22 DAYS – 05/25 SEPTEMBER 2010

The Ultimate trip – across the top and down the West Coast of Australia.

COST INCLUDES

• RETURN ECONOMY AIRFARES – FLYING QANTAS
• HOME TO HOME PICKUPS TO AUCKLAND AIRPORT AND RETURN
• ONE NIGHT AUCKLAND
• TWO NIGHTS DARWIN – ONE NIGHT KATHERINE
• TWO NIGHTS KUNUNURRA – ONE NIGHT HALLS CREEK
• ONE NIGHT FITZROY CROSSING, ONE NIGHT PORT HEDLAND
• TWO NIGHTS BROOME – TWO NIGHTS KARRATHA
• ONE NIGHT EXMOUTH – ONE NIGHT CARNARVON
• ONE NIGHT KALBARRI – ONE NIGHT GERALDTON
• FOUR NIGHTS PERTH
• FOUR CRUISES – KATHERINE GORGE – ORD RIVER – GIEKIE GORGE – DARWIN HARBOUR
• MINE TOUR – ARGYLE DIAMOND MINE
• THE NORTH WEST SHELF VISITOR CENTRE - KARRATHA
• 3 HOUR DAMPIER PILBARA IRON TOUR
• TOUR OF THE KUNUNURRA IRRIGATION SCHEME
• HALF-DAY TOURS OF DARWIN AND PERTH
• SWAN RIVER CRUISE TO FREMANTLE
• DAY TOUR SOUTH OF PERTH
• ALL DINNERS AND BREAKFASTS PLUS TWO LUNCHES
• MORNING TEA IS INCLUDED MOST DAYS
• LUXURY TOURING COACH
• ALL DEPARTURE AND AUSTRALIAN AIRPORT TAXES
• FULLY ESCORTED
• A GUARANTEED GREAT HOLIDAY EXPERIENCE
• EXTENSIONS TO THE TOUR ARE POSSIBLE

COST DOES NOT INCLUDE

• TRAVEL INSURANCE (AVAILABLE AT SPECIAL GROUP RATES)
• MEALS UNLESS SPECIFIED
• ITEMS OF A PERSONAL NATURE

COST PER PERSON

Itinerary:

SUNDAY, 05 September Arrive Darwin
Pickup from your homes to transfer to Auckland International Airport for Qantas QF56 to Sydney, departing 1555 and arriving 1725.  On arrival in Sydney we transfer to the domestic terminal for QF846 to Darwin departing 1940 and arriving 2340.  On arrival you will be met by your Coach Captain who will be showing you around the Northern Territory and the West Coast of Australia.  Overnight at The Travelodge Mirambeena Resort.

MONDAY, 06 SEPTEMBER  Darwin Sightseeing
This morning join an orientation tour of the city.   Visit the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, then East Point Reserve where we gain an insight into Darwin’s wartime history.  Early evening we go on a relaxing sunset cruise of Darwin Harbour.  Overnight at The Travelodge Mirambeena Resort.

TUESDAY, 07 SEPTEMBER   Darwin to Katherine
Head South along the Stuart Highway towards Katherine.  Stop at Adelaide River War Cemetery.  This afternoon cruise through Katherine Gorge in Nitmiluk National Park.  Marvel at the sheer cliffs as they tower about you.  Overnight at Knotts Crossing Resort.

WEDNESDAY, 08 SEPTEMBER Katherine to Kununurra
We head west on the Victoria Highway this morning passing some of the vast cattle stations of the Northern Territory and arriving at the Western Australian Border Checkpoint mid-afternoon.  We then travel on to the irrigation town of Kununurra.  Overnight at The Lakeside Resort.

THURSDAY, 09 SEPTEMBER  Ord River
This morning we will be picked up at the Lakeside Jetty for a real tour highlight, a 55km cruise on the Ord River to Lake Argyle (9.1/2 times the size of the Sydney Harbour).  Our experienced driver/guide will show you the magnificent scenery, prolific bird life and crocodiles, at the same time explaining the Ord River system and the making of the Dam to form Lake Argyle.  Lunch at the Argyle pub before visiting the famous Durack Homestead, which was dismantled and re-built on its present site before the formation of the dam.  We return by coach to Kununurra to meet our guide for an afternoon tour of the vast irrigation area.  Overnight at The Lakeside Resort.

FRIDAY, 10 SEPTEMBER Argyle Diamond Mine
Today we visit the Argyle Diamond Mine, the source of one third of the world’s diamonds annually.  A local guide will join us and explain the diamond mining process.  You will even get the chance to buy!!!!!  Lunch at the mine is included.  Overnight at the Best Western, Halls Creek.

SATURDAY, 11 SEPTEMBER Halls Creek to Fitzroy Crossing – Giekie Gorge Cruise
Today you will see the character and isolation of the North West of Australia as you travel to Fitzroy Crossing.
This afternoon we will cruise Giekie Gorge, formed by the waters of the Fitzroy River tunnelling through the Napier Range, and is over 350 million years old.  Overnight at the Fitzroy River Lodge and the Crossing Inn. 

SUNDAY, 12 SEPTEMBER Fitzroy Crossing to Broome
Our trip this morning is straight through to Broome with just a stop for morning tea.  I have deleted the drive into Derby as there is nothing to see and the time will be better spent in Broome.  Overnight Mercure Continental.

MONDAY, 13 SEPTEMBER  Broome
This morning you see the sights of Broome and then the afternoon is free to do your own exploring.  Plenty to do and see in this historic pearling town.  Overnight Mercure Continental.

TUESDAY, 14 SEPTEMBER   Broome to Port Hedland
We have our only early start of the tour today as we have a big distance to travel.  On arrival in Port Hedland we will have a conducted tour of the town and port area.  Overnight All Seasons Hotel.

WEDNESDAY, 15 SEPTEMBER  Port Hedland to Karratha
Today we have a leisurely day as we travel to Karratha.  On arrival we will have a tour of the town and visit the North West Shelf Venture Visitor Centre.  The AUD$25 Billion NWSU is Australia’s largest resource development based in the Pilbara of Western Australia.
THURSDAY, 16 SEPTEMBER    Karratha
After breakfast we depart on our three hour Pilbara Iron Tour taking in the port loading facilities at Parker Point, East Intercourse Island and Dampier Salt Lookout.  Afternoon at leisure in this town of 12,500 people.

FRIDAY, 17 SEPTEMBER  Karratha to Exmouth
Travel today from Karratha to the magnificent North West Cape and Exmouth.  Should see emus today.   Exmouth is situated on the north western tip of Australia.  Overnight Pot Shot Inn.

SATURDAY, 18 SEPTEMBER  Ningaloo Reef – Carnarvon
Depart Exmouth for Coral Bay where you will experience a cruise over the Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia’s largest coral reef.  See many species of coral and marine life that inhabits these waters.  Move on to Carnarvon on the banks of the normally dry Gascoyne River.  Overnight at Facine Lodge.

SUNDAY, 19 SEPTEMBER  Carnarvon – Kalbarri
This morning we have a town tour which includes a visit to the Carnarvon Heritage Precinct and the One Mile Jetty.  This is a most interesting place to visit.  Next we visit Bumbaks Fresh Fruit Plantation for morning tea and a guided tour before setting out for Kalbarri which is normally the best wildflower area on our trip.  Overnight at the Edge Resort.

MONDAY, 20 SEPTEMBER  Kalbarri Sights/Geraldton
Before leaving Kalbarri we see wildflowers, the coastal gorges and visit the very popular Rainbow Jungle Bird Sanctuary.  We take the coastal road to Geraldton via Northhampton.  A town tour which includes a visit to the magnificent Memorial to the HMAS Sydney which was sunk in 1941 without trace with the loss of 570 lives.  Overnight The Hospitality Inn.

TUESDAY, 21 SEPTEMBER  To Perth via The Pinnicles
Travel to Dongara and then join the Brand Highway and travel through the coastal plains, well known for its large variety of wildflowers.  We detour to the coastal town of Cervantes and visit the mystical Pinnacle dessert.  Continue to Perth and stay 4 nights at The Ibis Hotel.

WEDNESDAY, 22 SEPTEMBER   River Cruise – Fremantle
After a leisurely breakfast we depart our hotel and take a cruise on the Swan River to Fremantle.  Spend some time wandering the historic streets of the Port town and visit some of the many attractions before coaching back to Perth.

THURSDAY, 23 SEPTEMBER  Rockingham/Mandurah
Today you get to know Perth a little more and visit 2 of the near southern coastal towns.  Rockingham, situated in Cockburn Sound and overlooking Garden Island, Western Australia’s Naval Base.  Mandurah, a very picturesque holiday and retirement town set on a magnificent estuary, a water playground for young and old.

FRIDAY, 24 SEPTEMBER  Perth sights
Your driver will take you on a morning city sights tour and then you have the afternoon free to see the city on foot.

SATURDAY, 25 SEPTEMBER  Depart Perth for New Zealand
Transfer to Perth Domestic Airport for our Qantas Flight QF762 to Melbourne departing 0910 and arriving 1435.  1.1/2 hours in Melbourne before boarding our flight to Auckland QF131 departing 1610 and arriving 2140.  After clearing customs you will be transferred to the Grand Chancellor Hotel.

SUNDAY, 26 SEPTEMBER
After a late breakfast you will be returned to your homes.

REGISTRATION FORM FOR 2010 DARWIN TO PERTH TOUR

A DEPOSIT OF $500.00 PER PERSON IS REQUIRED TO CONFIRM A PLACE ON THE TOUR.  THE BALANCE IS DUE BY 03 AUGUST 2010.  POST TO: UNITED TRAVEL AT THE MOUNT, P O BOX 5192, MT MAUNGANUI.  REFUND OF DEPOSITS.  WITHIN 45 DAYS OF DEPARTURE A FEE OF $100.00 PER PERSON WILL BE CHARGED.  WITHIN 30 DAYS OF DEPARTURE DEPOSITS WILL NOT BE REFUNDABLE. 
THE COST OF THIS TOUR IS BASED ON 2010 RATES AND PUBLISHED AIRFARES, HOWEVER, SHOULD THE NZ DOLLAR BE SUBJECT TO A LARGE DEVALUATION OR THERE BE AN INCREASE IN AIRFARES, THE PRICE OF THE TOUR  MAY INCREASE.  PAYMENT CAN BE MADE BY CHEQUE, CASH OR EFTPOS.  PAYMENT BY CREDIT CARD WILL INCUR AN ADMINISTRATION CHARGE.
UPON CANCELLATION SOME PAYMENTS WILL INCUR CANCELLATION FEES/OR ARE NON-REFUNDABLE.  TRAVEL INSURANCE IS A NECESSITY TO COVER ANY EVENT OF UNFORSEEN CIRCUMSTANCES SUCH AS ILLNESS OR ACCIDENT CAUSING CANCELLATION.

PLEASE REGISTER ME/US:
CHRISTIAN AND SURNAMES:    __________________________________________________

TELEPHONE NUMBER   ___________________________

MAILING ADDRESS       ________________________________________________________________

PASSPORT NUMBER     ____________________________  EXPIRY DATE ______________________

PASSPORT TYPE IF OTHER THAN NEW ZEALAND _______________________

NOTE  WE MUST HAVE A COPY OF YOUR PASSPORT:  PLEASE BRING IT INTO THE OFFICE OR SEND A  PHOTO COPY.

Doug Crooks Tours Co-ordinator Phone: 07 575 9751 After Hours:: 07 552 5594 Mobile: 025 238 2108