15 DAY FULLY INCLUSIVE TOUR - 10th August - 24th August, 2021 - O'Shannessy's Quality Tours
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of the Kimberley TUESDAY 10TH AUGUST TO TUESDAY 24TH AUGUST, 2021 Spread over Australia's entire north-western corner, the Kimberley is one of the world's last wilderness frontiers. There is prolific wildlife, majestic canyons and some fantastic cruises which take you through the stunning Geikie Gorge and the Ord River. Even though this is a remote region there is still great food, luxury accommodations and friendly locals. TOUR HIGHLIGHTS Darwin Argyle Diamond Mine Aviation Museum Halls Creek Royal Flying Doctor Service Tourist Facility Fitzroy Crossing Litchfield National Park Boab Prison Tree Kakadu National Park Broome sightseeing Kununurra - Mirima National Park Willie Creek Pearl Farm Zebra Mine CRUISES Darwin Harbour Cruise Lake Argyle Cruise Jumping Croc Cruise Wetlands Cruise - Lake Argyle Yellow Waters Sunset Cruise Geikie Gorge Cruise Katherine Gorge Cruise Willie Creek Wanderer Cruise MULTIPLE NIGHT STAYS 3 nights in Darwin, Kununurra and Broome 2 nights in Katherine COACH FLIGHT BOAT As a thank you for travelling with O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours, you will automatically receive a saving on the total tour price for your second and subsequent tours. O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours will match single travellers who wish to twin share with another single traveller of the same gender. However, if this is not possible, you shall be provided with single accommodation at the twin share fare (no additional cost).
TOUR INCLUSIONS Complimentary chauffeur driven transfers. Victorian passengers from Greater Melbourne, Bendigo, Torquay, Ballarat, Geelong, the Bellarine and Mornington Peninsulas, Phillip Island and selected areas of Gippsland will be picked up and returned home in a private chauffeured vehicle by one of our professional drivers. Luxury Touring Coaches. Our full size 3 axle luxury coaches have only 32-36 passenger seats allowing you even more personal space and huge leg room. Our coaches are fitted with comfortable reclining seats with aisle arm rests, foot rests, seat belts, panoramic windows with blinds, refrigerator for passenger use, Climate control air conditioning & Road Cam monitors which display the road ahead in real time. Each coach also has a second door for easier entry and exit and touchless hand sanitizer dispensers at each entry to help keep everyone safe. The coaches have full air suspension delivering a smooth and quiet ride which also allows us to lower the coach closer to the ground, making boarding and disembarking even easier. Return Flights: Economy flights Melbourne to Darwin via Perth and Broome to Melbourne. Tour Director. Dedicated O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours coach crew (tour directors) on board to ensure your travel experience is memorable. Best Available Quality Accommodation. Ensuite motel accommodation each night. Attractions. All tours and interest venues as per itinerary. Meals. Full cooked breakfasts, morning tea, some lunches and two course restaurant dinners daily. 5 lunches own expense as per itinerary. No Hidden Extras. O'Shannessy's Quality Tours are fully inclusive. DEPOSIT TOUR COSTS $200pp UPON BOOKING Twin Share Room First Tour: $8,695 per person Twin Share Room Repeat Traveller 2 - 10 Tours: $8,645 per person Twin Share Room Repeat Traveller 11 - 20 Tours: $8,620 per person Twin Share Room Repeat Traveller 21+ Tours: $8,595 per person Single Room Supplement: $ 1,510 per person
DAY 1 Tuesday 10th August, 2021 MELBOURNE TO DARWIN Welcome to our fabulous tour! We’re collected from home this morning by our chauffeur service and transferred to Melbourne Airport to join the QANTAS flight Perth, then our connecting flight to Darwin. At Darwin Airport we are met by our O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours crew. Our first stop is a visit to the Aviation Museum. Here we can see an impressive presentation of aircraft and displays including the massive Boeing B52 Bomber, one of only two on display in the world outside the USA. It’s now time to check into our next three nights accommodation, settle in and freshen up. Lunch at own expense and arrangement / Refreshments on flight OVERNIGHT: Double Tree by Hilton Esplanade, DARWIN DAY 2 Wednesday 11th August, 2021 DARWIN SIGHTSEEING Many people aren’t aware of the importance of Darwin during World War II so we’ll look at the city as it is today and also learn from a local expert about the involvement and history of the bombings of Darwin. We conclude the tour at Stokes Wharf with a visit to the Royal Flying Doctor Service Tourist Facility. This unique facility highlights the magnificent service provided to Outback Australia by the RFDS and also showcases the Bombing of Darwin through Virtual Reality headsets – an amazing experience! We have a few hours to relax and enjoy the resort facilities before we transfer to Stokes Hill Wharf for our fantastic dinner cruise on Darwin Harbour. What a wonderful way to start our tour, as we see the Darwin skyline at sunset. Lunch at own expense and arrangement OVERNIGHT: Double Tree by Hilton Esplanade, DARWIN
DAY 3 Thursday 12th August, 2021 LITCHFIELD NATIONAL PARK This morning, we travel south to the small township of Adelaide River - about 110kms from Darwin. We make a brief stop at Adelaide River War Cemetery, where 432 servicemen and 63 civilians, all of whom died as a result of Japanese bombing raids, are buried. From here we enter Litchfield National Park. The 65,000ha National Park with its untouched rainforests, hot springs, magnificent waterfalls and stunning scenery has gained the reputation as the jewel of the Northern Territory’s crown. We stop to see the Magnetic Anthills and the magnificent Florence Falls from the lookout platform. We enjoy lunch at the Litchfield Cafe and visit nearby Wangi Falls where there is time for a refreshing dip! - so bring your togs! Returning to Darwin, we have some free time to pack up our bags before watching another sunset as we enjoy dinner at Cullen Bay. It won’t be a late night as we begin our road journey tomorrow. OVERNIGHT: Double Tree by Hilton Esplanade, DARWIN DAY 4 Friday 13th August, 2021 DARWIN TO KAKADU With an early start, we say farewell to Darwin and travel the Arnhem Land Highway to World Heritage Listed Kakadu National Park. Our first visit on our way to Kakadu is the Jumping Croc Cruise - don’t forget to bring your camera! Further along, we enter the wonderland of Kakadu National Park. This afternoon we visit the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre before joining our magical 2 hour Yellow Water Sunset Cruise. Nowhere else will you see such a concentration of so many species of diverse wildlife than here, including Brolgas, Egrets, Jabiru and hopefully some crocs! OVERNIGHT: Kakadu Lodge Cooinda, KAKADU DAY 5 Saturday 14th August, 2021 KAKADU TO KATHERINE We begin our day’s touring with a visit to Nourlangie Rock and its ancient Aboriginal rock art. On leaving the National Park, we stop for lunch at Pine Creek before our journey south to Katherine. We have plenty of time to settle into our accommodation - perhaps a swim in the pool is called for! OVERNIGHT: Knotts Crossing Resort, KATHERINE
DAY 6 Sunday 15th August, 2021 KATHERINE GORGE A visit to Katherine would not be complete without a cruise through Katherine Gorge. This morning, we take the two-hour cruise through the southern edge of Nitmiluk National Park. Sheer walls of sandstone dotted with ancient Aboriginal rock art surround the crystal waters of the Katherine River where freshwater crocodiles can be seen along the banks. After our cruise through two of the gorges, we stop at the Visitors Centre where we have time to look at their displays. Back in Katherine, there’s time to purchase lunch and take a look at the township. This afternoon we have a choice - relax at the resort or come with us to unwind in the therapeutic crystal clear waters of the Katherine Hot Springs (32oC). The main pool has wheel chair access, stainless steel rails and the walls have been formed out of rock. Lunch at own expense and arrangement OVERNIGHT: Knotts Crossing Resort, KATHERINE DAY 7 Monday 16th August, 2021 KATHERINE TO KUNUNURRA Today we travel west calling at Victoria River and Timber Creek, crossing into Western Australia to arrive at Kununurra. The town was established as the residential and administrative centre of the Ord River Scheme - a huge irrigation scheme that was developed in the 1970’s. We take a look at the town centre, the Diversion Dam and Ivanhoe Crossing. We also visit Mirima National Park, often called Hidden Valley. The sandstone formations here resemble the domes of the famous Bungle Bungles (Purnululu National Park), which is why they are sometimes called Mini Bungle Bungles - it’s a perfect opportunity to get an “on ground” experience! We then check into our next three night’s accommodation. OVERNIGHT: The Kimberley Grande, KUNUNURRA
DAY 8 Tuesday 17th August, 2021 KUNUNURRA AND THE ORD RIVER This morning we have the opportunity to take a scenic 2 hour flight over the Bungle Bungles (Purnululu National Park). This flight is optional and is an additional cost. Highly recommended!! Not flying? Then you can enjoy a sleep in! Mid-morning, when the flyers return, we drive towards Lake Argyle, stopping enroute to visit the Argyle Homestead Museum. The famous pioneering Durack family home became known far and wide as one of the social gathering places of the East Kimberley. The homestead was originally built in 1895 by the Durack family on Argyle Downs Station (now mostly submerged by the lake). During the early 1970’s the homestead was removed before Lake Argyle began to fill in. Dismantled like a giant jigsaw, the homestead was carefully rebuilt in its current location and now lives on as a museum dedicated to the pioneering spirit of the Durack Family. We travel on to Lake Argyle where we enjoy lunch at the Tourist Village. One of the many highlights of our tour to East Kimberley will be our cruise this afternoon with Lake Argyle Cruises. Take in the untamed landscape of the magnificent Carr Boyd Ranges we cruise through some of the lakes 90 islands and inlets. Hopefully we’ll see Rock Wallabies, Crocodiles, Wallaroos (Euros) and Birdlife, plus a Catfish feeding frenzy and the amazing spitting Archer Fish. We stay out on the water in an ideal setting to catch the last golden rays of the Kimberley sun – the first of many! We return to Kununurra for a slightly later dinner. OVERNIGHT: The Kimberley Grande, KUNUNURRA DAY 9 Wednesday 18th August, 2021 ZEBRA ROCK MINE The Kimberley is one highlight after another and today is no exception as we head to the Zebra Mine. Lunch will be freshly caught Silver Cobbler and they say the lunch hits a 10 on the “fish ‘n chip-odometer”!! We’ll take a tour of the mine then enjoy our afternoon tea. It’s now time to board our Wetlands Cruise; the wetlands are situated on the eastern side of Lake Argyle where the many creeks feed into the dam. We’re sure to see a huge variety of birds, Ospreys, brolgas, cormorants, ibis, egrets, darters, corellas, herons, whistling ducks, magpie geese, sea eagles – just to name a few! We might see a few Johnston freshwater crocodiles too. How does some champagne and nibbles sound as we watch the sun set over Lake Argyle? After dinner we head back to Kununurra – it will be quite late, but what a fantastic day! OVERNIGHT: The Kimberley Grande, KUNUNURRA
DAY 10 Thursday 19th August, 2021 KUNUNURRA TO HALLS CREEK - ARGYLE DIAMOND MINE We’re on the road again as we travel to the Argyle (Jaliwang) Diamond Mine, the world's biggest diamond producer and the source of the extremely rare and valuable pink diamonds. This will be a ‘bucket list’ adventure, as the mine faces closure in 2021 as the supply of diamonds is dwindling. At the Argyle Security Gate a traditional landowner guide will check us through the security for an unforgettable tour through the mine, from the processing plant to the open pit and explain how these beautiful diamonds are mined. We’ll also visit the diamond shop - perhaps buy a diamond directly from the mine - and to the gallery that outlines the history and show an extraordinary display of size and coloured diamonds. After a tour and lunch in the mess hall, we drive to Halls Creek, site of Western Australia’s first gold rush, on the edge of the Great Sandy Desert. OVERNIGHT: Kimberley Hotel, HALLS CREEK “...Geikie Gorge is situated at the junction of the Oscar and the Geikie Ranges. The Fitzroy River has carved a 30 metre deep gorge into the remains of the ancient limestone barrier reef that existed here in the Devonian period …” kimberleyaustralia.com.au
DAY 11 Friday 20th August, 2021 HALLS CREEK TO FITZROY CROSSING As we continue west through the magnificent red mountain scenery of the Kimberley’s, we have a brief stop at the Yiyili Aboriginal Community to view their gallery. After our break, we continue to Fitzroy Crossing where we enjoy lunch at the Lodge. This afternoon travel out to nearby Geikie Gorge where we take a cruise through this spectacular landscape. The Fitzroy River has carved its path through the fossil "Barrier Reef" formed 300 million years ago, resulting in mountainous cliffs and breathtaking scenery. OVERNIGHT: Fitzroy River Lodge, FITZROY CROSSING DAY 12 Saturday 21st August, 2021 FITZROY CROSSING TO BROOME Our destination today is Broome, but on the way, we see the famous Boab Prison Tree, 7 miles south of Derby, which was used in the early days as an overnight lock up for prisoners. Have your photo taken in front of the longest Cattle Trough in the Southern Hemisphere. Back on the highway again, we can purchase our lunch at the Willare Bridge Roadhouse before the last leg of our journey into Broome. Broome is situated on the coast at the southern tip of the Kimberley region. It is bounded by wide sandy beaches and turquoise water and enjoys a warm climate with plenty of sunshine. The discovery of rich pearling grounds off the coast in the 1880s led to the foundation of Broome township in 1883. By 1910 Broome was the world’s leading pearling centre. We check into our next three nights accommodation. Lunch at own expense and arrangement OVERNIGHT: Oaks Resort, BROOME “… Once a sleepy Outback town, Broome has long been renowned for its relaxed atmosphere and unique character…” australliasnorthwest.com.au
DAY 13 Sunday 22nd August, 2021 BROOME SIGHTSEEING This morning we tour this fascinating town. We’ll see the historic Gantheume Point, the Broome Wharf, the Japanese Cemetery and of course China Town. We’ll also visit the Pearl Luggers Museum where we learn the history of pearl diving dating back 140 years. This afternoon, we have some time to relax or swim etc. before making our way to Cable Beach for the sunset and dinner. OVERNIGHT: Oaks Resort, BROOME DAY 14 Monday 23rd August, 2021 WILLIE CREEK PEARL FARM We’re off to visit the Willie Creek Pearl Farm, to learn about pearling techniques and view the pearl panels suspended in the creek. We can gain a comprehensive insight into how the world’s finest pearls are produced, with the process of cultured pearling, including the seeding of a live oyster shell. Lunch is included and we also enjoy a cruise aboard the Willie Wanderer. There’ll be more time to relax back at the hotel before dinner this evening. OVERNIGHT: Oaks Resort, BROOME DAY 15 Tuesday 24th August, 2021 BROOME TO MELBOURNE Our exciting tour is coming to an end and it’s time to turn our heads to home. We are transferred to Broome Airport where we connect with our flight back to Melbourne. On arrival we will be met by our chauffeurs and transferred home – no need for a taxi, all part of the O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours service! Lunch at own expense and arrangement / Refreshments on flight
PAYMENT AND CANCELLATION POLICY Balance due on invoice approximately 45 days prior to departure. Deposit is fully refundable until 46 days prior to departure date. Prices include GST and all taxes. Cancellation 45 to 8 days before tour departure date 20% Refund of Tour Cost Cancellation within 7 days of tour departure date No Refund On or after tour date departure No Refund Travel Insurance is not compulsory, however we highly recommended you take out comprehensive travel insurance with a reputable insurer at the time you pay for your tour. CONDITIONS OF TRAVEL These terms and conditions form the basis of the contract between You and O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours (O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours “We”, “Us”, or ”Our” contract). It is important that You read these terms and conditions carefully and that you understand your rights and obligations. By agreeing to participate in a tour arranged by Us, You are deemed to have accepted these terms and conditions in full. Any special requests, dietary/personal must be notified to Our office at the time of booking. All efforts will be made to accommodate any special requests. It is your responsibility to advise O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours of any pre-existing medical conditions that may affect your ability to participate on the tour. No passenger will be permitted to embark on or continue the tour while their physical or mental condition is, in the opinion of any representative of O’Shannessy’s Quality tours, such as to render them incapable of caring for themselves, or whereby they become objectionable to other passengers or they become a hazard to themselves or other passengers. Whilst on tour with O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours should a passenger require medical attention, discharge papers must be provided to a representative of O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours before you are able to re-join the tour. O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours has a passenger code of conduct. O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours representatives/ crew or any associated carrier, reserves the right at its discretion to exclude from a tour or to terminate the travel arrangements of any person during the course of the tour without refund, of anyone who: Presents on the day of the tour departure as ill or unwell in any way, including but not limited to: cough, runny nose, sneezing, vomiting or temperature above 37.5 deg C Resides in an Australian suburb, which is the subject of a lockdown order by Your state government, Your request to book on one of Our tours may be denied Is incapable of caring for themselves without a minder/carer Is unable to cope with the requirements of the tour or who may need or require services or facilities that are not available Fails to comply with the reasonable instructions of O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours crew Engages in undesirable behaviour or interferes with the enjoyment of other passengers Is a hazard to themselves or other passengers and/or is likely to become objectionable to other passengers, O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours staff and or third party suppliers Anyone so excluded will be required to disembark at a safe public location, transport from which will be wholly their responsibility. However, if and where possible, O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours staff may assist in obtaining transport. You agree that O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours is released from all liability for You and You agree not to hold O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours responsible for termination of Your travel arrangements. If you are bringing a mobile device on tour, for the safety of all passengers and crew, we highly recommend that the Official Government COVIDSafe App is downloaded. You must notify our office if you have returned from overseas in the last 21 days or if you have been in contact with anyone who has returned from overseas in the last 21 days. This is NOT a complete list of O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours Conditions of Travel. A complete list will be provided upon invoice, alternatively they are available upon request via mail, email or on our website.
Available Murray Farm to Plate Spring - September 2021 Op Shop Silo Hop Spring - September 2021 White Cliffs - It's a gem - September 2021 Travelling with like-minded, mature aged travellers means you'll experience a casual and relaxed atmosphere, where fellow travellers become new found friends. Be sure to visit our website www.oshannessys.com.au where you’ll be able to stay up to date with information, tour inspiration or simply enjoy sharing your travel experiences with us. You can also subscribe to our eNewsletter so you’ll be the first to find out about our additional tours that pop up throughout the year. You can find us on Facebook and excitingly now on Instagram as well. We would love to see your tour pictures exploring Australia or travelling the world with O'Shannessy's Quality Tours and tag us in your travels. # OShannessys #FriendsToTravelWith O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours reserves the right to make any alterations to this itinerary as necessary. O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours will endeavour to notify you of any significant changes prior to your departure. This itinerary supersedes all previous itineraries for this tour. Copyright © O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours Toll Free: 1800 354 352 O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours www.oshannessys.com.au 2121 Point Nepean Road, Rye Vic 3941 enquiries@oshannessys.com.au
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