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A
Gecko tour leaves you
with nothing to do except to...
Relax - Listen - Watch
...You'll be captivated by every experience.
Get
away from the 'MAINSTREAM'
and visit 'OURSTREAM'
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Savannah
Guides
A network of professional guides and tourism operators
in the Tropical Savannahs of Northern Australia. The organisation
fosters ecologically sustainable interpretive tourism.
As "Protectors and Interpreters of the Outback" Savannah
Guides members are commited to putting something back
into their local environments and communities.
Website: www.savannah-guides.com.au
Tourism Business Accreditation Leading the industry
in the establishment of high quality tourism product as
well as a commitment to professionalism and continuous
improvement.
Website: www.tourismaccreditation.org.au/
Advanced eco tours Australia's leading and most
innovative eco tours products, providing an opportunity
to learn about the environment with an operator who is
commited to achieving its best practice when using resources
wisely, contributing to the conservation of the environment
and helping local communities.
Website: www.eco tours.org.au
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Award
Winning Product
Gecko Canoeing is the winner of the Northern Territory
Awards for Tourism Excellence in eco tours 2003, 2004
& 2005 and Adventure Tourism 2003 & 2004. We also
had a finalist in the Outstanding Interpretive Guide Category
in 2003 and won that category in 2004. Winning these awards
is an acknowledgement from the industry that our service
is of the best quality in every respect.
Website: www.tourismnt.com.au/nt/nttc/brolga_awards/ |
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Gecko
Canoeing first started in the early 1990's as a genuine
Eco-experience and has always had an emphasis on guest
experience and quality adventures in remote areas. The
chosen medium for presenting this type of experience is
Tropical Savannah River Systems, beginning with the magnificent
and accessible Katherine/Flora/Daly System.
In 2006, Gecko Canoeing became Gecko Tours Pty Ltd, same
owners, same guides, however we now offer a variety of
experiences in different areas, representing a range of
challenges and landscapes. Our 3 distinct product ranges
offer 3 different experiences with one common theme -
guest satisfaction and comfort.
We have worked with a huge range of people, including
families, youth groups, corporate executives and backpackers.
All wanting the same thing, a unique and memorable experience.
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Canoes
and kayaks are selected for speed, storage space, comfort
and the enviable ability to access areas quietly and with
minimal environmental impact. 4WD vehicles have been selected
for comfort and small group touring. No effort has been
spared in regard to quality of equipment and client comfort,
with all campsites being well equipped and beautifully
located.
Once a tour is underway, resting stops are frequent and
camping sites or accommodation places are comfortable
and relaxing. Operating with a minimum of 2 guests per
tour allows for easy departure confirmations and ensures
personalised service from the guide/s.
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| The
Team At Gecko Canoeing |
Jenn
Child
Growing
up in Riverina New South Wales, camping has been a big
part of Jenn's life. She has been a leader in the outdoors
for 9 years taking both student groups and family groups
into the 'bush'. After studying at college to obtain
an Associate Diploma in Recreation and Leisure Studies,
Jenn started work in the Southern Highlands of New South
Wales as a canoeing, abseiling, bushwalking and high
ropes challenge course leader. A 6 month working trip
to the Northern Territory in 2000 created an interest
in the Top End region. 6 months has now been 7 years
and the interest is now an obsession.
Jenn holds Certificate III's in Outdoor Recreation and
Tourism Guiding, is a Savannah Guide Roving Interpreter,
and has Guiding Qualifications with Australian Canoeing,
the Australian Wilderness Institute as well as white
water rescue, bushwalking and rock climbing leader accreditations.
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Mick
Jerram
Another
one who has spent much of his life in the Riverina,
Mick has paddled over 10,000 kilometres on Australian
rivers, taking part in the Murray Marathon more than
once! He has been guiding groups on the Katherine/Flora/Daly
River System since 1992 and has gained knowledge on
the flora, fauna, culture and history of the area. The
river is his passion, showing him something new and
different every time he ventures downstream.
Holding Qualifications as a remote area leader, canoeing/kayaking
Trainer and Assessor, Certificates in Tourism Guiding
and Outdoor Recreation (bushwalking, rock climbing and
abseiling), Mick's role is the training and assessing
of Guides and Leaders in our diverse industry. Mick
is a fully accredited Savannah Guide and has won the
2004 NT Tourism Award for 'Outstanding Interpretive
Guide'. He is very passionate about the Top End, particularly
where he calls 'home' the Katherine Region.
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Mike
Searl
South
American Tour Leader, Adventure Activities Senior Instructor,
Corporate Program Coordinator, a Batchelor of Education
and a degree in Physical Education and Health; Mike
would have to be the most qualified of all the crew.
Based in Sydney and eager for an excuse to spend time
in the Top End, Mike has introduced many different groups
to the rivers and parks of the Northern Territory.
With years of guiding and entertaining behind him and
a few more for the future, Mike has taken to knowing
and showing the rivers to our guests without hesitation.
He has been visiting the Territory for 8 years now,
his passion is fishing and his expertise is facilitating
enjoyable experiences.
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Jeff
Woodward
Growing
up on a family farm in Warracknabeal, Victoria, Jeff
became passionate about the environment and enjoyed
bushwalking & rock climbing adventures, which he
still enjoys when there is time. He enrolled in a three
year degree at La Trobe University in Bendigo, a BA
in Nature Tourism and has also obtained his Certificate
3 in Tourism (Guiding).
After deciding that his interest was environmental,
he became a tour guide, taking on the role of operations
manager at Ayers Rock Resort for Odyssey Tours &
Safaris, (Longitude 131). 2003 saw a move to Odyssey
Tours & Safaris in Darwin, where he became a Savannah
Guide Roving Interpreter, touring in and around Kakadu,
Litchfield and Katherine and in 2006, Katherine became
home and he joined the Gecko Tours crew which enabled
him to become part of developing our new product range
known as Speargrass Experience. Jeff is now a fully
accredited Savannah Guide and has a major role in managing
operations of the Manyallaluk Cultural Tour.
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Joan
Jerram
In
1986 Joan first graced the lands of the Northern Territory,
immediately falling in love with it and knowing full
well that it would one day be home. Who would have guessed
that by the year 2002, Joan would be a major share holder
in a specialised tourism business!
Joan is the shop front of the business, often the first
friendly voice that people become familiar with. Joan
has tried first hand, the tour products and knows them
well. Falling in, with our policy of having highly accredited
people, Joan attained Certificate III in Tourism Operations,
is a member of the Savannah Guides and administers the
Tourism Business Accreditation for Gecko Tours Pty Ltd.
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Testimonials
2006
- Carole Sorensen & Poul - KR3
On the sandy banks of the Katherine River We lay in our swags,
trying not to shiver The shovel is ready, if we need to go
100 metres inland, so don't walk too slow The stars are much
brighter, the sky is so clear The days warm and sunny, it's
a great time of year The river is waiting, with rapids for
fun Mick's here to guide us, so we won't come undone There's
birds and frogs and little crocs too And lots of green trees,
under a sky of blue And candelight dinners with lots of red
wine As dusk falls and night comes, we are all feeling fine
Pancakes for breakfast, and Micks mix to drink We are floating
along and take time to think It's an Aussie Adventure, and
just for a while We've paddled the Katherine with "Gecko"
in style.
2006
- Julie Parker - KD5
I loved: the change in the spirit of the rivers sleeping under
the stars and full moon the relaxed pace warm water, so getting
wet was not a problem the bird life away from the rest of
the world and it's concerns your attention and consideration
to the finer details, which all go to making this a perfect
trip.
2006
- Carole & Poul Sorensen - KAK3
Kakadu is a spiritual place We climbed small mountains And
admired the space There were crocs and birdlife and stars
ever bright And sunset on Yellow Waters was a magical sight
Rock wallabies and Egrets and big Barras too Dingo's and Buffalo
and the odd Jabiru Termite mounds and billabongs and wetlands
to view It's a place to spend time in, not just pass through.
2005
- Carolyn (Dot) Sheehan - KD7
We six piled into the troopy & headed for the river The start
of the adventure made me shiver Local knowledge & history
given on our way out of town All faces had smiles & not a
hint of a frown With our gear all stowed, paddling & safety
instructions all done It was into our kayaks for 7 days &
nights of fun We paddled our crafts with all different styles
But the one common thread was our constant smiles The rivers
are home to many beautiful plants & animals And Mick & Jenn
organised things so our impact was minimal I enjoyed the birds,
fish, turtles & crocs And manoeuvering my kayak around the
rocks The days were relaxed & easy paced It was a holiday
not an Olympic race Morning tea, lunch & nibblies before tea
Even a baked dinner it was all there to please We came together
for adventure & fun Enjoying spectacular scenery, wildlife
& sun I'll always treasure the memories & friendships all
made anew
2005
- Marita Caprara - JT10
Jatbula Bushwalk and 5 Day Katherine River. Both are so different
and in spite of it, they are so similar. Everything happens
in nature, you spend 24 hours in it and you feel like you
are part of this unique nature. Having a watch and keeping
track of time is not relevant, as everything you need will
be given or taken by the environment. Keep your eyes and senses
open and you will see and experience incredible things. I
am not sure that anything else will ever beat this experience.
Thanks for the introduction into your part of the world.
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About
us - 'Australia 4 Wheel Drive Rentals'
incorporating www.australia4tours.com group of websites
As
one of the Northern Territory's leading small group safari,
sightseeing, charter, tour and selfdrive
specialists "Australia 4 Wheel Drive Rentals a Darwin
Travel Agent License Number NT 094. Incorporating www.australia4tours.com,
www.kakaduayersrocktours.com and www.australia4wheeldriverentals.com.
We seek out tours from only experienced tour companies to
some of Australia's most famous landmarks including Uluru
(Ayers Rock) and Kakadu National Park.
From
the tropical Top End to the spiritual heart of the Red Centre,
from Aboriginal Culture to abundant wildlife - then onto Adelaide
and Cairns we have sourced an excellent range of tours for
your next vacation in Australia. Our experienced staff have
collectively over 30 years in the travel industry will help
you discover the best of these unique and special tours offers.
Australia
4 Wheel Drive Rentals
Australia Business Number 54 561 356 425
Australian
NT Licensed Travel Agent No. 094
Tel: International 0061 (0)8 89 453 338 Fax International
0061 (0)8 89 455 507
Mobile: International +61 400 278958
Email:
info@australia4tours.com
341 McMillans Road, Anula, Darwin 0812, Northern Territory,
Australia
Postal address for correspondence: P.O.Box 3410, Darwin, Northern
Territory, Australia 0801
Australia
4 Wheel Drive Rentals 2002. All rights reserved.
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MISSION
STATEMENT
As one of the Northern Territory's leading small group safari
specialists "Australia 4 Wheel Drive Rentals"
(incorporating www.australia4tours.com), we seek out tours
to some of Australia's most famous landmarks including Uluru
(Ayers Rock) and Kakadu National Park. From the sunny tropical
Top End in it's dry and spectacular wet season's to the spiritual
heart of the sandy Red Centre, from Aboriginal Culture to
abundant wildlife and incredable flora - then onto Melbourne,
Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane, Sydney and Cairns we have sourced
an excellent range of tours for your next vacation in Australia.
Our
experienced staff will help you discover the best of these
unique and special tours offers across Australia with camping
safaris to one day sight seeing coach trips, ecotourisim adventure
camping safaris in Kakadu National Park and Uluru (Ayers Rock)
from Alice Springs and Ayers Rock Resort (Uluru) in Northern
Territory including learning about Aboriginal culture.
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