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Australia Outback
Adventure
Make yourself at home in remote cattle stations that
evoke turn of the century life. See ancient rock art and savor the great
outdoors by horseback or copter in this quality safari staying with private,
personable hosts. Set aside at least three weeks. It�s a big country
Day 1 � Park Hyatt Sydney
Touch down at Sydney International Airport, where you are will be met and
transferred to the Park Hyatt Sydney. Rest of the day and evening at leisure.
Explore the exclusive shopping of Double Bay or take a ferry trip to Darling
Harbor.
Day 2 � Deep Well Station
This morning, fly Qantas to Alice Springs. Here we will transfer you into
 the
Outback at Deep Well, a large cattle station. Meet your hosts Bill and Jan
Hayes, who run this ranch, in their family for six generations. Covering 450 000
acres, it is between the MacDonnell Ranges and the Simpson desert, with
magnificent red sand hills, rocky outcrops and an abundance of plant and
wildlife.
This afternoon explore ancient landscapes and trace the
endeavors of early gold mining and pastoral settlers. Your hosts know all the
best spots for sightseeing. End the day with delights from the camp oven as
millions of stars light up the inky black sky. Your accommodation is in
comfortable bush huts - an authentic place to rest after a day in the Outback.
Day 3 � Deep Well Station
Today saddle up and head south, through shimmering Ghost Gums in the dry
riverbeds of Deep Well station. Then ride into the Simpson Desert where the red
dunes are dotted with twisted Desert Oaks. This will be a full day of adventure
into the real �never never� of this timeless land. See the aptly named Rainbow
Valley and travel further into towering sand dunes to arrive at nature�s
pinnacle - Chambers Pillar. See where the Hayes ancestors inscribed their names
(in the late 1800�s) as they passed by the pillar during construction of the
overland telegraph line. Picnic lunch and return to the homestead for a
well-earned refreshment and freshly baked damper.
Day 4 � Deep Well Station
The day is yours to do as you please. Take a casual 4WD tour of a huge central
Australian cattle station. There are many activities for you to participate in
either by foot or even on horseback. Riding through this rugged beauty is an
experience not to be missed, even for the novice. If you are lucky you may
experience a cattle muster by copter. This evening take a nocturnal tour.
Day 5 � Bullo River Station
This morning board your scheduled flight to Darwin. Here your charter plane will
meet you for a 1.5 hour flight with Franz Ranacher (left in photo.) your host at
Bullo River Station with his wife Marlee (nee Henderson.) The half million-acre
Bullo has been in the Henderson family since American Charles Henderson bought
the land. On Bullo you will experience cattle station life in a very remote part
of Australia. Marlee and Franz will be your guides throughout your stay, and
together you will figure out the perfect activities for you - Bullo can be as
daring or tranquil as you choose. This evening enjoy Dinner in the original
homestead. Those who are adventurous will need a good rest this evening for the
following days activities.
Day 6 - Bullo River Station
Arise and breathe in the Outback air! Take a helicopter ride and become familiar
with this awesome property. Explore the Bullo River, which meanders for over 50
miles through a spectacular valley on the property. The river runs from the lush
fresh water of the Bullo Gorge to the salt-water tidal Victoria River.
Depending on seasonal work you may get the chance to participate in a helicopter
muster. Or become a bull catching wild scrubbers. This is flushing the wild bull
from the undergrowth and then guiding it with the chopper toward the ground crew
to capture in a cut down Land Rover. Bullo River Station (B, L, D)
Day 7 - Bullo River Station
Today, again participate in the station activities or go Barramundi fishing.
(Barramundi is Northern Australia�s premier angling and eating fish). The area
is also abundant in bird life and native fauna because of the natural permanent
waters. Go search for salt-water crocodiles from your own boat guided by Franz.
This evening return to the homestead and enjoy the peace and quiet of the
Outback and great Aussie food and wine.
Day 8 - Bullo River Station
Today is your last day on Bullo River Station. Take the opportunity to do more
exploring, go hiking into the escarpments and to the many secluded private
billabongs and waterfalls that dot the landscape. Or simply grab a picnic and
cruise down the Gorge in the boat while taking in the landscape that is northern
Australia.
Day 9 � Faraway Bay
This morning your private air charter is waiting to take you to Faraway Bay. The
plane ride hugs the spectacular Kimberley coast for a short period before flying
inland above a myriad of ravines and sandstone pinnacles and circling the
amazing King George Falls before landing. Here you will be met by your hosts and
transported by 4WD vehicle for the final few kilometers to The Bush Camp.
Spectacularly isolated, your bush-style cabin has a 180-degree view of the
ocean. Eagle Lodge is the main building, which comprises the relaxing lounge and
dining area, that, overlooks the freshwater plunge pool and the magnificent
Faraway Bay.
After settling in and absorbing the stunning vista you have the option of being
taken in one of the smaller boats to try your hand at some fishing. View the
amazing rock formations, visit a beach made of shells and enjoy a picnic lunch.
You will arrive back at the Faraway Bay camp in time for a cooling swim in the
pool with champagne or cool drinks before dinner.
Following dinner, sit and listen to the silence and watch the stars dancing in
the jet-black sky until the moon's startling appearance over the hills behind.
Day 10 - Faraway Bay
Sunrise at 530am slowly lights up Faraway Bay and after a leisurely breakfast at
700am (which gives time for early risers to explore or walk along the beach).
This morning is the beginning of possibly the highlight of your stay where you
will be taken out in the 13-metre cruiser Diamond Lass along the coast to the
King George River. On the journey there you will have the opportunity to visit
secluded beaches and learn of Second World War heroics. Then you will cruise
into the mouth of the mighty King George River. As you travel further the river
narrows to be engulfed on either side with cathedral like spectacular sandstone
cliffs, ending with the grand twin waterfalls. If the falls are flowing its time
for an invigorating fresh water shower as the Diamond Lass edges up the rock
face and directly under the waterfall. After the powerful natural spa, lunch is
served on board.
After lunch, if you are feeling fit, you may decide to hike to the top of the
waterfalls to get a true appreciation of the size and majesty. Alternatively,
try fishing in the mangrove creeks or at the mouth of the King George River
where you can go into a smaller boat. Those who don't want to go fishing can
sunbathe on board Diamond Lass. Return to camp for a well-earned evening drink
and then be waited on as the last rays dance across the rocks and water in a
kaleidoscope of color.
Day 11 - Faraway Bay
Today explore the beauty of Faraway Bay. Enjoy bush and rock climbing, beach
combing, flora and fauna watching, photography, painting, ocean sports fishing,
star gazing, exploring - or just relaxing!
In the evening it is time to relax and soak in the ambience of this remote and
pure wilderness. Enjoy a fine Australian wine as you sit back and be tantalized
by the delicious aromas of freshly caught fish being cooked with herbs. Tonight
you must treat yourself to the ultimate seafood dining experience of freshly
collected oysters from the rocks combined with the northern delicacy of mud
crabs.
Day 12 � Kimberley Coastal Camp
Your private charter flight will transfer you to the Mitchell Plateau. On
arrival at the Mitchell Plateau strip, your own personal helicopter awaits you.
The chopper trip will fly you via the awe-inspiring Mitchell Falls en route to
your destination, Kimberley Coastal Camp (KCC). You will fly low through
spectacular gorges and over palm dotted sandstone ranges. Continue flying low
over the tidal rivers and mudflats - with luck you will spot huge estuarine
crocodiles scuttling into the water or sunning themselves on the bank and see
birds fly from their roosts.
KCC is on the remote and pristine shores of Admiralty gulf in the far North
Kimberley of Western Australia, perched on a pristine white beach surrounded by
almost sculptured sandstone formations. Fly over the camp in a circle to
announce your arrival and proceed to land on the beach only metres from the
camp. Here your hosts for the next four days - Rocky & Liz Terry - will meet
you, and plan your adventures for the next 4 days. You may chose to take in the
sights of this unspoiled land, take a dip in the pool or just sit and read a
book.
Sunset is the time to relax here, soak up the ambience in the open main living
area and dream of the time ahead. Drinks and hors-d'oeuvres are served as a
prelude to possibly a platter of freshly caught fish, mud crabs or oysters,
followed by delicious desserts.
Day 13 - Kimberley Coastal Camp
If fishing is the way you like to spend your time, you'll find that the catch
and release fishing in Admiralty Gulf is the finest there is. As the camp is so
isolated, with access only by sea or air, these truly are untouched waters.
There is access to huge tidal rivers, mangrove creeks, estuaries, offshore reefs
and islands as well as many deep-water options. I was amazed to catch three
different spcies on three lines all at once! Species include Barramundi,
Mulloway, Mangrove, Jack, Fingermark, Javelin Fish, Threadfin, Salmon (Giant and
Blue), Trevally (Giant, Golden and Spotted), Queen Fish, Mackerel, Tuna, Coral
Trout, Cod and Blue Bone. Mud crabs and oysters also inhabit these pristine
waters. Fishing gear is supplied on a replace if lost basis but it is encouraged
that you bring your own favorite rod and reel. You will generally only need
light (6-10 kg) gear unless of course you hook one of the Giant Trevally that
are found amongst the reefs and bommies! Then it's "every person for
themselves!� Fishing operates on a catch and release basis with only those fish
destined for the table being retained from the day�s catch.
The purpose built and surveyed, 28 foot boat Warabi, has a lot to offer guests
who like to fish but would rather not stand for long hours in the sun fishing
from a dinghy. Its special design allows for easy manoeuvring in tight and
shallow spots and the boat has lots of fishing and casting space and has ample
shade as well. There also is a 16-foot tender set up for fishing and crabbing in
the mangrove creeks.
Discovering Rock Art may be on the agenda, the North Kimberley is home to some
of the oldest known rock paintings. The best known of these is the delicate and
very beautiful Bradshaw paintings. Hidden among rock faces and caves scattered
over this ancient land, they are simply astounding. The Bradshaw rock art has
been dated at over seventeen thousand years. Many experts in the field of rock
art believe that they may even be closer to thirty thousand years. These
exquisite paintings, mysterious and intriguing to anyone privileged enough to
see them have been amazingly preserved and represent a culture, now lost in
time. Visits to the Bradshaw sites can be done by walking, boat or helicopter.
Day 14 - Kimberley Coastal Camp
Today take a gentle stroll or don a good pair of walking shoes and explore. From
the high red cliffs sheltering remnant patches of rainforest to pristine white
shell beaches and rugged sandstone country with its rivers and caves -
experience this land of contrasts. A half-hour walk from camp will take you to
Mackerel Point, from where you can see the whole of Warrender and the nearby
islands. Other walks will take you inland through wild terrain with plant and
animal life unique to the area.
Kimberley Coastal Camp is the ideal location for wild life and bird watchers.
There is a wide range of habitats round the camp including marine, mangrove,
estuarine, river, rainforest and rugged sandstone. All of which offer sanctuary
for a very wide range of bird life. Some of the species that frequent the area
include - Great Billed Heron, Chestnut Rails, Grey Goshawks, Brown Tailed
Flycatchers, Little Terns, Rufous Owls, Sea Eagles, Sandstone Shrike Thrushes,
and many others.
You may want to combine just a little bird watching with other wildlife and
scenery watching activities. The area is abundant with a wide range of native
Australian fauna. Crocodiles, shy Rock Wallabies, Quolls and other animals can
be seen in their natural habitat.
Maybe escape camp completely. A short scenic boat trip away is deserted islands
waiting to be explored with rocky, shell or coral beaches and dozens of
treasures awaiting discovery. There are also rivers where you can walk alongside
a string of beautiful billabongs. If exploring is your thing but walking isn't,
it is possible to arrange the "Ultimate Off-road Vehicle" (a helicopter), to
whisk you off with one of Liz's delicious picnic lunches. A longer flight will
take you along the uninhabited coastline, up rarely seen rivers and to
surprising gorges, waterfalls and perfect picnic spots by crystal pools. Return
for your last evening at Kimberley Coastal Camp.
Day 15 � Saville Park Suites, Darwin
This morning depart Kimberley Coastal Camp by helicopter to the Mitchell
Plateau, where you will be met by your private charter flight to Kununurra.
Connect with your scheduled flight to Darwin. Your private car will transfer you
to your accommodation overlooking the harbour. Darwin, a modern tropical capital
set on a harbour twice the size of Sydney's, is Australia's most successful
multicultural city.
You then have the evening at leisure - try a local restaurant. The input of so
many different cultures makes eating out an even greater pleasure in Darwin -
whether the food comes from the markets (held year-round at Parap on Saturdays,
Nightcliff and Rapid Creek on Sundays and at Mindil Beach on Thursday nights
during the Dry season), a silver-service restaurant, a fish and chip shop at the
Wharf or one of the eateries on the boardwalk at up market Cullen Bay. Thai,
French, Italian, Greek, Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese and modern Australian
cuisines are all well represented.
Day 16 � Tyrconnell Gold Mine
Rise early & transfer to the Darwin Airport for your scheduled flight to Cairns.
Arriving in Cairns at 320pm you will be met by Cate and Andy and transferred by
vehicle to their property Tyrconnell Gold Mine. You will be driven through
country steeped in pioneer and Aboriginal history, perhaps stopping en-route for
afternoon tea in the pristine Australian bush. Tyrconnell is one of the last
relics of the pioneer mining area. On arrival, familiarise yourself with the
surrounds. You will find good old-fashioned hospitality in a location that has
remained secret from the world.
This evening, sit down to a sumptuous home cooked dinner set amidst 1800�s
machinery and let Andrew and Cate recount the vision they had for the property
sitting upon the veranda of the abandoned cottage several years ago. Your
accommodation is in the original mine manager�s cottage or in one of the new
cottages fashioned in timber and iron typical of the outback.
Day 17 - Tyrconnell Gold Mine
Following breakfast this morning experience the pounding of the vintage
quartz-crushing machine as Andrew coaxes it into action, or marvel at the
tenacity of the early settlers in Cate�s cemetery interpretation. Try your luck
at gold panning, spot an elusive kangaroo or walk in wheel ruts made by a steady
stream of carriages 100 years ago.
This afternoon experience more of this rugged land rich in Aboriginal and
European history. Visit local industries such as sugar cane, coffee, mango and
tea tree farms in the area. Or you may choose a trip to local underground caves,
vast wetlands and outback pubs. For those who prefer to simply relax, hang in a
hammock and doze to the sound of rustling leaves and bird song. Tonight, don�t
miss the sunset from Rock Bluff and another lavish dinner, this time under the
stars of the Southern Cross. Stargaze and absorb the scents and sounds of the
bush.
Day 18 � Haggerstone Island
 This morning you will return to Cairns with Cate & Andy. Departing Cairns by
light plane and boat will transfer you to the incredibly stunning Haggerstone
Island. Haggerstone Island is covered by lush jungle, with white sandy beaches
and blue lagoons. Arriving in time for a leisurely lunch, meet your hosts, Roy
and Anna and settle in for your 4-night stay.
This evening enjoy an unforgettable sunset over the surrounding reef from the
sundeck. Sip fine wines in the true wilderness, and then savor Anna�s cooking in
the �dining room� - a sand cay at the end of the island. Most of the food is
gathered and grown on the island.
Retire to your own guesthouse - Robinson Crusoe style.
Day 19 - Haggerstone Island
 Today the island is yours to explore - its beauty will overcome you. For those
who enjoy fishing it is fantastic at all levels - rod, reel or fly fishing,
reef, ocean or river. As there is no human habitation anywhere nearby, the
fishing grounds around are rarely disturbed. Bait is caught off the island
beach.
Spear fishing is a popular method of food gathering. Reef fish and tropical
crayfish are easily caught on nearby reefs. Bring your catch back to be cooked
on the sundeck fireplace. Accompanied with fine Australian Wines, sit back and
relax.
Day 20 - Haggerstone Island
After your tropical breakfast, why not try your hand at snorkelling? Two
incredibly clear lagoons display their beautiful coral gardens right at your
doorstep, and the marine life is prolific. Adjacent to Haggerstone Island on the
Barrier Reef is one of the largest Green Turtle rookeries in the world, and
turtles are abundant in the waters off of Haggerstone Island. Anna and Roy have
a 7-metre catamaran and 7-metre and 6-metre fiberglass boats available for all
of your diving, fishing and exploring.
Return to your luxurious base for another mouth-watering Dinner.
Day 21 - Haggerstone Island
Today is your last full day on magnificent Haggerstone. Why not go beachcombing
on the adjacent mainland beaches; many miles of uninhabited virgin coastline are
waiting to be explored. It is also a perfect day to relax under a palm tree and
read a book from the well-stocked library and listen to some classical music. Or
lie on a secluded beach and swim in the clear island waters.
Day 22 - Homewards
This morning you will be transferred back to Cairns by boat and light aircraft.
On arrival you will be met and transferred to the main airport by Tana Jane
McCaldin. Connect with your scheduled flight homewards.
PROPERTY DESCRIPTIONS
DEEP WELL STATION: 4 spacious bush huts with en suite bathrooms, built
from local stone and timber provide a welcoming place to lay your head after a
day in the outback; maximum capacity, 8 guests.
Includes: Accommodation, all meals, laundry, private driver/guide, horse riding.
BULLO RIVER STATION: Three twin bedrooms (double beds) with private
facilities. Part of the main Homestead, they consist of a large room with two
double beds, wardrobe, dresser and adjoining bathroom.
Includes: Accommodation, meals with wine and drinks, station activities and use
of helicopter for 1 hr.
FARAWAY BAY: Spectacularly located, eight secluded bush-style cabins have
180-degree views of the ocean, combining a true remote experience with safety,
comfort and style. A central modern ablution block provides flush toilets, hot
and cold water, and a washing machine. Eagle Lodge, the main lounging and dining
area (without any walls!) overlooks the pool and Faraway Bay.
Includes: Accommodation, all meals, snacks, soft drinks, wine and
beer; a return scenic flight ex Kununurra, boat cruises, fishing cruises,
vehicle transfers from Faraway Bayairstrip to Faraway Bay & return.
KIMBERELY COSTAL CAMP: The camp is well appointed with
guests enjoying their own "private space" in gazebo-style rooms. Your spacious
room has a view of the sea, plus ceiling fans and reading lights. Showers and
flushing toilets (on a share basis) are built ingeniously against a rock wall.
Max capacity 8 guests. Includes: Accommodation, all meals, activities & limited
alcohol.
SAVILLE PARK SUITES: Situated on The Esplanade, the award-winning Saville
Park overlooks Darwin Harbor to the Arafura Sea. This beautiful 4 star hotel has
140 one, two and three bedroom apartments, 64 hotel rooms, a restaurant & bar,
outdoor swimming pool and Spa. Apartments have large private balconies, perfect
for experiencing a famous Northern Territory sunset.
TYRCONNELL GOLD MINE: Here you find a taste of pioneer living albeit with
modern day comforts. The original Manager�s cottage has been fully refurbished &
furnished in true colonial style. It offers 3 bedrooms, kitchen, lounge,
bathroom & a typical large verandah. The cottage provides excellent privacy &
views over the surrounding area.
HAGGERSTONE ISLAND: 3 guesthouses each with its own view of the sea. Each
includes a bathroom and sundeck. Haggerstone caters for just 6-8 guests at any
one time. There is room and laundry service.
"With conical roof, shutters for walls, a big bed made up with cotton sheets
that smell of the sun, a slate floored bathroom with one glass wall and a
bleached deck with a view of the turquoise lagoon, the sea and uninhabited
islands in the horizon.� Vogue
For more information please contact
[email protected]
Tim Lapage Independent Safari Consultant
P.O.Box 680098 Park City UT 84068-0098 Tel 435 649 4655 e-mail:
[email protected]
www.safariexperts.com
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