OUTBACK TOURS
Travel bookings for your outback tours of Queensland and the Northern Territory

Travel to the Northern Territory and explore the winder of KataTjuta [the Olgas and hike the Valley of Winds. Discover and feel the Aboriginal culture when you visit Uluru [Ayers Rock] where you can do a base walk around the rock and then return at Sunset to enjoy the colours of the desert sunset and the changing colours of the rock. We can also organise a fantastic helicopter flight over this area for you. Take the 3 hour hike over the breathtaking Kings Canyon, visit the Garden of Eden for a refreshing swim.

We have packages, which include coach or flights from Cairns and return if you wish. Just ask us and we will tailor the tour to suit your individual needs and budget!

Queensland and Northern Territory full day and extended overnight outback tours including Undara, Cape York, Atherton Tablelands, Bloomfield Track, Cooktown, Palmer River, Mount Isa, Channel Country, Gulf Country, Uluru (Ayers Rock), Kings Canyon, Alice Springs, Darwin.

Click on the list below for more details:

UNDARA EXPERIENCE PACKAGES

The Tale of the Tubes…About 190, 000 years ago, a major volcano in the Mc Brie Volcanic Province erupted violently, its molten lava flowing quickly down a dry river bed. As the top outer layer cooled and formed a crust, the fiery flow below drained outwards leaving behind a series of long, dark and hollow tubes. After a time, ancient roof collapses created fertile pockets where rainforest plants, animals and insects continue to thrive. The significance of these impressive, natural, geological and natural wonders have been preserved for present and future generations through the setting aside of this important area as the Undara Volcanic national Park. Undara is an Aboriginal word meaning ‘a long way’. They were right – you’d have to travel a long way to see a geological wonder to equal Undara’s Lava Tubes.

The significance of these impressive, natural, geological and natural wonders have been preserved for present and future generations through the setting aside of this important area as the Undara Volcanic national Park. Undara is an Aboriginal word meaning 'a long way'. They were right - you'd have to travel a long way to see a geological wonder to equal Undara's Lava Tubes!

Depart Cairns Sat 8.00 a.m., travel through the scenic tropical Atherton tablelands to the ancient Gulf Savannah Guide for a tour of the fascinating Undara Lava Tubes. Arrive back in Cairns approximately 7.30 p.m.

Departs:
Daily 1/05/04 to 31/10/04
Tues, Wed, Fri & Sat 1/11/04 - 31/3/05

Inclusions:
* Lava tube Tour
* Lunch
* Hotel pick up and return coach transfers from Cairns

Cost: Adult $133.00 - Child. $ 63.00

Departs: Every Wednesday from April through to October

Cost: $880.00

Highlights Include:
Port Douglas	Cape Flattery
Daintree	Lizard Island	King Island
Cape Tribulation	Bathurst Bay	The Flinders Island Group
Black Mountains	Princess Charlotte Bay	Lockhart River
Cooktown	Marina Plains	Bamaga
The Jardine, Escape, Kennedy, Wenlock, Daintree and Normanby Rivers
Turtle Head Island	Restoration Island
Hundred of Islands, Sand Cays and around 800kms of The Great Barrier Reef

Inclusions:

* Return Air Fares
* Lunch
* 4WD to the top of Australia
* Guided with a full commentary

Day One: Travel by coach from Cairns west across the Atherton Tablelands to the Undara Volcanic National Park. Enjoy the Wildlife at sunset tour with a Savannah Guide. L/D

Day Two: Awaken your taste buds with a bush breakfast at the Ringer's Camp, accompanied by the morning bird chorus. Join your Savannah Guide for a half day lava tube tour. Journey back to Cairns. BL

Inclusions:
National park Fees, overnight accommodation. Wildlife at Sunset tour, half day lava tube tour, meals as indicated, evening campfire activities, hotel pick-up and return coach transfers from Cairns (1UNC) OR self drive (1UN).

* 2 Day Outback Experience with Rail departs Fridays except 14/12/03 to 11/2/04. Inclusions vary for this option.

Inclusions:
National park Fees, 2 nights accommodation, lava tube tour, Wildlife at Sunset tour and meals as indicated, evening activities, coach transfers from Cairns, Savannahlander Outback Train journey and return hotel transfers.

The guides are versed in all aspects of Cape York including Aboriginal history and culture as well as European history. They favour traditional open fire and camp oven cooking. Join this tour and experience camping under the stars, relax in cool waterfalls, awaken to the melodies of the birds, smell the fragrance of the bush, the waft of wood smoke, and drive the roughest terrain Australia has to offer.

DAY ONE - CAIRNS TO LAKEFIELD NATIONAL PARK
Pick up from Cairns city Mall Shields Street. First you climb over the Great Dividing Range to Mareeba. Then you visit the river of gold, the Palmer River. Heading deep into Lake Field National Park we visit the remote remains of old Laura Homestead. Set up camp and enjoy a campfire dinner on the Normanby River [L/D].

DAY TWO - LAKEFIELD NATIONAL PARK TO ARCHER RIVER
An early start enables you to watch the sun rise over the river, and listen to the awakening bird life before a hearty breakfast. Today you will 4WD your way through this 500,000-hectare National Park seeing many lagoons and native animals only found in this region, including the feared croc. After setting up camp you can enjoy a swim in the Archer River and enjoy an ale or two in the pub [B].

DAY THREE - ARCHER RIVER TO INDIAN HEAD FALLS
4WD action and adventure on Cape York's rugged Telegraph Track. Cross rivers and creeks, swim and relax in natural spas, see prehistoric palms, giant termite mounds and carnivorous plants. Camp in the wilderness at day's end, enjoy a campfire dinner in the company of millions of stars [B/L/D].

DAY FOUR - INDIAN HEAD FALLS TO CAPE YORK
Spend a few hours swimming, hiking or exploring this beautiful oasis. Then it's off to stand at the very top of mainland Australia. Don't forger your camera, as the scenery is breathtaking. After celebrations all round, your return walk takes you along the beach [tide permitting] to Pajinka for a swim and a drink or two in the resort. Tonight you get the chance to go crocodile spotting on the Jardine River [B].

DAY FIVE - JARDINE RIVER TO COEN RIVER
Leaving the Jardine River you travel south and 4WD your way to Fruit Bat Falls, another one of Cape York's secrets. We cross the Wenlock river [renowned for crocs]. You will stop at archer River for a beer to wash the dust away, then set up camp in the Coen River [B/L]

DAY SIX - COEN RIVER TO CAIRNS
Today you travel into Quinkan country, with Aboriginal rock art sites dating back some 13,000 years. You bid farewell to the outback as you head back to Cairns arriving around 6pm. Drop off at Cairns City Mall [B].

DEPARTURE DATES 2004:
May............ 1st... 10th... 19th... 29th
June........... 6th... 15th... 24th
July............ 3rd... 12th... 21st... 30th
August....... 8th.... 17th.. 26th
September. 4th.... 13th...22nd
October...... 1st.... 10th.. 19th... 28th
November... 6th... 15th... 24th

Cost: $799.00

Inclusions:

* 13 Seater Toyots's all with forward facing seats
* Swags
* Jardine River Ferry Fee
* Camping Fees
* Meals as coded

What To Bring:

* 1 small bag approx. 10kg (No backpacks please) * swimming costume * shoes * hat * towel * insect repellent * sunscreen * torch * camera and sleeping bag

Get off the tourist trail and join the Desert Venturer for a 4-day/3-night tour linking Cairns and Darwin. On this journey experience timeless landscapes, swim in natural springs, under beautiful waterfalls and learn about the history and culture of the regions. This is a tour for those who believe that the journey is as important as the destination.

DAY ONE - CAIRNS TO CROYDON
Travel through the Atherton Tablelands. Take a 2 hour guided rainforest walk and a swim at a beautiful waterfall in the world Heritage Woorooneran National Park. Visit Mt Surprise. View a great Aussie sunset. Stay overnight at Croydon in air-conditioned multi share accommodation.

DAY TWO - CROYDON TO MT ISA
Travel from Croydon to Normanton where the largest salt water crocodile in the world was caught. Travel thought the "Channel Country" to Mt Isa where you overnight in multi-share air-conditioned accommodation and enjoy a great meal.

DAY THREE - MT ISA TO CAPE CRAWFORD
Journey into the Northern Territory today and keep an dye out for the ever present wildlife in this remote region. Travel through the Barkly Tablelands. Overnight at Cape Crawford in air-conditioned multi share accommodation the Heart Break Hotel.

DAY FOUR - CAPE CRAWFORD TO DARWIN
On the last day travel to historic Daly Waters and then on to Bitter Springs for a swim at this significant Aboriginal site. After crossing the Adelaide River arrive in Darwin for the end of tour dinner.

Departure: Saturday and Tuesday [during peak season]

Cost: $369.00
$ 70.00 Meal Kitty [includes 3 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 4 dinners]

What to bring: *Towel * Walking Shoes * Sunscreen and if possible a fly veil.

DAY ONE - DARWIN TO CAPE CRAWFORD
An early start this morning as we travel to Katherine. Crossing the Adelaide River we head to Bitter Springs for lunch and a swim at this significant Aboriginal site. Overnight accommodation at Heart Break Hotel in air-conditioned multi share rooms.

DAY TWO - CAPE CRAWFORD TO MT ISA
Journey into Queensland today. Travel through the Barkly Tablelands and keep an eye out for the ever-present wildlife in this remote region. Enjoy a great meal and your air-conditioned multi share accommodation at Mt Isa.

DAY THREE - MT ISA TO CROYDON
Travel through the 'Channel Country. Then it is on to Normanton where the largest salt-water crocodile in the world was caught. Enjoy a sunset and overnight in air-conditioned multi share accommodation Club Hotel in Croydon.

DAY FOUR - CROYDON TO CAIRNS
Enjoy a leisurely start this morning before traveling onto Mt Surprise. Take a two hour guided rainforest walk and a swim at a beautiful waterfall in the world Heritage Rainforest in the Woorooeran National Park. Arrive in Cairns and meet fro the end of tour dinner.

Departure:

Cost:

$389.00
$ 75.00 Meal Kitty [3 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches and 4 Dinners]

What to bring:

Towel, walking shoes, sunscreen and if possible a fly veil.

WHY FLY AND MISS THE REAL REMOTE AUSTRALIA

CAIRNS TO ALICE SPRINGS - OR ALICE SPRINGS TO CAIRNS

Purely because of Australia's location, for many it's a once in a lifetime journey and to reach this unique " Great Southern Land", you have traveled a long way. What makes Australia so uniquely different is its contrasting landscapes. On this road trip you will get an opportunity to experience the real remoteness of the outback. You will skirt the Northern reaches of the Simpson Desert and marvel at the vastness of the endless horizon and a sky that is so big it will take your breath away.

Very few people get to experience the eerie silence that only this remote part of Australia delivers. You will have experiences that will intoxicate your senses, sunsets that cover the entire landscape and scenery where images and colors are simply breathtaking. Your road trip will travel through a remote Aboriginal community, overnighting at a working cattle station complete with real Australian characters and night skies that put on a spectacular light show. You will travel through sweeping plains on some of the most remote dirt roads in the outback, with an overnight stop at a classic Australian Hotel.

Early morning rises are a must. The image of seeing the sun creep over the horizon displaying colours unique to this area will stay with you forever. To then be surrounded by the ever green lush rainforests with a chance to hike through World Heritage Rainforest, and perhaps swim in cascading waterfalls, give the traveler on this road trip an insight and journey that cannot be enjoyed from the air nor from a continuous one way trip. You will finish you r road trip with a true appreciation of why this Great Southern Land is the most desired destination the world over.

As you are travelling the roads less travelled, and purely because of their remoteness and isolation we need to expect the unexpected. This can happen prior to departure or in the midst of you journey. The black soil plains only need a brief shower of rain and they can become impassable. Because of this remoteness and isolation access to a stranded vehicle can be very difficult. Desert Venturer therefore has an "Inclement Weather Route" which will protect your safety and well being. Any chosen day can be substituted with the following itinerary. These decisions are quite often made on the morning of departure or even en-route.

Day One:

Cairns-Alice Springs: Routed via Charters Towers and Townsville
Visit one of the following waterfalls for swimming, swimming at Josephine Fall or Babinda Boulders [depending on access]Historical Charter Towers
Overnight air-conditioned multi share accommodation Grand Hotel, Hughenden.

Day Two:

Cairns-Alice Springs Routed via Mt Isa
Tour of Waltzing Matilda Centre
Lunch at Crocodile Dundee's Walkabout Creek Hotel
Travel through Banjo Patterson's Waltzing Matilda country
Overnight air conditioned multi share accommodation Mt Isa

Day Three:

Cairns-Alice Springs Routed via Mt Isa
Travel across the Barkley Tablelands
Devils Marbles
Arrive into Alice Springs for end of tour dinner

ALICE SPRINGS TO CAIRNS

Day One:

Alice Springs-Cairns Routed via Mt Isa
Devils Marbles
Travel across the Barkley Tablelands
Overnight air-conditioned multi share accommodation Mt Isa.

Day Two:

Alice Springs-Cairns Routed via Mt Isa
Travel through Banjo Patterson's Waltzing Matilda Country
Lunch at Crocodile Dundee's walkabout Creek Hotel
Tour of Waltzing Matilda Centre
Overnight air-conditioned multi share accommodation at the Grand Hotel, Hughenden.

Day Three:

Alice Springs-Cairns: Routed via Charters Towers and Townsville
Historical Charters Towers
Visit one of the following waterfalls for swimming, swimming at Josephine Falls or Babinda Boulders [depending on access]
Arrive into Cairns for end of tour dinner

Departure:

Tuesday and Saturdays

Cost:

$331.00
$55 for Meal Kitty [includes 2 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners]

What to bring:

Passengers need to bring a towel, walking shoes, sunscreen and if
possible a fly veil.

OVERNIGHT KINGS CANYON SAFARI

Departs:

Ayers Rock Resort 1.30 p.m. Daily

Day One - ULURU (AYERS ROCK) TO KINGS CANYON
After pick up from Ayers Rock Resort/Airport, we travel to Kings Canyon, enjoying the sights of Mt Connor and the unique scenery along the way. We arrive at our permanent campsite in the late afternoon to settle in for the night and enjoy some delicious camp oven cooking. (D)

Uluru (once called Ayers Rock)

What to bring:

Sturdy walking shoes (ankle high), hat and sunscreen, water bottle, towel and toiletries, torch, warm clothing in winter months, insect repellent, camera and film.

Included:

Experienced tour guides, meals as indicated, motel transfers, camping fees, camping equipment (tents with proper beds including towels and fans).

Note: You will need to provide your own sleeping bag and pillow.

OUTBACK SAFARI 3 DAY TOUR

Day One:

Enjoy a camel ride at the outback camel farm (own expense) before cruising down to your bushcamp near Uluru (Ayers Rock) for lunch. Afternoon hike through the 'Valley of the Winds' at Kaka Tjuta (Olgas), before getting away from the crowds to watch the sunset over Uluru. (LD)

Day Two:

Uluru sunrise with optional climb or base walk, then visit the cultural centre before driving to Kings Canyon. Enjoy a helicopter flight over the spectacular Canyon (optional at discounted rate for our passengers) and then some traditional camp-oven cooking. Overnight bushcamp near Kings Canyon. (BLD).

Day Three:

Spend the morning walking and climbing Kings Canyon checking out the 'Amphitheatre', breathtaking North & South walls and the 'Garden of Eden'. After lunch, return to Alice Springs for an after tour pizza at our party bar! (BLD)

Departs: ALICE SPRINGS 6.30 a.m. Daily

Cost:

$425.00 (+ $16.25 Park Fee)

Inclusions:

* Experienced, fun guides
* All meals as indicated
* Small groups
* Air-conditioned vehicle
* Camping fees and equipment

Note: Adventure travel involves a higher than normal risk & a signed release will be required from all participants before tour departure.

All prices quoted are Australian dollars inclusive of GSTand are subject to change without notice.