REISEPROGRAMM Stand 01

Pre Tour Meeting
Your guide will meet you at your hotel on the eve of the tour start for a welcome drink and pre tour information.

Day 1
Welcome to a fascinating tour through this magnificent part of the continent. Your guide will pick you up at the pre-arranged time at your hotel.

Once our group is complete we depart from Cairns and follow the very scenic coastal route to Mossman. A beautiful walk through the lush rainforest at Mossman Gorge will introduce us to this part of the world. Afterwards we reach the Daintree River crossing. The ferry will take us to the other side of the river and soon after we reach a nearby beach and spend some time with swimming and relaxing. Later in the afternoon we reach today’s destination. We check in at the Daintree Heritage Lodge, set in the middle of the lush tropical rainforest. Time left to explore the rainforest on one of the many walking trails near the lodge. Dinner at the restaurant not included.

Accommodation Daintree Heritage Lodge

Day 2
After breakfast at the lodge, we continue our journey and travel further north. Weather conditions may determine the route chosen today. We reach Cooktown where back in 1770 Captain James Cook was forced to haul in his ship, after hitting the reef on his passage along the coast. First encounter with gravel roads along the route. We stay overnight at a motel in town. Dinner at the restaurant not included.

Accommodation Cooktown Motel

Day 3
Today our adventure really starts. We leave the more populated coastal areas behind and commence our journey from the Pacific Coast across the Gulf Country to the Top End of Australia. Soon after leaving Cooktown we turn onto less travelled roads and head north towards the small township of Laura. From there a 4WD Track leads us to the Jowalbinna Safari Camp where we will stay for the next 2 nights

Jowalbinna Safari Camp (Cabin)

Day 4

Today we explore the area under the guidance of one of the Jowalbinna guides. We visit some outstanding Aboriginal rock art sites. This area features the most remarkable rock art in the state of Queensland. In the afternoon there is time to relax, go for a walk or enjoy a swimm in one of the waterholes.

Uebernachtung: Jowalbinna Rock Art Safari Camp (Cabin)

Day 5
After a sumptuous breakfast it is time to depart. We return to the main road at Laura, turn north and after about 20 km turn off onto a winding road which will take us across the mountain range towards the Gulf Country. A wonderful drive, crossing the Palmer River, famous from the Goldrush era, before reaching the Mitchell River near Mt Mulgrave Station. We set up our first Bushcamp right beside the river.

Camping Mitchell River Station Bush camp

Day 6
This morning we keep following the track to the Gulf road, leaving the mountains behind us. We spend most of the day driving to cover some distance. The vast Gulf Country ahead of us. Many Brolgas and Sarus Cranes can usually be seen along this route. By mid-afternoon we reach the Staaten River where we set up another beautiful camp under the stars.

Camping Staaten River Bush camp

Day 7
Today’s drive is rather short. We reach Normanton before lunchtime. After lunch we have time for our laundry if necessary and also time to stock up on fuel and fresh supplies after a few days out in the bush. Dinner at the restaurant (not included)

Motel Accommodation

Day 8
We leave Normanton early and soon after the vastness of the Gulf Country opens up completely. We keep driving towards the endless horizon and cross some of the huge rivers we mainly hear of during the wet season only. It is hard to imagine that these now dry waterways are capable of flooding the entire area up here. We cross the Gregory River and the endless flat plains disappear as we approach today’s destination, Lawn Hill Natl. Park, the jewel of the Gulf Country. Here we set up camp for 3 nights and after setting up the camp, we will all enjoy a swim in the creek.

Camping Lawn Hill National Park Camp

Day 9
A delicious breakfast, maybe even a swim before, is a great way to start this day in paradise. We pack our lunch and follow the walking trails to the upper end of the gorges. We enjoy out-standing views from the many lookouts before the trail leads us down to the water. We walk amongst palm trees and reach the most beautiful part of the gorges, the waterfall. Here the waters of the upper gorge flow down into the lower gorge. What a place to remain for lunch and a swim. Later in the afternoon the trail brings us back up onto the gorge rim for a brilliant view of the waterfall and from there back to our camp. Time for another swim

Camping Lawn Hill National Park Camp

Day 10
Surely, all of us would like to stay a little longer but more of our adventure still lies head of us. We drive past Lawn Hill Station where we cross Lawn Hill Creek at a beautiful spot. From there we follow the station track north and will most likely encounter some wallabies and kangaroos along the way. You will agree, that today’s route is one of the most scenic routes in the outback. We pass large cattle herds before reaching Bowthorn Station. From There we follow the station track further north to the Kingfisher Camp. Brilliant scenery along this route. Kingfisher Camp is beautifully set on the banks of the Nicholson River. Plenty of colourful birds again at this place.

Camping Kingfisher Camp

Day 11

We stay at Kingfisher Camp. After breakfast a short drive brings us to Hedley Gorge. We take lunch along and take our time exploring this remote colourful location. Time for a swim before we return to our camp later in the afternoon.

Camping Kingfisher Camp

Day 12
Today we follow the Gulf road towards Borooloola, crossing the border into the Northern Territory. We cross many creeks and rivers along the way, the amount of water they still carry depending on the intensity of the previous wet season when many roads up here usually are impassable. Today we set up our camp near Borooloola.

Borooloola River Bush camp

Day 13
We continue our journey and reach Borooloola where we stop to stock up on fuel and fresh supplies again. From there we travel north. We turn off towards Bauhinia Station. There a short walk leads to a beautiful waterhole. The more adventurous may swim the 200m to the other end, the others set across in a small dingy. There a waterfall cascades down into a beautiful pool and to our surprise, the water is warm as it flows from a thermal spring further up. After lunch we continue our journey and head north. Again we cross many creeks and rivers and will be able to spot a few animals along the track. By late afternoon we reach our camp at Lorella Springs Station, a lovely camp situated right beside a thermal creek. A warm bath is guaranteed.

Camping Lorella Springs Station

Day 14

We stay on Lorella Springs Station and explore the environment by car and discover hidden pools on foot. The crystal clear water in a pristine surrounding invites for another swim. Another day in paradise.

Camping at Lorella Springs Station Camp

Day 15

Again time to depart. We drive back to the main road and shortly after reach another highlight of this tour, the Southern Lost City. You will marvel at this natural wonder. We take our time along the 2.5 km walk amongst the towering rock formations. In the afternoon, after a short drive we reach our camp at Butterfly Springs. Time for a plunge in the natural pool

Camping Limmen National Park, Butterfly Springs Camp

Day 16

We stay another day in the Limmen National Park, no need to pull down our camp today. At the Ranger station we collect the key to unlock the gate to the track leading to the Western Lost City. It will take us about an hour on a remote track to reach this hidden treasure. Again you will be stunned by the beauty of these rock formations. We explore the area on foot enjoy our lunch and return to the camp by mid afternoon. Time for another swim.

Camping Limmen National Park, Butterfly Springs Camp

Day 17
We follow the track to Roper Bar and then reach the Stuart Hwy at Mataranka. We reach Katherine where we will again enjoy a break from camping. We stay at a motel in town. (Laundry facilities) Dinner at the restaurant not included.

Accommodation Motel in Katherine

Day 18
Today the final part of our journey commences and surely is a final highlight of this wonderful journey through some of Australia’s remotest areas. We leave Katherine and drive through Kakadu Natl. Park before reaching Cahill’s Crossing where we cross the East Alligator River and enter Arnhemland. We follow the remote tracks to Max Davidson’s Arnhemland Safaris Camp at Mt. Borradaile, where we will spend the next 3 nights.

Accommodation Max Davidson’s Arnhemland Safaris Camp

Day 19
Today Max Davidson and his team of guides will introduce us to a world of its own. We explore the area in their open vehicles, by boat and on foot. We get a true insight into Aboriginal rock art and history. We encounter crocodiles and see an abundance of birds at the creeks and billabongs. We are amazed at the amount of rock art in this area. Wherever we look, a new surprise shows up. Try your luck at Barramundi (cannot be guaranteed - seasonal) fishing or cool of in a safe natural pool.
The way the two full days we spend here are conducted, are entirely up to Max Davidson and his team as there are many different areas of interest at Mt Borradaile.

Accommodation Max Davidson’s Arnhemland Safaris Camp

Day 20
Another day full of surprises and unforgettable impressions as we are shown more of what we experienced the previous day.

Accommodation Max Davidson’s Arnhemland Safaris Camp

Day 21
It will not be easy to say goodbye to a place like this but our last tour day has arrived. We depart Arnhemland the way we entered it, along the same route back to Cahill's Crossing. After that we follow the Highway to Darwin where the tour ends.

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Touring and sightseeing in small groups, travelling in modern, air-conditioned 4WD vehicle. All entry fees and activities according to the itinerary.

Competent expert guiding by Peter Hasler

Comfortable, clean tent accommodation and camping equipment. Spacious twin share tents or single accommodation on request (extra cost, tent type may be different from double/twin share as shown, comfortable easy to erect dome type tent). Comfortable self-inflating mattress, pillow and torch. Sleeping bag not included (bring your own or hire clean warm sleeping bag)

All other types of accommodation as per itinerary. Includes Arnhemland Safari Camp, Katherine, Normanton, Jowalbinna Safari Camp, Cooktown Motel and Daintree Heritage Lodge

Daily sumptuous and healthy breakfast and delicious dinner, except 4 dinners as per Itinerary.
Cold lunches are provided in remote areas or where daily activities such as walks are undertaken during the day. In more populated areas, where possible, we stop for lunch at roadhouses, cafes etc. for a light lunch (not included). Snacks in-between, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages are NOT included.

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Luggage:
Luggage is limited to 14 kg per passenger, 1 piece of luggage (max. 14 kg), small backpack, camera bag and sleeping bag (can be hired). As space is limited we advise to use soft bags or backpacks only. We cannot accept suitcases or backpacks with stiff frames. If you travel with additional luggage, this can be stored at your hotel at no cost (round trips only) or can be forwarded to the destination where the tour ends at cost of $20-40 approx. Your guide will assist with this. Please note that Laundry facilities can be used at most caravan parks, motels etc. where we stay overnight. No need to carry detergent, pegs, washing line etc. This is all provided. Do not bring along unnecessary equipment as everything apart from your personal belongings is provided for. Please observe this luggage requirements, thank you!

Clothing:
Please bring along comfortable, practical clothing. warm jacket and jumper, jeans, track suit, shorts, T-shirts, etc. Please note that Laundry facilities can be accessed on every tour.

Hand luggage:
Small bag or small backpack to carry your personal belongings, camera/films, sun glasses, hat, sun lotion with high protection rating 15-30+, insect repellent, swimmers, notebook etc. (all these items are essential on these tours!)

Photography / Filming:
You will certainly have plenty of opportunities to record your experiences with your camera or video recorder. Years of experience have shown however that in regard to your equipment carried, "less" is often better. Take along only what you consider necessary to avoid carrying lots of unnecessary weight on walks etc. A lens with a good zoom range is best suited. Also a wide angle lens for landscape pictures etc. A tripod is not required unless you are used to do so for video recording. A small tripod is in the vehicle to be used if required. please note that in Australia days are generally very bright and high sensitive films are not required. Films with a 100 ASA rating and lower will give better result as the commonly used 200 ASA rated films. For shots in rain forests or when using long range lenses high sensitive films may be required.
Please have your camera checked and/or familiarize yourself with a new camera before departing. Check your batteries and carry a spare battery. In remote places it may be impossible to obtain a new battery for most modern cameras. Slide films are also often unavailable in remote areas, so carry enough film rolls for your requirements.
Rechargeable batteries for video recorders can be recharged wherever power is available, caravan parks, motels, lodges, cottages etc. This is not possible in National Parks and at bush camps along the route. One or two batteries of reasonable capacity however will be adequate in most cases. Charging batteries via the 12 V system of the tour vehicle requires a 12 V charging adapter fitting into the cigarette lighter socket. However this method is only possible while driving longer distances as the car batteries capacity is primarily required to operate the vehicle safely and running the refrigerator.

"Gulflander" Tour - Important!

We would like to advise that very warm clothing to protect you from cold winds is absolutely essential on all scheduled tours. This tour does operate during the mild dry winter months only and during the day, cold conditions are rarely experienced. In the Gulf area however, temperatures after sunset can drop significantly, caused by fresh southerly winds. This sometimes may require warm clothing. Please consider that we will be outdoors even after sunset when temperatures may drop. However warm clothing, a nice camp fire, first class camping equipment and a warm sleeping bag will make sure that you always feel comfortable.

Gepäck:
Total 14 kg pro Teilnehmer, 1 Gepäckstück (max.14 kg), zusätzlich ein kleiner Wander - Rucksack als Handgepäck, Photoausrüstung, ein Schlafsack.

Als Gepäckstück können wir auf diesen Safaris aus Platzgründen nur eine weiche Reisetasche oder einen weichen Backpack akzeptieren. Also bitte keine Koffer, Taschen oder Rucksack mit Traggestell/Rahmen. Zusätzliche und/oder ungeeignete Gepäckstücke können entweder bis zum Ende der Tour deponiert werden (nur bei Boomerang Tour) oder zu Ihren Lasten an den Endpunkt der Reise gesandt werden (ca $20 - $40 pro Gepäckstück). Pius Hasler kann dies am Vortag der Abreise organisieren. Bitte rufen Sie ihn an. Tel 0418 425 918. Beachten Sie, dass die Möglichkeit zum Kleiderwaschen besteht. Waschmittel, Wäscheklammern und -Leine sind vorhanden. Lassen Sie Unnötiges zuhause, es wird für Alles gesorgt. Wir bitten Sie, diese Gepäcksbestimmungen zu beachten.

Bekleidung:
Was Sie mitnehmen müssen: Sportliche praktische Kleidung, Windjacke, warmer Pullover, Trainingsanzug, Shorts, T-Shirts, Unterwäsche, etc., Toilettenartikel. Auf den meisten Zeltplätzen können die Kleider gewaschen werden. Waschmaschinen und Tumbler sind auf öffentlichen Campingplätzen und meistens auch in Motels vorhanden.

Handgepäck:
Kleiner Rucksack mit Ihren Wertsachen: Kamera/Filme, Sonnenbrille, Hut, Sonnencréme mit erhöhtem Lichtschutzfaktor (15-30), Insektenschutzmittel, Badekleid, Notizbuch, etc.(alle diese Sachen sind sehr wichtig auf diesen Touren!)

Photographieren / Filmen:
Sie werden diesbezüglich auf all diesen Touren sicher voll zum Zug kommen. Langjährige Erfahrung zeigt aber, dass in Bezug auf die Ausrüstung "Weniger" oft "Mehr" ist. Nehmen Sie nur mit, was Sie als notwendig betrachten, da Sie sonst z.B. auf Wanderungen nur mit sehr viel Gewicht belastet sein werden. Objektive mit grossem Brennweiten "Zoom" - Bereich sind von Vorteil. Dazu ein gutes Weitwinkel Objektiv für Landschaftsaufnahmen etc. Lassen Sie Ihr Stativ zuhause (ausser Sie filmen ausschliesslich mit Stativ). Ein kleines Culman 3-Bein Stativ ist an Bord und kann im Notfall verwendet werden. Grundsätzlich herrscht aber in Australien sehr gutes Licht. 100 ASA Filme und darunter resultieren tagsüber in besseren Farbwiedergaben als die heute oft verwendeten 200 ASA Filme. Für Aufnahmen in Regen- Wäldern und für Tieraufnahmen mit Objektiven mit sehr grosser Brennweite etc. empfiehlt es sich, höher-empfindliche Filme zu benutzen.
Kontrollieren Sie Ihre Kamera und unbedingt die Batterien und nehmen Sie eine neue, kontrollierte Ersatzbatterie mit. Batterien moderner Aparate sind in abgelegenen Gebieten oft nicht erhältlich. Auch die modernen ovalen Filme und Dia-Filme sind in abgelegenen Gebieten oft nicht erhältlich. Nehmen Sie genug an Vorrat mit.
Das Laden von Filmkamera-Akus ist überall dort möglich wo Strom vorhanden ist, das heisst in den Motels, Lodges und öffentlichen Campingplätzen. Dies ist in National Parks und Buschcamps nicht möglich. Es empfiehlt sich, Akus mit guter Kapazität mitzunehmen, was erfahrungsgemäss stets ausreichend ist. Akus können im Notfall wärend dem Fahren durch die Fahrzeugbatterien aufgeladen werden. In diesem Fall ist ein 12 V Ladegerät mit Adapter für den Zigaretten-Anzünder im Fahrzeug mitzubringen. Diese Auflademethode hängt aber vom Tagesablauf ab. Wird wenig gefahren, wird die Kapazität der Batterien für den Kühlschrank benötigt. Diese Auflademethode wird aber wirklich nur benötigt, wenn sehr sehr intensiv gefilmt wird.

"Gulflander" Tour - Wichtig!
Wir weisen Sie ausdrücklich darauf hin, dass sehr warme Bekleidung, die Sie vor allem gegen kalte Winde schützt, auf sämtlichen Touren zu jeder Jahreszeit, unbedingt mit zu Ihrer Ausrüstung zählen muss. Die Tour wird ausschliesslich in den milden, trockenen Wintermonaten durchgeführt. Aber bedenken Sie, dass die Tour zwar durch milde klimatische Zonen führt und daher tagsüber kaum mit kaltem Klima gerechnet werden muss. Im Gulf Gebiet können Temperaturen jedoch manchmal nachts trotzdem empfindlich sinken, hervorgerufen durch auftretende kalte Südwinde die nach Sonnenuntergang warme Bekleidung ab und zu erforderlich machen. Bedenken Sie, dass Sie stets, also auch nach Sonnenuntergang im Freien sind. Warme Kleidung, und wo möglich, ein wärmendes Lagerfeuer, ein gute Zeltausrüstung und ein warmer Schlafsack wird Ihnen aber selbst in einer kalten Nacht Behaglichkeit bieten.

Schuhwerk:
Bequeme leichte Wanderschuhe mit Gummisohlen, gute Turnschuhe oder leichte Trekkingschuhe (schwere Wanderschuhe nicht erforderlich) Badeschuhe oder Sandalen und ein Paar bequeme leichte Schuhe zum Tragen in Restaurants etc.