Australia
Downunder... And More
November 8 - 23, 2012
It's the BEST time to see Australia......Spring will be blooming when you arrive in Sydney and check out famous Bondi Beach, the historic "Rocks" area, the Opera House, cruise Sydney harbour and go shopping at the gracious Queen Victoria Building. Then depart by coach through the Blue Mountains for Cowra with an overview of Aussie agriculture, history and development en route. We farmstay overnight with hosts producing cattle, lamb, wheat or canola. Next day, it's northwest to visit the weekly cattle auction at Forbs before heading through the Lachlan River Valley and a stop at the NSW "Farmer of the Year" in the wheat belt also noted for wool, sheep and mixed farming. Then on to Dubbo in the Macquarie Valley with large irrigated areas of wheat, barley, cotton, sorghum, corn and sunflowers, and into the Breeza Plains. Discussion with environmentally conscious farmers from Landcare and an informal barbeque with local farmers & agbusiness people will be informative. Merino sheep, Polled Hereford cattle and Dairy will keep you busy in Walcha district. "Breedplan" is a genetic evaluation system developed by U of New England that is used by a leading Angus breeder near Guyra. The seven properties spanning 360 km will show us how they minimize risk in cotton, grain and cattle operations. Family farming in Gwydir Valley will be a contrast, and we'll also tour a private irrigation operation on the Maintyre River. Darling Downs has the best soils for grain on the continent and we'll discuss their fertilizer methodology. The "Carnival of Flowers" in Toowoomba should be a highlight as well as historic Jondaryan Woolshed illustrating pioneering methods. And another farmstay. In Gympie district we'll experience Queensland's largest fish farm as well as pineapple acreages before heading for two nights on the SunshineCoastforsomeR&RbeforedepartingfromBrisbane.
But wait......you've come a long way.........why not add-on Alice Springs, Anzac Hill, Ayers Rock and aboriginal folklore based at the Outback Pioneer Hotel? Then fly to Cairns for a cruise to Marlin Jetty and the Great Barrier Reef for coral viewing and snorkelling or optional scuba diving. Then take the heritage train through pristine rainforests to Kuranda Range. The award winning Tjapukai Cultural Centre will be a highlight as well as the new Skyrail trip for an unfettered view of the rainforest before returning to Cairns. It's 6 more days that you won't forget!