Lava Tubes to Lawn Hill - 19 MAY - 03 JUN 2021 (15 NIGHTS) Highlights - International Park Tours
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Lava Tubes to Lawn Hill
19 MAY - 03 JUN 2021 (15 NIGHTS)
Highlights
• Explore the best of Queensland's north & outback on this 16-day journey
• Spend two nights in unique accommodation at eco-accredited Undara Experience
• Discover Undara National Park with award winning Savanah Guides
• Experience Karumba on the Gulf of Carpentaria on land and water
• Unwind on the slow train journey aboard the historic Gulflander from Normanton
• Enjoy a sunset river cruise, crocodile & bird watching plus local seafood dinners
• Walk lush gorges, swim & canoe in the incredible Boodjamulla National Park (Lawn Hill)
• Soak up country towns of Croydon, Mt Isa, Cloncurry, Richmond & Charters Towers
• Learn about palaeontology at Riversleigh Fossil Centre & World Heritage site
Starting in Cairns this 16-day journey travels west via Crater Lakes National
Park, staying two nights in Undara’s unique railway carriages where we are
welcomed into the outback with a spectacular sunset tour. Savannah Guides
introduce us to the fascinating world of Undara Volcanic National Park as we
explore the world’s longest single vent lava flow. Continuing west we spend two
nights in Normanton, gateway to the Gulf of Carpentaria’s major fishing port
of Karumba and take time to visit Les Wilson Barramundi Fishing Centre and
unwind on a cruise along the Norman River – a perfect place to spot saltwater
crocodiles and migratory birds among the mangroves. No visit to Normanton
would be complete without a train ride aboard the historic Gulflander, a 1950
railmotor (also known as the Tin Hare). Travelling south west, we stay three
nights at Adel’s Grove and explore the lush gorges of Boodjamulla National
Park / Lawn Hill, with its palm-fringed waterholes and sheer sandstone walls.
Here we canoe the waterways, swim in rock pools and walk to viewing points
and Aboriginal rock art. Continuing on we visit the Riversleigh World Heritage DETAILS
Site and explore the Riversleigh Fossils Centre in Mt Isa. During our two-day
stopover we include a visit to Isa Experience providing a fascinating insight into Price: Twin share/person (starts Cairns /
ends Townsville)
the mining industry development to the cultural diversity of Mount Isa. At the
John Flynn museum in Cloncurry, we learn about the history of the Royal Flying Advanced Early Bird: (until 19 Jan 2021)
Doctor Service. In the regional town of Richmond, we search for dinosaur A$7,795.00
fossils at the renowned Richmond Marine Fossil Museum, also known as
Regular: A$8,295
Kronosaurus Korner. The tour ends in Townsville.
Single Supplement: A$1,125
Note: For guests who request a single
room the single supplement will be
charged. For single people who prefer to
share, we will try to find a suitable room-
mate, but if this is not possible the single
supplement surcharge will apply.
Minimum Group Size: 8 guests
Special Interest: Wildlife, Botanical,
Geology, History, Archaeology
For bookings call 07 5533 3583 | visit www.parktours.com.au | or email info@parktours.com.au | 1
Lava Tubes to Lawn Hill
19 MAY - 03 JUN 2021 (15 NIGHTS) FAQ
WALKING RATING What COVID-SAFE procedures are in place for tours?
During our walking holiday strict COVID SAFE hygiene
Easy: 3-10km per walking day, on mostly well graded tracks with some procedures will be in place. These include, but are not limited
moderate options including steeper sections on non-graded tracks to:
with rough terrain. This tour is for anyone with a good level of fitness,
and bushwalking experience. We reserve the right to be flexible with • Complimentary hand sanitiser will be available on tour
the itinerary to allow for unforeseen circumstances including weather • Daily health checks will be undertaken by your guide,
conditions, track closures and group fitness. in line with Queensland Health requirements. More
information will be provided to you before the start of the
tour.
INCLUSIONS • Physical or social distancing will be practiced during our
daily activities. The current advice from the Department
• 15 nights twin share accommodation – Motel (3-4 star), homestead
of Health is for everyone to keep at least 1.5 metres apart
style with private facilities and onsite tents/railway carriages with shared from others (outside of their family unit) where possible.
facilities for 5 nights
• Meals include - 15 Breakfasts (B),11 Lunches (L), 14 Dinners (D) • Additional cleaning will be undertaken as required
• Private bus throughout program Please note ParkTours will comply with new policies and
• National park, museum, heritage and fossil centre entry fees where procedures as they are made available through our industry
noted authorities and Government to keep you safe and healthy
• Undara exploration tours as noted, Gulflander rail journey whilst on tour.
• Professional tour leader assisted when required by local tour guides How & when to book?
• Basic group tips where required To place your booking, simply visit www.parktours.com.au
• Pre-departure material including background & personalised A-Z tour and select the “Bookings” page, or complete a Tour Booking
information form and return by post or email with your $A500 deposit.
Once you have booked on a tour, we will stay in contact with
regular mailings (see below).
EXCLUSIONS What information and contact can I expect?
When you send your initial deposit, we will contact you to
• Travel arrangements to start / end of tour
confirm your booking. Please do not book any flights or travel
• Airfares & taxes arrangements until our office contacts you to advise that
• Heavy or excess baggage your tour has been confirmed to depart. Once the tour has
• Travel insurance been confirmed to depart, a comprehensive pre-departure
• Personal expenses e.g. alcoholic drinks, speciality teas and coffees, information pack will be sent to you, including a Tour A-Z,
laundry or optional tours suggested packing list, medical questionnaire, balance of
• General tips outside of basic group tips payment invoice, and pre / post accommodation options.
The final mailing is sent approximately two weeks before
departure and includes final tour information, meeting points,
TOUR LEADER accommodation and guest list. This will also include any
additional documentation required under new Covid-Safe
Twice-named ‘Eco Guide of the Year’ by Ecotourism procedures.
Australia, Barry Davies is one of the most experienced
What is the group size?
nature tour leaders within Australia and New Zealand,
We specialise in small group travel with a tour size normally
with a particular passion for birds and wildlife. Since
between 8 to 18 guests. Consideration will be given for
2008 Barry has been a naturalist and lecturer aboard physical distancing regulations for bus travel. Please refer
an expedition vessel visiting islands from Fiji to to the front page for details on the minimum group size for
Papua New Guinea and has lead tours in Papua this particular tour. All tours need a minimum number of
New Guinea, Borneo, Vietnam, Cambodia, Australia participants to operate at the price listed in the itinerary. If the
and New Zealand. His previous work background, as naturalist guide minimum number is not reached, a tour may still operate with
and activities manager at Binna Burra Mountain Lodge, coupled with a surcharge.
independent guiding explorations with his own specialist touring company,
How fit do I have to be?
Gondwana Guides, provide him with considerable cumulative knowledge
When you are assessing your ability to participate, age is not
of the ecological and biological nature of all regions within Australia, New
necessarily as important as your fitness and recent walking
Zealand and the South Pacific Rim. experience. Please read the tour walk rating and the day-
by-day walking descriptions in the itinerary to determine if
the tour is suitable for your fitness level. If you have any
Click map to view
queries, we are happy to put you in touch with either the tour
in Google Maps
coordinator or tour leader to discuss your fitness in more
detail.
What gear and equipment do I need to take?
Because we focus on half and full day walks, returning to
our accommodation in the afternoon, you don’t need to carry
any more than a daypack with rain wear, sunscreen, drinking
water, camera and lunch. We recommend walking poles and
hiking boots on most of our tours as they offer good ankle
support and grip. A detailed packing list is included with your
tour’s information pack.
For bookings call 07 5533 3583 | visit www.parktours.com.au | or email info@parktours.com.au | 2
Lava Tubes to Lawn Hill TOUR ITINERARY 19 MAY - 03 JUN 2021 (15 NIGHTS) Day 1 – Wed 19 May | Cairns Our walking holiday starts in the city of Cairns, Tropical North Queensland - famed as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Meet your tour leader, along with the remainder of the group, at 6:30pm in the lobby of our centrally located hotel, the Bay Village. After group introductions and tour briefing, we enjoy a delightful welcome dinner at the hotel restaurant. Meals: D Walks: None Day 2 – Thu 20 May | Atherton Tablelands / Undara This morning, we begin our 300km scenic drive from Cairns to Undara, via the Atherton Tablelands. Time permitting, we will take in some of the beautiful national parks along the way, and if lucky may spot a cassowary or two. Continuing south west along the Kennedy Highway we settle into unique railway carriage accommodation - at the award-winning Undara Lodge for the next two nights. Late afternoon we join the lodges sunset tour, a wonderful way to be welcomed into outback Queensland. Meals: B, L, D Walks: Short strolls Day 3 – Fri 21 May | Undara Volcanic National Park Undara Volcanic National Park (61,500ha) features the remnants of one of earth’s longest lava flows originating from a single volcano. The park offers a fascinating insight into the volcanic and botanic history of the area - rich basalt soils covered by native grasses conceal the Undara lava tube, one of the longest lava tube cave systems in the world. This geological wonder winds its way under a ribbon of remnant dry rainforest. This morning, we enjoy a tour of the lava tubes with a local Savannah guide, a regional specialist to the area. After lunch, there is the opportunity for a self-guided walk around the rim of the Kalkani Crater, an extinct volcano with excellent views of the collapsed line of the lava tubes. Meals: B, L, D Walks: 2hr lava tube tour / easy-moderate 1.5hr Kalkani Crater rim walk Day 4 – Sat 22 May | Undara / Croydon After a creative bush breakfast, served up by the Undara staff, we take a leisurely drive further west stopping at Georgetown to visit the Terrestrial Visitor Information Centre. The Ted Elliott Mineral Collection comprises over 4,500 specimens and is magnificently displayed throughout nine themed rooms, ranging from local mining to specimens from around the world, rivalled only by the Geological Museum in Canberra. We continue to Croydon, a town steeped in gold rush history dating back to 1885 along with many heritage buildings. In the heart of the Gulf Savannah, Croydon was a large pastoral holding, when first settled. Croydon is a unique reminder of the fierce determination an outback community can have despite the major obstacles of distance and climate. Tonight, we stay in motel units adjacent to the 110-year-old Club Hotel, the very best accommodation in town... in fact, the only accommodation in town! Meals: B, L Walks: Local strolls Day 5 – Sun 23 May | Karumba We continue north to the delightful town of Normanton with an excess of old-world charm as well as being the gateway to the Gulf of Carpentaria and our home for the next two nights. Originally home to Gkuthaarn / Kukatj / Kurtijar peoples, the first European explorer For bookings call 07 5533 3583 | visit www.parktours.com.au | or email info@parktours.com.au | 3
Lava Tubes to Lawn Hill TOUR ITINERARY 19 MAY - 03 JUN 2021 (15 NIGHTS) was Ludwig Leichhardt, followed by Burke and Wills. We spend the afternoon in Karumba, a prawn-fishing town on the Norman River in the south eastern corner of the Gulf of Carpentaria, visiting the Les Wilson Barramundi Discovery Centre with a late afternoon sunset cruise on the Norman River with the chance of spotting saltwater crocodiles, mangrove endemic and migratory birds, finishing with a tasty dinner at one of the seafood restaurants before returning to Normanton. Meals: B, L, D Walks: Local strolls Day 6 – Mon 24 May | Gul lander Train / Normanton For a change of pace, we board the Gulflander train from Normanton to Critters Creek for morning tea. This historic train takes us on a journey through the tough and inhospitable Gulf Country from wetlands to dry Savannah grasslands. Also known as the ‘Tin Hare’, this rail motor is one of the last great characters of the rail world. Affectionately said to go from ‘nowhere to nowhere’, this Heritage Listed line was never connected to the state rail network and remains the only line in Queensland still measured in miles. The line itself was laid in a unique method with a specialised sleeper design to minimise damage from seasonal flood waters. Testament to the ingenuity of this design is that today much of the line is still the original rail and sleepers laid between 1888 and 1891. Your tour leader will meet you on arrival, returning you to Normanton. The afternoon is at leisure or you may choose to join your tour leader on an exploration of the nearby wetland’s conservation park, just past Krys the Crocodile (a statue in tribute to one of the locals). Meals: B, D Walks: Your choice Day 7 – Tue 25 May | Travel to Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park We spend the day travelling to Adels Grove, adjacent to Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park. The route takes us south to the Burke and Wills Roadhouse then west to Gregory Downs on the banks of the Gregory River. Set in the semi-arid spinifex clad hill of the Constance Range, Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park is a true oasis with rainforest surrounding the water filled gorge, a haven for wildlife. Adels Grove is ideally situated 10km from the park entrance and we settle in for a three-night stay in safari style tents near the emerald green waters of Lawn Hill Creek. Meals: B, L, D Walks: Short strolls Day 8 – Wed 26 May | Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park Today we admire spectacle Boodiamulla gorge country, sandstone ranges and of course the oasis of Lawn Hill Gorge which carves a serpentine ribbon of green through the dry savannah landscape. The vivid orange sandstone cliffs of the gorge tower above stunning green lime-rich waters of Lawn Hill Creek. Walks will vary over the next few days ranging from 5-10km with some longer options on offer climbing to the upper gorge to enjoy spectacular vistas. Meals: B, L, D Walks: Vary from flat, easy trails ranging from 5km to 10km with longer options on offer with moderate rocky sections. Some have short ascents & descents of 50 - 80m Day 9 – Thu 27 May | Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park We enjoy another day of exploration in Boodjamulla where we explore the surrounds of the spectacular gorge country. Join your tour leader n the schedule walk of the day with the opportunity to view For bookings call 07 5533 3583 | visit www.parktours.com.au | or email info@parktours.com.au | 4
Lava Tubes to Lawn Hill TOUR ITINERARY 19 MAY - 03 JUN 2021 (15 NIGHTS) ancient rock art and stone engravings or take the time to experience the gorges in canoes, weaving your way to a waterfall where you can safely swim. Meals: B, L, D Walks: Vary from flat, easy trails ranging from 5km to 10km with longer options on offer with moderate rocky sections. Some have short ascents & descents of 50 - 80m Day 10 – Fri 28 May | Riversleigh World Heritage-listed Fossil Fields/ Mt Isa This morning we travel two hours south to the Riversleigh World Heritage-listed Fossil Fields, in another section of Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park, where we are joined by a regional specialist who will share stories about this ancient ground. This is one of Australia’s key fossil deposits preserving a snapshot of an entire rainforest environment dating back over 25 million years. Excavations revealed a plethora of fossilised mammals including wombat-like marsupials, carnivorous kangaroos, vast numbers of bats and other fossilised animals including giant flightless birds, tree-climbing crocodiles and horned turtles. We continue a further 270km to Mount Isa, the ‘Oasis of the Outback’, where we stay for two nights in a centrally located motel. Meals: B, L, D Walks: Easy-moderate 2 hr walk at Riversleigh Fossil site Day 11 – Sat 29 May | Mount Isa / Isa Experience & Outback Park Today we continue the ‘fossil fauna’ theme with a visit to the Riversleigh Fossil Museum for more insights into the worlds’ most important fossil fields. Other ancestral marsupial forms found at Riversleigh include moles, bandicoots, marsupial ‘lions’, koalas, wombats, kangaroos and possums. The town of Mount Isa has a long history of mining and the smelter stacks dominate the skyline. A visit to the award-winning Isa Experience provides an insight into the mining industry development to the cultural diversity of Mount Isa shown in the theatrette movies, to the depictions of the quirkiness of daily life in the early days, the exhibit is vibrant and entertaining. Located in the same property is the Outback Park - an extensive creative landscape with a central lagoon surrounded by lush native plants and a Lawn Hill gorge inspired waterfall. Optional Hard Times Mine Underground Tour is available at an additional cost (approx. $85, concession may apply). Meals: B, D Walks: Easy exhibit walks – additional if doing mine tour Day 12 – Sun 30 May | Cloncurry / Richmond Our journey continues east to Cloncurry where we visit John Flynn Place Museum, which honours an Australian visionary and those who joined his campaign for better living conditions in remote Australia. It records an era of technological advance when aviation and radio overcame the isolation of vast tracts of Australia. In particular, it records the role of Cloncurry within this great story, for it was here that John Flynn began his flying doctor experiment in 1928 and pioneered his dream of outback radio communication. We continue to Hughenden, a small town on the Overlanders Way, where we stay for two nights. A quintessential Queensland outback town, Hughenden is situated on the banks of the Flinders River, positioned on the edge of Australia’s ancient inland sea which existed between 95 and 120 million years ago leaving behind a rich supply of fossils in the area. Meals: B, L, D Walks: Short strolls For bookings call 07 5533 3583 | visit www.parktours.com.au | or email info@parktours.com.au | 5
Lava Tubes to Lawn Hill TOUR ITINERARY 19 MAY - 03 JUN 2021 (15 NIGHTS) Day 13 – Mon 31 May | Richmond / Kronosaurus Korner Travelling an hour we visit the Kronosaurus Korner complex at Richmond Marine Fossil Museum. This is Australia’s premier marine fossil museum, showcasing over 1,000 unique fossil specimens. While fossils of extinct marine reptiles were found in the area during the 1860s, the most important turning point for developing the museum occurred in 1989 with the discovery of the Richmond Pliosaur. Found on the nearby property of Marathon Station, this was recognised by palaeontologists as one of the best preserved Cretaceous marine reptile fossils in the world. Three months after the Pliosaur excavation, the skeleton of Australia’s most complete dinosaur, Kunbarrasaurus ieversi, was also found on Marathon Station. This earmarked Richmond as one of Australia’s most concentrated fossil sites and encouraged an unprecedented amount of fossicking in the region. Today we will also try our hand at fossicking for fossils at one of the nearby sites. Meals: B, L, D Walks: Short strolls Day 14 – Tue 01 Jun | Flinders Discovery Centre / Charters Towers After breakfast, we visit the Flinders Discovery Centre featuring the seven metre-tall Muttaburrasaurus and the story of the town’s sheep farming. Further east, we stop for a break at White Mountains National Park, one of the most botanically diverse parks of inland Queensland. We arrive in Charters Towers mid to late afternoon. Founded in the 1870s, this beautiful town was built from the proceeds of mining when gold was discovered by accident at Towers Hill. A total of ten major gold reefs were eventually mined and the success of the boom years, were so much that Charters Towers hosted its own stock exchange. After settling into our motel, we enjoy a film “Ghosts after Dark” on Towers Hill before dinner. Meals: B, L, D Walks: Short strolls Day 15 – Wed 02 Jun | Charters Towers / Townsville This morning we join a guided tour through the Old Venus Gold Battery, one of Australia’s most historically significant industrial sites. The battery was the first established on the Charters Towers Goldfields in 1872 and remained operational until its closure in 1973. After lunch, we are joined by a local guide for a historical tour of the town. We continue the final drive north east to Townsville. Our accommodation for the last night of our tour is in the heart of Townsville and tonight we enjoy a farewell group dinner. Meals: B, D Walks: Short walks around the Venus Gold Battery & walking tour of Charters Towers Day 16 – Thu 03 Jun | Tour end Your walking holiday ends after breakfast or in line with your travel plans. You may like to extend your stay in Townsville or explore other areas of the Tropical North. Meals: B Walks: None For bookings call 07 5533 3583 | visit www.parktours.com.au | or email info@parktours.com.au | 6
WALKING HOLIDAYS & ADVENTURES
WHY TRAVEL WITH US?
ParkTours have been leading small group walking holidays since
1975. Our like-minded guests bond easily and often create reunions,
celebrations and friendships, many of them life-long. Our tours are
active with regular half and full day walks. Aside from walking, we
also spend time meeting local people, tasting regional food and
immersing ourselves in the culture and history of a destination. Our
flexibility enables us to adapt to the likes, dislikes and agility of our Responsible Travel
travellers, and changing situations such as weather and unforeseen
For your protection, we are
circumstances. In most locations, we stay 2-3 nights and sometimes
member of the Australian
longer. This allows us to slow down, unpack our bags and enjoy
Federation of Travel Agents
the local atmosphere at different times of the day. Accommodation
(AFTA). Your payments are
is comfortable and unique plus locally owned and operated where
kept in a client account until
possible.
required for payment of your tour.
Our guides are dedicated, informative people who share their passion We are accredited with AFTA Travel
and knowledge on local history, culture, wildlife and topography. Accreditation Scheme (ATAS), a
Our journeys are designed to safeguard the ecosystems; benefit national accreditation scheme, endorsing travel
the communities we visit and contribute to the sustainability of agents who have met strict financial and customer
destinations. Travel is a chance to change your perspective. Nature service criteria. We also have advanced accreditation
always provides a new view if we take the time to look. with Ecotourism Australia, are members of the
Global Sustainable Tourism Council, and a Green
Circle member of Queensland Outdoor Recreation
“I find the organisation and attention to Federation (QORF).
detail is always good. Having travelled
quite a few times with ParkTours now I Serendipity of travel
would not consider a walking tour with Our Leader and local guides will continually work on
any other organization” your behalf to provide a memorable journey. We have
Catherine Eakin planned an intimate adventure, but adventure cannot
be guaranteed. If indeed it could then it would lose its
appeal.
Though we do the best we can to plan a smooth
“I have had a wonderful experience journey, sometimes things change at short notice.
on my ParkTours trips. I know the Some things may take longer than anticipated,
accommodation, meals, etc. will have transport and accommodation arrangements may alter,
the level of comfort I’m looking for” and you may experience occasional shortcomings and
be frustrated by the ‘manana’ attitude; at other times
Anne Stanfield
you will be amazed by local efficiency. Tour itineraries
may need to be modified but this is done so with your
needs in mind and to provide the best tour experience.
Disclaimer of Liability So, be flexible, surprised and delighted with the
Although Park Tours has prepared the Information contained in this itinerary with all due care and updates
serendipity that comes from being open to the
the Information regularly, Park Tours does not warrant or represent that the Information is free from errors or
omission. Whilst the Information is considered to be true and correct at the date of publication, changes in unexpected. Your enjoyment of this journey is
circumstances after the time of publication may impact on the accuracy of the Information. The Information ultimately up to you.
may change without notice and Park Tours is not in any way liable for the accuracy of any information printed
and stored or in any way interpreted and used by a user.
Itinerary Updated: December 4, 2020 3:34 PM
T 07 5533 3583
1069 Binna Burra Road, Beechmont QLD 4211 Australia
info@parktours.com.au | www.parktours.com.au
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