An Australian Safari

 


Skip Horner & Friends

 

September 2010

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Summary Itinerary

 

 

Tuesday                       Arrive in Broome

07 September              Transfer to hotel provided by Capt Kennedy House

 

2 nights Captain Kennedy House

Accommodates 10 guests in 5 rooms

1 x Pearlers Verandah Room at McAlpines House (should it be needed)

Captain Kennedy House is inclusive of breakfast daily

                        Welcome dinner in the garden of Captain Kennedy House  

 

Dinner with beer & wine included

Lunch and afternoon entertainment not included

 

 

Wednesday                  In Broome & at Captain Kennedy House / McAlpine House

08 September              Full day tour hosted by local Scott Robertson

                        Begins with private hover craft excursion

                                    Aboriginal guided walk in Minyirr Coastal Park

                                    Private astronomy experience with Greg Quick

                        Bush BBQ dinner

 

Breakfast, light lunch, dinner with beer & wine included

 

Thursday                      Transfer to Airport

09 September              Charter flight, Cessna Caravan Aircraft up to 12 pax, from Broome to Mornington Wilderness Sanctuary - flying time 1.5 hours

 

3 nights Mornington Wilderness Sanctuary

Afternoon Eco Tour

Savanna Hill Sunset Drinks

 Breakfast, light lunch, dinner

Dinks not included

 

Friday                          At Mornington Wilderness Sanctuary

10 September              Touring - Dimond Gorge

 Breakfast, light lunch, dinner

Dinks not included

 

Saturday                      At Mornington Wilderness Sanctuary

11 September              Early morning bird walk

Touring – Sir John Gorge

  Breakfast, light lunch, dinner

Dinks not included

 

Sunday                         Charter flight, Caravan Aircraft up to 12 pax, to Kununurra

12 September              Flying time 1.1 hours

                                    Connect with scheduled flight from Kununurra to Darwin

Met by Sab Lord & Hamish Clark

 

3 nights Kakadu & Arnhem Land Safari

Focus will be the escarpment country and Aboriginal culture of the area

Three nights camping – all gear, camp fees and permits included

 

Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Dinks not included

 

Monday                       On safari with Lords

& Tuesday

 Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Dinks not included

 

Wednesday                  Delivery to Bamurru Plains at the end of the Sab Lord Safari

15 September

2 nights safari bungalows at Bamurru Plains

Inclusive of meals, beverages (based on select open bar) and scheduled activities - 4WD drive, river trips, airboat trips and daily guiding.

 

  Breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks from the bar

 

Thursday                      Accommodation and activities at Bamurru Plains  

 16 September

  Breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks from the bar

 

Friday                          Early afternoon charter flight from Bamurru Plains to Darwin

17 September              Met on arrival and transferred to Darwin Airport Inn

 

1 night Darwin Airport Inn, twin room accommodation

Collection for 2 hour afternoon tour of Darwin

Transfer to Brian WorsleyÕs home for dinner & drinks

Return transfer to hotel

 

  Breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks

 

Saturday                      Early breakfast at the hotel

18 September              Transfer to Darwin Airport

Scheduled flight:  Qantas – Darwin to Cairns

                                    Arrival transfer to Port Douglas

 

                                    3 nights Thala Beach Lodge, near Port Douglas

Includes Return airport transfers; full Breakfast daily; dinner inclusive of a choice from the extensive collection of fine Australian wines; in-room bar including wine, spirits, beers, soft drinks, snacks, tea & coffee; Transfers to/from Port Douglas daily; Guided nature & bird watching tours with local naturalist guides; Star gazing at Thala's specially designed observatory; evening presentations/entertainment by local specialists; buggy transfers around the resort on request

 

After a light sandwich lunch collection and trasnfer to – river snorkelling adventure inclusive of transfers, snorkelling tuition and gear as well as a light afternoon tea

 

  Breakfast, light lunch on arrival, afternoon tea after snorkelling

Drinks from the minibar, wine with dinner


Sunday

19 September              In Port Douglas, Thala Beach Lodge

                                    Full day Great Barrier Reef Cruise aboard Synergy – private charter

                                    Includes transfers, lunch, snacks and snorkelling gear & snorkelling tuition,

 

Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Drinks from the minibar, wine with dinner

 

Monday                      In Port Douglas, Thala Beach Lodge

20 September              Morning helicopter flight north from Port Douglas, along the coast where the Daintree Rainforest meets the Coral Sea and the Great Barrier Reef

Meet in the forest near Cow Bay, Coopers Creek for a private guided walk in a remote area of the Daintree – we can be sure that your group will be alone!

Picnic lunch in the forest

Return to Thala Beach Lodge includes Jungle Surfing and Daintree ferry crossing

 

Evening transfer into Port Douglas for dinner at Salsa – one of the townÕs popular restaurants.  Three course meal including a tapas style shared entrŽe or first course, a choice of main course and desert sampler plate.

 

  Breakfast, lunch and dinner with wine included

 

Tuesday                       Transfer to Cairns Airport

21 September              Scheduled flight: Cairns / Sydney

                                    Arrival transfer to Four Seasons Hotel

 

3 nights Four Seasons Hotel - Opera View rooms

Afternoon at leisure

Evening transfer to private harbour side residence for dinner at home overlooking Sydney Harbour, dinner will be hosted by an Australian wine expert and will include tastings.

                                    Return transfer to the hotel

  Breakfast, dinner and drinks

 

Wednesday                 In Sydney at the Four Seasons Hotel

22 September

Late morning collection for a Boutique Wildlife Tour in the Southern Highlands of the Blue Mountains, light lunch and dinner at a local pub is included

 

   Breakfast, light lunch and dinner

 

Thursday                      In Sydney at the Four Seasons Hotel

23 September              Morning collection for a half day Sydney sightseeing tour including a delicious home baked morning tea/coffee, includes the historic precincts of the city, the Eastern suburbs and Bondi Beach.

Followed by lunch and drinks aboard a private yacht sailing on Sydney Harbour

 

    Breakfast & lunch

 

Friday                          Departure transfer

 24 September

     Breakfast


 

 

Tuesday 07 September – Arrive Broome

 

DayÕs Outline

 

Captain Kennedy House is an historic and luxurious former Pearling MasterÕs home which was originally built in 1912.  Set amongst tropical gardens the house is cool and relaxed, the free-flowing design blurs the distinctions between inside and out. Captain Kennedy House offers guest accommodation in five bedrooms, there are five bathrooms, a formal dining room, a lounge, a very impressive and well equipped kitchen, an alfresco dining area with a BBQ and a swimming pool.   

 

The atmosphere is one of space and escape, meals can be taken al fresco or in the formal dining room, a chef can be provided or you may enjoy preparing your own meal.   Sister-property McAlpine House is just next door and the Manager is available to help you plan your stay in Broome or to ensure that you have total peace and quiet.  A personal housekeeper will visit daily to prepare a cooked breakfast, provide daily service and attend to laundry needs.

 

 

 

 

The town of Broome

Broome was once Ôthe pearling capital of the worldÕ and thrived as a port with hundreds of pearling luggers on Roebuck Bay.  While the first divers were Aboriginal people, they were soon followed by Japanese and Malay divers and with them came the Chinese merchants and shopkeepers.  The dangers of the pearling industry are evident in the carved headstones of over 900 Japanese divers buried here.  The townÕs multicultural history is also manifested in its festivals, architecture and cuisine.  Today the town is divided into the old ÔChinatownÕ and the resort area of Cable Beach. 

 

Broome is also the south-western gateway to the KimberleyÕs rugged nature experiences and the stepping off point for four wheel drivers or private flying safaris into one of AustraliaÕs most remote and unexplored regions.  Roebuck Bay was the scene of the first encounter between Aboriginals and Europeans, a tragic event that ended in the shooting of one of the locals by William DampierÕs crew.  Roebuck Bay is also one of AustraliaÕs most important birding locations and from as far away as the Arctic Tundra 800,000 migratory birds arrive annually and together with resident shorebirds, 310 species have been recorded here.

 

Wednesday 08 September – Broome Touring

 

DayÕs Outline

 

Broome Hovercraft tours cover such a wide section of the country's history from dinosaur footprints to the old Broome jetty, where at low tides you can see the remains of the flying boats strafed during World War 2.  Meander past pearling boats, see the remains of the old lighthouses on Buccaneer Rock or check out the new Broome Jetty and some of its more modern history.  View the ÔBingle Bingle', a unique rock formation similar to the Bungle Bungles but on a smaller scale. Learn about the fascinating migratory birds that feed on the mudflats and perhaps see some of the dolphins and dugongs inhabiting the area.

 

Minyirr Park is fringed by the Indian Ocean at BroomeÕs popular Cable Beach. With 22 kilometres of colour coded walking trails, the park is a joint project between the local shire and the regions traditional owners. The Park provides a unique opportunity to visit untouched coastal areas where Aboriginal custodians practice their care for country and cultural responsibilities. The diversity of habitats in Minyirr Park feature a range of native animals and plants. Aboriginal custodians provide guided cultural walks and excursions explaining the law, culture, rules and responsibilities that make it possible for people, animals, fish and birds to live together.

 

Enjoy not only a BBQ bush dinner but big telescopes, lasers and fun under some of the best stargazing skies on the planet!  Greg Quicke is a zany fellow with some powerful equipment and his enthusiasm for life under the southern night skies is contagious.  As the skies change over the course of a few hours you might focus on the southern constellations, black holes, the moon or the Milky Way.  Whatever the chatter it is a fun evening out, a once in your lifetime experience in the outback.

 

  

 

 

Thursday 09 September – To Mornington Wilderness Camp

 

DayÕs Outline

 

Mornington Wilderness Camp has 10 safari-style tents each with en suite bathroom and a balcony overlooking picturesque Annie Creek. The spacious tents are comfortably furnished with quality beds and linen, tea/coffee making facilities, mini bar and laundry services.  In the evening, relax and enjoy a gourmet dinner at "Redtails" bar and restaurant, accompanied by premium Western Australian wines. Dinner is often followed by a presentation on the conservation programs at Mornington.

 

 

 

Mornington Sanctuary covers 358,274 ha (885,311 acres) of the Pentecost sub-region, the property incorporates sections of the impressive King Leopold Ranges and much of the upper catchment of the Fitzroy River.  Aboriginal people have occupied this land for thousands of years and a small indigenous community still lives within Mornington. From 1901 Mornington was managed primarily for cattle grazing but in 2001 it was acquired by the Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC) and the property has been modified to promote conservation of biodiversity. 

 

The Mornington landscape is immensely beautiful. The Baulk Face Range dominates the central part and Fitzroy Bluff stands majestically in the south.  There are several permanent rivers flowing through the vast savanna plains to drain into the Fitzroy River.  These waterways sometimes dissect the terrain for several kilometres to form spectacular vertical-walled gorges such as Dimond Gorge and Sir John Gorge.  The dominant habitat of Mornington is tropical savanna; the grasslands are lightly sprinkled with stands of low eucalypts, Kimberley Bauhinia, Acacias, Boabs and native kapok.

 

 

 

The diversity of habitats on Mornington supports an extraordinary assemblage of wildlife. 202 species of birds, 33 species of mammals, 76 species of reptiles and 22 species of frog are known to occur on the property. The Central Kimberley is very poorly surveyed, and these lists will no doubt expand with further research. 

 

At least 13 threatened animal species find refuge on Mornington, including the Northern Quoll, Freshwater Crocodile, Red Goshawk, Peregrine Falcon, Grey Falcon, Australian Bustard, Purple-crowned Fairy-wren, and the extraordinarily beautiful Gouldian Finch, one of AustraliaÕs rarest birds. The Spectacled Hare-wallaby, Ghost Bat and the Orange Leaf-nosed Bat are also likely to occur here.

 

Eco-Tour followed by Sundowner drinks

After lunch explore the world of ecologists and marvel at the innovative ways they advance our understanding of the natural world. Your guide will show you different techniques used to record animal numbers. This is a rare opportunity to delve into the world of science in the field.

 

Friday 10 September –Mornington Wilderness Camp

 

DayÕs Outline

 

The mighty Fitzroy River cuts through the rugged King Leopold Range at Dimond Gorge, producing spectacular rock formations and 30 m (100 ft) high walls. Here is your opportunity to canoe, we take a packed lunch and explore 2 km of the river as it winds through Dimond Gorge.  Highlights include: swimming, abundant birdlife, and a secluded waterfall tucked away at the end of the gorge. You may even catch a glimpse of the Short-eared Rock-wallaby.

 

 

At some point during your stay at Mornington you might like to stop by the visitorÕs information and resource centre to learn more about the role that the Australian Wildlife Conservany plays and if you wish to spend some time exploring a series of interpretive trails with guide notes, these aim to increase your understanding of the ecology of tropical savannas.  Still keen to learn more? After dinner one evening lecture by an expert or naturalists on the conservation priorities at Mornington and the plants and animals that find refuge within it.

 

Saturday 11September  – Mornington Wilderness Camp

 

DayÕs Outline

  

Mornington Sanctuary is a hotspot for birdwatchers with 201 bird species recorded within the sanctuary. At least three nationally threatened bird species find refuge on Mornington: Gouldian Finch,  Purple-crowned Fairy-wren, Red Goshawk.  On another moring you might like to do the self-guided Annie Creek walk that explores habitat for the elusive White-browed Robin.

 

Sir John Gorge is a massive gorge set within the majestic King Leopold Range, a guided bush walk takes you through a diverse range of scenery. Highlights include swimming, exploring the gorge, abundant birdlife and sipping champagne at sunset amidst the changing colours of Sir John Gorge.

 

 

 

 

Sunday 12 September – On Safari with Sab Lord

 

DayÕs Outline

 

The itinerary may have to be changed depending on the time of the flight from Kununurra to Darwin.

 

Depart Darwin for the drive south,  for a short time on the Stuart Highway then turn left on to the Arnhem Highway which leads west to World Heritage Listed Kakadu National Park.   At the Adelaide River there is the opportunity to witness the jumping crocodiles – magnificent ÔsaltiesÕ are surprisingly powerful and can launch their bodies almost totally out of the water using their tail - you will gain a good understanding of why they have survived for more then two hundred million years!  This serves as a great introduction to how wild the Top End still is today.

 

A short detour off the highway is the beautiful Learning Tree Lagoon; this Billabong is often covered in water lilies making it a popular quick stop for photographers.  Leave the main road to enter into Kakadu via the Old Darwin Road.  We shall head to the Southern end of Kakadu, here we find a pristine water fall, Gunlom (Waterfall Creek). This area was immortalised in the first 'Crocodile Dundee' movie, its white sandy beach and 120 metre cascading waterfall (runs up to the end of July) is a great photo opportunity.  A more challenging walk to the top of the waterfall is rewarded with a swim and the best view for miles around. Enjoy it while overlooking the beautiful South Alligator Valley 

 

 

Sab LordÕs Safari Camp has a paved dining area, permanent tents with stretcher beds as well as a shower and toilet.  This is 2.5 star camping but in a beautiful area of the park and your guide will ensure you are comfortable and enjoy the adventure.   Showers and toilets are shared with other campers.

 

Monday 13 September – On Safari with Sab Lord

 

DayÕs Outline

 

TodayÕs focus is Koolpin Gorge, (one hour drive from Gunlom).  The Aboriginal name for this place is Jarrangbarnmi and it has been described by some as the "Jewel in the Crown of Kakadu".   Only a few operators have permits to visit this area and numbers are strictly controlled.  

 

Koolpin is in the south of the park, in 4WD country.   Accompanied by Sab and Hamish you will scramble or climb over the seemingly endless series of gorges and be rewarded with an ever-changing landscape, crystalline waters and infinite views. There are waterfalls, plunge pools, white sandy beaches and a lot more. This is a breathtaking, isolated area still in a pristine wilderness state. Koolpin Creek flows down several hundred feet through a series of cascades and pools often called the "Giant's Staircase".   (This tour requires a reasonable amount of balance and agility)

 

  

 

Tuesday 14 September – On Safari with Sab Lord

 

DayÕs Outline

Next stop is Maguk (Barramundi Gorge) – a walk of just over half a mile through sub-monsoon rainforest reveals a beautiful plunge pool: Maguk is a scenic and tranquil place to enjoy a refreshing swim in the series of small waterholes. The water is crystal clear.

 

    

 

Then it is time to drive to Cooinda where we will experience one of KakaduÕs icons - a Yellow Water Cruise. This 10sq. km pristine environment supports a truly wonderful variety of plants, birds, crocodiles and Top End wildlife including saltwater crocodiles, Jacana birds, magnificent sea eagles and  another 280 odd species.  Here you will witness at close hand the wealth of wildlife in this tranquil habitat and enjoy one of the Top Ends great sunsets.

 

Wednesday 15 September – Arnhem Land & Bamurru Plains

 

DayÕs Outline

 

Today you will visit Aboriginal Lands (Arnhem Land) access to this area is restricted to a select group of people

 

  

 

Visitors to Arnhem Land are able to experience a fascinating mixture of traditional and living culture. Arnhem Land is perhaps the one area in Australia where indigenous culture is still dominant, despite a long history of interaction with other cultures, for example the Macassens who visited the shores of Arnhem Land for more then five hundred years to harvest sea slug. They arrived by sailing boats from the Indonesian Island of Sulawesi and left their legacy with the Aboriginal people.

 

Then came the Europeans, their impact on Aboriginal people was more far reaching and profound. Arnhem Land today has weathered all the storms and it has managed to stay as a last frontier and homeland of around 20,000 people.

 

While you are in Arnhem Land a traditional Aboriginal guide will show you excellent examples of rock art on Injalak Hill (Long Tom Dreaming), this area has some of the best rock art examples in Western Arnhem Land and some say Australia. The view from the top of the hill is simply breathtaking, looking out across the floodplains and around the escarpment. At the award winning Injalak Arts and Crafts Centre there is time to watch the traditional Aboriginal people painting and to see the women weaving pandanus baskets.   (This tour requires a reasonable amount of balance and agility)

 

 

 

 

Bamurru Plains is an exclusive safari camp built on the edge of the Mary River floodplain only a short distance from Kakadu National Park in the Top End of Australia.  Guest accommodation is in nine spacious and cool safari bungalows, each with an en suite bathroom and overlooking the surrounding wilderness.  The central lounge area is the perfect place to relax, there is a well stocked library offering a collection of reference books.  Likewise, the bar is well stocked, and at anytime of the day you may help yourself to a cold beer, a chilled white wine or a soft drink.

 

BamurruÕs chef prepares delicious meals which are shared around a communal table with your fellow travellers, hosts and guides. Lunch is often served on the deck, perhaps a BBQ, cooked as you refresh yourself in the swimming pool.

 

 

Thursday 16 September – At Bamurru Plains

 

DayÕs Outline

 

This area is known for its wildlife and wallabies, dingoes, brumbies, buffalo and goannas all make regular appearances, however it is the prolific birdlife that makes this area a unique nature attraction.   A typical day at Bamurru may begin with an early morning coffee and muffin in the Main Lodge as the sun rises. Climb aboard the airboats for an excursion across the flood plains, spotting crocodiles and startling the Magpie Geese into flight.  Stopping in a quiet lagoon, shaded by paperbark trees and surrounded by lilies enjoy morning tea before returning to camp as the sun heats the day. 

 

Now there is time for a siesta, a swim, to read a book or quiz your guide for more information on this remarkable place.  Lunch is followed by an afternoon activity, perhaps a guided walk or a gentle cruise down the Sampan River, spotting crocodiles sunning themselves on the mud flats. Return to the camp in the evening and share dinner with your fellow travellers, guides and hosts.

 

  

 

Friday 17 September – To Darwin

 

DayÕs Outline

 

 

 

Darwin Airport Inn is the townÕs newest contemporary hotel and is located just 250 meters from the DarwinÕs Airport Terminal. 

A range of accommodation options includes spacious queen sized guest rooms as well as two bedroom apartments – all have en suite bathrooms and are furnished with such conveniences as tea & coffee making facilities, a mini-bar, individual air conditioning and fans, televisions and more.  Facilities include a swimming pool, bistro with a varied menu, and outdoor bar and a guest laundry

 

On the outskirts of Darwin, Brian & Lindy have a lovely home surrounded by gardens that attract wallabies and tawny frog-mouths.    Enjoy meeting the locals, a delicious dinner and a few drinks before returning to the Darwin Airport Inn.

 

Saturday 18 September – To Port Douglas

 

DayÕs Outline

 

Thala Beach Lodge is located on the spectacular coastal road between Cairns and Port Douglas. Set in 145 acres of lush vegetation, very much like the Daintree Rainforest itself and yet bordering the Coral Sea, Thala beach is perhaps the epitome of the region – where the Reef meets the Rainforest!

 

ThalaÕs bungalow accommodation blends with the surrounds beautifully, providing a luxurious sense of privacy.  While the Eucalypt bungalows capture the spirit of the forest, and the Coral Sea bungalows offer sea views, all have air-conditioning and fans, a private en suite bathroom, CD & DVD player and a private veranda. 

 

    

ThalaÕs facilities include a Wellness Spa, two free form swimming pools and a cocktail bar. OspreyÕs Restaurant enjoys magnificent views along the coast and you are bound to enjoy the chefÕs tropically inspired cuisine.  Borrow the sea-kayaks for some coastal exploring, join an escorted nature walk, attend a cooking demonstration or an evening talk by a local naturalist and when you feel like stepping out there are transfers to/from Port Douglas.

 

River Snorkelling Adventure

Drive north into the Daintree Rainforest habitat for a rather unique adventure!   River snorkelling provides a wonderful look at the Rainforest from a very different perspective and, if you are new to snorkelling it is also a great way to learn. 

 

A large inflatable flat raft provides a deck and you can lie on the raft with your face in the water while you get used to breathing through the snorkel. As you feel more confident you can slide off and hang on to the ropes and eventually leave the raft to hold hands with more experience snorkeler or your guide É soon you will be relaxing as you drift along seeing the amazing small creatures that live in the lovely rainforest rivers.  As you float along you need not even paddle, rather you drift effortlessly down the Rainforest River, spotting freshwater marine species, Ulysses Butterflies, Sunbirds and Kingfishers.

 

     

 

 

Return to Thala Beach for a dinner and drinks in their beautiful tree-house inspired restaurant.

 

Sunday 19 September – The Great Barrier Reef

 

DayÕs Outline

 

A full day sail and snorkel cruise aboard Synergy, a luxuriously appointed, 62 foot sailing catamaran is a great way to experience the Great Barrier Reef.  Relax as Synergy II is nudged casually along by tropical breezes in the warm, balmy waters that encompass Australia's Great Barrier Reef.  There will be a maximum of twelve guests on board and during the course of the day you will have plenty of opportunity to snorkel on this dynamic reef ecosystem bursting with a huge variety of exciting marine life including over 1500 species of fish and 460 varieties of coral.


Meals are a gourmet affair, freshly cooked on board and served al fresco on the split level rear deck.  A fine selection of champagne, wine, beer, spirits and cocktails are also available from our extensively stocked bar.  And with friendly, professional, qualified crew, guests will want for absolutely nothing!

    

 

Monday 20 September – The Daintree Rainforest

 

DayÕs Outline

 

After a spectacular flight you land to meet your guide for a walk in the Daintree Rainforest.   Over 135 million years in age the Daintree is one of the oldest ecosystems on our planet.  Its 12,000 sq kms account for only 0.2% of AustraliaÕs landmass and yet is it home to a staggering diversity of flora and fauna including 30% of frog, marsupial and reptile species in Australia, 65% of our bat and butterfly species as well as 20% of our bird species.  Daintree flora and fauna includes primitive flowering plants and many endemic species such as the shy BennettÕs Tree Kangaroo and the Thornton Peak Medlomys.  Other residents include the metallic Blue Ulysses Butterfly, the strangely named Cuscus and Sugar Gliders while the rivers are home to crocodiles.  Approximately 430 species of birds live among the trees, including 13 species that are found nowhere else in the world.

 

After a picnic lunch, jump in the vehicles to head homeward.  En route you will stop for Jungle Surfing - a 1.5 hour trip through the canopy of the rainforest – suited to everybody over the age of 3 years and under the weight of 120kgs / 240lbs.  Your feet donÕt touch the ground, rather you fly through the trees on a series of flying fox zip-lines, stopping at 5 tree platforms to take in spectacular birdÕs eye views over the treetops, down to cascading streams and out to the Great Barrier Reef.

 

The last adventure for the day is a river cruise on the Daintree River, looking for the elusive Saltwater Estuarine Crocodile, rainforest frogs, birdlife and the Spectacled flying fruit bats

 

  

In the evening you will be transferred into Port Douglas for dinner at Salsa – one of the townÕs popular restarants. 

 

Tuesday 21 September – To Sydney

 

DayÕs Outline

 

SydneyÕs Four Seasons Hotel offers 531 rooms and suites in the historic Rocks district, a short walk from the city's shopping and business centres.  Many of the elegant and contemporary rooms offer iconic views over the Royal Botanic Gardens and Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour, Sydney Harbour Bridge and beyond. All rooms include features to accommodate the business traveller – two line telephones, data port/modem hook-up, high-speed Internet access and a safe large enough for a laptop computer.

 

The hotel offers an outdoor heated pool, a fitness centre and a luxurious day spa featuring exclusive skincare and aromatherapy treatments.  The hotel has a popular bar and dining options include KableÕs, the hotelÕs premier restaurant, The CafŽ for a more casual meal or snack and during the summer months lunch poolside at Cabanna is very pleasant

 

 

An evening with the locals - dinner on the harbour hosted by a wine expert

Transfer by private air-conditioned town car to a private harbour side residence.  Located on Darling Point, one of SydneyÕs most prestigious suburbs, the homeÕs garden and relaxed dining verandah enjoys superb views of Sydney - from the Opera House and city, across the peninsula of bushland that is Taronga Park Zoo and right around to the Manly Wharf.   Begin the evening with a glass of champagne as you get to know your host - Henry Dawson-Damer and fellow guests.

 

This evening is very much a casual and social gathering and the opportunity to learn more about Australian wine from one of its most passionate aficionados.   Henry is a senior wine educator for Fosters Group Limited and has travelled extensively in the wine regions of Europe, Africa and Australia.    He is currently enrolled in the London-based Institute of Masters of Wine.

 

Fosters is well known for its beer but the companyÕs wine portfolio is made up of some of the world's leading premium wine brands including Beringer, Lindemans, Wolf Blass, Penfolds, Rosemount, Matua Valley, Wynns Coonawarrra Estate and Castello di Gabbiano.

 

HenryÕs informal but informative introduction to AustraliaÕs premium wines will be accompanied by a gourmet BBQ and wines will be paired with the various courses.   If you care to advise us of your particular interests Henry will be happy to focus on them and can even include such prestigious wines as PenfoldÕs Grange (at additional cost).  

 

Later you will be transferred back to your hotel or vessel.  

 

  

 

Wednesday 22  September – To Sydney

 

DayÕs Outline

 

With stunning bushland surrounding Sydney you donÕt have to go far to experience the uniqueness of AustraliaÕs native bush and wildlife - but you do have to know where to look.  

 

 

 

You will have a good chance of seeing kangaroos, emu and koalas in the wild, you will search for platypus on picturesque rivers, and night-spot for wombats, possums and gliders. This part of Australia is renowned for its colourful and distinctive parrots, lyrebirds and bowerbirds, all set amongst stunning scenery.  

 

Short bushwalks take in the best scenery the area has to offer. The tour includes a light lunch and a hearty dinner. The late departure enables you to be be in the best locations at the best possible times. Dusk brings out the best of Australian Marsupials and photographic opportunities abound.  Your vehicle is specifically designed for wildlife spotting with fully retractable sunroofs and digital cameras hooked up to a TV screen so no one misses out on sighting wildlife.

 

Thursday 23 September – To Sydney

 

DayÕs Outline

 

Sydney Sights

The day begins with a visit to the charming and historic Rocks precinct, with its quaint old cottages, pubs and the first church in Australia. This drive takes in Observatory Hill overlooking Darling Harbour, Bridge Street and then continues through the financial precinct, Macquarie Street with the Parliament House of the NSW government, the Mint and Hyde Park Barracks. Travelling past St MaryÕs Cathedral, you visit the Sydney Domain and Royal Botanic Gardens. Take a short stroll to view Mrs. MacquarieÕs Chair for an unsurpassed view of Sydney Harbour, the Opera House and Bridge.


Rejoining the vehicle continue along the shores of Sydney Harbour, around Woolloomooloo Bay, to Potts Point, Kings Cross, ritzy Double Bay and Rose Bay, passing by luxury homes and harbour side parks.  After a stop for morning tea drive to Watsons Bay and South Head, with its breathtaking views of Sydney Harbour the Heads, the North Shore and the city. Take a short stroll along the cliff tops and then drive to Bondi Beach and Centennial Park before returning to your hotel or Circular Quay.

 

  

 

Dinner Aboard

The perfect, intimate way to explore Sydney Harbour is aboard a private yacht.  Your skipper will not only ÔmanÕ the decks but also share his passion and knowledge of the water ways and the suburbs that line these impressive shores.   Departing from The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia in Rushcutters Bay and depending on the wind you may choose to head under the Harbour Bridge to have lunch in the busy atmosphere of the fishing boat harbour or perhaps find a quiet cove with views through Ôthe headsÕ and on to the Pacific Ocean.  

 

The sea air is bound to heighten your appetite and a seafood dinner is supplied, to be washed down with a chilled beer or a glass of Australian wine.  Later return to Rushcutters Bay where your driver will collect you for the return to your hotel.

 

 

 

 

Friday 24 September – Farewell

 

DayÕs Outline

 

 

End of Skip HornerÕs Australian Safari