WILDERNESS & WILDLIFE
23 Day Australian Adventure

Day One - London Lakes Lodge
Today you will begin your Australian Adventure when you arrive at Hobart airport and are met by your private guide to escort you to the middle of Tasmania. London Lakes lies at the geographical centre of Tasmania and is Australia's only International standard fly fishing lodge. The Lodge is intimate and private, a very welcome haven for anglers seeking the very best of Tasmanian fly fishing, foods and wines. Upon arrival you will meet your hosts Jason and Barbara Garrett. Jason has represented Australia in six World Championships and has been Captain of the Australian fly-fishing team. Jason and Barbara have owned and operated London Lakes for over twenty-six years.
London Lakes Lodge (L,D)

Day Two - London Lakes Lodge
London Lakes has a team of friendly and professional guides. It is a fish, eat and sleep Lodge. There are no long hours travelling to fishing sites from the Lodge. Lake Big Jim is only minutes away and provides four kilometres of tailing trout waters reserved solely for London Lakes' guests. Lake Samuel provides wild trout fishing at your doorstep. Lake Samuel is exciting dry fly-fishing and polaroiding water with spectacular hatches of mayfly, damselfly and beetles. Lake Highland Waters is the third lake in the London Lakes chain of fishing experiences, private trophy trout water. The Serpentine River is perfect for anglers seeking small fish in tiny streams. When fly-fishing down under at London Lakes, you will be on top of the world!
London Lakes Lodge (B,L,D)

Day Three - London Lakes Lodge
For the non-angler, guided activities close to the Lodge include golf, tennis, bushwalking and bird watching. Evening animal Safaris can be taken to view a wide range of marsupials. You may see possums, wombats, quolls and Tasmanian Devils, to name a few. The Lodge is handcrafted from Tasmanian celery-top pine logs and fieldstone, with internal woodwork featuring exotic Tasmanian species. It accommodates fly fishers and their partners only. Beginners are also welcome. Food lovers will thoroughly enjoy the cuisine presented by chef extraordinaire Gregory Howitt. Five star breakfasts, basket lunches and the freshest of Tasmanian fare prepared for the evening dinner-party style meal. Gregory is also a passionate fly-fisher.
London Lakes Lodge (B,L,D)

Day Four - Stranraer Homestead
After breakfast, we will transfer you to the airport and you will fly first to Adelaide, South Australia, and then connect by small scheduled flight to Kangaroo Island. Here your hosts Lyn and Graham Wheaton will meet you. Their historic homestead, Stranraer, is set on 1290 hectares of working property in the centre of the Island. The property has two large bird filled lagoons surrounded by hummocks, mallee scrub bush and wildlife.

This afternoon the Wheaton's will provide lunch and then take you on a ½ day tour of the property and surrounding area. You may even meet some of the locals - wallabies, goannas, koalas, kangaroos and echidnas - to name a few!

This evening, after your gourmet meal in their elegant dining room, the Wheaton's will take you on a nocturnal tour - many of the elusive Australian mammals are nocturnal. Your accommodation is in the beautifully restored homestead; each room has tasteful and individual decor with a cosy fireplace.
London Lakes Lodge (B) Stranraer Homestead (L,D)

Day Five - Stranraer Homestead
Today explore the unique island with your professional naturalist guide. Travel in four-wheel drive comfort while visiting traditional destinations and remote places that only a local can show you. Drive down endless red dirt roads, while your personal guide 'spins yarns' about shipwrecks, lighthouses and fridges being turned into mailboxes. At Sandy Bay watch adult sealions snooze only metres away and pups play in the surf.

Walk through a Redgum forest at Cygnet River, smell the Eucalyptus and seek out koalas sleeping - and feeding if you are lucky! - In the forks of trees. Break for lunch and enjoy a crisp South Australian wine as your Guide cooks lunch. Visit D'Estrees Bay where ospreys' nest and kangaroos come out to graze. Stand on a cliff top watching waves crashing onto the rocks - the first land they have encountered since Antarctica. This evening return to the peaceful Stranraer Homestead for another delicious home-cooked meal.
Stranraer Homestead (B,D) Adventure Charters of Kangaroo Island (L)

Day Six - Stranraer Homestead
Continue exploring Kangaroo Island with your guide today. Visit Flinders Chase National Park, a 74,000-hectare wilderness, home to kangaroos, possums, wallabies, goannas, echidnas, koalas, platypus and many birds including rare Cape Barren geese. Lunch is a picnic in the bush before visiting Cape du Couedic. See the Cape du Couedic lighthouse, Admirals Arch and Remarkable Rocks. At the end of the day you will be returned to your accommodation and the hospitality of the Wheaton's.
Stranraer Homestead (B,D) Adventure Charters of Kangaroo Island (L)

Day Seven - Baird Bay
This morning we will fly you from Kangaroo Island to Streaky Bay. After a short road transfer you will arrive at the wild western coast of South Australia and beautiful Baird Bay. Your hosts Allan and Trish Payne, were so enthralled by the beauty of the area whilst on holiday, they bought a property here.

Today board their magnificent boat, the 'Investigator' and experience a unique marine adventure. Enjoy a rare and unforgettable swim with wild dolphins and the only surviving mainland based colony of the rare Australian sealion. Come face to face with the sealions an experience that has left most who encounters it overwhelmed. Some of them weigh up to 250kg. Watch them copy your movements and perform in a natural circus.

Relax with the Payne's overlooking this remarkable coastline in an untainted and isolated part of the world.
Stranraer Homestead (B) Baird Bay (L,D)

Day Eight - Baird Bay
This morning return for an early morning swim with the sealions and dolphins. Relax on the "Investigator" and enjoy a lunch of fresh seafood discovering the taste sensations of delicacies such as fresh abalone.

This afternoon you may like to try your luck with some fishing. Local favourites are snapper and King George whiting. Or take a cruise to one of the local islands to pursue the much sought after Southern Blue Fin Tuna (seasonal).

Hopefully this evening Dinner will be 'Fish of the Day'.
Baird Bay (B,L,D)

Day Nine - Angorichina Station
This morning we will charter fly you from Streak Bay to Blinman in the impressive Flinders Ranges, and then transfer you to Angorichina Station in the heart of this ancient mountain range. The station is a pastoral lease covering 554 square kilometres. Your hosts are Ian and Di Fargher; the property has been in the Fargher family for four generations and today this working sheep station produces premium Australian wool.

This afternoon take a guided walk or four wheel drive tour and learn about the day to day activities and life on Angorichina. This evening enjoy outback cuisine at it's best accompanied by fine Australian wines. Then lay your weary body in one of the beautifully appointed rooms within the original turn of the century Homestead.
Baird Bay (B) Angorichina Station (L,D)

Day Ten - Angorichina Station
Following a leisurely breakfast on the Outback verandah you may tour the nearby Oratunga Track with your hosts. You will enjoy some of the most spectacular views in the Flinders Ranges. Marvel at the diversity of land formations; take note of the different vegetation that occurs on the original seabed and search for ancient fossils. Minerals colour the sedimentary hills with purple, reds and yellows, inspiring such great Australian artists such as Sir Hans Heysen.

Have your lunch in a creek bed en-route amongst the towering river Redgums. Wildlife in the area includes the western grey and red kangaroos, euros, emus and the endangered yellow-footed rock wallabies. Later, climb Patawarta Hill, some 1015 metres, for one of the most rewarding panoramas of the Flinders ranges and explore the old copper mining ruins of Artimore.
Angorichina Station (B,L,D)

Day Eleven - Angorichina Station
Today take a scenic flight over the station and Ranges and perhaps help out with the various activities on the station such as checking the stock waters. You must see the old native pine woolshed, which was built in the 1860's, and last used for shearing in 1973.

This evening visit the sleepy town of Parachilna - population seven - where the Prairie Hotel has created a quiet revolution in country cuisine. Try the legendary feral foods and native cuisine that has made the hotel unique; or taste some of the local bush tucker collected within this area.
Angorichina Station (B,L) Prairie Hotel - Account direct

Day Twelve - Silky Oaks Lodge
After breakfast you will board your private charter flight to Adelaide to meet your scheduled flight Cairns. Upon arrival in Cairns you will be transferred to Silky Oaks Lodge. This is the Daintree's ultimate rainforest resort combining an air of sophistication with the rich rainforest ambience of the Mossman Gorge. Central to Cape Tribulation and the Great Barrier Reef it is the perfect base to explore Tropical North Queensland. This evening dine in the Tree House Restaurant. Choose from the extensive menu, which features the freshest of local produce enhanced with flavours of the Tropics.
Angorichina Station (B) Silky Oaks Lodge - Accommodation only

Day Fourteen - Silky Oaks Lodge
This morning you will be met by one of our favourite guides TJ, who will take you north to explore the Cape Tribulation region. We have access to many private areas within the ancient living museum of the Daintree Rainforest that is estimated to be 135 million years old. Enjoy a walk through this unchanged rainforest eco-system and learn about an extraordinary array of magnificent buttress-root trees, strangler figs and rare cycads. Today you will encounter crystal clear forest streams, waterfalls and for the adventurous a refreshing swim in a rock pool. Search for the elusive tree kangaroo and cassowary. Lunch is en-route in a secret spot! After more exploring, late this afternoon you may choose to enjoy a boat trip on the Daintree River. This evening you will be taken back to Silky Oaks. Following dinner retire to your private treehouse chalet.
Silky Oaks Lodge (B) Tana Jane McCaldin Tours (L)

Day Fifteen - Tyrconnell Gold Mine
This morning embark on your drive through the Atherton Table and arrive at Tyrconnell. Tyrconnell is one of the last relics of the pioneer mining area. On arrival, become acquainted with your hosts Andrew and Cate and familiarise yourself with the surrounds. You will find good old-fashioned hospitality in a location that has remained secret from the world. This afternoon experience the pounding of the vintage quartz-crushing machine as Andrew coaxes it into action, or marvel at the tenacity of the early settlers in Cate's cemetery interpretation. Try your luck at gold panning, spot an elusive kangaroo or walk in wheel ruts made by a steady stream of carriages 100 years ago. Your accommodation is in the original mine manager's cottage or in one of the new cottages fashioned in timber and iron typical of the outback.
Silky Oaks Lodge (B) Tyrconnell Gold Mine (L,D)

Day Sixteen - Tyrconnell Gold Mine
For those who prefer to simply relax, hang in a hammock and doze to the sound of rustling leaves and bird song. Or for the more adventurous hike to the top of Mount Mulligan for a spectacular view of the surrounding area. This evening, sit down to a sumptuous home cooked dinner set amidst 1800's machinery and let Andrew and Cate recount the vision they had for the property sitting upon the verandah of the abandoned cottage several years ago.
Tyrconnell Gold Nine (B,L,D)

Day Seventeen - Tyrconnell Gold Mine
Today experience more of this rugged land rich in Aboriginal and European history. Visit local industries such as sugar cane, coffee, mango and tea tree farms in the area. Or you may choose a day trip to local underground caves, vast wetlands and outback pubs. This evening don't miss the sunset from Rock Bluff and another lavish dinner, this time under the stars of the Southern Cross. Stargaze and absorb the scents and sounds of the bush.
Tyrconnell Gold Mine (B,L,D)

Day Eighteen - Haggerstone Island
This morning you have an early transfer via road with Cate and Andy back to Cairns. From Cairns, light plane and boat will transfer you to the incredibly stunning Haggerstone Island. Haggerstone is covered by lush jungle, with white sandy beaches and blue lagoons. Meet your hosts, Roy and Anna and settle in for your 4-night stay. This evening enjoy an unforgettable sunset over the surrounding reef from the sundeck. Sip fine wines in the true wilderness, and then savour Anna's cooking in the 'dining room' - a sand cay at the end of the island. Most of the food is gathered and grown on the island. Retire to your own guesthouse - Robinson Crusoe style.
Tyrconnell Gold Mine (B) Haggerstone Island (L,D)

Day Nineteen - Haggerstone Island
Today the island is yours to explore - its beauty will overcome you. For those who enjoy fishing it is fantastic at all levels - rod, reel or fly fishing, reef, ocean or river. As there is no human habitation anywhere nearby, the fishing grounds around are rarely disturbed. Bait is caught off the island beach. Spear fishing is a popular method of food gathering. Reef fish and tropical crayfish are easily caught on nearby reefs. Bring your catch back to be cooked on the sundeck fireplace. Accompanied with fine Australian Wines, sit back and relax.
Haggerstone Island (B,L,D)

Day Twenty - Haggerstone Island
After your tropical breakfast, why not try your hand at scuba diving or snorkelling? Two incredibly clear lagoons display their beautiful coral gardens right at your doorstep, and the marine life is prolific. Adjacent to Haggerstone on the Barrier Reef is one of the largest Green Turtle rookeries in the world, and turtles are abundant in the waters off of Haggerstone. Anna and Roy have a 7-metre catamaran and a 7 metre and 6-metre fibreglass boat available for all diving, fishing and exploring. Return to your luxurious base for another mouth-watering Dinner.
Haggerstone Island (B,L,D)

Day Twenty-one - Haggerstone Island
Today is your last day on magnificent Haggerstone Island. Why not go beachcombing on the adjacent mainland beaches; many miles of uninhabited virgin coastline are waiting to be explored. It is also a perfect day to relax under a palm tree and read a book from the well-stocked library and listen to some classical music. Or lay on a secluded beach and swim in the clear island waters.
Haggerstone Island (B,L,D)

Day Twenty-three - Homeward
Today your Australian Outback encounter comes to an end. We will return you to Cairns to meet your flight home.
Haggerstone Island (B)