Terra Australis Safaris "Boomerang" Tour Reiseprogramm

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 01
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. In no time we will leave the City of Adelaide behind us and find ourselves travelling through the picturesque Adelaide Hills. By lunch time we reach Victor Harbour, a beautifully situated town on the Southern Ocean. We stop for lunch and enjoy a walk out to Granite Island. Later in the afternoon we drive along this magnificent coastline and then reach the Deep Creek Conservation Park. We stay at a beautiful homestead right at the edge of the park. The natural surrounding is home to lots of kangaroos and many colourful birds.

Accommodation Deep Creek Homestead     D

Day 02
Waking up in this beautiful valley, the luxury homestead to enjoy, a wonderful way to start the day. After breakfast we set out to explore the Deep Creek Conservation Park by car and on some of the walks. Wild coastal scenery, lush green forests and plenty of wildlife are the highlights of the day.

Accommodation Deep Creek Homestead      B/L/D

Day 03
An early start is necessary today. We do not want to miss the ferry to Kangaroo Island. We depart the homestead at around 8.00 am for the ferry which departs from nearby Cape Jervis. It takes about 50 minutes to reach the island. We have time for a coffee before our exploration of this natural wonder begins. We first drive to seal bay for another highlight. We visit the Australian Sea-lion colony where we are able to walk amongst them right on their own beach. After that we climb some white sand dunes at the nearby Little Sahara before continuing on to the Flinders Chase National Park. We drive right to the south-western tip of the Island and spend the following 2 nights at one of the historic lighthouse keeper's cottage.

Cottage Accommodation Cape de Couedic     B/L/D

Day 04
We spend the 2 few days on this magnificent Island. We explore the Flinders Chase National Park by car and on walks. There is so much to see. Wild coast lines, the Remarkable Rocks formation, forests, seal colonies, koalas and an abundance of other wildlife. Surely a true highlight on this tour.

Cottage Accommodation Cape de Couedic B/L/D

Day 05

Another day to further explore the natural wonders of Kangaroo Island. We cross the Island back to Penneshaw where we stay overnight.

Cottage Accommodation B/D

Day 06
After breakfast we catch the ferry at 10.30 am and sail back to the mainland. There we follow a different route North through the Adelaide Hills and reach the famous Barossa Valley, Australia's oldest wine producing region. After some wine tasting at one of the many wineries we arrive at our accommodation in the heart of the Barossa.

Cottage Accommodation Barossa Valley B/D

Day 07

We progress further North into the interior. Via Kapunda, a historic copper mining town we reach the Clare Valley, another well known wine growing region. We stop by at the historic Seven Hill Winery before enjoying our lunch in Clare. The wine regions behind us we now travel through undulating hills, past sheep farms, wheat fields and remote towns. We reach Quorn, a historic steam railway town at the foot of the Southern Flinders Ranges. Our accommodation for the next 2 days is only a short drive out of town. You will enjoy staying at Endiloe Lodge. The spacious lodge is built on the banks of a mainly dry creek bed which is lined with huge River Red Gums. These trees attract a lot of birds, cockatoos and parrots alike. Cockatoos often turn up in huge flocks at dawn and dusk. A magnificent spectacle to watch.

Accommodation Endiloe Lodge B/D

Day 08

No need to pack up today. We will stay another night at the lodge. We depart as early as possible for our excursion to the Flinders Ranges National Park. Via Hawker we reach this magnificent mountain range. We follow the western slopes to the Brachina Gorge where the many different rock formations reveal the ancient geological past of this area. The drive through Bunyeroo Gorge and the views from the various lookouts are simply breathtaking. A short stroll into Sacred Canyon brings us to some ancient aboriginal rock carvings. Later in the afternoon we return to Quorn and once more enjoy our accommodation at Endiloe Lodge.

Accommodation Endiloe Lodge B/L/D

09 Day

Today we face a bit a longer distance on the road than usual. Via Peterborough we reach the Barrier Highway and follow it to Broken Hill. Shortly before Broken Hill we cross the border into NSW. Broken Hill or the "Silver City" as it is called out here is a mining town where Silver has been mined for over a Century. We check in at our motel and have time to enjoy and relax by the swimming pool. Dinner tonight is at a restaurant. (not included)

Accommodation Broken Hill, Motel B/L

Day 10

After leaving Broken Hill we follow remote tracks through this semi arid region. The sheep and cattle stations out here are huge and life stock share the land with the large Red Kangaroos and Emus of which we should see plenty today. We reach White Cliffs, the oldest opal mining town in Australia. We explore the old and new mine fields and get a true insight into the life of the "old timers" and the modern day miners. We stay at the magnificent PJ's Underground B&B. Peter will take a break from cooking today and we will all enjoy dinner underground, prepared by our host Joanne Pedler. (Dinner not included)

Accommodation PJ's Underground B&B B/L

Day 11
After breakfast in our "Dougout" we visit Ron Foord and his family at Top Level Opal. Ron is one of a few professional miners in White Cliffs, chasing Opal for over 35 years. After that we depart from White Cliffs and again follow remote tracks towards today's destination, Trilby Station. The homestead is right on the banks of the famous Darling River. On a hot day, we will surely enjoy the swimming pool at our cottages. Note: Trilby Station is only accessible during dry weather condition as rain turns the roads out here quickly into impassable mudslides. However it hardly ever rains out here anyway.

Accommodation Trilby Station Cottages B/D

Day 12

Today we depart early as our longest distance of travelling is ahead of us. We follow the dirt road to Cobar and then travel along the Highway to Nyngen, Warren, Gilgandra and on to Coonabarabran. Some 35 km out of town we arrive at Terrawinda Station, a 13 Km2 farming and grazing property owned and operated by my dear friends Herbert and Beatrice Wuersch.

Accommodation Terrawinda Farmstay B/D

Day 13

Today we head into the nearby Wurrumbungle National Park. Mountains formed by volcanic activity a long time ago. Beautiful scenery and an abundance of wildlife are the highlights of this park. We have time for some exploration along the many walking trails At the entrance to the park, on top of the mountains also lies one of the largest astronomy observatories in the southern hemisphere. Late afternoon we return to Terrawinda and again enjoy the great hospitality of our hosts.

Accommodation Terrawinda Farmstay B/L/D

Day 14
Today we spend all day at Terrawinda and receive an insight into the daily life of a farmer. Terrawinda approx 1300 hectares (3250 acres) in size is beautifully situated. The homestead is built right on top of a hill, overlooking the entire property. Up to 1400 cattle graze in the paddocks whereas part of the property is used to grow crops. Our hosts are very proud of what they have achieved through hard work over the years and are very pleased to give visitors an insight into their operation. Today's experiences and the genuine, warm hospitality are truly a highlight of this tour.

Accommodation Terrawinda Farmstay B/L/D

Day 15
We say goodbye to our hosts and travel east towards the mountains of the Great Dividing Range. First we drive on less travelled roads, across rich farmland before reaching the New England Highway at Tamworth, Australia's Country Music capital. From there we follow the Highway up to Armidale where we stop for lunch. After lunch we continue our journey towards Grafton. Along the way we stop at the Wollombi Falls lookout. Wollombi Falls is one of Australia's highest Waterfalls. How spectacular the falls will be depends however on the amount of rainfall received. Nevertheless the Gorge itself is spectacular. Later in the afternoon we arrive at Peter's home near Grafton. Maneaba is situated approx. 12 km outside of town. You will feel at home straight away, enjoy the view from the hill, in no time make friends with Peter's horses and ponies who love to be spoilt and most likely spot some kangaroos. This will be our base for the last few days of our journey from which we will explore the magnificent Northern Rivers area.

Accommodation Maneaba Farmstay B/D

Day 16
Today we spend all day at Maneaba. Time to relax, explore the property and the wildlife present or have some fun with the ponies.

Accommodation Maneaba Farmstay B/L/D

Day 17
After a sumptuous breakfast on the veranda we head out for our first day of exploring. Along the Gwydir Highway we travel up into the mountains. You will enjoy the ride through the picturesque Mann River Valley before the road climbs and we reach the World Heritage listed Washpool and Gibraltar National Parks. You will be simply amazed by the sudden changes from dry eucalypt forests into lush rainforests. We explore the parks along some of the many tracks available and enjoy our lunch in this unique environment. Later in the day we return to Grafton

Accommodation Maneaba Farmstay B/L/D

Day 18
The calls of the many early birds will wake you up today. Peter has so far identified over 100 different bird species on his small property alone, some live here permanently, others turn up seasonal. Again we first enjoy our breakfast before driving off to the Northern Rivers coast which is regarded as one of the most beautiful and unspoilt coastal areas of NSW, mostly protected within the Yuraygir National Park. We stroll along the beaches and coastal tracks and enjoy a swim. Late afternoon we again return to Grafton

Accommodation Maneaba Farmstay B/L/D

Day 19

The last day of our tour has arrived. We once more enjoy breakfast together on the veranda. During the day Peter will transfer you to the airport or train station for your connection out of Grafton.

I HOPE THAT WITH THIS TOUR I WILL BE ABLE TO SHOW YOU THE UNIQUE BEAUTY OF THE AUSTRALIAN CONTINENT, ITS FAUNA AND FLORA AND THAT YOU WILL DEPART WITH MANY UNFORGETTABLE MEMORIES - Peter Hasler

Services included

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

All accommodation in selected, Lodges, Cottages, Motels, B&B etc. Daily sumptuous and healthy breakfast and delicious dinner, except 2 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.

On request, single accommodation is available (additional cost). However in 1-2 of the selected cottages single rooms may not be guaranteed, depending on the number of passengers travelling and rooms available. All cottages/lodges are used exclusively by the entire group. Bedrooms may be of variable size and differently furnished. Allocation of bedrooms depends on group composition (couples, singles) and may be rotated from cottage to cottage.

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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. Most people however use digital cameras.
Rechargeable batteries for digital cameras and 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.

"Southern Cross Tour" - Important!

We would like to advise that very warm clothing to protect you from cold winds is absolutely essential on all scheduled tours. The tour does operate during the warm dry summer months only. However the itinerary leads through various climates (desert, mountains, sea) which means that up in the Great Dividing Ranges of the East Coast and along the southern coast line, cold winds sometimes prevail even in summer time and temperatures may drop. Please consider that after sunset temperatures sometimes may drop.