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