Easter with the Birds 2010
| Accmdated: | N / Y |
|---|---|
| No.of days: | 5 |
| Ex: | Sydney - Sydney |
| Departure: | 1st April - 5th April, 2010 |
| Price: | $650pp (camping) See details below $650pp (camping) See details below |
| Deposit: | $100pp |
 |
|
FULLY BOOKED
Camping - $650pp;Single Supp - $55 (incl single room first night); Accommodated - $750pp, Single Supp - $120 (incl single room first night)
Join us on a five day camping tour over Easter to Outback NSW. Our base camp will be at Wilbur Farmhouse, a working wheat, sheep and cattle property near Gulargambone in Central NSW at the centre of an excellent area for bird-watching.
We will be able to visit different areas for birdwatching including the Warrumbungles National Park and the MacQuarie Marshes area. The Warrumbungles lie between the moist eastern coastal zone and the dryer plains to the west and are sometimes called the place where the east meets west. Due to this position the mountains have provided protection for flora and fauna suited to both habitats.
The plains around MacQuarie Marshes are much dryer and support species found in that very different habitat. Depending on the water-levels in the Marshes, it may be possible to add many waterbirds to our list.
Inexperienced birdwatchers and those who have not camped before are particularly welcome. This tour is ideal to try before booking on a longer tour.
This tour is available as camping or accommodated. The Station has limited accommodation available on a twin share or single basis. Book early to avoid disappointment.
Trip Overview
LEADER:
The leader will be Charlie Andrews, an experienced birdwatcher and leader who will be able provide assistance with identification.
WHAT TO BRING:
- Sleeping bag
- Torch
- Water bottle, lunch box and eating utensils (dishes & cutlery)
- Binoculars
BIRDS THAT WE HOPE TO SEE
Travelling on to Gulargambone, we will be on the lookout for raptors such as Wedge-tailed Eagles, Brown Falcons, Black-shouldered Kites and maybe a harrier.
The birds of the Warrumbungles range from species of moist east coast such as King Parrot, Eastern Yellow Robin and Yellow-tufted Honeyeater to the birds of the dryer western slopes including Turquoise Parrot and Diamond Firetail. The park is also home to a breeding population of Koala.
The dryer plains around MacQuarie Marshes are home to Australian Ringneck Parrots, Blue Bonnets, Cockatiels, Chestnut-crowned Babblers, Apostlebirds, Red-capped and Hooded Robins and many species of honeyeater. In the MacQuarie Marshes, it may be possible to add Black-tailed Nativehen, Red-kneed Dotterel, Yellow-billed Spoonbill and possibly a crake to our list.Swamp Harrier hunt over the wetlands.
Details of Trip
THIS TOUR IS ORGANISED BY BIRDING NSW IN CONJUNCTION WITH OUTBACK TRACK TOURS. BOOKINGS can only be confirmed with the payment of $100 deposit. Final payment falls due 45 days before departure. Cheques are to be made payable to 'Outback Track Tours Pty Ltd'. TRAVEL INSURANCE We strongly recommend travel insurance against loss of possessions accident and cancellation through unforeseen circumstances. Insurance is inexpensive and readily available from the office. PLEASE NOTE If weather road conditions or other circumstances make a change in itinerary necessary the decision to change the route is solely that of the Tour Guide.
Included
INCLUDED IN FARE Travel by airconditioned OTT vehicle. All meals unless specified. Guided walks, accommodation for first night is twin share - single supplement extra $65. All Camping Gear including two person tents, foam sleep mats, tables and chairs. Meals as identified in itinerary as B - Breakfast L - Lunch and D - Dinner. All Camping and entrance fees.
Minimum Passengers
12
Itinerary
DAY 1 (THUR 1 APR) SYDNEY - MUDGEE
Meet your crew at Central Railway Station (Coach Bay 5) at 2.45PM for a 3.00PM departure. We travel west through the Blue Mountains. Dinner is at own expense. We travel via Lithgow to reach our overnight stop at Mudgee. ACCOMM : MUDGEE
DAY 2 (FRI 2 APR) GULARGAMBONE
After breakfast we make our way from Mudgee through Dunedoo and Gilgandra to our campsite near Gulargambone. Our campsite for the duration of the tour will be on a private property. From the campsite we will be able to see the spectacular sunsets of the western skies.
CAMP: WILBER FARMHOUSE (BLD)
DAY 3/4 SAT/SUN 3/4 APR GULARGAMBONE STATION Today and tomorrow we will visit various sites in the surrounding areas - Warrumbungle National Park and the Pilliga Scrub. CAMP Gulargambone Station (BLD)
DAY 5 MON 5 APR GULARGAMBONE STATION - SYDNEY: Departing after breakfast we bid farwell to our hosts and travel back to Sydney. We hope to arrive back at Coach Bay 5 at approximately 6.30pm 7.00pm. (BL)
