|
Australian
Natural Adventures
Extraordinary Journeys By Private Aircraft
WORLD HERITAGE AIRCRUISE April 23 to March 4, 2008
Unique 12 Day itinerary includes the World Heritage areas of Tasmania, Uluru (Ayers Rock), Kakadu, Daintree, Great Barrier Reef & Fraser Island.
Apart from these World Heritage Areas visited you
will also experience the underground lifestyle of the opal miners
at Coober Pedy, cruise Katherine Gorge to view the
diverse flora and fauna of the region, and venture into Arnhem Land
to the traditional homelands of the Bunidj aboriginal people. Kangaroo
Island is considered Australia's foremost wildlife experience, whose
sanctuary-like status means koalas, kangaroos and other wildlife is
easily seen; the small country town of Bellingen offers a glimpse
into the lives of ordinary Australians. Itinerary Day 1: Wednesday, April
23: Sydney / Cradle Mountain National Park
|
Wales
and Victoria, crossing the Bass Strait to Devonport, Tasmania. From
Devonport we transfer by road just over an hour to Cradle Mountain
- Lake St Clair National Park a
nd
the Lodge, arriving in time to enjoy a delightful buffet lunch. This
afternoon we explore this remarkable World Heritage area. Encompassing
some 161,000 hectares, the park covers some of Tasmania’s highest
country and is renowned for its magnificent alpine scenery. Cradle
Mountain, one of the highest in Tasmania, is situated at this northern
end of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area; at its base,
in deep depressions cut by glacial action, lie Crater Lake, Dove Lake
and Lake Lilla. Overnight Cradle Mountain Lodge
Strait,
weather permitting we experience an unforgettable scenic flight over
Port Campbell, the Twelve Apostles and the rugged coastline of Port
MacDonnell, finally landing at Kangaroo Island. Kangaroo Island is
Australia’s third largest Island and has gained recognition
throughout the world for its exceptional wildlife and untouched wilderness.
On arrival we are transferred to our boutique accommodation for the
next two evenings. Overnight Kangaroo Island Lodge
as
they plunge into the treacherous Southern Ocean. These waters are
strewn with the wrecks of early French and English 
explorers.
Our first stop is Seal Bay, a large sandy beach and dune area and
home to a remarkable breeding colony of rare Australian sea lions.
The sea lions can be seen basking in the sun while others ride the
waves onto the wide stretch of beach. They are protected by law and
can be approached at a safe distance that will be advised by the guide.
On to Flinders Chase National Park where the soaring eucalypt forest,
native fauna, colourful birds and wildflowers make a visit to this
island a memorable event. Then to the coastline to view some of nature’s
delights which includes Admiral’s Arch, Cape Du Couedic and
Vivonne Bay. Overnight Kangaroo Island Lodge
efuelling
stop in Adelaide befor continuing to our next destination. Coober
Pedy is an Aboriginal word meaning ‘
white
man in a hole’, a fitting description of the mines and unique
underground dwellings of the town. In order to escape the soaring
temperatures of the day and cold winds at night, the majority of the
residents choose to live underground. We will enjoy a tour of the
opal fields, an opal mine and the town, and will have the 
opportunity
to visit an underground home and church. We rejoin the aircraft this
afternoon for our flight to the “Red Centre”. Watch as
Uluru, the world’s largest monolith appears on the horizon then
enjoy spectacular aerial sightseeing over the Rock and the equally
impressive Kata Tjuta. 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. Overnight
Sails in the Desert
nolith
which allows a closer look at the fragile desert ecology. If you prefer
a quiet morning, you may enjoy a 
leisurely
breakfast at the hotel. Our next point of call is Kata Tjuta, 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 Aboriginals. After lunch we reboard
our aircraft for our flight to 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 traveler. Its diverse landscapes and unique ecosystems set
the scene for adventure. Tonight enjoy a barbecue dinner on the banks
of the river. Overnight Knott's Crossing Resort
at
would ordinarily have no other point of contact for months or years
on end. These days the school delivers education via internet and
satellite technologies to child
ren
in an area of 800,000 square kilometres; until recently it was by
2-way radio, including, in the early days, radios powered by foot
pedals like an old Singer sewing machine. Continuing on we embark
on a visually contrasting cruise of the Katherine
River, passing through two of its thirteen mighty gorges. Viewing
stunning rock valleys and fascinating Aboriginal rock paintings as
we enjoy lunch drifting down the gorge, we may even spot a Johnston’s
Crocodile as it suns itself. These freshwater crocodiles are not considered
a threat to humans as they feed on frogs and small fish. 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. The watermay rise 60ft, sweeping great boulders
asi
de
and turning the land on its banks
into lakes and swamps for miles around. It is the erosive action of
these great waves of water that have over millions of years carved
out the sheer walls of the gorge. Reboarding our aircraft we head
for the World Heritage Kakadu National Park, enjoying spectacular
aerial views of the rugged landscape below, before touching down at
Cooinda in the heart of the wetlands wilderness. Our afternoon concludes
with a cruise of the beautiful Yellow Waters area in Kakadu. A complete
contrast to Katherine River in landscape, this area is teeming with
native Australian wildlife including a large variety of birds and
the infamous saltwater crocodiles. This is a wonderful adventure through
a finely balanced natural ecosystem. Overnight Gagudju Crocodile
Hotel