TOP END & KIMBERLEY FARMING TOUR

17 DAYS

Dep: 29 June 2018

DAY 1: Fri 29 Jun MELBOURNE/SYDNEY – FLY TO DARWIN (D) Depart your home port and fly to Darwin. On arrival at the airport meet your Swagman Tours driver and guide then transfer to your hotel to settle in before enjoying a seafood smorgasbord dinner with magnificent sunset views over Cullen Bay. Overnight: Darwin

DAY 2: Sat 30 Jun DARWIN (BL) This morning a representative from the Northern Territory Cattleman’s Council will speak about the state of play of the pastoral industry in the Top End (subject to confirmation). Afterwards travel out of Darwin to visit an export mango farm that produces mangoes and starfruit to supply the major supermarkets throughout the country. After lunch travel to Berry Springs and visit the Territory Wildlife Park in time to see the Birds of Prey presentation. This expansive park has three main areas; the Wetlands with its aquarium, lagoons and billabongs housing tropical fish, turtles, and both species of crocodile. A Monsoon Vine Forest which hosts a 1km boardwalk gently lifting toward the canopy of natural bushland to view the array of birdlife and finally a Woodland area that includes a Nocturnal house, where you have the opportunity to see animals rarely seen in the wild. This evening is free to dine out (own expense). Overnight: As Above

DAY 3: Sun 01 Jul DARWIN – KATHERINE GORGE CRUISE (BLD) After an early breakfast head south along the Stuart Highway stopping at the solemn but beautiful Adelaide River War Cemetery to see the military graves honouring those killed in the bombing of Darwin. Continue along the Stuart Highway and visit Edith Falls, a series of cascading waterfalls and pools on the Edith River before arriving at Katherine in time for an afternoon gorge cruise along one of the most majestic waterways in Australia to see the abundant wildlife including crocodiles sunning themselves on the banks of the river. Overnight: Katherine

DAY 4: Mon 02 Jul KATHERINE PROPERTY VISITS (BD) This morning we will visit the Katherine Research Station to see their research and development on pasture/grass management along with the export stock yards. If time permits visit a large sandalwood plantation and the local hot springs. Later in the day visit the Katherine Agricultural College to see a practical outback educational experience and enjoy dinner here this evening. Overnight: As Above

DAY 5: Tue 03 Jul KATHERINE – – HOME VALLEY (BLD) An early start this morning joining the Victoria Highway passing through some of the largest station properties in the Top End. Enroute stop and visit a large scale cattle property with grey brahman cattle for the export and domestic market. Afterwards stop at Timber Creek on the mighty Victoria River and cross the border into Western Australia entering the picturesque Kimberley landscape of rivers, gorges, red ochre colours and wide open spaces heading for our two night stay at . Enter the heart of the Kimberley as the going gets tough but the scenery is superb travelling along the through the Cockburn Ranges. Overnight: Home Valley Station

DAY 6: Wed 04 Jul HOME VALLEY STATION (BLD) A free morning to enjoy this Aboriginal run cattle station property with time to stroll along the station tracks, perhaps go barramundi fishing on the of just soak up the surroundings of this wonderful place. After lunch travel to Bindoola Gorge and walk into this rugged and unique area. Enjoy sundowners overlooking the three fingers of the Cockburn Ranges this evening. Overnight: As Above

DAY 7: Thu 05 Jul EL QUESTRO – ORD RIVER CRUISE – KUNUNURRA (BLD) This morning cross the Pentecost River traversing El Questro Station and time for a stroll in picturesque Zebedee Springs set amongst the palm trees with its circular backdrop gorge wall and crystal clear rock pools. Afterwards cross the Lake Argyle dam wall that holds the water for the gravity fed Ord irrigation scheme. Board your cruise boat this afternoon for the 55km Ord River cruise into Kununurra, enjoying a spectacular Kimberley sunset over the Carr Boyd Ranges and Lake Kununurra. Overnight: Kununurra

DAY 8: Fri 06 Jul KUNUNURRA SIGHTSEEING (B) This morning our local guide joins us for a tour of the town itself, the Ord River irrigation scheme farms, Ivanhoe Crossing, Diversion Dam, Indian sandalwood plantations, hybrid seed production plus chia, melon and pumpkin crops. Afterwards the remainder of the day is at leisure for private sightseeing or relaxing, and dinner is at own expense this evening. Overnight: As Above

DAY 9: Sat 07 Jul BUNGLE BUNGLES FLY IN DAY TOUR (BLD) A wonderful chance to visit this world famous area with its unique beehive shaped domes. After an early breakfast fly by light aircraft into the Bungle Bungle Ranges. Transfer into 4WD’s and visit Cathedral Gorge, Piccaninny Creek and Bellburn Camp. On your scenic flight to and from the Bungle Bungles today see the Ord River irrigation scheme, Ord River, Lake Argyle and the Argyle Diamond Mine before returning to Kununurra. Enjoy dinner out this evening (own expense). Overnight: As Above

DAY 10: Sun 08 Jul KUNUNURRA – HALLS CREEK (BLD) Depart Kununurra after breakfast and join the Great Northern Highway, passing vast cattle stations toward the historic township of Halls Creek. Lying on the edge of the Great Sandy Desert, Halls Creek is a busy service town for surrounding pastoralists, Aboriginal communities and travellers. Upon arrival travel out to the original Old Halls Creek site where gold was discovered in 1885 and see the crumbling mud brick ruins plus the China Wall – a natural quartzite formation. Also visit the statue in the town park known as ‘Russian Jack’ and hear about his heroic act. Overnight: Halls Creek

DAY 11: Mon 09 Jul HALLS CREEK – JUBILEE DOWNS STATION (BLD) This morning travel through open flat grassland cattle stations on the way to Fitzroy Crossing. Stop off for lunch then continue on our way ending the day travelling to our out-station accommodation at Downs on the family operated cattle station property of Jubilee Downs, our home for the next three nights . Overnight: Jubilee Downs Note – accommodation is twin share cabins with shared toilets and showers. We have exclusive use for our stay. Beds will be allocated on a first in, first served basis. Passengers may be required to camp on the lawns once the allocation of beds has been filled – Swagman Tours will provide necessary equipment.

DAY 12: Tue 10 Jul JUBILEE DOWNS STATION (BLD) This morning property owner Keith Anderson will join us after breakfast and show us around the property, in particular his unique red droughtmaster cattle and excellent horsemanship skills. This afternoon can be spent relaxing in the lounge/dining area of the old homestead or take a stroll along a station track. Overnight: As Above

DAY 13: Wed 11 Jul TUNNEL CREEK & WINDJANA GORGE (BLD) Travel along the western end of the Lennard Ranges to visit Windjana Gorge. On with the walking shoes for a stroll into the gorge – a fossilised barrier reef with spectacular walls soaring 90 metres above the river bed. See freshwater crocodiles in the pools then continue to Tunnel Creek to walk through the underground stream, marvelling at this unique stream in its arid environment. Overnight: As Above

DAY 14: Thu 12 Jul JUBILEE DOWNS – DERBY – BROOME (B) After breakfast travel through vast station properties heading along the Great Northern Highway toward the small settlement of Derby on King Sound. See the 1000 year old Prison Boab Tree and the Myall Stock Trough plus the circular wharf overlooking picturesque King Sound before continuing south toward the cosmopolitan pearling township of Broome on the Indian Ocean, our home for the next three nights. Dinner is at own expense this evening. Overnight: Broome

DAY 15: Fri 13 Jul BROOME SIGHTSEEING (B) This morning see the highlights of Broome including Chinatown, the Sun outdoor theatre, the Japanese Pearl Divers Cemetery, Gantheaume Point and the Dinosaur’s footprints. Enjoy a guided tour of the Pearl Lugger’s Museum to learn about the history of the pearling industry. Afterwards time at leisure for further sightseeing or rest before transferring to Cable Beach to enjoy a spectacular sunset and optional camel ride and celebratory drink. Dinner is at own expense this evening. Overnight: As Above

DAY 16: Sat 14 Jul FREE DAY – HORIZONTAL FALLS OPTIONAL TOUR (BD) A free day for private sightseeing. Maybe take the opportunity to go fishing. The day is yours to do as you please and to soak up the colour and atmosphere of this pearling town or alternatively see the below option; HORIZONTAL FALLS OPTIONAL TOUR Fly from Broome to Horizontal Falls on board a Seaplane and enjoy a spectacular landing on the calm waters of Talbot Bay. Transfer to fast boat and enjoy the experience the incredible tidal power of this natural phenomenon as you are taken through the falls. Enjoy breakfast or lunch on the houseboat. View Paspaley pearl farms in Talbot Bay as we take off for our return flight. Fly at 200m over hundreds of islands of the Buccaneer Archipelago and Cape Leveque before heading south along the coast of the Dampier Peninsula over Lombadina, Beagle Bay, Carnot Bay, Willie Creek & Cable Beach prior to landing in Broome. Tour Cost $850pp. Alternatively a full day Horizontal Falls tour is available travelling by 4WD along the Dampier Peninsula to see the Beagle Bay church, Cape Leveque and One Arm Point where you board the seaplane to view the falls as per above. Tour Cost $895pp. Tours must be booked and paid in full to Swagman Tours prior to departure. There are strictly limited vacancies and they fill very quickly, if you wish book a seat please advise Swagman Tours

immediately.

This evening walk the short distance to Matso’s Brewery Restaurant to reminisce about the events, places and happenings over the last sixteen days dining el fresco at Matso’s Brewery Restaurant for our final farewell dinner. Overnight: As Above

DAY 17: Sun 15 Jul BROOME – FLY HOME (B) Have the opportunity for last minute shopping to buy mementos or take a final stroll or swim along Cable Beach before transferring to Broome airport for you flight home, so ending a memorable trip to the Kimberley region.

COST: $9,645.00 per person, twin share * Cost is based on a minimum of 20 passengers travelling *

Non-refundable deposit required: $750.00 per person

Balance required no later than: 04 May 2018

Single Supplement: $1,565.00

CANCELLATION: In the event of cancellation, levies will apply, please see booking conditions for details.

MULTIPLE NIGHT STAYS: Darwin * 2 Nights Katherine * 2 Nights Home Valley Stn * 2 Nights Kununrra * 3 Nights Jubilee Downs * 3 Nights Broome * 3 Nights

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS: FARM & TECHNICAL VISITS  Territory Wildlife Park, Darwin  Commercial mango/starfruit property

 Katherine Gorge Cruise  Cattle property, Katherine  Ord River Cruise, Kununurra  Export stockyards and Ag College visit, Katherine  Bungle Bungles fly in day trip  Katherine Research Station  El Questro & Home Valley Stations  Sandalwood plantation at Katherine

 Windjana Gorge & Tunnel Creek  Melon & vegetable properties, Kununurra  Broome sightseeing  Jubilee Downs Station, Fitzroy Crossing

Tour Cost Includes: • Economy airfares Mel/Syd to Darwin and Broome to Mel/Syd. • Air-conditioned vehicle throughout with experienced driver/guide & cook/hostess. • Twin share accommodation with ensuite facilities throughout. • Meals as per itinerary: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch (bush style, salad rolls etc), D = Dinner. • All entry fees to sightseeing activities, farm & technical visits as per the itinerary.

Tour cost does not include: • Travel insurance – for a quote or to purchase a policy please contact Swagman Tours. • Items of personal nature and any optional extras listed in the itinerary. • All beverages and meals not indicated in the itinerary.

Farm & Technical Visits: A fully furnished list of confirmed visits both to farming properties and technical stops will be given with your ticket wallets approximately 3 weeks prior to your departure. Changes and alterations may take place from details set out in this itinerary.

This trip will be escorted by Swagman Tours crew (a driver/guide and hostess/cook) who have been working for many years in this role and are highly experienced in all aspects of group travel.

MEALS: Breakfasts will be served daily at the hotel with the exception of Jubilee Downs Station which has all meals provided. Included lunches will be picnic style, eg meat & salad rolls. Most included dinners will be served el fresco style outdoors, prepared by the hostess and served to passengers seated at a dining table with chairs and eating utensils provided.

TOUR ESCORT: TBA

FOR BOOKINGS CONTACT:

SWAGMAN TOURS Level 1, 182 Latrobe Terrace (PO Box 7473) GEELONG WEST VIC 3218

P: 1800 808 491 E: [email protected] W: www.swagmantours.com.au