Birding Western MacDonnell Ranges & Newhaven 2011
| Accmdated: | Camping with Accommodation at Newhaven |
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| No.of days: | 10 |
| Ex: | Alice Springs - Alice Springs |
| Departure: | 18th -27th July 2011 |
| Price: | $2640pp $2640pp |
| Deposit: | $250pp |
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Good rains during 2010 have brought renewed growth to the Red Centre and the area is alive with lush vegetation and many birds. This tour will visit some of the best birdwatching areas at Newhaven Reserve and in the West MacDonnell Ranges.
Experience our semi-permanent camp set up at Newhaven Station for a limited time. Our luxurious tents are extra spacious, including camp beds with sleeping bags and liners included. The camp includes a full dining marque that will be our area for meals. After the success of this experience in 2010, we will again be repeating this semi-permanent camp in 2011. For those who missed out last year, don't miss this tour in 2011!
Newhaven Station has many of the characteristics of the remote Great Sandy Desert and yet it is very accessible. The area is extensive, complex and intact. It is home to at least 15 nationally threatened species of animals and plants. It boasts ten vegetation communities and a wide array of landforms, none of which are well represented in existing reserves.
Trip Overview
Our first camp will be on Newhaven Reserve. In December 2000 members of Birds Australia purchased Newhaven, a vast cattle station deep in the heart of the country north-west of Alice Springs. Now owned and managed by Australian Wildlife Conservancy, Newhaven has many of the characteristics of the remote Great Sandy Desert yet is very accessible. The area is home to at least 15 nationally threatened species of animals and plants. It boasts ten vegetation communities and a wide array of landforms with some stunning scenery. We follow red sandy tracks that cut through spinifex country and mulga woodland, past claypans, blindingly white saltpans and rugged rocky ridges. In the various habitats throughout the reserve we hope to find many of over 140 species birds which have been recorded on the reserve.
From Newhaven we travel south through the remote aboriginal community of Papunya to Redbank Gorge in the rugged West MacDonnell National Park. This 4WD outback track passes through some spectacular scenery including the massive Haasts Bluff. We will visit a number of gorges in the West MacDonnells, see some magnificent scenery but there will be plenty of time for birdwatching.
Around the Mereenie Loop Road, there will be various roadside stops along the way including Tylers Pass lookout and Gosse Bluff. At Kings Canyon in Watarrka National Park, there will be the opportunity to walk the Rim Track which is steep in parts. However we will be taking our time and resting at places like the cool and beautiful "Garden of Eden". There are short walks around the resort for those who do not want to do the Rim walk. We will also visit Kathleen Springs for birdwatching.
OUR BIRD GUIDE The bird-leader will be Judy Harrington, a committee member of the Birds Australia NSW and ACT regional group and a founder of the BA Discovery Centre at Sydney Olympic Park, where she works as a Park Ranger. Judy is able to inspire and educate both locals and visitors.
Judy is very familiar with the birds of the area and will assist with the identification.
BIRDS THAT WE HOPE TO SEE:
On Newhaven Reserve some of the species that we hope to find include Major Mitchell Cockatoo, Budgerigar, Pied, Black and Grey-headed Honeyeaters, Banded Whiteface, Crimson Chat and Slaty-backed Thornbill. Rufous-crowned Emu-wren, Grey Honeyeater and Orange Chat are occasionally recorded. The stately Bustard might been seen striding through the grasslands. Dingoes are often heard howling at the campsite at night.
In the gorges of the MacDonnell Ranges, we will be looking for Spinifex Pigeon, Dusky Grasswren, Little Woodswallow, Spinifexbird and Painted Firetail. The bowers of Western Bowerbirds can be found at some of the camp-grounds. While travelling, we will be on the lookout for raptors. Brown Falcons and Black Kites are common but Black-breasted Buzzards and Wedge-tailed Eagles are often seen on the way to Newhaven.
Details of Trip
THIS TOUR IS ORGANISED IN CONJUNCTION WITH BIRDS AUSTRALIA.
BOOKINGS can only be confirmed with the payment of $250 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. WHAT TO BRING Torch, Water bottle, Binoculars
If you wish to allow extra time either side of the tour, we can arrange accommodation at Heavitree Gap Resort or the “Pathdorf” B&B. For more details www.pathtoursadventure.com, Please let us know on booking if you require this service.
Included
INCLUDED IN FARE: Travel by airconditioned OTT vehicle. All meals unless specified denoted as B - Breakfast, L - Lunch & D - Dinner. Guided walks. All National Park entrance Fees. All camping fees. Accommodation for four nights at Newhaven in twin share semi-permanent camp. Includes camp stretcher beds. All camping gear including two -person tents, foam sleeping mat, stretcher, tables and backed chairs. Single tents are available at no charge. Please ensure you request this option on booking. Any additional flights, cruises & side excursions are optional extras. Note on the itinerary, “Bush Camps” have limited facilities; “Camps” are at Caravan Parks with full facilities.
Includes use of our luxury semi-permanent camp at Newhaven Station. Previously set up for one month in 2010, we will again set it up in 2011 for approximately two months. See Frequently Asked Questions Sheet on this specific camp.
Minimum Passengers
10
Itinerary
Day 1 (18 July) Alice Springs
Meet your crew at Heavitree Gap Resort at 7.45AM for an 8.00AM departure. For city pickups please advise on booking and you will be advised of your collection time. We start our journey by travelling along the Stuart Highway and Tanami Track before we turn off to Newhaven Reserve. We will have the opportunity to stop at Tilmouth Well to purchase indigenous art and artifacts. Tonight we will be camping at our semi-permanent camp – with a full dining marque, luxury tents, stretchers. We will stay here for the next four days. Semi-Permanent Camp: Newhaven Station (LD)
Day 2 / 3 / 4 (19 / 20 / 21 July) Newhaven
We will spend the next three days exploring and birdwatching around the reserve. With Many habitats, there is the opportunity for many birds. Semi-Permanent Camp: Newhaven Station (BLD)
Day 5 (22 July) Redbank Gorge
We leave Newhaven to travel along 4WD outback tracks to Papunya and then through some spectacular scenery to redbank gorge in the West Macdonnell ranges.
Bush Camp Redbank Gorge (BLD)
DAY 6 / 7 (23 / 24 July)West Macdonnell Ranges
From our base-camp at Redbank, 2 days will allow plenty of time to explore other gorges of the West MacDonnells.Bush Camp Redbank Gorge ( BLD)
Day 8 (25 July) Kings Canyon
We travel via the Mereenie Loop Road to our base camp for the next 2 nights at Kings Canyon in Watarrka National Park. Camp Kings Canyon (BLD)
Day 9 (26 July) Kings Canyon
A full day to thoroughly explore this beautiful national park and gorge. There will be optional walks including along the rim of the canyon. Camp Kings Canyon (BLD)
Day 10 (27 July) Alice Springs
We travel back to Alice Springs where the tour will finish at approximately 5.00-5.30 pm. For your convenience, we will organize a drop-off in the city as well as at Heavitree Gap Resort. (BL)
