12 Day No SIngle Supplement Great Australian Aircruise

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. We land in Longreach in the early afternoon and transfer to the Stockman's Hall of Fame where we learn some of Australia's outback history. This is Australia's most noted 'bush museum' which pays tribute to and tells the story of the explorers, adventurers and pioneers who opened up the outback. The hardships and strength of character these people displayed is truly amazing. Tonight we have a wonderful welcome dinner at the Qantas Museum.

Accommodation: Albert Park Motel or Jumbuck Motel

Katherine

This morning visit the Champion family who welcome you to their property and share their experiences in these harsh landscapes before reboarding the aircraft. The journey by private aircraft 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 and offers a range of invigorating experiences for the traveller. Its diverse landscapes and unique ecosystems set the scene for adventure. Tonight we enjoy a bush barbeque on the banks of the Katherine River.

Accommodation: Knotts Crossing Resort

Katherine Gorge - Cooinda

Cruise two of the thirteen gorges that form Katherine Gorge. Join the aircraft this afternoon for a spectacular flight along the Arnhem Land escarpment to view the magnificent waterfalls and wildlife that make up this world heritage reserve. Cruise at sunset along the Yellow Waters Lagoon to view the incredible beauty and abundant wildlife of this remarkable World Heritage region.

Accommodation: Holiday Inn Gagadju Crocodile Hotel

Kakadu - Darwin

Kakadu National Park is home to the most outstanding concentration of Aboriginal art in Australia. 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 where there are several natural shelters that have a collection of Aboriginal rock paintings, some of which are over 20,000 years old. 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. Departing Ubirr Rock we head to Bowali Visitors centre, named after the Bowali Creek which flows nearby, the centre's long lineal design was inspired by an Aboriginal Rock Shelter. The Bowali Visitor Centre contains a wealth of information about Kakadu National Park. The centre's large display, developed by Bininj/Mungguy, provides detailed information about Aboriginal culture in Kakadu. This afternoon we farewell Kakadu and our short flight takes us to Darwin.

Accommodation: Mantra on the Esplanade or similar

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. 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 aboard Streeter Pearl Lugger.

Accommodation: Mantra on the Esplanade or similar

Darwin - Kununurra

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 we embark on a boat ride up the Ord River, through the inspiring scenery of the Kimberley region. Our cruise continues to the impressive Dam Wall, which holds back the waters of Lake Argyle, capable of holding 23 times the volume of water of Sydney Harbour. We learn about the local industries and the fascinating irrigation systems of this area. After our cruise we visit the historic Argyle Homestead, home of the famous pioneering family, the Duracks.

Accommodation: Kununurra Country Club

Kununurra - Broome

This morning our exclusive aircraft will once again provide spectacular views this time over the far northwest coastline and the Mitchell Plateau. This remote part of Australia is rarely seen because it is extremely difficult to access from the ground. Enjoy a birds-eye view of this remote and stunning area that so few get the privilege to see. Arriving at the historic pearling port of Broome, we explore this unique township. The architecture reflects the Asian cultures that were predominant here in the early 20th century. On completion of this fascinating tour you will be transferred to the renowned Cable Beach Club Resort, your accommodation for the next two nights.

Accommodation: Cable Beach Club Resort

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. 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

Broome - 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. Temperatures range from extreme heat to freezing cold, and seasons alternate between the wet and the dry, often with long periods of drought. On arrival we make our way to begin a tour of the Cultural Centre and the base of Uluru. Uluru and Kata Tjuta have great cultural significance for the Anangu traditional owners. The Anangu and Parks Australia have developed this Cultural Centre to help visitors experience this land through Anangu eyes. 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. Dinner tonight is a feast 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

Kata Tjuta - Alice Springs

This morning there is the opportunity to view the rock at sunrise and undertake a relaxed walk around its base followed by a visit to Kata Tjuta (The Olgas), which are thirty-six conglomerate sandstone domes again steeped in Aboriginal folklore. Rejoining the aircraft, we head north to Alice Springs, probably the most famous of all Australian outback towns.

Accommodation: Crown Plaza

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. 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: Crown Plaza

Birdsville - Sydney

This morning we set off on our return journey to Sydney, however, it is not over yet! Our first stop is the quaint outback Queensland town of Birdsville. 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.