12 day Great Australian Aircruise

Inclusions

• All travel by private aircraft
• The best available accommodation for 11 nights
• All gourmet meals - 11 breakfast, 12 lunches, 11 dinners
• Transfers
• Porterage
• Sightseeing and entry fees
• The services of Journey Directors
• Cruise the chasms of Katherine Gorge
• Experience aerial sightseeing of the Bungle Bungle Range

Itinerary

Day 1    Sydney – Longreach
Leaving the city behind the journey begins in the heart of the outback at Longreach, a frontier township which embodies the true characters of the Australian outback. We land in Longreach in the early afternoon and transfer to the Stockman's Hall of Fame where we learn some of Australia's outback history. Tonight we have a wonderful welcome dinner at the Qantas Museum.Accommodation: Albert Park Motel or Jumbuck Motel.

Day 2    Katherine - Cooinda
This morning visit the Champion family who welcome you to their property and share their experiences in these harsh landscapes before reboarding the aircraft. The journey by private aircraft continues to the Northern Territory and the township of Katherine. Its diverse landscapes and unique ecosystems set the scene for adventure. Tonight we enjoy a bush barbeque on the banks of the Katherine River. Accommodation: Knotts Crossing Resort.

Day 3    Katherine Gorge - Cooinda
Cruise two of the thirteen gorges that form Katherine Gorge. Join the aircraft this afternoon for a spectacular flight along the Arnhem Land escarpment to view the magnificent waterfalls and wildlife that make up this world heritage reserve. Cruise at sunset along the Yellow Waters Lagoon to view the incredible beauty and abundant wildlife of this remarkable World Heritage region. Accommodation: Holiday Inn Gagadju Crocodile Hotel.

Day 4    Kakadu - Darwin
Kakadu National Park is home to the most outstanding concentration of Aboriginal art in Australia. This morning examine some of the finest examples of Aboriginal art at Ubirr Rock. Located in the East Alligator region of Kakadu National Park. Departing Ubirr Rock we head to Bowali Visitors centre, named after the Bowali Creek which flows nearby, the centre's long lineal design was inspired by an Aboriginal Rock Shelter. This afternoon we farewell Kakadu and our short flight takes us to Darwin. Accommodation: Mantra on the Esplanade or similar.

Day 5    Darwin
Darwin has had a fascinating and turbulent history. On Christmas Day 1974, Cyclone Tracey devastated the city. Explore the various sights in Darwin City, we have organised an exclusive mini-coach that will be running throughout the day. This afternoon enjoy a sunset cruise in Darwin Harbour aboard Streeter Pearl Lugger. Accommodation: Mantra on the Esplanade or similar.

Day 6    Darwin - Kununurra
Departing Darwin this morning you will enjoy spectacular aerial sightseeing over Lake Argyle and the fascinating Bungle Bungle Range which is located in Purnululu National Park - look for the tiger-striped, beehive shaped domes. On arrival in Kununurra we embark on a boat ride up the Ord River, through the inspiring scenery of the Kimberley region. After our cruise we visit the historic Argyle Homestead, home of the famous pioneering family, the Duracks. Accommodation: Kununurra Country Club.

Day 7    Kununurra - Broome
This morning our exclusive aircraft will once again provide spectacular views this time over the far northwest coastline and the Mitchell Plateau. This remote part of Australia is rarely seen because it is extremely difficult to access from the ground. Arriving at the historic pearling port of Broome, we explore this unique township. On completion of this fascinating tour you will be transferred to the renowned Cable Beach Club Resort, your accommodation for the next two nights.Accommodation: Cable Beach Club Resort.

Day 8    Broome
Today is free to spend at your leisure. For those of you that are interested in enjoying the relaxing ambience of Cable Beach Club Resort, the day is yours. Explore the township of Broome established in the days of the flourishing pearling industry at the turn of the century. Accommodation: Cable Beach Club Resort.

Day 9    Broome - Uluru
Departing Broome this morning we travel over the vast Gibson Desert where we view amazing salt lake formations, on our way to the Red Centre of Australia - site of Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Kata Tjuta (The Olgas). Uluru and Kata Tjuta have great cultural significance for the Anangu traditional owners. The Anangu and Parks Australia have developed this Cultural Centre to help visitors experience this land through Anangu eyes. Dinner tonight is a feast under the stars at the magnificent 'Sounds of Silence' dinner. Wonderfully placed between Uluru and Kata Tjuta, we experience the subtle colour changes of the Rock at sunset. Accommodation: Sails in the Desert.

Day 10    Kata Tjuta - Alice Springs
This morning there is the opportunity to view the rock at sunrise and undertake a relaxed walk around its base followed by a visit to Kata Tjuta (The Olgas), which are thirty-six conglomerate sandstone domes again steeped in Aboriginal folklore. Rejoining the aircraft, we head north to Alice Springs, probably the most famous of all Australian outback towns. Accommodation: Crowne Plaza.

Day 11    Macdonnell Ranges - Alice Springs
We start the day with a visit to the Royal Flying Doctor Service, a marvellous facility providing support and health care to a vast outback region. We then enjoy an excursion to the picturesque Standley Chasm. Today we also visit the Telegraph Station, site of the original Repeater Station, which was for many years the sole reason for the existence of a handful of people in this remote area. It was here that a supposed spring was found in the dry riverbed - the river was named Todd after the Postmaster General, and the spring, Alice, after his wife. Accommodation: Crowne Plaza.

Day 12    Birdsville - Sydney
This morning we set off on our return journey to Sydney, however, it is not over yet! Our first stop is the quaint outback Queensland town of Birdsville. There is nothing else like it anywhere! We will also enjoy lunch at the Birdsville Hotel - Australia's most remote outback pub. We have a refuelling stop in Bourke before the final leg of this memorable journey.

Departure Dates and Prices*

Please contact an RACQ Travel consultant on 1300 096 166 for further information or to advise about any special fares that may be available.

*Terms and Conditions

• Prices current as at 17 May 2012
• Prices are per person in AUD$ based on twin share, unless otherwise stated
• Prices are subject to change (eg due to currency fluctuation)
• Offer is subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time
• Further conditions apply please see the Aircruising - Australia & New Zealand 2012 Bill Peach brochure