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Tasmania–Western-Wilderness Departs: 01 February 2012 Ancient Gondwanan forests, wild rivers, clear mountain lakes and windswept coastlines – this is the essence of Tasmania’s western wilderness. Join one of IPT’s most experienced guides on this 12 day journey. After meeting in Launceston, we begin with walks in the dramatic scenery of Cradle Mountain – Lake St Clair National Park. On the Lyell Highway, we stop for short walks in the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park. At Mt Farrell we search for the last of the Christmas Bells while at Strahan we enjoy the sight of massive waves crashing onto Ocean Beach. A visit to Zeehan includes the West Coast Pioneers Memorial Museum and a walk to spectacular Montezuma Falls. From the eco-cottages at Corinna, we explore the Tarkine wilderness, Australia’s largest temperate myrtle-beech rainforest. To experience the many moods of the Tarkine, we take a morning cruise on the Pieman River then walk or kayak in the afternoon. The following day, we walk through myrtle forests, button grass plains and wildflowers to the summit of Mt Donaldson. Driving north to the coast, we visit Burnie and explore the Waratah historical trails.  Your tour ends with a night in Devonport where you can leave the group or continue back to Launceston.
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NZ - Chathams to Queen Charlotte Departs: 16 February 2012 After meeting in Wellington, our adventure begins with a flight 800km east to the Chatham Islands. Situated in the infamous Roaring Forties, the Chathams are renowned for many rare or endangered birds and plant species, pristine beaches, Moriori culture and fresh seafood. We stay a total of four nights, firstly in the Moriori Kopinga Marae then at Henga Lodge, a 900 acre farm with views of Lake Marakapia. This is an opportunity to experience the culture of the indigenous Moriori who settled Rekohu (Chatham Islands) 800-1000 years ago. On Saturday night we indulge in the freshest and best seafood buffet in New Zealand. Flying back to Christchurch our journey continues to Kaikoura, the best place in the world to see marine mammals such as orcas, pilot whales, dolphins and seals plus  ocean (pelagic) birds (ten different species of albatross in this area). In Abel Tasman National Park we spend three days walking, kayaking and travelling by boat along this spectacular coastline staying at lodges in the park. At Golden Bay we visit Farewell Spit, home to nesting gannets, migrating waders and shifting sand dunes. Punga Cove Lodge in the Malborough Sounds is our base for walks along the Queen Charlotte Track before we travel back to Wellington. Our final afternoon will be spent at Te Papa, the magnificent museum of New Zealand and enjoying Wellington’s beautiful harbour.
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SA - Vistas & Vineyards Departs: 20 March 2012 From the rugged Flinders Ranges to the coastal sands of the Coorong, take time to discover South Australia’s treasures. Along with a focus on nature and walking, you can indulge in some of the state’s best food and wine regions. Experience sunset at the Arid Lands Botanic Gardens in Port Augusta and travel on to the historic railway township of Quorn. At the incomparable Wilpena Pound, enjoy walks to lookouts over this ancient landform and take an optional day trip north to the geological wonder of Arkaroola wilderness sanctuary. We follow the Riesling Trail through the Clare Valley and Berri. From Waikerie we travel north for a day trip to Birds Australia’s renowned Gluepot Reserve. At Naracoorte, we take short walks at Ngarkat, visit World Heritage Naracoorte Caves and the Bat Observation Centre. Towards Robe, Bool Lagoon offers premier bird watching of many waterbird species. On the way to Victor Harbor, we enjoy the scenery of the Coorong, one of the most important wetland and bird habitat areas in SA. The coastline of Deep Creek National Park is home to penguins and seals, and protects one of the largest remaining blocks of wildlife habitat on the Fleurieu Peninsula. Admire the wonderful wildlife and scenery of Encounter Bay before returning to Adelaide.
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Japanese Spring Journey Departs: 07 April 2012 Discover the hospitality and beauty of rural Japan, exploring Lake Biwa and the mountains and villages of central Honshu. Along with natural wonders, experience village life, Japanese hot springs, regional cuisine, traditional arts and craft. This is an intimate and experiential tour of central Japan that allows you to fully immerse in the culture and get to know the local people.   After arriving on the legendary bullet train from Tokyo, the gardens and temples of Kyoto are your starting point. To the north east is Lake Biwa, where traditional fishing techniques are still practiced and local farmers harvest soba (buckwheat). In the mountains of Gifu prefecture, the famous Shirakawa-go villages are a World Heritage site. Over 100 large farm houses are built in a special architectural style designed for large households and to survive severe snowy weather.   Further south, walk trails that link the “post villages” along the ancient Nakasendo Highway, a trading route that linked Kyoto to Edo (present day Tokyo). In the mountain villages, meet the local people and enjoy country hospitality while the peach flowers bloom. A visit to Mt. Fuji makes for an impressive finale before the tour ends in Asakusa, Tokyo.
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Bhutan Mountains & Monasteries Departs: 01 May 2012 Prayer flags flutter on bridges and mountain passes. Glacial rivers flow past gold-roofed temples and fort-like “dzongs”. Wooden and mudbrick farmhouses dot the hillsides. Temperate forests of Himalayan fir, oak and blue pine, contrast with fields of rhododendron and alpine flowers. Welcome to Bhutan, land of the Thunder Dragon - where villages have more walking tracks than roads, where more than 5000 plant and over 600 bird species exist in a biodiversity hotspot and where sacred and secular life converge on a daily basis. Bordering Tibet and India in the eastern Himalayas, the people of this isolated Buddhist kingdom celebrate a spiritual past, live in the present moment and carefully consider a sustainable future. From the western towns of Paro and Thimphu, we journey to central Bhutan. The daily lives of monks and councillors are witnessed in the dzongs, distinctive fortresses combining administrative centres and monasteries. Village life revolves around vegetable gardens, alpine farmhouses, bustling markets and local temples. Our walks are mostly short strolls, some half day explorations and the occasional full day hike. Be enchanted by mountain and village views each day, while staying in four key locations and minimizing the driving time in this dream-like country.
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Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk Departs: 07 May 2012 Make a pilgrimage to the heart of the Gondwana rainforests on one of Queensland's new long distance hiking trails. Over five days we traverse the mountains, World Heritage-listed rainforest and hidden valleys of Lamington and Springbrook National Parks. This fully accommodated tour allows you to walk the full 54km trail in comfort with extra days for rest or shorter walks. From O'Reillys, walk 21km through the Green Mountain section of Lamington following sections of the QLD / NSW border. Based at Binna Burra Lodge, we explore the Lower Bellbird Circuit with lookouts over the eastern side of Lamington. Admire the stands of flooded gums, brushbox and piccabeen groves on the way to lunch at the base of Ballanjui Falls. Leaving the Lamington plateau, we descend past Egg Rock, a remnant plug from the Tweed shield volcano, Wollumbin (Mt Warning). The trail continues through the farming valley of Numinbah then climbs through upper valleys to the mountain plateau of Springbrook. Staying overnight in chalet accommodation, we finish with a half day hike via Warringah Pools to the cool spray of Purlingbrook Falls in the centre of Springbrook National Park.
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Southern Spain Andalucía Departs: 08 May 2012 This Andalucían journey features white-washed mountain villages, local festivals, Moorish history and the natural wonders of Cadiz Sierra, Sierra de Grazalema and Sierra Nevada. We meet in Seville, the cultural capital of Southern Spain famous for Arabic architecture, bulls and the flamenco culture. After experiencing the horse festival and wines of Jerez de La Frontera, we continue south to the Cadiz Sierra. Here white villages (pueblos blancos) perch high above river valleys. Explore the narrow village streets, taste local sherry and walk in nearby Los Alcornocales Natural Park through the world’s largest cork forests. Traversing mountain meadows on a section of the GR7 trail, we arrive in the Sierra de Grazalema. Day walks lead to stands of Spanish fir and follow ancient droving routes to the white villages of Villaluenga del Rosario and Montejaque.  Further east, we explore the limestone formations of "Torcal de Antequera" Nature Reserve. On the southern slopes of the Sierra Nevada, the white Alpujarras villages retain their traditional Berber architecture. We walk through farming terraces to fields of spring flowers and wild herbs. After visiting Granada’s Alhambra, we explore the river valleys and villages in the Sierra Cazorla. Our journey ends in Córdoba with the chance to join in their spring festival.
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Galapagos and Ecuador (extended) Departs: 16 May 2012 During this 23 day journey, we explore the amazing Galápagos Archipelago plus Ecuador’s northern colonial cities, breathtaking mountains, cloud forests, crater lakes, Andean villages and the spectacular national parks of Cotopaxi and El Cajas. After meeting in the capital of Quito, we fly to the Galápagos Islands and spend five and half days onboard a comfortable cruising yacht while visiting the Islands of Santa Cruz, Isabela, Fernandina, Lobos and Santiago. One thousand kilometres from the South American continent, the Galápagos have been called ‘a living museum’ and ‘a showcase of evolution’. At the confluence of three ocean currents, the islands are a melting pot of marine species. We have the chance to see Galápagos Giant Tortoises, playful sea lions, fascinating Blue-footed Boobies and the huge endemic iguana. Returning via Quito, we travel to an eco-lodge in the Mindo cloud forest reserve, our base for half day walks, river swims and bird watching for toucans, pittas and hummingbirds. On the Avenue of Volcanoes, we visit Andean villages, local markets and walk to Cuicocha Crater Lake.  We then continue south to Cotopaxi National Park, Quilotoa Crater Lake, Toachi ‘Grand’ Canyon and take an optional high altitude hike on Mount Chimborazo. After riding on the famous Devil’s Nose train, we visit the cobblestone streets of Cuenca then walk in nearby El Cajas National Park. Our adventure ends with a 3 hour motorized canoe down the Napo River (an Amazon tributary) to stay at the remote Amazonian Sani Rainforest Lodge. We explore and learn more about the unique ecosystem, flora & fauna along with the way of life of the Kichwa people.
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Galapagos & Northern Ecuador Departs: 16 May 2012 During this 12 day journey, we explore the amazing Galápagos Archipelago plus Ecuador’s northern colonial cities, breathtaking mountains, cloud forests, crater lakes and Andean villages. After meeting in the capital of Quito, we fly to the Galápagos Islands and spend five and half days onboard a comfortable cruising yacht while visiting the Islands of Santa Cruz, Isabela, Fernandina, Lobos and Santiago.   One thousand kilometres from the South American continent, the Galápagos have been called ‘a living museum’ and ‘a showcase of evolution’. At the confluence of three ocean currents, the islands are a melting pot of marine species. We have the chance to see Galápagos Giant Tortoises, playful sea lions, fascinating Blue-footed Boobies and the huge endemic iguana. Returning via Quito, we travel to an ecolodge in the Mindo cloud forest reserve, our base for half day walks, river swims and bird watching for toucans, pittas and hummingbirds. On the Avenue of Volcanoes, we visit Andean villages, local markets and walk to Cuicocha Crater Lake before returning to Quito for our departure. Note the extended tour (16 May – 6 June 2012) continues south to Cotopaxi National Park, Cuenca, El Cajas National Park and the Napo River (an Amazon tributary).
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Southern Italian Sojourn Departs: 26 May 2012 Experience the people, pathways, culture and cuisine of Southern Italy. The Amalfi coast, Aeolian Islands and Sicily provide a true taste of Italian life and you will be able to experience it through local eyes. The mountain village of Agerola is your base to explore the Amalfi coast. Ten nights at a family-run hotel mean you can truly unpack your bags and become a part of Italian village life. From this lofty base, follow local trails and stairways to the seaside villages of Positano, Praiano and Amalfi. On non-hiking days discover the ruins of Pompei, visit the Isle of Capri, explore Naples and peer into the crater of Mt Vesuvio. There’s time to taste Agerola’s hand-made cheeses and lemon liqueur or explore the extravagant rooms of Caserta Palace. An overnight boat journey brings you to the Aeolian Islands of Lipari and Vulcano. Climb to viewpoints, hike to crater rims or combine sulphur and mud baths with swims in the sea. Our final destination is Taormina on Sicily’s east coast where we spend five nights. There is time to walk to medieval villages and walk on the flanks of Mt Etna, Europe’s highest active volcano.
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Yosemite to Yellowstone Departs: 22 June 2012 Each park on this 19 day tour offers scenery so special that it would be worth making the trans- Pacific journey just for one of them.  Put them all together and you have a collection of places and experiences that will long remain in your memory. The tour begins in San Francisco, “everyone’s favourite city” and a great introduction to life in the USA.  After two days of city excitement, the road leads east and enters Yosemite National Park, preserving a granite wonderland of glacier-sculptured peaks and domes. Waterfalls, in full flow at this time of year, tumble down shining cliff faces from hanging valleys. Groves of pine, fir and oak give a park-like appearance to the valley floor. We will have a suggested group walk each day, but there are many other ways of enjoying this park – laze in sunshine by the crystal green waters of the Merced River, spot climbers high on the face of El Capitan, stroll through a gallery or have coffee at the historic Ahwahnee Lodge. We leave the high country after crossing the 3000m Tioga Pass and travel south to the austere beauty of Death Valley. Just across the border in Nevada the glitz of Las Vegas provides surreal contrast to the drama of the desert. The Grand Canyon in Arizona needs little introducation and, with accommodation on the quieter North Rim, there is time to take in its rugged depths. Utah’s Zion National Park is a grand and spectacular gorge of dramatic shapes and cliff lines, and walking through Bryce Canyon’s curiously eroded pinnacles and spires is a rare experience. From Bryce Canyon we drive north to Salt Lake City for two nights before continuing on to Grand Tetons National Park and Yellowstone National Park. This grand journey can easily be followed by the Canadian Rockies extension (11-21 July 2012).
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Secrets of the Scenic Rim Departs: 08 July 2012 Colour your winter with a short break in the Scenic Rim. Stretching south west of Brisbane, this arc of sweeping ranges, river valleys, lush rainforests and quaint country towns is a great destination for nature and food lovers! Walk amongst spectacular landforms, sample fresh produce and meet artists and local characters along the way. Travelling from Brisbane via the country towns of Kalbah and Harrisville, we explore short walks in Main Range National Park. In and around the lively town of Boonah, enjoy the combination of good food, wine, excellent local art along with easy walks in Moogerah Peaks National Park. While in the Mt Barney / Lost World area, we can walk to creek-side picnic spots, mountain lookouts and then contrast the day with a cooking class and visits to local wineries and olive groves. Finally we come to the south eastern side of the Scenic Rim stopping for short walks and culinary delights on Tamborine Mountain before enjoying the best of Lamington National Park. Based at Binna Burra Lodge, walks to Antarctic Beech trees, the Coomera River or waterfalls and lookouts are all on your doorstep. We return to Brisbane via a private lunch at a Beechmont house with views back over the mountains.
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Central Aust-I Saw A Strange Land Departs: 02 August 2012 In the 1940s Arthur Groom spent time exploring the beauty of Central Australia on extensive walks with pack-camels. Now follow in his footsteps with IPT founder and son of Arthur, Tony Groom on a journey to the Red Centre. This 13 day tour will re-visit many of the sites Arthur wrote about in his book “I Saw A Strange Land” (first published in 1950). A feature of your journey will be readings from the book at special times of the day - sunrises at Uluru, sunset at Kata Tjuta, on the top of Mt Sonder and beside the creek at Glen Helen Gorge. This will be a unique way to explore Central Australia’s most famous national parks including Uluru / Kata Tjuta, Watarrka (Kings Canyon) and the West MacDonnell Ranges. Walk around Uluru’s base, to Kata Tjuta’s Valley of the Winds and on a section of the Giles Track (near Kings Canyon) and the Larapinta Trail. Art is another strong link during this tour. We visit photographic sites such as the Organ Pipes and the Hermansburg mission where Albert Namatjira began his career. View the Kngwarrye painting in Alice Springs and soak up the light and colour of Central Australian sunsets.
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Kalimantan, Sumatra & Flores Departs: 19 August 2012 Discover local wildlife, ecology and cultures on this two week hands-on journey to Kalimantan, Sumatra and Flores.  Join renowned scientist Claire Oelrichs to explore majestic rainforests, view Orangutans in the wild, bathe Sumatran elephants and learn about the rare Sumatran rhinoceros. Beginning with Flores Island, from where we visit the islands of Komodo National Park which protects the impressive Komodo dragons.   We will snorkel on the coral reef to view the colourful fish and maybe turtles with a final visit to a small turtle hatchery on Kanawa Island. To the west of the Wallace line is Tanjung Puting National Park in Kalimantan. Formerly known as Borneo, this is one of the most bio-diverse places on the earth. This large tropical rainforest is home to Orangutans, Proboscis Monkeys, Macaques, Langurs and Gibbons. From our base at Rimba Lodge we travel by klotok river boats to view primates and birds in the lowland forest. Way Kambas National Park on Southern Sumatra has the richest wildlife and is known as "Africa of Asia". Sumatran Elephants can be viewed in the wild and you can bathe baby Elephants at the nearby conservation centre. A visit to the Sumatran Rhinoceros Sanctuary allows us to see the rare Sumatran Rhino and we also track the Sumatran Tiger in its own habitat (sightings are rare!).  There are possibilities to also see Tapir, Sunbear, Crocodile, Gibbon, Clouded Leopard and more.
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Cook Islands - Nature & Culture Departs: 21 August 2012 Discover the heart of Polynesia, 3000km north east of Auckland. From the majestic peaks of Rarotonga to the untouched rainforests of Atiu and the breathtaking lagoon of Aitutaki - the beauty and charm of these South Pacific islands is matched only by the warm hospitality of its friendly people. Your local guide will introduce you to the culture, people and natural beauty over two weeks. On the main island of Rarotonga, we visit the colourful weekly market, walk through pristine rainforest to The Needle (a legendary rock pinnacle) and join local guides into a conservation area and on a tour around the island. We soak up the spirit of the famous Cook Island dancers at a legendary island night. There are few places left in the world like the island of Atiu. Explore the native jungle, the Kopeka caves (home to rare birdlife), visit a coffee plantation and arts studio, then spend a day with local guide Birdman George. Our time of Atiu ends with an umukai, a traditional Polynesian feast. On Aitutaki we contract a day cruise on the beautiful lagoon, and a safari & history tour to Paengariki Marae. With the tour ex Rarotonga, flights and extensions can be arranged direct from Australia or via New Zealand.
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Paris & the Channel Islands Departs: 30 August 2012 On this new journey, we explore Paris, and surrounding countryside on half and full day walks. For contrast, we travel to where British and French influences meet on the Channel islands. The mix of coastal scenery and rich heritage will be uncovered through the stories and walks with our local guides. Based in Paris for four nights, we walk in the city centre and to bohemian Montmarte. On the outskirts of Paris, we walk in Fountainebleau forest and visit the famous chateau. Another day walk explores the Rambouillet forest in the “Ile de France’ region, birthplace of the French language. After a visit to Giverny, we continue to the historic town of Rouen, once home to Joan of Arc and Richard the Lionheart. The walled city of St Malo is our launch point for the Channel Islands and our first five nights is spent at St Aubin, Jersey. We take walks on the north coast, in the rural centre, cycle near La Corbiere and walk on neighbouring Sark, a car-free island and home to an abundance of wildflowers and sea birds. Crossing to Guernsey, we stay five nights in the capital of St Peter’s Port. A walk on the south coast near Le Gouffrre contrasts with visits to the more remote islands of Herm and Alderney (subject to weather and tides).
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Kalbarri to Karijni Departs: 05 September 2012 This is a journey of red earth, white-barked eucalypts, sandstone gorges, remote coastlines, wildflowers and wildlife. Over 16 days, travel from south to north through the best of Western Australia’s wilderness areas. Two hours from Perth, photograph the bizarre limestone pillars as they rise from the shifting sands at the Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park. At Kalbarri National Park, the Murchison River enters the sea through a series of sandstone gorges. Explore the river gorges and sea cliffs and admire the floral beauty of the surrounding sand plains. At Monkey Mia, we cruise to spot dugongs and marine wildlife. North of Monkey Mia, Francois Peron National Park, a former pastoral station, provides a refuge for rare and endangered flora and fauna. World Heritage listed Shark Bay is home to a profusion of marine life including dolphins, dugongs, turtles, rays, sharks, other fish and ancient Stromatolites. A walk over ancient fossil reefs at Cape Range National Park contrasts with the weightlessness of snorkeling at nearby Ningaloo Marine Park, the largest fringing coral reef in Australia. The tour finale is 3 days enjoying the gorges and side chasms up to 100m deep in Karijini National Park. Your journey ends with a flight from Paraburdoo back to Perth.
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Croatian Coast and Slovenia Departs: 15 September 2012 Explore two of Europe’s most beautiful jewels – the spectacular coastline and national parks of Croatia and the mountains, lakes and villages of Slovenia. Join IPT founder Tony Groom on a 3 week journey to two of his favourite European countries. The World Heritage Listed city of Dubrovnik is the perfect meeting point. A short distance west, the island of Mljet is your base for two days. Enjoy the island’s quiet beaches, native forests and unique salt lakes. Back on the mainland, Split has the ancient Diocletian’s Palace and further north, Paklenica and Krka National Parks stretch from the Adriatic coast inland to deep canyons and spring-fed creeks. World Heritage listed Plitvice National Park has a network of boardwalks, serene aqua-coloured lakes and waterfalls. Entering Slovenia, we enjoy meadow and pine forest walks in the serene valley of Logarska Dolina. From Lake Bohinj we explore glacial lakes and the limestone mountains of Triglav National Park. Our final walks explore the emerald-coloured river and gorges on the Soca Trail. The tour ends in the city of romance, Venice Italy.  
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Turkey - Goreme to Gallipoli Departs: 15 September 2012 Vibrant cities, volcanic landscapes, coastal coves, Roman ruins and historic battlefields are some of the wonders of central and western Turkey. Istanbul is the gateway to two continents where east meets west. Walk to an Ottoman fort, visit the renowned Hagia Sophia, cruise on the Bosphorus and explore massive Topkapi Palace. In central Turkey, Cappadocia features curious volcanic landscapes, steadily carved by nature and its human inhabitants. Based here for four nights, we visit Goreme Open Air Museum and the underground cities. Day walks explore villages, canyons and lesser visited valleys. After visiting Konya, home of the whirling dervishes, we cross the Taurus Mountains to Antalya and stay four nights in the coastal town of Kas. Walk in Olympos National Park and enjoy a day on the Lycian way following aqueducts to the old city of Patara. A half day Gulet cruise to Kekova Islands provides time for walks, viewing the sunken city of Simena and visiting Myra the ancient capital of Lycia. On another day, we visit the nearby Greek island of Kastellorizo. In western Turkey, we explore the archaeological sites of Ephesus, Pergamon and Troy. Before returning to Istanbul, we walk on the Gallipoli Peninsula, and visit the military museum and memorials in Helles.
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Nightcap & Border Ranges Departs: 02 October 2012 The essence of the rainbow region of Northern NSW is an eclectic mix of interesting walks, creative country towns and a relaxed ambience at every turn. This six day tour explores the national parks around Mt Warning while based in one place - a mountain hideaway near the town of Uki. Stretching along the western rim of the Tweed Caldera, the Border Ranges National Park is accessed via the Tweed Range Road and we enjoy a series of short walks near Brindle Creek. Nearby, the Tweed Pinnacle lookout gives you a bird’s eye view of the Tweed Caldera, a 23 million year old shield volcano. On the southern side of the caldera, the Nightcap Ranges are a walker’s paradise and part of the Gondwana Rainforests World Heritage area. We walk sections of the Historic Nightcap Track which leads to hidden waterfalls, palm valleys, misty lookouts and lush rainforest. Part of the original trail was used by travelers and postal workers between the Richmond and Tweed in the late 1800s. Our last walk leads to a dramatic lookout over Minyon Falls.  Our journey ends with a visit to the local Uki market with time to explore the village.    
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Autumn in Hokkaido Departs: 04 October 2012 Experience the autumn colours, seasonal food and interesting walks on a new journey to Hokkaido’s mountains, lakes and peninsulas. Hiroko Kobayashi has designed this tour to the northernmost Japanese island at a special time of the year. Your tour begins with a flight from Tokyo’s Haneda airport to Asahikawa on Hokkaido. After forest walks, you can soak in the tubs of Shirogane onsen, a Japanese hot spring resort above the Biei River. In the centre of the island, the volcanic mountain ranges are protected by Japan’s largest national park, Daisetsuzan. Cable cars allow access to moderate walks and autumn hues on Mt Asahi. Further south, enjoy the hidden treasures of Hagoromo Falls and Lake Shikaribetsu surrounded by white fir and spruce. At Lake Akan, forest and mountain walks contrast with an Ainu fire festival and an afternoon cruise to view Marimo, rare algae that form into beautiful green balls. World Heritage listed Shiretoko Peninsula offers forest and lakeside walks, remote fishing villages and possible sightings of the rare Japanese Black Bear. Travelling via the Notsuke Peninsula, enjoy boardwalk strolls through the fascinating Kiritappu wetlands. Your tour ends with a flight back to Haneda from Kushiro airport.
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Atacama and North West Argentina Departs: 05 October 2012 Stretching 1000km from southern Peru to northern Chile, the Atacama is the driest desert on earth. From the oasis of San Pedro, watch the colours change over bizarre formations in the Valleys of Mars and the Moon. To the south, the world's second largest salt flat, Salar de Atacama contrasts with a backdrop of snow-capped Andean volcanoes. Your first week concludes with sunrise at El Tatio geysers, baths in thermal hot springs and visits to small Altiplano villages, clifftop fortresses and petroglyphs.   Across the Andes in north west Argentina, the Diaguitas and Calchaquis people have long inhabited the desert regions. Trace ancient trade routes to the Humahuaca Valley, visit the Purmamarca handicrafts market and Pucara de Tilcara, a pre-Hispanic fortress. After two nights in the quiet mountain village of Iruya we continue to Salta, rich in Spanish folklore, music and handcrafts.   South of Salta, we take several days to explore historical places such as Quilmes ruins and Cachi Anthropological museum. Walk in Las Conchas Gorge, the Red River Valley and search for cactus hummingbirds, guanacos and condors in Los Cardones National Park. This tour can be linked to the 8 day Iguazu and North East Argentina tour.
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Madagascar - Mountains & Mystery Departs: 08 October 2012 Evolving in isolation for 165 million years, Madagascar has some of the world's most unique flora and fauna including lemurs, chameleons, orchids and towering baobab trees. Our journey begins in the bustling capital of Antananarivo. To the east, Andasibe is our base for excursions into the lowland and mid-altitude rainforest of Analamazaotra-Mantadia National Park. We enjoy night and morning walks to spot lemurs, eastern ring-tailed mongoose, frogs and chameleons.  Travelling through terraced farmlands, we arrive in Antsirabe, a highland urban oasis surrounded by volcanic lakes. After lakeside walks and visits to artisan workshops, we continue to Ranomafana National Park. This montane rainforest is home to carnivorous pitcher plants, 12 species of lemur and chameleon and almost half of Madagascar’s bird species. For contrast, Andringitra National Park is a walker’s paradise with prairies and open grassland below lunar-like granite massifs. After visiting the paper-making village of Ambalavao, we walk in the canyons and riparian rainforests of Ranohira Isalo National Park. To the south, forests of spiny ‘octopus’ trees contrast with avenues of baobabs. At Ifaty and Anakao, we snorkel on coral reefs and visit a nearby island protecting the red tailed tropic bird. Our final wildlife encounter is at Tsimanampesotse National Park before we return to the capital.
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Iguazu & North East Argentina Departs: 19 October 2012 The Iberá wetlands, teeming with wildlife; abandoned 17th century Jesuit missions; the surprising Moconá Falls and the majesty and power of Iguazú Falls – these are the delights of North East Argentina. Twice the size of the Florida Everglades, the rich ecosystem of Esteros del Iberá wetlands was declared a reserve in 1983. From the working ranch of San Juan Poriahu, we explore the area on foot and by boat. This is home to over 300 bird species, turtles, caiman crocodile, monkeys, swamp dear and capybaras (the largest rodent in the world). To the east we visit the jungle covered remains of a Jesuit missions featured in the powerful film, The Mission.  Near the town of El Soberio, we cruise on the Uruguay River to Moconá Falls. Located on a seismic fault, these unique falls are up to three kilometres wide but only 5-20m deep. In contrast, Iguazú is a tremendous complex of over 250 waterfalls stretching in a 2.5km horseshoe shape between Argentina and Brazil. The Iguazú National Park contains 2000 plant species and 400 bird species, including toucans. This tour includes return flights from Buenos Aires and can be linked to Atacama & North West Argentina and the Patagonian Journey.
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Patagonian Journey Departs: 26 October 2012 Our South American guide Daniel is returning with a handmade journey to his homeland of Patagonia. Be enchanted by mossy beech forests, misty peaks and conical volcanoes.  Venture into dreamlike landscapes where thundering waterfalls contrast with peaceful lakes and slow-moving glaciers. From colourful and seductive Buenos Aires, we fly to San Carlos de Bariloche in the Lakes District of Argentina.  We walk below towering Mt Tronador in the stunning landscapes of Nahuel Huapi, the old national park in Argentina. During the famous lake and mountain crossing into Chile, two nights at Puerto Blest reveals lush jungle and forests of Alerce, a giant rare conifer known to live for 3,500 years. To the mountains - Torres del Paine National Park with its soaring granite towers; Los Glaciares National Park with hikes to Perito Moreno glacier and the bases of Cerro Torre and Mt Fitzroy. Each of these areas offers excellent day walks and a chance to photograph the flora and fauna of these world-class parks. From the world’s most southerly city of Ushuaia, we explore Tierra del Fuego and the crystal-clear waters of the Beagle Channel before flying to the Valdez Peninsula, famous for its marine life. This tour can be preceded by the Iguazu and North East Argentina tour.
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Zanzibar to Samburu Departs: 28 October 2012 Zanzibar, Arusha, Ngorongoro Crater, Mt Kilimanjaro and the Masai Mara – discover East Africa’s iconic destinations.  From Dar es Salaam, we travel to the “Spice Island” of Zanzibar. Fringed by coral reefs, Zanzibar’s cultural heart is Stone Town, a labyrinth of grand 19th century houses, mosques and bustling bazaars. We journey to the Tanzanian national park of Arusha (home to 400 bird species). Nearby we take in the view of Africa’s highest mountain, Kilimanjaro (5892m) and the vastness of the Ngorongoro Crater east of the massive Serengeti National Park. From Nairobi, Kenya we travel to the lands of the Masai Mara. The gently undulating grasslands ensure easy sightings of the abundant animal populations. We aim to witness the great migration of zebras, gazelles and wildebeest. Passing through the tea plantation region of Sotik, we search for crocodiles and hippos on Lake Baringo. Nearby Lake Bogoria has Africa’s largest concentration of hot springs and geysers. From here we travel to Samburu National Reserve, home to lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, giraffe and zebra. Returning south, we walk in the foothills of Mt Kenya before the tour concludes in Nairobi. Alternatively you can join an optional 6 day extension to Bwindi National Park to see gorillas in the wild.
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Australian Alps Departs: 13 November 2012 The Australian Alps tour visits the highest reaches of Australia. From Kosciuszko to Khancoban, Buffalo to Bogong, we discover a plethora of plant and animal life, a great variety of walking opportunities and an impressive wealth of history, the views are nothing short of spectacular. From Canberra our first destination is the northern area of the Kosciuszko National Park, where we visit a section of the Yarrangobilly Caves. These limestone caverns are among the most richly decorated in Australia. From Thredbo in the southern area of the national park, we explore Mt Kosciuszko, Blue Lake and Perisher Valley. In the second week of our tour we visit the Bogong High Plains of Victoria. Day walks range from a spectacular ascent of Mt Feathertop, peaceful strolls around Mt Buffalo and Falls Creek and a fascinating section of the classic Australian Alps Walking Track. Beautiful Snow Gums grace our paths on many of the walks in this area. Flora is a highlight in this section that might include endangered buttercup and daisy species that are restricted to the highest peaks; as well as the brilliant display of spring wild flowers. We stay in hotels and ski lodges at Adaminaby, Thredbo, Falls Creek, Dinner Plain and Bright.
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Travel to breathtaking destinations, meet the locals and walk in the world's wild places. Stay in comfortable accommodation and be guided on daily adventures, carrying nothing more than a daypack. For over 35 years, we have offered 1-3 week tours to the national parks & wild places of Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Asia, North and South America.

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  • Ronny Hickel
    Ronny Hickel Ronny is the designer and guide of our 2012 Northern NSW tour. He facilitates yoga & meditation classes and yatras (walking meditation retreats) in the…
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