Post ATE 2013 Famil Program Bryon Bay and Beyond – Surf, Nature & Adventure 1-5 May 2013 Eastern Hemisphere
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Post ATE 2013 Famil Program Bryon Bay and Beyond – Surf, Nature & Adventure 1-5 May 2013 Eastern Hemisphere *Please note itineraries are subject to change* *All accommodation and activities will be confirmed prior to your departure* An intriguing blend of old and new, the Northern Rivers is where the world’s largest expanse of subtropical rainforest meets mountains forged from ancient volcanoes. Recognised as a World Heritage site and a National Landscape, the Wollumbin Caldera lies at the heart of an ancient volcanic hotspot, now a living Gondwanan Rainforest. A sparkling coastline of endless beaches offers surfing, whale-watching, frolicking dolphins and flocks of seabirds. Inspiring surroundings attract creative personalities – artists, writers and musicians. Colourful local festivals and weekend markets brim with arts and crafts, innovative designs and abundant local produce. What is Byron Bay and Beyond? An authentic slice of regional Australia where old school traditions meet new age philosophy. Where surfers and hippies rub shoulders harmoniously with farmers and fishermen, media types and therapists drink side by side at local pubs, creative types and counter-culturalists trade debate with councillors and international travellers. Your Byron Bay & Beyond contact is: Jessica McClean – Destination Marketing Officer Phone: +614 3225 0261 Email: [email protected] Web: www.byronbayandbeyond.com.au IMPORTANT INFORMATION We recommend you pack: A rain jacket A warm sweater/jacket for nights Water bottle Comfortable walking shoes Camera Sunglasses & Hat Sunscreen Umbrella Spending money Australian Smoking Laws: Federal law bans smoking in all Australian Commonwealth government buildings, public transport, airports and international and domestic flights. Further bans are in place but are governed by individual states. Most Australian states and territories have banned smoking in enclosed public places, particularly workplaces and restaurants. Australian Voltage: Australia uses 220-240 voltage with a three flat pin. Battery chargers for digital cameras, laptops and other electrical equipment will display the input range and as long as this is within the 220-240v range it will work with just a socket converter. If not, it is possible to purchase a transformer that will increase or decrease the Australian voltage as necessary. Dress Code The dress code for the famil is casual during the day and smart casual for evening activities. We recommend bringing a warm jacket for evenings. Currency Although credit cards and ATMs are readily available, it is a good idea to exchange some money for smaller purchases. Climate The warmest months are December to February, with an average maximum temperature of 25ºC. The average minimum temperature from June to August is 9ºC. Warmer clothing and enclosed walking shoes/boots are recommended for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Warm jacket suggested for evenings. This itinerary includes: accommodation, tours, transfers and meals as specified. All other items and expenses of a personal nature, or noted “own arrangements” or “own expense” are to be met by the participant. Please note your itinerary arrangements do not include: • Items of a personal nature (e.g. Mini bar, videos, beauty salon) • Laundry service • Telephone, internet access or other communication costs • Travel Insurance or Visas • Tipping • Drinks and alcohol - unless specified otherwise • Meals - unless specified as hosted Thursday, 25 April 2013 NB: ANZAC DAY Public Holiday. ANZAC (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) Day is the anniversary of the landing of troops from Australia and New Zealand on the Gallipoli Peninsula, Turkey, in World War I on April 25, 1915. ANZAC Day is celebrated Australia-wide with holiday arrangements varying in states and territories. In New South Wales, many workers and students have the day off to participate in remembrance ceremonies. Please be aware, in many areas, large retail outlets, department stores and shops have restricted trading hours and many public transport systems may operate a reduced timetable. There may be some disruption to traffic, particularly around parades and ceremonies. Page 2 DAY 1 – Wednesday 1 May 2013 (L,D) AM Depart from your hotel to Sydney Domestic Airport for your flight to the Gold Coast. Arrangements to be confirmed by DNSW. 0920 Arrive Gold Coast Airport. Meet your Northern Rivers Tourism Escort at Gold Coast Airport. Transfers and touring over the next 4 days of the famil will be provided by Byron Easy Bus Byron Easy Bus Contact: Ron King P: +61 2 6685 7447 / Mobile: 0419 004 122 E: [email protected] W: www.byroneasybus.com.au Byron Easybus operates a door to door airport shuttle services up to six times a day between the iconic coastal village of Byron Bay and Brisbane, Gold Coast and Ballina Airports. Our schedule ensures passengers are met arriving and departing at Brisbane Airport on early morning flights, throughout the day and evening. 0950 Transfer to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. 1000 Arrive Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary for a guided tour and refreshments. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary Contact: Ken Holmes - 0433 301114 28 Tomewin Street, Currumbin 4223 P: +61 7 5534 1266 E: [email protected] W: www.currumbin-sanctuary.org.au Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is one of Australia’s leading native wildlife, adventure and coastal rainforest experience. It is located a short drive from both the Tweed and Byron Bay regions, near the NSW/QLD border. It is ideally located to explore Australia’s Green Cauldron, a National Landscape. The Sanctuary is an Advanced Eco-Tourism Certified and Queensland heritage listed property where you can get closer to hundreds of native Australian animals. You can cuddle a koala, pat a kangaroo and experience the wild Lorikeet Feeding. Aboriginal and Islander dancers perform in daily shows and tours, plus much more including the Green Challenge Adventure Park, an exhilarating 65 challenge tree-tops ropes course. After dark, Currumbin comes alive with its BBQ buffet and nighttime wildlife tour, Yanguwah. 1130 Depart Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary for the Outrigger Twin Towns Resort. 1145 Arrive Outrigger Twin Towns Resort for site inspection. Meet Leah Matters, General Manager of the Outrigger Twin Towns Resort for the site inspection. Outrigger Twin Towns Resort Contact: Lisa Tzanetopoulos Cnr Griffith St, Coolangatta QLD & Wharf St, Tweed Heads NSW P: + 61 7 5536 2121 / 0434 075 438 E: [email protected] W: www.outrigger.com Page 3 With a prime position overlooking the beaches of the Southern Gold Coast and the sparkling waters of the Tweed River, this 4 ½ star resort offers an unparalleled level of premium facilities, and is a short stroll away from the heart of Coolangatta’s cosmopolitan dining and shopping experience. 1215 Depart Outrigger Twin Towns Resort for Byron Bay Eco Cruise and Kayaks in Brunswick Heads. 1245 Arrive Brunswick Heads Boat Harbor for a tour followed by fish and chips for lunch. Byron Bay Eco Cruise and Kayaks Contact: Simon Freeden The Boat Harbor, Brunswick Heads, NSW 2480 P: +61 410 016 926 E: [email protected] W: www.byronbaycruises.com.au Byron Bay eco cruises and guided kayak tours operate daily on the Brunswick River in the Byron Shire and have Advanced Eco Tourism certification with Eco Tourism Australia. Our purpose built boat and kayaks allow us to take you to places unable to be visited any other way and the tours are kept personal with small numbers so you can relax and enjoy the beautiful river, rainforest and mountain scenery as you cruise along this picturesque waterway. 1430 Depart Byron Bay Eco Cruise and Kayaks for Crystal Castle. 1500 Arrive Crystal Castle for site visit. Crystal Castle Contact: Emma Scattergood Monet Drive, Mullumbimby ,NSW 2482 P: +61 2 6684 3111 E: [email protected] W: www.crystalcastle.com.au Crystal Castle, a Place of Magic and Wonder….acres of lush gardens, panoramic views, amazing natural crystals & exquisite jewellery. Stroll the Buddha Walk; see Australia’s biggest Blessing Buddha. There's also the popular Aura Photography, as well as Tarot and Astrology Readings. A place to relax and step off the merry-go-round of life. Set amongst acres of lush gardens with panoramic views, The Crystal Castle features extraordinary statues, amazing natural crystals, exquisite jewellery, and a bookshop. Relax and enjoy lunch on the deck at the Lotus Café with healthy fresh food and specialty desserts made by local chefs. There’s also the famous Labyrinth and A Walk of Spiritual Reflection. 1630 Depart Crystal Castle for Byron Bay 1700 Arrive in Byron Bay and check in at Outrigger Bay Apartments Byron, your accommodation for the next 3 nights. There will be a site inspection on arrival. Please note you may be asked to provide a credit card imprint to guarantee your incidental charges upon check in. Outrigger Bay Apartments Byron Bay Contact: Shannon Campbell 9 Shirley Street, Byron Bay, NSW T: +61 2 6685 8646 E: [email protected] W: www.outriggerbay.com Page 4 Outrigger Bay Apartments offer luxury apartment-style accommodation including two bedroom and three bedroom apartments. Facilities include air conditioning, balconies, flat screen TV, full kitchen, wireless internet, heated pool, spa and much more. Furthermore you will be on the edge of the beach with a swim merely 50 meters walk from your doorstep. 1845 Meet in the lobby and walk to dinner. 1900 Arrive at The Balcony The Balcony Contact: Paul Waters Cnr Lawson and Johnson Streets, Byron Bay NSW 2481 P: + 61 2 66 809666 E: [email protected] W: www.balcony.com.au The iconic Balcony Bar & Restaurant is located in one of Byron Bay's last historical buildings, one of the first you see upon entering the town. Once inside, you are invited to a visually sumptuous space overlooking the streets of Byron. A most pleasurable place to enjoy a cold beer, an exquisite cocktail with delicious tapas or choose from our amazing menu and extensive wine list.