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.

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.

The Ghan

Clients may choose to add a journey aboard The Ghan to the beginning or end of this tour. See pages 8 and 9 for details. Please enquire for price.

MAXIMUM 39 PASSENGERS

Each the Operator Camping Adventure caters to a maximum of 39 passengers, allowing you to get to know your travelling companions and make friends from across Australia and around the world.

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).

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.

CHILD DISCOUNT

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

TRAVELLING ALONE - Great Savings Available.

Save paying a single supplement on a Fully Escorted Tour. the Operator will ensure you share a room or tent with a person of the same gender, so that you do not have to pay the single supplement. If we fail to match you, we'll provide a single room or tent at no extra cost. Please note: No smoking policy in all shared rooms.

PLEASE NOTE: In addition to the complimentary airport transfers, free travel pack and map, sleeping bag and camping essentials kit, only one the Operator discount is available per booking.

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 journeying in the luxurious Gold Kangaroo Class on this famous train. Enjoy delicious food and wine in the elegant 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 Camping Adventure 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 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.

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 fascinating 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 offer 'included' and 'optional' experiences. This allows you to choose when and where you wish to learn more about this unique culture.

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

  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.

   Pamagirri Experience Cairns

Take the 'Dreamtime' walk along the Rainbow Serpent, through Aboriginal traditions and legends. Watch spear throwing and learn how to throw a boomerang or play the didjeridu. View traditional dwellings, artefacts and art at the Pamagirri Cultural Centre, then watch dancers perform the Pamagirri Corroboree in the Rainforest Amphitheatre.

   Liru Walk Uluru

An experienced Aboriginal guide will take you on a short walk through the bushlands surrounding Uluru. Let the An_angu people, the traditional owners, explain the history of Uluru and be mesmerised by the 'creation' stories generations old. See how traditional weapons are made.

   Red Centre Dreaming Alice Springs

An interactive evening of traditional and contemporary entertainment featuring Aboriginal artists. Enjoy a three course dinner in a bushland setting followed by a performance of 'Red Centre Dreaming' combining traditional dancing, didjeridu playing and story telling.

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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.