Hello again from Perth we finally have had some much needed rain here in Perth and have all come to the realisation that it’s winter.  The country side has turned green and our depleted dams are starting to fill yet again, thank God.  Winter is short lived here in Western Australia only a month or so to go and we will be back to warm weather. 

Another great thing the winter rains bring is Wildflowers. This coming spring the wildflowers should have a great season thanks to the rainfall and it will be spectacular.  If you’ve never seen 12,000 varieties of wildflower doing their thing you should get over here for September.  

We have also been having some great surf conditions with big swells and great waves.  Big wave riders are having a field day, so if you’re a surfer you have to get here quick. 

In the North of the state the weather is great 32 degree days and lots of sunshine, just the perfect time to be up there and discovering the majestic & remote Kimberley region.

So if you are planning to come to Australia in the near future, how have your travel plans been going? If you have not visited our website lately, do so now…

http://www.travellersclub.com.au

We have updated it so it’s now even easier to use, all the prices are current, new tours have been added, and itinerary’s updated.  Instead of having hundreds of tours to one destination we have decided to place only one or two of our picks of what we believe are the best tours or transport options to that area.  That is not to say that we don’t have more because we do; just ask and we will be able to produce exactly what you want.

In this edition as a feature, I thought we might look at some specialist tours or REAL ADVENTURE TOURS that may not be on our website but may appeal to you.  Let’s break these down into TREKING, KAYAKING, and MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDING.

For any of these tours you will need to have some level of experience at the desired activity.  The following list is not exhaustive just a few little gems to let you know we know this country better than anyone else, we have the knowledge, contacts and experience at the TRAVELLERS CLUB to find you a wider range of tourism products.  So we can find you exactly what you are looking for and tailor it into your travel plans.

North Western Australia’s Kimberley region

O.K trekkers here’s some stuff to whet your appetite, Kimberley walking is remote, difficult at times but as with all walking the rewards are great.  In the last edition we mentioned the five day Mitchell plateau trip, there is also a company that does 20+ day walking trips.  Coming up there is the,

Kimberley highlights trip from the (5^th till the 21^st of September), of which there is three sections that you can do individually.

Cost for all three sections $2075

Included in the costs are; services of one or more experienced guides, transportation, admission to National Parks, evening meals, a detailed bushwalking guide and comprehensive trip notes containing all the information you need. 

Section 1

Ord River (September 5-8, cost $700)

Canoe for four days through some of the prettiest country in the Carr Boyd range.  The river is fast enough so you can relax and let it do much of the work, slow enough so that even a complete novice should have no problem.  See schools of fish swimming by, and plentiful birds that allow you to get close enough for good photography.  Drop the paddle and walk to a hidden waterfall or hilltop view.  This is a very relaxing trip.

Section 2

Carr Boyd Range (September 9-14, cost $800)

The Carr Boyd range offers some of the best and most easily accessible bushwalking in the Kimberley.  On this trip you will find deep, cool gorges, waterfalls and fern-lined pools, perfect for swimming.  This trip includes a boat cruise and the walking can be considered moderately difficult.

Section 3

Cockburn Range (September 15-21, cost $875)

This 7 day walk can also be considered moderately difficult.  The Cockburn Range consists of a heavily dissected plateau surrounded by huge cliffs.  The imposing views from the road give no hint of what lies inside – deep gorges, permanent pools and beautiful camp sites.  Packs are often dropped for a wander off on an exploration that might take an hour or even a day.

TASMANIA

In Tasmania there is some great adventurous stuff; do I hear you say I want to walk, cycle, canoe, or climb.  If you answered yes to any of the above then Tasmania has some of the best of all of these in Australia.  I have put together a list of some of my favourite adventurous stuff in Tasmania. On any of these trips be prepared to put in the hard yards they take some effort but the rewards are unbelievable, pristine environments, wildlife and a great sense of achievement.

The overland track 8days / 7nights 

Group size:     2 – 10 people

Starts:             Launceston, 1:00pm

Departs:         2002: November 2, 16, 23, 30; December 7, 14, 27, 30; 2003: January 5, 11, 18, 25; February 1, 8, 22; March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; April 5, 12, 19

Cost:               $1195AUD

Includes:         Experienced guides, group camping equipment, park fees, transfers, 7 nights accommodation (1 cabin, 6 camping), all meals.

Trekking and camping along the overland track from Lake St Claire to Cradle Mountain is regarded as one of the finest bushwalks in Australia.  The overland track is well graded along its 70km length.  The eight day walk allows plenty of time for optional side trips, such as Cradle Mountain and Mt Ossa and plenty of rest stops when we can just let the wilderness seep in.  Hike through grassy valleys, past picturesque lakes nestled between rocky crags, past groves of pencil pine and through dark myrtle forests.  Wildlife abounds- we might even spot the shy Tasmanian Devil.  Lightweight alpine tents are our accommodation so we can fully experience this special wilderness.  There are three food caches, to help us keep the weight down. 

Franklin River Rafting 9days / 8nights 

Group size:     2 – 10 people

Starts:             Launceston, 1:00pm

Departs:         2002: November 30; December 14, 30; 2003: January 10, 26, 30; February 16, 26; March 16, 22

Cost:               $1899AUD

Includes:         Experienced guides, group camping and rafting equipment, first aid and safety equipment, park fees, transfers to and from Hobart, accommodation, all meals.

The Franklin is one of the world’s last major ‘wild rivers’.  Rafting the Franklin

Demands a commitment to accept all that the vast Tasmanian wilderness has to offer.  If you are willing to handle the challenge of rapidly fluctuating water levels, unpredictable weather and demanding portages, the rewards are great.  The 9 day trip follows the full length of the river, travelling through unspoilt wilderness, listed as a world heritage area.  Deep gorges, superb rapids and awesome scenery are the essential components of this thrilling adventure. There are also shorter trips available down the Franklin to give you a taste of it.

Heritage Cycle 6 days / 5 nights 

Group size:     2 – 10 people

Starts:             Launceston, 9:00am

Departs:         2002: Sundays October 20 to December 15,

2003: Sundays January 5 to April 13

Cost:               $1595AUD

Includes:         Experienced guides, bicycles and safety equipment, support vehicle, 5 nights twin share Heritage B&B accommodation and all meals to lunch day 6, ferry across Swan River, park fees and entry to Port Arthur.

Single supplement available $300

If you like to be active, but love your creature comforts, then you will love this blend of cycling, outstanding accommodation and personal service.  Tasmania is famous for its English colonial heritage, and what better way to explore this heritage, than at the relaxed pace of a bicycle.  Accommodation is at National Trust listed buildings. 

The trip starts in Launceston and heads South East through Freycinet National Park, taking in Wineglass bay, then through Mayfield, Port Arthur, Richmond and on to Hobart.  The ride is fully supported so you can do as little or as much riding as you wish.

Outback Cycling Tours

Celebrate the “Year of the Outback” by doing a remote outback cycle tour.  These are popular trips July, August and September are already fully booked.  There is some availability in October so if your interested jump on it NOW.

All trips include modern mountain bikes with full front fork suspension, National Park entry, camping accommodation, all camping equipment, all meals.

Great Victorian Desert Bike Ride (Perth to Uluru) 6 days / 5 nights

Group size:     2 – 13 people

Starts:             Perth

Departs:         2002: October 3

Cost:               $880AUD

Cycling and four wheel driving across the vast and picturesque expanses of the great Victorian dessert, with superb bush camping.  The ultimate reward is cycling towards the awesome monolith, Uluru.

Macdonnell Ranges Cycling Adventure (Uluru to Alice Springs) 5 days / 4 nights

Group size:     2 – 13 people

Starts:             Uluru

Departs:         2002: October 10

Cost:               $790AUD

From Uluru to Alice, exploring the Western Macdonnell Ranges, Palm Valley, Kings Canyon, Ormiston Gorge, and Glen Helen by four wheel drive and Mountain Bike.

The Oodnadatta Track to Clare Vineyards (Alice Springs to Adelaide) 6 days / 5 nights

Group size:     2 – 13 people

Starts:             Alice Springs

Departs:         2002: October 17

Cost:               $840AUD

From Alice Springs we head down to the opal mining town of Coober Pedy, down the Oodnadatta Track onto the Flinders Ranges in South Australia.  After cycling some of the Mawson Trail, travellers have the luxury of wine tasting and relaxation as we journey through the Claire Valley Wine Region and onto Adelaide.

The Nullarbor to Margaret River wine region (Adelaide to Perth) 10 days / 9 nights

Group size:     2 – 13 people

Starts:             Adelaide

Departs:         2002: October 25

Cost:               $1,550AUD

This adventure tour provides travellers with the opportunity to cycle along some of the infamous Nullarbor Plain before detouring south to beautiful Esperance.  The final days of the tour are in sharp contrast to the beginning as we travel on up to Perth via the majestic Karri forests and vineyards of the Margaret River region of the South West of Western Australia

 

Monkey Mia (5 day trip)

Starts:             Monkey Mia

Departs:         2002: September 28

Cost:               $685AUD

Paddle through this amazing world heritage listed area along the Peron Peninsula.  You will see an abundance of wildlife from dugongs, dolphins, turtles, fish and birdlife.  We paddle in calm sheltered water by day, and the nights are spent camping on remote beaches under the stars.  We carry everything in the kayaks with us and end the trip with a 4WD trek to the hot springs.

Ningaloo Reef (5 day trip)

Starts:             Exmouth

Departs:         2002: By arrangement

Cost:               $705AUD

Ningaloo Reef is a pristine coral reef within wading distance from the shores of Coral Bay and Exmouth.  We paddle inside the lagoon, enjoying this gift from nature.  We camp on secluded beaches and during the day, snorkel the reef, go fishing or explore the Cape Range 1km inland.

As I mentioned before we have a endless supply of interesting, active, fun and adventurous tours, treks, cycling, mountain biking, kayaking, canoeing and just about whatever else you can think of.  So whatever your interests in Australia get in touch with us and we will find something for you to get excited about. 

Til next time safe travelling and happy planning

Travellers Club crew  

http://www.travellersclub.com.au