OUTBACK STH AUST & RED CENTRE

12 Day Tour

Departing: Tuesday 01 August 2017 Returning: Saturday 12 August 2017

TOUR COST

$4355.00 Per Person Twin/Double Share

$5280.00 Sole Occupancy PICK UP TIMES:

6.40 am Crawford Street, Queanbeyan 7.20 am West Row Bus Stop, City 7.00 am Woden Bay 18 7.30 am Southwell Park (northbound)

DAY 1 (D): CANBERRA TO HAY: Tuesday 1 August 2017 Welcome to our Red Centre tour. After we load the coach we get underway for our journey across to Hay. Our route will take us through Wagga Wagga and arriving into Hay for our overnight stay. Bishops Lodge Motor Inn, Hay – ph 02 6993 3003

DAY 2 (BD): HAY TO BARMERA: Wednesday 2 August 2017 Following breakfast we travel the Hay Plain to Balranald then onto Mildura for a lunch stop (own expense). This afternoon we will cross the state border into , drive through Renmark and onto our destination of Barmera. The town sits on the shores of Lake Bonney, a part of the system and in 1964 it was the venue for a world water speed record attempt by the late Sir Donald Campbell. He didn’t make the record but achieved a speed of 214 mph! We check into our accommodation at the Barmera Country Club which overlooks the golf course and freshen up for dinner. Barmera Country Club – ph 08 8588 2888

DAY 3 (BLD): BARMERA TO PORT AUGUSTA: Thursday 3 August 2017 This morning we follow the Murray River to the historic river port of Morgan. Just near here is a place called Mallyons on the Murray – a delightful tea room and garden overlooking the Murray. We have arranged morning tea here before continuing to Peterborough for lunch. Peterborough’s history is all about rail. The railways officially arrived in town on January 17, 1881 when the line from Jamestown opened. Soon Port Pirie, Port Augusta, Adelaide and the Silverton Mines ( area) were all connected by rail tracks that passed through Peterborough. The town forged ahead in leaps and bounds with the railways playing a major part in the development of it. In 1927 the workforce of the Peterborough Division of the South Australian Railways was 1800 with two thirds of them living in the town. Peterborough is unique in that we are in only one of two places in the southern hemisphere (Gladstone being the other) where broad (5'3"), standard (4'8½") and narrow gauge (3'6") railway tracks can still be seen together. The best place to get familiar with the history of the area is the Steamtown Museum which has undergone extensive expansion and refurbishment. After a light lunch and tour our afternoon drive takes us to Wilmington on the eastern side of the Southern Flinders and then onto the coast via Horrocks Pass to Port Augusta. Acacia Ridge Motor Inn, Port Augusta – ph 08 8642 3377

DAY 4 (BLD): PORT AUGUSTA TO COOBER PEDY: Friday 4 August 2017 We have an early start to the day today. Our morning’s journey takes us to Woomera which was once a closed defence town. The nearby Woomera Rocket Range carried out 3,000 missile and rocket launches during its 30 years of operation. It is now open to the public so we are here to visit the Heritage Centre and enjoy a wander around Breen Park. We now drive to Glendambo where we enjoy lunch at the Glendambo Shell Roadhouse. Our afternoon’s journey is through to Coober Pedy. First time visitors, in particular, will be fascinated by this town. About 80 per cent of the population lives underground. The reason for this is that the temperature can rise to 50°C in summer and it has been known to rise to 60°C. We have plenty of time to relax and settle into our next two night’s accommodation. After dinner this evening, depending on the cloud cover, a local stargazer and astronomy expert will join us for a Radekas’ Stargazing Tour. This presentation offers a fantastic insight into the desert night sky. We will learn about astronomy, the southern stars, the Southern Cross and how to navigate by the stars. Mud Hut Motel, Coober Pedy – ph 08 8672 3003

DAY 5 (BLD): COOBER PEDY: Saturday 5 August 2017 With the help of a local, today we get to experience Coober Pedy and how the discovery of Opal made this town what it is today. Upon collecting Wayne, our local guide, we begin with a town tour including a visit to the Serbian underground church, the Old Timers Mine and a look at Fay’s underground home. Heading out of town past the golf course, we make our way to the Breakaways. We’ll be taking the 70km loop road stopping en-route at the lookouts, with the beautiful Breakaways escarpment of colourful low hills and breathtaking views in the distance. This is also our venue to enjoy our picnic lunches. During our tour we see the dog fence, the 2m high wire barrier that stretches for over 5300km across three States, to protect the sheep country in the south from the native dog, the Dingo. The desert-like moonscape along the fence, with its fossilised shells, soft clay dirt and cracks that appear to be bottomless, has been nicknamed the moon plain. Our day complete, we arrive back in Coober Pedy having had a very interesting day. Mud Hut Motel, Coober Pedy – ph 08 8672 3003

DAY 6 (BLD): COOBER PEDY TO YULARA: Sunday 6 August 2017 We have a travel day today as we continue on the Stuart Highway through the vast and arid regions of northern South Australia. After a morning break in Marla we cross the border into the Northern Territory where we’ll stop for lunch at Erldunda, at the junction of the Lasseter highway. As we make our way through to Yulara this afternoon we pass Mount Conner on our left, the flat-topped mesa thought to be part of the vast rocky substrate beneath Uluru. We arrive in Yulara late afternoon and check into our next two night’s accommodation. Time permitting, we head out to the sunset viewing area to see the sun setting over Uluru. As we watch a remarkable light show unfolds changing colour from red to orange to lilac in a matter of minutes. We then return to the resort for dinner. Desert Gardens Hotel, Ayers Rock Resort – ph 08 8957 7714

DAY 7 (BD): ULURU & KATA TJUTA: Monday 7 August 2017 Our coach will make an early departure to the Sunrise Viewing Area to experience the first glimpse of the day over Uluru. This beautiful monolith, standing 348 metres high and boasting a circumference of 8.8kms, is an awesome spectacle dominating this otherwise flat, dry terrain. After breakfast at the resort we head back to Uluru for a guided Mala Walk. This is a lovely stroll to the edge of the Kantju Gorge. Learn about Aboriginal perceptions of Uluru, its powerful spiritual significance and how Anangu traditional owners and ranges are looking after the Park together. There are many fine examples of Anangu art to see along the way. Returning to the resort we have free time to enjoy a wander around the small village of Yulara and buy some lunch. This afternoon we head out to visit the Olgas, now more widely known as Kata Tjuta – the place of many domes. There are excellent views from an observation deck and time for a short walk into the beautiful Mount Olga Gorge. Back at the resort we freshen up for our unique outback experience at a special dinner under the stars. The Sounds of Silence Dinner will be a highlight of our stay in the Red Centre. The romance of the desert with the setting sun, the haunting sounds of a didgeridoo, sumptuous outback fare and the star-filled heavens - this is the best of the Red Centre, distilled into four magic hours. After a feast of Northern Territory delights including barramundi and bush salads and classic Australian desserts, we are treated to some of the world’s best stargazing with the assistance of a resident astronomer. It will be a memorable experience! We are then transferred back to the resort. Desert Gardens Hotel, Ayers Rock Resort – ph 08 8957 7714

DAY 8 (BLD): YULARA TO KINGS CANYON: Tuesday 8 August 2017 Today we farewell Uluru National Park and drive to Kings Creek Station for lunch. Nearby is Kings Canyon in the Watarrka National Park. Watarrka is an Aboriginal word that refers to the umbrella bush that proliferates here. The spectacular scenery, a permanent waterhole surrounded by palms known as the Garden of Eden and the Lost City combine to make Kings Canyon a most remarkable place. We then have time for leisurely walk along the floor of the canyon along Kings Canyon Creek. For those of us energetic enough, there is also time to do the return walk around the Rim of the Canyon, it is 6kms but well worth the view from the 300 metre drop to the valley floor. We check into the resort and freshen up for dinner. Some of us may like to walk to the nearby viewing point to watch the sun set over Carmichael Crag before returning for dinner. Kings Canyon Resort – ph 08 8956 7442

Day 9 (BLD): KINGS CANYON TO ALICE SPRINGS: Wednesday 9 August 2017 After breakfast we return to the Stuart Highway, stopping for our picnic lunches along the way. This afternoon we cross the Finke River and enjoy the ever changing scenery as we near Alice Springs. Arriving into town we check into our accommodation at the Lasseters Hotel Casino, unpack and settle in. Alice Springs is nestled at the foot of the northern slopes of the MacDonnell Ranges and lies almost geographically at the centre of the Australian continent. Lasseters Hotel Casino, Alice Springs – ph 08 8950 7777

DAY 10 (BLD): ALICE SPRINGS: Thursday 10 August 2017 Our sightseeing begins with a stop at ANZAC Hill for panoramic views of the town and the surrounding area. We then visit the Old Telegraph Station and the original Alice Springs. Following a self guided walk we re-join the coach and head to the 'World's Largest Classroom'. School of the Air will leave us enlightened and inspired. The film and guide presentations reveal stories about the school and its students, sharing a distinctive history, outback lifestyle and world-renowned innovations of this uniquely Australian school. Next is a look at the Royal Flying Doctor Base. The Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) is one of the largest and most comprehensive aeromedical organisations in the world. Using the latest in aviation, medical and communications technology, it delivers extensive primary health care and 24-hour emergency service to those who live, work and travel throughout Australia. We enjoy lunch followed by a comprehensive guided tour of the centre. Our last visit for the day is the National Pioneer Women’s Hall of Fame. A pioneer woman is considered any woman who is a pioneer in her chosen field; referring not only to the traditional meaning of the word - a colonist, explorer or settler in a new land but to anyone who is an innovator or developer of something new. This means that we should not only commemorate those women who were the early settlers in Australia, who battled through considerable hardships; but also those who have attained pioneering achievements such as the first women doctors, lawyers, aviators etc. Our day complete, we return to our hotel. Lasseters Hotel Casino, Alice Springs – ph 08 8950 7777

DAY 11 (BLD): ALICE SPRINGS: Friday 11 August 2017 We have the opportunity for a leisurely start to the day before our drive into the Western MacDonnell Ranges. We’ll stop at Simpsons Gap then travel onto Standley Chasm to enjoy lunch followed by a stimulating walk into the chasm. We return to Alice Springs stopping to visit the grave and monument of the Reverend John Flynn, founder of the Royal Flying Doctor Service. The remainder of the day is at leisure to enjoy the resort’s facilities. Lasseters Hotel Casino, Alice Springs - ph 08 8950 7777

DAY 12 (B): ALICE SPRINGS TO HOME: Saturday 12 August 2017 This morning we farewell the Red Centre. We board our flight at the Alice Springs airport and make our way home (flight details to be advised). We’ll arrive in Canberra later today with wonderful memories of our Red Centre tour. TERMS AND CONDITIONS DEPOSIT is required within 7 days of booking confirming your reservation. If no deposit is received, Potter Travel reserves the right to cancel the booking. Deposit is $500.00 per person and includes an airline deposit of $55.00 which is non refundable after Monday 27 February 2017.

FINAL PAYMENT: FRIDAY 02 JUNE 2017

CANCELLATION TERMS & CONDITIONS: Reservations that are cancelled prior to FRI 02 JUNE 2017: Full refund of deposit less $50.00 administration fee & $55.00 airfare deposit. Reservations that are cancelled on or after FRI 02 JUNE 2017 and prior to FRI 30 JUNE 2017 : loss of 25% of total tour cost. Reservations that are cancelled on or after FRI 30 JUNE 2017 and prior to FRI 14 JULY 2017 loss of 50% of total tour cost. Reservations that are cancelled on or after FRI 14 JULY 2017: loss of 100% of total tour cost.

The $50.00 Potter Travel administration fee only occurs when a refund cheque is issued. There is no administration fee for funds transferred to another Potter Travel tour. No shows on day of departure or cancellations whilst on tour will be charged a 100% cancellation fee. Where Potter Travel cancels the tour as a result of insufficient numbers or due to reasons within Potter Travel's control, a full refund of any monies paid at the time of cancellation will be given.

The operation of the tour is subject to minimum numbers. Once inside the final payment date if your cancellation affects our minimum group numbers, Potter Travel reserves the right to impose further cancellation fees in addition to those noted above. Potter Travel reserves the right to pass on any additional fees or surcharges imposed by the airlines or wholesaler with or without notice.

Tour Includes: Dinner, bed and breakfast accommodation at the Hotels mentioned in the Itinerary, some lunches, morning and/or afternoon tea supplied from the coach, entry fees and/or guided tours to all attractions as mentioned in the itinerary, tickets to shows (if applicable), luxury coach travel and GST. Meals are stated in the itinerary as B = Breakfast, L = Lunch and D = Dinner.

Forced Singles are not permitted on our tours. If you wish to twin share you will need to organise your own travelling companion, otherwise single supplement is payable.

Not Included: Alcoholic beverages or other drinks (except wine tasting), meals not specified, room service, telephone calls, some morning/afternoon teas or any items of a personal nature.

Potter Travel recommends that Travel Insurance be taken to protect against unforeseen circumstances. Travel Insurance is available through Potter Travel.

Potter Travel reserves the right to alter itineraries without notice due to weather, road conditions or any other reason which is seen to be in the best interest of passengers travelling. The price is subject to any changes imposed by other tour operators and carriers included in the itinerary. The operation and provision of services from other tour operators and carriers included in the itinerary is the responsibility of these operators and no responsibility is taken by Potter Travel for the failure of such operators to provide the nominated service.

No guarantees will be given as to the exact arrival and departure times for carriers and operators used by Potter Travel. Drop offs may be in the opposite direction to the pickups depending on the touring route taken.

Daily seat rotation will take place on all extended tours, which all travellers must participate in as a condition of booking. Passengers suffering from motion sickness are advised to take the necessary precautions as seat rotation is compulsory.

Potter Travel accepts no responsibility for damage, loss of personal belongings or liability for delays, accidents, injury, irregularity or damage caused by other transport companies used for connecting tours operated by this company. Potter Travel reserves the right to cancel or postpone the tour due to insufficient numbers or as the result of circumstances outside the company’s control.

Participation or inclusion in a photo taken by a Potter Travel staff member whilst on any of our tours, indicates that you are giving us the right to publish any such photos on our Website or Facebook Page for promotional purposes.

IMPORTANT NOTICE CONCERNING CREDIT CARD HOLDERS As the banking industry continues to impose a broad range of fees on bank transactions, it has come to the stage where Potter Travel can no longer absorb the merchant charges for all credit card transactions. As of 01 October 2009, Potter Travel will be charging the *1.03% banking fee on all credit card transactions. The charges will apply for partial or full payments by credit card. Cash, Cheque, Money Order and Eftpos payments will NOT incur any additional charges. *Subject to change, in accordance with National Australia Bank Flexipay Merchant Fees. WAITLISTED PASSENGERS Where tours are fully booked any future enquiries will be put onto a waitlist and as cancellations occur the person at the top of the waitlist will be contacted first and offered the seat followed by the second, the third and so on. In the instance that you are unable to be contacted on a daytime telephone number, the seat will be offered to the next person on the waitlist. RESERVATIONS AND ENQUIRIES

POTTER TRAVEL

PH: (02) 6297 8585

PO Box 37, Queanbeyan, NSW, 2620 152 Monaro Street, Queanbeyan NSW 2620 Email: [email protected] Web: www.pottertravel.com.au Friends in Travel trading as Potter Travel ABN 96 639 726 295