Australia and the Total Solar Eclipse

Itinerary

Day 1 (31 October 2012)

Evening check in at London Heathrow for flight to Melbourne. There will be a touchdown in Singapore enroute.

Day 2 (02 November 2012)

We lose a day due to time-zone changes, and arrive first thing in the morning on 02 November. On arrival, we shall check in to our hotel to freshen up and relax for the rest of the morning. This afternoon, embark on a tour of the city’s highlights including the architectural gems of the Town Hall, St Paul’s Cathedral and Federation Square. In picturesque Fitzroy Gardens we visit Captain James Cook’s cottage, moved brick by brick from Yorkshire and now a museum chronicling Cook’s life and voyages. Overnight at the Vibe Savoy Hotel in the heart of downtown.

Day 3 (03 November 2012)

After an early breakfast at the hotel, enjoy Victoria’s stunning countryside as we depart for the world famous wine-growing area of the Yarra Valley. We shall journey on Puffing Billy, Australia’s most renowned steam train, built in the early 1900s. The train travels along its narrow-gauge track through the cool fern gullies and rolling countryside of the magnificent Dandenong Ranges. In the verdant Yarra Valley, we visit the De Bortoli Winery, established in 1928 by Italian immigrants who are now one of Australia’s top producers. This cool climate vineyard produces award-winning Chardonnay, Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. It is famous for its iconic dessert wine Noble One. We shall also visit the Fergusson Winery for a spit-roast lunch in its lovely restaurant overlooking the vineyard. This winery is particularly known for its red wines including Shiraz, Pinot Noir, Muscat and Cabernet Sauvignon. After lunch, visit Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary, home to over 200 species of endemic mammals, birds and reptiles, such as koalas, kangaroos, wombats, emus, cockatoos and parrots. Return to Melbourne for overnight at The Vibe Savoy Hotel.

Day 4 (04 November 2012)

Visit Werribee Park to discover the story of an Australian pastoral empire. Built by wealthy sheep farmers in 1877, this stunning Italianate-style mansion is surrounded by 10 hectares of formal gardens. Its interiors are superbly preserved. We shall have morning tea here and then explore the nearby Victoria State Rose Garden, displaying 5000 roses. Winner of the prestigious World Federation of Rose Society’s Award for Garden Excellence, there will be plenty of time to stroll around the grounds. Return to Melbourne and time permitting, visit the Immigration Museum. This evening we will be collected for an exciting 3-course dining experience on board one of the city’s historical tramcars, the Colonial Tramcar Restaurant, as it cruises the streets of Melbourne. Overnight at The Vibe Savoy Hotel.

Day 5 (05 November 2012)

Transfer to the airport for mid-day flight to Sydney. Transfer to our hotel for the next 3 nights, The Grace, located in the middle of Sydney’s downtown area. Rest of the afternoon to relax or explore. This evening we will be collected for a night-time visit to the Sydney Observatory, providing a wonderful introduction to the night sky of the Southern Hemisphere using the Observatory’s large refracting telescope. Overnight at The Grace Hotel.

Day 6 (06 November 2012)

This morning we shall start our exploration of Sydney with a special tour of the Art Gallery of New South Wales before it opens its doors to the public. The gallery is known for its superb collection of Australian Art, from colonial times to the present day. Continue with a walking tour of The Rocks, Sydney’s oldest neighbourhood and the best place to learn about Sydney’s British history since the arrival of the first fleet of convict ships in 1788. Taking to the water, we join a luncheon cruise around Sydney Harbour, offering superb views whilst we dine, including the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Chinatown, and Sydney’s beaches. Return to the hotel for time to relax or explore. Overnight The Grace.

Day 7 (07 November 2012)

An early start this morning as we journey by coach to Ku-ring-gai National Park approximately 25km outside Sydney – a wonderfully scenic wilderness of winding creeks, sheltered beaches and hidden coves, with a good chance to see wallabies and native birdlife. Ku-ring-gai has one of the highest concentrations of Aboriginal rock art sites in Australia, many thousands of years old. We view the sites and learn about the indigenous Guringai people who created the art. Continue along the coast with spectacular views at Bigola Headland, then make our way to the charming beach suburb of Manly, with magnificent harbour views. The rest of the day is at leisure, and you will have the choice to return to the hotel on the coach at this point or stay on in Manly to explore, returning to Circular Quay in Sydney’s downtown on the ferry when ready (ferries every 30 minutes, ferry ticket at own expense). Overnight The Grace Hotel.

Day 8 (08 November 2012)

Today we depart Sydney in the morning and catch a flight to Ayers Rock, to experience Australia’s amazing Red Centre. Uluru, or Ayers Rock, is one of Australia’s most identifiable icons. This huge sandstone formation is considered sacred to the local Aborigines and its colour changes spectacularly with the setting or rising sun. We first travel to the western section of Uluru-Kata-Tjuta National Park to the 36 rock domes of Kata Tjuta and walk into Olga Gorge. Learn of the formation of the domes and the rare flora and fauna of this unforgiving landscape. Before the sun sets, we travel to Uluru to take up position at a special vantage point to view the spectacular sunset whilst sipping a glass of Australian sparkling wine. Check into tonight’s hotel, the Outback Pioneer Hotel for overnight.

Day 9 (09 November 2012)

Rise early to watch the day’s first light illuminate Uluru in a fantastic array of ever-changing colours. After breakfast travel out to the Rock for a tour around the base to see ancient rock-paintings, water-holes and to hear stories of Aboriginal legends. We shall visit the excellent cultural centre and Maruklu Arts and Craft Co-op to learn more about this ancient culture. Next we shall journey on the famous Stuart Highway through the outback to Alice Springs. Enroute, see groves of ancient desert oaks and the beautiful West MacDonnell Ranges. Arrive in Alice Springs early evening and check in to our hotel, Lasseters Hotel & Casino.

Day 10 (10 November 2012)

Today we learn about life in the dusty desert town of Alice Springs, with a city tour. We shall visit the Old Telegraph Station, the site of the first European settlement in Alice Springs. Built in 1872 to relay messages between Darwin and Adelaide it is the best preserved of the 12 stations along the Overland Telegraph Line. We continue onwards to the Royal Flying Doctor Service, established in 1928 and still providing essential medical aid using air links and radio to people living and working in the remote outback. The area covered is over 7 million square kilometres. Another outback essential is the School of the Air – the ‘biggest classroom in the world’ which is a radio (and now internet) broadcaster of lessons to the schoolchildren living in communities and cattle stations too remote to travel to a school. We shall also visit the Alice Springs Desert Park to experience the desert from an authentic Aboriginal perspective. On a guided walking tour, learn how to find water in the desert and how to look after the land, its plants and animals. Return to Lasseters hotel for overnight.

Day 11 (11 November 2012)

Fly today from Alice Springs to Cairns in tropical North Queensland. The gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, this thriving coastal town will be our base for the next four nights. After checking into our hotel, the rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight at the Bay Village Tropical Retreat.

Day 12 (12 November 2012)

We have a full day out on the reef today, starting with a catamaran cruise to a stable pontoon to the Outer Great Barrier Reef. Here a variety of activities can be tried, from snorkelling in the reef, to cruising in a glass-bottomed semi-submersible boat or visiting the underwater observatory. Divers can venture deeper as an optional extra. The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest coral reef and supports the greatest concentration of life on the planet including 1500 species of fish, 350 different corals, 4000 species of molluscs, and 10,000 species of sponges. A variety of sharks inhabit the reef and there are dolphins, turtles, and seasonal sightings of migrating whales. This amazingly colourful display is accessible today to swimmers and non-swimmers alike, with an activity for everyone. We shall have a reef presentation and buffet lunch on the pontoon before returning back to Cairns in the late afternoon. Overnight at the Bay Village Tropical Retreat.

Day 13 (13 November 2012)

Today we have a full day at leisure in Cairns. We would be pleased to help arrange a one- day snorkel or dive for those who would like to spend more time in the Great Barrier Reef, or suggest other excursions. For the active, we recommend a trip on the Kuranda Scenic Railway to the rainforest village of Kuranda, or an excursion to the Daintree Rainforest, believed to be the oldest continuous living rainforest in the world dating over 135 million years. It plays host to a bewildering variety of plant, animal, insect, bird and reptile life. We can assist with booking any excursions.

Day 14 (14 November 2012)

We shall have a very early start today to our eclipse viewing site to be in position for the start of the eclipse. Visible from the Australian continent for the first time in ten years, the total solar eclipse will have a magnitude of 1.0500. The centre line crosses the Eastern coast 30km north of Cairns - cloud prospects are predicted to be good along the coast, especially in the region between Cairns and Port Douglas at the time of the eclipse. The partial eclipse starts at around 05.44hrs and becomes total at 06.38hrs for just over two minutes.

Our Eclipse viewing site is in the heart of the Far North Queensland Tablelands at a 50 acre property called Amaroo. Considered one of the best options for eclipse viewing, the property is at the top of a ridge with a private beach and has unobstructed 360° views and almost no man-made structures nor lights in view. It’s located within a few miles of the center line of the zone of totality at Latitude 16 degrees, 48 minutes, 4.2588 seconds. Near to the easternmost point of the eclipse, people at this location will see the eclipse for its maximum time period – weather permitting, in excess of two minutes. After the eclipse, the rest of the day is yours to spend as you wish. You could spend the day relaxing at one of the lovely beaches north of Cairns such as Trinity Beach, Palm Cove, and Ellis Beach.

Please click here for more information about the Eclipse.

Day 15 (15 November 2012)

Sadly today is the day we leave Australia, unless a post-tour extension has been booked. The group will be transferred to Cairns airport for a flight to London with a touchdown in Darwin and change of planes in Singapore.

Day 16 (16 November 2012)

Arrive back in London today.

NOTE: Itinerary may be changed at short notice due to weather or other conditions out of our control, but every effort will be made to adhere to the itinerary published.

The Eclipse

Visible from the Australian continent for the first time in ten years, a total Eclipse of the Sun will occur over Northern Australia early in the morning of 14 November 2012 (local time). This spectacular phenomenon is probably the most awe-inspiring event in the natural world.

An eclipse of the Sun occurs when the moon passes between the Earth and the Sun. During a total solar eclipse, the moon moves in front of the sun and completely covers it. This casts a shadow on the Earth’s surface. As the moon orbits the Earth and the Earth rotates, the shadow moves across the Earth’s surface in a narrow path. To see a Total Solar Eclipse you must be in the shadow’s path.

Path of the Eclipse

The shadow path of this eclipse starts at sunrise east of Darwin. It then travels across the Gulf of Carpentaria and across Cape York, with the centre line crossing the East coast of Queensland between Cairns and Port Douglas.

The maximum duration of the total eclipse on the mainland is about 2 minutes and 5 seconds at the point where the centreline crosses the east coast. We shall be observing the eclipse from a viewing point near Cairns and will experience a minimum of 2 minutes’ totality.

Weather

The eclipse occurs at the start of the North Queensland wet season. There is a risk of cloud. Onshore breezes may result in cloud build up however with the eclipse in the early morning, skies may be clearer.

Timings

Here are the approximate timings for the eclipse (Cairns local times):

• 1st contact: 5:44:38
• 2nd contact: 6:38:22
• 3rd contact: 6:40:23
• 4th contact: 7:40:09

Information and maps from the Astrological Association of Queensland.

Tour Details

DATE:

31 October-16 November 2012 *NOTE new dates*

PRICE:

£4,690 From London*

Single supplement £1,200.

*Price per person based on two sharing, including economy flights from London.   May be joined without flights – ask us for the land-only price. Business class and Premium Economy upgrades are available at a supplement. Please enquire.

INCLUDES:

Economy airfare from London, twin or double bedded rooms with private bathroom, all excursions with local guides, all entrance fees, UK departure tax, transfers, expert leader. Meals are included as follows: Breakfast daily, 3 lunches, 1 afternoon tea and 1 dinner.

NOT INCLUDED:

are regional connecting flights if not departing from London, other airline taxes (UK passenger service charge, security tax, insurance, foreign departure tax, fuel surcharges), Australian ETA (similar to a visa, the cost is currently AUD$20) drinks, meals not mentioned, tips to drivers & local guides.

ACCOMMODATION:

3.5-4 star hotels throughout. Hotels listed are subject to confirmation and one or more may be substituted for another of a similar standard. Accommodation at the Bay Village Tropical Retreat in Cairns is in 2 bedroom ‘apartments’ which contain two bedrooms, each with private bathrooms, and a spacious private lounge and kitchen to be shared by both bedrooms.

FITNESS LEVEL:

Moderate - We have graded the fitness level required for participation in this tour as Moderate. This is busy itinerary, with some long days and a reasonable amount of travelling by road and air requiring multiple hotel stays. The flights to and from Australia are very long. Whilst sightseeing we may be on the go for several hours at one time, in some places without the guarantee of somewhere to stop and rest. It could be very hot in some areas, particularly in the Red Centre. It is vital that everyone is able to keep up with the group as we need to keep together on walks. For these reasons we feel this tour is unsuitable for the frail or for anyone who routinely uses a walking frame or wheelchair. If unsure, please check with us.

Fast facts

• Sovereignty: Australia is a parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy
• Language: English
• Currency: Australian Dollar (AUD)
• TimezoneVarious – Sydney, Melbourne and Cairns are GMT +10, Alice Springs is GMT+9.5, Perth is GMT + 8. Daylight savings time is in operation in most states (not Queensland or the Northern Territory) from the first Sunday in October to the first Sunday in April, during which time they are an extra hour ahead. At the time of our tour, Sydney and Melbourne will be 11 hours ahead of London, Cairns will be 10 hours ahead, Alice Springs will be 9.5 hours ahead of London.

• Immunisations: NHS Fit for Travel recommends that all travellers to Australia should confirm primary courses and boosters are up to date as recommended for life in Britain - including vaccines given to special groups because of risk exposure or complications (e.g. hepatitis B for health care workers, influenza and pneumococcal vaccines for the elderly). No other courses or boosters are usually advised. Malaria is not present in Australia.

  A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers coming from areas with a risk of yellow fever transmission (i.e. parts of South America and Africa).

• Visas: An ETA (electronic travel authority) is required for most nationalities. An ETA is an electronically stored authority equivalent to a visa. There is no stamp or label placed in your passport. Applications can either be made online at www.eta.immi.gov.au or through a travel agent, airline or specialist service provider. If applying online, a service charge of AUD$20 is payable at the time of application – if applying through a third party service provider additional fees may apply. British and EU passport holders may apply for an eVisitor type ETA instead – this is free of charge and can only be done online. You should allow at least 2 weeks before travel in case of processing difficulties. Click on this link to be taken to the relevant web page.
• Flying time: 22-24 hours to Sydney including a stop in the Middle East, USA or Asia enroute.
• Will my phone work: Australia uses the 900 and 1800 MHz bandwidths so almost all UK phones will work there as long as your provider has authorised its use abroad. Note however that coverage may be limited in rural areas. Holders of US phones will not be able to use them unless they are tri or quadband.

Post-tour New Zealand Extension - 16 - 27 November 2012

Continuing straight onwards after the main tour, this is a short but thorough introduction to New Zealand’s highlights, featuring vibrant Auckland, the geothermal wonders of Rotorua and capital city Wellington in the North Island, then crossing to the South Island to experience the famous wine region at Marlborough and whale watching at picturesque Kaikoura. Visit Christchurch then travel on the spectacular Transalpine train to see Fox Glacier and Mount Cook before finishing at tranquil Milford Sound and finally Queenstown.

Itinerary

16 November Cairns - Auckland

Fly from Cairns to Auckland and check in to our hotel. Afternoon city tour. Evening at leisure to wander the harbour area which has an abundance of bars and restaurants. Overnight Auckland.

17 November Auckland – Rotorua

This morning drive inland to the thermal plateau region stopping at Waitomo Caves. Tonight experience a traditional Maori Hangi (dinner). Overnight Rotorua.

18 November Rotorua & Taupo

Drive to stunning Lake Taupo stopping at Wai-o-Tapu thermal reserve to see Lady Knox geyser and the bubbling mud basins known as the Devils Ink Pots. On returning to Rotorua visit Te Puia Maori Culture and Geothermal Experience. Overnight Rotorua.

19 November Rotorua - Wellington

Fly to Wellington. City tour including the excellent Te Papa Museum where we shall learn about Maori and settler history. Overnight Wellington.

20 November Wellington -Blenheim

Travel by ferry across to the South Island. Drive to the picturesque Blenheim and Marlborough winelands for vineyard visits including Cloudy Bay and Oyster Bay, famed for their superb Sauvignon Blanc. Overnight Blenheim.

21 November Kaikoura/Christchurch

Travel down the east coast to the small township of Kaikoura. Here we shall enjoy a whale watching trip to photograph giant sperm whales before we continue to Christchurch. Afternoon city tour. Overnight Christchurch.

22 Nov Fox Glacier

Today we shall board the TranzAlpine train which takes us across the breathtaking Southern Alps through Arthur's Pass National Park to the west coast. Upon arrival in Greymouth we shall drive to the Glaciers area. Overnight Fox Glacier.

23 Nov 2012 Fox Glacier

Guided walk to the terminal face of Fox Glacier. This afternoon you may wish to take an optional helicopter flight over Mount Cook and the Glaciers. Overnight Fox Glacier.

24 Nov 2012 Glaciers - Queenstown

We drive across the Haast Pass to the lakeside town of Queenstown this morning. Take a ride on the gondola up Bob's Peak to enjoy the fantastic views of the lake and the Remarkables mountain range. Overnight Queenstown.

25 Nov 2012 Milford Sound

This morning we drive to Milford Sound for a scenic nature cruise. Enjoy a picnic lunch onboard as we pass waterfalls and look for dolphins and seals. Overnight Queenstown.

26 Nov 2012 Queenstown - London

Fly to Auckland or Sydney and onward to London, via Asia.

27 Nov 2012 London

Arrive back into London today.

PRICE:

£TBA. Single supplement £TBA

INCLUDES:

All necessary changes of flights from main tour, extra regional and domestic flights as mentioned in the itinerary, twin or double bedded rooms with private bathroom, all excursions with local guides including entrance fees, transfers, breakfast throughout and one or two lunches and dinners to be advised.

NOT INCLUDED:

Extra airline taxes, meals not specified, drinks, tips to drivers & local guides. The tour is not accompanied by the guest lecturer from the main tour.

NOTE ON DRAFT VERSION:

This itinerary is subject to change and we will also shortly be advising the hotels to be used. They are likely to be of a similar standard and style to the ones in the main tour and will be 3.5-4 star.

PRIVATE EXTENSIONS:

We can also tailor-make a private extension to New Zealand of any duration and to suit any interest. Please ask for itinerary suggestions.

Private extensions

We can also tailor-make a private extension to New Zealand of any duration and to suit any interest. Please ask for itinerary suggestions.

Private extensions in Australia:

Private pre or post tour extensions are possible to any other part of Australia, such as Perth, Tasmania or the Whitsunday islands – we particularly recommend a relaxing break at Hayman Island for example.

Private extensions in New Zealand:

We can put together any length of private pre or post tour to the North and/or South Islands of New Zealand, and will be pleased to send suggested itineraries upon request.

Private extensions in Asia:

It is very likely that our international flights will involve a change of planes in Singapore or Bangkok on the way out and/or back. If you would like to break your journey to create a stopover of any duration, do ask us for more information as we can create an itinerary to suit, from a 2-3 night city break to a longer stay if you would like to venture further afield. Add-on flights to Thai beach resorts are also possible, for example.

Extensions in the USA or Pacific:

We can arrange separate flights for you to arrive or depart for the tour via North America (Los Angeles) and/or one of the Pacific islands such as Tahiti, Moorea or Fiji. We would be delighted to recommend hotels and itineraries for any of these destinations on request.