Background:
We have locked in the following dates down for our Australian Dream Trip in 2007! Our Liveaboard dates will be Dec 4-11, 2007 with the following intinerary below. We'll add to that several days of local sightseeing... it has been suggested that we do the Aboriginal Culture, Sky Rail & Rainforest Experience, the city tour, hot air ballooning, whitewater rafting, the Yongala Wreck etc. To accommodate the requests of so many of you for variuos schedules including stop overs in Sydney and New Zealand we have built a 'ala carte menu' you can choose from and 'build your own trip' and itinerary yet still save without having to have 10 people on the contract! Follow the steps below to create a "Once in a Lifetime" dream experience for 18 lucky people! Will you be one of them???
* if you are doing the SD.com contract air pkg the add-on price includes the transfers and room. If you are doing your own air then the add-on is for rooms only.Price for LIVEABOARD & DAY OF ARRIVAL /DAY DEPARTURE PACKAGE:
$ 2545 Double with Private Bathroom + $182 d/o rooming/transfers* = $2727
$ 1795 Quad with Private Bathroom + $182 d/o rooming/transfers* = $1977
PARTICIPANT UPDATE: We are doing 18 divers of which 12 will be quads and 6 will be d/o.
Quads (Men) (4) Total - Available (0)
Quads (Women) (8) Total - Available (2)
D/O's (6) Total - Available (0)
Who's Going:
1. Kamala aka Wreck Wench -(PAID IN FULL) -quad-(Nitrox Payable on Boat) - 30NovDepart/01DecArrive Qantas return 12Dec/12Dec + tours in Auckland Waiver/Survey - Qantas air contract
2. Ellen aka Fairybasslet - (dep, 1st, 2nd, bal pd., Visa, skyrail tour) quad - (Nitrox Payable on Boat) - Arrive 12/3 11:30 am; Depart 12/12/ 6:50 am- Survey/Release/EV App/PP Pic - private air
3. Jenn aka Jenn - (owe $577) quad (Nitrox Payable on Boat)- WW's itin Qantas Air ContractSurvey/Waiver/EV App
4. Paula aka Travelgal - -(PAID IN FULL) (Nitrox Payable on Boat) - quad/layover in NZ and Sydney - private air - Survey/Release/EV App/PP Pic/
5. Susie aka dolphin lover - -(PAID IN FULL, hotel, 2 tours) quad/ -(Nitrox Payable on Boat) Survey/Waiver/EV App/PP Pic - Private Air
(all names above are eligible for a chance at (1) free upgrade to nitrox if certified to dive nitrox)
6. Eric aka BottomDweller - (pd 4/o) Quad /-(Nitrox Payable on Boat)/ flights booked - same as WW (pd dep Qantas air) Survey/Waiver/EV App/PP Pic
7. Dave aka Big O -(PAID IN FULL) - quad - NZ contract airSurvey/Waiver/PP Pic/EV App
8. Mark aka Capn Jack -(PAID IN FULL, 3 Tours Pd $400.00) quad/-(Nitrox Payable on Boat) private airSurveyHas own Visa
9. MsSwitzer- -(PAID IN FULL) quad female -(Nitrox Payable on Boat) - In Australia already Survey/Release/EV App/Has own Visa
10. Shawn aka ShawnAbbott - (pd trip & air) Want Qantas air - d/o - -(Nitrox Payable on Boat), Survey/PP Pic/Waiver/EV App
11. George aka Georoc1 - -(PAID IN FULL, Visa, Skyrail Tour) d/o --(Nitrox Payable on Boat) - Survey/Waiver/EV App/PP Pic
12. Elise aka LilMermaid - -(PAID IN FULL, Visa, Skyrail Tour) d/o Survey/Waiver/EV App/PP Pic
13. Barb aka Texan_in_China- -(PAID IN FULL) quad - private airSurvey/Waiver/PP Pic/EV App
14. Bill aka dobemanunder (pd d/o and extra night hotel Cairns) private air, d/o, visa via online, Survey/Waiver/EVApplication, 2 tours
15.Brian aka Wildcard Nov30/Dec 2-17th, d/o, Nitrox??, private air, Survey/Waiver
16.Tom aka fishome25 - Nov30/Dec?, d/o, Nitrox??, private air, Survey/Waiver/EV App
17. MaryAnne aka SeaTheWorld - Nov30/Dec2, quad, private air, Survey/Waiver/EV App
18.
Land package only
1. SWMBO - TJ! - no liveaboard but land package before diving - private air
URGENT Tour Updates:
Also...you will need to make payment arrangements prior to the trip as I just paid for all of these today.
Dec 3rd DainTree $150 (can be $150 to $200 our price is $150...see description in first post)
1. Kamala aka WreckWench - Pd
2. Susie aka DolphinLover - Pd
3. Brian aka Wildcard - Pd
4. Barb aka Barb_In_China - Pd
5. Jenn aka Jenn - Pd
6. Tom aka fishome25 - Pd
7. Bill aka dobemanunder - Pd
8. MaryAnne aka SeaTheWorld - Pd
9. Dave aka BigO - Pd
10. Mark aka Capt Jack - Pd
11. TJ aka SWMBO - Pd
Dec 11th Skyrail and Train $105
1. Kamala aka WreckWench - Pd
2. Ellen aka Fairybasslet - Pd
3. Paula aka TravelGal - paying via overpayment
4. Brian aka Wildcard - Pd
5. Barb aka Barb_In_China- Pd
6. Jenn aka Jenn - Pd
7. Tom aka fishome25 - Pd
8. George aka georoc1 - Pd
9. Elsie aka lil mermaid [siz- Pd
10. Susie aka DolphinLover - Pd
11. Shawn aka Shawn Abbott - Pd
12. Bill aka dobemanunder - Pd
13. MaryAnne aka SeaTheWorld- Pd
14. Dave aka BigO - Pd
15. Mark aka Capt Jack - Pd
VISA INFO:
SD will provide Visas for:
Ellen
Paula
Susie
George
Shawn
Barb
Dave
Elise
Members who have obtained their own Visas:
Mark and SWMBO
Bill
Jenn
Bill
Brian
Tom
Here's how it will work:
1. If you plan to use miles then start researching the following carriers into the area: Qantas, Air NewZealand, Continental. Ensure that you arrive on the 3rd of December in Cairns so that you will have no problem with making the 1:30 departure from Cairns. Do not book your return prior to December 12th am. If your miles require you to be flexible then we'll help you plan a great vacation around them!
2. For those wanting contract air choose your flights. Want to see New Zealand at no extra charge? Choose the AirNewZealand flight. Want to do an add-on in Sydney for only $150 so you can stay 1+ days on your way home, then Qantas is the flight for you. Want the least expensive flight available that you can wait to ticket and pay in full up to 60 days prior to departure and the price will be the same. Air NewZealand has you covered for $1380. Want the most direct flight in and out of Cairns and on sale for <$400> less than normal? Then Qantas has your flight for $1530 (normally $2000) and its ON SALE until Feb 23, 2007. (See below for routings, fares and bookings.)
The Group Flights as of 8-15-07 NOTE WE ARE GOING VIA SYDNEY AND NOT NEW ZEALAND are as follows:
QANTAS - SALE FARE - NEED NAMES NOW AND FULL PAYMENT BY 23AUG TO GUARANTEE
QF 176 30NOV LAXBNE 1155P 745A 02DEC
QF 69 02DEC BNECNS 920A 1140A
QF 60 12DEC CNSSYD 650A 1045A
QF 107 12DEC SYDLAX 1200N 630A
NET: 1158.00
TAX: 372.00
TTL: 1530.00/PP
TICKETS ARE NONREFUNDABLE
CHANGES USD250 PLUS FARE DIFFERENCE
--------------------------------------------------------
QANTAS - CONTRACT FARE - JUST NEED NAMES & DEPOSIT TO HOLD
QF 176 30NOV LAXBNE 1155P 745A 02DEC
QF 69 02DEC BNECNS 920A 1140A
QF 60 12DEC CNSSYD 650A 1045A
QF 107 12DEC SYDLAX 1200N 630A
NET: 1234.00
TAX: 364.00
TTL: 1598.00/PP
PAYMENT BY AGENCY CHECK
ADD 3PCT TO GROSS TTL FOR PAYMENT BY CLIENT CC
TICKETS ARE NONREFUNDABLE
CHANGES USD250 PLUS FARE DIFFERENCE
3. Once you choose your flight then choose your excursions, day tours and add-ons. You'll find them listed below at the VERY END of this posting with truly exceptional information about them.
4. Keep in mind that we need to depart the EV Office at 1:30 on Dec 4th and we'll return at 8:45 am the 11th. We will stay in Cairns that night and depart for the airport on Wednesday the 12th.
5. The 'guided tour' offered by SingleDivers.com will begin on Dec 2nd where you can join it in progress if you aren't with the wench already. The liveaboard part of the tour will begin at 1:30pm at the EV office on Dec 4th and end Tuesday Dec 11 where we will do several day tours and end our official guided tour Wednesday am December 12th. I have posted the itinerary that I will be following below under Trip Updates. Everyone and anyone is welcome to join me for the "streamlined, value based vacation saver package" that I will be booking via Qantas into Australia direct due to unavailability of the New Zealand flights.
6. Hotel recommendations will include standard rooms overlooking the Cairns Bay. This is a great value based hotel with an exceptional location on the esplanade. Two nights of hotel will be included in your package and you can add nights if you are staying longer. The nights included are the 3rd and the 11th.
7. Since this is an ala carte offering you are free to pick and choose the services you want and we will book them for you. In some cases we can get a better price if we have a large enough group. In other cases customized itineraries can be arranged to work with shortened days if we have a minimum of 5 people.
8. Keep in mind that Australia is a HUGE country and impossible to see her all in one trip. The same holds true for trying to see all of New Zealand. So you can consider this a 'sampler' and go with a shorter intinerary or you can consider it your 'only chance' to see these two beautiful countries and go with a longer intinerary!
The EV Nimrod Intinerary: (Only available for charter groups!)
Itinerary D: Cooktown, Osprey, Cod Hole and Ribbon Reefs Expedition
Cooktown to Cairns; 8 days/7 nights, 6 diving days – up to 27 dives
The Nimrod Explorer spends much of her time between Cairns and Lizard Island, diving the best sites along the Ribbon Reefs and introducing guests to the world famous Cod Hole, often described as one of the best dive spots on the Great Barrier Reef. This site is known for its resident family of huge potato cod which enjoy protected status in the area, and have made this small section of the reef their home. They range in size from 25 to 60 kg (50 to 120 pounds).
This itinerary also includes two to three days diving at the isolated coral atoll, Osprey Reef, located 120 miles off the Queensland coast. Known for its big animals and excellent visibility, Australia’s Coral Sea is a pristine area that delivers diving memories lasting a lifetime! An overnight steam from the Ribbon Reefs delivers you to idyllic Osprey Reef, and 2 or 3 days at sites such as ‘North Horn’, with its big shark action, abundant reef inhabitants, and spectacular soft corals often exceeding 2 metres in height. Here you will find
dynamic wall diving with sharks, beautiful soft corals and shoals of pelagic fishes Though we are normally able to do four to fives dives daily (including night dives), the remoteness of the area means that weather and tidal considerations sometimes unexpectedly and adversely affect certain sites. The following itinerary is an example only, and can and will often change during the course of the trip.
DEC 2, 2007 - SUNDAY, CAIRNS - Day of Arrival for WW and several other SDer's using the SD Contract Air. This will be an add'l night of hotel and we'll start tours for anyone arriving early. (As of 8-15-07 this is the new day of arrival for the contract SD air.)
DEC 3, 2007 - MONDAY, CAIRNS - FIRST NIGHT HOTEL INCLUDED IN PKG
· Members must be at the hotel sometime today.
· Day tours and sightseeing (see optional tours below at the VERY end of this post)
DEC 4, 2007 - TUESDAY, CAIRNS TO COOKTOWN
· Guests meet at Explorer Ventures’ Cairns office at 1:30 pm
· Bus transfer to General Aviation airport for 3:00 pm 40-minute flight to Cooktown
· Guests are free to explore Cooktown (tours available) or relax on the top deck of the Nimrod Explorer.
The Skipper will advise what time guests need to be back at the boat.
. Luggage may be kept on board.
· Boarding time at 7:00 pm for dinner, with introductions and a vessel safety briefing.
· After dinner, M/V Nimrod Explorer departs Cooktown at 10:30 and arrives at Ribbon No 9 where she will anchor overnight
DEC 5, 2007 – WEDNESDAY, DIVE THE RIBBON REEFS 9 & 10
· 4 to 5 dives offered today, including night or dusk dives.
· Dive sites such as Pixie Reef, Challenger Bay, Dynamite Pass
· Depart for Osprey Reef about 9:30 pm
DEC 6, 2007 – THURSDAY, OSPREY REEF
· 4 to 5 dives offered today, including night or dusk dives
· Dive sites will be selected according to the conditions on the day
DEC 7, 2007 – FRIDAY, OSPREY REEF
· 4 dives offered today, including a dusk dive
· Dive sites will be selected according to the conditions on the day
· Overnight at mooring, or begin return to the Ribbon Reefs at 8:30 pm if weather dictates
DEC 8, 2007 – SATURDAY, OSPREY REEF OR RIBBON REEFS
· 4 to 5 dives offered today, including night or dusk dives
DEC 9, 2007 - SUNDAY
· 4 to 5 dives offered today, including night or dusk dives
· Fantasia, Dali’s Garden, and Jayenems Wall
DEC 10, 2007 - MONDAY · Dive Clam gardens, Steve's Bommie and Escape Reef
· Depart for Cairns at 6:00 or 7:30 pm for 8 hour trip to Cairns)
DEC 11, 2007 – TUESDAY MORNING - HOTEL STAY INCLUDED AS PART OF SD PKG
· Guests disembark the M/V Nimrod Explorer by 8:45 am for bus transfer to inner city accommodation
· Members will be able to relax, shop or do some great sightseeing. See tour options at the very end of this posting.
DEC 12, 2007 – WEDNESDAY MORNING.
· Depart for airport (unless staying for a longer itinerary)
Air:
QANTAS - SALE FARE - NEED NAMES NOW AND FULL PAYMENT BY 23AUG TO GUARANTEE
QF 176 30NOV LAXBNE 1155P 745A 02DEC
QF 69 02DEC BNECNS 920A 1140A
QF 60 12DEC CNSSYD 650A 1045A
QF 107 12DEC SYDLAX 1200N 630A
NET: 1158.00
TAX: 372.00
TTL: 1530.00/PP
TICKETS ARE NONREFUNDABLE
CHANGES USD250 PLUS FARE DIFFERENCE
--------------------------------------------------------
QANTAS - CONTRACT FARE - JUST NEED NAMES & DEPOSIT TO HOLD
QF 176 30NOV LAXBNE 1155P 745A 02DEC
QF 69 02DEC BNECNS 920A 1140A
QF 60 12DEC CNSSYD 650A 1045A
QF 107 12DEC SYDLAX 1200N 630A
NET: 1234.00
TAX: 364.00
TTL: 1598.00/PP
PAYMENT BY AGENCY CHECK
ADD 3PCT TO GROSS TTL FOR PAYMENT BY CLIENT CC
TICKETS ARE NONREFUNDABLE
CHANGES USD250 PLUS FARE DIFFERENCE
How to book your air. If you want to book the SALE Qantas flight I will need payment in full by the deadline to the consolidator. If you want to book the contract flight $1598 from LAX to Cairns then we will book you after you send a $300 deposit, full legal name and passport number. If you want us to do local US add-ons to the same ticket, take advantage of the fare sale that Qantas is having or do any custom intinerary we are happy to help you. We will need payment in full to book these flights and we will charge a $25 administrative fee for facilitating. However for those who fingrabber has helped with air before know...she will save you more than $25 in savings, better routings and convenience.
Total Number of Passengers on the Liveaboard:
We are offering 2 tiers of cabins....quad or doubles. We can do 1 quad and limit the boat to 14 people or do 2 quads and limit the boat to 16 people or max out at 3 quads giving us 18 divers. The quads are very generous...with 2 bunks in each of the v-berths and the bathroom in the middle. We'll start off with 14 divers which would be (4) quads and 10 (doubles). (Note the rooms that can be either quads or doubles can be configured with either 1 bed or with 2 beds.) DUE TO POPULAR DEMAND WE HAVE MAXIMIZED THE QUADS ON THE BOAT!
* if you are doing the SD.com contract air pkg the add-on price includes the transfers and room. If you are doing your own air then the add-on is for rooms only.Price for LIVEABOARD & DAY OF ARRIVAL /DAY DEPARTURE PACKAGE:
$ 2545 Double with Private Bathroom + $182 d/o rooming/transfers* = $2727
$ 1795 Quad with Private Bathroom + $182 d/o rooming/transfers* = $1977
THE PACKAGE INCLUDES:
• 2 nights stay at Cairns Esplanade d/o - no meals (Dec 3rd and Dec 11th)
• airport transfers from Cairns to hotel and back if doing the SD.com air contract
• Low-level scenic flight from Cairns to Cooktown and/or return (includes total of 44 pounds per person luggage)
• Non-alcoholic beverages on the liveaboard
• Alcoholic beverages on the liveaboard
• Sheets, towels and linens
• Three meals daily, plus snacks on the liveaboard
• 4 to 5 dives per full day
• Use of tanks, weights, weight belts
• FULL use of rental gear if lacking anything, or it breaks, or you don't wish to carry it due to 44 total pounds weight limitations on the low level flight.
• Transfers back to Cairns accommodations at conclusion of trip
• Australian Government Tax (GST -10%)
• White/Grey SD T-Shirt typically with funny saying on the back commemorating the trip!
THE PACKAGE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
• Airfare (see below for contract air)
• Add'l nites hotel beyond Dec 3 and Dec 11th
• Add'l tours, excursions, add-on's
• Meals other than those on the Nimrod
• Nitrox, Instruction or retail charges
• Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance
• Environmental Management Charge - Marine Park Fees
• Crew gratuities usually 10-20% of your land pkg
• Fuel surcharge
• Transportation to Cairns office on departure date Dec 4th the start of the liveaboard trip (Hotel is very close.)
Optional Add On's:
• Nitrox $185 AUD (Australian Dollars)
• Single Room upgrade for Dec 3 and Dec 11 $158
• Add'l D/O Room $79 per night per person if enough people to match up
• Add'l S/O Room $158 per night per person
Cairns, Australia:
• SKYRAIL & TJAPUKAI CULTURAL PARK - $105/PP
• 30MIN CAIRNS HOT AIR BALLOON FLIGHT - $117 (A$25/PP INSURANCE LEVY PAYABLE LOCALLY)
• DAINTREE/CAPE TRIB 4WheelDrive ECOTOUR - $150
• And MORE!!!
• T-Shirt Color Upgrade: The trip comes with a white SD t-shirt which can be upgraded to black or grey for $10 subject to availability.
IMPORTANT TRIP UPDATES:
1. As is our tradition we take school supplies on our trips to the under priviledged children of the countries we visit while diving. Australia is no exception and we will have many places to bring relief to. On one of the breaks we will take whoever would like to join us and drop off the school supplies to the kids. I have seen grown men tear up at the look on their faces when they see us.
So PLEASE keep your eye out for school supplies on sale as these items are extremely expensive in the countries we visit. Remember a child can play with a can or a box and use great imagination pretending it is a castle, fort, car or space capsule. But they can not make do as well when they need school supplies so that they can learn and better themselves.
2. Flights & WW's Land & Tour Pkg Option: Flights are not included in this package price. I will however be on the
Nov 30 Depart LAX
Dec 2nd Arrive Cairns check into Hotel REST or EXPLORE ON YOUR OWN
Dec 3rd Day of Sightseeing
Dec 4th am half day sightseeing or school supplies to children
Dec 4th -10th (1:30 depart for Liveaboard & return)
Dec 11th Deboard 8:45am and do day tour
Dec 12th Depart for airport and fly home
FAQ's
Q. Since there is a 44# weight limit on the low level fight can we store luggage at the boat's office?
A. YES...you can store extra luggage there! Just take a softsided bag on the plane for the liveaboard.
Q. Rental gear is free so that we can save on our luggage weights right?
A. Yes RENTAL gear is free so if you need something you don't have to pay for it and if you just want to save on weight for the flight...you can!
Q. Does the boat have an extensive supply of rental gear and what about larger sizes such as xxl?
A. This is what the boat sent me as a reply: Please advise Kamala that we do stock xxl wetsuits and BCD’s. Also the beauty of the Scubapro Mark 11 BCD is that they can extend quite a lot, so if we don’t have enough initial xxl etc we can use the next size down and extend them to fit. I guess as you said, when they advise us of actual sizes we can ensure we have them onboard.
Q. So if I want to rent gear and I tell the boat what size I need then they will ensure it is on the boat?
A. Yes per my conversations they will make sure they have it.
Q. How do I tell the boat what sizes I need?
A. Fill out the Boat's Profile and Release form that is in the Docs forum or ask scubapunk or nurseshark for a copy of it.
Q. About how much time should I allow for customs once we get back before I leave LA back to my home city and how early before the flight should we arrive?
Allow 4 hours to clear customs and recheck bags. If you find something close call me. We just arrived in LAX at 8pm and had no problems getting a flight out at midnight. We might have made a flight at 11:00 to 11:15 but I would not do much less than 3.5 hours.
It is also recommended that you allow a minimum of 4 hours before your LAX leg at a minimum. When I just flew to LAX 2 weeks ago for the Philippines trip our bags did not make our flight...they showed up a couple of hours later. While it was not a problem...it is very stressful and you can't do anything until you get your bags. So allow at least 4 hours prior to departure. Also note that most int'l carriers will allow you to start checking in 3 hours before departure and it can take over 2 hours to get thru the lines. My personal recommendation would be to allow 5-6 hours before the Int'l departure so you can have plenty of time for any issues that may arise.
How to Book a Spot on this Trip:
1. Post in this thread that you plan to join us and your check or payment is in the mail or on it's way. We'll then put your name on the 'check's in the mail' list. (Please send your pymt asap as we'll only hold your spot for 7 days.) - YOU MUST SPECIFY QUAD OR DOUBLE WHEN BOOKING THIS TRIP
2. Fill out the Trip Rooming & Diving Survey plus the SingleDivers.com Medical Liability Release which you'll find under "Stuff you need to know for ALL SingleDivers.com trips & activities!" or click here to link to it. (Send a PM or an email to ScubaPunk@singledivers.com for the password.) Email your survey to Trips@singledivers.com PLEASE DO NOT SEND YOUR SURVEY TO KAMALA.
3. Send your deposit for the trip and/or monies due based upon the payment schedule posted below and payment options. If you need to make special arrangements about payments with me please contact me and I'll gladly work with you. See below for our credit card authorization form.
4. If we need to know what time you are arriving, if you need rental gear, if driving or flying or how much lead you need, you MUST include this with your initial reservation.
Discounts:
•$50 discount if booked and paid in full by Feb 25, 2007
• Chance for (1) FREE NITROX upgrade for anyone booked and deposited by Feb 25, 2007
•$25 rebate for SD premier or charter membership
•Price includes cash discount. Please add 3% if paying via paypal or credit card.
Payment Information:
If paying via credit card (Visa, MC, Diners) download the SD Credit Card Authorization Form, complete and fax to 214-350-2558. [ Click here for the form.
If paying via paypal go to www.PayPal.com and send payment to kamala@singledivers.com Be sure to include the 3% fee along with your address, contact number, screen name and trip name in the details section.
If paying via check or money order, please send payment to:
Kamala Shadduck
SingleDivers.com
3957 Gaspar Ste#200
Dallas, TX 75220
214-350-7003
kamala@singledivers.com
We must have your name, address, screen name and trip name in the memo section of the check to be credited properly for this trip
Payment Terms & Schedule:
ASAP: $500 deposit required to reserve a spot on the trip. (MUST SPECIFY QUAD OR DOUBLE OCCUPANCY WHEN BOOKING)
Progress Payments:
Immediately to Hold Spot: $500 Deposit
Apr 25, 2007: $700
July 25, 2007: $700
Sept 25, 2007: $827 d/o or $77 quad PLUS ALL LAND TOURS & PACKAGES
PLEASE obtain trip insurance ...it is VERY inexpensive and will protect your investment. You can purchase it right online as well as check quotes etc. It is very economical and averages about $ for this trip.
Click here for a free quote or to purchase online!
or
Click here for another provider that provides excellent rates and coverage!
Communications With the Boat:
The Nimrod Explorer is equipped with a ship to shore radio, and a radiotelephone for emergencies only. We can only pass messages to and from the vessel via the radio. A message can be passed on via the Explorer Ventures’ Cairns office, international telephone: +61.7.4031.5566 or international fax +61.7.4031.2431.
Tour and Excursion Descriptions: (More exciting options will be added to give you way too many choices!
Australian Daintree, Cape Tribulation & Mossman Gorge Day Tour:
A fascinating day tour to the World Heritage listed rainforests of Daintree, Cape Tribulation and Mossman Gorge National Parks, an area once described by Sir David Attenborough as "one of the most magical experiences of my life." The region that we visit is one of the most complex ecosystems on Earth - one hectare can hold some 30,000 different species of plants, reptiles, mammals, birds, insects and other organisms - and has the richest Flora and Fauna diversity in Australia. For example, of the 19 primitive flowering plants families on Earth, 12 are found in the Daintree area, more than anywhere else on the planet. This is a small group day tour - maximum 13 passengers - utilising air-conditioned Mercedes Benz, OKA and Toyota vehicles. Morning tea and afternoon refreshments are included, as well as a First Class Tropical BBQ lunch.
Highlights:
Daintree and Cape Tribulation National Parks
Mossman Gorge National Park
Marlin Coast scenic drive
Daintree River Cable Ferry
"Jindalba" Botanical Walk
Private Rainforest Walk "The Stairway to Paradise"
Private Lunch venue at the "The Riverhouse"
Exclusive Permit Crocodile Spotting River Cruise
Superior Naturalist Guides
Australian Aboriginal Culture, Sky Rail & Rainforest Experience:
Kuranda Skyrail and Rail are two spectacular ways to see Queenslands Tropical North. Glide over World Heritage rainforest aboard the Skyrail, the world's longest gondola cableway. Upon your return to Cairns, board the Kuranda Scenic Rail; an ideal way to experience scenic highlights as you wind your way home through the mountains. Departing your hotel we travel northwards to the Aboriginal Culture Park. Situated on 25 acres of land owned by the Tjapukai people at Caravonica, north of Cairns, Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park is a stunning theatrical interpretation of Aboriginal culture from the beginning of time into the future.Seven separate arenas allow visitors to experience every facet of the rainforest people’s culture - from the provocative History Theatre to the inspiring Creation Theatre, and the original Dance Theatre and the interactive Camp Village, where visitors can learn didgeridoo playing and boomerang throwing.
After a delightful lunch we make our way to Skyrail- "the world's most beautiful rainforest experience."
Your gondola trip takes you above the canopy of this world heritage national park with stops along the way to visit Red Peak. A walk down to the forest floor is recommended where boardwalks enable you to view the fern covered forest floor. Arriving at Kuranda, your guide meets you to escort you to the village. The village has a lot to offer with its famous market, boutique stores and arts & crafts. An hour or so here is enough time to discover its charm.After returning to the vehicle, we visit the mighty Barron Falls lookout before returning to Cairns via the beautiful northern beaches.
Australian Hot Air Ballooning:
Let us introduce you to the safe and exciting sport of ballooning, in a spectacular dawn trip which highlights the diverse eco-culture of the Cairns region. As the sun rises our pilots gently lift off and quietly glide the balloons over the panorama of the Cairns Highlands (also known as the Atherton Tablelands). Afterwards you are treated to a wonderful breakfast at our outback adventures site, and then returned to Cairns or Kuranda with plenty of time to enjoy other tours in the same day.And did we mention that we fly the worlds LARGEST commercial balloons which are over 400ft tall? So get aboard and experience the ride of your life!!! Because of the nature of balloons they can’t be steered, instead they are carried along by wind currents. The Kuranda range provides a buffer from the coastal winds, making the gentle Mareeba valley the ideal place for ballooning, having less cancelled flying days than any other location in the world. Just after dawn the cool air in the Mareeba Valley provides the stable conditions which are perfect for ballooning, which is why we fly at dawn. Allowing our flights to always be controlled, with our landing being gentle affairs with the basket remaining in the upright position.
Cruise the New Zealand Auckland Harbor...Enjoy a Picnic Afloat:
1:00pm - 2:30pm. Duration 1.5 hours. Other departure times are available by request.
See the sights of the city from the water and listen to an informative commentary. Experience the fun and pleasure of real sailing in the sailing capital of the world. We provide wet weather gear. Cash Bar on Board.
Includes entry to the NZ National Maritime Museum. Pride Picnic Box including: Prime Beef Salad roll, Freshly Baked Muffin, NZ Cheese and Crackers, Fresh Fruit of the Season and Nut Bar. Served whilst underway.
New Zealand's Kelly Tarlton's Underwater World:
Eyebrows were raised when the late Mr Kelly Tarlton had the idea to build an aquarium in the disused sewerage holding tanks under Auckland’s waterfront.The building of the Underwater World and the 110-metre acrylic tunnel was a feat of Kiwi ingenuity. But two years later, in January 1985, Kelly Tarlton’s brainchild came to fruition when, after 10 months of construction, Kelly Tarlton’s Underwater World was opened. The NZ$3 million underground project wasn’t easy, but Kelly was not one to be put off by a challenge. Never before had a 110-metre long, transparent acrylic tunnel been built so the design was completely innovative. Importing the prefabricated tunnel sections proved to be just too expensive, so Kelly flew in enormous, flat sheets of acrylic from Germany. These were formed into the correct dimensions and then the one tonne sheets were oven heated and curved to the required tunnel shape. Before importing the sheets, Kelly tested this process on a small piece of the material in his home oven! The sections were carefully lowered into the site in special order, through a hole in the footpath of Auckland’s waterfront. After the tunnels were sealed, everyone took a deep breath as they were tested to ensure they were watertight…and with a sigh of relief… they found no leaks! This was a world first; a transparent, underwater tunnel from which the public could be face to face with Sharks, Stingrays and other marine creatures.Skilled craftsmen constructed rocky reefs and caves from concrete and Kelly’s staff carefully selected marine life from local coastal waters. Finally, the tanks were filled with filtered seawater and the fish and Sharks moved into their new home, The Underwater World.