TRAVELMARVEL HAS released its Australian holidays for 2024, with more travel styles offered than ever before.
Headline act is a new Kimberley cruise program leading a diverse range of tours which also feature land, rail and remote 4WD adventures across the country.
The 10-day Kimberley Coast Adventure’ from Broome to Darwin aboard the Heritage Adventurer includes viewings of ancient Indigenous rock art and Zodiac outings to Horizontal Falls, Montgomery Reef and King George Falls.
The cruise is on offer from $9,395 per person twin share including savings of up to $2,600 per couple with early bird and early payment discounts applied (available until October 31).
For those seeking further exploration of the region, the 18-day Kimberley Coast and 4WD Adventure’ combines the cruise with an in-depth tour hosted by an expert Travelmarvel driver-guide and a stay at Bell Gorge and Bungle Bungle wilderness lodges.
Further south, the 14-day Wonders of the South West’ roundtrip from Perth is available from $6,945 per person twin share. The tour reveals West Australian destinations including Monkey Mia, Kalbarri National Park, Esperance and the culinary haven of Margaret River.
Tasmania is explored in depth on the 10-day Grand Tasman’ tour, with visits to the Bridestowe Lavender Estate, Freycinet National Park, the Gordon River and Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park.
Gastronomic highlights include a three-course dinner at Tall Timbers and visits to the House of Anvers and James Boag Brewery. The tour is on offer from $3,995 per person twin share.
Outback delights headline the seven-day Red Centre Escape’ holiday which is priced from $3,995 per person twin share.
Featuring special Insider Experiences at remote Uluru and Kings Canyon including visits to the Field of Light and Light Towers installations respectively alongside sightseeing in Alice Springs.
LIGHTS, STARS AND PLENTY OF ACTION
2023 Parrtjima Listening with Heart Installation. Picture courtesy Parrtjima
ONE OF the greatest light shows above earth will be returning Down Under next year with a new outlook and theme.
Held in Alice Springs, Parrtjima A Festival in Light will illuminate the heart of Australia from April 12-24, 2024.
The festival will continue to share the captivating and important stories of First Nations people on Arrernte country with the world.
Rhoda Roberts AO will return as Parrtjima Curator with the 2024 theme set to highlight the importance of interconnectedness in Aboriginal cultures.
Everything is living in Aboriginal culture and in the old ways, the approach was one of sharing and working together, said Ms Roberts.
Our ancestors were living under strict social structures and belief systems where everything was interrelated from the land and waterways to our sky country.
Along with resilience that’s tinged with laughter, interconnectedness blankets the wisdom of generations that we are reminded to experience and absorb.
This year’s event generated a total expenditure stimulus of $9.2 million, with $6.8 million of that being new money brought into the region.
FEAST YOUR EYES ON OUR NIGHT SKY
THE OUTBACK’S vastness and isolation has long been known for offering some of the best stargazing opportunities on the planet.
Far away from the city lights, the sky above Outback Queensland becomes a canvas of stars and distant galaxies.
Here are three destinations offering an unforgettable celestial experience. Photos: Tourism and Events Queensland
Cosmos Centre, Charleville
At the heart of the Outback lies Charleville’s Cosmos Centre, which boasts state-of-the-art facilities and the renowned Big Sky Observatory.
Skilled astronomers will guide you on a celestial journey, unveiling the secrets of distant galaxies, stars and constellations.
Engage in interactive exhibits and witness audiovisual presentations that celebrate the vastness of our cosmos.
Dark Sky Sanctuary at Australian Age of Dinosaurs, Winton
During the day, study the fossils and relics of the ancient giants that once roamed this land. As the sun sets, a different kind of experience takes over as the Dark Sky Sanctuary reveals itself.
Winton is Australia’s first Dark Sky Sanctuary, one of just a handful in the world. As Astro-tourism continues to grow, this is a great place to start your exploration of the skies.
Star Gazing and Bird Watching at Cobbold Gorge
Start your evening with a tranquil boat cruise along the gorge, surrounded by towering sandstone cliffs and abundant wildlife. As the night deepens, retire to a campsite and embrace the serene darkness, perfect for stargazing.
The gorge’s isolation from light pollution grants you memorable views of the Milky Way’s radiant glow. While you gaze at the heavens above, you’ll be serenaded by the nocturnal calls of local bird species.
www.cosmoscentre.com
www.australianageofdinosaurs.com
www.cobboldgorge.com.au
