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Day 1 & 2 – Alice Springs, Ooraminna Station

Jan Hayes, your host for the next three days, will meet you on arrival at Alice Springs Airport for the drive to Ooraminna.

When the overland telegraph line was built from Adelaide to Darwin, revolutionizing communications between London and her far-flung dominion, Bill Hayes’ great grandfather was with the team. Nowadays the 6th generation of the Hayes family live at Ooraminna, a million-acre cattle property.

Your accomodation will be in one of four individual ‘cottages’ designed with wooden and corrugated iron exteriors in Australian outback style, each has a private bathroom and a verandah with views of the bush that provides guests with a relaxing private haven.

Whilst at Ooraminna Jan will co-ordinate your activities to ensure that you are as active or a lazy as you prefer - your time is your own. If you do wish to keep busy, the options are endless! From walking to station activities, or relaxing on your own verandah with its outback view. On day 2 you may care to make an early start to check on boreholes and cattle. The property is fabulous for walking, following creek beds, climbing the rocky outcrops, or exploring by 4-wheel drive.

In the evenings join Bill and Jan at the homestead for drinks and an excellent home cooked dinner, before retiring to the privacy of your own bungalow beneath the stars that stretch from one horizon to the other.

Day 3 & 4 – Uluru, Desert Gardens                  

Jan will take you to Alice Springs airport after breakfast, for your scheduled flight to Uluru. On arrival, met and transferred to the Desert Garden Hotel.

Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Kata Tjuta (The Olga's) are two of Australia’s best-known landmarks. They are also spiritually significant to the indigenous owners of the land, the Aboriginal people. In the late afternoon your guide will collect you for an evening visit to Kata Tjuta for sundowner drinks. A memorable outback experience made more beautiful by the changing hue of the rocks as bright daylight fades into evening.

On Day 4 make an early start in order to view Ayers Rock as the suns first rays of light break on its sides with their rich red colors. The morning will be spent exploring some of the features of the rock and learning of the aboriginal history that lies behind it.

The afternoon is free. Options include viewing the rock by helicopter or light aircraft, on camel-back or even by Harley Davidson!

Day 5 & 6 – Tyrconnell Gold Mine

Return to the Airport for the late morning for your ongoing flight to Cairns where you are met by your hosts from Tyrconnell Mine.

This region is for the most part cattle country, however, the north Queensland hinterland was also exploited for its mineral wealth. In the 1870s, settlers streamed into this region to find their fortunes and the visual reminders of their presence remain to this day.

You will be staying with Andrew Bell and Cate Harley at Tyrconnell Mine, a unique Australian heritage site. Established in 1876, on the Hodgkinson goldfield, just 150km west of Cairns, the mine was among the richest in the area and still boasts much of its original machinery and several buildings.

Andrew’s family worked a number of mines in the region, including Tyrconnell, until recently when he and Cate started restoration on the site. They have renovated the mine manager’s old cottage for their home, and constructed new accomodation for guests very much in tune with the mine’s heritage. The rooms are ensuite, with verandahs looking out across the surrounding bush country.

Arrive in time to settle in and enjoy sundowner drinks and sunset behind Mt. Mulligan before joining Cate and Andrew for dinner in their cottage.

On day 6 you are woken to the sounds of the bush. Breakfast can be brought to you in your cottage or join Andrew and Cate for the full-cooked version.

With the savannah bush country reclaiming the land that miners once scoured, your stay at Tyrconnell is a fascinating insight into the times when Australia was being opened up by brave, and sometimes foolhardy, pioneers seeking their fortunes.

Activities include a morning with Andrew as he explains the disaster that befell the community at nearby Mt. Mulligan; a picnic lunch beside a waterhole taking in a variety of bird life; a walk along the now abandoned and overgrown access road that linked Tyrconnell and Cairns.

Day 7 to 9 – Dunk Island

You are returned to Cairns Airport this morning for the short flight (45 minutes) to your tropical rainforest island. Dunk Island, located in a National Park and with easy access to the Great Barrier Reef, is Australia's most beautiful rainforest island.

There are four levels of accomodation on the island ranging from comfortable garden rooms to spacious beachfront units. A variety of restaurants, eateries and bars are available as well as a health spa if you need a little pampering.

There is an amazing array of activities to choose from, including horse-riding along the beach, rainforest walks, snorkeling, guided jet-ski tours, tennis, catamarans, tandem sky diving, golf or a day spent on the Barrier Reef. For a change of pace, get away from it all with a gourmet picnic hamper on a palm-fringed beach.

For a family holiday, a Kids Club gives 3-14 year olds plenty to do and parents a little peace. For couples looking for romance, end the day with a cocktail in hand watching the perfect sunset.

Day 10 – Departure

A final dip in the pool or a game of tennis before your flight back to Cairns and your onward connection.
 

• Upgrade to Longitude 131º - A luxury tented camp at Uluru. With only 15 tents, guests are ensured of personal attention and touring in small groups led by highly professional guides. Gourmet meals are prepared by the camp chef and the tariff is inclusive of all beverages
  
  

• Upgrade to Lizard Island – An idyllic retreat located right on the Great Barrier Reef, fringed with coral reefs and 24 powdery white beaches. Each of the 40 spacious villas have ocean or beach views. Spectacular diving and snorkeling opportunities abound, including the famous Cod Hole. Picnic on secluded, pristine beaches.

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The price is inclusive of

• 2 nights Ooraminna Station with airport transfers, all meals and station activities

• 2 nights Deluxe room at Desert Gardens with airport transfers and touring of Uluru & Kata Tjuta

• 2 nights Tyrconnell Gold Mine (exclusive use) with transfers, all meals and guided touring on the property

• 3 nights Dunk Island with breakfast

• Regional flights Alice Springs / Uluru / Cairns / Dunk Island / Cairns with applicable taxes

• Flights into Alice Springs and out of Cairns

• Australian Visas and personal travels

• Personal items such as souvenirs, drinks, laundry and gratuities