As a result of feedback from you, the customer, Kingstons Tours will be offering a series of shorter tours throughout the remainder of 2010 to compliment the longer tours showcased in our 2010 brochure
You will see below a brief description of these tours, if you would like further information, please do not hesitate to contact us or your local travel agent. We look forward to meeting you on one of our tours soon.
Kind Regards
Craig Coulter & Don Imrie
Please click the links below for more details
During February and March 2010 huge amounts of rain fell in the Channel Country of western Queensland. The inland river system has drained a lot of this water into Lake Eyre. The Diamantina, Warburton, Barcoo and Thompson Rivers are just a few of the creeks and rivers that make up a network of natural drainage that delivers vast amounts of water into two Lakes – Lake Eyre North and Lake Eyre South. These lakes lie within the Lake Eyre National Park which has a combined area of nearly 10,000 square kilometres. For the next two years or so the Lakes will come to life and swarm with pelicans, seagulls and other water birds while fish which have laid dormant in the crust of the dry lake for many years, come to life. Our tour will take us to Marree for the chance to take a spectacular flight to see this rare event - when Lake Eyre is in flood.
Day 1 (D): HOME TO MANNUM – Sunday 31 October, 2010
Welcome to our 7 day tour to the northern outback region of South Australia. It’s a fascinating part of the country and now, with flood waters from Queensland flowing into Lake Eyre, it will also provide us with a perfect opportunity to board a flight from William Creek to take a look. So, once the coach is loaded and we have completed our passenger pick up service we head out along the Western Highway to Horsham, over the South Australian border and then through to the historic river town of Mannum on the Murray River in South Australia for our first night on tour.
Mannum Motel - 08 8569 1808
Day 2 (BD): MANNUM TO THE FLINDERS RANGES N/P – Monday 01 November, 2010
After breakfast we take a brief look at Mannum before continuing through the Mt Lofty Ranges, through the Barossa Valley and north along the Barrier Highway to Burra. When copper was discovered here in 1845 Burra quickly developed into a community of 5000 by 1851. At the same time Adelaide’s population was only 18 000! Today the whole town is on the State Heritage Register preserving its great historical value and mining heritage. We stop here for lunch (own expense) before continuing north to Peterborough. We then head to Orroroo, cross the Wilochra Plain, have a brief stop at the Hawker Pub and arrive late afternoon at the Flinders Ranges National Park. Because it is daylight saving, perhaps some of us would like to stretch our legs with a walk to the lookout!
Wilpena Pound Resort - 08 8648 0004
Day 3 (BLD): WILPENA TO WILLIAM CREEK – Tuesday 02 November, 2010
We travel alongside the Pound this morning to Blinman and then west to Parachilna, through Parachilna Gorge. As we head north to Leigh Creek the huge Lake Torrens National Park (dry salt lake) is on our left and the Northern Flinders and Gammon Ranges are on our right. Lunch today is at the Marree Pub which is located at the junction of the Birdsville and Oodnadatta Tracks. Marree (originally Heggot Springs in the camel train days) is an old rail head and until recently the Ghan used to travel through here. It is now a small service town for the vast properties of the area. We then travel north west along the Oodnadatta Track on our way to William Creek. We are now south of Lake Eyre and will return this way, after our night at William Creek, to get to Roxby Downs – the booming service town for the vast Olympic Dam Mining Project. On arrival at William Creek we check into our accommodation. Apart from the Pub there is not a lot at William Creek, but local operator Wrights Air have aircraft based here for the fascinating flight over Lake Eyre. William Creek is a small settlement with only 3 permanent residents but it sits in the middle of the biggest cattle station in Australia. Address – William Creek, Middle of No-where, South Australia!
William Creek Hotel - 08 8670 7880
Please Note: Accommodation is limited at the William Creek Pub. Not all rooms have ensuite bathrooms and room standards vary
Day 4 (BLD): LAKE EYRE – Wednesday 03 November, 2010
After breakfast Wrights Air will take us on a sensational sightseeing flight over Lake Eyre. Our flight by high, fixed wing aircraft (for great views) leaves William Creek this morning at 8.00am. Over the next two hours we will fly to the southern end of Lake Eyre North - Belt Bay. This bay is the lowest point below sea level in Australia. We track across the bay for Silt Crete Island where there are some Pelican nesting groups and up the Western shoreline of the Babbage Peninsula and up to Dulhunty Island. From there we pick up the Warburton Groove and follow the groove up to the very North of the Lake to the Warburton Inlet. We then follow the Warburton River up the Channel Country to the Kalaweerina Inlet and then return to William Creek. It will be an amazing experience! After an early lunch back at the William Creek Hotel we rejoin our coach and head back along the Oodnadatta Track to the Borefield Road junction just near Curdimurka. The Borefield Road was built when the water pipeline was being constructed from a well on the southern edge of the Great Artesian Basin to Roxby Downs and Olympic Dam. It’s about 110 kms from here to Roxby Downs where we stay overnight.
Roxby Downs Motor Inn - 08 8671 0311
Day 5 (BD): ROXBY DOWNS TO CLARE – Thursday 04 November, 2010
After breakfast we take the opportunity for a quick look around Roxby and the Olympic Dam Mine 10kms to the north. The plentiful supply of water, which is piped in from the Great Artesian Basin, has enabled the local residents to establish some fine gardens despite the desert environment. Even the Roxby Golf Club proudly boasts a number of permanent greens – unlike the “scrapes” which are much more common in arid areas like this. The town has a magnificent indoor stadium with indoor tennis and basketball, a swimming centre with palm trees trucked in from Queensland around its perimeter and even a racecourse! Nearby Olympic Dam is home to one of the most “hi-tech” mining operations in the world. Mid morning we are on the road again, travelling south to Woomera for our lunch stop. Then we continue to Port Augusta at the top of the Spencer Gulf and into the Lower Flinders and the Clare Valley for our overnight stay.
Clare Valley Motel - 08 8842 2799
Day 6 (BLD): CLARE TO MILDURA – Friday 05 November, 2010
Our destination today is Mildura but first we take a look at a couple of interesting spots near Clare. The little village of Mintarois worth a look and then we have arranged a brief guided tour of Martinadale Hall– a country mansion that was known as Appleyard School in the film “Picnic at Hanging Rock”. We also call at the oldest winery in the Clare Valley – Seven Hill. It was originally established in 1851 by a religious order of the Catholic Church (commonly known as the Jesuits) to produce altar wine and they still run the winery today. Then we head towards Morgan where we will stop for a light lunch at “Mallyons on the Murray” – a delightful tea room and gardens overlooking the Murray. This afternoon we travel through South Australia’s Riverland region and onto Mildura for our final night on tour.
Best Western Boulevard Mildura - 03 5023 5023
Day 7 (B): MILDURA TO HOME – Saturday 06 November, 2010
After breakfast we head home stopping enroute for lunch (own expense) and arriving home to complete a sensational 7 day tour.
All itineraries are subject to change due to occasional restrictions in opening times/days of some attractions, e.g. churches, wineries etc. We cannot be held responsible for any changes due to closures, inclement weather etc.
FOR BOOKINGS CALL US ON 1800 814 320
OR CONTACT YOUR LOCAL TRAVEL AGENT
Ben Hur the Musical
ANZ Stadium – home to the 2000 Sydney Olympics - will once again host a “stadium spectacular” that combines the scale of the Sydney Olympic Games Opening Ceremony with the drama of the slave who dared defy the Roman Empire. Direct from Europe, this world tour premiere brings to life the classic tale made famous by the eleven time Academy Award winning 1959 Hollywood movie 'Ben Hur' starring Charlton Heston. The monumental $15 million stadium adaptation has been crafted by renowned French director Robert Hossein and features a live chariot race with 32 horses, a giant Roman galleon and a grand stage which will transform ANZ Stadium into the biggest Roman amphitheatre ever seen.
21st October 4 day Ben Hur $728.00 per person
Highlights include: Gold Seating for the Ben Hur Arena Spectacular, Sydney Harbour Breakfast cruise on board the MV Sydney 2000 and Mrs Maquarie’s Chair with wonderful views of the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge and Fort Denison. Click here for Itinery
22nd October 5 day Ben Hur $1050.00 per person
Highlights include: Platinum seating for the Ben Hur Arena Spectacular, Sydney Harbour Dinner cruise on board the luxurious MV Sydney 2000, a Sydney city sights tour, Albury sights tour and a visit to Milawa, famous for its great wine, cheese and mustard. Click here for Itinery
FOR BOOKINGS CALL US ON 1800 814 320
OR CONTACT YOUR LOCAL TRAVEL AGENT
29th November 5 day North East Victoria $1,190.00 per person
Highlights include: Mansfield, Brown Brothers Winery, EV Olives, Wangaratta, Chiltern, Yarrawonga, Lake Mulwala, Rutherglen, Beechworth, Bright, Wandiligong Valley, Bandiana Base Military Museum, Albury-Wodonga, Hume Weir, Mitta Valley, Whitfield, King River Valley, Milawa Mustards and Mansfield
Canberra Floriade
2nd October 6 day Canberra Floriade $2069.00 per person
Highlights include: The Floriade Festival, Cockington Green, Australian War Memorial, Parliament House,
Old Parliament House, Australian Institute of Sport, Telstra Tower for fantastic views of Canberra, Royal Mint and the National Museum
FOR BOOKINGS CALL US ON 1800 814 320
OR CONTACT YOUR LOCAL TRAVEL AGENT
11 Day Tasmania
7th November 11 day Tasmania $3695.00 per person
Highlights include: Spirit of Tasmania, Launceston & the Tamar Valley, Historic Ross, Historic Richmond,
Hobart, Port Arthur, Huon Valley, Russell Falls, Queenstown, Gordon River Cruise and the Franklin–Gordon Wild River National Parks
23rd December 6 day Christmas on the Sapphire Coast $2400.00 per person
Our Christmas tour in 2010 will be to Eden on the South Coast New South Wales – also known as the “Sapphire Coast”. Rugged beauty, golden sandy beaches and crystal waters dominate this south coast region. Our base at Eden on Twofold Bay, overlooked by Mount Imlay, was once home to a whaling industry, now long gone but faithfully recorded in fascinating displays at the Eden Killer Whale Museum. The skeleton of Old Tom, last of the herding killer whales of Eden, is an impressive exhibit - a history steeped in the traditions of the sea. At Snug Cove trawlers unload their catch of the day while Lookout Point, Rotary Park and Seamens Memorial Wall are up the hill from the Eden Wharf, offering panoramic views over beautiful Twofold Bay.
FOR BOOKINGS CALL US ON 1800 814 320
OR CONTACT YOUR LOCAL TRAVEL AGENT
5 Day Lakes Entrance
Monday 22nd November, 2010 – Friday 26th November, 2010 Cost: $1,390 per person Single Supplement: $252
Day 1: (D): To Lakes Entrance: Monday 22 November, 2010
This morning we depart on our tour to Lakes Entrance. Our first stop is in Cowwarr to visit the Cowwarr Art Space which was the Old Butter Factory, now home to a factory producing marble sculptures and surprising art. After some browsing time here we head to the Cowwarr Weir where we enjoy a stroll around the parkland setting. We continue our travels to the Robotic Dairy Farm in Winnindoo. Can you imagine a herd of dairy cows wandering into a modern dairy building when they please, to be milked by a robot? Can you imagine a farm being run by computer and telephone? This almost unbelievable 21st century technology must be seen to be believed. The adjacent interpretive centre explains the development of the dairy industry up to the present and offers insights into the future too. Inside you'll even find a fully operational 1930s cow shed. We enjoy a guided tour here before travelling to Sale where we break for lunch (own expense). From here we head onto Lakes Entrance where we settle into our motel for dinner and the next four night’s accommodation.
Bellevue on the Lakes, Lakes Entrance - 03 5155 3055
Day 2: (BLD): Lakes Entrance: Tuesday 23 November, 2010
For anyone who cares to stretch their legs before breakfast, a stroll along the promenade will reveal some unique wooden sculptures. A local wood carver has taken the stumps of trees and carved them into images of Australia at War. There are famous images from World War I including Simpson and his donkey and a nursing sister caring for wounded soldiers. Following breakfast, we will begin our touring, stopping at a very special place - Nyerimilang Heritage Park – a lakeside homestead that was used in the late 1800s as a base for fishing and shooting holidays. Today the homestead, which features a display on the history of Nyerimilang and the natural resources and history of the Gippsland Lakes, is protected by the National Trust. The semi formal garden and lawns, with views to the water, contain an interesting collection exotic and native species. Late morning, we head to Wyanga Park Winery which overlooks the North Arm at Lakes Entrance for lunch. It is the oldest vineyard in East Gippsland and is a fascinating venue for lunch (Henry’s Café at the winery is listed in the Age Good Food Guide). Try some of the excellent wine this mild, maritime climate helps to produce and enjoy the eye catching exhibition of native art that decorates the winery walls.
Day 5: (BLD): Buchan Caves – Wednesday 24 November, 2010
Today we travel north to Buchan – a small timber town renowned for a group of spectacular limestone caves which are located here. The Royal Cave, which includes 'Niagara Falls' and the 'Font of the Gods'is where we enjoy a guided tour and a picnic lunch in the natural surrounds here before heading to Orbost where this afternoon we visit the new Orbost Exhibition Centre. The Centre is located on the Snowy River and surrounded by beautiful Forest Park. The exhibition is all about timber including the National Collection of Wood Design which is on permanent display. Designed on several levels we have time to enjoy a retail showroom, a gallery for professional artists and a top level for views of Forest Park. After a great day we head back to Lakes Entrance and the motel for dinner.
Day 4: (BLD): Paynesville and Newlands Arm: Thursday 25 November, 2010
Our sight seeing today centres around Paynesville located on the western side of Lake King. Paynesville is a popular boating location, effectively surrounded on three sides by water. There are extensive lawns, stretches of sand, boat ramps and a pier along the southern shoreline. The eastern shoreline along McMillans Strait also includes lawn areas but is more geared towards boating with several marinas, jetties and Fishermans Wharf with its waterfront cafe and restaurant. Just north of Paynesville, at Eagle Point, the Mitchell River enters Lake King. Bluff Lookout provides good views over the lake, river and surrounding countryside. Our coach will now take us to Newlands Arm, where we are greeted by Trudy and Hans Kosmer who welcome us to their home, right on the Paynesville Lakes for a home hosted lunch and a wonderful afternoon. They have been locals to this area for many years and are passionate about the attributes it has to offer. This will be a very memorable visit! Enterprise Cruises will pick us up at the Kosmers private jetty at the edge of their front yard for a cruise of the East Gippsland waterways. The cruise will take us to special locations such as secluded beaches, islands, rivers and National Parks. The unique hull design and shallow draft ensures you can travel to virtually any part of the Lakes and Rivers, including the amazing man-made canal system. From here we head back to Lakes Entrance and the motel.
Day 5: (B): Lakes Entrance to Home: Friday 26 November, 2010
After breakfast we farewell our hosts and Lakes Entrance and travel via South Gippsland. We leave our coach and take the train from Korumburra to Nyora to experience this scenic section of South Gippsland Railway where our coach will pick us up again as we head for home after a great break away.
Your tour starts and ends at home!
All of our tour departures include a home pick up and drop off service
All itineraries are subject to change due to occasional restrictions in opening times/days of some attractions, e.g. churches, wineries etc. We cannot be held responsible for any changes due to closures, inclement weather etc.
FOR BOOKINGS CALL US ON 1800 814 320
OR CONTACT YOUR LOCAL TRAVEL AGENT
.jpg)
