10 0 DE % GU PA A R RT A N UR TE ES ED
AUSTRALIA + NZ | 2016
18
EPIC T HI N GS Y O U D I DN ’ T K N OW AB O U T AUS & NZ P A GE. 6
25
AMAZING
EXPL O R E
WHITSUNDAYS THE OUTBACK FRASER ISLAND QUEENSTOWN ROTORUA
ROAD TRIPS FOR 18-39 s
Prices & itineraries valid until March 31st 2017
AND MORE
GREAT BARRIER REEF | BYRON BAY | ULURU | KAKADU | MELBOURNE MILFORD SOUND | FOX GLACIER | BAY OF ISLANDS | WELLINGTON
PAG E . 16
Stories
04 06 08 10 12 13 14
BUCKET LIST All good things start with a list. 18 THINGS YOU DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND EAT, SLEEP, REPEAT And then eat some more. THIS IS YOUR WORLD Hassle free travel and freedom to explore. YOUR CREW Kick back and enjoy the ride. TRAVEL BUDGET Because you want to save money. WILD SIDE Whale, whale, whale what do we have here.
Trips
16 30
NEW ZELAND Ancient glaciers? Check. Hobbits? Check. Explore one of the world's most famous wish-you-were-here postcards. AUSTRALIA Endless golden beaches, fringing reefs and lush rainforest's. The weather is perfect, life's good so just kick back and enjoy the ride.
Reference
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STAY & PLAY FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS TERMS & CONDITIONS HOW TO READ OUR ITINERARIES MAPS, TRIP CODES & PAGE NUMBERS
WE ARE TOPDECK We do epic down under road trips, Big Game safaris, Eurotrips, sailing trips, pyramid expeditions, and other awesomeness around the world for travellers between 18-39. We realise that everyone’s different, which is why all our trips include heaps of free time to play and explore. It’s your trip, your way. Your trip includes all the must-see, must-do activities and top-notch local fare to recharge those batteries between stops, which means you can spend your money where it matters and we’ll take care of the rest. You will hit the road on modern coaches, stay where the action is and hang out with other young explorers bent on seeing the world. And that’s just how we got started. We had a group of mates, some wheels and enough wanderlust to make most mothers worried. Forty years into it, we’re still discovering new places to see and unforgettable travel experiences to make our passengers’ trips just that little bit more awesome. Ready to pack your bags? Let’s talk.
#DREAMBIG
TOP 10 BUCKET LIST 01
02
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PAGE. 18, 20, 25, 27
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04
DROP ZONE. I’m so bored. Said no one ever in Queenstown. If there’s a perfectly fine bridge, cliff or airplane, chances are you will find a way to jump off it here. It’s also home to the world’s most epic burger shop, world-class skiing and all-round adrenalin awesomeness. Call mum later.
BAY OF ISLANDS. Life’s a beach. If you thought penguins only lived on the South Pole, think again. Whales? Got that. Dolphins? That too. Add a 90-mile long beach and 144 perfectly shaped sub-tropical islands and we’re sure you’ll figure it out. Also: the third bluest skies in the world and enough water activities to justify growing your first set of gills.
PAGE. 18, 25
GANDALF’S GAMBIT. This is Middle Earth. Hit the hobbit trail through Tongariro National Park to Mount Doom then cue enough jaw-dropping scenery to fill over nine hours of feature film. Don’t miss: the Hobbiton movie set and a pilgrimage to the studio that brought the magic of New Zealand to the world.
MAORI EXPERIENCE. It’s official. Get a proper welcome to the land of the long white cloud (and great rugby) with a one-night stay in a traditional Maori Marae. Prepare for a night of legends, dancing and home-cooked food on sacred ground and a chance to learn the haka and poi dances. Haere mai Aotearoa!
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SOUTHERN STATES. The spiritual home of hipsters, emus and perfect coffee. Australia’s south is a perfect blend between urban culture and sci-fi landscapes. Expect the backdrop from Pitch Black, warm country hospitality and enough sunsets to make your Facebook friends secretly hate you. Trivia: the 12 Apostles used to be called the Sow and Piglets. Thank god they changed it.
FRASER ISLAND. Bring out the big wheels. Explore the world’s largest sand island in a 4WD built to survive a zombie apocalypse. Get up-close-and-personal with rainforest towering 40 metres over endless sand dunes, crystal clear lakes and cheeky dingoes during two nights of man vs. wild with creature comforts.
THE BIG RED. First thought: wow, it’s flat. Second thought: and RED. Third thought: camels?! Steeped in 40,000 years of dreamtime stories, Australia’s outback is a tribute to a way of life long forgotten by many. Sleep in swags under star-lit skies, get face-to-face with snappy crocs in Kakadu National Park and find out how 200,000 camels ended up here.
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SURF CULTURE. Wake up, surf, love life. From the certified organic vibes of Byron Bay to Gold Coast’s Lamborghinis and skimpy outfits, Australia packs more surf culture than any other place outside Hawaii and Southern California. Wanna ride? Hit up our surf camp in Crescent Head for perfect breaks and top-notch instruction in sheltered conditions. Gnarly.
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GREAT BARRIER REEF. The world’s biggest aquarium? Check. Bigger than the Great Wall of China and big enough to be seen from space, Australia’s Great Barrier Reef got its name for a reason. It’s home to 2,900 reefs, 1,500 species of fish, and six of the world’s seven sea turtle species. Find Nemo, try scuba diving or just count shades of blue. You’re a long way from home, but things could be worse.
PAGE. 32, 34, 46, 49, 53 SAILING THE WHITSUNDAYS. The sand at Whitehaven beach is made of 99% pure silica. The water colour changes with the tides, NASA uses the sand for making telescopes and it makes perfect squeaking noises when you walk on it. It’s also the most beautiful beach in the world (ask the internet) and a perfect start for two days of sailing, snorkelling and kicking back in a hammock.
THE GREAT DOWN UNDER BUCKET LIST | 05
18u didn’t
o y s g n Thi
w o n K lia & t u o b a
a r t s u A aland e Z New
01 02
Australia’s largest property (Anna Creek Station) is bigger than Belgium.
The world’s longest fence runs for 5,618 kilometres from Queensland to Western Australia and was built to protect sheep from dingoes.
03
The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest living organism and covers 2,300 kilometres of Australia’s coastline. It’s also home to six of the world’s seven sea turtle species. Win.
04
No part of New Zealand is more than 128 kilometres from the sea. Beached
as bro.
05
Only five percent of New Zealand’s population is human. The rest is made up of animals and LOTR extras.
06
An Australian man tried to sell New Zealand on eBay once. The bids for the world’s best real estate deal reached $3,000 before the ad was removed.
07
Every kiwi has at least one baby photo of themselves naked on a sheep skin. Don’t ask.
08
While the rest of the world is dreaming of a white Christmas, all Australians know ‘tis is the time to eat prawns on the beach.
10
Name suggestions for Australia’s capital originally included Sydmelperbrisho, Wheetwoolgold and Federalbus. Righto.
11 12 13 14
Koalas are the only animals apart from humans with unique fingerprints. Don’t harass crocodiles. They might harass you back. The whole cast from Finding Nemo lives on the Great Barrier Reef.
If you visit between May-Oct you can see the annual migration of humpback whales travelling from Antarctica to northern Australia. #Epic.
15
Number of snake species in Australia: 140. New Zealand: 0. Ratio of sheep to humans in New Zealand: 7 to 1.
16
New Zealand officially appointed a Lord and Minister of the Rings to cash in on the success of the Lord of the Rings movies.
17
A National Wizard was appointed in 1990. #truestory. It’s also the only country with hobbits printed on their currency. And everyone in New Zealand knows at least one person who worked on the films.
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Remember Xena the Warrior Princess? Yep, she’s kiwi too.
09
If the mercury drops below 20C, it’s officially cold. Don’t even think about arguing about this.
THIS STORY WAS PRODUCED IN COLLABORATION WITH THE COLLECTIVE—A CREATIVE PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN TOPDECK AND THE NEXT GENERATION OF WRITERS, ARTISTS, MOVERS AND SHAKERS. FOR MORE STORIES LIKE THIS: CHECK OUT HTTP://BLOG.TOPDECK.TRAVEL.
18 THINGS YOU DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND| 07
Bush Tucker FOOD COMA
noun/fúd kómə/
The feeling of utter, smug satisfaction and sleepiness, that one feels after eating their way through their travels for a few weeks. Common causes include steak, sausage sizzles, fresh seafood, cheese and pavlova.
ANTONYMS: GYM, DIET, PACKED LUNCH
COOKING WITH FIRE
SEE: FOOD
WITH A CLIMATE MADE FOR OUTDOOR LIVING AND COOKING, the
FOR A PLACE THAT’S MOST FAMOUS FOR ITS SEAL COLONIES, whale
barbecue is a national symbol of pride in Australia and New
population and dolphin swims, Kaikoura surely doesn’t lack
Zealand. From humble backyard sausage sizzles to epic steak
tasty oceanic treats. The name literally translates as “eat
cuts, expect a food culture celebrating meat in all its forms.
crayfish” in the local Ngai Tahu dialect, which is probably the only seal of approval you’ll ever need. Check out the Craypot in
WILD CUTS.
town for the best chowder around.
Kangaroo – Lean, healthy and a bit gamey Emu – Gamey flavour tasting like a mix between chicken and red meat Possum – For the wild at heart Crocodile – Often seen on menus in the far northern parts of Australia. Tastes like a mix between chicken and calamari.
GRAPE ESCAPES THE WORLD’S BEST WEATHER TRANSLATES TO, yep you guessed it, some of the best wines you can get your hands on. Check out the cellar doors in the Hunter and Coonawarra Region in Australia or New Zealand’s Marlborough Valley for some of the best drops in the southern hemisphere.
TOP GRAPES. Hunter Valley (AU): Semillon, Shiraz. Coonawarra (AU): Cab Sauv. Marlborough Valley (NZ): Sauvignon Blanc
CHOW DOWN. Budget: Fish & chips (“fush & chups” locally). Mid-range: Whitebait fritters High-end: Crayfish.
BUSH TUCKER | 09
FREEDOM TO EXPLORE ALL OUR TRIPS ARE DESIGNED TO LET YOU ROAM FREE while keeping things hassle free. We’ve got the bucket list sorted, the accommodation booked and enough time built in to let you do your own thing. It’s your trip, your way. ++ Lots of free time in each location ++ A good mix of included and optional activities
TLC + BUCKET LIST SORTED WE DO WHAT WE DO BECAUSE WE’RE PASSIONATE about showing young people the world. This means all TLC is included in the trip price and not charged on your last day. Watch serenity defined in the Whitsundays, throw yourself off a bridge in Queenstown or watch earth unfold at Fox Glacier. This is your world, your dream, and your adventure. ++ The perfect mix between must-see and off the beaten track destinations ++ Heaps of meals included
NO MORE FOMO WE KNOW WHERE TO FIND THE BEST ADVENTURES, beaches, island hideaways and cultural experiences in Australia & New Zealand and have trained our crew to give you the best experience every time. Add handpicked accommodation ranging from a Maori Marae to a real outback farm and you’ll see why we say we run trips, not tours. ++ Unique accommodation in awesome locations ++ Stay where the action is ++ Experienced crew with deep destination knowledge
HASSLE-FREE TRAVEL OUR RECIPE IS SIMPLE: Our vehicles are built for creature comforts (hello free Wi-Fi!), a group of young explorers and custombuilt itineraries designed to mix freedom with life-changing experiences. It’s more than getting from A to B—it’s all about the epic friends, memories and experiences you have along in NZ and Aus East Coast trips. ++ Free Wi-Fi on the road ++ Modern, air-conditioned vehicles ++ No tipping or extra charges
THIS IS YOUR WORLD | 11
P
•E
•TO
EW
FESTI VA LS
ECK C
•A US
R
D
USA & CANADA
+ NZ AIA AL TR
E• OP R U
•
YOUR CREW There’s more to travel than scratching the surface. All of our crew Down under are locally sourced to get you an insider’s perspective of the places, people and things you encounter on the way.
CURIOUS
PASSIONATE
follow an itinerary, but no two trips are the same. You're the hero in this
every ounce of our experience to give you the trip of a lifetime.
WE WANT TO KNOW ABOUT YOU AND WHAT FEEDS YOUR WANDERLUST. We might
THE ROAD IS OUR HOME, THE RIDE IS A LIFESTYLE. We love what we do and use
travel story.
FRIENDLY
CONFIDENT
help you write stories with the people you meet along the way. Because friends
keep you safe and informed as you explore.
SOCIALLY INTUITIVE WITH AN EYE FOR WHAT MAKES THE BEST TRIPS TICK, we’ll
ROCKSTAR LEADERS SHARING A WEALTH OF KNOWLEDGE. You can count on us to
made on the road are friends for life.
Join the family
Join the family: Does the idea of waking up in Byron one day, hanging out on the Great Barrier Reef for a few days then hitting up Uluru sound like your idea of a perfect work week? Are you an experienced traveller passionate about showing young people the world? Then we should talk. Visit www.topdeck.travel/jobs for more info about how to become a part of the Topdeck Crew.
Connect,Share +Win # T O P D E C K E R F O R T H E C H A N C E T O W I N M O N T H LY
@TopdeckTravel
12 | YOUR CREW & CONNECT, SHARE + WIN
/TopdeckTravel
@TopdeckTravel
/TopdeckTravel
+Topdeck
B l e u v d a g r et T CK
LU
D W IT H T
EAT
EAT
DE
GETT ING
GETTIN G
TRA VE
INC
DE
WITH US
DO
£185
STAY O N Y
SAVE UP TO
EE, DO Y, S
440
£
UND, EAT, STA O R A
OP
SEE LOCAL EXPERT NEW ZEALAND GUIDES
PRICELESS
EXCLUSIVE TO TOPDECK
DO MILFORD SOUND CRUISE, ARROWTOWN BIKE RIDE & KIWI FARM EXPERIENCE
80
£
WN RO OU
CAR RENTAL AND FUEL FOR 7 DAYS
D N U O AR
SEE
GETTING AROUND
US ITH
UR OWN VS TRAVEL O Y LIN ON GW G N I LL
6 BREAKFASTS, 3 DINNERS
75
£
STAY 6 NIGHTS HOTEL ACCOMMODATION
7 DAY | SOUTHERN EXPLORER ON YOUR OWN
805
£
EARLY PAYMENT* SAVE 5% WHEN YOU BOOK AND PAY IN FULL 6 MONTHS IN ADVANCE OF YOUR TRIP DEPARTURE DATE.
VS
620
£
210
£
TRAVELLING WITH US
FRIENDS & DISCOUNTS* SAVE 5% FOR 4 FRIENDS WHO BOOK AND TRAVEL TOGETHER. SAVE 7.5% FOR 7 FRIENDS AND 10% FOR 10 FRIENDS! #WINNING.
MULTI-TRIP DISCOUNTS* BOOK 2 TRIPS AND SAVE 5% ON THE CHEAPEST TRIP. BOOK 3 TRIPS AND SAVE 7.5% ON THE CHEAPEST TRIP AND 5% ON THE 2ND CHEAPEST.
PAST PASSENGER* SAVE 5% IF YOU’VE TRAVELLED WITH US BEFORE.
BOOK 4 TRIPS AND SAVE 10% ON THE CHEAPEST TRIP, 7.5% ON THE 2ND CHEAPEST AND 5% ON THE 3RD.
EARLY BIRD DISCOUNTS*
10% OFF IF YOU BOOK BY 31 JANUARY 2016 7.5% OFF IF YOU BOOK BY 31 MARCH 2016
*All above discounts apply to the trip price only, and do not apply to any included flight costs, pre & post accommodation or transfers. Only 2 discounts can be combined to a maximum value of 15%. Early Payment Option; only one advanced purchase promotion can be used per booking. For ‘Friends & Discounts’ all passengers must be booked on the same trip at the same time. Only one ‘Friends & Discounts’ can be used. For ‘Multi Trip Discount’ all trips must be booked at the same time. All discounts are subject to availability.
TRAVEL BUDGET | 13
d l i W e d i S AUS + NZ
WHALE SPEAK THE NUTRIENT-RICH WATERS AND PROXIMITY TO ANTARCTICA makes Australia and New Zealand global hotspots for a number of whale species ranging from migrating humpbacks to orcas and even blue whales. Spot one in Aus: Gold Coast, May-Sep (humpbacks) Spot one in NZ: Kaikoura, year-round (sperm whales), Nov-Feb (orcas), and blue whales if you’re really lucky.
AUS
KANGAROO DUNDEE CHRIS BROLGA IS A MAN WITH A MISSION: to build Central Australia’s first wildlife hospital. Visit one of Australia’s most remote kangaroo sanctuaries for a life-changing insight into how orphaned kangaroos are nursed back to life in the Australian outback. Check it out: Alice Springs Kangaroo Sanctuary Option 2: Coober Pedy Kangaroo Orphanage
AUS
TURTLE POWER
AUS
KNOWN AS ANCIENT MARINERS, turtles have been swimming the world’s oceans for more than 200 million years. Every year thousands of turtles hit the eastern Australian seaboard to nest and lay the ground for the next generation of little green dudes. Rock on. Spot one: Cairns, Whitsundays, Byron Bay and sometimes Fraser Island.
KOALITY TIME THIS IS PROBABLY THE FLUFFIEST CREATURE to come out of Australia. The average koala’s low-calorie diet means it needs to sleep 18-22 hours per day. The rest of the time is spent looking unbearably cuddly. Hug one: Cairns, Gold Coast WILD SIDE | 15
a e Z w e N FROM THE ANCIENT GLACIERS AND FJORDSCAPES in the south to the green, rolling hills on the north island, New Zealand waves a magic wand at every turn. Get up and close with whales and orcas in Kaikoura, trek around Sauron’s old crib at Mt Doom or throw yourself off just about anything. Adventure starts here.
d n ala ACCOMMODATION STYLE: ++ Hotels, lodges, motels and hostel ++ Traditional Maori Marae
UNIQUE DESTINATIONS: ++ Fox Glacier ++ Milford Sound ++ Lake Oahu ++ Rotorua
BUCKET LIST HIGHLIGHTS: ++ Go skydiving, bungy jumping and whitewater rafting in the adventure capital of the world ++ Experience the postcard landscapes from Lord of the Rings ++ Stay in a traditional Maori marae ++ Try some of the world’s best wines DAYS
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17 DAY | Grand Kiwi
| TRIP NAME
Auckland
18
15 DAY | Kiwi Encounter
Auckland
20
10 DAY | Pure Adrenalin
Wellington 24
7 DAY | Northern Explorer 7 DAY | Southern Explorer
Auckland
5 DAY | Sweet As North 7 DAY | Ski New Zealand
25
Christchurch 26 Auckland
27
Queenstown 28
ACCOMMODATION
HOTELS, HOSTELS & LODGES
TRIP LENGTH
5-17 DAYS
ROOM TYPES
3-4 SHARE
17 DAY | G R A N D K I W I AUCKLAND
CHOOSE YOUR DEPARTURE CITY AUCKLAND OR CHRISTCHURCH
CHRISTCHURCH
2
ISLANDS VISITED
24
DAY 2 PAIHIA, BAY OF ISLANDS. The Bay of Islands is big on numbers: 144 islands, 90 miles of beach in one stretch, and 100-metre high Te Paki sand dunes ready for some serious sandboarding action. Get a dose of Kiwi history in Russell – NZ’s first capital. (B,D) DAY 3 BAY OF ISLANDS TO ROTORUA (MARAE STAY). NZ is so freakin’ gorgeous it has waterfalls like Whangarei hidden just off the highway. We’ll make a pit stop to walk to the falls on our way back to Auckland, then stomp and slappa da bass with some twists on the traditional haka tonight. (B,D) DAY 4 ROTORUA. Goodness gracious, Great (Pacific) Ring of Fire! Mud, Middle Earth and massages are the order of the day in the bubbling, gurgling and sulphursoaked town of Rotorua. If you’re starting to resemble a muddy prune, discover the Disneyland of mountain biking, go white-water rafting or jump into the real-life landscapes of Tolkien’s dreams. (B) DAY 5 ROTORUA TO TONGARIRO NATIONAL PARK. Worship at the altar of the game they play in heaven and get out-muscled by the future All Blacks. Next up: Lake Taupo and a hole in one challenge that could see you bag $10,000 (just watch the water traps). Tonight, join the debate over who really invented the pavlova. (B,D)
1
STOP & STAY DAY STOP
TRIP CODE: ANGKBC/ANGKCB DAY 1 AUCKLAND TO PAIHIA, BAY OF ISLANDS. Steal away from ‘the maiden with a thousand lovers’ (aka Auckland) and step into a Jurassic park adventure 130 million years in the making. Become a tree hugging hippie as you wrap your arms around NZ’s botanical elder, the Kauri tree. Rock the boat on an optional overnight houseboat trip.
DAY 6 TONGARIRO NATIONAL PARK. Lace up your boots and get ready to tramp the lunar landscape of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing – home to two active volcanoes, old lava flows, emerald lakes and hot springs. No jandals, bro. Too hardcore? Save your feet and take to wheels or skis.(B) DAY 7 TONGARIRO NATIONAL PARK TO WELLINGTON. From hiking over lava to readjusting to city life, today we thaw out in Wellington. As well as being home to Te Papa (NZ National Museum), it’s also the sporting capital of NZ and officially vampire friendly. #truestory. (B)
MEALS
DAY 8 WELLINGTON TO NELSON. Ferry into the arms of the world’s best Sauv Blanc on the banks of the Marlborough Sounds and enjoy a private tasting in a family-owned vineyard. Work out how many bottles you can fit in your suitcase without breaking your back. (B) DAY 9 NELSON. Dense forest, snow capped mountains and the epic Abel Tasman National Park. Kayak with seals, go horse riding or jump out of a plane. It’s a good thing you have the whole day to explore. (B,D) DAY 10 NELSON TO CHRISTCHURCH VIA KAIKOURA. Get clucky (yep, even you guys) over friendly fur seals on our journey down the east coast. Make more marine mates in Kaikoura, where whales and dolphins are happier than hipsters in a cold-pressed juice bar. After gorging on some seafood lunch we roll down to Christchurch, which matched the 2011 earthquake and raised it with new pop-up bars, and a shipping container shopping precinct. (B) DAY 11 CHRISTCHURCH TO FOX GLACIER. Like a giant green Rubik’s cube at the base of the Southern Alps, the Canterbury Plains make for epic scenery. Stop for whitebait fritters and Pounamu (Jade) pendant shopping, then cross your fingers for the money shot of NZ’s two tallest mountain peaks reflected in Lake Matheson #picoftheday. (B,D) DAY 12 FOX GLACIER TO QUEENSTOWN. Sing "Let it go" today as we hit up NZ's most famous glacier. Strap on some crampons and get an up-close look on an ice walk or heli-hike. Then journey past Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea and feel your pulse start to quicken as we roll into Queenstown. (B) DAY 13 & 14 QUEENSTOWN. Queenstown has adrenaline on tap. Get your fix with bungy, a narrow canyon swing, Shotover Jet, or paragliding, hiking, horse riding and the skyline gondola. If you’re bored here, there’s something wrong. Need some time out?
19 NEW ZEALAND
MORE INCLUSIONS ++ 16 breakfasts (B), 1 afternoon tea (AT), 7 dinners (D) ++ 14 nights in hotels, motels & lodges, 1 night in a hostel & 1 night in a traditional Maori Marae ++ Cook Strait ferry crossing ++ Modern air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi ++ Awesome Trip leader + Driver Don't forget to pre book your Rock the Boat upgrade (night 1 Bay of Islands) to secure your spot.
Head to the Kiwi Birdlife Park, soak in a Japanese onsen, or kick back with a local pinot. (B,D) (B) DAY 15 QUEENSTOWN TO FIORDLAND (INCL. MILFORD SOUND). By now you might be becoming a little desensitised to the otherworldly beauty of NZ but when you see the Fjords for the first time, it’s okay to cry. Carved by glaciers during the ice
age, the Milford Sound comes complete with seals, dolphins and thundering waterfalls. (B) DAY 16 FIORDLAND TO LAKE OHAU. Zig-zag a gold-bearing river on a mountain bike ride through A+ scenery. Think: icy clear pools, an 80m suspension bridge, and ending at the site of the world’s first bungy. Will you jump? (B,D) DAY 17 LAKE OHAU TO CHRISTCHURCH (VIA MT COOK VILLAGE). Sheep outnumber humans 12:1 here, so it makes sense that today includes the Church of the Good Shepherd, a monument to the faithful sheep dog and a chance to watch the ankle biters in action on a Kiwi farm. Hey now, hey now, don’t dream it’s over… we finish in Christchurch but where will you go next? (B,AT) Ex. Auckland ANGKBC START
11.30AM MERCURE HOTEL CUSTOMS ST AUCKLAND
FINISH
6.30PM JAILHOUSE HOSTEL OR 7.00PM BREAKFREE ON CASHEL HOTEL CHRISTCHURCH
Ex. Christchurch ANGKCB START
7.00AM BREAKFREE ON CASHEL HOTEL OR 7.30AM JAILHOUSE HOSTEL CHRISTCHURCH
FINISH
11.30AM MERCURE HOTEL CUSTOMS ST AUCKLAND
TRIP PRICE OF £1495 TRIP PRICE OF £1550 G = Guaranteed Departure
17 DAYS FROM
1495
£
GBP PER PERSON
TRIP PRICE OF £1525
START
FINISH
START
EX. AUCKLAND ANGKBC 12 17 28 07 18 28 10 20 22 02 24 03 24 05 25 05 26 05 16 27 11 22 31 14 24 03 17 19 28
JAN JAN JAN FEB FEB FEB MAR MAR APR MAY MAY JUN JUN JUL JUL AUG AUG SEP SEP SEP OCT OCT OCT NOV NOV DEC DEC DEC DEC
05 21 25 01 09 23 06 14 26
JAN JAN JAN FEB FEB FEB MAR MAR MAR
2016 28 02 13 23 05 15 26 05 08 18 09 19 10 21 10 21 11 21 02 13 27 07 16 30 10 19 02 04 13 2017 21 06 10 17 25 11 22 30 11
FINISH
EX. CHRISTCHURCH ANGKCB
JAN FEB FEB FEB MAR MAR MAR APR MAY MAY JUN JUN JUL JUL AUG AUG SEP SEP OCT OCT OCT NOV NOV NOV DEC DEC JAN JAN JAN
G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G
JAN FEB FEB FEB FEB MAR MAR MAR APR
G G G G G G G G G
3 14 24 29 4 14 25 6 17 27 08 18 10 20 10 21 11 22 12 22 13 25 03 15 29 08 17 01 03 12 20
JAN JAN JAN JAN FEB FEB FEB MAR MAR MAR APR APR MAY MAY JUN JUN JUL JUL AUG AUG SEP SEP OCT OCT OCT NOV NOV DEC DEC DEC DEC
04 09 16 23 07 12 18 28 12 23 31
JAN JAN JAN JAN FEB FEB FEB FEB MAR MAR MAR
2016 19 30 09 14 20 01 12 22 02 12 24 04 26 05 26 07 27 07 28 07 29 11 19 31 14 24 03 17 19 28 05 2017 20 25 01 08 23 28 06 16 28 08 16
*Price shown is for multi-share only. Twin, double or single prices available on request.
JAN JAN FEB FEB FEB MAR MAR MAR APR APR APR MAY MAY JUN JUN JUL JUL AUG AUG SEP SEP OCT OCT OCT NOV NOV DEC DEC DEC DEC JAN
G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G
JAN JAN FEB FEB FEB FEB MAR MAR MAR APR APR
G G G G G G G G G G G
AR T £8 IN 8/ G F D AY RO M
++ Stunning Bay of Islands & ‘Rock the Boat’ upgrade option ++ Overnight in a traditional Maori Marae ++ Kapa Haka performance ++ Rugby lesson at NZ Sports Academy ++ Traditional Kiwi lamb roast dinner with pavlova ++ Tongariro NP & Lake Taupo ++ Wine tasting in Marlborough ++ Kaikoura Peninsula & marine life ++ Stay in Fox Glacier ++ Milford Sound experience ++ Arrow River bike trails ++ Kiwi Farm experience in Fairlie
ST
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
15 DAY | K I W I E N C O U N T E R AUCKLAND
CHOOSE YOUR DEPARTURE CITY AUCKLAND OR CHRISTCHURCH
CHRISTCHURCH
2
ISLANDS VISITED
21
DAY 2 ROTORUA. There are 14 lakes around Rotorua and with geothermal steam vents everywhere, things are going to get a little steamy. Relax in the hot springs, have a traditional Miri Miri massage or get more blood rushing and raft, bike or Zorb around this outdoor playground. (B) DAY 3 ROTORUA TO TONGARIRO NATIONAL PARK. Gurgle, burp, plop… boiling, bubbling mud is just one of the star attractions on our way out of town. At Spa Park, pick your perfect temperature where the hot spring meets the Waikato River. Tonight, save room for New Zealand's favourite dessert: the Pavlova. (B,D) DAY 4 TONGARIRO NATIONAL PARK. New Zealand’s first National Park likes to show off. It’s home to two active volcanoes, a cold mountain spring, lava flows, an active crater, emerald lakes and hot springs. Stretch your legs with walks from 20 mins to 8 hours and once back at the lodge, warm your feet by the fire. (B)
1
STOP & STAY DAY STOP
TRIP CODE: ANGKAC/ANGKCA DAY 1 AUCKLAND TO ROTORUA (MARAE STAY). New Zealand is ‘bout to get up in your face! Sulphur smells lingering in your nose, Maori legends filling your ears, a feast on your lips and the Haka shaking your bones. It’s all part of the welcome at a traditional marae. (D)
MEALS
DAY 8 NELSON TO CHRISTCHURCH VIA KAIKOURA. Fancy some ‘fush and chups’? You’re spoilt for choice in Kaikoura where Kai = Food and Koura = Crayfish. Brace yourself for the triple threat of acrobatic sperm whales, orcas and humpbacks on a whale watching tour and melt over the cuteness of fur seals under the falls. Congratulations, you made it. Welcome to the crusader heartland. (B) DAY 9 CHRISTCHURCH TO FOX GLACIER. Through the patchwork Canterbury Plains, Arthur passed this way in 1864 and mapped one of only three routes over the southern Alps to the wild west coast – a place as rugged and captivating as Russell Crowe. #kiwinotaussie (B,D) DAY 10 FOX GLACIER TO QUEENSTOWN. I’m blue da ba dee da ba die… captivating deep blue glacial ice will be burnt into your memory after a morning on the Fox Glacier. Take a helicopter to explore the ice caves higher up. (B)
DAY 5 TONGARIRO NATIONAL PARK TO WELLINGTON. We’ve hit the nation’s capital, Wellington (no, it’s not Auckland!). After you conquer the six floors of Te Papa, you’ll probably be ready for a big city nightlife hit. Festivals, live music and craft beer bars will keep you busy. (B)
DAY 11 & 12 QUEENSTOWN. Forget personal grooming for the next two whole days. There simply isn’t enough time to bungy jump, jet boat, canyon swing, horseback ride, ski, dirt bike, white water sledge, 4wd, paraglide, and hike to even think about brushing your teeth. (B,D)(B)
DAY 6 WELLINGTON TO NELSON. Make a grape escape to the South Island and the 700 wineries surrounding the Marlborough Sounds. With postcardperfect vistas and 35,000 hectares under vines she’s a slice of heaven, yeah, she’s a slice of heaven, yeah. (B)
DAY 13 QUEENSTOWN TO FIORDLAND (INCL MILFORD SOUND). Instagram account meltdown warning! Today is going to chew through your memory cards with Mirror Lake and Hollyford Valley the double layer cake and Milford Sound the icing. Sheer rock faces towering 1,200m above sea level, wildlife and waterfalls combine like an inch-thick chocolate ganache… 100% pure mouth-watering decadence out on the sound. (B)
DAY 7 NELSON. Choose your own adventure today: throw clay or wield a paintbrush in the creative artist hub. Skydive, kayak, take a horse ride or quad bike to explore the mountains, forests and water. Or go treasure hunting in Nelson’s galleries. (B,D)
DAY 14 FIORDLAND TO LAKE OHAU. Recharge your batteries with venison burgers and a central Otago pinot noir in Arrowtown, but don’t over indulge –
21 NEW ZEALAND
we’re heading off on a zig-zagging mountain bike ride along the Arrow River. Once you’ve successfully conquered the original bungy bridge, cool your heels and practice your stone-skimming skills in Lake Ohau. (B,D) DAY 15 LAKE OHAU TO CHRISTCHURCH (VIA MT COOK VILLAGE). Aoraki (Mt Cook) will be the signpost on the journey today but the border collies will provide the direction. A kiwi farm adventure in the middle of sheep country will keep ewe happy. Today we shut the gate on this adventure but you can still let the dogs out in Christchurch. (B,AT) This trip is a section of the 17 Day Grand Kiwi trip. See p.18 for more details. Ex. Auckland ANGKAC START
1.00PM MERCURE HOTEL CUSTOMS ST AUCKLAND
FINISH
6.30PM JAILHOUSE HOSTEL OR 7.00PM BREAKFREE ON CASHEL HOTEL CHRISTCHURCH
Ex. Christchurch ANGKCA START FINISH
7.00AM BREAKFREE ON CASHEL HOTEL OR 7.30AM JAILHOUSE HOSTEL CHRISTCHURCH 11.30AM MERCURE HOTEL CUSTOMS ST AUCKLAND
TRIP PRICE OF £1355 TRIP PRICE OF £1425 G = Guaranteed Departure
15 DAYS FROM
1355
£
TRIP PRICE OF £1380
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED) ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++
Overnight in a traditional Maori Marae Kapa Haka performance Rugby lesson at NZ Sports Academy Traditional Kiwi lamb roast dinner with pavlova Tongariro NP & Lake Taupo Wine Tasting in Marlborough Kaikoura Peninsula & marine life Stay in Fox Glacier Milford Sound experience Arrow River bike trails Kiwi Farm experience in Fairlie
MORE INCLUSIONS ++ 14 breakfasts (B), 1 afternoon tea (AT), 6 dinners (D) ++ 12 nights in hotels, motels & lodges, 1 night in a hostel & 1 night in a traditional Maori Marae. ++ Cook Strait ferry crossing ++ Modern air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi ++ Awesome Trip leader + Driver *Price shown is for multi-share only. Twin, double or single prices available on request.
START
FINISH
START
EX. AUCKLAND ANGKAC 14 19 30 09 20 01 12 22 02 24 04 26 05 26 07 27 07 28 07 18 29 13 24 02 16 26 05 19 21 30
JAN JAN JAN FEB FEB MAR MAR MAR APR APR MAY MAY JUN JUN JUL JUL AUG AUG SEP SEP SEP OCT OCT NOV NOV NOV DEC DEC DEC DEC
07 23 27 03 11 25 08 16 28
JAN JAN JAN FEB FEB FEB MAR MAR MAR
2016 28 02 13 23 05 15 26 05 16 08 18 09 19 10 21 10 21 11 21 02 13 27 07 16 30 10 19 02 04 13 2017 21 06 10 17 25 11 22 30 11
FINISH
EX. CHRISTCHURCH ANGKCA
JAN FEB FEB FEB MAR MAR MAR APR APR MAY MAY JUN JUN JUL JUL AUG AUG SEP SEP OCT OCT OCT NOV NOV NOV DEC DEC JAN JAN JAN
G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G
JAN FEB FEB FEB FEB MAR MAR MAR APR
G G G G G G G G G
3 14 24 29 4 14 25 6 17 27 08 18 10 20 10 21 11 22 12 22 13 25 03 15 29 08 17 01 03 12 20
JAN JAN JAN JAN FEB FEB FEB MAR MAR MAR APR APR MAY MAY JUN JUN JUL JUL AUG AUG SEP SEP OCT OCT OCT NOV NOV DEC DEC DEC DEC
04 09 16 23 07 12 18 28 12 23 31
JAN JAN JAN JAN FEB FEB FEB FEB MAR MAR MAR
2016 17 28 07 12 18 28 10 20 31 10 22 02 24 03 24 05 25 05 26 05 27 09 17 29 12 22 01 15 17 26 03 2017 18 23 30 06 21 26 04 14 26 06 14
JAN JAN FEB FEB FEB FEB MAR MAR MAR APR APR MAY MAY JUN JUN JUL JUL AUG AUG SEP SEP OCT OCT OCT NOV NOV DEC DEC DEC DEC JAN
G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G
JAN JAN JAN FEB FEB FEB MAR MAR MAR APR APR
G G G G G G G G G G G
ST
AR T £9 IN 1/ G F D AY RO M
GBP PER PERSON
n o z p o r D HOW LONG IS THIS PIECE OF STRING? How high did you say it was again? Whose idea was this anyway? All perfectly valid thoughts as you stare into the abyss at Kawarau Bridge in Queenstown. You’re here to test your limits and show yourself that anything’s possible. And, well, because YOLO.
ne HEIGHT (KAWARAU BRIDGE)
43 METRES
ATTACHMENT POINTS
2 (HIP AND ANKLES)
MAX CORD EXTENSION
3 TIMES ITS LENGTH
SAFE JUMPS WORLDWIDE
2.5 MILLION
24 NEW ZEALAND
10 DAY | P U R E A D R E N A L I N WELLINGTON
CHRISTCHURCH
2
ISLANDS VISITED
14
MEALS
CHOOSE YOUR DEPARTURE CITY AUCKLAND OR WELLINGTON
1
STOP & STAY
PHOTO: FOX GLACIER
DAY STOP
TRIP CODE: ANGKWC/ANGKCW START
FINISH
START
EX. WELLINGTON ANGKWC 03 19 24 04 14 25 06 17 27 07 29 09 31 10 01 12 01 12 02 12 23 04 18 29 07 21 01 10 24 26
JAN JAN JAN FEB FEB FEB MAR MAR MAR APR APR MAY MAY JUN JUL JUL AUG AUG SEP SEP SEP OCT OCT OCT NOV NOV DEC DEC DEC DEC
04 12 28 01 08 16 02 13 21 02
JAN JAN JAN FEB FEB FEB MAR MAR MAR APR
2016 12 28 2 13 23 5 15 26 5 16 08 18 09 19 10 21 10 21 11 21 02 13 27 07 16 30 10 19 02 04 2017 13 21 06 10 17 25 11 22 30 11
JAN JAN FEB FEB FEB MAR MAR MAR APR APR MAY MAY JUN JUN JUL JUL AUG AUG SEP SEP OCT OCT OCT NOV NOV NOV DEC DEC JAN JAN
G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G
JAN JAN FEB FEB FEB FEB MAR MAR MAR APR
G G G G G G G G G G
FINISH
EX. CHRISTCHURCH ANGKCW 3 14 24 29 4 14 25 6 17 27 08 18 10 20 10 21 11 22 12 22 13 25 03 15 29 08 17 01 03 12 20
JAN JAN JAN JAN FEB FEB FEB MAR MAR MAR APR APR MAY MAY JUN JUN JUL JUL AUG AUG SEP SEP OCT OCT OCT NOV NOV DEC DEC DEC DEC
04 09 16 23 07 12 18 28 12 23 31
JAN JAN JAN JAN FEB FEB FEB FEB MAR MAR MAR
2016 12 23 02 07 13 23 05 15 26 05 17 27 19 29 19 30 20 31 21 31 22 04 12 24 07 17 26 10 12 21 29 2017 13 18 25 01 16 21 27 09 21 01 09
JAN JAN FEB FEB FEB FEB MAR MAR MAR APR APR APR MAY MAY JUN JUN JUL JUL AUG AUG SEP OCT OCT OCT NOV NOV NOV DEC DEC DEC DEC
G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G
JAN JAN JAN FEB FEB FEB FEB MAR MAR APR APR
G G G G G G G G G G G
This trip is a section of the 17 Day Grand Kiwi trip. See p.18 for more details.
DAY 1 WELLINGTON TO NELSON. Start your South Island trip like a boss. First up: a secret winery in the heart of the Marlborough Region with the world’s best Sauvignon Blanc. Check mate. DAY 2 NELSON. There’s so much sunshine in Nelson you will get sick of it. Throw clay or wield a paintbrush in the creative artist hub. Take a hike in Abel Tasman National Park, or go treasure hunting in Nelson's galleries. On second thought, let's just stick with the sunshine. Kayaking with seals, anyone? (B,D) DAY 3 NELSON TO CHRISTCHURCH VIA KAIKOURA. Seal pups are cute. Seal pups playing under a waterfall is Kaikoura cute. Try dolphin swimming or whale watching for a lesson in next-level underwater acrobatics. (B) DAY 4 CHRISTCHURCH TO FOX GLACIER. During the gold rush, a committee spent £200 to find the best way across the Southern Alps so you wouldn’t have to. (B,D) DAY 5 FOX GLACIER TO QUEENSTOWN. Some glaciers are good-looking but few get called a fox. Slip into some sexy crampons and walk up, down and inside all 13 kilometres of it. (B) DAY 6 & 7 QUEENSTOWN. Here’s some basic math: Queenstown has over 220 activities; you have two days. No rush. Prepare for more adventure than you can shake a stick at. Also: Fergburger. (Bx2,Dx1) DAY 8 QUEENSTOWN TO FIORDLAND (INCL.MILFORD SOUND). James Cook was too chicken to sail his ship into the waters of Milford Sound because he feared he wouldn’t get out again. The Maori used it as a playground. When in Rome… (B) DAY 9 FIORDLAND TO LAKE OHAU. It's time to test your nerves at the birthplace of bungy jumping. Think about it during our mountain bike ride through Arrowtown this morning. (B,D)
ST M O FR G Y N A TI /D AR £88
DAY 10 LAKE OHAU TO CHRISTCHURCH (VIA MT COOK VILLAGE). New Zealand is home to more than 35 million sheep and only 3 million people, so it’s time to get to know the locals. Yeah, sheep are kind of a big deal. (B,AT)
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED) ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++
Wine tasting in Marlborough Kaikoura Peninsula & marine life Stay in Fox Glacier Milford Sound experience Arrow River bike trails Kiwi Farm experience in Fairlie
MORE INCLUSIONS ++ 9 breakfasts (B), 1 afternoon tea (AT), 4 dinners (D) ++ 8 nights in hotel, motels & lodges, 1 night in hostel ++ Cook Strait ferry crossing ++ Modern air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi ++ Awesome Trip leader + Driver Ex. Wellington ANGKWC START
7.00AM TRAVELODGE HOTEL WELLINGTON
FINISH
6.30PM JAILHOUSE HOSTEL OR 7.00PM BREAKFREE ON CASHEL HOTEL CHRISTCHURCH
Ex. Christchurch ANGKCW START
7.00AM BREAKFREE ON CASHEL HOTEL OR 7.30AM JAILHOUSE HOSTEL CHRISTCHURCH
FINISH
5.30PM TRAVELODGE HOTEL WELLINGTON
TRIP PRICE OF £875
TRIP PRICE OF £895
TRIP PRICE OF £925 G = Guaranteed Departure
10 DAYS FROM
875
£
GBP PER PERSON
*Price shown is for multi-share only. Twin, double or single prices available on request.
25
AUCKLAND
WELLINGTON
1
ISLANDS VISITED
9
NEW ZEALAND
7 DAY | N O R T H E R N E X P L O R E R MEALS
CHOOSE YOUR DEPARTURE CITY AUCKLAND OR WELLINGTON
1
STOP & STAY
DAY 3: BAY OF ISLANDS TO ROTORUA (MARAE EXPERIENCE). Navigating using only the stars and sub-tropical wind systems, the Maori people set off from their homeland and travelled thousands of miles to arrive in Aotearoa. We get to take the bus. Their bone chisel face tattoos may seem intimidating but one little nose rub and you’ll be BFFs for life. (B,D) DAY 4 ROTORUA. Sulphur pools and volcanoes surround you in Rotorua, so take a mud bath and breathe in the funk. The Te Arawa people have been tapping into the steamy benefits of their home on the Ring of Fire for hundreds of years so forget the drivethrough and have a steam box hangi lunch. (B) DAY 5 ROTORUA TO TONGARIRO NATIONAL PARK. Today we get to flex our muscles and hit the footy field with the NZ Sports Academy. If that's not enough, you can jump off a bridge as we pass by the largest lake in New Zealand. Lake Taupo was formed by an explosion that extended the Ice Age, so yeah, it's pretty big. (B,D) DAY 6 TONGARIRO NATIONAL PARK. With dual cultural and natural heritage status, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is as badass as they come. Two active volcanoes, a cold mountain spring, lava flows, an active crater, emerald lakes and hot springs will fill your camera and grey matter memory in no time. (B) DAY 7 TONGARIRO NATIONAL PARK TO WELLINGTON. Wellington is home to a squid so big; it has its own website. With more bars and restaurants per capita than New York, that craft beer never tasted so good after exploring Te Papa museum’s six levels of awesome. (B)
++ Stunning Bay of Islands & ‘Rock the Boat’ upgrade option ++ Overnight in a traditional Maori Marae ++ Kapa Haka performance ++ Rugby lesson at NZ Sports Academy ++ Traditional Kiwi lamb roast dinner with pavlova ++ Tongariro NP & Lake Taupo
MORE INCLUSIONS ++ 6 breakfasts (B), 3 dinners (D) ++ 5 nights in hotels, motels & lodges, 1 night in a traditional Maori Marae ++ Modern air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi ++ Awesome Trip leader + Driver This trip is a section of the 17 Day Grand Kiwi trip. See p.18 for more details. Ex. Auckland ANGKAW START
11.30AM MERCURE HOTEL CUSTOMS ST AUCKLAND
FINISH
5.30PM TRAVELODGE HOTEL WELLINGTON
Ex. Wellington ANGKWA START
8.30AM TRAVELODGE HOTEL WELLINGTON
FINISH
11.30AM MERCURE HOTEL CUSTOMS ST AUCKLAND
TRIP PRICE OF £560
TRIP PRICE OF £590
G = Guaranteed Departure
7 DAYS FROM
560
£
GBP PER PERSON
TRIP CODE: ANGKAW/ANGKWA START
FINISH
START
EX. AUCKLAND ANGKAW 12 17 28 07 18 28 10 20 22 02 24 03 24 05 25 05 26 05 16 27 11 22 31 14 24 03 17 19 28
JAN JAN JAN FEB FEB FEB MAR MAR APR MAY MAY JUN JUN JUL JUL AUG AUG SEP SEP SEP OCT OCT OCT NOV NOV DEC DEC DEC DEC
05 21 25 01 09 23 06 14 26
JAN JAN JAN FEB FEB FEB MAR MAR MAR
2016 18 23 03 13 24 05 16 26 28 08 30 09 30 11 31 11 01 11 22 03 17 28 06 20 30 09 23 25 03 2017 11 27 31 07 15 01 12 20 01
JAN JAN FEB FEB FEB MAR MAR MAR APR MAY MAY JUN JUN JUL JUL AUG SEP SEP SEP OCT OCT OCT NOV NOV NOV DEC DEC JAN JAN
G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G
JAN JAN JAN FEB FEB MAR MAR MAR APR
G G G G G G G G G
FINISH
EX. WELLINGTON ANGKWA 08 13 24 03 08 14 24 06 16 27 06 18 28 20 30 20 01 21 01 22 01 23 05 13 25 08 18 27 11 13 22 30
JAN JAN JAN FEB FEB FEB FEB MAR MAR MAR APR APR APR MAY MAY JUN JUL JUL AUG AUG SEP SEP OCT OCT OCT NOV NOV NOV DEC DEC DEC DEC
14 19 26 02 17 22 28 10 22 02 10
JAN JAN JAN FEB FEB FEB FEB MAR MAR APR APR
2016 14 19 30 09 14 20 01 12 22 02 12 24 04 26 05 26 07 27 07 28 07 29 11 19 31 14 24 03 17 19 28 05 2017 20 25 01 08 23 28 06 16 28 08 16
JAN JAN JAN FEB FEB FEB MAR MAR MAR APR APR APR MAY MAY JUN JUN JUL JUL AUG AUG SEP SEP OCT OCT OCT NOV NOV DEC DEC DEC DEC JAN
G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G
JAN JAN FEB FEB FEB FEB MAR MAR MAR APR APR
G G G G G G G G G G G
Don't forget to pre book your Rock the Boat upgrade (night 1 Bay of Islands) to secure your spot.
*Price shown is for multi-share only. Twin, double or single prices available on request.
AR T £8 IN 0/ G F D AY RO M
DAY 2 PAIHIA, BAY OF ISLANDS. Ride down 80-100 metre dunes as many times as your legs can carry you back up. Or grab a kayak and paddle under the Haruru Falls. We’re having fish and chips for dinner so good thing you did all that exercise. (B,D)
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
ST
DAY 1 AUCKLAND TO PAIHIA, BAY OF ISLANDS. James Cook named our first stop the ‘Bay of Islands’. Well, you know what to expect. Seeing all 144 islands might take a while, so grab the optional ‘Rock the Boat’ island tour. Just don’t tip the boat over.
PHOTO: BAY OF ISLANDS, PAIHIA
DAY STOP
26 NEW ZEALAND
7 DAY | S O U T H E R N E X P L O R E R CHRISTCHURCH
1
CHRISTCHURCH
1
ISLANDS VISITED
10
MEALS
STOP & STAY
PHOTO: MILFORD SOUND
DAY STOP
TRIP CODE: ANGKCO START 03 06 10 14 17 22 24 29 04 07 14 17 25 28 06 09 17 20 25 27 30 08 10 18 02 10 12 20 03 10 13 21 04 11 15 22 04 12 15 22 05 13
FINISH
JAN JAN JAN JAN JAN JAN JAN JAN FEB FEB FEB FEB FEB FEB MAR MAR MAR MAR MAR MAR MAR APR APR APR MAY MAY MAY MAY JUN JUN JUN JUN JUL JUL JUL JUL AUG AUG AUG AUG SEP SEP
2016 09 12 16 20 23 28 30 04 10 13 20 23 02 05 12 15 23 26 31 02 05 14 16 24 08 16 18 26 09 16 19 27 10 17 21 28 10 18 21 28 11 19
JAN JAN JAN JAN JAN JAN JAN FEB FEB FEB FEB FEB MAR MAR MAR MAR MAR MAR MAR APR APR APR APR APR MAY MAY MAY MAY JUN JUN JUN JUN JUL JUL JUL JUL AUG AUG AUG AUG SEP SEP
START G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G
15 25 26 03 07 15 21 29 01 08 10 17 24 01 03 04 12 13 20 27 29
SEP SEP SEP OCT OCT OCT OCT OCT NOV NOV NOV NOV NOV DEC DEC DEC DEC DEC DEC DEC DEC
04 09 07 15 16 23 31 04 07 11 12 18 19 28 05 12 16 23 24 31 5
JAN JAN JAN JAN JAN JAN JAN FEB FEB FEB FEB FEB FEB FEB MAR MAR MAR MAR MAR MAR APR
FINISH 21 01 02 09 13 21 27 04 07 14 16 23 30 07 09 10 18 19 26 02 04 2017 10 15 13 21 22 29 06 10 13 17 18 24 25 06 11 18 22 29 30 06 11
START
7.00AM BREAKFREE ON CASHEL HOTEL OR 7.30AM JAILHOUSE HOSTEL CHRISTCHURCH
FINISH
6.30PM JAILHOUSE HOSTEL OR 7.00PM BREAKFREE ON CASHEL HOTEL
SEP OCT OCT OCT OCT OCT OCT NOV NOV NOV NOV NOV NOV DEC DEC DEC DEC DEC DEC JAN JAN
G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G
JAN JAN JAN JAN JAN JAN FEB FEB FEB FEB FEB FEB FEB MAR MAR MAR MAR MAR MAR APR APR
G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G
DAY 1 CHRISTCHURCH TO FOX GLACIER. Follow in the furry footsteps of Frodo Baggins as we Hobbit our way across the South Island. Roll across the pastoral patchwork quilt that forms the Canterbury Plains as 50 shades of green melt into snow-topped peaks. Excited? You should be. (D) DAY 2 FOX GLACIER TO QUEENSTOWN. Today’s your chance to walk on water. Well, frozen glacial water to be precise. For your next miracle, scale a mountain in minutes to get amongst ethereal ice caves and formations. Next up: adventure in Queenstown. He who dares wins, so will it be one Fergburger or two? (B) DAY 3 & 4 QUEENSTOWN. Put the scenery (and your nerves) on ice and get ready to jump (*cue Mission Impossible soundtrack*). Your mission should you choose to accept it: bungy jump or giant swing through a narrow canyon, skim canyon walls on the Shotover Jet, ride on horseback or take it all in on the skyline gondola. Badass. (B,D) (B) DAY 5 QUEENSTOWN TO FIORDLAND (INCL. MILFORD SOUND). Experience a land before time as we cruise through the ancient Fjords and snowcapped peaks of the Milford Sound. You probably won’t see any woolly mammoths, but dolphins and fur seals? You can pretty much bet your snow boots on it. Steeped in Maori myth, this is a history and geology lesson rolled into one, minus the homework. (B) DAY 6 FIORDLAND TO LAKE OHAU. Now we ain’t sayin’ you’re a gold digger, but back in the heyday of Arrowtown, everyone was. Zig-zag across the five bridges that span the ever-changing Arrow River on a mountain bike, test your nerves on the suspension bridge then shatter them completely at the birthplace of bungy. (B,D)
ST
DAY 7 LAKE OHAU TO CHRISTCHURCH (VIA MT COOK VILLAGE). Lap up Lake Tekapo under the shadow of Mt Cook then cue more supermodel scenery as we hit up a Kiwi sheep farm. View the bronze memorial to the collie dogs that tamed this unforgiving land then see them handle the woolly beasts like a boss. (B,AT)
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED) ++ ++ ++ ++
Stay in Fox Glacier Milford Sound experience Arrow River bike trails Kiwi Farm experience in Fairlie
MORE INCLUSIONS ++ 6 breakfasts (B), 1 afternoon tea (AT), 3 dinners (D) ++ 5 nights in hotels & lodges, 1 night in hostel ++ Modern air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi ++ Awesome Trip leader + Driver This trip is a section of the 17 Day Grand Kiwi trip. See p.18 for more details.
TRIP PRICE OF £620
TRIP PRICE OF £650
G = Guaranteed Departure
7 DAYS FROM
620
£
GBP PER PERSON
*Price shown is for multi-share only. Twin, double or single prices available on request.
M O FR G Y N A TI /D AR £89
27
AUCKLAND
WELLINGTON
1
ISLANDS VISITED
6
NEW ZEALAND
5 DAY | S W E E T A S N O R T H MEALS
CHOOSE YOUR DEPARTURE CITY AUCKLAND OR WELLINGTON
1
STOP & STAY
DAY 3 ROTORUA TO TONGARIRO NATIONAL PARK. Flex your muscles, hit the footy field and learn the gentleman’s game from the future All Blacks at the NZ Sports Academy. Then past the largest lake in New Zealand. Lake Taupo was formed by an explosion that extended the Ice Age, so yeah, it’s pretty big. Pack your bags and grab your fellowship— it’s time to meet Sauron. (B,D) DAY 4 TONGARIRO NATIONAL PARK. Binoculars and a digital camera should have been essentials for the Hobbits as they climbed through Mordor. Good thing you came prepared. Nerds and adventurers rejoice as we explore the site of two active volcanoes that will hopefully keep a lid on things. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing will quickly top your list of favourites if you don’t mind heights and the odd lava chamber (and eight hours of hiking). Or opt for kayaking or mountain biking before you hit the spa tonight. (B) DAY 5 TONGARIRO NATIONAL PARK TO WELLINGTON. Frodo left Mount Doom on an eagle. Our eagles are getting plumed so it’s back on the bus. In Wellington the only things more abundant than the orcs, goblins and cave trolls are the restaurants and bars—the city claims to have more per capita than New York. Learn how to say ka kite ano (goodbye in Maori) because this is the end of our trip. (B) This trip is a section of the 17 Day Grand Kiwi trip. See p.18 for more details.
++ ++ ++ ++
vernight in a traditional Maori Marae O Kapa Haka performance Rugby lesson at NZ Sports Academy Traditional Kiwi lamb roast dinner with pavlova ++ Tongariro NP & Lake Taupo
MORE INCLUSIONS ++ 4 breakfasts (B), 2 dinners (D) ++ 3 nights in hotels, motels & lodges, 1 night in a traditional Maori Marae ++ Modern air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi ++ Awesome Trip leader + Driver Ex. Auckland ANGKRW START
1.00PM MERCURE HOTEL CUSTOMS ST AUCKLAND
FINISH
5.30PM TRAVELODGE HOTEL WELLINGTON
Ex. Wellington ANGKWR START
8.30AM TRAVELODGE HOTEL WELLINGTON
FINISH
11.30AM MERCURE HOTEL CUSTOMS ST AUCKLAND
G = Guaranteed Departure
5 DAYS FROM
395
£
GBP PER PERSON
*Price shown is for multi-share only. Twin, double or single prices available on request.
TRIP CODE: ANGKRW/ANGKWR START
FINISH
START
EX. AUCKLAND ANGKRW 14 19 30 09 20 01 12 22 02 24 04 26 05 26 07 27 07 28 07 18 29 13 24 02 16 26 05 19 21 30
JAN JAN JAN FEB FEB MAR MAR MAR APR APR MAY MAY JUN JUN JUL JUL AUG AUG SEP SEP SEP OCT OCT NOV NOV NOV DEC DEC DEC DEC
07 23 27 03 11 25 08 16 28
JAN JAN JAN FEB FEB FEB MAR MAR MAR
2016 18 23 03 13 24 05 16 26 06 28 08 30 09 30 11 31 11 01 11 22 03 17 28 06 20 30 09 23 25 03 2017 11 27 31 07 15 01 12 20 01
JAN JAN FEB FEB FEB MAR MAR MAR APR APR MAY MAY JUN JUN JUL JUL AUG SEP SEP SEP OCT OCT OCT NOV NOV NOV DEC DEC DEC JAN
G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G
JAN JAN JAN FEB FEB MAR MAR MAR APR
G G G G G G G G G
FINISH
EX. WELLINGTON ANGKWR 08 13 24 03 08 14 24 06 16 27 06 18 28 20 30 20 01 21 01 22 01 23 05 13 25 08 18 27 11 13 22 30
JAN JAN JAN FEB FEB FEB FEB MAR MAR MAR APR APR APR MAY MAY JUN JUL JUL AUG AUG SEP SEP OCT OCT OCT NOV NOV NOV DEC DEC DEC DEC
14 19 26 02 17 22 28 10 22 02 10
JAN JAN JAN FEB FEB FEB FEB MAR MAR APR APR
2016 12 17 28 07 12 18 28 10 20 31 10 22 02 24 03 24 05 25 05 26 05 27 09 17 29 12 22 01 15 17 26 03 2017 18 23 30 06 21 26 04 14 26 06 14
JAN JAN JAN FEB FEB FEB FEB MAR MAR MAR APR APR MAY MAY JUN JUN JUL JUL AUG AUG SEP SEP OCT OCT OCT NOV NOV DEC DEC DEC DEC JAN
G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G
JAN JAN JAN FEB FEB FEB MAR MAR MAR APR APR
G G G G G G G G G G G
AR T £7 IN 9/ G F D AY RO M
DAY 2 ROTORUA. Comb the hair on your feet and head to Hobbiton for a pint at the Green Dragon. Or jump in a giant clear ball and roll down a hill. The choice is yours. Just make sure you take a mud bath. The smell is eggy but the mud makes your skin softer than possum fur. (B)
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
ST
DAY 1 AUCKLAND TO ROTORUA (MARAE STAY). Maori legends and mythology have been passed down orally for thousands of years. You have one night in this sacred meeting house, so pay attention. Learning the tongue-thrusting dance moves of the All Blacks, polishing off a traditional maori dinner and rubbing noses is all part of the official welcome. (D)
PHOTO: MAORI WARRIOR
DAY STOP
7 DAY | S K I N E W Z E A L A N D QUEENSTOWN
QUEENSTOWN
1
ISLANDS VISITED
8
MEALS
DAY 1 QUEENSTOWN, NEW ZEALAND. An NZ ski trip is always a good idea. Our base for the week is a stone's throw away from all the action of central Queenstown, with Lake Wakatipu and the dramatic Southern Alps to keep you company. We’ll get your lift passes and transport cards sorted before a walking tour. Tonight: get to know your snow buddies over dinner at Winnie's. (D)
1
STOP & STAY DAY STOP
TRIP CODE: ANGKSK
DAY 2 QUEENSTOWN. Put that 4 day superpass to good use. Head up to Coronet Peak and find your ski legs with a first timer lesson or a refresher course from your last ski. It’s like riding a bike. Ask the crew for the best trails to practice on, then refuel at a mountain cafe for lunch before an afternoon ski sesh. Try out your new tricks or stick to the green slopes - if you look like a giant stick insect with oversized shoes on, never fear, you’ll get the hang of it soon. (B) DAY 3 QUEENSTOWN. Pull out the big guns today. Take the scenic bus drive up to the Remarkables ski
area and test out your skills - lessons of all levels are available again to perfect your turns. Check out the Tube Park if you’d like to go from standing to sliding, or organise a soaking at the Onsen Hot Pools to rest those aching muscles. (B) DAY 4 QUEENSTOWN. You should be starting to get some serious muscle tone by now. Head back to the slopes for old favourite trails or day trip it to Milford Sound. Stop at Mirror Lake, Hollyford Valley and drive through the Homer Tunnel on the way back. Spend the afternoon learning about the history and geology of the Fiord. (B) DAY 5 QUEENSTOWN. Today do the optional bungy jump, canyon swinging or jet boating. If you’re all adrenaline-d out, do a horseback ride or winery tour. Change scenery and try the Cardrona Ski Mountain trails. Exchange epic jumps and embarassing face plant stories over dinner. (B,D)
29 NEW ZEALAND
EX. QUEENSTOWN ANGKSK START
1.00PM QUEENSTOWN LAKEVIEW HOLIDAY PARK
FINISH
10.30AM QUEENSTOWN LAKEVIEW HOLIDAY PARK
++ ++ ++ ++
4 Day Queenstown Superpass 4 Day Return Ski Field transport Central Queenstown accommodation Topdeck Ski Guide
START
FINISH
10
JUL
16
JUL
G
START 07
AUG
FINISH 13
AUG
G
17
JUL
23
JUL
G
14
AUG
20
AUG
G
24
JUL
30
JUL
G
21
AUG
27
AUG
G
31
JUL
06
AUG
G
G = Guaranteed Departure
MORE INCLUSIONS ++ 6 breakfasts (B), 2 dinners (D) ++ 6 nights accommodation in motel style All items listed within the Bucket list and More inclusions are included within the price of your trip. Other activities mentioned are optional (and so may cost extra) but too awesome to miss out.
Bring your own gear if you have it, however you can hire everything on arrival. Skis, snowboards, helmets and boots, choose lessons if you need them.
7 DAYS FROM
695
£
GBP PER PERSON
*Price shown is for multi-share only. Twin, double or single prices available on request.
AR £X1 TIN X00X G /D FR AY OM
DAY 7 QUEENSTOWN. We’re off after breakfast - it's been real as, bro. Same time again next year? (B)
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
ST
DAY 6 QUEENSTOWN. No visit to Queenstown is complete without a visit to the Ferg Bakery. Head up to the mountain in the afternoon for twilight skiing with DJs and bars for a backdrop. The party life of Queenstown awaits tonight. (B)
i l a r t s u A FROM A CONTINENT AS WIDE AS THE DISTANCE FROM LONDON TO MOSCOW, AUSTRALIA SURE DOESN'T LACK DIVERSITY. Endless, golden beaches, fringing reefs and lush rainforest's complete with scorched space-like red expanses of the outback and some of the world's most livable cities. The weather is perfect, life's good and the food even better so kick back and enjoy the ride.
ia
ACCOMMODATION STYLE: ++ Locally and family owned motels, lodges, cabins. ++ Campsite and resorts, some even have bars, pools and nightclubs. ++ Unique locations and even a night in a swag under the stars. ++ Hostel or hotel upgrades on most trips (keep your eyes peeled)
UNIQUE DESTINATIONS: ++ Uluru & Kings Canyon ++ Outback Farm Stay ++ Surf Camp ++ Great Ocean Road ++ Fraser Island
BUCKET LIST HIGHLIGHTS: ++ Snorkel & dive the Great Barrier Reef ++ Sail the Whitsunday Islands ++ Sleep in swags under a star-lit sky ++ Explore Kakadu National Park ++ Drive the Great Ocean Road ++ Learn to surf ++ Taste award winning Australian wine ++ Explore the fascinating Fraser Island DAYS
| TRIP NAME
START
PAGE
28 DAY | Ultimate Aussie Adventure Sydney
32
26 DAY | Grand Aussie
Sydney
34
22 DAY | Spirit of the Pacific
Sydney
36
SECTORS 20 DAY | Outback Adenture
38
Melbourne 40
19 DAY | Beach & Bush
Sydney
42
15 DAY | Opals & Outback
Adelaide
45
14 DAY | Island Suntanner
Sydney
46
Sydney
49
12 DAY | East Coast Cruisin' 11 DAY | Reef Suntanner
Gold Coast 51
10 DAY | Tropical Adventure 6 DAY | Tropical Suntanner
Brisbane
5 DAY | Ultimate Surfari 11 DAY | Rock 'N' Top
52
Whitsundays 53 Sydney
53
Alice Springs 56
8 DAY | Outback Gem
Adelaide
58
6 DAY | Didgeridoo Dreams
Alice Springs 59
4 DAY | Rock 'N' Canyon
Alice Springs 61
13 DAY | Down South & Outback Melbourne 65
ACCOMMODATION
HOTELS, HOSTELS & LODGES
TRIP LENGTH
4-28 DAYS
ROOM TYPES
3-4 SHARE
28 DAY | U L T I M A T E A U S S I E A D V E N T U R E SYDNEY
MELBOURNE
5
STATES & TERRITORIES VISITED
46
CHOOSE YOUR DEPARTURE CITY SYDNEY OR MELBOURNE
MEALS
DAY 10 DAYDREAM ISLAND (WHITEHAVEN BEACH). Become a bona fide salty sea dog as we hoist the mainsail straight flowin’ on a boat. (B,L,D) DAY 11 DAYDREAM ISLAND. Stretch your sea legs with a short bush walk, a hit of tennis or just chill in a hammock. (B) DAY 12 THE WHITSUNDAYS TO CAIRNS. Take a big bite out of the tropics at when we arrive in Cairns. Ever tried kangaroo? (B) DAY 13 & 14 CAIRNS. Swim into your own episode of Planet Earth, snorkelling or diving the Great Barrier Reef. Get primal in the Daintree, raft the best rapids in Oz, skydive or kick back with a coconut. (B) (B) DAY 15 CAIRNS TO ALICE SPRINGS. Take to the skies and meet up with your NT crew in Alice Springs. (B)
1
STOP & STAY
DAY 16 ALICE SPRINGS TO ULURU (AYERS ROCK). Get drawn into the spell of Uluru as it wraps you in a glowing sunset hug. (B,D)
DAY STOP
TRIP CODE: AAUASM/AAUAMS DAY 1 SYDNEY TO CRESCENT HEAD (VIA HUNTER VALLEY). Get ready to crush up grapes and carve up waves as we taste test the region’s finest and settle into our surf camp. (D) DAY 2 CRESCENT HEAD TO BYRON BAY. Have a surf lesson on one of the best point breaks in the world then high five the Big Banana. (B,L) DAY 3 BYRON BAY. Ride on the peace train in Byron Bay where yoga and chai tea compete with skydiving, surfing and the Top Pub. (B) DAY 4 BYRON BAY TO GOLD COAST. Get snap happy at Natural Bridge then surf, shop, or scream your lungs out at a theme park. (B) DAY 5 GOLD COAST TO FRASER ISLAND. Shake the sand out with a Brisbane pit stop. Get ready to accumulate a whole lot more. (B,D)
DAY 6 FRASER ISLAND. With more dingoes than humans and 1840km2 of sand, Fraser is not your average island. See the highlights on a 4WD tour. (B,L) DAY 7 FRASER ISLAND TO MYELLA FARM. Embrace your inner cowboy and prepare for horse riding, motor biking, whip cracking and lassoing. (B,D) DAY 8 MYELLA FARM TO EMU PARK. Get your boots dirty, milk your first cow or go walkabout on a real Aussie farm. Then head to Emu Park for the Aboriginal experience of totem history, traditional dancing and boomerang throwing. (B,L,D) DAY 9 EMU PARK TO THE WHITSUNDAYS. Go from beef to reef as we pass the big cow and board our private yacht in Airlie Beach. (B,D)
DAY 17 ULURU, KATA-TJUTA NATIONAL PARK (THE OLGAS). Walk the base of Uluru and learn some Indigenous dance moves. Tonight: Stargazing on steroids. (B) DAY 18 ULURU TO KINGS CANYON. Hike the Valley of the Winds then bus it to Watarrka National Park. Your bed tonight? The great Aussie swag. (B,D) DAY 19 KINGS CANYON TO ALICE SPRINGS. The Luritja people have called this area home for more than 20,000 years. See if you like what they’ve done with the place on the Kings Canyon Rim Walk. (B,L) DAY 20 ALICE SPRINGS TO COOBER PEDY. South Australia accounts for 80% of the world’s opals and this underground town is its star supplier. (B,D) DAY 21 COOBER PEDY TO QUORN (FLINDERS RANGES). Test your land speed record at a salt lake, before we hit the Miranda Kerr of outback landscapes. (B,D)
33 AUSTRALIA
DAY 24 ADELAIDE. Welcome to Radelaide – famed for wine, Kangaroo Island and stayin’ classier than Ron Burgundy, being the only Oz city not settled by convicts. (B) DAY 25 ADELAIDE TO MOUNT GAMBIER. Stroll through the Valley Lake area, check out the Blue Lake and the Umpherston Sinkhole. Stop at Wynn’s Coonawarra vineyard. Chin chin! (B,D) DAY 26 MOUNT GAMBIER TO GRAMPIANS NATIONAL PARK. Fact: 80% of Victoria’s Indigenous rock art is tattooed into this epic sandstone landscape. (B,D) DAY 27 GRAMPIANS NATIONAL PARK TO PORT CAMPBELL. Channel your Grampians memories into a dot painting then set off on the Great Ocean Road – Instagram ready at every bend. (B,D) DAY 28 PORT CAMPBELL TO MELBOURNE (GREAT OCEAN ROAD). Run to the finish line, stopping at the Twelve Apostles, Bells Beach and onto a tram in Melbourne. (B) This trip is made up of the 14 Day Island Suntanner and the 13 Day Down South & Outback trips. See p.46 and p.65 for more details. Don't forget to pre-book your Great Barrier Reef day-trip upgrade to secure a spot on the boat.
++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++
Wine tasting in the stunning Hunter Valley Surf lesson at Topdeck’s surf retreat Rainforest walk in Springbrook NP Full-day Fraser Island 4WD experience Authentic Myella Farm Stay Aboriginal Experience in Emu Park Overnight sailing in the Whitsunday Islands Visit stunning Whitehaven Beach 2 nights at the tropical Daydream Island Sunset & sunrise over Uluru “Valley of the Winds” walk at Kata Tjuta Guided hike of Kings Canyon Stay underground in Coober Pedy Visit a kangaroo orphanage Parachilna & famous Outback BBQ Local winery visit in Coonawarra View the magic of the Flinders Ranges Stunning Grampians NP Visit Brambuk Cultural Centre & paint your own boomerang ++ Hike to the base of MacKenzie Falls ++ Great Ocean Road & sunset at Twelve Apostles
START
FINISH
EX. SYDNEY AAUASM 2016 25 APR 22 MAY 23 MAY 19 JUN 20 JUN 17 JUL 18 JUL 14 AUG 15 AUG 11 SEP 12 SEP 09 OCT 10 OCT 06 NOV 07 NOV 04 DEC 2017 02 JAN 29 JAN 30 JAN 26 FEB 27 FEB 26 MAR
START
G G G G G G G G G G G
FINISH
EX. MELBOURNE AAUAMS 2016 10 JAN 05 FEB G 03 APR 30 APR G 01 MAY 28 MAY G 29 MAY 25 JUN G 26 JUN 23 JUL G 24 JUL 20 AUG G 21 AUG 17 SEP G 18 SEP 15 OCT G 16 OCT 12 NOV G 13 NOV 10 DEC G 09 DEC 05 JAN G 2017 08 JAN 04 FEB G 05 FEB 04 MAR G 05 MAR 01 APR G
EX. SYDNEY AAUASM START
7.30AM WAKE UP! SYDNEY
FINISH
7.00PM BASE MELBOURNE
EX. MELBOURNE AAUAMS START
6.30AM BASE MELBOURNE
FINISH
6.00PM WAKE UP! SYDNEY
TRIP PRICE OF £2445
TRIP PRICE OF £2475
G = Guaranteed Departure
28 DAYS FROM MORE INCLUSIONS ++ 27 breakfasts (B), 6 lunches (L), 13 dinners (D) ++ 24 nights in hotels, motels, lodges & hostel, 1 night live-aboard sailing, 1 night underground, 1 night in a swag ++ Awesome Driver/Guide ++ Entrance fees to national parks ++ Modern air-conditioned vehicle *Connecting flight is not included in the trip price
2445
£
GBP PER PERSON
*Price shown is for multi-share only. Twin, double or single prices available on request.
AR T £8 IN 8/ G F D AY RO M
DAY 23 PARACHILNA TO ADELAIDE. Out of the city centre and a visit to the Barossa Reservoir Whispering Wall. Then, dramatic scenery changes toward the outback. (B)
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
ST
DAY 22 QUORN TO PARACHILNA (FLINDERS RANGES). Today: Rock art, ruins, and the rock crater of Wilpena Pound + a feral mixed grill at the Prairie – a classic outback hotel. (B,L,D)
26 DAY | G R A N D A U S S I E SYDNEY
DARWIN
3
STATES & TERRITORIES VISITED
42
CHOOSE YOUR DEPARTURE CITY SYDNEY OR DARWIN
MEALS
DAY 11 DAYDREAM ISLAND. You plus one full day on a tropical island = shibby! Beach it. Water sport it. Or kick it in a hammock, cocktail in hand. (B) DAY 12 THE WHITSUNDAYS TO CAIRNS. Hop aboard our land yacht – Cairns and an obscene amount of coconut trees await. Head to the night markets… or straight to the Woolshed. (B) DAY 13 & 14 CAIRNS. Well, hellooo two days in Cairns! Head straight to the Great Barrier Reef – do not pass Go – on a day trip to snorkel or dive with your Nemo bucket list. Gorge yourself on adventure with options of jungle surfing, skydiving, bungee, hot air ballooning, horse riding, white-water rafting. Cairns is basically a mini tropical Vegas, but with only one casino. (B) (B) DAY 15 CAIRNS TO ALICE SPRINGS. Take to the skies and meet up with your NT crew in Alice Springs. (B)
1
STOP & STAY
DAY 16 ALICE SPRINGS TO ULURU (AYERS ROCK). Did you know Uluru is actually a rusty 600-million-year old hunk o’ earth that would be grey if not for its iron content? At sunset it looks all kinds of awesome. (B,D)
DAY STOP
TRIP CODE: AAGASD/AAGADS DAY 1 SYDNEY TO CRESCENT HEAD (VIA HUNTER VALLEY). Get your (grape) stomp on, enjoy a wine tasting, then settle into our surf camp for live tunes. (D) DAY 2 CRESCENT HEAD TO BYRON BAY. Wax on for this morning’s surf lesson and work up a surfer’s appetite for our BBQ lunch (great excuse for extra snags). (B,L) DAY 3 BYRON BAY. The ‘Welcome to Byron Bay’ sign says it all: “Cheer up. Slow down. Chill out”. You’ve got 24 hours to find inner peace. (B) DAY 4 BYRON BAY TO GOLD COAST. Take a peek at Natural Bridge before hitting the theme park capital of Australia. (B) DAY 5 GOLD COAST TO FRASER ISLAND. Say g’day to Brisbane as we make a stop on our pilgrimage to spot the purest breed of dingoes remaining on the planet. (B,D) DAY 6 FRASER ISLAND. Rainforests sprouting from sand. A decaying shipwreck. Sharks riding waves. Fraser is more
rugged than Russell Crowe and you’ll see it all on our 4WD tour. (B,L) DAY 7 FRASER ISLAND TO MYELLA FARM. Prepare yourself for an adventure-packed afternoon of horse riding, motor biking and cow milking. (B,D) DAY 8 MYELLA FARM TO EMU PARK. Fill your morning with an optional motorbike lesson or go horse riding before we shoot off to Emu Park. Totem history, traditional dancing and boomerang throwing abound at the Aboriginal experience this afternoon. (B,L,D) DAY 9 EMU PARK TO THE WHITSUNDAYS (SAILING). Kick back and watch the Milky Way, straight flowin’ on a boat on the deep blue sea. You have arrived. (B,D) DAY 10 DAYDREAM ISLAND (WHITEHAVEN BEACH). Pop on your captain’s hat, like a boss. Anchor off Whitehaven, snorkel the crystal blue waters... just get ‘er to Daydream Island by sundown. (B,L,D)
DAY 17 ULURU, KATA-TJUTA NATIONAL PARK (THE OLGAS). Follow in the footsteps of the traditional owners of this sacred World Heritage site with a full base walk, where you can escape the crowds and check out hidden waterholes. (B) DAY 18 ULURU TO KINGS CANYON. The Pitjantjatjara name Kata-Tjuta means ‘many heads’... you’ll see why on today’s hike. Sleep under a sky that shines bright like a diamond. (B,D) DAY 19 KINGS CANYON TO ALICE SPRINGS. Discover 50 shades of red sandstone as we tackle the Kings Canyon Rim Walk and reach the Garden of Eden. (B,L) DAY 20 ALICE SPRINGS. A lazy day by the pool is in order. Bored? High-five Chris ‘Brolga’ Barnes aka Kangaroo Dundee or learn Aboriginal bush remedies in the Desert Park Gardens. (B)
35 AUSTRALIA
DAY 23 KATHERINE GORGE & EDITH FALLS. The green water of Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge will leave you pondering what lies beneath as you paddle through, but no crocs here. Too hard basket? Upgrade to a three-gorge cruise and save your energy for swimming at Edith Falls this afternoon. (B) DAY 24 KATHERINE TO KAKADU NATIONAL PARK. Get Territory tough with a hike up Gunlom Falls with views over this Great Southern Land, then fly over the monolithic Arnhem Land Escarpment. (B,D) DAY 25 KAKADU NATIONAL PARK. Visit the open-air Australian Louvre of Nourlangie Rock – home to famous Indigenous art works. (No snooty art critic act required here.) Then, croc spotting and a lesson on 20,000 years of culture. (B) DAY 26 KAKADU TO DARWIN (LITCHFIELD NATIONAL PARK). Giant mounds built by climate-controlling termites (aligned north to south to keep ‘em cool) and waterfalls await at our last stop at Litchfield National Park. (B,L) This trip is made up of the 14 Day Island Suntanner and 11 Day Rock ‘N’ Top trips. See p.46 and p.56 for more details. Don't forget to pre-book your Great Barrier Reef day-trip upgrade to secure a spot on the boat. EX. SYDNEY AAGASD START
7.30AM WAKE UP! SYDNEY
FINISH
6.00PM MITCHELL STREET DARWIN
EX. DARWIN AAGADS START
7.00AM MELALEUCA ON MITCHELL DARWIN
FINISH
6.00PM WAKE UP! SYDNEY
++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++
Wine tasting in the stunning Hunter Valley Surf lesson at Topdeck’s surf retreat Rainforest walk in Springbrook NP Full-day Fraser Island 4WD experience Authentic Myella Farm Stay Aboriginal Experience in Emu Park Overnight sailing in the Whitsunday Islands Visit stunning Whitehaven Beach 2 nights at the tropical Daydream Island Sunset & sunrise over Uluru “Valley of the Winds” walk at Kata Tjuta Guided hike of Kings Canyon Canoe in the Katherine Gorge East Alligator River cruise in Kakadu Aboriginal guide and entry into Arnhemland Visit Aboriginal rock art sites in Kakadu NP Swim in the fresh waters of Litchfield NP
MORE INCLUSIONS ++ 25 breakfasts (B), 6 lunches (L), 11 dinners (D) ++ 23 nights in hotels, lodges & cabins, 1 night in a swag, 1 night live-aboard sailing ++ Entrance fees to national parks ++ Modern air-conditioned vehicles ++ Awesome Driver/Guide The Top End of the Northern Territory (Darwin, Katherine and Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks) have an annual wet season that typically operates between October and March. During the wet season it is necessary to change our dry season itinerary and substitute some attractions, particularly in Kakadu National Park. Please refer to our website www.topdeck.travel for our wet season itinerary. *Please note - Flights are not included in the trip price. ^Trips Starting before 1st April 2016 ex. Sydney are 27 days. Please refer to our website for full details.
START
FINISH
EX. SYDNEY AAGASD 2016 02 JAN 28 JAN G^ 09 JAN 04 FEB G^ 06 FEB 03 MAR G^ 05 MAR 31 MAR G^ 03 APR 28 APR G 25 APR 20 MAY G 23 MAY 17 JUN G 29 MAY 23 JUN G 20 JUN 15 JUL G 26 JUN 21 JUL G 18 JUL 12 AUG G 24 JUL 18 AUG G 15 AUG 09 SEP G 21 AUG 15 SEP G 12 SEP 07 OCT G 10 OCT 04 NOV G 16 OCT 10 NOV G 07 NOV 02 DEC G 13 NOV 08 DEC G 05 DEC 30 DEC G 2017 02 JAN 27 JAN G 08 JAN 02 FEB G 30 JAN 24 FEB G 05 FEB 02 MAR G 27 FEB 24 MAR G 05 MAR 30 MAR G
START
FINISH
EX. DARWIN AAGADS 2016 11 JAN 05 FEB 01 FEB 26 FEB 08 FEB 04 MAR 07 MAR 01 APR 05 APR 30 APR 03 MAY 28 MAY 25 MAY 19 JUN 22 JUN 17 JUL 28 JUN 23 JUL 26 JUL 20 AUG 23 AUG 17 SEP 14 SEP 09 OCT 20 SEP 15 OCT 18 OCT 12 NOV 09 NOV 04 DEC 15 NOV 10 DEC 05 DEC 30 DEC 11 DEC 05 JAN 2017 04 JAN 29 JAN 01 FEB 26 FEB 07 FEB 04 MAR 07 MAR 01 APR
TRIP PRICE OF £2445
G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G
TRIP PRICE OF £2495
G = Guaranteed Departure
26 DAYS FROM
2445
£
GBP PER PERSON
*Price shown is for multi-share only. Twin, double or single prices available on request.
AR T £9 IN 5/ G F D AY RO M
DAY 22 TENNANT CREEK TO KATHERINE. You’re in the real Never Never now. Still, you’ll be living the highlife with a pub lunch and thermal springs soak. (B,D)
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
ST
DAY 21 ALICE SPRINGS TO TENNANT CREEK. Australia loves big things – Big Banana, Big Pineapple, Big Cow. Some of the granite boulders of Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles) are up to 7m in diameter. (B,D)
22 DAY | S P I R I T O F T H E P A C I F I C SYDNEY/CAIRNS
CHRISTCHURCH
2
COUNTRIES VISITED
35
MEALS
COACH WI-FI
DAY 8 MYELLA FARM TO EMU PARK. Get your boots dirty, milk your first cow or go walkabout on a real Aussie farm. Then head to Emu Park for the Aboriginal experience of totem history, traditional dancing and boomerang throwing. (B,L,D)
CHOOSE YOUR DEPARTURE CITY SYDNEY OR CAIRNS
DAY 9 EMU PARK TO THE WHITSUNDAYS (SAILING). Kick back and relax as we sail into the sunset aboard our private yacht from Airlie Beach. (B,D) DAY 10 DAYDREAM ISLAND (WHITEHAVEN BEACH). The sand on Whitehaven is so pure, legend has it that it was used in the making of the Hubble Telescope. Regardless, it’s talcum soft and always cool so lap it up while you can. (B,L,D)
1
DAY 11 DAYDREAM ISLAND. You plus one full day on a tropical island = shibby! Beach it. Water sport it. Or kick it in a hammock, cocktail in hand. (B)
STOP & STAY DAY STOP
TRIP CODE: AASPSC/AASPCC DAY 1 SYDNEY TO CRESCENT HEAD (VIA THE HUNTER VALLEY). Squelch some grapes between your toes and swirl some wine. Then settle into our surf camp with some live tunes. This is only the beginning. (D) DAY 2 CRESCENT HEAD TO BYRON BAY. Tackle one of Oz’s best right-handers like a pro with a private surf lesson then high five the Big Banana on our way to blissed-out Byron. (B,L) DAY 3 BYRON BAY. Bondi has its hipsters. Byron has its, well, hipsters too. They’re just more barefoot up this way. Hit the surf, hike to the lighthouse, then grab a raw dessert and settle into the scene. (B) DAY 4 BYRON BAY TO GOLD COAST. Natural Bridge is not a bridge at all but a mystical little waterfall
tucked into a national park. Get your last bit of zen before hitting Surfers Paradise. (B) DAY 5 GOLD COAST TO FRASER ISLAND. Tip your hat to the river city of Brisbane before we head up the highway and ferry to Fraser. Dingo (Bar)’s got your dinner. (B,D) DAY 6 FRASER ISLAND. Road rules on the 75 Mile Beach ‘highway’ include giving way to oncoming aircraft. We got the 4WD for the job as we head to see the Pinnacles Coloured Sands, Maheno Shipwreck and freshwater lakes. (B,L) DAY 7 FRASER ISLAND TO MYELLA FARM. Embrace your inner cowboy and prepare for horse riding, motor biking, whip cracking and lassoing. (B,D)
DAY 12 THE WHITSUNDAYS TO CAIRNS. Today we pull into Cairns - gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. You'll soon forget you're not on a yacht anymore. The night is yours, so take a stroll along the esplanade, join a free zumba class, or jump straight into the hedonistic delights of Cairns' backpacker bars. (B) DAY 13 & 14 CAIRNS. Head out to the reef to get your Nemo fix today. If you wouldn’t be caught dead in a lycra onesie, there’s bungy, skydiving, horse riding, whitewater rafting… if you have to sign a waiver for it, you know it’s going to be good. (B) (B) DAY 15 TRANSFER DAY CAIRNS TO CHRISTCHURCH. Fly over the ditch and go directly to Breakfree on Cashel—your accommodation for tonight in Kiwi land. (B) DAY 16 CHRISTCHURCH TO FOX GLACIER. Break the back of the South Island as we cruise the Canterbury Plains, through Otira Gorge and stop for whitebait fritters and Pounamu (Jade) pendant shopping. How many dudes you know roll like this? (B,D)
37 AUSTRALIA & NZ
DAY 20 QUEENSTOWN TO FIORDLAND (INCL. MILFORD SOUND). Rudyard Kipling called it the eighth wonder of the world, and today you’ll discover why on our Milford Sound Nature Cruise. Keep an eye out for rare Fiordland Penguins. (B) DAY 21 FIORDLAND TO LAKE OHAU. Arwen challenged the Nazgûl here but all you have to do is stay on your mountain bike as we zigzag the Arrow River, breathe in the thyme-scented air and end in the birthplace of bungy. (B,D) DAY 22 LAKE OHAU TO CHRISTCHURCH (VIA MT COOK VILLAGE). Today is all about blue-water lakes, #cloudporn around Aoraki, counting sheep and the Church of the Good Shepherd—with a backdrop that gives heaven a run for its money. (B,AT) Don't forget to pre-book your Great Barrier Reef day-trip upgrade to secure a spot on the boat.
++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++
Wine tasting experience in the Hunter Valley Surf lesson at Topdeck’s surf retreat Rainforest walk in Springbrook NP Full-day Fraser Island 4WD experience Authentic Myella Farm Stay Aboriginal Experience in Emu Park Overnight sailing in the Whitsunday Islands Visit stunning Whitehaven Beach 2 nights at the tropical Daydream Island Stay in Fox Glacier Milford Sound experience Arrow River bike trails Kiwi Farm experience in Fairlie
MORE INCLUSIONS ++ 21 breakfasts (B), 4 lunches (L), 1 afternoon tea (AT), 9 dinners (D) ++ 21 nights in hotels, lodges, hostel & cabins, 1 night live-aboard sailing ++ Modern air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi ++ Awesome Trip leader + Driver *Please note - Flights are not included in the trip price
START
FINISH
EX. SYDNEY AASPSC 2016 JAN 23 JAN JAN 30 JAN JAN 10 FEB JAN 20 FEB MAR 26 MAR APR 24 APR APR 16 MAY MAY 19 JUN JUN 17 JUL AUG 11 SEP SEP 09 OCT DEC 13 JAN 2017 JAN 29 JAN JAN 10 FEB
02 09 20 30 05 03 25 29 26 21 18 23 08 20
START
G G G G G G G G G G G G G G
23 20 02 12 17 06 07 29 24 27 23 16 03 13
FINISH
EX. CAIRNS AASPCC 2016 JAN 13 FEB FEB 12 MAR MAR 23 MAR MAR 02 APR APR 08 MAY JUN 27 JUN AUG 28 AUG AUG 19 SEP OCT 14 NOV NOV 18 DEC DEC 13 JAN 2017 JAN 06 FEB FEB 24 FEB FEB 06 MAR
G G G G G G G G G G G G G G
Ex. Sydney AASPSC START
7.30AM WAKE UP! SYDNEY
FINISH
7.00PM BREAKFREE ON CASHEL HOTEL
Ex. Cairns AASPCC START
2.00PM HIDES HOTEL CAIRNS
FINISH
7.00PM BREAKFREE ON CASHEL HOTEL
G = Guaranteed Departure
22 DAYS FROM
2095
£
GBP PER PERSON
*Price shown is for multi-share only. Twin, double or single prices available on request.
AR T £9 IN 6/ G F D AY RO M
DAY 18 & 19 QUEENSTOWN. Go hard with bungy, canyon swing, Shotover Jet, or paragliding. Go medium with hiking, horse riding and the skyline gondola. There are 220 adventure activities to choose. Or continue your mission to work through Fergburger’s 21 different burgers and relax with a glass of NZ pinot (did you know Sam Neil went into winemaking after Jurassic Park?!). (It’s your) choice, bro. (B,D)(B)
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
ST
DAY 17 FOX GLACIER TO QUEENSTOWN. Slap me down and call me Susan, today you’ll defy science and walk on water. Take a heli hike, then send your tastebuds to heaven at Fergburger tonight. (B)
s e d a Sh e u l B f O WELCOME TO THE POOL. You have three choices today: go snorkelling for a topside view, work on the tan or grab some scuba gear and find Nemo. With 50 shades of blue, tropical water and the whole cast from Finding Nemo to keep you company, this isn’t your average bath tub. Say hello to Mr. Ray, cruise with the turtles and watch schools of fluorescent fish play in the stream of bubbles left in your wake. Just another day in paradise.
e MAXIMUM DEPTH OF 1ST DIVE
12 METRES
EXPERIENCE NECESSARY
NONE
AVERAGE WATER TEMPERATURE
27C
AVERAGE DIVE TIME
30 MIN
Hot tip: To avoid FOMO, we recommend pre-booking the Great Barrier Reef day-trip upgrade to secure a spot on the boat. You can decide whether you would like to dive, snorkel or just hang out in the sun on the day.
20 DAY | O U T B A C K A D V E N T U R E MELBOURNE
DARWIN
3
STATES & TERRITORIES VISITED
CHOOSE YOUR DEPARTURE CITY MELBOURNE OR DARWIN
32
MEALS
DAY 8 QUORN TO COOBER PEDY. After a #saltlakeselfie stop, we meet the orphans of the kangaroo world, and explore the most random place on earth – the underground town of Coober Pedy. (B,D) DAY 9 COOBER PEDY TO ALICE SPRINGS. If mankind were to be wiped out, the scene might look like the Moon Plain—a desolate, lunar landscape only broken by the Dingo Fence. Luckily the pool at our accommodation isn’t a mirage. (B) DAY 10 ALICE SPRINGS TO ULURU (AYERS ROCK). Have your own Wills and Kate moment when we toast the sunset at Uluru. But first, a guided walk to get schooled on this 600-million-year-old monolith. (B,D)
1
DAY 11 ULURU, KATA-TJUTA NATIONAL PARK (THE OLGAS). Beat the heat with a morning hike around the base of Uluru, then you can get fancier than Iggy Azalea with a Harley ride or scenic flight. You might know the Harlem Shake but what about the emu or kangaroo? (B)
STOP & STAY DAY STOP
TRIP CODE: AAMRMD/AAMRDM DAY 1 MELBOURNE TO PORT CAMPBELL (GREAT OCEAN ROAD). You might not be in a European convertible, but the views from this cliff-hugging drive are still as epic. See the Twelve Apostles and bust koalas in the treetops, whacked out on eucalyptus. (D) DAY 2 PORT CAMPBELL TO GRAMPIANS NATIONAL PARK. See where London Bridge really did fall down on a morning beat around the Great Ocean Road’s best assets then paint your own boomerang at the Brambuk Aboriginal Cultural Centre. (B,D) DAY 3 GRAMPIANS NATIONAL PARK TO MOUNT GAMBIER. Next up: McKenzie Falls, the largest waterfall in Victoria. Then the Northern Grampians for one last panorama shot. To complete the trilogy: Kangaroo Spotting (B) DAY 4 MOUNT GAMBIER TO ADELAIDE. Check out the Blue Lake and Umpherston Sinkhole before kicking
onto Adelaide. Then a stop at Wynn’s Coonawarra vineyard. Chin chin! (B)
DAY 5 ADELAIDE. Welcome to one of the world’s coolest cities (according to Lonely Planet). Spend the day slurping noodles in the Adelaide Central Market, tram it to the seaside village of Glenelg or spot seals, kangaroos and penguins on Kangaroo Island. (B) DAY 6 ADELAIDE TO PARACHILNA (FLINDERS RANGES). There's more wineries around here than flies on a sheep. Stop at the Barossa Reservoir Whispering Wall on your way through Clare Valley there's a time and a place for confessions. This isn't it. (B,D) DAY 7 PARACHILNA TO QUORN (FLINDERS RANGES). Get Bear Grylls-tough on a hike to Wilpena Pound—a natural amphitheatre about three times the size of Uluru—then on to rock art site Arkaroo Rock, and the Kanyaka Ruins. (B,L,D)
DAY 12 ULURU TO KINGS CANYON. After hiking through the Valley of the Winds into the heart of the sacred Kata-Tjuta, we’ll journey across desert plains with the promise of some serious swag to meet us around the campfire. An Aussie swag that is (aka your bed for the night). This sky is what Coldplay has been crooning about. (B,D) DAY 13 KINGS CANYON TO ALICE SPRINGS. Do a Google image search for Kings Canyon. Slap yourself for having no idea beauty like this existed. We’ll do the Rim Walk to the Garden of Eden (exactly what it sounds like) before a picnic lunch and a trip back into the arms of Alice. (B,L) DAY 14 ALICE SPRINGS. Feeling a bit weary? Kick back around the pool, or if you’ve got energy to burn, visit the best surrogate mother on the planet: Kangaroo Dundee. Get a history lesson at the Royal Flying Doctor
41 AUSTRALIA
DAY 16 TENNANT CREEK TO KATHERINE. The pub crawl continues as we stop at Daly Waters Pub— home of Bill Bryson’s stubby-fuelled stay in Down Under. Leave a piece of yourself behind to add to the collection of bras, number plates and business cards then soak in the 34-degrees bliss of Mataranka thermal springs. (B,D) DAY 17 KATHERINE GORGE & EDITH FALLS. The green water of Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge will leave you pondering what lies beneath as you paddle through, but only the friendly crocs here. Too hard basket? Upgrade to a three-gorge cruise and save your energy for swimming at Edith Falls this afternoon. (B) DAY 18 KATHERINE TO KAKADU NATIONAL PARK. The natural pool and waterfalls in Kakadu smash any five-star hotel pool for six and if you thought you couldn’t get much more ‘Strayan, the falls were also in Crocodile Dundee. This afternoon, take an optional scenic flight over the Escarpment. (B,D) DAY 19 KAKADU NATIONAL PARK. Ancient Aboriginal rock art, a croc-spotting cruise, spear throwing and learning traditional plant uses... you’ll be more Aussie than Vegemite at day’s end. (B) DAY 20 KAKADU TO DARWIN (LITCHFIELD NATIONAL PARK). Like the end of a spin class, it’s time for the cool down as we stop for more waterfalls in Litchfield National Park, then prepare to meet the Darwin locals, where the NT News provides some of the best headlines known to man. (B,L) This trip is made up of a section of the 11 Day Rock ‘N’ Top and the 13 Day Down South & Outback trips. See p.56 and p.65 for more details.
++ Great Ocean Road & sunset at 12 Apostles ++ Stunning Grampians NP ++ Visit Brambuk Cultural Centre & paint your own boomerang ++ Coonawarra Make your own Wine experience ++ Hike to the base of MacKenzie Falls ++ Local winery visit in Coonawarra Region ++ View the magic of the Flinders Ranges ++ Parachilna & famous Outback BBQ ++ Stay underground in Coober Pedy ++ Visit a kangaroo orphanage ++ Sunset & sunrise over Uluru ++ “Valley of the Winds” walk at Kata Tjuta ++ Guided hike of Kings Canyon ++ Canoe in the Katherine Gorge ++ East Alligator River cruise in Kakadu ++ Aboriginal guide and entry into Arnhemland ++ Visit Aboriginal rock art sites in Kakadu NP ++ Swim in the fresh waters of Litchfield NP
START
FINISH
EX. MELBOURNE AAMRMD 2016 10 JAN 28 JAN G^ 17 JAN 04 FEB G^ 14 FEB 03 MAR G^ 13 MAR 31 MAR G^ 03 APR 22 APR G 01 MAY 20 MAY G 29 MAY 17 JUN G 26 JUN 15 JUL G 24 JUL 12 AUG G 21 AUG 09 SEP G 18 SEP 07 OCT G 16 OCT 04 NOV G 13 NOV 02 DEC G 2017 08 JAN 27 JAN G 05 FEB 24 FEB G 05 MAR 24 MAR G
FINISH
EX. DARWIN AAMRDM 2016 11 JAN 29 JAN G^ 01 FEB 19 FEB G^ 05 APR 24 APR G 03 MAY 22 MAY G 28 JUN 17 JUL G 26 JUL 14 AUG G 23 AUG 11 SEP G 20 SEP 09 OCT G 18 OCT 06 NOV G 15 NOV 04 DEC G 2017 07 FEB 26 FEB G 07 MAR 26 MAR G
EX. MELBOURNE AAMRMD START
6.30AM BASE MELBOURNE A'BECKETT ST
FINISH
6.00PM MITCHELL STREET DARWIN
EX. DARWIN AAMRDM START
7.00AM MELALEUCA ON MITCHELL STREET DARWIN
FINISH
7.00PM BASE MELBOURNE A'BECKETT ST
MORE INCLUSIONS
G = Guaranteed Departure
++ 19 breakfasts (B), 3 lunches (L), 10 dinners (D) ++ 17 nights in hotels, lodges & hostels, 1 night underground, 1 night in a swag ++ Entrance fees to national parks ++ Modern air-conditioned coach ++ Awesome Driver/Guide
20 DAYS FROM
The Top End of the Northern Territory (Darwin, Katherine and Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks) have an annual wet season that typically operates between October and March. During the wet season it is necessary to change our dry season itinerary and substitute some attractions, particularly in Kakadu National Park. Please refer to our website www.topdeck.travel for our wet season itinerary. ^Trips Starting before 1st April 2016 are 19 days. Please refer to our website for full details.
START
1645
£
GBP PER PERSON
*Price shown is for multi-share only. Twin, double or single prices available on request.
AR T £8 IN 3/ G F D AY RO M
DAY 15 ALICE SPRINGS TO TENNANT CREEK. This morning we’re hitting the ‘Barrow Creek Bank’. Sign a banknote, stick it to the wall of the Barrow Creek Pub and use it to buy a beer on a later journey. Then ‘knuckle down’ for our visit to Karlu Karlu. (B,D)
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
ST
Museum. Think texting is annoying? Try the Traeger Pedal Radio. (B)
19 DAY | B E A C H & B U S H SYDNEY
ALICE SPRINGS
3
STATES & TERRITORIES VISITED
CHOOSE YOUR DEPARTURE CITY SYDNEY OR ALICE SPRINGS
31
MEALS
DAY 9 EMU PARK TO THE WHITSUNDAYS. Step aboard your private yacht, hoist the sails and kick back on deck while your chef prepares dinner. B and Jay Z, who? This is how we roll. (B,D) DAY 10 DAYDREAM ISLAND. Set the compass to Whitehaven Beach. Be ruined for other beaches for life. Snorkel. Swim. Soak up the sun, then help steer the way to Daydream Island. (B,L,D) DAY 11 DAYDREAM ISLAND. Red pill: Water sports and mini golf. Blue pill: Hammock nap and sunset cocktails. Keanu never had it so tough. (B) DAY 12 THE WHITSUNDAYS TO CAIRNS. Don’t cry over white sand – Cairns awaits! Balance the number of sweat beads rolling down your back with restaurant, bar and club choices. (B)
1
STOP & STAY DAY STOP
TRIP CODE: AAGASU/AAGAUS DAY 1 SYDNEY TO CRESCENT HEAD. Stomping, swilling, and sipping the Hunter Valley’s finest drops. And a bus nap, waking up to a surf camp. Yeah, sucks to be you. (D)
DAY 5 GOLD COAST TO FRASER ISLAND. Have a quickie (visit) in Brisbane before we hit the highway and arrive on Fraser Island (aka paradise) in time for sunset. (B,D)
DAY 2 CRESCENT HEAD TO BYRON BAY. Give your best Kelly Slater impression during this morning’s surf lesson. Cruise through Coffs Harbour to meet your spirit animal in Byron Bay. (B,L)
DAY 6 FRASER ISLAND. Explore the world’s largest sand island by 4WD. Think: 75-Mile Beach, Maheno Shipwreck, floating down Eli Creek and SUP on Lake McKenzie. Consider staying forever. Remember dingoes. (B,L)
DAY 3 BYRON BAY. Your perfect Byron day? Sunrise at the lighthouse, surfing, skydiving, then sipping on a Stone & Wood beer at the Beach Hotel. Or are you more yoga, green smoothie, drum circle, repeat? (B) DAY 4 BYRON BAY TO GOLD COAST. Bin your bananas, we’re crossing the border. Natural Bridge in Springbrook National Park will wash away your tears for Byron. Tonight we party in Surfers Paradise. (B)
DAY 7 FRASER ISLAND TO MYELLA FARM. Embrace your inner cowboy and prepare for horse riding, cow milking, whip cracking and lassoing. (B,D) DAY 8 MYELLA FARM TO EMU PARK. Fill your morning with an optional motorbike lesson or go horse riding before we shoot off to Emu Park. Totem history, traditional dancing and boomerang throwing abound at the Aboriginal experience this afternoon. (B,L,D)
DAY 13 & 14 CAIRNS. When locals include giant birds ready to headbutt you and snakes that swallow crocs, the best way to deal is jump – hurl yourself from great heights with a bungy cord, zipline through the Daintree, skydive over the Great Barrier Reef or wake up at an obscene hour to go hot air ballooning. If you only do one thing, join our optional day trip to snorkel, dive and cruise the EAC with sea turtles, dude. (B) (B) DAY 15 TRANSIT DAY CAIRNS TO ALICE SPRINGS. Take to the skies heading South West to meet up with your NT crew in Alice Springs. (B) DAY 16 ALICE SPRINGS TO ULURU (AYERS ROCK). What you gonna do with all those humps? Visit an outback camel farm before we arrive at the biggest hump of all: Uluru. Guided walk, sunset and champagne? Bloody beautiful, mate. (B,D) DAY 17 ULURU, KATA-TJUTA NATIONAL PARK (THE OLGAS). Head back to Uluru at sunrise and loop the base or opt for a Harley ride or scenic flight. Embrace the Dreamtime with art markets and a cultural dance performance. (B)
43 AUSTRALIA
This trip is made up of the 14 Day Island Suntanner and 4 Day Rock ‘N’ Canyon trips. See p.46 and p.61 for more details.
++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++
Wine tasting experience in the Hunter Valley Surf lesson at Topdeck’s surf retreat Rainforest walk in Springbrook NP Full-day Fraser Island 4WD experience Authentic Myella Farm Stay Aboriginal Experience in Emu Park Overnight sailing in the Whitsunday Islands Visit stunning Whitehaven Beach Sunset & sunrise over Uluru “Valley of the Winds” walk at Kata Tjuta Guided hike of Kings Canyon
EX. SYDNEY AAGASU START
7.30AM WAKE UP! SYDNEY
FINISH
6.00PM IBIS STYLES HOTEL ALICE SPRINGS
EX. ALICE SPRINGS AAGAUS START
7.00AM IBIS STYLES HOTEL ALICE SPRINGS
FINISH
6.00PM WAKE UP! SYDNEY
Don't forget to pre-book your Great Barrier Reef day-trip upgrade to secure a spot on the boat.
MORE INCLUSIONS ++ 18 breakfasts (B), 5 lunches (L), 8 dinners (D) ++ 16 nights in hotels, lodges & cabins, 1 night in a swag, 1 night live-aboard sailing ++ Entrance fees to national parks ++ Modern air-conditioned vehicles ++ Awesome Driver/Guide
START
02 09 30 06 27 05 03 25 23 29 20 26 18 24 15 21 12 10 16 07 13 05 02 08 30 05 27 05
*Price shown is for multi-share only. Twin, double or single prices available on request.
START
G^ G^ G^ G^ G^ G^ G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G
FINISH
EX. ALICE SPRINGS AAGAUS 2016 18 JAN 05 FEB G 08 FEB 26 FEB G 15 FEB 04 MAR G 14 MAR 01 APR G 12 APR 30 APR G 10 MAY 28 MAY G 01 JUN 19 JUN G 07 JUN 25 JUN G 29 JUN 17 JUL G 05 JUL 23 JUL G 02 AUG 20 AUG G 30 AUG 17 SEP G 21 SEP 09 OCT G 27 SEP 15 OCT G 25 OCT 12 NOV G 16 NOV 04 DEC G 22 NOV 10 DEC G 12 DEC 30 DEC G 18 DEC 05 JAN G 2017 11 JAN 29 JAN G 17 JAN 04 FEB G 08 FEB 26 FEB G 14 FEB 04 MAR G 14 MAR 01 APR G
TRIP PRICE OF £1770
*Please note - Flights are not included in the trip price ^Trips Starting before 1st April 2016 ex. Sydney are 20 days. Please refer to our website for full details.
FINISH
EX. SYDNEY AAGASU 2016 JAN 21 JAN JAN 28 JAN JAN 18 FEB FEB 25 FEB FEB 17 MAR MAR 24 MAR APR 21 APR APR 13 MAY MAY 10 JUN MAY 16 JUN JUN 08 JUL JUN 14 JUL JUL 05 AUG JUL 11 AUG AUG 02 SEP AUG 08 SEP SEP 30 SEP OCT 28 OCT OCT 03 NOV NOV 25 NOV NOV 01 DEC DEC 23 DEC 2017 JAN 20 JAN JAN 26 JAN JAN 17 FEB FEB 23 FEB FEB 17 MAR MAR 23 MAR
TRIP PRICE OF £1820
G = Guaranteed Departure
19 DAYS FROM
1770
£
GBP PER PERSON
AR T £9 IN 4/ G F D AY RO M
DAY 19 KINGS CANYON TO ALICE SPRINGS. Standing on solid rock, sacred ground, the Rim Walk around Kings Canyon will change your life. You’re now a real Aussie bloody legend! (B,L)
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
ST
DAY 18 ULURU TO KINGS CANYON. Coolio might’ve walked through the “valley of the shadow of death”, but today we’re walking through the Valley of the Winds on route to Kata Tjuta – 36 epic sandstone domes in the middle of the desert. (B,D)
45
ADELAIDE
DARWIN
2
STATES & TERRITORIES VISITED
25
AUSTRALIA
15 DAY | O P A L S & O U T B A C K MEALS
CHOOSE YOUR DEPARTURE CITY ADELAIDE OR DARWIN
1
STOP & STAY
DAY 4 COOBER PEDY TO ALICE SPRINGS. Strap on a billowing silver cape, we’re crossing the Moon Plain and taking in the views of the Breakaways Reserve in true Priscilla, Queen of the Desert style. (B) DAY 5 ALICE SPRINGS TO ULURU (AYERS ROCK). Taller than the Eiffel Tower, 10 kilometres around its base, Uluru isn’t just epic. It’s the red heart of Aus. (B,D) DAY 6 ULURU, KATA-TJUTA NATIONAL PARK (THE OLGAS). Rock of ages? 600 million of them, in fact. Get swept up in Uluru’s mystical aura with a base walk. (B) DAY 7 ULURU TO KINGS CANYON. Want to know a secret? Mt Olga is actually taller than Uluru. And it has 35 other rock buddies to keep it company. (B,D) DAY 8 KINGS CANYON TO ALICE SPRINGS. Find a fig leaf; we’re hiking the Rim Walk to the Garden of Eden. Hope you like mindblowing beauty burning into your retinas. (B,L) DAY 9 ALICE SPRINGS. Get to know Alice with a free day, smack bang in the epicentre of Australia. (B) DAY 10 ALICE SPRINGS TO TENNANT CREEK. Roll into Barrow Creek (population: 11) and donate one of your dollar, dollar bills to the ‘Barrow Creek Bank’. Then play amongst Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles). (B,D) DAY 11 TENNANT CREEK TO KATHERINE. Fancy a hot bath? The teal waters of Mataranka thermal springs are worth the sweat. (B,D) DAY 12 KATHERINE GORGE & EDITH FALLS. Row, row, row your canoe down the most spectacular gorge you might ever see. Cool down under Edith Falls. (B) DAY 13 KATHERINE TO KAKADU NATIONAL PARK. Make like Mick Dundee and suss out Kakadu’s prettiest
Parachilna & famous Outback BBQ Stay underground in Coober Pedy Visit a kangaroo orphanage Sunset & sunrise over Uluru “Valley of the Winds” walk at Kata Tjuta Guided hike of Kings Canyon East Alligator River cruise in Kakadu Aboriginal guide and entry into Arnhemland Visit Aboriginal rock art sites in Kakadu NP
MORE INCLUSIONS ++ 14 breakfasts (B), 3 lunches (L), 8 dinners (D) ++ 12 nights in hotels, lodges & hostels, 1 night underground, 1 night in a swag ++ Entrance fees to national parks ++ Modern air-conditioned vehicle ++ Awesome Driver/Guide
TRIP CODE: AAOOAD/AAOODA XXXX START
FINISH
EX. ADELAIDE AAOOAD 2016 14 JAN 28 JAN 21 JAN 04 FEB 18 FEB 03 MAR 17 MAR 31 MAR 08 APR 22 APR 06 MAY 20 MAY 03 JUN 17 JUN 01 JUL 15 JUL 29 JUL 12 AUG 26 AUG 09 SEP 23 SEP 07 OCT 21 OCT 04 NOV 18 NOV 02 DEC 2017 13 JAN 27 JAN 10 FEB 24 FEB 10 MAR 24 MAR
START
G G G G G G G G G G G G G
FINISH
EX. DARWIN AAOODA 2016 11 JAN 25 JAN 01 FEB 15 FEB 05 APR 19 APR 03 MAY 17 MAY 28 JUN 12 JUL 26 JUL 09 AUG 23 AUG 06 SEP 20 SEP 04 OCT 18 OCT 01 NOV 15 NOV 29 NOV 2017 07 FEB 21 FEB 07 MAR 21 MAR
G G G G G G G G G G G G
G G G
EX. ADELAIDE AAOOAD START
8.30AM YHA CENTRAL ADELAIDE
FINISH
6.00PM MITCHELL STREET DARWIN
EX. DARWIN AAOODA
lookouts before a flight over Australia’s final frontier. (B,D) DAY 14 KAKADU NATIONAL PARK. At half the size of Switzerland, there’s a lot of Kakadu to see. Behold the Nat Geo highlights reel: rock art, croc cruise and spear throwing in Arnhem Land. (B) DAY 15 KAKADU TO DARWIN (LITCHFIELD NATIONAL PARK). Chase more waterfalls in Litchfield National Park before a return to reality in Darwin. You’ve got outback in your soul for good now. (B,L) This trip is a section of the 11 Day Rock ‘N’ Top and the 13 Day Down South & Outback trips. See p.56 and p.65 for more details.
The Top End of the Northern Territory (Darwin, Katherine and Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks) have an annual wet season that typically operates between October and March. During the wet season it is necessary to change our dry season itinerary and substitute some attractions, particularly in Kakadu National Park. Please refer to our website www.topdeck.travel for our wet season itinerary.
START
7.00AM MELALEUCA ON MITCHELL STREET
FINISH
6.00PM YHA CENTRAL ADELAIDE
TRIP PRICE OF £1285
TRIP PRICE OF £1315
G = Guaranteed Departure
15 DAYS FROM
1285
£
GBP PER PERSON
*Price shown is for multi-share only. Twin, double or single prices available on request.
AR T £8 IN 6/ G F D AY RO M
DAY 3 QUORN TO COOBER PEDY. What you spotted yesterday? You can have on your pizza tonight. It’s not just opal mining they do well here. (B,D)
++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++
ST
DAY 2 PARACHILNA TO QUORN (FLINDERS RANGES). Spot the Australian coat of arms in 3D then hike into the geo-rock stadium of Wilpena Pound. (B,L,D)
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
PHOTO: KATHERINE GORGE
DAY STOP
DAY 1 ADELAIDE TO PARACHILNA (FLINDERS RANGES). Stop at the Barossa Reservoir Whispering Wall on your way through to the Clare Valley - there's a time and a place for confessions. This isn't it. (D)
14 DAY | I S L A N D S U N T A N N E R SYDNEY
CHOOSE YOUR DEPARTURE CITY SYDNEY OR CAIRNS
CAIRNS
2
STATES VISITED
23
MEALS
DAY 1 SYDNEY TO CRESCENT HEAD (VIA THE HUNTER VALLEY). Set the tone for this fair dinkum Aussie adventure by crossing Sydney’s iconic ‘coathanger’ as we venture toward the surfing cloud nine of Crescent Head. Before testing the waters, dip your toes into an oak barrel (literally) in the Hunter Valley. (D)
Pinnacles Coloured Sands, Eli Creek and Maheno Shipwreck before testing out your SUP skills on the crystal clear waters of Lake McKenzie. (B,L)
DAY 2 CRESCENT HEAD TO BYRON BAY. Try a barrel of a different kind with an early morning surf lesson. Here’s your chance to become a bona fide shredder. Kelly Slater, who? Our roadie continues with a traditional BBQ lunch and a cruise past the Big Banana before arriving at our base. (B,L)
DAY 8 MYELLA FARM TO EMU PARK. Get your boots dirty, milk your first cow or go walkabout on a real Aussie farm. Then head to Emu Park for the Aboriginal experience of totem history, traditional dancing and boomerang throwing. (B,L,D)
DAY 3 BYRON BAY. Anti-Maccas and anti-anything mass-produced (but pro juice bars, beer gardens and beards), Byron is glitzy on the outside but small townhearted underneath. Hit the shops and restaurants, test out those newly-acquired surfing skills, paddle a sea kayak, try scuba diving or skydive right into the melting pot. (B) DAY 4 BYRON BAY TO GOLD COAST. Leave the blissful buzz of Byron behind you as we head to Springbrook National Park and its major draw card, Natural Bridge. Next, swap the national park for a theme park as we make our way to party central, aka Surfers Paradise. (B) DAY 5 GOLD COAST TO FRASER ISLAND. Brisbane is not on the coast. People didn’t seem to like that too much so they built a beach in the middle of the capital city. Have a dip before burning up the highway to catch a ferry bound for the island with the longest beach in QLD – all 75 miles (120kms) of it. (B,D) 1
STOP & STAY DAY STOP
TRIP CODE: AAISSC/AAISCS
COACH WI-FI
DAY 6 FRASER ISLAND. Fraser is literally one huge pile of sand – as if someone dropped the Sahara Desert into the Pacific Ocean and scattered it with dingoes and rainforests. Four-wheel-drive along the beach highway of 75 Mile Beach to mingle with the
DAY 7 FRASER ISLAND TO MYELLA FARM. Embrace your inner cowboy and prepare for horse riding, motorbiking, whip cracking and lassoing. (B,D)
DAY 9 EMU PARK TO THE WHITSUNDAYS (SAILING). Feeling like you need more air in your hair? Bail out of the bus and board your own private yacht sailing the beautiful Whitsunday Passage. *Cue cliched sailing soundtrack.* Normally a toy for the rich and famous, today it’s all yours to learn the ropes while sailing in paradise. Landlubber? Take the diva option and let the crew do the work whilst you feast, swim and snorkel. (B,D) DAY 10 DAYDREAM ISLAND (WHITEHAVEN BEACH). Keep those sunnies on as the blinding white sands of Whitehaven stretch before you like a 7km sea of diamonds. Keep adrift of your seafaring skills by helping to set the sails or steer at the helm as we set course for land and two nights at Daydream Island. (B,L,D) DAY 11 DAYDREAM ISLAND. Appropriately named, Daydream Island has walking tracks, palm trees and secluded beaches. In keeping with tradition, a looong list of activities has been provided ranging from watersports to mini golf and tennis. Grab a cocktail from the swim up pool bar then make a date with a hammock and get in your happy place overlooking the pools. (B)
47 AUSTRALIA
Ex. Sydney AAISSC START
7.30AM WAKE UP! SYDNEY
FINISH
5.00PM HIDES HOTEL CAIRNS
++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++
Wine tasting experience in the Hunter Valley Surf lesson at Topdeck’s surf retreat Rainforest walk in Springbrook NP Full-day Fraser Island 4WD experience Authentic Myella Farm Stay Aboriginal Experience in Emu Park Overnight sailing in the Whitsunday Islands Visit stunning Whitehaven Beach 2 nights at the tropical Daydream Island
MORE INCLUSIONS ++ 13 breakfasts (B), 4 lunches (L), 6 dinners (D) ++ 12 nights in hotels, lodges & cabins, 1 night live-aboard sailing ++ Modern air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi ++ Awesome Trip leader + Driver
TRIP PRICE OF £1475
Ex. Cairns AAISCS START
2.00PM HIDES HOTEL CAIRNS
FINISH
6.00PM WAKE UP! SYDNEY
Don't forget to pre-book your Great Barrier Reef day-trip upgrade to secure a spot on the boat.
TRIP PRICE OF £1505
TRIP PRICE OF £1525 G = Guaranteed Departure
14 DAYS FROM
1475
£
GBP PER PERSON
START
02 09 20 30 06 17 27 05 16 26 03 25 01 23 29 20 26 18 24 15 21 12 18 10 16 28 07 13 25 05 11 23 02 08 20 30 05 17 27 05 27
FINISH
EX. SYDNEY AAISSC 2016 JAN 15 JAN JAN 22 JAN JAN 02 FEB JAN 12 FEB FEB 19 FEB FEB 01 MAR FEB 11 MAR MAR 18 MAR MAR 29 MAR MAR 08 APR APR 16 APR APR 08 MAY MAY 14 MAY MAY 05 JUN MAY 11 JUN JUN 03 JUL JUN 09 JUL JUL 31 JUL JUL 06 AUG AUG 28 AUG AUG 03 SEP SEP 25 SEP SEP 01 OCT OCT 23 OCT OCT 29 OCT OCT 10 NOV NOV 20 NOV NOV 26 NOV NOV 08 DEC DEC 18 DEC DEC 24 DEC DEC 05 JAN 2017 JAN 15 JAN JAN 21 JAN JAN 02 FEB JAN 12 FEB FEB 18 FEB FEB 02 MAR FEB 12 MAR MAR 18 MAR MAR 09 APR
START
G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G
06 16 23 03 13 20 02 12 19 11 17 09 15 06 12 04 10 01 07 29 04 26 02 24 30 11 21 27 09 17 23 06 16 22 03 13 19 03 13 19
FINISH
EX. CAIRNS AAISCS 2016 JAN 19 JAN JAN 29 JAN JAN 05 FEB FEB 16 FEB FEB 26 FEB FEB 04 MAR MAR 15 MAR MAR 25 MAR MAR 01 APR APR 24 APR APR 30 APR MAY 22 MAY MAY 28 MAY JUN 19 JUN JUN 25 JUN JUL 17 JUL JUL 23 JUL AUG 14 AUG AUG 20 AUG AUG 11 SEP SEP 17 SEP SEP 09 OCT OCT 15 OCT OCT 06 NOV OCT 12 NOV NOV 24 NOV NOV 04 DEC NOV 10 DEC DEC 22 DEC DEC 30 DEC DEC 05 JAN 2017 JAN 19 JAN JAN 29 JAN JAN 04 FEB FEB 16 FEB FEB 26 FEB FEB 04 MAR MAR 16 MAR MAR 26 MAR MAR 01 APR
G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G
*Price shown is for multi-share only. Twin, double or single prices available on request.
AR £1 TIN 06 G /D FR AY OM
DAY 13 & 14 CAIRNS. This is the only place in the world nestled between two World Heritage-listed areas. Want two full days to explore them? Go on then. Ramp up the adventure metre (and your heart rate) with white water rafting, explore the 120-millionyear-old Daintree Rainforest, cuddle a koala or zip line over a crocodile. There’s also horse riding, bungee jumping, tandem skydiving, hot air ballooning or a popular favourite is snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef. Yeah, you might want to stay a little longer… (B) (B)
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
ST
DAY 12 THE WHITSUNDAYS TO CAIRNS. Do your best Scuba Steve impression as we pull into Cairns – gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. You’ll soon forget you’re not on a yacht anymore. The night is yours, so take a stroll along the esplanade, join a free zumba class, or jump straight into the hedonistic delights of Cairns’ backpacker bars. (B)
49
SYDNEY
THE WHITSUNDAYS
2
STATES VISITED
21
MEALS
AUSTRALIA
12 DAY | E A S T C O A S T C R U I S I N ' COACH WI-FI
CHOOSE YOUR DEPARTURE CITY SYDNEY OR THE WHITSUNDAYS
1
STOP & STAY
DAY 4 BYRON BAY TO GOLD COAST. Think: Palm trees lining the highways and nightlife that will keep your dancing legs toned for days. Welcome to the GC. (B) DAY 5 GOLD COAST TO FRASER ISLAND. Don’t leave ‘Brissy’ without a ride on the London Eye Brisbane Wheel to appreciate the river city from above. (B,D) DAY 6 FRASER ISLAND. The Indigenous people call it K’gari. We call it paradise. A 4WD tour of the rainforests and freshwater lakes will show you why. (B,L) DAY 7 FRASER ISLAND TO MYELLA FARM. Embrace your inner cowboy and prepare for horse riding, cow milking, whip cracking and lassoing. (B,D) DAY 8 MYELLA FARM TO EMU PARK. Fill your morning with an optional motorbike or horse riding lesson. Then head to Emu Park for Aboriginal totem history, traditional dancing and boomerang throwing. (B,L,D) DAY 9 EMU PARK TO THE WHITSUNDAYS (SAILING). Leave your Jag with the valet, turn your smartwatch on silent and allow us to introduce you to your private yacht for the night. #FOMO. (B,D) DAY 10 DAYDREAM ISLAND, WHITEHAVEN BEACH. Get the bucket list out and start ticking as we sail away. Walk on some of the purest sand in the world and swim in water that looks like...Google it. (B,L,D) DAY 11 DAYDREAM ISLAND. How to spend a day in paradise? Sipping a Cosmo by the pool? Pretending you’re a mermaid? #firstworldproblems. (B) DAY 12 THE WHITSUNDAYS. Keep the party going as we finish in the godfather of Aussie backpacker towns. (B)
Wine tasting experience in the Hunter Valley Surf lesson at Topdeck’s surf retreat Rainforest walk in Springbrook NP Full-day Fraser Island 4WD experience Authentic Myella Farm Stay Aboriginal Experience in Emu Park Overnight sailing in the Whitsunday Islands Visit stunning Whitehaven Beach 2 nights at the tropical Daydream Island
MORE INCLUSIONS ++ 11 breakfasts (B), 4 lunches (L), 6 dinners (D) ++ 10 nights in hotels, lodges & cabins, 1 night live-aboard sailing ++ Modern air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi ++ Awesome Trip leader + Driver This trip is a section of the 14 Day Island Suntanner trip. See full trip on p.46.
TRIP PRICE OF £1375
TRIP PRICE OF £1395
TRIP PRICE OF £1415 G = Guaranteed Departure
12 DAYS FROM
1375
£
GBP PER PERSON
*Price shown is for multi-share only. Twin, double or single prices available on request.
TRIP CODE: AAISSQ/AAISQS XXXX START
02 09 20 30 06 17 27 05 16 26 03 25 01 23 29 20 26 18 24 15 21 12 18 10 16 28 07 13 25 05 11 23 02 08 20 30 05 17 27 05 27
FINISH
EX. SYDNEY AAISSQ 2016 JAN 13 JAN JAN 20 JAN JAN 31 JAN JAN 10 FEB FEB 17 FEB FEB 28 FEB FEB 09 MAR MAR 16 MAR MAR 27 MAR MAR 06 APR APR 14 APR APR 06 MAY MAY 12 MAY MAY 03 JUN MAY 09 JUN JUN 01 JUL JUN 07 JUL JUL 29 JUL JUL 04 AUG AUG 26 AUG AUG 01 SEP SEP 23 SEP SEP 29 SEP OCT 21 OCT OCT 27 OCT OCT 08 NOV NOV 18 NOV NOV 24 NOV NOV 06 DEC DEC 16 DEC DEC 22 DEC DEC 03 JAN 2017 JAN 13 JAN JAN 19 JAN JAN 31 JAN JAN 10 FEB FEB 16 FEB FEB 28 FEB FEB 10 MAR MAR 16 MAR MAR 07 APR
START
G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G
08 18 25 05 15 22 04 14 21 13 19 11 17 08 14 06 12 03 09 31 06 28 04 26 01 13 23 29 11 19 25 08 18 24 05 15 21 05 15 21
FINISH
EX. AIRLIE AAISQS 2016 JAN 19 JAN JAN 29 JAN JAN 05 FEB FEB 16 FEB FEB 26 FEB FEB 04 MAR MAR 15 MAR MAR 25 MAR MAR 01 APR APR 24 APR APR 30 APR MAY 22 MAY MAY 28 MAY JUN 19 JUN JUN 25 JUN JUL 17 JUL JUL 23 JUL AUG 14 AUG AUG 20 AUG AUG 11 SEP SEP 17 SEP SEP 09 OCT OCT 15 OCT OCT 06 NOV NOV 12 NOV NOV 24 NOV NOV 04 DEC NOV 10 DEC DEC 22 DEC DEC 30 DEC DEC 05 JAN 2017 JAN 19 JAN JAN 29 JAN JAN 04 FEB FEB 16 FEB FEB 26 FEB FEB 04 MAR MAR 16 MAR MAR 26 MAR MAR 01 APR
G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G
EX. SYDNEY AAISSQ START
7.30AM WAKE UP! SYDNEY
FINISH
10.00AM CLUB CROC RESORT AIRLIE BEACH
EX. AIRLIE AAISQS START
3.30PM CLUB CROC RESORT AIRLIE BEACH
FINISH
6.00PM WAKE UP! SYDNEY
AR £1 TIN 15 G /D FR AY OM
++ ++ DAY 2 CRESCENT HEAD TO BYRON BAY. Have a private ++ surf lesson then cruise into Byron—where you can burn ++ incense, sip chai and become a yoga teacher all in one ++ day. (B,L) ++ DAY 3 BYRON BAY. A visit to Byron isn’t complete ++ without a hike up to the lighthouse. Keep your eyes on ++ the ocean to spot whales breaching in winter. (B) ++
ST
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
PHOTO: SUNRISE AT SURFERS PARADISE
DAY STOP
DAY 1 SYDNEY TO CRESCENT HEAD (VIA HUNTER VALLEY). Let the wave chasing begin. But first, a stop for stomping and swilling amongst the vines. (D)
51
GOLD COAST
CAIRNS
1
STATES VISITED
18
MEALS
AUSTRALIA
11 DAY | R E E F S U N T A N N E R COACH WI-FI
CHOOSE YOUR DEPARTURE CITY GOLDCOAST OR CAIRNS
1
STOP & STAY
DAY 4 FRASER ISLAND TO MYELLA FARM. Embrace your inner cowboy and prepare for horse riding, cow milking, whip cracking and lassoing. (B,D) DAY 5: MYELLA FARM TO EMU PARK. Fill your morning with an optional motorbike or horse riding lesson. Then head to Emu Park for Aboriginal totem history, traditional dancing and boomerang throwing. (B,L,D) DAY 6: EMU PARK TO WHITSUNDAYS (SAILING). If the words jib, tack and boom mean nothing to you, by the end of the day you’ll speak pirate better than Jack Sparrow. From Airlie Beach, put on your deck shoes as we set sail on a private yacht. (B,D) DAY 7: DAYDREAM ISLAND (WHITEHAVEN BEACH). The crystal clear water and white silica sand of Whitehaven Beach make this one of the most popular places in Australia for blokes to pop the question. Today you’ll know why. (B,L,D) DAY 8: DAYDREAM ISLAND. Relax under the shade of a coconut palm, wet a line or kick it Kardashian-style with a cocktail by the pool. This is life. (B) DAY 9: THE WHITSUNDAYS TO CAIRNS. Point your compass north as we roll on to Queensland’s tropical capital. (B) DAY 10 & 11: CAIRNS. Paddle the rapids of the Tully River, zip line over a crocodile or check out the Great Barrier Reef. And that’s just the beginning. (B) (B)
Full-day Fraser Island 4WD experience Authentic Myella Farm Stay Aboriginal Experience in Emu Park Overnight sailing in the Whitsundays Visit stunning Whitehaven Beach 2 nights at the tropical Daydream Island
MORE INCLUSIONS ++ 10 breakfasts (B), 3 lunches (L), 5 dinners (D) ++ 9 nights in hotels, lodges & cabins, 1 night live-aboard sailing ++ Modern air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi ++ Awesome Trip leader + Driver This trip is a section of the 14 Day Island Suntanner trip. See full trip on p.46. EX. GOLD COAST AAISGC START
12.00PM VIBE HOTEL SURFERS PARADISE
FINISH
5.00PM HIDES HOTEL CAIRNS
EX. CAIRNS AAISCG START
2.00PM HIDES HOTEL CAIRNS
FINISH
10.00AM VIBE HOTEL SURFERS PARADISE
TRIP PRICE OF £1185
TRIP PRICE OF £1195
TRIP PRICE OF £1220 G = Guaranteed Departure
11 DAYS FROM
1185
£
TRIP CODE: AAISGC/AAISCG START
FINISH
EX. GOLD COAST AAISGC 2016 05 JAN 15 JAN G 12 JAN 22 JAN G 23 JAN 02 FEB G 02 FEB 12 FEB G 09 FEB 19 FEB G 20 FEB 01 MAR G 01 MAR 11 MAR G 08 MAR 18 MAR G 19 MAR 29 MAR G 29 MAR 08 APR G 06 APR 16 APR G 28 APR 08 MAY G 04 MAY 14 MAY G 26 MAY 05 JUN G 01 JUN 11 JUN G 23 JUN 03 JUL G 29 JUN 09 JUL G 21 JUL 31 JUL G 27 JUL 06 AUG G 18 AUG 28 AUG G 24 AUG 03 SEP G 15 SEP 25 SEP G 21 SEP 01 OCT G 13 OCT 23 OCT G 19 OCT 29 OCT G 31 OCT 10 NOV G 10 NOV 20 NOV G 16 NOV 26 NOV G 28 NOV 08 DEC G 08 DEC 18 DEC G 14 DEC 24 DEC G 26 DEC 05 JAN G 2017 05 JAN 15 JAN G 11 JAN 21 JAN G 23 JAN 02 FEB G 02 FEB 12 FEB G 08 FEB 18 FEB G 20 FEB 02 MAR G 02 MAR 12 MAR G 08 MAR 18 MAR G 30 MAR 09 APR G
START
06 16 23 03 13 20 02 12 19 11 17 09 15 06 12 04 10 01 07 29 04 26 02 24 30 11 21 27 09 17 23 06 16 22 03 13 19 03 13 19
FINISH
EX. CAIRNS AAISCG 2016 JAN 16 JAN JAN 26 JAN JAN 02 FEB FEB 13 FEB FEB 23 FEB FEB 01 MAR MAR 12 MAR MAR 22 MAR MAR 29 MAR APR 21 APR APR 27 APR MAY 19 MAY MAY 25 MAY JUN 16 JUN JUN 22 JUN JUL 14 JUL JUL 20 JUL AUG 11 AUG AUG 17 AUG AUG 08 SEP SEP 14 SEP SEP 06 OCT OCT 12 OCT OCT 03 NOV OCT 09 NOV NOV 21 NOV NOV 01 DEC NOV 07 DEC DEC 19 DEC DEC 27 DEC DEC 02 JAN 2017 JAN 16 JAN JAN 26 JAN JAN 01 FEB FEB 13 FEB FEB 23 FEB FEB 01 MAR MAR 13 MAR MAR 23 MAR MAR 29 MAR
G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G
Don't forget to pre-book your Great Barrier Reef day-trip upgrade to secure a spot on the boat.
GBP PER PERSON
*Price shown is for multi-share only. Twin, double or single prices available on request.
AR £1 TIN 08 G /D FR AY OM
DAY 3 FRASER ISLAND. There’s more to do on the world’s biggest sand island than building sandcastles. 4WD along 75 Mile Beach (a bona fide sand highway), SUP on Lake McKenzie and keep an eye out for dingoes. (B,L)
++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++
ST
DAY 2 GOLD COAST TO FRASER ISLAND. Next stop: BrisVegas (aka Brisbane). Then back on the frog and toad and ferry across to Fraser. (B,D)
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
PHOTO:DAYDREAM ISLAND
DAY STOP
DAY 1 GOLD COAST. All that glitters is the Gold Coast— a city that’s as much about beaches and theme parks as it is bars and bronzed bods. Catch some rays in Surfers Paradise, before hitting Cavill Ave—the GC equivalent of The Strip.
52 AUSTRALIA
10 DAY | T R O P I C A L A D V E N T U R E BRISBANE
CAIRNS
1
STATES VISITED
17
MEALS
COACH WI-FI
CHOOSE YOUR DEPARTURE CITY BRISBANE OR CAIRNS
1
STOP & STAY
PHOTO: FRASER ISLAND
DAY STOP
TRIP CODE: AAISBC/AAISCB XXXX START
FINISH
EX. BRISBANE AAISBC 2016 JAN 15 JAN JAN 22 JAN JAN 02 FEB FEB 12 FEB FEB 19 FEB FEB 01 MAR MAR 11 MAR MAR 18 MAR MAR 29 MAR MAR 08 APR APR 16 APR APR 08 MAY MAY 14 MAY MAY 05 JUN JUN 11 JUN JUN 03 JUL JUN 09 JUL JUL 31 JUL JUL 06 AUG AUG 28 AUG AUG 03 SEP SEP 25 SEP SEP 01 OCT OCT 23 OCT OCT 29 OCT NOV 10 NOV NOV 20 NOV NOV 26 NOV NOV 08 DEC DEC 18 DEC DEC 24 DEC DEC 05 JAN 2017 06 JAN 15 JAN 12 JAN 21 JAN 24 JAN 02 FEB 03 FEB 12 FEB 09 FEB 18 FEB 21 FEB 02 MAR 03 MAR 12 MAR 09 MAR 18 MAR 31 MAR 09 APR 06 13 24 03 10 21 02 09 20 30 07 29 05 27 02 24 30 22 28 19 25 16 22 14 20 01 11 17 29 09 15 27
START
G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G
06 16 23 03 13 20 02 12 19 11 17 09 15 06 12 04 10 01 07 29 04 26 02 24 30 11 21 27 09 17 23 06 16 22 03 13 19 03 13 19
FINISH
EX. CAIRNS AAISCB 2016 JAN 15 JAN JAN 25 JAN JAN 01 FEB FEB 12 FEB FEB 22 FEB FEB 29 FEB MAR 11 MAR MAR 21 MAR MAR 28 MAR APR 20 APR APR 26 APR MAY 18 MAY MAY 24 MAY JUN 15 JUN JUN 21 JUN JUL 13 JUL JUL 19 JUL AUG 10 AUG AUG 16 AUG AUG 07 SEP SEP 13 SEP SEP 05 OCT OCT 11 OCT OCT 02 NOV OCT 08 NOV NOV 20 NOV NOV 30 NOV NOV 06 DEC DEC 18 DEC DEC 26 DEC DEC 01 JAN 2017 JAN 15 JAN JAN 25 JAN JAN 31 JAN FEB 12 FEB FEB 22 FEB FEB 28 FEB MAR 12 MAR MAR 22 MAR MAR 28 MAR
EX. BRISBANE AAISBC START
1.00PM NOMADS BRISBANE (PALACE)
FINISH
5.00PM HIDES HOTEL CAIRNS
EX. CAIRNS AAISCB START
2.00PM HIDES HOTEL CAIRNS
FINISH
3.00PM NOMADS BRISBANE (PALACE)
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DAY 1 BRISBANE TO FRASER ISLAND. Crossing the Great Sandy Strait by ferry, we’re watching the sun dip behind the Great Dividing Range as we settle into our eco lodges. The infamous Dingo Bar might see you cutting shapes on the D-floor. (D) DAY 2 FRASER ISLAND. Dingoes, dunes and rainforests, oh my! People rave about this place for a reason. Get your balance back with a stand-up paddle boarding session on Lake McKenzie, go shipwreck spotting on 75 Mile Beach and float down Eli Creek. (B,L) DAY 3 FRASER ISLAND TO MYELLA FARM. Embrace your inner cowboy and prepare for horse riding, cow milking, whip cracking and lassoing. (B,D) DAY 4 MYELLA FARM TO EMU PARK. Fill your morning with an optional motorbike or horse riding lesson. Then head to Emu Park for Aboriginal totem history, traditional dancing and boomerang throwing. (B,L,D) DAY 5 EMU PARK TO THE WHITSUNDAYS (SAILING). We’re blingin’ our way around the Whitsundays on our own private yacht. Don your captain’s hat and ensure it’s all plain sailing or embrace your inner Kardashian and relax on deck. (B,D)
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED) ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++
Full-day Fraser Island 4WD experience Authentic Myella Farm Stay Aboriginal Experience in Emu Park Overnight sailing in the Whitsunday Islands Visit stunning Whitehaven Beach 2 nights at the tropical Daydream Island
MORE INCLUSIONS ++ 9 breakfasts (B), 3 lunches (L), 5 dinners (D) ++ 8 nights in hotels, lodges & cabins, 1 night live-aboard sailing ++ Modern air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi ++ Awesome Trip leader + Driver DAY 9 & 10 CAIRNS. With more adventure activities than Bear Grylls could handle in two days, you’ve got your work cut out for you. Cuddle a koala or explore the reef? Your call. (B) (B) This trip is a section of the 14 Day Island Suntanner trip. See p.46 for more details.
DAY 6 DAYDREAM ISLAND (WHITEHAVEN BEACH). Let’s make this as crystal clear as the water – Whitehaven Beach is breathtaking. Not only does silica white sand stretch for over seven kilometres, it’s literally the most photographed beach in Oz. (B,L,D) DAY 7 DAYDREAM ISLAND. Did someone say buffet breakfast? (Over) indulge, recharge and relax with water sports, lazy hammock time and fish feeding right off the jetty. You’re on island time. (B) DAY 8 THE WHITSUNDAYS TO CAIRNS. From crocodile skins to glass-blowing artists, the night markets will keep you entertained. Still got your sea legs? Head to the guaranteed croc-free lagoon at the Esplanade to decompress. (B)
M O FR G AY N TI 2/D AR 11 £
ST
Don't forget to pre-book your Great Barrier Reef day-trip upgrade to secure a spot on the boat.
TRIP PRICE OF £1115
TRIP PRICE OF £1130
TRIP PRICE OF £1145 G = Guaranteed Departure
10 DAYS FROM
1115
£
GBP PER PERSON
*Price shown is for multi-share only. Twin, double or single prices available on request.
53
THE WHITSUNDAYS
1
CAIRNS
1
8
STATES VISITED
5 DAY | U L T I M A T E S U R F A R I
MEALS
SYDNEY
CHOOSE YOUR DEPARTURE CITY THE WHITSUNDAYS OR CAIRNS
STOP & STAY DAY STOP
1
G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G
G G G G G
10 16 28 07 13 25 07 13 04
G G G G G G G G G
FINISH 26 NOV 08 DEC 18 DEC 24 DEC 05 JAN 2017 JAN 15 JAN JAN 21 JAN JAN 02 FEB FEB 12 FEB FEB 18 FEB FEB 02 MAR MAR 12 MAR MAR 18 MAR APR 09 APR EX. CAIRNS AAISCW 2016 JAN 11 JAN JAN 21 JAN JAN 28 JAN FEB 08 FEB FEB 18 FEB FEB 25 FEB MAR 07 MAR MAR 17 MAR MAR 24 MAR APR 16 APR APR 22 APR MAY 14 MAY
G G G G G G G G G G G G
START 15 MAY 06 JUN 12 JUN 04 JUL 10 JUL 01 AUG 07 AUG 29 AUG 04 SEP 26 SEP 02 OCT 24 OCT 30 OCT 11 NOV 21 NOV 27 NOV 09 DEC 17 DEC 23 DEC 06 16 22 03 13 19 03 13 19
JAN JAN JAN FEB FEB FEB MAR MAR MAR
FINISH 20 MAY 11 JUN 17 JUN 09 JUL 15 JUL 06 AUG 12 AUG 03 SEP 09 SEP 01 OCT 07 OCT 29 OCT 04 NOV 16 NOV 26 NOV 02 DEC 14 DEC 22 DEC 28 DEC 2017 11 JAN 21 JAN 27 JAN 08 FEB 18 FEB 24 FEB 08 MAR 18 MAR 24 MAR
DAY 1 THE WHITSUNDAYS (SAILING). (D)
START FINISH EX. SYDNEY AAISSB 2016 02 JAN 06 JAN 09 JAN 13 JAN 20 JAN 24 JAN 30 JAN 03 FEB 06 FEB 10 FEB 17 FEB 21 FEB 27 FEB 02 MAR 05 MAR 09 MAR 16 MAR 20 MAR 26 MAR 30 MAR 03 APR 07 APR 25 APR 29 APR 01 MAY 05 MAY 23 MAY 27 MAY 29 MAY 02 JUN 20 JUN 24 JUN 26 JUN 30 JUN 18 JUL 22 JUL 24 JUL 28 JUL 15 AUG 19 AUG 21 AUG 25 AUG 12 SEP 16 SEP 18 SEP 22 SEP 10 OCT 14 OCT 16 OCT 20 OCT 28 OCT 01 NOV 07 NOV 11 NOV 13 NOV 17 NOV
G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G
START 25 NOV 05 DEC 11 DEC 23 DEC
FINISH 29 NOV 09 DEC 15 DEC 27 DEC 2017 02 JAN 06 JAN 08 JAN 12 JAN 20 JAN 24 JAN 30 JAN 03 FEB 05 FEB 09 FEB 17 FEB 21 FEB 27 FEB 03 MAR 05 MAR 09 MAR 27 MAR 31 MAR EX. BRISBANE AAISBS 2016 04 JAN 08 JAN 15 JAN 19 JAN 25 JAN 29 JAN 01 FEB 05 FEB 12 FEB 16 FEB 22 FEB 26 FEB 29 FEB 04 MAR 11 MAR 15 MAR 21 MAR 25 MAR 28 MAR 01 APR 20 APR 24 APR 26 APR 30 APR 18 MAY 22 MAY 24 MAY 28 MAY
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G
START 15 JUN 21 JUN 13 JUL 19 JUL 10 AUG 16 AUG 07 SEP 13 SEP 05 OCT 11 OCT 02 NOV 08 NOV 20 NOV 30 NOV 06 DEC 18 DEC 26 DEC 01 15 25 31 12 22 28 12 22 28
JAN JAN JAN JAN FEB FEB FEB MAR MAR MAR
FINISH 19 JUN 25 JUN 17 JUL 23 JUL 14 AUG 20 AUG 11 SEP 17 SEP 09 OCT 15 OCT 06 NOV 12 NOV 24 NOV 04 DEC 10 DEC 22 DEC 30 DEC 2017 05 JAN 19 JAN 29 JAN 04 FEB 16 FEB 26 FEB 04 MAR 16 MAR 26 MAR 01 APR
++ Wine tasting experience in the Hunter Valley ++ Surf lesson at Topdeck’s surf retreat ++ Rainforest walk in Springbrook NP
++ ++ ++ ++
DAY 3 BYRON BAY. (B)
DAY 4 THE WHITSUNDAYS TO CAIRNS. (B)
DAY 4 BYRON BAY TO GOLD COAST. (B)
DAY 5 & 6 CAIRNS. (B,D) (B)
DAY 5 GOLD COAST TO BRISBANE. (B) TRIP PRICE OF £640
G = Guaranteed Departure
6 DAYS FROM GBP Per Person
STARTING FROM £105/DAY Ex. Arlie Beach AAISWC START
3.30PM CLUB CROC RESORT ARLIE BEACH
FINISH
5.00PM HIDES HOTEL CAIRNS
Ex. Brisbane AAISBS START
2.00PM HIDES HOTEL CAIRNS
FINISH
10.00AM CLUB CROC RESORT ARLIE BEACH
*Price shown is for multi-share only. Twin, double or single prices available on request.
TRIP PRICE OF £660 TRIP PRICE OF £470
TRIP PRICE OF £480
G = Guaranteed Departure
5 DAYS FROM
470
£
G G G G G G G G G G
4 breakfasts (B), 1 lunch (L), 1 dinner (D) 4 nights in hotels, lodges & cabins Modern air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi Awesome Trip Leader + Driver
DAY 2 CRESCENT HEAD TO BYRON BAY. (B,L)
DAY 3 DAYDREAM ISLAND. (B)
G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G
MORE INCLUSIONS
DAY 1 SYDNEY TO CRESCENT HEAD (VIA THE HUNTER VALLEY). (D)
DAY 2 WHITEHAVEN BEACH. (B,L,D)
625
G G G G G G G G G
++ 5 breakfasts (B), 1 lunch (L), 2 dinners (D) ++ 4 nights in hotel & lodges, 1 night live-aboard sailing ++ Modern air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi ++ Awesome Trip Leader + Driver
++ Overnight sailing in the Whitsundays ++ Visit stunning Whitehaven Beach ++ 2 nights at the tropical Daydream Island
£
G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G
MORE INCLUSIONS
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
TRIP PRICE OF £625
MEALS
TRIP CODE: AAISSB/AAISBS
START 21 NOV 03 DEC 13 DEC 19 DEC 31 DEC
06 16 23 03 13 20 02 12 19 11 17 09
6
STATES VISITED
CHOOSE YOUR DEPARTURE CITY SYDNEY OR BRISBANE
STOP & STAY DAY STOP
TRIP CODE: AAISWC/AAISCW START FINISH EX. AIRLIE AAISWC 2016 10 JAN 15 JAN 17 JAN 22 JAN 28 JAN 02 FEB 07 FEB 12 FEB 14 FEB 19 FEB 25 FEB 01 MAR 06 MAR 11 MAR 13 MAR 18 MAR 24 MAR 29 MAR 03 APR 08 APR 11 APR 16 APR 03 MAY 08 MAY 09 MAY 14 MAY 31 MAY 05 JUN 06 JUN 11 JUN 28 JUN 03 JUL 04 JUL 09 JUL 26 JUL 31 JUL 01 AUG 06 AUG 23 AUG 28 AUG 29 AUG 03 SEP 20 SEP 25 SEP 26 SEP 01 OCT 18 OCT 23 OCT 24 OCT 29 OCT 05 NOV 10 NOV 15 NOV 20 NOV
2
BRISBANE
AUSTRALIA
6 DAY | T R O P I C A L S U N T A N N E R
GBP Per Person
STARTING FROM £94/DAY Ex. Sydney AAISSB START
7.30AM WAKE UP! SYDNEY
FINISH
1.00PM NOMADS BRISBANE (PALACE)
Ex. Cairns AAISBS START
3.00PM NOMADS BRISBANE (PALACE)
FINISH
6.30PM WAKE UP! SYDNEY
*Price shown is for multi-share only. Twin, double or single prices available on request.
TRIP PRICE OF £500
k c a b t Ou u re s o p Ex ULURU IS TO AUSTRALIA, WHAT THE EIFFEL TOWER IS TO THE FRENCH. What this place lacks in coffee, croissants and modern amenities, it makes up for in cultural heritage and sheer, wild beauty. Watch the changing hues of red as the first streaks of daylight hit the rock and play connect-the-dots with the stars as you slip into the Dreamtime under the Milky Way.
e AGE
600 MILLION YEARS
FIRST ABORIGINAL SETTLEMENT
10,000 YEARS AGO
HEIGHT
348 METRES
DEPTH
2.5 KM BELOW GROUND.
WIDTH
1.9KM
LENGTH
3.6 KM.
11 DAY | R O C K ' N ' T O P ALICE SPRINGS
DARWIN
1
TERRITORY VISITED
17
CHOOSE YOUR DEPARTURE CITY ALICE SPRINGS OR DARWIN
MEALS
in the mystery of the Australian outback (we’re not talking Wolf Creek, either) at Desert Park Gardens. (B) DAY 6 ALICE SPRINGS TO TENNANT CREEK. Technophiles beware! Think your old Nokia was outdated? Wait till you see the Overland Telegraph line at the Barrow Creek Hotel! To round off the afternoon, we’ve got some pretty epic granite boulders for you at the sacred site of Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles). (B,D)
1
DAY 7 TENNANT CREEK TO KATHERINE. Soak up the steamy thermal springs of Mataranka, then for a fair dinkum experience, look no further than the Daly Waters Pub. Located ‘in the middle of somewhere’, this place was the site of Australia’s first international airport back when flights to London took eight days. Strewth. When you’re done, take in a game of lawn bowls at the local Country Club and enjoy a good ol’ fashioned BBQ with the locals. (B,D)
STOP & STAY DAY STOP
TRIP CODE: AARTKD/AARTDK DAY 1 ALICE SPRINGS TO ULURU (AYERS ROCK). We’re hitting the red ground running with a visit to a camel farm and then onto lunch in Yulara (the gateway resort to Uluru). It’s off to Uluru in the afternoon for a guided tour, and a glass of bubbles as the glow of sunset takes hold. How’s the serenity? (D) DAY 2 ULURU, KATA-TJUTA NATIONAL PARK (THE OLGAS). Want to join a dot painting art class at the Aboriginal Art markets but need some inspiration? Uluru at sunrise will do the trick! Rev it up a notch with a Harley ride or scenic flight, or stay grounded and walk around the base. (B) DAY 3 ULURU TO KINGS CANYON. Pack your hiking boots – we’re trekking through the Valley of the Winds and heading for Kata-Tjuta (The Olgas). Get down with your inner Bear Grylls as we roll across the desert
plains and into Watarrka National Park. Tonight, discover the outback luxury of an Aussie swag as we camp under the stars. Who says romance is dead? (B,D) DAY 4 KINGS CANYON TO ALICE SPRINGS. The Kings Canyon Rim Walk is the real deal. Think age-old cycads, eroded dome shapes, a visit to The Lost City – and that’s not even the best part. The sheltered valley and waterhole of the Garden of Eden makes today bloody bonza (translation: rad). (B,L) DAY 5 ALICE SPRINGS. Today = free day. Jump into the joey nursery at Kangaroo Dundee’s place (aka the man who should win ‘mother’ of the century for hand-rearing orphaned joeys) and hold a baby while you’re there. Be transported through time in a historic aircraft at the Royal Flying Doctor Museum or get lost
DAY 8 KATHERINE GORGE AND EDITH FALLS. With cliffs plunging down to the pandanus-lined freshwater river, the Katherine Gorge is yours to explore from your very own canoe. Rather give the paddle the boot? Upgrade to a three-gorge cruise and watch everyone else do the hard work instead. Then we make our way to one of NT’s best picnic and swimming spots, Edith Falls. (B) DAY 9 KATHERINE TO KAKADU NATIONAL PARK. Don’t go chasing waterfalls… Isn’t that how the song goes? Well forget that! Soak up the best of Kakadu National Park with some waterfall chasing, a dip in the most idyllic natural pools and a scenic flight over the Escarpment. (B,D) DAY 10 KAKADU NATIONAL PARK. Spot a croc, hone your spear-throwing skills and get a lesson in history with our local Indigenous tour guide. With special permission from the local custodians, we’ll disembark on the river for a walk into Arnhem Land. We’re also checking out Nourlangie Rock for some Aboriginal
57 AUSTRALIA
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED) ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++
Sunset & sunrise over Uluru “Valley of the Winds” walk at Kata Tjuta Guided hike of Kings Canyon Canoe in the Katherine Gorge East Alligator River cruise in Kakadu Aboriginal guide and entry into Arnhemland Visit Aboriginal rock art sites in Kakadu NP Swim in the fresh waters of Litchfield NP
MORE INCLUSIONS ++ 10 breakfasts (B), 2 lunches (L), 5 dinners (D) ++ 9 nights in hotels, lodges & cabins, 1 night in a swag ++ Entrance fees to national parks ++ Modern air-conditioned vehicle ++ Awesome Driver/Guide The Top End of the Northern Territory (Darwin, Katherine and Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks) have an annual wet season that typically operates between October and March. During the wet season it is necessary to change our dry season itinerary and substitute some attractions, particularly in Kakadu National Park. Please refer to our website www.topdeck.travel for our wet season itinerary.
TRIP PRICE OF £1075
G = Guaranteed Departure
11 DAYS FROM
1045
£
GBP PER PERSON
*Price shown is for multi-share only. Twin, double or single prices available on request.
START
FINISH
EX. ALICE SPRINGS AARTKD 2016 18 JAN 28 JAN G 25 JAN 04 FEB G 22 FEB 03 MAR G 21 MAR 31 MAR G 12 APR 22 APR G 18 APR 28 APR G 10 MAY 20 MAY G 07 JUN 17 JUN G 13 JUN 23 JUN G 05 JUL 15 JUL G 11 JUL 21 JUL G 02 AUG 12 AUG G 08 AUG 18 AUG G 30 AUG 09 SEP G 05 SEP 15 SEP G 27 SEP 07 OCT G 25 OCT 04 NOV G 31 OCT 10 NOV G 22 NOV 02 DEC G 28 NOV 08 DEC G 20 DEC 30 DEC G 2017 17 JAN 27 JAN G 23 JAN 02 FEB G 14 FEB 24 FEB G 20 FEB 02 MAR G 14 MAR 24 MAR G 20 MAR 30 MAR G
START
11 01 08 07 05 03 25 22 28 26 23 14 20 18 09 15 05 11 04 01 07 07
FINISH
EX. DARWIN AARTDK 2016 JAN 21 JAN FEB 11 FEB FEB 18 FEB MAR 17 MAR APR 15 APR MAY 13 MAY MAY 04 JUN JUN 02 JUL JUN 08 JUL JUL 05 AUG AUG 02 SEP SEP 24 SEP SEP 30 SEP OCT 28 OCT NOV 19 NOV NOV 25 NOV DEC 15 DEC DEC 21 DEC 2017 JAN 14 JAN FEB 11 FEB FEB 17 FEB MAR 17 MAR
G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G
Ex. Alice Springs AARTKD START
7.00AM IBIS STYLES HOTEL ALICE SPRINGS
FINISH
6.00PM MITCHELL STREET DARWIN
Ex. Darwin AARTDK START
7.00AM MELALEUCA ON MITCHELL DARWIN
FINISH
6.00PM IBIS STYLES HOTEL ALICE SPRINGS
AR T £9 IN 5/ G F D AY RO M
DAY 11 KAKADU TO DARWIN (LITCHFIELD NATIONAL PARK). Seen one waterfall, seen ‘em all? Well no, but you’d be forgiven for thinking that way by now. Our trip ends at – you guessed it – the waterfalls of Litchfield National Park. Switch off and hit the water for one last swim. Go on, you deserve it. (B,L)
TRIP PRICE OF £1045
ST
rock art that really emphasises the significance of this precious land. We’re makin’ memories, kids. (B)
58 AUSTRALIA
8 DAY | O U T B A C K G E M ADELAIDE
ALICE SPRINGS
2
STATES & TERRITORIES VISITED
13
MEALS
CHOOSE YOUR DEPARTURE CITY ADELAIDE OR ALICE SPRINGS
1
STOP & STAY
PHOTO: BREAKAWAYS
DAY STOP
TRIP CODE: AAOGAU/AAOGUA XXXXX START
FINISH
EX. ADELAIDE AAOGAU 2016 JAN 21 JAN JAN 28 JAN FEB 25 FEB MAR 24 MAR APR 15 APR MAY 13 MAY JUN 10 JUN JUL 08 JUL JUL 05 AUG AUG 02 SEP SEP 30 SEP OCT 28 OCT NOV 25 NOV DEC 21 DEC 2017 13 JAN 20 JAN 10 FEB 17 FEB 10 MAR 17 MAR
14 21 18 17 08 06 03 01 29 26 23 21 18 14
START
G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G
FINISH
EX. ALICE SPRINGS AAOGUA 2016 04 JAN 11 JAN G 01 FEB 08 FEB G 08 FEB 15 FEB G 29 FEB 07 MAR G 28 MAR 04 APR G 12 APR 19 APR G 10 MAY 17 MAY G 07 JUN 14 JUN G 05 JUL 12 JUL G 02 AUG 09 AUG G 30 AUG 06 SEP G 27 SEP 04 OCT G 25 OCT 01 NOV G 22 NOV 29 NOV G 2017 17 JAN 24 JAN G 14 FEB 21 FEB G 14 MAR 21 MAR G
G = Guaranteed Departure
8 DAYS FROM
695
£
GBP PER PERSON
*Price shown is for multi-share only. Twin, double or single prices available on request.
DAY 1 ADELAIDE TO PARACHILNA (FLINDERS RANGES). If you’re a dam enthusiast this might just be the best day of your life. We’re stopping at the Barossa Reservoir Whispering Wall. (D) DAY 2 PARACHILNA TO QUORN (FLINDERS RANGES). Flinders Ranges National Park is a spoiled brat, it has everything. From mountains to gorges and creeks to rivers, you’re lucky you get to play in its toy cupboard today. Grab a feed, then it’s time for some rock art and a lesson in hard yakka at Kanyaka Station – an abandoned sheep and cattle farm. (B,L) DAY 3 QUORN TO COOBER PEDY. First stop: #saltlakeselfies. Then, we meet the orphans of the kangaroo world and take shelter in the dugouts of opal mining town, Coober Pedy. Less about bombs, more about escaping the blazing heat. (B,D) DAY 4 COOBER PEDY TO ALICE SPRINGS. Today we cross the Mad Max landscape of the Moon Plain, but don’t worry, we won’t make you fight to the death. Then, check out the world’s longest Dingo Fence. Good thing there’s a gate. (B) DAY 5 ALICE SPRINGS TO ULURU (AYERS ROCK). In 1860, 24 camels were brought to Australia. They got busy, now there are over 300,000. So hop on up and give one a ride when we stop at an outback camel farm. Afterwards, we come to the most recognisable rock in the world. Uluru will swallow gigabytes of photos but then the sun starts setting and it goes and changes colour on you, the sneaky bugger. Bring a spare memory card, you’re going to need it. (B,D) DAY 6 ULURU, KATA-TJUTA NATIONAL PARK (THE OLGAS). Sometimes words have two meanings but Uluru just means Uluru, thats how unique and sacred this place really is. In fact, if you take rocks from here, the Anangu people believe you will be cursed. So grab something from the markets and save yourself the damnation. (B)
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED) ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++
View the magic of the Flinders Ranges Parachilna & famous Outback BBQ Stay underground in Coober Pedy Visit a kangaroo orphanage Sunset & sunrise over Uluru “Valley of the Winds” walk at Kata Tjuta Guided hike of Kings Canyon
MORE INCLUSIONS ++ 7 breakfasts (B), 2 lunches (L), 4 dinners (D) ++ 5 nights in hotels, lodges & hostel, 1 night underground, 1 night in a swag ++ Entrance fees to national parks ++ Modern air-conditioned vehicle ++ Awesome Driver/Guide DAY 7 ULURU TO KINGS CANYON. Just like Marcia, Marcia, Marcia, Uluru gets all the attention; it’s time to meet its siblings. The Olgas offer some of the best hikes in Australia, but keep watch. Legend has it a great snake king lives on the summit. Tonight, get your swag on (Australian for sleeping under the stars). (B,D) DAY 8 KINGS CANYON TO ALICE SPRINGS. Kings Canyon starts with Heart Attack Hill before we get to the Garden of Eden... what’s that saying about no pain no gain? Our trip ends in Alice Springs – the epicentre of Australia – so spin the bottle and pick a direction. It doesn’t have to end here! (B,L) This trip is a section of the 13 Day Down South & Outback trip. See p.65 for more details. EX. ADELAIDE AAOGAU START
8.30AM YHA CENTRAL ADELAIDE
FINISH
6.00PM IBIS STYLES HOTEL ALICE SPRINGS
EX. ALICE SPRINGS AAOGUA
ST M O FR G Y N A TI /D AR £87
START
7.00AM IBIS STYLES HOTEL ALICE SPRINGS
FINISH
6.00PM YHA CENTRAL ADELAIDE
59
ALICE SPRINGS
DARWIN
1
TERRITORY VISITED
9
AUSTRALIA
6 DAY | D I D G E R I D O O D R E A M S MEALS
CHOOSE YOUR DEPARTURE CITY ALICE SPRINGS OR DARWIN
1
STOP & STAY
DAY 4 KATHERINE TO KAKADU NATIONAL PARK. The only thing more terrifying than the plastic clog variety are the crocs that can be found in Kakadu. Luckily, the areas we’re heading to today are saltwater crocodile free. If this place looks familiar, you’ve probably seen Crocodile Dundee one too many times. Still too freaked out to swim? Take a scenic flight for a bird’s eye view over the escarpment that marks the borderline of Arnhem Land. (B,D) DAY 5 KAKADU NATIONAL PARK. Get ready to rock early, because we’re rolling deep into the park to check out some Aboriginal Rock Art sites and cruise the East Alligator River to see how many crocs we can snap. We’ve also got special permission to enter Arnhem Land for a lesson in traditional Aboriginal hunting methods and a cruise down the river. Hope you’ve got good aim because that’s how we’re catching lunch today. Kidding, you’ll have to buy your
Canoe in the Katherine Gorge East Alligator River cruise in Kakadu Aboriginal guide and entry into Arnhemland Visit Aboriginal rock art sites in Kakadu NP Swim in the fresh waters of Litchfield NP
MORE INCLUSIONS ++ ++ ++ ++ ++
5 breakfasts (B), 1 lunches (L), 3 dinners (D) 5 nights in hotels & lodges Entrance fees to national parks Modern air-conditioned vehicle Awesome Driver/Guide
The Top End of the Northern Territory (Darwin, Katherine and Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks) have an annual wet season that typically operates between October and March. During the wet season it is necessary to change our dry season itinerary and substitute some attractions, particularly in Kakadu National Park. Please refer to our website www.topdeck.travel for our wet season itinerary.
grub. Climb to the top of Ubirr Rock Priscilla, Queen of the Desert style (heels optional) and take in the fiery sunset. (B) DAY 6 KAKADU TO DARWIN (LITCHFIELD NATIONAL PARK). This morning, we chase more waterfalls and check out towering termite mounds in Litchfield National Park, then roll into Darwin where the front page of the newspaper can shout, “A croc walked into a bar…” without a hint of humour. Strewth. (B,L) This trip is a section of the 11 Day Rock ‘N’ Top trip. See p.56 for more details.
Ex. Alice Springs AARTUD START
8.00AM IBIS STYLES HOTEL ALICE SPRINGS
FINISH
6.00PM MITCHELL STREET DARWIN
TRIP CODE: AARTUD/AARTDU XXXXX START
FINISH
EX. ALICE SPRINGS AARTUD 2016 02 JAN 07 JAN G 23 JAN 28 JAN G 30 JAN 04 FEB G 27 FEB 03 MAR G 26 MAR 31 MAR G 17 APR 22 APR G 23 APR 28 APR G 15 MAY 20 MAY G 12 JUN 17 JUN G 18 JUN 23 JUN G 10 JUL 15 JUL G 16 JUL 21 JUL G 07 AUG 12 AUG G 13 AUG 18 AUG G 04 SEP 09 SEP G 10 SEP 15 SEP G 02 OCT 7 OCT G 30 OCT 04 NOV G 05 NOV 10 NOV G 27 NOV 02 DEC G 03 DEC 08 DEC G 25 DEC 30 DEC G 2017 22 JAN 27 JAN G 28 JAN 02 FEB G 19 FEB 24 FEB G 25 FEB 02 MAR G 19 MAR 24 MAR G 25 MAR 30 MAR G
TRIP PRICE OF £595
START
FINISH
EX. DARWIN AARTDU 2016 11 JAN 16 JAN 01 FEB 06 FEB 08 FEB 13 FEB 07 MAR 12 MAR 05 APR 10 APR 03 MAY 08 MAY 25 MAY 30 MAY 22 JUN 27 JUN 28 JUN 03 JUL 26 JUL 31 JUL 23 AUG 28 AUG 14 SEP 19 SEP 20 SEP 25 SEP 18 OCT 23 OCT 09 NOV 14 NOV 15 NOV 20 NOV 05 DEC 10 DEC 11 DEC 16 DEC 2017 04 JAN 09 JAN 01 FEB 06 FEB 07 FEB 12 FEB 07 MAR 12 MAR
G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G
TRIP PRICE OF £595
G = Guaranteed Departure
6 DAYS FROM
595
£
GBP PER PERSON
*Price shown is for multi-share only. Twin, double or single prices available on request.
Ex. Darwin AARTDU START
7.00AM MELALEUCA ON MITCHELL DARWIN
FINISH
6.00PM IBIS STYLES HOTEL ALICE SPRINGS
R £X1 TIN X00X G /D FR AY OM
DAY 3 KATHERINE GORGE & EDITH FALLS. You’ve got a front row seat for the wicked wildlife and scenery while canoeing along the Katherine River – the Gorge is yours to explore. But if you’d rather not be up the creek with a paddle, take your trip next level by upgrading to a three-gorge cruise and venture even further into the wilderness. We’ll grab some lunch en route to the majestic Edith Falls – #nofilter necessary. (B)
++ ++ ++ ++ ++
ST A
DAY 2 TENNANT CREEK TO KATHERINE. Taking this trip is thirsty work, and you’ll soon be able to rehydrate with an ice-cold beer at one of ‘Straya’s bestknown watering holes, the Daly Waters Pub. Later, drift off into the Dreamtime in the steamy thermal springs of Mataranka in the heart of the Never Never. Never never thought you’d find this in the outback, hey? (B,D)
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
PHOTO: LITCHFIELD NATIONAL PARK
DAY STOP
DAY 1 ALICE SPRINGS TO TENNANT CREEK. Dust off the red Alice Springs dust... actually, never mind. You’d better get used to that during your Top End adventure. First stop: Barrow Creek Pub. Text mum to let her know you’re heading off in Morse code like they did back when this place was a Telegraph Station. Hit up a classic Aussie Roadhouse before hiking through the sacred site of Karlu Karlu (Devil’s Marbles). (D)
61
ALICE SPRINGS
ALICE SPRINGS
1
TERRITORY VISITED
6
AUSTRALIA
4 DAY | R O C K ' N ' C A N Y O N MEALS
1
STOP & STAY
DAY 4 KINGS CANYON TO ALICE SPRINGS. If you would walk 500 miles, then you’ll make it through the toughest part of the Rim Walk – Heart Attack Hill. Skirt the edges of Australia’s biggest natural skate bowl then take the stairway to heaven, down to the sheltered valley and waterhole of the Garden of Eden. You may not find the tree of life, or be allowed to swim, but the peacefulness of this stop will provide a good dose of red centre memories to take with you once we return to the arms of Alice. (B,L) This trip is a section of the 11 Day Rock ‘N’ Top trip. See p.56 for more details.
MORE INCLUSIONS ++ ++ ++ ++ ++
3 breakfasts (B), 1 lunch (L), 2 dinners (D) 2 nights in lodges, 1 night in a swag Entrance fees to national parks Modern air-conditioned vehicle Awesome Driver/Guide
START
7.00AM IBIS STYLES HOTEL ALICE SPRINGS
FINISH
6.00PM IBIS STYLES HOTEL ALICE SPRINGS
TRIP CODE: AARCUU XXXXX START 04 25 01 08 15 22 29 14 21 28 12 18 10 01 07 13 29 05 11 02 08
JAN JAN FEB FEB FEB FEB FEB MAR MAR MAR APR APR MAY JUN JUN JUN JUN JUL JUL AUG AUG
FINISH 2016 07 JAN 28 JAN 04 FEB 11 FEB 18 FEB 25 FEB 03 MAR 17 MAR 24 MAR 31 MAR 15 APR 21 APR 13 MAY 04 JUN 10 JUN 16 JUN 02 JUL 08 JUL 14 JUL 05 AUG 11 AUG
G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G
TRIP PRICE OF £375
START 30 AUG 05 SEP 21 SEP 27 SEP 25 OCT 31 OCT 16 NOV 22 NOV 28 NOV 12 DEC 18 DEC 20 DEC 11 17 23 08 14 20 14 20
JAN JAN JAN FEB FEB FEB MAR MAR
FINISH 02 SEP 08 SEP 24 SEP 30 SEP 28 OCT 03 NOV 19 NOV 25 NOV 01 DEC 15 DEC 21 DEC 23 DEC 2017 14 JAN 20 JAN 26 JAN 11 FEB 17 FEB 23 FEB 17 MAR 23 MAR
G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G
TRIP PRICE OF £375
G = Guaranteed Departure
4 DAYS FROM
375
£
GBP PER PERSON
*Price shown is for multi-share only. Twin, double or single prices available on request.
AR T £9 IN 4/ G F D AY RO M
DAY 3 ULURU TO KINGS CANYON. Get ready for some sole searching as we venture into the heart of the sacred Kata-Tjuta (The Olgas) and walk amongst the 36 red sandstone giants through the Valley of the Winds. After a Dreamtime archeology lesson, and a drive into Watarrka National Park, live the life of a jolly swagman as we camp under the stars. (B,D)
++ Sunset & sunrise over Uluru ++ “Valley of the Winds” walk at Kata Tjuta ++ Guided hike of Kings Canyon
ST
DAY 2 ULURU, KATA-TJUTA NATIONAL PARK (THE OLGAS). Start your day with a big bowl of ‘oh my god’ thanks to a breathtaking sunrise sesh back at Uluru. Follow in the footsteps of the traditional owners of this sacred World Heritage site with a full base walk, where you can escape the crowds and check out hidden waterholes. Do your best Attenborough narration as you keep watch for wedge-tailed eagles, spinifex hopping mice and thorny devils. Or splurge on a Harley ride or scenic flight and see the original Top of the Rock. Later, join a meditative dot painting class in the Aboriginal Art Markets and give yourself a free astrology lesson, stargazing at the endless Southern night sky. (B)
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
PHOTO: KATA TJUTA
DAY STOP
DAY 1 ALICE SPRINGS TO ULURU (AYERS ROCK). We’re hitting rock bottom… but in the best way possible because we’re off to Uluru. If you like big humps and you cannot lie, a visit to an outback camel farm will get your motor running. Just like a karma, karma, karma, chameleon, Uluru morphs through 50 shades of red, providing a rockin’ live show at sunset as you watch with a glass of bubbles in hand. Welcome to the outback, mate. (D)
GREAT OCEAN ROAD
t a Gr e n a e c O d a o R STRETCHING 243 KILOMETRES THROUGH WORLD-CLASS SURF BREAKS, rainforest and eucalyptus trees, the Great Ocean Road is a winding showcase of Australia’s best assets. Watch the waves crash against the 12 apostles at sunset, keep an eye out for koalas, kangaroos and even breaching whales in winter. Then take a fork in the road and explore waterfalls, national parks and some of the country’s best wines on a road trip to write home about.
NUMBER OF APOSTLES
8 (ACTUALLY NOT 12)
FAMOUS MOVIE SHOT HERE
POINT BREAK
MOST FAMOUS BEACH
BELL'S BEACH
65
MELBOURNE
ALICE SPRINGS
3
STATES & TERRITORIES VISITED
21
AUSTRALIA
13 DAY | D O W N S O U T H & O U T B A C K MEALS
CHOOSE YOUR DEPARTURE CITY MELBOURNE OR ALICE SPRINGS
1
STOP & STAY
DAY 4 MOUNT GAMBIER TO ADELAIDE. Check out the Blue Lake and Umpherston Sinkhole before kicking onto Adelaide. Then a stop at Wynn’s Coonawarra vineyard. Chin chin! (B) DAY 5 ADELAIDE. You’ve made it to the City of Churches but there’s no sermon here. It’s a free day for the adventurous to head to Kangaroo Island. Learn about the birds and the bees... and some of the other 46 endemic species. (B) DAY 6 ADELAIDE TO PARACHILNA (FLINDERS RANGES). If you’re a dam enthusiast this might just be the best day of your life. We’re stopping at the Barossa Reservoir Whispering Wall. (B,D) DAY 7 PARACHILNA TO QUORN (FLINDERS RANGES). Koalas? Done it. Emus and kangaroos? Doing it today on a hike to a rock stadium like no other – Wilpena Pound. Maximum Australian taste (no added sugar). (B,L,D) DAY 8 QUORN TO COOBER PEDY. Destination: Coober Pedy. Where locals live in homes carved deep underground to escape the heat. Just like wombats. (B,D) DAY 9 COOBER PEDY TO ALICE SPRINGS. Cross Moon Plain like a fleeing Mad Max or glammed-up Priscilla Queen of the Desert. Remember to close the gate on 5,614 kms of dingo fence. (B)
MORE INCLUSIONS ++ 12 breakfasts (B), 2 lunches (L), 7 dinners (D) ++ 10 nights in hotels, lodges & hostel, 1 night underground, 1 night in a swag ++ Entrance fees to national parks ++ Modern air-conditioned vehicle ++ Awesome Driver/Guide
TRIP CODE: AAMRMU/AAMRUM START
DAY 11 ULURU, KATA-TJUTA NATIONAL PARK (THE OLGAS). What’s more amazing than sunset at Uluru? Sunrise. Get your adventure on with a scenic flight or Harley ride. (B) DAY 12 ULURU TO KINGS CANYON. Visit Kata-Tjuta (The Olgas), where according to the Dreaming, the great snake king Wanambi inhabits the highest peak. Tonight we sleep in swags. Best zip up tight! (B,D) DAY 13 KINGS CANYON TO ALICE SPRINGS. The Kings Canyon Rim Walk will cap your Aussie outback adventure. You could pass as an Aussie now, mate! (B,L)
START
FINISH
EX. ALICE SPRINGS AAMRUM 2016 04 JAN 15 JAN G^ 01 FEB 12 FEB G^ 08 FEB 19 FEB G^ 29 FEB 11 MAR G^ 28 MAR 08 APR G^ 12 APR 24 APR G 10 MAY 22 MAY G 07 JUN 19 JUN G 05 JUL 17 JUL G 02 AUG 14 AUG G 30 AUG 11 SEP G 27 SEP 09 OCT G 25 OCT 06 NOV G 22 NOV 04 DEC G 2017 17 JAN 29 JAN G 14 FEB 26 FEB G 14 MAR 26 MAR G
EX. MELBOURNE AAMRMU START
6.30AM BASE MELBOURNE A'BECKETT ST
FINISH
6.00PM IBIS STYLES HOTEL ALICE SPRINGS
EX. ALICE SPRINGS AAMRUM START
7.00AM IBIS STYLES HOTEL ALICE SPRINGS
FINISH
7.00PM BASE MELBOURNE A'BECKETT ST
TRIP PRICE OF £1095
^Trips Starting before 1st April 2016 are 12 days. Please refer to our website for full details.
DAY 10 ALICE SPRINGS TO ULURU (AYERS ROCK). Baby got back… at an outback camel farm visit this morning. Tonight? Date night with Uluru. Sunset and bubbles, oh my! (B,D)
FINISH
EX. MELBOURNE AAMRMU 2016 10 JAN 21 JAN G^ 17 JAN 28 JAN G^ 14 FEB 25 FEB G^ 13 MAR 24 MAR G^ 03 APR 15 APR G 01 MAY 13 MAY G 29 MAY 10 JUN G 26 JUN 08 JUL G 24 JUL 05 AUG G 21 AUG 02 SEP G 18 SEP 30 SEP G 16 OCT 28 OCT G 13 NOV 25 NOV G 09 DEC 21 DEC G 2017 08 JAN 20 JAN G 05 FEB 17 FEB G 05 MAR 17 MAR G
TRIP PRICE OF £1095
G = Guaranteed Departure
13 DAYS FROM
1095
£
GBP PER PERSON
*Price shown is for multi-share only. Twin, double or single prices available on request.
AR T £8 IN 5/ G F D AY RO M
DAY 3 GRAMPIANS NATIONAL PARK TO MOUNT GAMBIER. Next up: McKenzie Falls, the largest waterfall in Victoria. Then the Northern Grampians for one last panorama shot. To complete the trilogy: kangaroo spotting (B)
++ G reat Ocean Road & sunset at 12 Apostles ++ Stunning Grampians NP ++ Visit Brambuk Cultural Centre & paint your own boomerang ++ Hike to the base of MacKenzie Falls ++ Make your own wine in Coonawarra ++ View the magic of the Flinders Ranges ++ Parachilna & famous Outback BBQ ++ Stay underground in Coober Pedy ++ Visit a kangaroo orphanage ++ Sunset & sunrise over Uluru ++ “Valley of the Winds” walk at Kata Tjuta ++ Guided hike of Kings Canyon
ST
DAY 2 PORT CAMPBELL TO GRAMPIANS NATIONAL PARK. Melbournites brag you can have four seasons in one day. Local Aboriginal tribes recognise six seasons in Grampians National Park. How do you even dress for that?! Get the inside scoop at Brambuk Cultural Centre. (B,D)
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
PHOTO: SWAG NIGHT KINGS CANYON
DAY STOP
DAY 1 MELBOURNE TO PORT CAMPBELL (GREAT OCEAN ROAD). OMG it’s the GOR. This road trip to the 12 Apostles is on your bucket list, even if you didn’t know it. Once you’ve picked your gob-smacked jaw off the floor you too will preach the beauty of this drive. (D)
& y a t S y a l P P R E & P O S T A C C O M M O D AT I O N . A R R I V E E A R LY. S TAY L AT E
SYDNEY WAKE UP! SYDNEY
CAIRNS HIDES HOTEL CAIRNS
AUCKLAND IBIS STYLES HOTEL
Multi Share £
Twin/Double* £
Single £
Multi Share £
Twin/Double* £
Single £
Twin/Double* £
Single £
GBP per person
GBP per person
GBP per person
GBP per person
GBP per person
GBP per person
GBP per person
GBP per person
22
35
69
* Must be booked by 2 people travelling together
20
28
48
* Must be booked by 2 people travelling together
DARWIN MELALEUCA MITCHELL
ALICE SPRINGS IBIS STYLES OASIS
25
50
* Must be booked by 2 people travelling together
CHRISTCHURCH BREAKFREE ON CASHEL
Multi Share £
Twin/Double* £
Single £
Twin/Double* £
Single £
Twin/Double* £
Single £
GBP per person
GBP per person
GBP per person
GBP per person
GBP per person
GBP per person
GBP per person
15
25
* Must be booked by 2 people travelling together
66 | STAY & PLAY
50
37
73
* Must be booked by 2 people travelling together
24
47
* Must be booked by 2 people travelling together
FAQ 1
HOW MUCH MONEY WILL I NEED? Naturally everybody's spending varies. There are
many souvenirs to be bought and a great social scene should you wish to join in. Some of your meals (mainly breakfasts and some dinners) are included, so this really just leaves a few meals and
3
DO I NEED A SLEEPING BAG? Sleeping bags are not required on any trips in Australia or
New Zealand.
4
WHAT ARE THE TEMPERATURES LIKE? Australia experiences temperate weather for most of
your personal spending to budget for.
the year but the climate can vary due to the size
Throughout the trip, your Trip Leader will also
experience warm weather much of the time, with
inform you of optional activities which you
the southern states experiencing cooler winters.
can participate in, such as the canyon swing in
Australia is also one of the driest continents
Queenstown or scuba diving on the Great Barrier
on earth with an average annual rainfall of less
Reef. For a more detailed list and price guideline
than 600 millimetres. Like all countries in the
for these items please refer to the individual trip
southern hemisphere, Australia's seasons are
page or your personal itinerary. Most people
opposite to those in the northern hemisphere.
budget approximately $100 per day including
December to February is summer; March to
optional activities and some souvenirs.
May is autumn; June to August is winter; and
2
September to November is spring.
of our continent. The northern states typically
HOW MUCH LUGGAGE AM I ALLOWED TO BRING? Each person is allowed 1 item of
standard size luggage plus a day pack or handbag The maximum weight of your main bag must not exceed 44lbs/20kgs. Size for all bags must not exceed 70cm (height) x 45cm (width) x 25cm (depth). Due to strict weight regulations for coaches, passengers whose luggage exceeds 44lbs/20kgs may be asked to offload the excess on the departure morning. In this scenario, Topdeck will not cover any storage costs which are incurred.
events which may lead you to cancel your trip. For more information, please visit the Travel Insurance page of our website (www.topdeck. travel), where you can find more tips about what to look for in a policy and search for a suitable travel insurance policy.
7
DO I NEED TO CHANGE MONEY BEFORE I LEAVE? We recommend that you change
approximately $200 in cash before departure.
Australia and New Zealand countries. This is the most convenient way to access local currency, just
most of the country lies close to the coast, which
make sure to notify your bank of your travel plans
means mild temperatures, moderate rainfall, and
before you depart.
abundant sunshine. Because New Zealand lies in the Southern Hemisphere, the average temperature decreases
8
IS THERE WIFI ON THE COACH? WiFi is available on the majority of our coaches on
the East Coast of Australia and in New Zealand.
9
WHEN WILL I GET MORE INFORMATION ABOUT MY TRIP? Topdeck issues e-docs
approximately six weeks prior to departure and when you have paid in full. If you have booked via a travel agent this information will be sent
10 - 15ºC.
to them, so please make sure you contact your
5
include your detailed day-to-day itinerary and
IS IT A PROBLEM IF I TRAVEL ON MY OWN? Not at all. Many of our passengers travel
the trip solo and it's a great way to meet people. What's more, we don't charge compulsory single supplements – instead we'll match you up with a roommate or roomates of the same sex.
6 45CM
out at the time of booking in case of unforeseen
South Island can be as cold as -10 C in winter,
alone – often over 50% of our passengers start
WIDTH
Travel insurance is recommended to be taken
ATMs are extremely common throughout all
ranges between 20 - 30ºC and in winter between
25C TH M
and make sure they are to your satisfaction.
during summer, and inland alpine areas of the
In summer, the average maximum temperature
DEP
wording and excess limits before you purchase
have the chance to change more or visit an ATM.
February, and the coldest June, July and August.
20KG/44LBS
smart phones and cameras. Check the policy
While the far north has subtropical weather
warmest months are December, January and
70CM
you bring away with you such as laptops, tablets,
This will cover you for spending money until you
as you travel south. The north of New Zealand
MAX WEIGHT
(including repatriation) and any expensive items
New Zealand has a largely temperate climate.
is subtropical and the south temperate. The
HEIGHT
which covers you for all medical expenses
DO I NEED TRAVEL INSURANCE? It's recommended to take out travel insurance
travel agent for details. Your travel documents also include any vouchers you need for pre and/ or post-trip accommodation. In addition to this, you MUST read the detailed pre-departure information relevant to your trip. This can be downloaded at any time from the trip page on our website. If you would like a copy posted to you, please contact your local Topdeck office. The pre-departure document contains a number of important points that you should be aware of.
on all Topdeck trips at the time of booking. You can purchase travel insurance with us via our website www.topdeck.travel. We recommend getting a comprehensive travel insurance policy
FAQ | 67
BOOKING CONDITIONS It is our intention to set out clearly and simply the responsibilities which we at Top Deck Tours Pty Ltd, a company registered in Australia, (ABN 30 107 934 841) (hereafter referred to as “Topdeck, us or we”) have to You, your heirs, executors and assigns and any member of your party and their heirs, executors and assigns (“You”) and which You, in turn, have to us when a contract is made between us. You should therefore read and understand the contents. All Australia and New Zealand extended trips in this brochure are operated by Topdeck. Your contract will be with Topdeck as the operator and are sold subject to the following conditions (“these Conditions”). 1. a) Please note that our trips are designed for young people between the ages of 18 to 39 years. We may in special circumstances approve persons slightly outside this range, but you must contact us for approval before making a booking. If You are 17 years of age and wish to book on one of our tours, please contact us before making a booking as we will require the written consent of your parent or guardian and you must be travelling with an accompanying passenger 18 to 39. We reserve the sole right to decline a booking request from You should we think our trips are not suited to You. b) A contract between You and us will exist as soon as we issue an invoice in response to your request for a booking and the deposit has been paid to your travel agent or us.
BOOKING YOUR TRIP 2. Bookings can be made either through your local travel agent or with us direct and must be secured with a deposit of £60 per person paid at the time of booking. This deposit is nonrefundable unless we cancel your trip. If You are making a booking within 42 days of departure, then full payment is required. If a trip comprises a special offer, remittance is required as per the conditions outlined. Full payment in this instance includes but is not limited to pre and post accommodation and any ancillary charges. Open dated Passes must be paid in full at time of purchase. Your booking is taken to be confirmed, and accepted when we issue an invoice. If your booking is made through a travel agent, we will address all correspondence to that travel agent. All monies paid by You to the travel agent will be held by them on behalf of Topdeck. If You arrange your trip direct with us, all correspondence and communications will be sent to your address in our booking file unless You specify otherwise. Balance of all payments is required at least 42 days prior to your trip departure date. If You do not pay within this period we may deem your booking cancelled and your deposit forfeited. 3. Alterations or cancellations by You after your booking has been accepted will be effected subject to the provisions of clauses 5, 6 and 7 of these Conditions. 4. Prices quoted in our brochures are calculated on costs and exchange rates at 01 October 2015. These prices may increase or decrease and we reserve the sole right to alter prices and other particulars contained in our brochures and on our website. Price changes in trips featured in subsequent brochure versions will supersede the prices in this brochure. (The version date is indicated on the front cover of this brochure). Before You make a booking we will provide You with details of the current price of your chosen trip. This will also be displayed on the website. Once You have accepted this price and your booking has been confirmed in accordance with clause 2 that price will remain fixed and will not be subject to surcharges. 5. You must clearly state all your requirements at the time of booking. Please note that any dietary requirements will be a request only. We cannot guarantee special dietary requirements nor will we assume any responsibility or liability if your special requirements cannot be fulfilled. If You want to change any aspect of your booking including but not limited to a change to a trip of shorter duration or different departure date You must notify us as soon as possible in writing. We will do our best to accommodate your requested changes however You will be required to pay an amendment fee of £20 per person (£10 per person for pre or post-accommodation within 42 days) if outside 42 days of departure, this is per change. If a request is made less than 42 days before departure, normal cancellation fees will apply in accordance with clause 7 unless the transfer or change is to an earlier departure of the same trip. In the event of a request for a change being received by us, sent from you, a new invoice will be issued by Topdeck and all cancellation charges/amendment fees will be shown. All amendment fees are payable within 7 days of the issue of a new invoice or on the date of departure, whichever is the sooner. 6. If You are prevented from travelling as a result of illness, the death of an immediate family member, jury service or other significant reason beyond your control, we will agree to your booking being transferred to another person who satisfies all the conditions applicable to the trip, subject to You and the other person accepting liability for full payment of the trip cost and any additional costs arising from the transfer PROVIDED THAT we must be given at least 21 days written notice of the proposed change.
CANCELLATION BY YOU 7. Cancellation of a booking by You must be made in writing. We will not regard a booking as cancelled unless and until written notice is received by us. On cancellation the following charges will apply: Days before Departure
% of trip cost forfeited
Pre/post accomm
Over 42 days
Deposit
Nil
42-29 days
40%
40%
28-14 days
60%
60%
13-7 days
80%
100%
6-3 days
90%
100%
2-0 days
100%
100%
Cancellation of Open Dated Passes before booking a departure date incur a £120 cancellation charge. Once your chosen departure date is booked all booking conditions apply including cancellation charges as listed above.
FLIGHTS 8. Should we book any flights on your behalf they will be subject to the conditions of the respective airline - this includes but is not limited to deposit/full payment and amendment/cancellation conditions. Topdeck will charge an AUD$60 per person administration fee for any amendments, cancellations or reissue of tickets in addition to any airline fees.
CANCELLATION OR MODIFICATION BY US 9. Every effort will be made to operate all trips as advertised but it must be remembered that our trips are planned up to eighteen months in advance. Please note that the accommodation and services, featured in the brochure are indicative of those planned to use for
the various trips, but it may be necessary to use alternatives in some cases. We therefore reserve the sole right, at our discretion, to modify or cancel any trip, flight schedule, accommodation or arrangement at any time. We will notify You as soon as possible of any material changes and they will form part of our contract with You. In the case of any material modification or cancellation, we will, if possible, provide You with three alternatives: (1) A trip of an equivalent or closely similar standard and price, if available; (2) A trip of a lower standard together with a refund of the difference in price; or (3) Cancellation with a full refund of all monies paid. 10. A material modification is one which has a serious effect on your trip and includes a change of departure date, departure point or airport, or change of departure time of more than twelve hours, which would cause substantial inconvenience to You. We do not consider a change of accommodation or transport style a material change. 11. We will endeavour not to materially modify or cancel the trip within 42 days of the date of the scheduled departure unless compelled to do so because of circumstances beyond our reasonable control. If a material modification or cancellation is made by us within six weeks of the scheduled departure date for reasons other than Force Majeure in accordance with clause 19 You will receive compensation as stated in the scale below. Period before scheduled departure date that we notify You or your travel agent together with the compensation offered. Over 42 days 42-29 days
Nil £20
28-14 days
£30
13-7 days
£40
6-0 days
£80
12. Topdeck reserves to itself the sole right to require a minimum number of participants for certain trips and in the event that there are insufficient bookings recorded by not later than 42 days before the scheduled departure date we will be entitled to cancel the scheduled trip, whereupon all monies paid by You for your Topdeck trip shall be refunded but no further compensation will be paid and You and Topdeck hereby agree to mutually release each other from any further obligations which would have been enforceable had the trip not been cancelled. 13. We reserve the right to alter or substitute the type of vehicle mentioned in the brochure, depending on the number of passengers carried, which vary from trip to trip. Normally the maximum group size is 36 passengers.
OUR LIABILITY TO YOU 14. The responsibility of Topdeck as the Tour Operator and/or their agents is limited. We act only in the capacity of agents for carriers’, hoteliers’, or other service providers in all matters pertaining to accommodation, optional activities, sightseeing tours and as such, shall not be liable for any personal injury, death, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity which may be occasioned either by reason of any defect in any vehicle, or through the acts of defaults of any company or person engaged in conveying you or in carrying out the arrangements of the tour of otherwise in connection therewith. Under no circumstances is Topdeck responsible for a) Delays, personal injury, property damage or any loss resulting from any Act of God, labour stoppages, mechanical breakdowns or participation in sport or activities. b) Any act of neglect of any person or company whose services are retained by Topdeck for your benefit including, but not limited to accommodation and transportation companies. Topdeck will not be held responsible for any loss, damage or theft of baggage or belongings. (You should take out Comprehensive Travel Insurance to travel on all Topdeck trips.) 15. Your booking is accepted on the understanding that You appreciate the possible risks inherent in adventure travel and that You undertake the trips featured in this brochure of your own volition. Every effort will be made to operate all trips featured in this brochure. It may be necessary at times to vary the itinerary from that stated in the brochure, and delays may occur for a variety of reasons beyond our control. The need for a flexible attitude to this type of travel is stressed in our publication. The final decision on the itinerary and the content of the trip will be taken by the Trip Leader, as appointed by us in the interest of the group as a whole. 16. No refund will be made for services made available by Topdeck but which for whatever reason are not used by You once the trip has departed.
EXCLUSION OF LIABILITY – FORCE MAJEURE 17. We do not accept liability for any loss, damage or expense resulting from war or terrorist activities threatened or actual, civil unrest, industrial action threatened or actual, weather conditions, fire, flood, drought, closures, unforeseen alterations to public transport schedules, rescheduling of aircraft or boats, epidemic or outbreaks of illness or any other event outside our control which either delays or extends or reduces the trip, or compels a change in the trip arrangements after departure.
CONTRAVENTION OF LAW We will not be responsible for any loss or damage sustained by You as a result of a contravention of any law or regulation of any of the places or countries visited while on the trip.
HEALTH AND MEDICAL CONDITIONS 18. If You have a medical condition or disability which may affect your trip, we ask that You inform us in writing at the time of booking the trip of any special arrangements required by You so that we are able to advise as to the suitability of those arrangements. If we reasonably feel we are unable to satisfactorily accommodate your particular needs , we reserve the right to decline the booking or ask for You to be accompanied by a person who is able to provide full assistance to You throughout your trip.
YOUR LIABILITY TO US 19. You will not be permitted to embark or continue on the trip if your behaviour, or your mental or physical condition is, in the reasonable opinion of any representative of Topdeck, such as to render You incapable of caring for yourself, or whereby You become objectionable to other passengers, or You become a hazard to yourself or other passengers. We will not be responsible for expenses resulting in You being precluded from completing the trip for any reason, nor will we refund You any part of your trip cost. In all cases we will notify You of the reasons why we have taken this action. We will have no obligation to arrange for your return to the point of the trip departure where your condition manifests itself after the trip departure. Further, if the trip involves travel by air, the captain of your aircraft can refuse to allow You to fly on the aircraft if he believes that You could be dangerous or disruptive to other passengers on the flight.
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS 20. Please ensure You carefully read your invoice, tickets and all other documents we send to You as soon as You receive them, and contact your travel agent, or us immediately if any information appears to be incorrect. We will not accept any liability if You fail to notify us of any inaccuracy in any document within 14 days of us sending them to You or your agent. While we will do our best to rectify any changes made outside this time, it is your responsibility to meet any additional costs which may be involved, except in the case of an error made by Topdeck and where there is reasonable justification for You not contacting us within the specified time. You are responsible for ensuring that all necessary travel documents including, but not limited to, passports, visas and vaccination certificates are valid and subsisting. We strongly recommend that You verify current documentation requirements and all other relevant protocols and procedures associated with your trip with your travel agent or us. Please note requirements change and you must check with your Consulate for the most up to date information. Passports must have an expiry date of at least six months after completion of the trip.
INSURANCE 21. We recommend You take out comprehensive travel insurance before You travel on your trip. Your insurance protection should include cover for cancellation, medical and repatriation expenses, personal injury and accident, death and loss of personal baggage and money and personal liability insurance and evidence of such insurances should be produced to Topdeck on request. Insurance cover offered by credit card companies or reciprocal medical cover agreements are often not comprehensive. 22. Please note that during Your trip there may be opportunities to take part in adventure activities or excursions, outside the itinerary as shown in the brochure. These do not form part of your contracted trip with Topdeck and you should ensure your Travel Insurance covers your participation in these activities 23. You hereby indemnify us against all third party actions taken against us for loss or damage caused by You or arising from your participation on the trip.
COMPLAINTS 24. In the event of any dissatisfaction with the accommodation or any other service provided by Topdeck, You must report it immediately to the Trip Leader so that action can be taken to remedy the problem. Any complaints made to Topdeck following the conclusion of the trip should be made in writing within 28 days of completion of the trip. In the event that You do not notify us in writing within 28 days, Topdeck’s ability to investigate the complaint may be prejudiced.
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES AND EXCURSIONS 25. During your trip you will be offered the chance to purchase various optional excursions and activities. Topdeck does not own, operate or control any of the companies or individuals which provide the optional activities or excursions. Some of the optional activities and excursions such as canyoning are inherently risky. If You want to take part in such optional activities or excursions You must be fit enough to do so and must follow all reasonable instructions. The standards of health and safety which will be adopted by the company or the individual providing the optional activity or excursion will be those of the country where the optional activity or excursion takes place. If you wish to book any optional activity or excursion You must do so subject to the operator’s terms and conditions. Your contract will be with the operator of the activity or excursion and will be governed by local law. Topdeck acts only as their agent. Topdeck’s Trip Leader will have further details and additional information can be provided on request. Topdeck accepts no liability for any act or omission of any operator, its employees, agents or subcontractors.
DATA PROTECTION 26. Topdeck has measures in place to protect the personal booking information held by it. However, in order to make your booking and ensure that your travel arrangements run smoothly, we need to use the information You provide and pass it on to the trip operator or other relevant suppliers who are responsible for your travel arrangements. In making this booking, your consent to this information being passed on to the relevant persons is deemed to be given unless You object and advise Topdeck of your objection at the time of booking. The information may also be provided to public authorities such as Customs or Immigration if required by them, or as required by law. This consent applies to any sensitive information that You give to us such as details of any disabilities or dietary/religious requirements.
SMOKING 27. Topdeck operates a non-smoking policy on our coaches (although we make frequent stops for breaks), and in all of our accommodation, including tented accommodation.
LUGGAGE 28. There are strict weight limits for coaches when fully loaded. Therefore You are only entitled to have one piece of main luggage of standard size (see the pre-departure information or our website for size limits), and not weighing more than 15kg for outback trips and 20kg for East-coast & NZ trips. In addition You may bring a daypack.
GENERAL 29. You understand that future Topdeck advertising and publicity material may include statements made by passengers, or their photographs, and You consent to such use of your comments or photographic/video likeness. 30. No servant, agent, employee or representative of the Company has any right to alter, vary or waive any of these Conditions, nor undertake any activity likely to lead to increased liability whatsoever on behalf of Topdeck unless such be in writing and signed by a duly authorised person. 31. All contracts for bookings made with Topdeck, for trips in this brochure, are governed by Australian law and are subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Australian Courts, should any dispute between us not be otherwise amicably agreed. 32. Interpretation • In these Conditions, any words importing the singular or plural numbers shall include the plural or singular number respectively or words importing a particular gender shall include all genders. • Notice required to be given in writing in hese Conditions may be given by mail, facsimile transmission or email. 33. Topdeck would like to thank both the Australian and New Zealand Tourist Boards, and our suppliers, crew, passengers and partners for providing selected images used in this brochure. 34. Wi-Fi connectivity. Topdeck will endeavour to deliver Wi-Fi connection as stated on relevant trips to the best of our ability. This service is subject to availability and may not be available on some peak season departures or in the event of technical malfunction.
W
E’VE CREATED THIS HANDY REFERENCE TO HELP YOU
UNDERSTAND THE INS AND OUTS OF OUR ITINERARIES
AND MAKE AN EDUCATED DECISION ON THE BEST TRIP FOR YOU.
21
XX DAY | T R I P N A M E START
FINISH
XX
COUNTRIES VISITED
XX
TRIP STYLE
How
TO READ OUR ITINERARIES MEALS
GO FORTH AND EXPLORE, GRASSHOPPER! 01
02
03
04
05
THE BASICS. Where you start, finish and top line inclusions.
BUCKET LIST (INCLUSIONS). This is where the fun starts and it’s all included. Compare bucket list items, highlight inclusions for each trip.
ITINERARY. A magical string of words that gives you the lowdown on where we go, what we do and the awesomeness you will encounter on the way. Things not mentioned on the bucket list may not be included, but are too awesome to leave out. 1
MAP.
STOP & STAY DAY STOP
Everyone’s favourite way to visually make sense of the world since 600 B.C. Also super useful to get the lay of the land and understand what regions you will cover on your trip.
TRIP CODE.
ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)
TRIP CODE: XXXXXX START
FINISH
11
MORE INCLUSIONS
START
FINISH
G
26
DEC
08
JAN
02
JAN
15
JAN
03
JAN
16
JAN
10
JAN
23
JAN
24
JAN
06
FEB
G
31
JAN
13
14
FEB
27
FEB
G
28
FEB
12
MAR
24
OCT
07
NOV
NOV
21
NOV
15
NOV
28
NOV
22
NOV
05
DEC
G
29
NOV
12
DEC
04
DEC
17
DEC
06
DEC
19
DEC
11
Use this to book a trip through our website or when you talk to your travel agent. Not useful for Scrabble so don’t even go there.
OCT
G
OCT
25 08
FEB
DEC
24
DEC
13
MAR
26
MAR
13
DEC
26
DEC
G
20
MAR
02
APR
19
DEC
01
JAN
G
27
MAR
09
APR
G
G
G
TRIP PRICE OF $XXXX TRIP PRICE OF $XXXX TRIP PRICE OF $XXXX
TRAVEL DATES.
TRAVELLED WITH US BEFORE? Aw, shucks, here’s 5% OFF your next trip!
Planned departure dates for the upcoming travel season. Trips marked with a ‘G’ are guaranteed, which means just that. Check our website regularly for updated departures.
07
FOOD FUNDS.
08
PRICE.
XX DAYS FROM
PRICE
$
PER PERSON
AR $X TIN XX G /D FR AY OM
A breakdown of how much of your total trip price goes towards food, port charges and sailing costs. These items are included in the final price and won’t cause any surprises in your travel budget.
ST
06
The starting price of your adventure and goal amount for your piggy bank, excluding add-ons and optional activities.
GET AROUND.
Good wheels make good trips. Modern, comfortable, air-conditioned and generally considered pieces of art in their own right, our fleet of coaches and mini coaches will get you there in style.
FOOD.
Think: heaps of included, locally sourced meals with a local twist. Kiwi lamb roast dinners? Outback Aussie BBQs? Authentic bush tucker? You got it all.
NO TIPPING.
We do what we do because we're passionate about showing young people the world. This means all TLC is included in your trip price and not charged on your last day. We're awesome like that.
FREE TIME.
We got the bucket list inclusions sorted, accommodation booked and heaps of time built in to to let you explore the world at your own pace. It's your trip, your way.
HOW TO READ OUR ITINERARIES | 69
01
XX DAY T R I P N A M E TRIP CODE
MAPS
P.XXXX
02
03
PAGE
1 Gold Coast
02
TRIP CODE.
03
PAGE NUMBER.
Head 1 Crescent Surf Retreat
MULTI-SHARE (3-4) TWIN, DOUBLE & SINGLE SUPPLEMENTS AVAILABLE
5 - 17 DAY TRIP LENGTH
5 DAY Sweet As North ANGKRW/ANGKWR
NEW SOUTH WALES
P.18
HOTELS, HOSTELS, B&B & LODGES
Coffs Harbour
DURATION & TRIP NAME.
ANGKBC/ANGKCB
PAGES 16 - 29
QUEENSLAND
AUSTRALIA + NZ
01
Newland Zea
17 DAY Grand Kiwi
7 DAY Ski New Zealand P.27
ANGKSK
P.28
PAGE
Au stralia
28 DAY Ultimate Aussie Adventure AAUASM/AAUAMS
P.32
PAGES 30 - 65 HOTELS, HOSTELS, CABINS & LODGES MULTI-SHARE (3-4) TWIN, DOUBLE & SINGLE SUPPLEMENTS AVAILABLE
4 - 28 DAY TRIP LENGTH
20 DAY Outback Adventure AAMRMD/AAMRDM
6 DAY Tropical Suntanner AAISWC/AAISCW
15 DAY Opals & Outback
19 DAY Beach & Bush P.40
P.42
AAGASU/AAGAUS
P.53
AAISSB/AAISBS
P.53
AARTKD/AARTDK
P.45
8 DAY Outback Gem
11 DAY Rock 'N' Top
5 DAY Ultimate Surfari
AAOOAD/AAOODA
P.56
AAOGAU/AAOGUA
P.58
15 DAY Kiwi Encounter ANGKAC/ANGKCA
7 DAY Northen Explorer
10 DAY Pure Adrenalin P.20
ANGKWC/ANGKCW
P.24
AAGASD/AAGADS
14 DAY Island Suntanner
P.34
AASPSC/AASPCC
P.49
AAISGC/AAISCG
12 DAY East Coast Cruisin' P.46
6 DAY Didgeridoo Dreams AARTUD/AARTDU
P.25
ANGKCO
P.26
22 DAY Spirit of the Pacific
26 DAY Grand Aussie
AAISSC/AAISCS
ANGKAW/ANGKWA
7 DAY Southern Explorer
AAISSQ/AAISQS
11 DAY Reef Suntanner
4 DAY Rock 'N' Canyon P.59
AARCUU
P.36
10 DAY Tropical Adventure P.51
AAISBC/AAISCB
P.52
13 DAY Down South & Outback P.61
AAMRMU/AAMRUM
P.65
MAPS | 71
G B P
THIS IS YOUR WORLD
Eu r op e
USA & da Cana
Afr ica
Festivavlsents Midd le East &E
Au straliaNZ &
Exclusive Agent: C A LL U S
08 45 257 5 420 EMAIL US
res@topdeck travel.co.uk ON TH E W E B
As ia
w w w.topdeck.travel H E A D OFF ICE Level 1, 107 Power Road Chis wick , London W4 5P Y United K ingdom
Design by Topdeck. Printed October 2015 Š Topdeck.
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