12 Day Great Australian Aircruise
12 Day Great Australian Aircruise
*Brand new Brisbane pickup available for 18 June departure. Please call for details*
The original Great Australian Aircruise by Bill Peach Journeys combines the best of Outback Australia with a taste of the tropics. From the remote majesty of Uluru (also known as Ayers Rock) to the wetland splendour of Kakadu National Park, this is a journey of a lifetime.
Air-cruising to the quintessential Outback locations of Longreach, Katherine, Kakadu, the Kimberley, Kata Tjuta (The Olgas), Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Alice Springs, as well as the stunning MacDonnell Ranges, the spectacular Buccaneer Archipelago, the Gibson Desert and famous Birdsville, its a unique experience that showcases the history, landscapes and backbone of Australia.
Experience this authentic and unique Outback adventure, refined over 30 years, with the experts in Outback Aircruising, Bill Peach Journeys, and you'll travel by private Embraer Jet with leather interior, stay in the finest available accommodation and enjoy fine dining, including our exclusive Dining at Leisure programme.
Highlights
- Cruise the mighty chasms of Katherine Gorge
- Photograph steely-eyed crocodiles in Kakadu
- Experience spectacular aerial sightseeing of the ancient Bungle Bungle Range, remote Mitchell Falls and Buccaneer Archipelago on Australia's far northwest coastline
- Watch the sun set on the Indian Ocean at Cable Beach, Broome
- In Kakadu National Park marvel at ancient rock art and cruise the Yellow Waters Lagoon
- Dine under the stars at Uluru
- Explore a collection of famed outback towns - Broome, Longreach, Darwin, Kununurra and Alice Springs
Day
1
1
Sydney - Longreach
Leaving the city behind the journey begins in the heart of the outback at Longreach, a frontier township which embodies the true characters of the Australian outback. This afternoon visit the Champion family who welcome you to their property and share their experiences in these harsh landscapes. You'll also visit the School of the Air at Longreach.Late afternoon there is time to freshen up before heading to the Qantas Museum for a wonderful dining experience surrounded by Qantas history! For those interested, there will also be the opportunity to explore the museum.
Accommodation: Albert Park Motel or similar
Day
2
2
Katherine
This morning we visit the Stockman’s Hall of Fame to learn about Australia’s outback history. The journey continues to the Northern Territory and the township of Katherine. Sweeping from the Gulf of Carpentaria to the West Australian border, the vast Katherine region is full of hidden secrets.Late afternoon enjoy a stunning sunset dinner cruise of the Katherine Gorge. The area is dominated by the Katherine River, which in the dry season consists of quietly flowing creeks and still deep rock pools. In the “wet”, it is a totally different scene, as the river becomes a raging torrent. Experience the spectacular beauty of the Gorge as the setting sun turns the ancient sandstone walls from magnificent to awe inspiring. As the stars begin to appear the outback bush comes alive with nocturnal creatures.
Accommodation: Paraway Motel or similar
Day
3
3
Katherine Gorge - Kakadu National Park
This morning experience a unique aboriginal tour with a local Jawoyn elder. The Jawoyn are the traditional owners of Katherine Gorge and today you will learn about their culture and dreamtime. Mid afternoon we transfer by road to the magnificent World Heritage Kakadu National Park. The afternoon concludes with a cruise of the beautiful Yellow Waters area in Kakadu. A complete contrast to the Katherine River in landscape, this area is teeming with native Australian wildlife including a large variety of birds and the infamous saltwater crocodiles. All of this is revealed by the expert guides of Yellow Water Cruises, one of Kakadu National Parks famed wilderness experiences. This is a wonderful adventure through a finely balanced natural ecosystem.Accommodation: Holiday Inn Gagudju Crocodile Hotel or similar
Day
4
4
Kakadu - Darwin
This morning examine some of the finest examples of Aboriginal art at Ubirr Rock. Located in the East Alligator region of Kakadu National Park, it consists of a group of rocky outcrops on the edge of the Nadab floodplain.The rock art in Kakadu is among the finest in the world, and represents a close personal and spiritual relationship between the Aborigines and the environment. This afternoon we farewell Kakadu by light aircraft and experience breathtaking views of the Arnhem land escarpment before landing in Darwin.
Accommodation: Mantra on the Esplanade
Day
5
5
Darwin
Darwin has had a fascinating and turbulent history. On Christmas Day 1974, Cyclone Tracey devastated the city. After the disaster the population fell from 47,000 to 12,000 and many did not return. It is a tribute to those who stayed and those who came to live in Darwin "after Tracey", that the rebuilt city now thrives as an administrative and commercial centre for Northern Australia. To explore the various sights in Darwin City, we have organised an exclusive mini-coach that will be running throughout the day. This afternoon enjoy a sunset cruise in Darwin Harbour.Accommodation: Mantra on the Esplanade
Day
6
6
The Kimberley Region
Departing Darwin this morning you will enjoy spectacular aerial sightseeing over Lake Argyle and the fascinating Bungle Bungle Range which is located in Purnululu National Park – look for the tiger-striped, beehive shaped domes. On arrival in Kununurra embark on a boat ride up the Ord River, through the inspiring scenery of the Kimberley region. The cruise continues to the impressive Dam Wall, which holds back the waters of Lake Argyle. After the cruise visit the historic Argyle Homestead, home of the famous pioneering family, the Duracks.Accommodation: Kimberley Grande or similar
Day
7
7
Buccaneer archipelago - Broome
This morning re-board our exclusive aircraft and once again experience spectacular aerial views, this time over the far northwest coastline and the Buccaneer Archipelago. This remote part of Australia is rarely seen because it is extremely difficult to access from the ground. Arriving at the historic pearling port of Broome, we explore this unique township. Transfer to he renowned Cable Beach Club Resort, your accommodation for the next two nights.Accommodation: Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa or similar
Day
8
8
Broome
Today is free to spend at your leisure. For those of you that are interested in enjoying the relaxing ambience of Cable Beach Club Resort, the day is yours. There is also a shuttle bus from the resort that can take you into Broome for shopping. Explore the township of Broome established in the days of the flourishing pearling industry at the turn of the century, or enjoy the grand expanse of the famous white sandy Cable Beach. Its picturesque location on the shores of Roebuck Bay and its beautiful white sandy beaches have made it a popular holiday destination in recent years.Accommodation: Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa or similar
Day
9
9
Gibson Desert - Uluru
Departing Broome this morning we travel over the vast Gibson Desert where we view amazing salt lake formations, on our way to the Red Centre of Australia - site of Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Kata Tjuta (The Olgas). Watch as Uluru, the world's largest monolith appears on the horizon. The "Red Centre" of Australia is a land of vivid colour and striking contrasts. Uluru and Kata Tjuta have great cultural significance for the Anangu traditional owners. The magnificent Uluru with its rich red tones of bare rock and cliff faces which change colour according to light conditions and moisture, dominates the surrounding desert. A feast tonight under the stars at the magnificent ‘Sounds of Silence’ dinner. Wonderfully placed between Uluru and Kata Tjuta, we experience the subtle colour changes of the Rock at sunset.Accommodation: Sails In the Desert or similar
Day
10
10
Kata Tjuta - Alice Springs
An early start today for those who wish to explore the many walks around the base of this great monolith, a perfect opportunity for those wanting a closer look at the fragile desert ecology. At sunrise, the giant monolith emerges from the inky landscape, changing from purple through to rusty browns and red in the golden sunlight. If you prefer a quiet morning, you may enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel. Later this morning visit Kata Tjuta (The Olgas), an impressive grouping of 36 conglomerate domes where the circumference of the formations is more than 22 kilometres. Kata Tjuta also has great significance as a sacred area for the local Aboriginal tribes.Rejoining the aircraft head north to Alice Springs, the most famous of all Australian outback towns. Situated almost geographically in the centre of Australia, nowhere else in the world is there ‘A Town Like Alice’ - made famous by Neville Shute’s book of that name.
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza or similar
Day
11
11
Macdonnell Ranges - Alice Springs
We start the day with a visit to the Royal Flying Doctor Service, a marvellous facility providing support and health care to a vast outback region. We then enjoy an excursion to the picturesque Standley Chasm. The optional walk into the chasm takes about 20 minutes and is a great photo opportunity. The gorge is named after Mrs Ida Standley, the first formal school teacher in Alice Springs and the first white woman to walk through the gorge. Today we also visit the Telegraph Station,site of the original Repeater Station, which was for many years the sole reason for the existence of a handful of people in this remote area. It was here that a supposed spring was found in the dry riverbed - the river was named Todd after the Postmaster General, and the spring, Alice, after his wife.Accommodation: Crowne Plaza or similar
Day
12
12
Birdsville - Sydney
This morning we set off on our return journey to Sydney. Our first stop is the quaint outback Queensland town of Birdsville. Proclaimed a town in 1887, Birdsville was established to collect tolls from the droves of cattle being moved interstate. There is nothing else like it anywhere! We will also enjoy lunch at the Birdsville Hotel- Australia's most remote outback pub.We have a refuelling stop in Bourke before the final leg of this memorable journey.Dates & Prices
| Tour Code | Days | Departs | Returns | Price $AUD | |
| GA305 | 12 | 23rd July 2013 | 3rd August 2013 | $14,495 | |
| GA307(S) | 12 | 20th August 2013 | 31st August 2013 | $14,495 |
(S) Single Travellers are not required to pay a single supplement on these journeys. Limited single supplement free seats are available. The single supplement offer cannot be taken in conjunction with any other offer.
BRAND NEW BRISBANE BOARDING AVAILABLE FOR 18 JUNE DEPARTURE OF THE GREAT AUSTRALIAN AIRCRUISE.
Great news for our Queensland guests, we are now offering a Brisbane pick-up for the GA302 - that is, the 18th June departure of the Geat Australian Aircruise. This Journey will commence in Sydney, stop for a short time in Brisbane for additional passengers to board, and then continue. We are delighted to be able to offer this special extra to our Queensland travellers.
Commencement and departure dates are the same.
PLEASE CALL 1800 252 053 FOR DETAILS ON THIS FANTASTIC NEW ADDITION.
Inclusions:
- All accommodation - 11 nights including Sails in the Desert and Cable Beach Club Resort
- All meals - 11 breakfasts, 12 lunches, 11 dinners
- Exclusive travel by private aircraft
- All touring including: cruising, aerial sightseeing flights, entrance fees, porterage, taxes and luggage
- Services of experienced Journey Directors and flight crew
- Warm hospitality of local hosts at every destination
Mode of Transport:
Depending on traveller numbers, this journey may use a 30 seat SAAB 340B or a 36 seat Embraer 135 Jet.
- Each aircraft offer windows so that everyone onboard can enjoy the stunning aerial view
- All seats feature comfortable legroom
- The aircraft are flown by two experienced captains
- The aircraft operate at an average altitude for flying of 13,000 ft
- The aircraft are pressurised and air-conditioned
- There is a toilet onboard
Please note that from Kakadu to Darwin we will be using smaller aircraft . This can vary from a 8 to 15 seat aircraft.
Coaches:
The coaches that we use for the ground component of this journey are fully air-conditioned.
Cruises:
The cruises we do on this journey are on open-air boats and all have shaded areas available.
Level of fitness required: Easy Going
This journey is not physically demanding unless you want it to be. It includes easy paced walks which are on mainly flat ground. You must be able to walk up to 500 metres unaided and will not need any foreseen assistance throughout the journey. Accommodation is spread out at the Cable Beach Club Resort, Broome and so in most cases there are no rooms that are particularly close to facilities at this property.
We strongly urge you to consider the fitness rating before selecting your preferred journey, in respect for your fellow travellers. Bill Peach Journeys reserves the right to refuse travel to any client whose fitness level is below the recommended rating.
Price $14,495 per person.
Single supplement: $1,629Days: 12
Max Group Size: 34
Activity Level: EASY GOING
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