GREAT SAVINGS AND DISCOUNTS

FRIENDLY FOURS DISCOUNT - Great Savings Available.

For a group of four or more adults wishing to travel together on an the Operator Fully Escorted Tour, there isa discount per person off the coach content price.All bookings must be made at the same time, with the same travel agent.

GUARANTEED DEPARTURES

Occasionally airlines and tour operators are forced to reschedule departure dates. At the Operator we appreciate the inconvenience this may cause you. Therefore, we guarantee no tour will be rescheduled within 42 days of the published departure date.

CONCESSION CARD HOLDERS

Australian and New Zealand pensioners, and Australian 'Seniors Card' holders can save even more on their the Operator holiday with the Concession discounts that are shown at the bottom of each tour's pricing panel.

FREE TRAVEL PACK & MAP

All clients receive an attractive travel bag and wallet, luggage labels and a useful booklet containing valuable holiday information. PLUS whilst on tour you will receive a map of Australia as a memento of your special the Operator holiday.

COMPLIMENTARY AIRPORT TRANSFERS

In the city your holiday commences or finishes, the Operator offers a hotel or airport transfer at the start and end of your tour, or in conjunction with pre or post tour accommodation booked with the Operator.

GROUP DISCOUNTS TEN OR MORE PEOPLE TRAVELLING TOGETHER

Special prices apply to 10 or more people taking an allocation of seats on any the Operator holiday within any the Operator brochure. the Operator is also happy to quote on your Special Group when you require your own coach holiday following your own itinerary. Contact the Operator for details.

the Operator DISCOUNT AIRFARES^#

the Operator offers special airfare deals around Australia providing you with great savings off full economy airfares. These discounts are available throughout the year to all the Operator clients.

FREE SLEEPING BAG & CAMPING ESSENTIALS KIT

the Operator supplies you with all the best equipment for a comfortable and hassle free holiday including a sleeping bag and a Camping Essentials Kit (both yours to keep).

FREQUENT TRAVELLER DISCOUNT

If you have travelled with the Operator, Trafalgar or Insight previously on an Escorted Tour of 3 days or more, you are eligible for membership into our Frequent Traveller Club. Members are eligible for a coach content discount on any subsequent escorted touring with the Operator.

CHILD DISCOUNT

A child 15 years and under, sharing a room or tent on an the Operator escorted tour with at least one adult, receives a reduction off the adult coach content price.

PLEASE NOTE: In addition to the complimentary airport transfers, free travel pack and map, sleeping bag and camping essentials kit, and our discount airfares, only one the Operator discount is available per booking.#All airfares are subject to seat availability and cancellation conditions apply, see page 23 _^† Savings based on XABD.

Aboriginal Cultural Experiences

The Aboriginal people share their culture with you

Another the Operator first – our Aboriginal Cultural experiences were introduced in 2002 and have quickly become an outstanding success.

The majority of these experiences are only available to the Operator clients. They offer a rare opportunity for you to meet, talk on a one-on-one basis, understand and learn from the traditional owners.

Be amazed as you listen to Dreamtime stories from the people who truly understand the land, its past and its secrets. Gain an understanding of Aboriginal history, the influence of European settlement and how both worlds have created today's Australia.

No holiday would be complete without taking part in these experiences. They will not only be a lot of fun, they will be a real highlight and a not-to-be missed experience.

The the Operator Commitment

••   The majority of our experiences are owned and operated by Aboriginal people, so benefits go back to Aboriginal owned enterprises.

••   We will strike a balance between enriching cultural experiences and 'creature comforts', with facilities always close at hand.

••   We are proud to be the first and only National Tour Operator to offer all of these unique cultural experiences.

   Tiwi Islands Top End

You haven't seen Australia's Northern Territory until you've seen the Tiwi Islands. The Islands are home to the Tiwi People, coastal island Aborigines with permanent smiles. Gain a memorable insight into the culture and lifestyle of the Tiwi people.

   Kimberley Dreamtime Kimberley

Journey to Parry Lagoon Nature Reserve, where an Aboriginal guide will show you the bird life and tell you about traditional hunting and fishing methods. Our guide joins us for the drive to Wyndham and the spectacular 5 Rivers Lookout. You'll gain a special understanding of the lifestyles of the traditional owners of this land.

  Guluyambi Cruise Kakadu

A spectacular cruise down the East Alligator River. See salt-water crocodiles and wonderful bird life. Your experienced Aboriginal guide will share with you their relationship with the land and their culture. Special permission has been obtained for the included visit to Arnhem Land.

   Leliyn Tour Edith Falls

Your local Jawoyn guide will take you back in time to 'Burr', or the Dreamtime, with stories of the creation spirits that shaped the land and still live in special places like Leliyn. Your informative walk will give you an insight into the traditional uses for many of the native plants in the area. Discover the living pharmacy, supermarket and hardware store that surrounds you. You will never look at the bush the same way again.

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JOURNEY ON THE LEGENDARY GHAN

Take a spectacular rail journey through Australia's heart For a truly memorable experience why not start or complete your the Operator holiday with a great Australian rail journey aboard The Ghan? Discover the romance and style of first class rail travel by travelling in the luxurious Gold Kangaroo class on this famous train. Enjoy delicious food and wine in the luxurious restaurant car while watching an endless parade of panoramic Australian Outback views. In the evening the cosy, club like setting of the lounge is the ideal place to enjoy a nightcap or a round of cards or simply gaze out the windows at the multitude of stars shining brightly in the clear desert sky. When sleep beckons, retire to your comfortable sleeper cabin complete with private ensuite, and be lulled to sleep by the gentle rhythm as The Ghan glides along the tracks. The Ghan takes you on the ultimate adventure into the heart of Australia and, with the new extension to Darwin, to the tropical top end, on a spectacular transcontinental journey covering 2979 kilometres.

The Ghan has a long and colourful history. It first departed Adelaide for Alice Springs on 4 August 1929 and its name is a shortened version of Afghanistan in homage to the country of origin of the early pioneering camel handlers and their teams of animals who helped open up Australia's harsh and beautiful outback to travellers. Settle back and relax as The Ghan transports you on an epic journey to Alice Springs in the Red Centre. Be mesmerised by the wonders of the Australian landscape from the shifting colours of the desert sand hills to the wild beauty of the outback plains and mountain ranges. Travel through vast sheep and cattle stations and keep your eyes peeled for wildlife such as kangaroos and camels. Make your final approach to Alice Springs through the narrow Heavitree Gap, which accommodates the railway line, the road and the Todd River. Alice Springs makes a wonderful base to explore the wonders of the Red Centre. Venture off the rails to join your the Operator escorted holiday and discover the spectacular natural beauty and famous icons of this amazing region. From Alice Springs The Ghan journeys north through remote and beautiful wilderness, Katherine and the spectacular gorge country. The Ghan then continues through the lush tropical Top End to eclectic Darwin where you can join one of the Operator exciting escorted holidays. Explore the wonders of picturesque national parks such as Kakadu and Litchfield, experience Aboriginal culture firsthand and discover charming outback towns. With the Operator and The Ghan you can experience the very best that the Northern Territory has to offer without sacrificing comfort or style.

The Ghan

Note: All prices per person, one way travelling Gold Kangaroo class. Please enquire for pricing and details on other classes of travel.

  the Operator Accommodation

Stay a little longer… Perhaps you would like to spend a few extra days in one of our feature city locations, either before or after your touring. the Operator has made this option highly affordable, by negotiating special discounted rates at selected accommodation properties. To extend your stay, simply choose the number of extra nights you wish to spend and ask your travel agent to reserve the additional accommodation at the time of booking your tour. It could not be any easier. AUSTRALIA prices are room only, per person, per night and include airport transfers    AUD

Please note that only the Operator clients qualify for extra nights accommodation and prices.