Outback and Beyond Post-Conference Swag Tour
Dates: Monday 26 to Wednesday 28 April 2010
Want a genuine outback Aussie experience? Then you must join the ‘Outback & Beyond’ Swag tour following the conference.
Together with NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service, Australia ICOMOS has organized something very special. Conference delegates will be able to access some of our most significant and fascinating sites, each with a specialist guide.
We will travel off-road routes to access the magic that is reflected in Aboriginal rock art, view natural wonders and drive along red sand tracks where our company will be emus, goats, camels, goannas and cattle.
Starting early morning on Monday 26 April 2010 following the conference, we will first visit Mutawintji National Park and view the historic site and rock engravings.
Next day we will be at Kinchega National Park with its nationally listed woolshed, mustering yards, early engineering well works and former homestead. After lunch beside the billabong, we will then travel to the World Heritage listed Mungo National Park. At Mungo, we will visit natural wonders such as the Walls of China and remnants from former pastoral uses of the area including the historic cypress drop-log Mungo Woolshed. At selected indigenous sites, we will be shown around by local Aboriginal guides who will talk to us about their special places.
You can soak up the pastoral heritage atmosphere by staying in Mungo’s historic shearers’ quarters. Alternatively, if you would prefer more personalised accommodation, this may be booked at your own expense at The Lodge.
Throughout the three day Outback Tour we will be accompanied by two NPWS staff members in a separate escort vehicle.
The post-conference tour has been organised specifically with Australia ICOMOS in mind by the NSW National Parks Service – Western Division. It will highlight local, state, national and World Heritage levels of significance as well as historic, remote pastoralism, natural and aboriginal themes.
Download the Outback and Beyond Swag Tour_revised itinerary for further information.
ANNEXURE posting 23 February 2010
The Swag Tour will conclude in Mildura on Wednesday 28th April at about 4pm. The Merbein Historical Society in Mildura has now offered to guide delegates around the Mildura Blass Distillery and depending on time, the local engineering heritage group around the Psyche Bend Pumping Stations. Both visits will be lead by Robin Howell of Heritage Victoria (to be confirmed) .
Onward travel from Mildura
Please note below are indicative prices only (as at November 2009) . Individuals must rely on their own confirmation of fares that are subject to change at any time
BUSES R US: Mildura to Broken Hill
Depart Mildura 15.10
Arrive Broken Hill 18.45 (approx)
Travel time 3 hours 35 mins
Coach adult one way $55
AIR: VIRGIN air fare
Adelaide – Mildura $163.00
Melbourne – Mildura $103.00
Canberra – Mildura $183.00
Sydney – Mildura $193.00
Brisbane – Mildura $223.00
Perth – Mildura $293.00
AIR: QANTAS air fare
Sydney – Mildura $191.00
Melbourne – Mildura $127.00
AIR: REX air fare
Melbourne – Mildura $188.00
The tour cost will include:
• bus transport – departing Broken Hill Conference Centre and ending in Mildura. NOTE: delegates are to make own travel arrangements from Mildura
• all entry fees, NPWS staff escort and specialist guides at individual sites
• lunches, morning and afternoon teas
• night Two dinner at Mungo lodge
• NP&WS staff and specialist sites guides
• accommodation in historic Mungo Shearer’s Quarters on a twin share basis: please note – you will need a sleeping bag (see information also below). The Shearers Quarters have limited heating and cooling. There is a communal kitchen and dining room with all utensils and crockery, refrigerators and stove provided, plus a shower-toilet block. Hot water is available BUT all people are requested to use water sparingly due to the low annual rainfall in this region. Barbecues are also available.
Excluded:
• night One in Broken Hill : delegates are advised to extend conference accommodation for an extra night
• night Two will require a sleeping bag as no bedding is provided in the Shearers’ Quarters. Alternatively, a sleeping bag can be purchased for you for $40; after the tour you can either keep it or donate it to a local charity. We also suggest you bring a blow-up airline pillow
• night Two alternative accommodation is available at the Mungo Lodge from approx $145 per night; delegates to make their own booking
• own towel and toiletries (suggest a quick dry camping towel in a container)
• any special needs and personal requirements
• own refillable water bottle
• alcohol (can be purchased in Broken Hill before Monday departure)
• camera etc
Participants on the tour will need the following:
i) Wide brimmed hat
ii) Loose fitting clothing preferably with high collars, sleeves and long trousers.
The Outback can be cold at night and when it does rain, it can rain very heavily. It is advisable to bring a jumper and a light weight windcheater/rain-jacket
iii) Sensible enclosed footware – no heels, sandals or thongs on the tour, though plastic thongs or slip-ons may be useful for wearing in the communal shower block.
iv) Everyone to have a water bottle and to monitor their own hydration
v) Sun screen, insect repellent
vi) Other food, such as in-between snacks, fruit, energy bars, dry fruit etc
Please note that this is the Outback and the climate can be both harsh and changeable. The ground is uneven with numerous trip hazards. A hiking pole might be useful to help maintain balance.
Outback FOOD will include BBQs and tends to be meat based. If diet is a concern, advise the conference organiser.