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The
Connections Adventures Tours (Australia)
Extended
Tours
Selection
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Great
Western Safari 18 Days
Perth
to Darwin in Western Australia
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Western
Australia: Australia’s largest state, Western Australia
is commonly referred to as ‘WA’. Located on the opposite
coast to Sydney – it has a laid-back feel and stunning scenery.
Still relatively undiscovered, WA’s popularity with tourists
is constantly growing due to its gems such as the Ningaloo
Reef, Monkey Mia and The Bungle Bungles.
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Tour
Prices:
2006
Prices to be announced soon
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| 1st
April 2006 - 30th September 2006 |
JWA18
- Ex Perth |
JWA18R-
Ex Darwin |
| 1st
April 2006 - 30th September 2006 |
AUD
$2420.00 (2005 Prices) |
AUD
$2420.00 (2005 Prices) |
| Triple
Supplement |
AUD
$15.00 |
AUD
$15.00 |
| Couple
Supplement |
AUD
$40.00 |
AUD
$40.00 |
| Single
Supplement |
AUD
$95.00 |
AUD
$95.00 |
All
prices are in Australian Dollars
SPECIAL-
Conditions apply: BOOK
this tour thru this site and receive a 5% discount of
the recommended price. |
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| Tour
Depart Dates: |
| 2006
–Apr 15, 16* |
2006
–May 6, 7*, 27, 28* |
| 2006
–Jun 17, 18* |
2006
–Jul 8, 9*, 29, 30* |
| 2006
–Aug 19, 20* |
2006
–Sep 9, 10* |
| *Departure
dates marked with an asterisk operate in reverse. |
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| Tour
Departs: |
JWA18
– Normal Itinerary
7.15am: Billabong Backpackers Resort, 381 Beaufort Street,
Highgate, Perth
7.30am: Aarons Hotel Perth, 70 Pier Street, Perth |
Tour
Departs:
– Reverse Itinerary |
JWA18R
– Reverse Itinerary
7.15am: Melaleuca On Mitchell, 50 Mitchell Street, Darwin
7.30am: Mirambeena Tourist Resort, 64 Cavenagh Street, Darwin
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| Tour
Finishes: |
JWA18
– Normal Itinerary
6pm: Mirambeena Tourist Resort, 64 Cavenagh Street, Darwin
6.15pm: Melaleuca On Mitchell, 50 Mitchell Street, Darwin |
Tour
Finishes:
–
Reverse Itinerary |
JWA18R
– Reverse Itinerary
6pm: Aarons Hotel Perth, 70 Pier Street, Perth
6.15pm: Billabong Backpackers Resort, 381 Beaufort Street,
Highgate, Perth |
| Vehicles
+ People: |
We
use vehicles that can accommodate from 18 to 34 passengers
depending on the location and terrain. This means you will
not get lost in the crowd but there will be enough people
to provide variety and depth to your personal experience whilst
on tour. Our passengers |
| What
to Bring: |
Suggestions:
hat & sunscreen, walking boots, sunscreen
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| What's
Included: |
*Travel the challenging Gibb River Road
* Sightseeing in Perth
* Explore Nambung National Park (The Pinnacles Desert)
* Meet the dolphins at Monkey Mia
* Visit Kalbarri National Park
* Cruise to Ningaloo Reef at Coral Bay
* Explore the gorges of the West Kimberley including Windjana,
Bells and Manning
* 1 night at El Questro Wilderness Reserve
* Explore Purnululu National Park
* Experience bush camping in The Kimberley
* Visit Port Hedland
* Explore Karijini National Park
* 3 nights in Broome
* See Tunnel Creek
* 4WD touring through The Bungle Bungles
* See Emma and El Questro Gorges
* Visit Kununurra
* Experience Lake Argyle
* See Edith Falls
* All campsite fees
* Use of all camping equipment (excluding sleeping bags, these
may be hired for $25 USD)
* All meals as follows: 17 Breakfasts, 13 Lunches, 16 Dinners
Meal Symbols : B Breakfast - L Lunch - D Dinner |
| What's
Not Included: |
What’s
Not Included in Our Prices: Personally incurred expenses such
as alcoholic drinks, souvenirs, telephone, email, laundry
charges, optional excursions etc. Meals or accommodation whilst
travelling to or from your homeport to connect with your holiday.
Any travel cost incurred of whatever nature to or from your
homeport. Any charges levied by island resorts for use of
their facilities. All Options ie: rides, cruises or flights
etc are not included unless stated. |
| Places
of Interest: |
Perth,
Nambung National Park (The Pinnacles Desert), Kalbarri National
Park, Ningaloo Reef, Karijini National Park, Broome,El Questro
Gorges, The Bungle Bungles, Lake Argyle, Edith Falls. |
| Tour
Code: |
CA/JWA18
or CA/JWA18R (Reverse Option) |
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Itinerary:
Great Western Safari 18 Days - Perth to Darwin or Darwin to
Perth
Itineraries may vary due to seasonal weather conditions. |
DAY
1: PERTH TO KALBARRI NATIONAL PARK
Leaving Perth behind we travel through the Swan Valley past
numerous wineries on our way to Nambung National Park, home
of the famous “Pinnacles”. Here, a moonscape of coloured quartz,
studded with fascinating limestone pillars makes for a great
photo opportunity! Then to sunny Geraldton before venturing
into Kalbarri National Park. (D) Overnight: Camping |
DAY
2: KALBARRI NATIONAL PARK TO MONKEY MIA
Time to explore Kalbarri National Park, an area of wild beauty
and ancient landscapes where the Murchison River winds its
way through spectacular gorges on its way to the Indian Ocean.
Next stop Shark Bay and Monkey Mia, home of the wild dolphins.
(B, L, D) Overnight: Lodge |
DAY
3: MONKEY MIA TO CORAL BAY
Relax, enjoy the surroundings and wait for Monkey Mia’s famous
visitors to arrive. Since the early 1960’s the Bottle Nosed
Dolphins who delight everyone with their intelligence and
grace have regularly visited Monkey Mia. Our afternoon drive
takes us via Carnarvon to Coral Bay. (B, L, D) Overnight:
Camping |
DAY
4: CORAL BAY
A leisurely day to enjoy the wonders of Ningaloo Reef
Marine Park. Swim and snorkel in the crystal clear waters
and enjoy the colourful coral formations from a scenic submersible
craft. Optional quad-biking and scenic flights are also available.
(B, D) Overnight: Camping |
DAY
5: CORAL BAY TO KARIJINI NATIONAL PARK
Inland we head to the rugged but beautiful Karijini National
Park, in the Hamersley Range. Bushwalking, breathtaking views,
gorges, waterfalls and tranquil pools in a wild and colourful
setting. Our campsite here deep in the Aussie Outback is special.
(B, L, D) Overnight: Camping |
DAY
6: KARIJINI NATIONAL PARK
Up with the birds as we prepare to explore this intriguing
National Park. We’ll visit Joffre Gorge, Oxers Lookout, Weano
Gorge and take a dip in Fortescue Falls. Tonight we’ll swap
stories under the spectacular southern skies. (B, L, D) Overnight:
Camping |
DAY
7: KARIJINI NATIONAL PARK TO 80 MILE BEACH
Today it’s Port Hedland, a town whose prosperity has been
built on the iron-ore boom of the 1960’s. Here, iron-ore from
some of the world’s largest mines is loaded onto some of the
ore carriers for international consumption. Our camp tonight
is on the sweeping shores of 80 Mile Beach, complete with
great views of the Indian Ocean. (B, L, D) Overnight: Camping
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DAY
8: 80 MILE BEACH TO BROOME
Back on the Great Northern Highway as we head to the fascinating
township of Broome, a cosmopolitan town built on the discovery
of pearling grounds. Tonight we venture into town for a meal
out at a local restaurant. (B) Overnight: Camping |
DAY
9 & DAY 10: BROOME
First up today, a visit to the Japanese Cemetery and we also
check out the old pearling houses. The local shopping precinct
is full of shops and cafes, so it is a good time to restock
or enjoy a variety of water sports at the awesome Cable Beach.
The late afternoon camel rides here are also great fun or
just watch the magnificent sunset on the Indian Ocean. This
is chill out time, Broome style. (Bx2, Dx2) Overnight: Camping
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DAY
11: BROOME TO WINDJANA GORGE
Here we’ll change vehicles and get more into our 4WD adventure
as we head to explore the awesome Kimberley. We travel via
the township of Derby and visit the famous Boab Prison Tree
before we set up camp at beautiful Windjana Gorge – an area
where sheer cliffs tower above white sands and freshwater
crocodiles are often seen sunning themselves in the afternoon.
(B, L, D) Overnight: Camping |
DAY
12: THE KIMBERLEY/GIBB RIVER ROAD and GORGES
Stunning views of the King Leopold Ranges as we travel to
Bells Creek Gorge and a refreshing swim in the lower plunge
pool is a must before we commence our journey along the challenging
Gibb River Road. Tonight a bush camp deep in the Kimberleys.
(B, L, D) Overnight: Bush Camp |
DAY
13: THE KIMBERLEY/GIBB RIVER ROAD and GORGES
The challenge of exploring the Gibb River Road continues today.
We will visit some of the outstanding Gorges in the region,
with probably the best known and most striking being Manning.
Depending on the conditions on the day our crew will decide
as to which Gorge is the most appropriate to visit, with other
possibilities being Galvins and Adcock Gorges. (B, L, D) Overnight:
Bush Camp |
DAY
14: GIBB RIVER ROAD TO EL QUESTRO
Across the Pentecost River, and to the stunning scenery of
the El Questro Wilderness Reserve, surrounded by the Cockburn
Ranges. Here a walk to Emma Gorge is challenging but the swim
makes it more than worthwhile. Other activities include an
optional cruise on Chamberlain Gorge or a refreshing dip in
the thermal waters of Zebedee Springs. (B, L, D) Overnight:
Camping |
DAY
15: EL QUESTRO TO BUNGLE BUNGLES
Southwards to the tiny settlement of Turkey Creek, where once
again we test the terrain conquering ability of our 4WD vehicle.
Once at The Bungle Bungles we will set up camp and swap stories
around our campfire. (B, L, D) Overnight: Camping |
DAY
16: BUNGLE BUNGLES
A day to explore some of the unique striped rock domes that
comprise The Bungle Bungles. Specifically we will visit the
very impressive Cathedral Gorge, Echidna Chasm and the unique
Frog Hole. Then it is back to camp to review the days activities.
(B, L, D) Overnight: Camping |
DAY
17: BUNGLE BUNGLES TO TIMBER CREEK
First stop today is the township of Kununurra situated on
the Ord River. We’ll stop for more supplies before we visit
Hidden Valley National Park and then head out to the massive
expanse of water that is Lake Argyle. Our afternoon drive
takes us past Gregory National Park and onto Timber Creek.
(B, L, D) Overnight: Camping |
DAY
18: TIMBER CREEK TO DARWIN
The final leg of our journey will take us north to Katherine
and if time permits we’ll have a refreshing swim at Edith
Falls located in the Nitmiluk National Park. Our destination
is Darwin, tropical capital of the Northern Territory. (B,
L) |
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| About
your trip and Connections Adventures |
Who
are Connections Adventures?
Connections Adventures started as a small family run business
in Tasmania some 26 years ago. Through a great deal of hard
work Connections Adventures has become Australasia's premier
youth tour operator. In 2000 the business was acquired by
the Australian Pacific Group and became an integral part of
your Youth & Adventure division. Whilst we maintain the size
and feel of a small family business we have the security and
backing of Australia's finest touring operation. |
| What’s
Included In Our Prices: All coach transportation as outlined
in our itineraries. Services of a Driver/Tour Leader and Host/Cook.
(Mini-coaches - 18 seats) have a Driver/Tour Leader only)
All accommodation costs incurred during the tour. All meals
as specified in our itineraries. All camping equipment on
applicable tours excluding sleeping bags. All entrance fees
to places of interest as outlined in the "What’s Included"
sections of each tour page. All ferry crossings and launch
cruises as outlined in our itineraries. |
Suitability
for Connections Adventure Tours:
Our passengers come from around the globe, including many
from both Australia and New Zealand. We get an even balance
from the Northern and Southern hemispheres with an equally
balanced mix of men and women. Our passengers will be in the
18 to 35 year old age group, young and adventurous like you.
Our style of adventure: Our culture has always been
based on three key ingredients fun, adventure and involvement.
We firmly believe that to experience the adventure is far
better than to be a bystander. You will travel with like-minded
people Am I an Adventurous type? Well only you can
answer that. The great thing about Connections is that if
you like adventure we have an enormous amount to share with
you. If on the other hand you're not too sure then we can
suggest alternatives that suit your own sense of adventure.
Either way we're the company to help you "Connect to Adventure"
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Level
of fitness required:
Are there fitness requirements? Our tours are designed for
active, independent travellers between 18-35. Our passengers
will be in the 18 to 35 year old age group, young and adventurous
like you. Clients must inform Connections Adventures of any
pre-existing medical problems. In certain circumstances Connections
Adventures may request a doctor's certificate certifying fitness
to travel. |
Getting
there and back:
Connections Adventures, have secured special fares with Qantas
and McCafferty’s Coaches. These fares are only available when
booked in Australia and used in conjunction with a Connections
Adventures holiday. These fares are also subject to availability
and have strict conditions imposed by the respective carriers.
For further information on these fares, contact your Travel
Agent or nearest Connections Adventures booking office. |
Will
I be collected and dropped off at my accommodation?
Connections have designated pick up and drop off locations,
these can be found in both the brochure and on the web site.
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Where
will I stay?
Our accommodation varies depending on the location and availability
of suitable facilities. At the top of the range you can expect
3.5 to 4 star hotels and resorts e.g. Rydges Lakeland Resort
Queenstown and Palm Royale in Cairns. Alternatively in more
remote locations we stay on working cattle stations or in
authentic swags under the stars. No matter what style we've
selected you can be assured it's the best value option for
that location. Do I have to share a room? Our tours
are costed on multi-share accommodation, that is four people
of the same gender to a room. We'll do our very best to ensure
that you are sharing with like minded people of the same gender.
If however you wish to share either a twin, double or simply
stay on your own then we can accommodate your request at the
time of booking. Just let us know your preference and we will
provide you with the price for alternate accommodation configuration.
Sleeping Bags: A sleeping bag (Not required for our
NT tours) is required for West Australian tours only, which
is indicated on the appropriate tour page. If you do not have
a sleeping bag please advise us when making your reservation
as these may be hired for $25 AUD per person per tour. A travelling
rug (blanket) and inflatable pillow are also useful on camping
tours. |
I
cannot speak English will there be a translator?
Our tours are all conducted in English, some of our Tour Leaders
can speak a second language but we do not promote it as an
inclusion. It is highly likely that given our diverse nationalities
that one of the other passengers may be able to assist. |
What
Do I Eat?
An adventurous feast Our Host/cook will keep you vitalised
and full of energy to enjoy the many activities throughout
your holiday. You will find that Connections includes most
meals, with a selection and variety that will leave you stunned.
If the meal is not included then we'll point you in the right
direction to sample the best on offer at our overnight stay.
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What
about special dietary requirements?
Our talented cooks can cater for just about anything, so
long as they have enough advance warning. Just let us know
what it is you require and we'll confirm our ability to
meet your needs.
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How
much water do clients need to drink?
Some Doctors advise that between 2 and 3 litres (10-12 glasses)
of water per day is essential when travelling in Northern
Australia. All vehicles carry adequate water supplies. |
What
are the vehicles like?
Our fleet of modern air-conditioned vehicles feature reclining
seats, video, and compact disc player, plenty of luggage space
and spacious windows to take in the scenery. Depending on
the tour and itinerary these vehicles may range from 18 seater
Toyota Coaster in Tasmania up to our largest vehicles, the
34 seater mid size coaches we use for most of our other tours.
No matter what the size they all share the same creature comforts
to ensure a smooth pleasant ride. |
How
much free time will there be?
We know that holidays are about relaxation. We also know that
you want to see and do as much as possible. Accordingly we
have planned as much free time as possible, basically there
will always be a choice to do as little or as much as you
like. The one thing we cannot change is that both New Zealand
and Australia have an awesome amount of great things to see
and to get to most of them there will be some days that involve
travelling in the coach. Where possible we have punctuated
these days with two or three night stopovers at key locations
so you can kick back and relax! |
The
nightlife:
Both Australia & New Zealand feature simply amazing nightlife.
The southern skies are filled with the most amazing light
shows each and every night. Whether you're under the myriad
of natural splendor in the outback or the dazzling streetscape
of a sophisticated city centre, there is always plenty to
see and do on a Connections Adventure. |
| Luggage:
How much luggage is allowed? We ask that clients limit
their luggage. Luggage is restricted to one reasonable sized
suitcase and a small airways bag. Will my bags be delivered
to my room each night? If you expect porterage, then this
probably isn't the adventure program for you. We'll generally
try and assist where and if it's completely necessary but
many of our accommodation houses are not designed for this
kind of service. |
What
to bring: A sleeping bag is required for West Australian
tours only, which is indicated on the appropriate tour page.
If you do not have a sleeping bag please advise us when making
your reservation as these may be hired for $25 AUD per person
per tour. A travelling rug (blanket) and inflatable pillow
are also useful on camping tours. A suggested clothing list
can be viewed on our web-site: www.connections1835.com.au.
Clients have also present a valid ticket
from us 'Australia 4 Wheel Drive Rentals' for travel to the
guide at departure. |
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Do
clients need to reconfirm their tour? Yes, passengers
must contact the Reservations Department nominated on their
ticket quoting their 6 digit booking number before 4pm the
day prior to travel with both the name of their accommodation,
room number and pick up time. Failure
to do so could result in the cancellation of their booking!
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Children:
This tour is not design for children |
| Insurance:
Please consider it an important service to your clients to
encourage them to purchase comprehensive travel insurance
before leaving home. We strongly recommend that all passengers
be fully covered by insurance. Liability: Whilst we
make every effort to safeguard our clients and their belongings,
we cannot be held responsible for personal injury or loss
due to events which are beyond our control. Passengers should
note that adventure travel involves a higher than normal risk
and a signed release will be required from all participants
before tour departure. You are required to take out travel
insurance to cover for loss of deposit, cancellation charges,
medical expenses, damage to luggage and additional expenses.
Your nearest Connections Adventures booking office or Travel
Agent will be happy to arrange your insurance cover. You will
not be accepted on a holiday unless you have arranged insurance
cover. |
Terms:
Please note that all itineraries are a guideline only and
are subject to change. Conditions
of Travel:This tour company reserves the right to alter
the route or itinerary of any of its tours and arrange alternative
carriers to those advertised if necessary. No refunds will
be given in these circumstances or in the event of any delay,
curtailment or alteration of a trip resulting from any cause
including severe weather conditions or mechanical failure.
A minimum number of passengers is required to operate each
tour. It may therefore be necessary to cancel a scheduled
departure and to offer an alternative or full refund for that
tour. Adventure Tours can't guarantee pick up or drop off
times and are not liable for passenger failure to connect
with other services. We accept no responsibility for loss
or damage to personal belongings or baggage.
Smoking & Drinking: Australian Government regulations
prohibit smoking and the drinking of alcohol inside tourist
vehicles in Australia (smoking and drinking should be limited
to stops along the route). |
| Cancelation
fees |
| Outside
42 Days |
Loss
of deposit $100 person + 15% of Gross Fare Plus Deposit |
| 16-42
Days |
20%
of Gross Fare Plus Deposit |
| 2-15
Days |
50%
of Gross Fare Plus Deposit |
| 48
hours to pickup-including no show |
100%
of Fare Including Plus Deposit |
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| Weather
Reports and Currency
Conversion Guide for your use. |
| Booking
Conditions: Payment in full is required for this tour
at the time of booking. |
| 2004
Australia4tours Website by RAB 2005 |
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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 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 will help you discover the best of these
unique and special tours offers across Australia. Get connected
to where you’re going. Australia is an amazing country with
vast open spaces and incredible scenery in every region.
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