GOURMET CYCLING IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Sumptuous local produce. Tempting world-class wine. Landscapes etched with manicured vineyards, against a backdrop of eucalypts standing tall. You’re truly spoilt for choice in the beautiful Barossa and Clare Valleys, and what better way to indulge your senses than combining fine food and wine with gentle cycling on our guided tour.

The Barossa Valley owes much of its appeal to the European farmers and English settlers who made the place home from the place home from the 1850s. You will get a taste of their rich cultural legacy in superb Barossa specialty foods, dozens of festivals and events, historic architecture and inspiring arts and antique galleries.

With a rich cultural tapestry dating back 160 years and more than 35 cellar doors, the Clare Valley is perfect for immersing yourself in the finer things in life: food and wine, divine places to stay, history, arts and festivals. The Riesling Trail is one of the first rail-trails to be developed in South Australia, running for 25 km between the towns of Clare and Auburn and ambling past many cellar doors along the way.

DATES:
04 November 2009
28 November 2009
05 January 2010

DURATION:
5 days / 4 nights

COST:
from AUD$1995 per person

INCLUDES:
Tour guide, transport ex Adelaide, full vehicle support, wine tasting, meals as indicated

START/FINISH
Adelaide, SA

MEALS:
4 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 4 Dinners

INCLUDED:
Tour guide, transport ex Adelaide, full vehicle support,
wine tasting, meals as indicated.

ADDITIONAL COSTS:
Bike and equipment hire is at an additional cost – participants may bring their own bicycle. A fuel levy fee may apply to this tour – please refer to booking form for details.

ITINERARY

Day 1
Our Barossa Food and Wine Cycling Tour takes you from the local farmer’s markets and boutique wineries to some of the largest and most famous in the region. On the first day of our tour, we cycle the Seppeltsfield Rd, visiting wineries such as Two Hands where we begin our day with a wine masterclass and tasting of their premium wines, Barossa Valley Estate and the historic Seppeltsfield Winery where we take a tour and learn about the rich history of the Barossa Valley as a winemaking region. We make a visit to Maggie Beers Farm Shop to enjoy the surrounds and sample some of the Barossa delights. Tonight we enjoy a gourmet dinner prepared at our accommodation. Cycling Distance: approx 25km

Day 2
On day two, we start with a cooked breakfast overlooking the Barossa and then start our day with a visit the incredibly historic and beautifully restored Chateau Tanunda and enjoy a Barrel tasting before cycling to the birthplace of the Barossa, the early settlement off Bethany. After visiting Bethany wines, we continue our cycle through the back roads and vineyards of the Barossa stopping at boutique wineries and attractions along the way. Tonight we enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Cycling Distance: approx 35 km

Day 3
Today we continue to explore the Barossa Valley by bicycle. We ride through some of the most breathtaking parts of the region, you may even catch a glimpse of native Australian animals in the wild, and on into the town of Angaston where you will have an opportunity to look through the shops at the amazing art and crafts. After lunch we depart the Barossa Valley and drive to Clare Valley Tonight we enjoy a gourmet dinner prepared at our accommodation. Cycling Distance: approx 25 km

Day 4
From the town of Auburn we have perfect cycling along the Riesling Trail, built along a disused railway line. En route we enjoy winery visits and tastings, including Knappsteins, Tim Adams Wines, the historic Sevenhill Wines, Crabtree and Annie’s Lane. Tonight we enjoy dinner at one of the Clare Valley’s finest restaurants. Cycling Distance: Approx 30 km

Day 5
Today we cycle along the magnificent Skilly Ridge, providing breathtaking views across the Valley. We visit some of the best wineries in the region en route including, Skillogalee & Kilakanoon before cycling to the historic 19th century slate mining village of Mintaro and visiting the boutique Reilly’s wines. After lunch we conclude our tour with a cycle to Martindale Hall, a historic Georgian style mansion built in the 1870’s, before retuning to Adelaide by 6.00 pm. Cycling Distance: Approx 50 km (optional)

KANGAROO ISLAND CYCLING
Join Ecotrek for a stunning ride around this unspoilt island, famous for its wildflowers, wildlife and spectacular coastline.

We ride quiet roads to secluded covers, sheer cliffs and pristine beaches. On our Kangaroo Island Cycling Tour, you will visit isolated lighthouses, the unforgettable Admiral's Arch and Remarkable Rocks and will walk among the basking Australian sea lions at Seal Bay.

Flinders Chase National Park covers most of the islands western end. Here your will cycle through a range of diverse ecosystems and habitats.

Our accommodation is carefully selected to ensure you have a close encounter with this exceptional place of natural wonder. Spend an evening on a spotlighting tour to seek out rare and elusive native animals in their natural habitat.

The tour leaves from and returns to Adelaide, the capital of South Australia.

Kangaroo Island is the third largest island off the Australian coast. It is 155km long and up to 55km wide and is an area of outstanding natural beauty. The island's population is quite small with most people involved in the fishing and farming of industries.

Over 30% of the islands area is protected by 21 National and Conservation Parks, which contain over 850 plant species and shelter the islands prolific wildlife.

On our cycle or walking tours we regularly encounter kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas, sand monitors (goannas), koalas, possums, penguines, seals, colourful parrots and large wading birds. Kangaroo Island is the perfect place to observe Australian wildlife in its natural habitat. The terrain is gently undulating.

Surrounding the island is dramatic coastline; sheer sea-cliffs, unique rock formations, secluded covers, lonely lighthouses, and white sandy beaches. There are also a number of limestone caves with splendid formations.

This is a cycling holiday that will leave you refreshed and invigorated.


DATES:
2010 dates to be posted....

DURATION:
3 Days / 2 nights

COST:
from AUD$1435 per person

INCLUDES:
Tour guide, transport ex Adelaide, return ferry, full vehicle support, park entry fees, meals as indicated


ITINERARY:
Day 1
Travel from Adelaide to Cape Jervis where a 45 minute ferry crossing takes us to the small port of Penneshaw. We visit the historic Frenchman’s Rock before cycling to American River. We then shuttle to our farmstay accommodation. Cycling distance: Up to 35 km Overnight: Farmstay B&B

Day 2
Ride to Flinders Chase, visiting Kelly Hill Caves en route. Continue to Cape du Couedic to see Admirals Arch, New Zealand fur seals, a lighthouse and spectacular seascapes. Ride on to Remarkable Rocks and from where we shuttle to our accommodation. Cycling distance: Up to 42 km Overnight: Farmstay B&B

Day 3
Cycle via Vivonne Bay to Seal Bay. Walk with the sea lions and see the beached whale skeleton. Shuttle to Penneshaw visiting a eucalyptus oil distillery en route. Take the ferry back to mainland and return to Adelaide, arriving at around 9.30pm. Cycling distance: Up to 45 km

MURRAY BACKWATERS CANOEING

The Bookmark Biosphere Reserve is an ideal place for a camping and canoeing holiday. It consits of 6060 square km of the Riverland and Mallee region of South Australia and straddles the River Murray and its associated wetlands, and extends into semi-arid mallee, dune and spinifex habitats.

It is one of a series of internationally recognised ecosystems, identified by UNESCO as having high conservation values. The diverse habitat are home to a wide range of flora and fauna. The birdlife is particularly rich.

Bookmark includes sections of national and conservation parks, bird and game reserves, pastoral leases and the BRL Hardy Banrock Station complex.

Within Bookmark, the Chowillas are a series of quiet backwaters of the mighty Murray River where the three state borders of Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia meet. River flow is very slow and safe; ideal conditions for novice canoeists. The many channels are lined with huge river red gums, some of which bear ancient scars where Aborginal people used stone axes to make bark canoes.

Our trip involves leisurely paddling through the billabongs and anabranches of this beautiful area. We explore the Chowilla, Chambers Creek and Pike River areas, all of which are famous for their bird life.

Canoe travel is the ideal way to explore the many channels lined with red gums. We find Aboriginal canoe trees and prolific wetlands and birdlife on our gentle journey.

No previous experience required. We teach you the basics. Our Canadian touring canoes are roomy and easy to manoeuvre.

DATES:
2010 Dates waiting to be posted.....

DURATION:
3 days / 2 nights

COST:
from AUD$990 per person

INCLUDES:
Tour guide, transport ex Adelaide, meals as indicated, camping equipment, canoe hire.

START/FINISH
Adelaide, SA

CANOEING THE COORONG
The Murray mouth is the staring point of a unique geographical feature that extends South East.

As a waterway it is a paradox- saltier where is it furthest from the sea and freshest where it meets the Murray mouth. 'Kurangh'- the Neck- was the native name for this greatest lagoon stretching nearly 140 km inside the coastal dunes from the Murray mouth to the salt lakes a little short of Lacepede Bay. Early white men spoke of it as the 'Coorong.' The landscape is dominated by a series of estuarine lagoons, separated from the Southern Ocean by a thin barrier of sand dunes that form the Younghusband Peninsula.

The Coorong has been ill-used by white man for 150 years, many areas are showing the strain, but so much of it is still untouched and primitive. The Coorong has been 30 million years in the making. It emerged from the sea in its present form only 6000 years ago and archaeological evidence indicates that Aborigines occupied the area from the outset.

The Coorong has been dying of natural causes for the past 2000 years. As a National Park, unique on a world scale, the Coorong is an important biological corridor. Its waters are neither salt nor fresh, but a sort of miracle in which two environments have blended together. Numerous islands, critically important to large breeding colonies of pelican and other sea birds, punctuate the lagoons, with the seasonally fluctuating salinities.

The frontal coastal dune stabilised by coastal wattles and daisies are backed by infertile dunes supporting heath communities. This marine and wetland park is particularly significant for its representation of two adjacent ecosystems, diverse habitats and numerous bird species. Recent arechaeological discoveries place the Coorong as one of the mose significant sources of Aboriginal heritage in Australia.

Access to the sections of the Coorong we are visiting is only possible via boat:

DATES:
2010 dates to be posted....

DURATION:
3 Days / 2 Nights

COST:
From AUD$990 per person

INCLUDES:
Tour guide, transport ex Adelaide, full vehicle support, park entry fees, meals as indicated, camping equipment.


ITINERARY:
Day 1
We pick you up from your Adelaide CBD accommodation and travel to our take off point of Mundoo Channel or Hindmarsh Island Marina. We will load our gear into the canoes. We canoe to the Coorong passing through the lock, which means we go from fresh to the salt water of the tidal Coorong. You don’t need any prior canoeing experience to enjoy this tour. We navigate past the Mouth of the Murray River, the unique and historic Barker’s Knoll fishermans’ shacks to our camping destination near Waterhole Point. We set up camp and explore the area with a walk to the Great Southern Ocean in the late afternoon. Cockles for dinner or bait (depending on open season) for fishing. There will also be an opportunity for some sunset bird watching or seals swimming past as we enjoy dinner right at the water’s edge.

Day 2
This morning we canoe to Panmarung Point, which takes us further into the Coorong. Stops at the Snake Pit and Mosquito Bay then navigate through the self-operated lock on Tauwitcherie Barrage into the Southern end of lake Alexandrina and a return to fresh water. If the weather is against us we will stay on the Coorong and try for Cattle Point before heading back to Waterhole Point. A bush tucker walk past vast middens toward the Southern Ocean and maybe some fishing before dinner. Maybe try your luck for Mulloway after dinner.

Day 3
After a leisurely breakfast and perhaps a swim, an opportunity to have a good look at the Murray Mouth on our way back to Goolwa and Hindmarsh Island. The dredging which now takes place all year round is to keep the mouth open and allow the tidal flow necessary to keep the Coorong healthy. Conditions permitting we can also try our luck with fishing the mouth. Back through the lock and stop for coffee at Hectors waterfront café. An optional visit to Signal Point Interpretive Centre is possible before we get back to our landing and unload. During our time in the Coorong, you will also find plenty of time for sketching, reading, photography, fishing, swimming or simply relaxing in this beautiful environment. We will arrive back in Adelaide mid to late afternoon (approximately 4:00 pm) refreshed after your Coorong holiday.

GLENELG RIVER CANOEING
Millions of years ago, sea creatures deposited on the ocean floor compacted into limestone. Eons later, the water retreated, exposing the seabed. Water Percolating through dissolved the limestone and formed the river bed of the Glenelg River. Over time, the river has carved a meandering gorge up to 50 metres deep in the Miocene limestone.

Aborignial people have lived in the area for many thousands of years, with strong spiritual connections to the region and an intimate knowledge of its geography, flora and fauna.

The Glenelg River begins as a small stream in the mountain ranges of the Grampians and travels approximately 400 km to reach its mouth at Nelson on Victorias South West Border.

As we canoe along the quiet, shetered waters, the land around us changes and with these changes comes a diversity of habitat, flora and fuana. A haven for small mammals, you will likely spot eastern grey kangaroos, brush tailed possums, echidnas and emus. If you’re patient, you may catch glimpse of the short nosed bandicoot, platypus, potoroo and swamp antechinus.

Our canoe holiday along this quiet and majestic river will leave you refreshed and enlivened.

DATES:
2010 dtes to be posted.....

DURATION:
5 Days / 4 Nights

COST:
From AUD$1275 per person

INCLUDES:
Tour guide, transport ex Adelaide, meals as indicated, camping equipment, canoe hire.



ITINERARY:
Day 1
We drive from Adelaide to the Glenelg River and set up our camp at Moleside. A familiarisation session in the canoes, and there may be time for a picturesque walk through bushland around our camp. (D)

Day 2
From Moleside Camp, we canoe down the river to our destination for the night, Battersby’s Camp. Alongside the river is part of the Great South West Walk, which we will explore before our evening meal. (BLD)

Day 3
A short paddle today takes us to Bowds, a lovely little campsite accessible only by canoe or kayak. This is a great area for fishing with beautiful scenery as the forest comes right to the water’s edge. We have another opportunity to walk part of the Great South West Walk and get a different perspective of the river and its unique vegetation. (BLD)

Day 4
Spectacular limestone cliffs line the river during our morning paddle. We have the opportunity on arrival to explore Princess Margaret Rose Caves, which have a sensational display of fascinating limestone formations. A beautiful campground and a special meal mark our last night together on this trip. (BLD)

Day 5
We leave Princess Margaret Rose Caves by vehicle and travel to Simpsons Camp where we can walk the last few kilometres into Nelson, where the river meets the sea. Close to the South Australian border, Nelson is surrounded by National Parks and has a superb ocean beach. Late in the morning we will leave Nelson to travel back to Adelaide. (B)

CANOEING THE OUTBACK
Cooper Creek is one of Australia’s largest, most isolated and historic river systems, and it flows through a desert. The hundreds of channels, flood plains, waterholes and freshwater lakes create major wetlands, an oasis in some of the driest land on earth. Over 170 species of birds can be found here.

Each year, monsoonal rains fall on the Queensland coast creating floods bigger than the Nile, and much of this water flows westwards along the Cooper to Coongie Lakes and sometimes even to Lake Eyre. Summer temperatures can exceed 50oC but from April to October the climate is pleasant. Aboriginal people lived along the Cooper and we find rock art, stone implements and old campsites. The huge red sand dunes of the Strzelecki Desert can be 15 metres high and provide a sense of pure wilderness. The Cooper was the scene of a tragedy in 1861 when the explorers Burke and Wills died beside the river. We visit sites associated with this drama, including the famous Dig Tree.

The tour visits historic outback towns such as Broken Hill, Milparinka, Tibooburra, and Innamincka. We return via the famous Strzelecki Track cattle droving route and the Flinders Ranges.

DATES:
2010 dates to be posted......

DURATION:
9 Days / 8 Nights

COST:
from AUD$2795   per person

INCLUDES:
Tour guide, transport ex Adelaide, meals as indicated, camping equipment, canoe hire.

ITINERARY:
Day 1
Depart from Victoria Square, Adelaide at 8.00am, heading for Broken Hill where we stay for our first night. Today we’ll travel through the east of South Australia, and whilst Broken Hill is situated in New South Wales, it’s closer to Adelaide than any other major city, and thus observes Australian Central Standard Time. Broken Hill is a mining town, with the world’s largest mining company, BHP Billiton, originating in the town.

Day 2
Today we’ll drive via the old goldfield of Milparinka, Depot Glen (where Charles Sturt’s party were stranded for six months), and the classic outback town of Tibooburra. Our destination of tonight is Sturt National Park, referred to as the jewel of the NSW Outback. Covering 340 000 hectares of semi-desert country, the park is situated in the far western corner of New South Wales. In the east of the park flood plains dotted with occasional trees give way to small rocky gorges and dry creek beds. The Olive Downs, or ‘jump-up’ country is where the flat topped mesa rise up to 150 metres above the surrounding plains. Further west the gibber plains are replaced by the sandhills of the Strezlecki Desert. (BLD)

Day 3
It’s off to Innamincka today! We travel via Cameron Corner, where the South Australia, New South Wales and Queensland borders meet. From here we travel through the Strzelecki Desert to Innamincka. Proclaimed a township in 1890, Innamincka is located 340 kilometres from Tibooburra, near the junction of the Strzelecki, Cordillo and Nappa Merrie tracks on the famous Cooper Creek. Just a few kilometres to the east is a monument marking the site of the death of John O'Hara Burke, leader of the ill-fated Burke and Wills Expedition of 1861, whilst the site of Will's death is a few kilometres to the west of Innamincka. For many years the township of Innamincka remained as it was in 1891, with a store, hotel, saddler's shop, Chinese eating house and a police station. In 1972 The Cooper's Creek Hotel-Motel and the Innamincka Trading Post were established to service travellers through the region, and today a motel, stores, information centre and more provide for travellers and locals alike. Tonight we’ll camp beside Cooper Creek near the town. (BD)

Day 4
Our first day of canoeing on the Cooper! We’ll paddle along the Cullyamurra Waterhole, a region of unsurpassable natural beauty that provides sanctuary for many of the unique flora and fauna species of South Australia's arid lands. This area has played a significant part in both the Aboriginal and European history of Australia. It is home to many endangered and protected species and amazing examples of the Yandruwandha/Yawarrawarrka peoples’ rock art, burial sites and artefacts. This area also featured in the fateful expedition of Burke and Wills making it a significant part of Australia's European history. Yellow belly and catfish abound in the waterhole, which is known as being Australia’s largest billabong. We’ll camp beside the waterhole overnight. (BLD)

Day 5
Travelling eastwards to Nappa Merie Station, we visit the Dig Tree, where supplies were left for the ill-fated Burke and Wills Expedition in the 1860s. We return to the Innamincka Hotel, referred to as the ‘Taj Mahal’ of the outback, with its striking contrast of corrugated mini orb, spotted gum beams, teak furniture and wood finishes throughout. In the early days the pub was a stopover for shearers who, believe it or not, rode their push bikes to woolsheds up and down the Strzelecki Track. It's also been a watering hole for those who've broken down and have had to call it quits. And in a sense that's what happened to the town and it's original hotel last century. Depression and sand drifts closed the track and it's 1880s pub. Now the old ruins and the bottle heap provide a talking point for drinkers in the new hotel. Check out the restored Inland Mission over the road from the hotel. Tonight we make camp in Innamincka and for our evening meal, we sample the hearty and well-praised tucker at the pub (own expense). (BL)

Day 6
This morning we drive out towards the World Heritage listed region of Coongie Lakes, which lies within the Innamincka Regional Reserve. The track to the lakes takes you roughly north-west of Innamincka through dry sandy country. The Coongie Lakes system has been recognised for its importance in providing a unique environment for plants and animals of the desert. There are pleasant camping spots around the south-east corner of Coongie Lake, and a few spots along the creek bank. Wading birds are plentiful, and the surrounding bush is full of other desert bird species, so the lake is a bird watchers' dream. The peace and remoteness of this area will also appeal to other travellers. Canoeing along the creek here is a wonderful way to explore. The bird life is prolific in the region. There are desert species to be found, but most obvious are the waders, waterbirds and bush birds which inhabit the areas close to the waters of the Cooper Creek. The Coongie Lakes system is so highly populated with birds, that there are hundreds of rufous night-herons roosting next to the cormorants. The gibber plains that surround Innamincka are an ideal environment to observe gibberbirds, chats and other tiny desert inhabitants. The dry sandy regions provide yet another ecology with some elusive species being observed amongst the salty flora. Spend this afternoon paddling this fabulous wetland before we return to our overnight at Innamincka. (BLD)

Day 7
Today we continue our exploration of the Coongie Lakes system before returning to Innamincka and perhaps visiting Wills Grave or the site of King’s dramatic rescue before heading south along one of Australia’s famous cattle droving routes, the Strzelecki Track. The Strzelecki Track was pioneered by bushman Harry Redford, who brought stolen cattle from Queensland to South Australia in 1871. He was later immortalised as Captain Starlight in Rolfe Boldrewood's novel, Robbery under Arms. In early days, the track was the scene of John Flynn's first efforts at radio communication. Driving a Model T Ford with his associate, George Towns, he headed up the Strzelecki Track in the early 1920s, experimenting with Morse signals sent from a primitive set. On his return, a stationhand told him that he'd heard a faint signal from Cordillo Downs, a homestead north of Innamincka. It was the first positive result of many months of experimentation. These days, the track is maintained mainly for traffic to the Gidgealpa and Moomba oil and natural gas fields. Our overnight stop is the tiny South Australian town of Copley, famous for the many delights found in the Quandong Café. (BLD)

Day 8
Our journey continues through outback South Australia and we soon reach the Northern Flinders Ranges. Take a short walk in the famous dry creek beds and drive through stunning Parachilna Gorge. The Prairie Hotel is an outback institution and the coffee and treats here are worth the stop! Blinman is an old copper town with a tiny pub surrounded by hills. We spend tonight at Angorichina Village, nestled amongst the dramatic outcrops of the surrounding hills and ranges. Relax by our campfire tonight and relive the adventures of the past days before we settle down for the night. (BLD)

Day 9
Today’s travels take us through the rugged and ancient Flinders Ranges, past the natural formation of Wilpena Pound and through the town of Hawker, which houses a fully operational seismograph in the local fuel station. The Southern Flinders Ranges are a rolling green to their northern counterpart, and we stop at the pretty town of Melrose, nestled at the base of Mount Remarkable. Passing through the picturesque Clare Valley, we arrive at our final destination of Adelaide in the late afternoon after a great nine days of adventuring in South Australia’s Outback. (B)

KANGAROO ISLAND WALKING

Walking through Kangaroo Island is a nature-lover's dream. It is a microcosm of landscapes and environments: dramatic coastlines, sheltered beaches, pristine bushland, rolling farmland, dense forests, sweeping sand dunes, solitary lighthouses...

This will be a vacation where you will see wildlife in its natural environment. Tammar wallabies, koalas, goannas, kangaroos, sea lions, fur seals and abundant birdlife all calling the island 'home.'

A thriving island community committed to eco-tourism and environmental sustainability will welcome you with its produce: honey, sheep's milk cheese, eucalyptus oil and wine are just some of the tempting gourmet delights found here that will make a memorable walking holiday.

From sunrise to sunset, you will be enthralled by nature at its very best here in the island paradise.

This tour is fully supported, and all luggage is transported in our tour vehicle/s. At any point in the tour, should you wish to rest your legs and travel in the support vehicle, you have the option.

DATES:
30October 2009
07 November 2009
05 December 2009
06December 2009
 11/December 2009

DURATION:
5 days / 4 nights

COST:
from AUD$1995

INCLUDES:
Tour guide, transport ex Adelaide, full vehicle support, park entry fees, meals as indicated

START/FINISH
Adelaide, SA

ACCOMMODATION:
Twin share with shared facilities

MEALS:
4 x Breakfasts, 4 x Lunches, 4 x Dinners

INCLUDED:
Tour guide, return ferry, transport ex Adelaide, full vehicle support, park entry fees, meals as indicated.

ADDITIONAL COSTS:
A fuel levy fee may apply to this tour – please refer to booking form for details.

ITINERARY

Day 1
Depart Adelaide, drive to Cape Jervis to catch the SeaLink ferry across to Penneshaw where we begin our island exploration. Get a view of the Island from Prospect Hill, before visiting a eucalyptus distillery to find out about the resourcefulness and enterprising spirit so common amongst the Island’s inhabitants. As we drive down to the Island’s southern coast, you’ll be able to take in the scenery as it changes from farmland to bushland and coastal scrub. A bird of prey display at Vivonne Bay allows you to get close to these amazing and graceful birds. (LD)

Day 2
A visit to Seal Bay this morning gets you right up close to an intriguing colony of Sea Lions as they laze and frolic on the beach. Kelly Hill Caves give an interesting insight into the geographical history of the Island. From here we set off on the Hanson Bay Hike, a 9 km walk through blue gum forest, mallee scrub, sand dunes and wetlands before reaching the river mouth at gorgeous Hanson Bay. (BLD)

Day 3
Spend today exploring Flinders Chase National Park, with great walking as well as visits to some of the icons of the island, including Remarkable Rocks and Cape du Couedic and a Fur Seal colony at Admiral’s Arch. Tonight is capped off with a nocturnal walk amongst some of the island’s furry inhabitants – koalas, wallabies and possums just to name a few! (BLD)

Day 4
Time for another walk this morning and a visit to the Little Sahara sand dune complex, before we make our way back to Penneshaw. We take an afternoon ferry across to the mainland. Tonight we stay nestled in the bushland of Deep Creek Conservation Park, at the base of the Fleurieu Peninsula. This afternoon is yours to explore the surrounding bushland. (BLD)

Day 5
Our final hike takes in the spectacular views of Deep Creek, from the hundred-year-old yaccas to the view across to Cape Willoughby on Kangaroo Island. Yellow-tailed black cockatoos are often seen (and heard!) as are rosellas and other birdlife. After you’ve enjoyed this final walk, we pass through the wine-growing McLaren Vale region before reaching Adelaide. (B)

FLINDERS RANGES & HEYSEN TRAIL WALKING

Stretching northwards from Adelaide is an ancient mountain range, the Flinders Ranges; a fractured, furrowed landscape where deep valleys covered with twisted cyprus pines drop away into sheltered creeks lined with majestic river gums. With the vibrant red and purple colours of the outback and some of the oldest rocks on earth, we hike through this sculpted landscape which will take your breath away again and again.

Wildlife abounds in this special wilderness, and the yellow-footed Rock-wallaby, once near extinction, is now thriving in the Flinders Ranges National Park. Kangaroos, euros, wallabies, emus, colourful parrots, kites and eagles all call the Flinders Ranges home. The traditional landowners of the Flinders Ranges have a rich cultural heritage and their connection with this place is passed from generation to generation through mythological tracks and songlines, which give spiritual meaning to the Flinders' physical landforms. This timeless land is very much alive.

DATES:
2010 dates to be posted....

DURATION:
6 Day / 5 nights

COST:
from AUD$1895  per person

INCLUDES:
Tour guide, transport ex Adelaide, full vehicle support, park entry fees, meals as indicated

ITINERARY
Day 1
We depart Adelaide on our seven-hour journey to the Flinders Ranges via the townships of Port Wakefield, Port Augusta, Quorn and Hawker. We have our first introduction to the Flinders Ranges and the outback when we visit the Wadlata Outback Interpretive Centre en-route. We arrive at our accommodation at Rawnsley Park, a large outback pastoral property near Wilpena Pound, in time to settle in and enjoy our first outback sunset over a glass of wine. (D)

Day 2
Approx 9.2 km (5 hours return walking) Our first hike into the Flinders Ranges. We walk through one of the most peaceful and scenic gorges in the Flinders Ranges, the Bunyeroo Gorge. With its permanent water supply, the gorge provides great opportunities for observing wildlife and interesting rock formations. Bullock teams and coaches transporting copper, mail and produce used the gorge in the 19th century to access the western plains. From Bunyeroo Gorge we make our way to the Wilcolo Valley, giving us stunning views of Wilpena Pound’s Eastern Wall. (B, L, D)

Day 3
Approx 9 km (4 hours return walking) We drive to Aroona Ruins, where the famous Australian artist Sir Hans Heysen, after whom the Heysen Trail is named, stayed on painting trips. We follow the Heysen Trail as it heads east over the Red Hill lookout and then turns south towards Brachina Creek. The views towards Wilpena Pound are superb! We hike along the beautiful Yuluna Creek back to Aroona. (B, L, D)

Day 4
Approx 10 km (5 hours return walking) Today we visit the historic copper mining town of Blinman, where its namesake, Robert Blinman, discovered copper in 1859. The copper mine was the largest in the Flinders and was operational until 1908. Many of the early settler cottages and buildings remain in the town. We continue our journey, through the Glass Gorge and in the afternoon we have the choice of hiking along the creek to Blinman Pools or exploring Wilpena Pound. Tonight we enjoy local hospitality and a restaurant dinner at a Flinders Ranges favourite, the Woolshed at Rawnsley Park. (B, L)

Day 5
This morning we will enjoy a short walk around the Rawnsley Park surrounding area, before traveling to the Southern Flinders Ranges. Alligator Gorge is in the aptly named Beautiful Valley area, and we take a delightful walk through the Gorge. Tonight we stay overnight in Melrose, a picturesque town nestled at the base of Mount Remarkable. Our accommodation is at the North Star Hotel, the oldest licensed hotel in the Flinders Ranges. (B, L)

Day 6
Approx 10 km (5 hours walking) An early start this morning to hike to the summit of Mount Remarkable, where you’ll experience the sweeping views over the Willochra Plain and Spencer Gulf. We depart for Adelaide this afternoon, along the way passing through quaint and historical towns, along with the Clare Valley, where we’ll stop at Sevenhill Cellars, the oldest winery in the Clare Valley founded by Jesuits in 1851, with the purpose of producing sacramental wines. It has since expanded to produce red, white and fortified wines, as well as wines for religious use. We will arrive in Adelaide at approximately 6.30pm after a wonderful taste of the Flinders Ranges. (B)

FLINDERS RANGES & HIDDEN GORGE WALKING

Walk the Flinders Ranges and get a taste of this magnificent wilderness with this 3-day, 2-night walking tour. Explore the Southern Flinders Ranges, with hikes through Alligator Gorge and Mount Remarkable National Park.

Hidden Gorge lies in the Mount Remarkable National Park, amidst some of the most spectacular scenery in the lower Flinders Ranges. It is a small rugged area cut by the Alligator and Mambray Creeks, which have eroded deep, spectacular gorges into the red quatzite.

There are towering red cliffs, secluded waterfalls, ferns, groves of native pines, sugar-gum forest and ribbons of mighty river red gums along the water-course. Picturesque waterholes attract native birds and the rare yellow-footed rock wallaby.

The diversity of habitats supports a greater abundance of wildflower than can be seen in the Central and Northern Flinders Ranges walking.

DATES:
2010 dates to be psoted....

DURATION:
3 Days / 2 nights

COST:
from AUD$ 970 per person

INCLUDES:
Tour guide, transport ex Adelaide, full vehicle support, park entry fees, meals as indicated, camping equipment

ITINERARY:
Day 1
After packing your gear on board, we will travel via Port Wakefield to Mambray Creek, just inside the park. After lunch we will walk along the valley for around 2.5 hours to set up our base camp beneath a rocky bluff.

Day 2
Today you hike without packs as we walk up through the twisting Hidden Gorge and onto The Battery, a long ridge, which gives extensive views over the upper Spencer Gulf. We will have lunch at a viewpoint before returning to our camp.

Day 3
We will be able to spend some time this morning exploring further along the picturesque Alligator Creek before walking out to our vehicle and returning to Adelaide. Return to Adelaide by 6.30pm.

THE GREAT OCEAN WALK

One of the world's great walks awaits you... The Great Ocean Walk is a diverse landscape where nature's drama unfolds at every turn. With exquisite coastal scenery, mountains and farmland, thriving country towns, rainforests and historic relics, this Great Ocean Walk Tour reveals a little more of the vast beauty around each turn of the rugged coast.

Our walking tour takes advantage of the aptly named Great Ocean Walk, which sees almost 100 km of walking trails meandering through the National Parks and overlooking the Marine National Park and Sanctuary. The hike has been designed so that walkers 'can step on and step off the trail,' and we have selected walks that best highlight the drama and beauty of the landscape.

Deep in the Great Otway National Park is an oasis of fern gullies, giant rainforest trees and abundant native wildlife. Wallabies, koalas and echidnas live in the Otway Ranges and if you are lucky, you may even spot an exclusive platypus in a forest stream. Dotted along the coastline are lighthouses, reminders of the trecherous coastline scattered with shipwrecks. The Twelve Apostles rise dramatically from the sea, colossal limestone stacks more than 20 million years old.

This is a landscape that captivates, inspires and invigorates as you walk the Great Ocean Walk.

DATES:
2010 dates to be posted....

DURATION:
5 Days / 4 Nights

COSTS:
from AUD $2360 per person

INCLUDES:
Tour guide, transport ex Melbourne, accommodation, full vehicle support and meals as indicated

ITINERARY
Day 1
From Melbourne we will travel to the Otways, a natural haven for wildlife. Frequently sighted animals and birds include koalas, eastern grey kangaroos, swamp wallabies, possums, blue-winged parrots, sulphur-crested cockatoos, galahs and kookaburras. Many other species are seen on occasion and require more discreet observation. There are also a number of rare and threatened species surviving in the area.

Day 2
Our walking takes us from Cape Otway to Castle Cove. The wind sculpted slopes and cliff tops above Station Beach are traversed by a sandy track. Rainbow Falls is spring fed and cascades to rocky platforms below. Part of this walk features the Aire River estuary, rocky escarpments and stunning coastal views.

Day 3
Experience heathland, wildflowers, grasstrees and cliff top views as we walk from Castle Cove before arriving at the spectacular Johanna Beach. Lush valley views and country roads as we hike through farmland and forest concluding at the unforgettable Milanesia Beach.

Day 4
The route starts on Milanesia Beach and climbs steeply to the cliff tops with sensational views, continuing through steep hills and coastal forests passing high sea cliffs. This track heads inland along country roads, through Blue Gums and farmland. At the end amongst the heath we have one of the most memorable scenes on this tour at the breathtaking Gables lookout.

Day 5
From the Gables, we hike through the heath to Wreck Beach, passing the anchors and climbing above Devil’s Kitchen. Follow the Old Coach Road joining the walking track along cliff tops with impressive views of the Twelve Apostles. Soak in this amazing natural wonder before returning back to Melbourne.