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November 14, 2012 – Solar Eclipse 2012
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< NASA simulation www.nasa.gov/eclipse |
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Above graphic shows shadow path across Australia then Pacific Ocean Left – Map shows path of shadow of sun during eclipse across the top |
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Left – Detailed map shows path of shadow of sun during eclipse across the top Australia November 13, 2012 – Passing just north of Cairns |
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NASA details of eclipse |
Spirit Safaris are
designing a tour for the Eclipse 2012 Australia event, with pre and
post tour options to give enthusiasts an unforgettable experience of
the Eclipse event and optional tours to stunning surrounding nature and
astrological items of interest
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| Radio telescope at Narrabri NSW |
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| Undara Lava Tubes – Volcanic lava has created a remarkable tunnel system that lies beneath the rich grasslands of Undara. |
An example itinerary follows –
Cairns to Darwin
(Westbound) itinerary shown below. Darwin to Cairns
(Eastbound) is reverse itinerary except Westbound has 2 nights at Lawn Hill/Adel’s
Grove instead of Cobbold Gorge, includes Riversleigh Dinosaurs tour but
no Karumba visit.
Days
Prior –
Cape
York tour prior or Cairns / Kuranda options – Ask for details
Day 1
– Depart Cairns for the
picturesque drive to the Atherton tablelands to tour
through the Undara Lava Tubes. The Undara Lava Tubes
were formed some 190,000 years ago when a major volcano erupted, its
molten lava flowing down a dry river bed. As the top layer quickly
cooled and crusted, the fiery magma below continued to flow through the
tubes taking it further and further from the volcano. The Undara tubes
are the world’s longest lava flow. The word
Undara means ‘a long way’ in Aboriginal language. One of
the lava flows from Undara extends over 160 kilometres (or 100 miles).
This makes it one of the longest lava flows from a single volcano on
our planet in modern geological time. The original tube formed by the
flow extended for approximately 100 kilometres, and several sections
are accessible. After our 2 hour tour and tasty lunch, we travel via
historic gulf towns of Mt Surprise and Einasleigh
to Cobbold Gorge on
Robin Hood Cattle station, for overnight. LD
Day 2 – Cobbold
Gorge is unique, hidden away within the rugged sandstone
formations of North Queensland. This gorge is extremely narrow, closing
to only two metres in places, with spectacular 30 metre cliffs on
either side. The overall length of the gorge is about six kilometres
and includes a series of water-holes and rock falls, with the last 500
meters is accessible by flat bottom boat. Great walks, swimming and
relaxing or optional canoeing. Overnight Cobbold Gorge. BLD
Day 3 –
Travel via Georgetown and the
multi award winning, Terrestrial – the Ted Elliott
Mineral Collection, the largest minerals collection in the
world. We follow the Gulflander Railway line via the
Gulf Development Road through Croydon which in goldrush days had 7000
people and 122 pubs. On to Normanton, and view the Burns Philp
store, and the 1870 railway history from the goldrush days, plus the
hot artesian bore. Arriving Karumba on the edge of
the Gulf of Carpentaria, we enjoy a sunset
river cruise. Karumba is the base of
the gulf Barramundi and prawning industry and home to many salt
water crocodiles. Overnight Karumba BLD – Dinner at own expense
in local restaurant – great fresh fish and prawns here !
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| Cobbold Gorge Spirit Safaris Savannah Way Tours |
Gulf of Carpentaria sunset Spirit Safaris Savannah Way Tours |
Cobbold Gorge Spirit Safaris Savannah Way Tours |
Day 4 –
Travelling westward and parallel to the coastline of the Gulf
of Carpentaria in this spectacular savannah country, we cross
numerous rivers including the Leichardt River, named after Ludwig
Leichardt who walked this country in 1845. We check out the Leichardt
Falls before travelling across the “Plains of
Promise” named when H M Brig Beagle (the famous ship which
had carried Charles Darwin on his voyage) visited here in 1841. Enjoy a
break in the frontier town of Burketown, named after
Burke of the Burke and Wills
Expedition of 1860 who reached the gulf near here in February 1861.
Burketown was established in 1865 to
service new pastoral holdings established in the region. We travel by
the large Aboriginal community of Doomadgee, before turning off the
Savannah Way to arrive at Kingfisher camp, beside the
Nicholson River for a swim
and yarn by the campfire and overnight. BLD
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| Lost City Spirit Safaris Savannah Way Tours |
Lost City Spirit Safaris Savannah Way Tours |
Day 5 –
There’s time for a morning dip and cooling off before Corinda, where police were
stationed to provide escorts for settlers to the escarpments of Hell’s
Gate, beyond which the Aboriginals were considered fierce. Hells
Gate is the routes most western settlement in Queensland and now is a
popular stopover with a grassy oasis and refreshments, nearby Aboriginal
rock art and caves. We travel via Westmoreland (uranium
deposits) and enter the Northern Territory, passing the Redbank
(copper) Mine and arrive a the river port town of Borroloola
with time permitting to view the museum and history of this once wild
frontier town, now a popular fishing destination. Population is around
800 (about 200 whites and 600 Aboriginal), with Aborigines living in
camps around the town. Borroloola has some very different Aboriginal
cultures ie the Yanyuwa and Mara are ‘saltwater people’ from the nearby
islands while the Kurdanji and Karawa people are ‘mainland people’. We
visit Caranbirini Nature Reserve to walk amongst the
Lost City through sandstone
towers overlooking a billabong and across the escarpment country of the
Gulf Region. Its now less than an hour to Cape Crawford for overnight.
BLD
Day 6 –
The Lost City can this morning be explored by
helicopter from base at the Heartbreak Hotel at Cape Crawford, with an
amazing 15 or optional 30 minute flight over these ancient sandstone
pillars, formed when all this area was underwater. After morning tea we
head off on the Carpentaria Highway for
historic Daly Waters, and here enjoy lunch amongst
the amusing
Daly Waters Pub and township adornments, including an old helicopter
and the thong tree. We take a short tour of the WWII
airbase and aircraft hanger here – with a fascinating historic display
of WWII equipment, aircraft images and life here at that time. Onwards
for a swim at Mataranka Hot Springs and
connect with the famous classic outback Australian story of “We
of the Never Never” and Elsey’s homestead from
the film. Overnight Mataranka. BLD
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| Katherine Gorge Spirit Safaris Savannah Way Tours |
Katherine Gorge Spirit Safaris Savannah Way Tours |
Katherine Gorge Spirit Safaris Savannah Way Tours |
Day
7 – After
a relaxing walk and swim, we head north to the NTs 3rd largest town,
Katherine and nearby Nitmiluk National Park, at Katherine
Gorge. Here relax on an Aboriginal guided gorge and river
cruise – a fabulous introduction to this spectacular and historic
area. Optionally take a helicopter flight to the top gorges – that’s a
thrill ! Consider the optional Jawoyn Rock Art Tour –
turn back the clock as you depart Nitmiluk helipad for a unique travel
and outback experience. Destination: 40,000 years ago. Fly deep into
the heart of the Dreamtime to an amazing Jawoyn rock art site.
Fly over the rugged stone country and all 13 gorges on your return.
Alternatively simply relax or take a swim by this beautiful
peaceful river. In the afternoon we take the 3 hour drive to Darwin,
passing through Pine Creek (old gold town) and Alligator River,
home of the famous & retired water buffalo downed by Crocodile
Dundee (test your hypnotic skills). Overnight Darwin BLD.
Optionally tour by Kakadu
National Park for 1 or 2 nights from
Katherine, or do Kakadu in a day or more from Darwin.
Ask for details.
Day 8 –
A free day to celebrate your journey. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and
the many sights or activities Darwin has to offer. Options
include a trip to
Kakadu or Litchfield National Parks, or simply shop
or relax in Darwin’s balmy climate. Tour ends after
breakfast. Home Flights depart from Darwin or consider
travelling with us to
with options
including Kakadu, Katherine Gorge (optional), Lost City & Devils Marbles.
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Kakadu Options available
Visit the incredible Nourlangie rock art gallery and
enjoy a Yellow Waters wetlands boat cruise, visit to
the cultural centre, Jabiru and wetlands viewing area. Ask for
details
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Eclipse Alice
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| Book NOW for the Special Extras + SAVE on full fare by combining tours & / or paying early |
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| Ask about Special Extras – Call 02 8213 3225 or Online Booking |