interNATIONAL PARKtours - Group Walking Tours to National Parks and Natural places in Australia and Overseas. Enjoy walking tours and holidays with experienced andknowledgeable guides.

ONLY FOUR SPACES LEFT!

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).

The Iberá wetlands, teeming with wildlife; abandoned 17^th 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.

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.

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.

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 19^th 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

ONE SPACE LEFT - single female twin share only.

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.