Accommodations at Rosie’s B&B near Mount Field (B,L,D)
Sun.,
Oct. 19 Wildlife rehabilitation centre / Cradle Mountain National
Park
Today we continue driving north towards Cradle Mountain National Park.
This is a day of travel, but there are opportunities to stop and explore
en route, and by driving you get a real feel for the Tasmanian countryside.
We arrive at our lodge, set amidst lush temperate rainforest near
Cradle Mountain National Park in the late afternoon. This region of
temperate rainforests is reminiscent of our Olympic Peninsula National
Park, with markedly different species. It is a world treasure; time
here on our previous journeys made the top of the ‘favorites
list’ for all. Settle into our cabins, then enjoy dinner in
the lodge, and wait for the opportunity of seeing wild Tasmanian Devils
and Spotted- tailed Quolls which come to the veranda to feed when
night approaches.
Accommodations in cabins at Mountain Valley Wilderness Lodge,
Loongana (B,L,D)
Mon.,
Oct. 20 Cradle Mountain National Park
We have a full day to enjoy one of this incredible national park.
Enjoy a walk around Dove Lake and in the central Cradle Mountain area,
where we visit to Waldheim, Pencil Pines and the Visitor’s Center
during the afternoon. Marvel at the deciduous Southern Beech forests,
remnants of Godwanaland. At elevations higher than the ancient rainforests,
glaciers have carved a magical landscape now home to unique alpine
plants. There are numerous scenic view points and trails for us to
explore.
Accommodations at Mountain Valley Wilderness Lodge, Loongana (B,L,D)
Tues.,
Oct. 21 Cradle Mountain National Park
Today we leave the Cradle Mountain area, part of the Tasmanian Wilderness
World Heritage Site, but offer you one more incredible highlight –
a private tour of Trowunna, a wildlife rehabilitation centre that
specializes in Tasmanian Devil research. The owner has worked with
a number of species difficult to maintain in zoos around the world,
and has perfected methods of breeding and care that are quite unique.
It is a great place to see animal behavior and to photograph. Leaving
Trowunna, we stop at a viewpoint where there is another chance of
seeing Platypus in the wild. If time permits we visit Cataract Gorge
for a walk through the gardens with wildlife bird viewing. Enjoy a
festive farewell dinner in Launceston tonight.
Accommodations at Hotel Grand Chancellor, Launceston (B,L,D)
Wed.,
Oct. 22 Launceston to Christchurch New Zealand
Depart Launceston airport early this morning for your flight to Melbourne
or Sydney and/or flights home.
GREAT
BARRIER REEF
Post-trip Extension
North
Queensland offers an extraordinary contrast to our time in Australia’s
South West and Tasmania; add this extension to make the most of your
journey ‘down under’. Explore lush tropical rainforests,
the grand scenic plateau of the Atherton Tablelands, and Queensland’s
gorgeous, winding coastline. Search out many endemic mammals and birds,
learn about relict forests of Gondwanaland and enjoy time to snorkel
amidst the unparallelled riches of the Great Barrier Reef –
need we say more!
Wed.,
Oct. 22 Launceston / Cairns / Atherton Tablelands
We depart Launceston airport early this morning for our flight to
Cairns. Here we meet Ellen Terrell, our specialist naturalist guide,
who has worked with our groups in past journeys. We drive to the Atherton
Tablelands, a scenic plateau with rich agricultural soils and varied
wildlife habitats. We explore several areas, walking and birding en
route, and then settle into our accommodations set deep in the forest.
After dinner we venture out with spotlights to see night mammals such
as Red-legged Pademelon (a type of wallaby) and Sugar Gliders near
the lodge.
Accommodations at Chambers Wildlife Rainforest Lodge in the Atherton
Tablelands (B,L,D)
Thurs.,
Oct. 23 Atherton Tablelands
Today we enjoy a full day of birding and sightseeing in the Atherton
Tablelands. Those that wish to can begin early this morning to listen
to the dawn chorus at the Cathedral Figtree, listening for the sounds
of endemic Chowchilla and Victoria’s Riflebird, Eastern Whipbird,
Spotted Catbird, King Parrot, and Barred Cuckoo-shrike. We look for
these, and the impossibly cute Red-backed Fairy Wren, along with Varied
Trillers, Laughing Kookaburras and with luck, Double-eyed Fig Parrots
nearby.
Return to the lodge for breakfast and
birding on the property (species here include the North Queensland
endemic Bridled and Macleay’s Honeyeaters, Mountain Thornbill
and Atherton Scrubwren and Grey-headed Robin as well as Eastern Whipbird,
Yellow-throated Scrubwren, and Spotted Catbird. At a nearby lake we
have the chance to find Tooth-billed Bowerbird, Victoria's Riflebird,
and colorful Wompoo Fruit-doves. During the late afternoon we search
for Platypus, visiting one of their frequented waterways. Tonight
we venture a bit farther a field to search for a range of mammals,
several endemic to this area. Species we hope to see include several
nocturnal possums: Coppery Brushtail, Green Ringtail, and perhaps
Lemuriod and Herbert River Possums as well. Of special note is the
chance of viewing Lumholtz Tree Kangaroo.
Accommodations at Chambers Wildlife Rainforest Lodge (B,L,D)
Fri., Oct. 24 Atherton Tablelands / Cairns
This morning enjoy waking to the great sounds of the forest and the
property surrounding our lodge at your leisure. Mid-morning we start
return to Cairns where we switch gears and enjoy a day exploring Tropical
Ocean shores. Birds that we may see along the scenic coast include
Gull-billed and Caspian Terns, Australian Pelicans, Great and Intermediate
Egrets, White-faced Herons, Striated Herons, Red-kneed and Black-fronted
Dotterels and the Royal Spoonbill. Some of the migratory birds which
have traveled as far afield as Siberia to winter here, include Whimbrels,
Eastern Curlews, Pacific Golden Plovers, Lesser and Greater Sandplovers,
the Great Knot, Sharp-tailed Sandpipers, Bar-tailed Godwits, and Terek
Sandpipers. We explore mangrove habitat for species such as the Shining
Flycatcher, Yellow-spotted Honeyeaters, Yellow Orioles, busy Yellow-breasted
Sunbirds (a group very much like our hummingbirds), Large-billed Gerygones
and Mangrove Robins. Watch for both Black and Brahminy Kites overhead,
and at Centenary Lakes we look for Brown Honeyeaters, Mistletoebirds,
and both Australian White and Straw-necked Ibis.
One of the highlights of going to Cairns
is exploring its extensive botanical gardens, which we do in the late
afternoon. Among the rich array of tropical plants we look for the
Orange-footed Scrubfowl, Yellow Figbirds, White-rumped Swiftlets overhead
and Yellow Orioles. Cairns is a large and varied city; some may wish
to shop and explore and others to catch a quick meal near our hotel,
so dinner is at your leisure.
Accommodations at the Figtree Lodge, Cairns (B,L)
Sat.,
Oct. 25 Great Barrier Reef – An Overnight Boat Excursion
We want to give you the best possible experience on Australia’s
incredible Great Barrier Reef. This morning, from the wharf at Cairns,
we take a small boat out to the Outer Reef for the next two days.
Here we join the main live-aboard vessel which is anchored on a group
of reefs about 44 miles offshore east of Cairns. The main vessel moves
between these reefs according to the best conditions for snorkeling
and SCUBA diving for each day to maximize the underwater experience.
You can choose to snorkel as much as you like during the day and there
is also the option of SCUBA diving at an extra cost for those who
are interested. The smaller boat will leave around mid afternoon to
take the day visitors back to Cairns, but you will stay onboard, providing
further options of snorkeling after the others leave. Dinner onboard
the boat, then relax in your cabins or on deck.
Accommodations onboard a ‘live-aboard’ boat, which
parks in a quiet area just off the reef (B,L,D)
Sun.,
Oct. 26 Great Barrier Reef
Enjoy waking up on the reef! We have breakfast onboard the boat, and
then spend another day snorkeling in these amazing waters and relaxing
as we visit different areas. We leave mid-afternoon as the reef sits
2-3 hours offshore from Cairns. Tonight you can relax at our hotel
or venture out for a bit of exploring around Cairns.
Accommodations at the Figtree Lodge Cairns (B,L)
Mon.
Oct., 27 Cairns / Kuranda / Mareeba Wetlands
Ellen, our naturalist guide re-joins us this morning for a final great
day of exploring and birding Northern Queensland. We leave Cairns
early and head towards Kuranda, birding en route. At the Cassowary
House we enjoy breakfast with the birds and the chance to see species
such as Victoria’s Riflebirds, beautiful Emerald Doves, Macleay’s,
Dusky, Yellow-spotted and Graceful Honeyeaters. Southern Cassowarys,
Brush Turkeys and Red-necked Crakes. Be sure to watch for the primitive
Musky Rat-kangaroo that forages on the forest floor there. We visit
Kuranda, a wildlife rehabilitation centre which specializes in rehabilitating
fruit bats (general around 4 species there at any one time), but staff
at the facility also take numerous other mammals and birds, so we
should get a close up view of a good range of the local fauna. From
here we venture to Mareeba Wetlands to find water birds such as Magpie
Goose, Comb-crested Jacana, Wandering and Plumed Whistling duck, and
occasionally Pink-eared Duck amongst many others. Our grand finale
is a visit to a Great Bowerbird bower with a good chance of the male
being in attendance. Returning to Cairns, we enjoy a farewell group
dinner tonight.
Accommodations at the Figtree Lodge Cairns (B,L,D)
Tues., Oct. 28 Cairns / Departures
Our amazing journey comes to an end! Depending on when our flights
are scheduled to return from Sydney, we arrange a connecting flight.
Those leaving in the afternoon can spend the morning in Cairns at
their leisure – walking in the botanic gardens, birding at local
hotspots or just simply relaxing ahead of travel. As our schedules
differ, our final group meal is breakfast. (B)
| Cost of the Journey:
Cost of the main journey, Oct. 7-22, is $6590.00* from Perth,
departing Hobart, Tasmania AU. This cost is based on double
occupancy and includes: group airport transfers, transportation
during the journey, all accommodations, most meals as specified
in the itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner), professional
guide services, park and other entrance fees, and miscellaneous
program expenses.
Short
Tour Option: $3250.00 for South West only, and $3450.00 for
Tasmania only.
Cost of the Journey does not include in-country air segments
needed to travel between Perth and Hobart, or to get to Perth
and from Hobart to other cities in Australia such as Sydney
or Melbourne. This is because in-country air segments may
be purchased with your International air for considerable
savings. We have a wholesale air company ready to help you
with your plans. If you have used miles to get to Australia,
they can still help book your in-country air. Regardless of
how you book it, please contact our office for recommended
flights so we can stay together as much as possible.
The
cost of the journey also does not include: round trip airfare
to Australia, airport departure taxes, items of a personal
nature such as laundry, telephone, or drinks from the bar;
or gratuities for porterage or personal services. With fewer
than 8 participants, a small-group surcharge (typically $100-300
per participant) may apply. Single supplement is $1140 for
the main journey.
*Cost
of the journey is based on published
exchange rates of April 8, 2008; if exchange rates change
before payment due
dates we will adjust our billing accordingly before the 120
and 60 day
payments.
Cost of the Extension:
Cost of the extension, from Cairns is $2390.00, double occupancy
for those continuing on from Tasmania, or Australia’s
South West. This extension may be booked on its own for a
cost of $2590.00. Cost of the extension includes accommodations
for six nights - two nights at one of our favorite places,
a rainforest lodge set deep in the forest (lodge rooms with
shared bath), three nights in modern rooms with private bath
in Cairns and one night aboard a ‘live-aboard’
boat on the Great Barrier Reef. It includes most meals as
specified in the itinerary (B = breakfast, L = lunch, D =
dinner), land transport, group airport transfers, naturalist
guides, and miscellaneous program expenses, including the
one night / two-day Great Barrier Reef boat excursion. Single
supplement, as available, is $325.00 (all locations except
the live-aboard boat, where rooms are double occupancy, unless
the boat is not filled to capacity).
Cost
of the extension does not include items of a personal nature
such as porterage, drinks from the bar, laundry, telephone
calls or items or services of a personal nature. Costs are
based on the exchange rate of May 10, 2008 and will be adjusted
if the rates have changed for the remaining balance at the
time that payments are due.
Travel Planning:
You are responsible for planning your arrival to and departure
from Sydney or Perth, Australia. Due to crossing the International
Date Line, you will likely have to leave the U.S. on Oct.
5th to arrive Oct. 7th. As it is a long flight, we have left
the arrival day unscheduled so you can rest or explore the
city as you wish. Please note that Sydney and Perth are lovely
cities and you may want additional time here – we can
book extra night hotel rooms for you if needed (additional
cost).
This
journey is offered in partnership with Dr. Tonia Cochran of
INALA. Tonia is a guide and friend from journeys in the past,
and she will be guiding our group during our stay in Tasmania.
She is happy to plan and book any locations in Australia that
you might want to combine with those we have planned.
Photo Credits:
Tasmanian Devil and Wallaby, Trowunna Reinbacher; Yellow-throated
Honeyeater, Forty-spotted Pardalote, Werner Suter; Tasmanian
Native Hens and Echidna, Gemmill; all other photos, Tonia
Cochran.
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