IPAC2019 Post-Conference Tour 1

Central Australia & Tropical North Queensland

Saturday May 25th             

Transfer from hotel to Melbourne Airport for morning flight to Alice Springs in Central Australia. Following check in at The Aurora Motel, depart for afternoon tour of Alice Springs. See the sights and learn about the history and development of this important town.

Sunday May 26th (B, L, D) 

An early rise for the transfer by road to Uluru (Ayers Rock). Located some 450 kilometres from Alice Springs, the world’s greatest monolith rises 348 metres above the desert floor. Arrive early afternoon at the permanent campsite and after lunch visit The Olgas, a cluster of massive rounded rocks. Take a walk through the ‘Valley of the Winds’ before the spectacular sunset viewing of Uluru. Dinner around the campfire and camping accommodation under the stars conclude the day’s program. This is ‘soft’ camping with a stretcher bed, sleeping bag & sheet provided. Shower facilities are also available.

Monday May 27th (B)

Arise early for sunrise viewing of Ayers Rock followed by tour of the base caves and visit to the Cultural Centre. Early afternoon transfer to airport for flight to Cairns. Upon arrival, transfer to accommodation at Paradise on the Beach Resort, Palm Cove. This beach side resort is set idyllically with golden sand and a palm-fringed beach on the doorstep.

Tuesday May 28th (B, L) 

Full day tour to the Great Barrier Reef. Transfer by coach along the Captain Cook Highway to Port Douglas where you’ll board the boat and travel to the outer reef to snorkel and swim amongst the fish and coral. Late afternoon arrival at Paradise on the Beach.

Wednesday May 29th (B, L)

A full day tour to Kuranda, travelling by Skyrail cablecar up the McAlister Range past the Barron Falls. Enjoy the Kuranda market, Aboriginal dancers, koala and wildlife park before the afternoon return via train that passes through 15 tunnels.

Thursday May 30th (B)

Following breakfast, day at leisure before transfer to Cairns Airport for connecting flight to Melbourne or Sydney.

Cost: $1890 pp (twin or double share) & $2780 pp (single share).

Includes: Tour of Great Barrier Reef and Kuranda, five nights accommodation (motel and camping), entry fee to & tour of Ayers Rock, The Olgas and Alice Springs, meals as indicated (B-breakfast, L-lunch, D-dinner), transfers, gst.

The cost does not include airfares to Alice Springs, from Ayers Rock to Cairns or Cairns to Sydney/Melbourne. Accommodation would be booked at Palm Cove, on the northern beaches 20 minutes from Cairns. If arriving before the first day or staying after the last day, additional accommodation can be arranged.