Lava Tubes to Lawn Hill 31 May–15 June 2020 (15 Nights)

Lava Tubes to Lawn Hill 31 May–15 June 2020 (15 nights)

Highlights

• Explore the best of Queensland's north & outback on this 16 day journey • Spend two nights at eco-accredited Undara Experience & a guided lava tube tour in Undara Volcanic National Park • Experience the slow train journey of the historic Gulflander from Croydon to Normanton • Relax at Karumba on the Gulf of Carpentaria • Enjoy a sunset river cruise, crocodile & bird watching plus local seafood dinners • Spend two full days of walking, swimming & canoe excursions in Boodjamulla National Park (Lawn Hill) • Journey to the country towns of Croydon, Normanton, Mt Isa, Cloncurry, Richmond & Charters Towers • Learn about paleontology at Richmond, Riversleigh Fossil Centre & World Heritage site

Outback North Queensland is a land of rocky red ridges, abundant wetlands, lush gorges, rippling grasslands and friendly country towns. Join this 16 day journey from Cairns to the Gulf of Carpentaria, south to Mt Isa and back to the tropical coast via Cloncurry, Julia Creek and Charters Towers. Travelling inland from Cairns via Crater Lakes National Park, we stay two nights in Undara’s unique railway carriages. Local guides introduce us to the fascinating world of Undara Volcanic National Park as we explore the world’s longest single vent lava flow. Continuing further west, we board the 1950 railmotor, Gulflander (also known as the Tin Hare) for the train ride from Croydon to Normanton. We then relax for two nights in Karumba, the Gulf of Carpentaria’s major fishing port. A sunset cruise on the Norman River is a chance to spot saltwater crocodiles and migratory birds among the mangroves. There is the option to go on a fishing charter plus dine on fresh fish in the evening.Travelling to the south west, we stay three nights at Adel’s Grove and explore Boodjamulla National Park / Lawn Hill Gorge with its palm-fringed waterholes and sheer sandstone walls. Canoe the waterways, swim in rock pools and walk to viewing points and Aboriginal rock art. After visiting the Riversleigh World Heritage Site in the southern section of Boodjamulla, we explore the Riversleigh Fossils Centre in DETAILS Mt Isa. On our two day stop in town, there is the option to take a guided tour of one of the world’s largest underground mines. At the John Flynn museum in Cloncurry, Price: Twinshare / person (ex Cairns, ends Townsville) we experience the history of the Royal Flying Doctor Service. In the small town of Richmond, we search for dinosaur fossils at the renowned Richmond Marine Fossil Price until 31/3/20: A$6,775 Museum, also known as Kronosaurus Korner. Your tour ends in Townsville where Price from 1/4/20: A$7,791 you may like to extend your time with cruises to local islands. Single Supplement: A$995 Note: For single people who prefer to share, we will try to find a suitable roommate, but if this is not possible the sole-use surcharge will apply. Minimum Group size: 8 guests Special Interest: Wildlife, Botanical, History, Geology

For bookings call 1300 197 201 | visit www.parktours.com.au | or email [email protected] | 1 Lava Tubes to Lawn Hill 31 May–15 June 2020 (15 nights)

WALK RATING: FAQ

Easy to Moderate: Distance on walking days are between 2-7km on How & when to book? mostly well graded tracks. There will also be opportunities for informal Our biggest message to you is BOOK EARLY!! Many tours walks for special interests, i.e. Bird watching. This trip is for almost anyone book out very quickly so the moral of the story is the early with a reasonable level of fitness and walking experience. We reserve the bird catches the worm! Please send your completed Tour right to be flexible with the itinerary to allow for unforeseen circumstances including weather conditions and group fitness. Booking Form and a deposit of A$500 per person per tour. To place your booking, simply visit www.parktours.com. INCLUSIONS au and select the “Bookings” page, or complete a Tour Booking form and return by post or email with your deposit. • 15 nights twin share accommodation 3-4 star hotels with private Once you have booked on a tour, we will stay in contact facilities. Onsite tents & railway carriages with shared facilities with regular mailings (see below). • Meals Included - 15 Breakfasts (B), 12 Lunches (L), and 14 Dinners (D) • All transfers as listed in itinerary What information and contact can I expect? • National park & entry fees (excludes optional tours) When you send your initial deposit, we will contact you to • Professional tour leader assisted when required by local tour guides confirm your booking. Please do not book any flights or • Pre-departure materials including background & personalised A-Z tour travel arrangements until our office contacts you to advise information and destination tour companion that your tour has been confirmed to depart. Once the tour has been confirmed to depart, a comprehensive pre- EXCLUSIONS departure information pack will be sent to you, including a Tour A-Z, suggested packing list, medical questionnaire, • Airfares & taxes to start / end of tour balance of payment invoice, and pre / post accommodation • Airport transfers options. The final mailing is sent approximately three • Heavy or excess baggage weeks before departure and includes final tour information, • Travel insurance meeting points, accommodation and guest list, and a Tour • Personal expenses e.g. drinks (water, alcoholic, tea & coffee), laundry, telephone, or optional tours / excursions Companion. What is the group size? TOUR LEADER We specialise in small group travel with a tour size normally between 8 to 18 guests. Please refer to the front page for Twice-named ‘Eco Guide of the Year’ by Ecotourism details on the minimum group size for this particular tour. All Australia, Barry Davies is one of the most experienced tours need a minimum number of participants to operate at nature tour leaders within Australia and New Zealand, the price listed in the itinerary. If the minimum number is not with a particular passion for birds and wildlife. Since reached, a tour may still operate with a surcharge. 2008 Barry has been a naturalist and lecturer aboard an expedition vessel visiting islands from Fiji to How fit do I have to be? Papua New Guinea and has lead tours in Papua When you are assessing your ability to participate, age New Guinea, Borneo, Vietnam, Cambodia, Australia is not necessarily as important as your fitness and recent and New Zealand. His previous work background, as naturalist guide walking experience. Please read the tour walk rating and and activities manager at Binna Burra Mountain Lodge, coupled with independent guiding explorations with his own specialist touring company, the day-by-day walking descriptions in the itinerary to Gondwana Guides, provide him with considerable cumulative knowledge determine if the tour is suitable for your fitness level. If you of the ecological and biological nature of all regions within Australia, New have any queries, we are happy to put you in touch with Zealand and the South Pacific Rim. either the tour coordinator or tour leader to discuss your fitness in more detail. What gear and equipment do I need to take? Because we focus on half and full day walks, returning to Click map to view our accommodation in the afternoon, you don’t need to in Google Maps carry any more than a daypack with rain wear, sunscreen, drinking water, camera and lunch. We recommend walking poles and hiking boots on most of our tours as they offer good ankle support and grip. A detailed packing list is included with your tour’s information pack.

For bookings call 1300 197 201 | visit www.parktours.com.au | or email [email protected] | 2 Lava Tubes to Lawn Hill

ITINERARY TOUR ITINERARY 31 May–15 June 2020 (15 nights)

Day 1 - Sun 31 May | Cairns Your tour begins in Cairns at 5pm, when your tour leader meets you in the lobby of our centrally located hotel, the Bay Village in Cairns, for a tour briefing and introductions before a welcome dinner at the hotel restaurant. Meals: D Walks: None Day 2 - Mon 01 Jun | Cairns - Undara This morning, we begin our 300km drive from Cairns to Undara via the Atherton Tablelands. Time permitting, we will stop at some of the beautiful national parks en route and if lucky we may spot a Cassowary or two. Continuing south west on the Kennedy Highway, we settle into the unique accommodation at Undara Lodge for the next two nights. Meals: B, L, D Walks: Short strolls Day 3 - Tue 02 Jun | Undara Volcanic NP Undara Volcanic National Park (61,500ha) features the remnants of one of earth’s longest lava flows originating from a single volcano. The park offers a fascinating insight into the volcanic and botanic history of the area - rich basalt soils covered by native grasses conceal the Undara lava tube, one of the longest lava tube cave systems in the world. This geological wonder winds its way under a ribbon of remnant dry rainforest. This morning, we enjoy a tour of the lava tubes with a local Savannah guide. After lunch, there is the opportunity for a self-guided walk around the rim of the Kalkani Crater, an extinct volcano with excellent views of the collapsed line of the lava tubes. Meals: B, L, D Walks: Easy 2 hr Lava Tube tour; Easy-moderate 1.5hr Kalkani Crater rim walk

Day 4 - Wed 03 Jun | Undara - Croydon After a bush breakfast at Undara, we take a leisurely drive further west stopping at Georgetown to visit Terrestrial Visitor Information Centre. This features a display of 4500 minerals collected over a 50 year period, the lifetime work of Ted Elliott. We continue to Croydon, a town steeped in history and with many relics of the gold rush. In the heart of the Gulf Savannah, Croydon was a large pastoral holding, when first settled. Gold was discovered in 1885 and by 1887 the town’s population had reached 7000. Croydon is a unique reminder of the fierce determination an outback community can have despite the major obstacles of distance and climate. Tonight we stay in motel units adjacent to the 110 year old Club Hotel, the very best accommodation in town... in fact, the only accommodation in town! Meals: B, L Walks: Local strolls Day 5 - Thu 04 Jun | Gulflander train to Normanton - Karumba For a change of pace, we board the 8.30am Gulflander train from Croydon to Normanton. This historic train takes us on a

For bookings call 1300 197 201 | visit www.parktours.com.au | or email [email protected] | 3 Lava Tubes to Lawn Hill

ITINERARY TOUR ITINERARY CONTINUED... 31 May–15 June 2020 (15 nights)

journey through the tough and inhospitable Gulf Country from dry Savannah grasslands to wetlands. Also known as the ‘Tin Hare’, this rail motor is one of the last great characters of the rail world. Affectionately said to go from ‘nowhere to nowhere’, the Heritage Listed line was never connected to the state rail network and remains the only line in Queensland still measured in miles. The line itself was laid in a unique method with a specialised sleeper design to minimise damage from seasonal flood waters. Testament to the ingenuity of this design is that today much of the line is still the original rail and sleepers laid between 1888 and 1891. Your guide will meet you in Normanton which features well preserved Victorian architecture. We continue north to Karumba, a prawn-fishing town on the Norman River in the south eastern corner of the Gulf of Carpentaria. Our home for the next two nights is the End of the Road Motel. Meals: B, L, D Walks: Local strolls Day 6 - Fri 05 Jun | Karumba This is a relaxing day to take in the delights of the Gulf of Carpentaria. There is the opportunity to try fishing (Mackerel and Queenfish season) and tour a Barramundi farm (optional activities). In the late afternoon, we enjoy a sunset cruise on the Norman River with the chance of spotting saltwater crocodiles, mangrove endemic and migratory birds. Meals: B, L Walks: Your choice Day 7 - Sat 06 Jun | Travel to Lawn Hill We spend the day travelling to Adels Grove, adjacent to Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park. The route takes us south to the Burke and Wills Roadhouse then west to Gregory Downs on the banks of the Gregory River. Set in the semi-arid Spinifex clad hill of the Constance Range, Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park is a true oasis with rainforest surrounding the water filled gorge, a haven for wildlife. Adels Grove is 10km from the park entrance and we settle in for a three night stay in safari style tents near the emerald green waters of Lawn Hill Creek. Meals: B, L, D Walks: Short strolls Day 8 & 9 - Sun 07 & Mon 08 Jun | Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) NP We spend the next two days in Boodjamulla admiring the gorge country, sandstone ranges and of course the oasis of Lawn Hill Gorge which carves a serpentine ribbon of green through the dry savannah landscape. The vivid orange sandstone cliffs of the gorge tower above stunning green lime-rich waters of Lawn Hill Creek. We take the time to experience the gorges in canoes, taking them as far as we can to a waterfall where we can swim. We have a choice of walks with opportunities to view ancient rock art and stone engravings. Longer options to climb to the upper gorge with its spectacular vistas are also available.

For bookings call 1300 197 201 | visit www.parktours.com.au | or email [email protected] | 4 Lava Tubes to Lawn Hill

ITINERARY TOUR ITINERARY CONTINUED... 31 May–15 June 2020 (15 nights)

Meals: B, L, D x 2 Walks: Vary from flat, easy trails of 1km to longer, rougher tracks of 4-7km return, some rocky sections. Some have short ascents & descents of 50 - 80m.

Day 10 - Tue 09 Jun | Riversleigh World Heritage Area - Mt Isa This morning we travel two hours south to the Riversleigh World Heritage Area, in another section of Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park. This is one of Australia’s key fossil deposits preserving a snapshot of an entire rainforest environment dating back 25 - 30 million years. Excavations revealed a plethora of fossilised mammals including wombat-like marsupials, carnivorous kangaroos, vast numbers of bats and other fossilised animals including giant flightless birds, tree- climbing crocodiles and horned turtles. We continue another 270km to Mount Isa, the “Oasis of the Outback”, where we stay for two nights in a centrally located motel.Meals: B, L, D Walks: Easy-moderate 1hr walk at Riversleigh Fossil site Day 11 - Wed 10 Jun | Mount Isa This morning you may like to take an optional Mine Tour experience, or simply enjoy free time. This afternoon we continue the “fossil fauna” theme with a visit to Mt Isa’s Riversleigh Fossils Centre for more insights into the worlds’ most important fossil fields. Other ancestral marsupial forms found at Riversleigh include moles, bandicoots, marsupial ‘lions’, koalas, wombats, kangaroos and possums. The town of Mount Isa has a long history of mining and the smelter stacks dominate the skyline. Meals: B, D Walks: Mine tour (optional) Day 12 - Thu 11 Jun | Cloncurry - Richmond Our journey continues east to Cloncurry where we visit John Flynn Place Museum, a monument to the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Founded by Ernest Henry in 1867 with the discovery of copper, Cloncurry’s core industries include grazing, transport services, copper and gold mining. We continue to Hughenden, a small town on the Overlanders Way, where we stay for two nights. This classic Queensland outback town is situated on the banks of the Flinders River, its position on the edge of Australia’s ancient inland sea which existed between 95 and 120 million years ago and left behind a rich supply of fossils in the area. Meals: B, L, D Walks: Short strolls Day 13 - Fri 12 Jun | Richmond - Kronosaurus Korner This morning we travel one hour to visit the Kronosaurus Korner complex at the Richmond Marine Fossil Museum. This is Australia’s premier marine fossil museum, showcasing over 1000 unique fossil specimens. While fossils of extinct marine reptiles were found in the area during the 1860s, the most important turning point for developing the museum occurred in 1989 with the discovery of the Richmond Pliosaur. Found on

For bookings call 1300 197 201 | visit www.parktours.com.au | or email [email protected] | 5 Lava Tubes to Lawn Hill

ITINERARY TOUR ITINERARY CONTINUED... 31 May–15 June 2020 (15 nights)

the nearby property of Marathon Station, this was recognised by palaeontologists as one of the best preserved Cretaceous marine reptile fossils in the world. Three months after the Pliosaur excavation, the skeleton of Australia’s most complete dinosaur, Kunbarrasaurus ieversi, was also found on Marathon Station. This earmarked Richmond as one of Australia’s most concentrated fossil sites and encouraged an unprecedented amount of fossicking in the region. Today we will also try our hand at fossicking for fossils at one of the nearby sites. Meals: B, L, D Walks: Short strolls Day 14 - Sat 13 Jun | Flinders Discovery Centre - Charters Towers After breakfast, we visit the Flinders Discovery Centre featuring the seven metre-tall Muttaburrasaurus and the story of the town’s sheep farming. Further east, we stop for a break at White Mountains National Park, one of the most botanically diverse parks of inland Queensland. We arrive in Charters Towers mid to late afternoon. Founded in the 1870s, this beautiful town was built from the proceeds of mining when gold was discovered by accident at Towers Hill. A total of ten major gold reefs were eventually mined and the success of the boom years, were so much that Charters Towers hosted its own stock exchange. After settling into our motel, we enjoy a film “Ghosts after Dark” on Towers Hill before dinner. Meals: B, L, D Walks: Short strolls Day 15 - Sun 14 Jun | Charters Towers / Townsville This morning we join a guided tour through the Old Venus Gold Battery, one of Australia’s most historically significant industrial sites. The battery was the first established on the Charters Towers Goldfields in 1872 and remained operational until its closure in 1973. After lunch, we are joined by a local guide for a tour of the town. We continue the final drive north east to Townsville. Our accommodation for the last night of our tour is in the heart of Townsville and tonight we enjoy a farewell group dinner. Meals: B, D Walks: Short walks around the Venus Gold Battery & walking tour of Charters Towers

Day 16 - Mon 15 Jun | Tour end Your walking holiday ends after breakfast. You may like to extend your stay in Townsville or explore other areas of the Tropical North. Meals: B Walks: None

For bookings call 1300 197 201 | visit www.parktours.com.au | or email [email protected] | 6 REDISCOVER EXPERIENCE CONNECT

WHY TRAVEL WITH US?

InterNATIONAL PARKtours have been leading small group walking holidays since 1975. Our like-minded guests bond easily and often create reunions, celebrations and friendships, many of them life- long. Our tours are active with regular half and full day walks. Aside from walking, we also spend time meeting local people, tasting regional food and immersing ourselves in the culture and history of a destination. Our flexibility enables us to adapt to the likes, dislikes Responsible Travel and agility of our travellers, and changing situations such as weather For your protection, we are and unforeseen circumstances. In most locations, we stay 2-3 nights member of the Australian and sometimes longer. This allows us to slow down, unpack our Federation of Travel Agents bags and enjoy the local atmosphere at different times of the day. (AFTA). Your payments are Accommodation is comfortable and unique plus locally owned and kept in a client account until operated where possible. required for payment of your tour. Our guides are dedicated, informative people who share their passion We are accredited with AFTA Travel and knowledge on local history, culture, wildlife and topography. Accreditation Scheme (ATAS), Our journeys are designed to safeguard the ecosystems; benefit a national accreditation scheme, endorsing travel the communities we visit and contribute to the sustainability of agents who have met strict financial and customer destinations. Travel is a chance to change your perspective. Nature service criteria. We also have advanced accreditation always provides a new view if we take the time to look. with Ecotourism Australia, are members of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, and a Green Circle member of Queensland Outdoor Recreation “I find the organisation and attention to Federation (QORF). detail is always good. Having travelled Serendipity of travel quite a few times with IPT now I would Our Leader and local guides will continually work on not consider a walking tour with any your behalf to provide a memorable journey. We have other organization” planned an intimate adventure, but adventure cannot Catherine Eakin be guaranteed. If indeed it could then it would lose its appeal. Though we do the best we can to plan a smooth “I have had a wonderful experience on journey, sometimes things change at short notice. my IPT trips. I know the accommodation, Some things may take longer than anticipated, meals, etc. will have the level of comfort transport and accommodation arrangements may alter, I’m looking for” and you may experience occasional shortcomings and be frustrated by the ‘manana’ attitude; at other times Anne Stanfield you will be amazed by local efficiency. Tour itineraries may need to be modified but this is done so with your needs in mind and to provide the best tour experience. Disclaimer of Liability So, be flexible, surprised and delighted with the Although interNATIONAL PARKtours has prepared the Information contained in this itinerary with all due care serendipity that comes from being open to the and updates the Information regularly, interNATIONAL PARKtours does not warrant or represent that the Information is free from errors or omission. Whilst the Information is considered to be true and correct at the unexpected. Your enjoyment of this journey is date of publication, changes in circumstances after the time of publication may impact on the accuracy of the ultimately up to you. Information. The Information may change without notice and interNATIONAL PARKtours is not in any way liable for the accuracy of any information printed and stored or in any way interpreted and used by a user. Itinerary Updated: March 5, 2020 5:30 PM

T 1300 197 201 | T +61 7 5533 3583 | F +61 7 5533 3683 28 Timbarra Drive Beechmont QLD 4211 Australia [email protected] | www.parktours.com.au