Contiki offers great line up of Aussie experiences for 08 09

Are your young clients itching to get out there check out their own backyard and have some quintessentially Aussie experiences?

Well ,Contiki’s new Australia 08 09 program, packed full of unique adventures exclusively for 18 to 35s, is for them.

Tammy Marshall, managing director of Contiki Holidays said, “We have included fantastic new ‘true blue’ experiences that have really enriched the program for the coming season.

“One of the new product developments we are really excited about is the chance for clients to stay overnight at a traditional country homestead on an Aussie cattle station, located inland from the Capricorn Coast.

“Clients will enjoy a tractor hay-ride tour of the station, opportunity to feed calves, see cattle and hear a talk on the cattle industry and property and family history, with some whip cracking thrown in just for fun.  During the evening they will enjoy time around the campfire and some local entertainment.

“This experience gives our travellers a unique insight into the life of a large working cattle station and a taste of genuine Australian country hospitality.

“Also new is an overnight stay at a surf village near Coffs Harbour, so clients can try their hand at one of Australia’s all time fave past times. We also now give clients the chance to enjoy beautiful Shoal Bay with an overnight stop, and loads of options such as dune buggying and swimming with the dolphins.

“Contiki’s Australia program is all about unique experiences, which includes where clients stay – it’s all part of a great holiday! Travelling with Contiki your clients will stay on a tropical island, onboard a sailing boat in the Whitsundays, in rainforest eco-lodges on Fraser Island and in Cape Tribulation, under the stars at Kings Canyon, plus other great locations.

“On top of great new product, Contiki understands young travellers. As our clients are such heavy users of technology on holidays, Contiki’s has fitted its coaches with charging units so your clients can ‘charge on the go’, so their iPod, camera or mp3 player are ready at all times.”  

The 08 09 program showcases the best of the east coast and Northern Territory. Here’s a taste of what’s hot in Australia for 08 09:

15-day Ocean to Outback from $2429 per person, quad share (land only)

Highlights of this trip include:

Sydney: see all the icons – the Opera House, Rocks area and Harbour Bridge, cruise on the harbour and enjoy the nightlife

Whitsundays: stay on Long Island, relaxing and enjoying the tropical lifestyle and resort facilities

Cairns: take a sightseeing tour and visit the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park to try your hand at throwing the boomerang

Alice Springs: take a trip around the small city, including ANZAC Hill and visit the Alice Springs Desert Park, home to many unique outback animals

Simpson’s Gap: perhaps spot a black footed wallaby, but if not enjoy the chance to visit this important Aboriginal cultural site

Erlduna and Mt Ebenezer: visit a roadhouse, but not any old roadhouse, a traditional outback roadhouse and keep your eyes peeled for kangaroos in their natural habitat

Uluru (Ayers Rock): see the sunrise and sunset over Uluru, hike the base of the rock, visit Kata Tjuta (The Olga’s) and hike the Valley of the Winds.

OR, why not try the 11-day Territory and Outback from $1245 per person, quad share (land only).

There are so many highlights on this trip we can’t list them all, but here are a few:

Alice Springs: enjoy the sights of the small desert city, including a city sightseeing tour; a visit to the ANZAC Hill lookout, Alice Springs Telegraph Station and Alice Springs Desert Park to see the unique outback animals

Simpson’s Gap: see this important Aboriginal cultural site, home to the blackfooted wallaby

Uluru: A must see for the Aussie traveller – your visit includes Uluru National Park entrance fee, a visit to Uluru at sunset and sunrise; the chance to hike the base of Uluru and visit the Cultural Centre

Kings Creek Station: visit the cattle and camel station, before enjoying an evening bush camp and settle in for the evening to see the desert night sky and stars

Kings Canyon: visit Kings Canyon in Watarrka National Park, hike along the canyon ridge; visit the ‘Garden of Eden’ waterhole and the ‘Lost City’

Devil’s Marbles: visit the rock formation

Mataranka: take a luxurious swim in the thermal pools and visit Elsey, the historic “We of the Never Never” homestead

Kakadu National Park and Litchfield National Park: see the stunning landscapes and enjoy the pristine wildlife of both of these wonderful national parks

Darwin: enjoy this funky seaside city with a city sightseeing tour, then explore the harbour and East Point Military Reserve.

Contiki’s Australia packages include accommodation, transport, internal flights, as specified on some itineraries, most meals, the benefit of travelling with the passionate Contiki road crew and any domestic airfares as per itinerary.

Contiki are experts when it comes to travel and know what is hot in 2008 – so to help your clients plan their trip (and make sure they don’t miss a thing) the brochure includes dedicated info on not-to-be-missed events around Australia, like Darwin’s Beer Can Regatta, the Big Day Out and sporting events aplenty.

Check out all that Contiki’s got on offer at www.contiki.com.au or give your local BDM a shout if you have any questions.

A Report by The Mole