TravelQuest Tours

Arrive Sydney, Australia

Upon arrival in Sydney, and after clearing customs and immigration, you will be met by our representative holding a TRAVELQUEST sign and transferred through the eastern suburbs of Sydney to the iconic Bondi Beach. We’ll have time to stretch our legs and take in the salt air before continuing on to the historic 150-year-old Sydney Observatory.

After a tour of the Observatory, we travel to Watsons Bay to join our waiting vessel for a leisurely lunch cruise across Sydney Harbour. We will pass Rose Bay, site of the original Catalina Flying Boats before motoring into the inner reaches of the harbour with fabulous views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House.

We’ll dock at Circular Quay and stroll through the historic Rocks district with its sandstone warehouses steeped in convict history. Our walking tour will end with check in to your harbor-view room at the Intercontinental Sydney.

What remains of the afternoon and evening is at your leisure, with numerous restaurants and shops all within walking distance of our hotel.

Overnight: Intercontinental Sydney (2 nights)

Blue Mountains

Today we’ll leave Sydney for the famous Blue Mountains. This region includes rugged tablelands and sheer cliffs; deep, inaccessible valleys; and rivers and lakes teeming with life. The unique flora and fauna in this natural setting reveal an extraordinary tale of Australia’s antiquity and the evolution of the continent’s unique eucalypt vegetation and the associated plant and animal communities. Forests of eucalypts (commonly known as gum trees) cover the Blue Mountains.

When warmed by the Sun, their leaves discharge a mist of eucalyptus oil. The mist refracts sunlight such that the haze gives the distant mountains a bluish appearance.

We’ll have the opportunity to view this unique landscape from three different perspectives. Our Skyway cable car ride will take us on a 720-meter journey, 270 meters above ancient ravines, dazzling waterfalls, and Jurassic rainforests. As we glide smoothly across the sky, we’ll have a 360° view of the Three Sisters, Katoomba Falls, Mount Solitary, and the never-ending expanse of the Jamison Valley. Next, the Scenic Cableway will take us on a 545-meter ride in to — or out of — the World Heritage-listed rainforest of the Jamison Valley. Finally, a 415-meter descent on the Scenic Railway will carry us through a cliff-side tunnel and down into an ancient rainforest.

Before returning to Sydney, we’ll enjoy a buffet lunch perched on the cliff-side with views of the Three Sisters.
This evening you are invited for refreshments and canapés in the Dinosaur Gallery of the Australian Museum, which offers fabulous views of Sydney’s nighttime skyline.

Cairns / Port Douglas

Early this morning we’ll transfer to the Sydney Airport for the three-hour flight to Cairns, gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. On arrival we’ll travel north for 40 minutes along the scenic Captain Cook Highway to the award-winning Thala Beach Resort, our residence for the next five nights. This region is home to two World Heritage icons — the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest. The afternoon is at your leisure to become acquainted with your tropical surroundings. Thala’s private beach is just steps from your room, offering easy access for daytime relaxation and evening southern-sky star parties.

Overnight – Thala Beach Lodge (5 nights)

Daintree Rainforest

Today we will venture into the Daintree Rainforest, an area that’s part of the Wet Tropics ofQueensland World Heritage Site. This tropical rainforest, stretching from the Daintree River north to Cooktown and west to the Great Divide, represents the single largest block of tropical rainforest in Australia.

Within the Daintree region are many natural and unique features to be explored. The landscape is one of striking diversity that includes magnificent scenery, mountain ranges, fast-flowing streams and waterfalls, deep gorges, and dense rainforest. It is home to the endangered cassowary, a flightless bird of striking beauty, and endemic fan palm groves provide great subject matter for photographers.

Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is a world “icon” and is home to an amazing variety of fascinating animals. While most people are familiar with the colorful corals and the beautifully bright fish, other creatures on the reef are just as intriguing.

Today we’ll cruise by high-speed launch to the Great Barrier Reef for a full day of snorkeling (included) or diving. Our vessel is designed with everything we need to safely and comfortably experience an underwater world of colorful marine life. We’ll visit a floating platform on the Outer Barrier Reef, spending a leisurely five hours at play. The water temperature at this time of year is conducive to spending many hours in the water. However, it is advisable to bring a shirt for protection against excessive exposure to the Sun (especially on your back) while swimming. A hat and sunscreen are also essential.

First-time visitors will be amazed at the thousands of creatures found throughout the reef. The variety of organisms living beneath a single coral rock is astonishing, ranging from different types of colorful encrusting sponges, soft colonial and solitary sea squirts, delicate lace corals or bryozoans, slithering serpent stars and worms, and scores of colorful and oddly shaped creatures.

Keep an eye out for giant clams. Underwater cameras are a must!

The Great Barrier Reef is indisputably one of the world’s most important natural assets. It is the largest living natural feature on Earth, stretching more than 900 miles along the northeast coast of Australia. During his epic voyage of 1770, Captain James Cook charted many of these reefs before running aground just north of Port Douglas.

Marine animals on the Great Barrier Reef include:

• 359 of the world’s 400 types of hard coral
• 5,000 to 8,000 varieties of mollusks
• Thousands of different sponges, worms, and crustaceans
• 800 species of echinoderms (starfish, sea urchins)
• 1,500 species of fishes
• More than 30 species of marine mammals
• 215 bird species, of which 29 are seabirds

 
This evening, join us for a discussion of the 2012 eclipse, including details on eclipse-day weather prospects and logistics.

Total Solar Eclipse

Local times and eclipse circumstances at Wetherby Station Latitude: 16° 38.65′ S & Longitude: 145­° 21.25′ E

Rising early, join your fellow eclipse chasers as we transfer by private coach to the Atherton Tableland, a plateau on the Great Dividing Range that will offer us the highest probability of clear skies for the early morning eclipse.

Our TravelQuest group has exclusive use of Wetherby Station, a large cattle ranch only 45 minutes inland from Port Douglas. We’ll arrive with ample time to stake out the best viewing location on the ranch’s sprawling grounds and set up our equipment. You’ll be treated to country hospitality with bottomless coffee and breakfast during and after the eclipse.

ECLIPSE WEATHER PROSPECTS AT WETHERBY STATION
By eclipse meteorologist Jay Anderson

Wetherby Station lies inland at an altitude of 400 to 500 meters above sea level, on the western edge of the Great Dividing Range that stretches along Australia’s east coast. The Range separates the cloudier coast from the dry interior, and so the Station has a slightly drier and sunnier climate than Port Douglas and Cairns. While no environmental data is available for Wetherby Station, the climate is likely very similar to Mareeba, about 40 km (25 miles) to the south. In the morning hours of November, Mareeba averages 12 percent less cloud cover than Cairns and 5 percent less than Port Douglas, making Wetherby Station one of the most promising sites in the area. Even more favourable conditions may be found a short distance north of Wetherby Station should it be necessary to move on eclipse morning.

After the eclipse you can enjoy a display of cattle mustering and whip cracking while brewing billy tea and munching on damper bread around the morning campfire. You will also discover the fascinating history of cattle ranching in Australia.

We’ll return to Port Douglas in the early afternoon to enjoy the balance of the day on your own. Join us this evening for an eclipse celebration dinner!

Kuranda Village & Skyrail

This morning we’ll cruise along the scenic coastal highway to the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. In a string of enclosed gondolas, we’ll float silently across 7.5 kilometers of this World Heritage listed Tropical Rainforest canopy. En route, we’ll disembark to walk among giant Kauri Pines, take in views of the Barren Falls, and visit a rainforest interpretive centre.

On arrival at Kuranda Station you’ll have time to stroll around the quaint village before boarding the Kuranda Scenic Rail train for a trip through the Barren Gorge down to the Freshwater Station.

As the train meanders along, passing through numerous tunnels and beside several waterfalls, we’ll have numerous panoramic views of the coastal plain and distant city of Cairns.

Port Douglas – Onward

After breakfast and checkout, you’ll be transferred to the Cairns Airport according to your onward flight schedule, or you may join one of our optional add-on programs to Ayers Rock for stargazing, and amazing Kangaroo Island.

Add-on Sydney Pre-Nights

For those wishing to arrive in Sydney 1 or 2 nights early, TravelQuest has reserved a limited number of Deluxe Bay View Rooms at the Intercontinental Sydney including breakfast, tax, and your arrival transfer.

Cost: $220 USD per person, per night double occupancy. $375 USD per person, single occupancy, and $175 USD per person, per night based on triple occupancy.

Cairns - Ayers Rock (Uluru)

After breakfast and checkout, you will be transferred to the Cairns Airport to connect with your 3-hour flight to Ayers Rock (Uluru). Upon arrival we’ll be met and transferred to the Desert Gardens Hotel.

Late this afternoon, join us for drinks and canapés as we witness a spectacular red-hued sunset over the most profound and culturally significant monolith in Australia – Ayers Rock (Uluru). Our guide will take time to explain the Ayers Rock’s cultural significance to the Anangu (local Aboriginal) people.

From our private viewing area, located a 1 km walk from our hotel, you will also have the opportunity to set up your telescopes, allowing you to view the amazing southern sky in near new Moon conditions.

Overnight: Desert Gardens Hotel (2 nights)

Sunrise over Uluru

Before sunrise, we’ll meet our guide in the hotel lobby and travel to our pre-selected vantage point where we will watch the Sun rise over Uluru – a most breathtaking experience!

After a light breakfast, we will return to our hotel and what remains of the day is at your leisure. Again this evening, join us for another night of drinks and canapés at our private viewing area for sunset and a second evening of stargazing.

Sunrise Walk Through Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) - Sydney

Rising early again this morning, we will join our guide and travel by motorcoach 48 kilometers (30 miles) to Kata Tjuta (The Olgas), meaning ‘many heads’ in the Anangu language.

Upon arrival at Kata Tjuta, we will embark on a walk into Walpa Gorge where we will be completely surrounded by towering, red, sandstone bluffs. Truly one of the highlights of your journey.

After a light breakfast, we’ll return to our hotel for checkout and be transferred to the Ayers Rock Airport for your connecting 3.5-hour flight to Sydney, where we will be transferred to the Stamford Plaza Sydney Airport Hotel for your overnight stay.

Overnight – Stamford Plaza Sydney Airport Hotel (1 night)

Sydney - Onward

After breakfast and checkout you will be transferred to the Sydney International Airport (SYD) according to your flight schedule.

Trip Cost

Rates per person in US dollars (USD).

$2,695 USD per person, based on two people sharing one room. Add $625 USD for single occupancy. Deduct $100 USD per person for triple occupancy.

IMPORTANT: All tour prices and airfares quoted in this brochure are based on tariffs, costs, and exchange rates of the United States dollar that were in effect at the time of publication. Consequently, prices herein are subject to change. Due to fluctuations in oil prices, a fuel surcharge may be added to your tour fee. Details and costs will be advised prior to departure.

Trip Includes:

• 3 nights accommodation
• All domestic airfare – Cairns-Ayers Rock and Ayers Rock-Sydney
• Meals as noted in itinerary
• Services of a local guide
• Admission fees
• Airport/hotel transfers

Not Included:

• Onward air travel from Sydney (SYD)
• Meals not included in the itinerary
• Alcoholic beverages
• Tops to driver and guides
• Items of a personal nature – laundry, phone calls, travel insurance, etc.

Payment & Terms

A $500 USD per person advance payment confirms your space. The balance is due July 9, 2012.
Cancellations must be made in writing by email, fax or mail. All advance payments, less a $150 USD per person cancellation fee, are refundable until November 9, 2011. From November 10, 2011 – May 9, 2012, there will be a $350 USD per person cancellation fee. There are no refunds after May 9, 2012. We highly recommend that all travelers obtain Trip Cancellation/Medical Insurance.

Cairns - Ayers Rock (Uluru)

After breakfast and checkout, you will be transferred to the Cairns Airport to connect with your 3-hour flight to Ayers Rock (Uluru). Upon arrival we’ll be met and transferred to the Desert Gardens Hotel.

Late this afternoon, join us for drinks and canapés as we witness a spectacular red-hued sunset over the most profound and culturally significant monolith in Australia – Ayers Rock (Uluru). Our guide will take time to explain the Ayers Rock’s cultural significance to the Anangu (local Aboriginal) people.

From our private viewing area, located a 1 km walk from our hotel, you will also have the opportunity to set up your telescopes, allowing you to view the amazing southern sky in near new Moon conditions.

Overnight: Desert Gardens Hotel (2 nights)

Sunrise over Uluru

Before sunrise, we’ll meet our guide in the hotel lobby and travel to our pre-selected vantage point where we will watch the Sun rise over Uluru – a most breathtaking experience!

After a light breakfast, we will return to our hotel and what remains of the day is at your leisure. Again this evening, join us for another night of drinks and canapés at our private viewing area for sunset and a second evening of stargazing.

Sunrise Walk Through Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) - Adelaide - Kangaroo Island

Rising early again this morning, we will join our guide and travel by motorcoach 48 kilometers (30 miles) to Kata Tjuta (The Olgas), meaning ‘many heads’ in the Anangu language.

Upon arrival at Kata Tjuta, we will embark on a walk into Walpa Gorge where we will be completely surrounded by towering, red, sandstone bluffs. Truly one of the highlights of your journey.

After a light breakfast, we’ll return to our hotel for checkout and be transferred to the Ayers Rock Airport for your connecting 4.5-hour flight to Adelaide, where we will board our propeller-plane for the flight to Kangaroo Island. Once on the island, we will be transferred to the Kangaroo Island Lodge at American River.

Overnight – Kangaroo Island Lodge (2 nights)

Flinders Chase National Park

Our exploration of Kangaroo Island will focus upon a full day tour of the island’s Flinders Chase National Park. Flinders Chase encompasses the entire western end of the Island and, by virtue of its pristine state, is home to a wide variety of plants and animals – some found nowhere else on the planet.

At Cape du Couedic we will visit a fur seal colony, which now numbers over 20,000. These magnificent creatures can be observed resting on rocks, sunning on the beach, or frolicking in the surf under Admirals Arch.

Another impressive site are the Remarkable Rocks – huge granite boulders, which have been carved by relentless wind, rain and salt off the southern ocean. These natural sculptures appear to combine the works of Henri Moore and Salvador Dali!

We will also visit the Lighthouse Keepers Domain at Cape du Couedic. This lighthouse was constructed in 1907 and has provided a much needed warning to vessels ever since.

Adelaide - Onward Travel

After breakfast and checkout you will be transferred to the Kingscote Airport for your flight to Adelaide (airport code: ADL) and your connecting flight onward.

Trip Cost

Rates per person in US dollars (USD).

$4,090 USD per person, based on two people sharing one room. Add $760 USD for single occupancy.

IMPORTANT: All tour prices and airfares quoted in this brochure are based on tariffs, costs, and exchange rates of the United States dollar that were in effect at the time of publication. Consequently, prices herein are subject to change. Due to fluctuations in oil prices, a fuel surcharge may be added to your tour fee. Details and costs will be advised prior to departure.

Trip Includes:

• 4 nights accommodation
• All domestic airfare – Cairns-Ayers Rock, Ayers Rock-Adelaide and Adelaide-Kangaroo Island-Adelaide
• Meals as noted in itinerary
• Services of a local guide
• Admission fees
• Airport/hotel transfers

Not Included:

• Onward air travel from Adelaide (ADL)
• Meals not included in the itinerary
• Alcoholic beverages
• Tops to driver and guides
• Items of a personal nature – laundry, phone calls, travel insurance, etc.

Payment & Terms

A $500 USD per person advance payment confirms your space. The balance is due July 9, 2012.
Cancellations must be made in writing by email, fax or mail. All advance payments, less a $150 USD per person cancellation fee, are refundable until November 9, 2011. From November 10, 2011 – May 9, 2012, there will be a $350 USD per person cancellation fee. There are no refunds after May 9, 2012. We highly recommend that all travelers obtain Trip Cancellation/Medical Insurance.