~ 8 Day Tour ~ 15th - 22nd July, 2019
“Friends to travel with....”
2121 Point Nepean Road, Rye Vic 3941 www.oshannessys.com.au
Email: [email protected]
Toll Free: 1800 354 352
O’Shannessy’s Sorrento Travel Pty Ltd T/A:
Darwin the Cosmopolitan Capital of the Northern Territory!
Price per person twin share $ 4,745
Repeat clientele twin share $ 4,695
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT $ 925
Tour Departs: Monday 15th July, 2019 Tour Returns: Monday 22nd July, 2019 Deposit: $200 per person upon booking
Balance due on invoice approximately 45 days prior to departure Single travellers who are prepared to twin share will be matched
with another passenger (of the same gender) or, if this is not possible, provided with single accommodation at the twin share fare.
Tour Price Includes: Pick up from and return to your home - Greater Melbourne,
Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong, the Bellarine and Mornington Peninsulas, Phillip Island and some areas of Gippsland.
QANTAS Flights: Melbourne to Darwin & return. Travel by our own state of the art luxury coach, equipped with
restroom, satellite phone, fold-down arm rests, seat belts and extra leg room. Our coach has a ’kneeling’ device and second door for ease of entry and disembarkation. Our coach is also fitted with ‘Road Cam’ TV monitors which display in real time the road ahead. The coach offers a smooth quiet ride and views through large panoramic windows.
Quality ensuite motel accommodation. All tours and interest venues as per itinerary. Meals: Full cooked breakfasts, most dinners, most lunches and
morning teas. (4 lunches & 1 Dinner at own expense as per itinerary)
The following cancellation fees apply for this tour: Deposit refundable until 46 days prior to departure
45 to 15 Days BEFORE DEPARTURE 50% Refund of Tour Cost 14 to 8 days BEFORE DEPARTURE 30% Refund of Tour Cost Within 8 days and on or after Departure NO REFUND GIVEN
All passengers are required to co-operate with the seat rotation program determined by O’Shannessy’s Tour Directors.
TRAVEL INSURANCE IS NOT COMPULSORY HOWEVER IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED AND IS AVAILABLE FROM OUR OFFICE.
The Proprietors reserve the right to vary any accommodation, price or other features of the tour at any time at their own discretion.
Tour Highlights:
Darwin Sightseeing Tour
Museum and Art Gallery
World War II Darwin
Adelaide River & Litchfield National Park
Crocosaurus Cove
Australian Aviation Heritage Centre
Mindil Beach Sunset Market
Kakadu National Park
Warrandjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre
Nourlangie Rock
Territory Wildlife Park
Fogg Dam & Howard Springs
Windows on the Wetlands Centre
Cullen Bay
Cruises:
Darwin Sunset Cruise
Yellow Waters Cruise
Jumping Croc Cruise
Multiple Night Stays:
Darwin 7 nights.
Our tour is based in Darwin – a thriving centre of more than 140,000 people, located between Beagle Gulf and Port Darwin in the Top End. It is one of the fastest growing cities in Australia. Our timing for this tour is perfect as we’ll enjoy a week of sunny WINTER weather of around 28°C and it’s the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy some slow paced touring and hospitality - Top End style!
Day 1: Monday 15th July, 2019
Arrive Darwin
Welcome to our 8 day winter getaway to Darwin in The Top End! On arrival into Darwin, we will be met by our O’Shannessys Touring Coach. We make our way to Fannie Bay to have a look at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory and the Cyclone Tracy Gallery. An inspection will reveal permanent galleries of aboriginal art, maritime archaeology and the
ever popular Sweetheart and Cyclone Tracy exhibits. It’s now time to check into our accommodation for the next seven night’s, the rest of the day is free to relax and discover the hotel’s facilities. A welcome dinner will be served in the hotel. Lunch own arrangements / cost today OVERNIGHT: DoubleTree by Hilton Esplanade, DARWIN
Day 2: Tuesday 16th July, 2019
Darwin
After breakfast we take in the sights of Darwin. Many people aren’t aware of the importance of Darwin during World War II so we’ll look at the city as it is today and also learn about the involvement and history of the bombings of Darwin. The present city centre was established in
1869 and contains most of its remaining historic buildings such as the Old Court House and Government House. We see the new Parliament House built on the site of the Darwin Post Office bombed during World War II, the port area plus the many other fascinating sights of Australia’s northern gateway. We head to Stokes Hill Wharf for lunch.
Returning afterwards to our hotel, we have the rest of the day to relax and enjoy the resort facilities - perhaps take a dip in the pool or some retail therapy. Later in the day, we return to the wharf to join the Spirit of Darwin for a sunset cruise on Darwin Harbour. We will see the Darwin skyline from a totally different perspective while enjoying interesting commentary and dinner.
OVERNIGHT: DoubleTree by Hilton Esplanade, DARWIN
Day 3: Wednesday 17th July, 2019
Litchfield National Park
This morning, we travel south to the small township of Adelaide River – about 110 km’s from Darwin. We make a brief stop at the Adelaide River War Cemetery. Adelaide River is the site of the only
Australian war cemetery on Australian soil. There are 432 servicemen and 63 civilians, all of whom died as a result of Japanese bombing raids, buried in the cemetery. From here we enter the Litchfield National Park. The 65,000ha National Park with its untouched rainforests, hot springs, magnificent waterfalls and stunning scenery has gained the reputation as the jewel of the Northern Territory’s crown. There are some great
photo opportunities. We stop to see the Magnetic Anthills and the magnificent Florence Falls from the lookout platform. We enjoy lunch at the Litchfield Café and visit nearby Wangi Falls where there is time for a refreshing dip! - So bring your togs!
OVERNIGHT: DoubleTree by Hilton Esplanade, DARWIN
Day 4: Thursday 18th July, 2019
More of Darwin
We’re out for breakfast this morning to Crocosaurus Cove located in the heart of the City. It has the largest display of Australian reptiles in the world, a two storey fresh water aquarium and a turtle sanctuary, local NT Aboriginal Art and Culture displays. We may get to “stroke” a baby croc as we enjoy our breakfast. We then head to suburban Winnellie and the Australian Aviation Heritage Centre. Here there is an impressive collection of the Territory's aviation history. A massive B52 Bomber dwarfs other exhibits, including Mirage and Sabre jets, a Spitfire replica, Wessex and Huey Cobra helicopters. Other exhibits include engines and armament as well
as many photographs of Darwin at war, pioneer flights and record breakers. It will be an interesting morning. There’s some free time this afternoon. This evening the Mindil Beach Sunset Market will be open. They offer over 200 stalls with nearly 60 food stalls from more than 30 d i f ferent countries - where you can buy some dinner. With the multi-cultural background of Darwin, we are sure to be tempted by the delicious
food and smells as we wander through the market!
Lunch and Dinner own arrangements & cost today
OVERNIGHT: DoubleTree by Hilton Esplanade, DARWIN
Day 5: Friday 19th July, 2019
Kakadu National Park Day Trip
We have an early start and late finish but a stunning day of touring in-between! We head south to join the Arnhem Highway - our destination today is the Top End’s most important asset, the World Heritage Listed Kakadu National Park. Aborigines have inhabited the land for more than 50,000 years, leaving behind incredible galleries of rock art - more
than 5,000 sites of historical or cultural importance have been identified, though only a few are open to visitors. Add Kakadu’s magnificent scenery, unique flora and fauna and you have one of the world’s greatest natural wonders. A highlight today will be the Yellow Waters Cruise on the Yellow Waters Billabong. We should see a large number of birds and animals as we go along and hopefully some crocodiles
resting on the muddy banks. We also stop at the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre.
Through the displays and exhibitions we can gain an understanding of the Bininj and their country. We then head to Nourlangie Rock to take a short walk to view examples of ancient aboriginal art. We’ll then make our way back to Darwin where we have a slightly later dinner this evening.
OVERNIGHT: DoubleTree by Hilton Esplanade, DARWIN
Day 6: Saturday 20th July, 2019
Wildlife and Sunsets
After our big day yesterday, we have a slightly later start. This morning we are going to visit the award winning Territory Wildlife Park at Berry Springs, about 45 minutes south of Darwin. It’s an interesting drive as we pass by exotic fruit farms, nature parks, banana plantations, orchid nurseries, dairy cattle and crocodile farms. In fact the salt water crocodile is the Northern Territory’s most famous resident! The local tropical vegetation in this area is home to a great variety of birds, reptiles, mammals and a myriad of
insects. At the 400 hectare Territory Wildlife Park a lot of this wildlife is showcased. Discover an entire Top End river system, the beauty of a natural wetland and the secrets of the night, within the nocturnal house. We will be back to Darwin mid afternoon with time to ‘”kick-back” before dinner.
Lunch own arrangements & cost today OVERNIGHT: DoubleTree by Hilton Esplanade, DARWIN
Day 7: Sunday 21st July, 2019
Fogg Dam, Adelaide River, Howard Springs
Today we will enjoy some of the best nature reserves in and around Darwin. First stop is Fogg Dam where there are some short walks through the monsoon forest. We will take a drive over the dam wall and stop at the viewing platform overlooking the wetlands and the dam wall itself. Just 10 minutes from here is the Window on the Wetlands Visitor Centre which provides an overview of the wetlands. The centre stands on Beatrice Hill, one of the highest places on the Adelaide River floodplain. The top floor of the centre commands superb views. We then join the Adelaide River Queen for their one hour “Jumping Croc Cruise”. It might be hard to believe that a 6 metre salt water crocodile – the most dangerous reptile in Northern Australia - can be enticed to jump
out of the water just in front of us – but that’s exactly what happens!! It’s a short and fascinating interaction that does not impact on their natural habitat. We then head back towards Darwin with a stop at Howard Springs Nature Reserve. There is a 1.8 walking path here along with a wading pool to cool off. This evening, we will make our way to Cullen Bay for our final dinner together as we watch the sun set.
OVERNIGHT: DoubleTree by Hilton Esplanade, DARWIN
Day 8: Monday 22nd July, 2019
Heading Home
It’s been warm, it’s been relaxing and it’s been interesting. This morning however we are heading back to reality which is a cold Melbourne Winter!! Nonetheless our time in the Top End will have given us a “Taste of the Territory” providing long term memories of life and times in Darwin and Australia’s Tropical North. Lunch own arrangements & cost today (in-flight)
We trust you arrive home safely with memories of a fascinating and rewarding tour.
We thank you for travelling with O’Shannessy’s Tours and look forward to your patronage again in the future!
Wangi Falls - Litchfield National Park
Other Tours Available
Across the Top - Cairns to Darwin August 2019
WA Wildflowers - Monkey Mia September 2019
Cowra “Running of the Sheep” October 2019
Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo - Sydney October 2019
CONDITIONS OF TRAVEL
Any special passenger requirements must be notified to O’Shannessy’s Tours at the time of booking. No passenger will be permitted to embark or continue on the tour while their mental or physical condition is, in the opinion of any representative of O’Shannessy’s Tours, such as to render them incapable of caring for themselves, or whereby they become objectionable to other passengers, or they become a hazard to themselves or other passengers. O’Shannessy’s Tours will not be responsible for expenses resulting in such persons being precluded from completing the tour for any such reason.
It is also a requirement of O’Shannessy’s Tours that each passenger is able to negotiate coach steps without the aid of the coach crew or other passengers.
Any passenger who requires assistance for any of the above is required to travel with a companion capable of providing all necessary assistance.
If you are willing to twin share but are a smoker or have a CPAP machine or snore, you will need to pay a single supplement for a sole use room.
For details of other tours available Phone toll free on 1800 354 352