|
|
|
4WD ECO-TOUR PACKAGE
2011-2012
| | | | | | | |
 
 
TOUR OVERVIEW
The south west corner of Western Australia is a magical location. A world of craggy mountains, quiet inlets, white sandy beaches, dramatic sea cliffs, and serene forests. Our South West Eco-Explorer Package takes you to some of the most dramatic natural landscapes in Australia. Explore the majestic mountains of the Stirling Range; the beauty of the ancient Tingle Forests of the Valley of the Giants; the splendour of the granite and dolerite cliffs of West Cape Howe National Park; and the striking coastline of Torndirrup National Park near Albany.
We have put together an outstanding selection of full-day eco-tours that showcase the spectacular beauty of the Australia’s South West. Immerse yourself in the splendour of Australia’s only biodiversity hotspot, and visit places that few other visitors ever see. Travelling in a luxury 4WD vehicle, your small group tour is designed for those who want to visit the spectacular national parks of Australia’s South West. There is a limited amount
of walking on each tour, and ample opportunity to stop and experience the solitude and beauty of these remote places.
We cater to small groups so that each participant has the opportunity to interact with their Guide. Our expert Guides are extremely knowledgeable about the fauna, flora, and geology of the area and provide interpretive commentary throughout the tour. Each evening you will return to your accommodation in the peaceful forest surroundings of Karma Chalets located a short distance from Denmark township. What better way to experience the wonders of Australia’s wilderness?
SOUTH WEST WILDERNESS
The South West Wilderness is internationally recognized as one of only 34 bio-diversity hotspots in the world and the only hotspot listed in Australia. Stretching from D’Entrecasteux National Park in the west, to the Walpole Wilderness, the Stirling Range National Park, and the Fitzgerald River National Park in the east, the South West Wilderness is an area of exceptional beauty. It is host to a multitude of smaller national parks and nature reserves strung like a jewelled necklace along the southern coastline.
The area is home to unique flora and fauna. Though only covering 5% of the Australian land
mass, this area has an estimated 8,000 plant species - more than one-third of Australia’s known flowering plants. Of these, 75% of the plants discovered so far are endemic to the south-west and around 20% are yet to be scientifically described. It is also home to a diverse array of animals, birds and fungi species.
Getting off the beaten track into the Australian bush is the best way to experience a close encounter with our native animals and birds. On our 4WD eco-tours we always schedule plenty of stops and walking opportunities so that you can get out and explore. The South West Wilderness of Western Australia has so much to offer – hidden gems and iconic landscapes.
Wilderness Getaways will get you off the beaten track to experience them for yourself.
ITINERARY
Choose from 2, 3 or 4 day packages.
Day 1 – Arrive in Denmark
Own arrangements - self-drive or coach service to Denmark. You may also wish to fly into the nearby city of Albany – we can arrange shuttle transport from the airport to Denmark.
Accommodation will be provided for your arrival night at Karma Chalets.
Day 2 – Walpole Wilderness and Tree Top Walk
Mingle with the Tingle! The ancient Tingle trees of the Walpole Wilderness are a unique national treasure not to be found anywhere else in the world. These ancient forests are
awe-inspiring.
This unique eco-system contains Tingle trees over four hundred years old, Your full-day tour includes entrance to the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk suspension canopy bridge and spectacular sightseeing along the coastline.
Day 3 – West Cape Howe National Park
Take a trip on the wild side! Stand on the southern most edge of Western Australia. Hear the roar of the wild Southern Ocean as it lashes the dolerite cliffs below your feet. The stunning rugged scenery of West Cape Howe National Park is mesmerizing. You’ll be transfixed by the amazing beauty of this remote and inaccessible location.
Your experienced guide will take you along a 4WD only track to see amazing granite and dolerite coastal cliffs, peaceful beaches, and hideaway bays.
Day 4 – Torndirrup National Park
This exclusive tour showcases magnificent scenery and sites of historical interest. Your tour of Albany township includes amazing views of King George Sound and Princess Royal Harbour from Mt Clarence Lookout, also the site of an important World War I memorial.
From Albany we visit Torndirrup National Park where you will see the amazing geological features known as the Gap and Natural Bridge.
Day 5– Stirling Range Eco-Tour
Look out over the vast expanse of the Stirling Range which rises majestically out of the surrounding plains. In season the spring wildflowers carpet the entire area around you.
The Stirling Range stretches for 65km east to west and is home to the highest peak in the south west, Bluff Knoll (1,073m). It is also home to 1,500 species of plants, 87 of which are found nowhere else in the world, including the famous ‘Darwinia’ mountain bells. There are also an astonishing 123 orchid species within the park. You’ll wish your eco-adventure would never end….
The itinerary should be used as a guide only as it can vary due to weather, trail conditions, and unforeseen circumstances. Wilderness Getaways reserves the right to cancel, delay or alter any tour due to circumstances beyond our control, including but not limited to dangerous weather conditions, dangerous Track conditions, or the inability of a contractor to fulfil any obligations. Our experienced guides will seek out the best alternatives where necessary.
ACCOMMODATION
Tour price is inclusive of twin-share rooms in shared chalet accommodation at Karma Chalets…. nestled in the hillside under a canopy of eucalyptus. Ten exclusive chalets, each with a well-equipped kitchen, cosy living area, balcony and BBQ are available. There are different chalet configurations to choose from, including bedrooms with ensuite spa bathrooms. Karma Chalets offers the perfect country retreat to complement your Eco-Explorer Holiday. Karma’s panoramic outlook provides the ideal backdrop for you to relax with the quiet of nature at your doorstep as beautiful parrots, finches and wrens dart through the branches. Enjoy a superb local wine from one of the many wineries which surround Karma, whilst cooking on your barbeque and soaking in the spectacular views from your balcony.
 
SELECTING YOUR ITINERARY
The itinerary has been put together to give you the flexibility of choosing a 2, 3 or 4 day eco-tour package. We always include an extra night so that you can settle in to your accommodation the day before your first tour and relax in comfort on the evening of your last touring day.
| Walking days | Price per person
(twin-share) |
| 2 days/3 nights | $995 |
| 3 days/4 nights | $1495 |
| 4 days/5 nights | $1850 |
Having the adventure of a lifetime doesn’t mean roughing it. We recognise that after a day’s adventure packed with new and exciting experiences, you want to relax in comfort. That’s why we choose to stay in deluxe chalets with multiple guest rooms, private bathroom facilities (most with spa baths to rejuvenate your whole body) and the choice of shared kitchen and living areas. Our guests have the privacy of their own rooms (twin share), and get to enjoy the company of others for their evening meal.
Eating scrumptious healthy meals is one of the highlights of all our packages. We supply all the ingredients for a cooked and/or continental breakfast including home-made muffins. On our walking packages, you enjoy freshly made rolls and a selection of healthy snacks to keep the energy levels up. All packages include one evening meal at a superb local restaurant so you can enjoy the cuisine of the area. We aim to cater for all dietary needs and that’s why we always ask you for information about your dietary preferences.
TOUR INCLUSIONS
- Lunch and afternoon tea each day
- Shared chalet accommodation with breakfast
- Restaurant Dinner voucher for one night (on the other nights you may choose to eat in one of Denmark’s many restaurants or self-cater in your fully-equipped chalet kitchen)
- Entrance fees and permits to national parks
- All full-day tours
TOUR EXCLUSIONS
- Items of a personal nature
- Alcoholic beverages
- Optional excursions
- Personal travel insurance
WHAT TO BRING
We recommend that you bring the following items with you: a hat, windproof jacket, and consider the need for a jumper or vest if the day is cool. You will need to wear sturdy footwear - walking sandals or joggers are best.The coastline can get very windy even on a clear day, so the jacket is important. Don’t forget to bring your camera!
CLIMATE
The south-western sections of the Bibbulmun Track are greatly influenced by the cold Southern Ocean. It is always best to be prepared for cooler days and nights at any time of the year.
PACKAGE DATES 2012 | PACKAGE DATES 2013 |
- February 26
- March 25
- May 6
- June 10
- July 31
- August 12
- September 9
- October 28
- November 25
|
- February 17
- April 14
- May 12
- June 23
- August 11
- September 8
- October 27
- November 24
|
Do you have to travel on a specific set of dates? If there are two or more of you, it’s easy to do – simply request your very own dates and we will do our best to schedule a tour for you.
HOW TO BOOK
- Review these detailed track notes and check tour departure dates.
- Send us an email to - bookings@wildernessgetaways.com.au with your preferred tour, package and dates. Please also indicate number of persons who wish to join us. We will do our very best to accommodate you.
- We will send you a return email with the price, which may include variations if you have any particular requests outside our standard packages. We will also send you a detailed itinerary, medical form and booking form.
- You return the completed forms to us with the 20% deposit and have your wilderness holiday confirmed.
TAILOR-MADE HOLIDAYS
In addition to our package holidays we also offer a dedicated tailor-made service where we apply our knowledge, experience and expertise to deliver a personalised nature-based holiday just for you. You simply select a combination of tours to suit your interests and a chalet and dates that meet your needs. Advise us of your individual requirements and special requests and we will assist you to plan the ultimate wilderness getaway.
OUR CUSTOMER GUARANTEE
Just like you, we love to travel. Between our different team members, we have visited every continent and over 30 different countries. And like you, we want value for money and a genuine experience. We know that when you plan a holiday you want to be assured of quality accommodation and an authentic experience. We too are worried about ‘green-washing’ and we know that although the brochure looks great, there’s always that niggling feeling that maybe the accommodation won’t be as good as it looks, or that the tour won’t be as amazing as the brochure says.
Because we know what it’s like to be in your shoes, we wanted to create a holiday experience that ticks all the boxes – value for money, quality guaranteed, and a fabulous time. We can guarantee the experiences that we offer, because we work in these businesses ourselves. The person who sells the package is the same person who runs the tours and operates the chalets. We know and love our region and only offer products we’ve tested and know will deliver quality every time.
Most importantly, our guests aren’t ‘nameless faces’. We spend time getting to know each person as an individual and treat them with respect and genuine interest. To achieve the high level of service that we demand, we constantly strive to deliver experiences that exceed our customers’ expectations. The amazing feedback we receive is only the start of delivering on our promises. For us, the testament that we are doing things right is the enduring friendships that we have formed with our guests.
Wilderness Getaways www.wildernessgetaways.com.au info@wildernessgetaways.com.au Phone +61 8 9848 2814
|
|
|
