Eclipse Holiday
by Hot Air Balloon
Highlights:
• Experience the eclipse while floating 2000 metres above the earth!
• Swim, snorkel & dive on an extravagant Great Barrier Reef trip
• Immerse yourself in lush UNESCO World-Heritage listed rainforest
• Meet Aussie wildlife and ride a historic train in luxury class
- Overview
- Itinerary
- Inclusions
- FAQs
Overview - 5 Days / 4 Nights
Be aloft when the total solar eclipse of November 14, 2012 begins and watch this phenomenal event unfold as you glide above the earth. Rising before the sun, you travel with us to the Cairns Highlands, where a hot air balloon takes you into the sky. For one hour you are flying--and with perhaps the best view on the planet--you watch the moon cover the sun in a spectacular total solar eclipse.
In addition to your balloon adventure, The Skyrail Cableway will also take you above the earth to view the tropical rainforest canopy, you'll meet some of the local Aussie wildlife, and you'll travel by luxury Gold Class on a historic train down through the Barron River Gorge. Emerald rainforest drapes the Gorge, tumbling waterfalls decorate its slopes, and you trace the once-perilous route of the old time silver miners.
To cap it all off, you'll be whisked away on a luxury boat to The Great Barrier Reef – a UNESCO World Heritage site and another one of nature's elaborate displays. Snorkel or SCUBA dive among a rainbow of fish and corals and soak up the sun at two pristine outer reef locations.
If you're an eclipse novice or a well-heeled eclipse chaser, 2011 Nobel Laureate and astronomer Brian Schmidt will add a new dimension to your experience of the eclipse event. This is undoubtedly one of nature's most magnificent shows, and the eclipse seen from a hot air balloon is something very few people can claim to have done.
Click on an image to view the gallery
Day 1 (12 Nov): Arrival and Astronomy Presentation
After transferring from the Cairns airport, you settle into your accommodation at the lovely 4-star boutique hotel Il Palazzo in Cairns. Reflecting the neoclassical architecture of Europe (Michelangelo's David sculpture greets you in the foyer!) the recently refurbished one bedroom suites are superbly appointed with private balconies and kitchenette. Perfect for singles or couples, your hotel room features air conditioning, hairdryer, mini bar and tea & coffee making facilities, internet access, Austar cable TV and private laundry. The Mediterranean-style pool claims a cascading fountain and a rooftop sun deck gives you a pleasant way to relax and refresh. Just one block from the Cairns waterfront and centrally located in the restaurant and shopping district, Il Palazzo is the perfect base from which to have your adventures.
As a special treat tonight, you have 2011 Nobel Laureate Dr. Brian Schmidt introducing you to total solar eclipses. By studying exploding stars, astrophysicist Dr. Schmidt helped discover the universe is expanding at an accelerating rate, for which he won the Nobel Prize for Physics in 2011. He has extensive public speaking experience, having given last year's Halley Lecture (named after Edmund Halley, as in the comet) at Oxford and appearing occasionally on ABC Television's Catalyst. Speaking only to Small World Journeys' guests, Dr. Schmidt will cover a variety of topics, conversing in layman's terms about astronomy and the significance of total solar eclipses. There will also be time to chat with Dr. Schmidt after the presentation about your eclipse-related questions.
Accommodation: Il Palazzo Boutique Hotel
Day 2 (13 Nov): Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, Kuranda Village and Historic Train
Today experience Cairns premier eco-attraction and winner of numerous ecotourism awards – the Skyrail. From your hotel, you are transferred to this unique rainforest cableway for a fantastic journey over Australia's World Heritage listed tropical rainforest canopy and deep into the forest. Spanning 7.5 kilometres over Barron Gorge National Park, the Skyrail experience includes a scenic cableway ride and stops at two rainforest mid-stations. You can descend from the cableway onto rainforest boardwalks, where interpretive information is provided through guided boardwalk tours, signage and an interpretive centre. At the end of the Skyrail lies the mountain village of Kuranda. Stroll the market place for local arts and crafts, and sample some local fare. Options in Kuranda Village include Koala Gardens, The Butterfly Sanctuary, Birdworld and the Venom Zoo (extra cost).
In the afternoon you board a historic train that travels along the Barron River Gorge, a track once used for carrying silver down to Cairns. Brilliantly restored, the train still evokes the classic journeys of yesteryear. In the extravagantly delightful Gold Class, you will wind down through the valley, enjoying champagne and other refreshments. Informative commentary walks you through the points of interest and historical details of the ride. A highlight is viewing Barron Falls, a massive set off cascades that tumbles into the gorge. Your day ends with a transfer back to your hotel.
Accommodation: Il Palazzo Boutique Hotel
Included: Breakfast
Day 3 (14 Nov): Total Solar Eclipse from Hot Air Balloon and Wildlife
In the early morning, you prepare for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity - the chance to see a total solar eclipse as the shadow of the moon passes over you. In the wee hours of the morning you are transferred to a special spot in the Cairns Highlands where you'll watch your hot air balloon being inflated. You will then climb aboard. Your position floating over the earth will allow for the best line-of-sight of this early morning eclipse. You will drift at 1000-3000 feet above ground level, you flight timed precisely so that totality occurs in the middle of the flying time. From the basket, you will be able to see kangaroos going about their morning routine, and then special solar eclipse glasses will allow you to view the eclipse when it commences. Your balloon "conductor" will give commentary throughout. Totality will last just under two minutes after which the shadow will move out across unpopulated areas of the South Pacific. You celebrate afterwards with a champagne buffet breakfast.
Afterwards you travel to Granite Gorge, where a labyrinth of giant boulders and carved canyons have fashioned a fantastic place to explore. Here, formerly endangered rock wallabies (a cousin to the kangaroo) come out to play, and you can hand feed these wild but friendly creatures. Yo uwill then descend the Great Dividing Range, travelling down lush rainforest slopes and jungle-draped valleys. You have the rest of the afternoon to relax, soak up the sun and reflect upon this morning's adventure.
Accommodation: Il Palazzo Boutique Hotel
Included: Breakfast
Day 4 (15 Nov): The Great Barrier Reef: Snorkeling or SCUBA Diving
One of the world's greatest wonders of nature is The Great Barrier Reef. Spanning over 1800 kilometres, the Great Barrier Reef is a UNESCO World-Heritage site and claims some of the highest biodiversity on the planet. This morning you travel to the pristine outer Barrier Reef on a luxury boat, where clear turquoise waters host a 1,800 species of fish and 450 species of coral. Upolu Cay is a pristine sugar-sand cay from which you can access the reef directly with your snorkel gear. A reef talk on the boat teaches you what you'll be looking at, and first-time snorkelers are well-looked after by a friendly crew. You can also soak up the sun on the cay or take a complimentary glass bottom boat ride to see the reef from another perspective.
The second reef site you visit is "The Wonder Wall" on the outer edge of Upolu Reef. Rising 14 metres from the ocean floor, Wonder Wall plateaus a half metre under the surface, making it an ideal snorkel and dive site. Here you can view many different types of hard and soft coral, in addition to fans, giant clams, turtles and a huge diversity and abundance of reef fish of all sizes, including Nemos everywhere! An informative adventure drift snorkel tour with a marine naturalist assures you don't miss anything at this phenomenal site. Certified divers can log 2 dives today, and snorkelers can also opt to learn about SCUBA diving one-on-one from the dive instructor. Intro diving (also known as "resort diving") is a fantastic way to see the reef without having a certification. Your day includes all the snorkelling gear you need, sumptuous seafood buffet, and chilled wine and cheese on the return back to Cairns late afternoon.
Accommodation: Il Palazzo Boutique Hotel
Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5 (16 Nov): Trip Conclusion or Extension
After breakfast, you prepare for your journey home or enjoy a few optional activities such as a day of aboriginal culture, whitewater rafting or a wildlife spotting trip.
Included: Breakfast
What's Included:
• All activities as described in the itinerary
• 2011 Nobel Laureate guest speaker and astronomer Brian Schmidt
• Hot air balloon ride at the time of the eclipse
• In-flight photograph during the eclipse (with extras available for purchase) and special Total Solar Eclipse 2012 commemoration flight certificate signed by your pilot
• 4 nights central Cairns 4-star hotel, one-bedroom apartment (based on double occupancy)
• All breakfasts – full cooked buffet each morning
• 1 lunch
• Champagne after the eclipse
• Mask, fins and snorkel rental on the reef trip
• Glass-bottom boat ride and snorkel tour at the Great Barrier Reef
• Transportation during the trip in air-conditioned 24-passenger vans or smaller
• A basic field guide of local flora and fauna
• Water bottle and cloth carry bag
• Special eclipse-viewing solar filter glasses
• 24-hour emergency local assistance
• Background information and cultural etiquette tips
• 5 square metres of Daintree rainforest adopted in your name by Rainforest Rescue (ARF)
• Climate Care™ carbon-offsetting for a carbon-neutral trip
What's Not Included:
Airfare to Cairns, travel insurance, airport transfers (about $10-20 AUD one way), alcohol, Kuranda village optional park entrances, items of a personal nature (internet, phone, laundry etc.), $15 AUD marine park tax payable on board the boat, and options below.
Optional SCUBA Diving:
Certified SCUBA diving: $70 AUD for one dive and $35 AUD for a second dive Includes wetsuit and equipment hire.
Intro Dive with a dive instructor: $105 AUD for one dive and $50 AUD for a second dive. Includes wetsuit and equipment hire.
All divers must fill out a diving medical form, and some medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes and certain medications may disqualify a guest from diving. Tell us if you are interested in SCUBA diving, and we will forward you the medical form in advance. Certified divers please remember your SCUBA certification card.
Other Post-Trip Optional Add-Ons:
Nocturnal Wildlife Viewing: In a small group with a naturalist guide, you will see the rainforest come to life. Your guide will help you find hard-to-spot nocturnal wildlife, and the unusual endemic species of this region. $190 AUD adult, $165 child (to 14 yrs.) and includes transport from your hotel.
Whitewater Rafting the Tully River: A full day paddling Class III-IV rapids through UNESCO World-Heritage rainforest. No experience necessary. Minimum age 13 years. $195 AUD which includes pay-on-board levy of $30 and transport from your hotel.
Aboriginal Culture Adventure: the Kuku Yalanji are the last rainforest tribal people to have retained their own language and customs – learn from an indigenous guide who will show you how to catch food the traditional way, cook up what you've caught, and share in an aboriginal art experience with an indigenous artist-in-residence. $189 AUD adult, $159 child (to 14 yrs.) and includes transport from your hotel.
Other Destinations in Australia, Pre or Post Trip:
Ask us about continuing your Australian adventures in Sydney, Melbourne & The Great Ocean Road, or Uluru (Ayers Rock) and The Red Centre!
Once I arrive at the Cairns airport - what next?
Please plan to transfer on your own to Il Palazzo Hotel at 62 Abbott Street Cairns when you arrive at the Cairns airport. The transfer is approximately 10 minutes. You may take a taxi cab (immediately outside terminals; fare is about $18 AUD) or use Sun Palm Transport (airport shuttle bus service located in arrival halls at either terminal; fare is $10 AUD per person to Cairns)
When you arrive at your hotel, a hard copy of your detailed itinerary (you will have already received an electronic copy of your itinerary 2 weeks before your trip) will be waiting for you at reception.
What is a total solar eclipse?
A total solar eclipse happens during the day. When the moon passes between the earth and the sun and covers the sun, a solar eclipse occurs. This creates a shadow on the Earth, which moves in a narrow path across the planet. When a solar eclipse begins, it appears as though a bite is being taken out of the sun. In the last few minutes before the total eclipse, points of light around the moon appear, which are called Bailey's Beads. When the eclipse finally occurs, the sun is completely blocked out, with only a ghostly corona visible. This occurrence has been described as eerie and unearthly—animals become quiet, the temperature drops, and you are shrouded in darkness. It is truly one of nature's greatest spectacles.
Where will be the best place to view the eclipse?
Our research has concluded that viewing from a hot air balloon will provide one of the best locations viewing the eclipse. You will be floating 1000 - 3000 metres above the earth, which will provide the most direct line-of-sight possible.
In Cairns, warm winds from the Coral Sea (the SE tradewinds) carry moisture-laden air towards the coast, and clouds form when it hits these mountains. Therefore, a viewing spot free from these coastal mountain effects is highly desirable.
According to The Astronomical Society of Australia, “The best places to view are likely to in the vicinity of Cairns in North Queensland. From Cairns any viewing spot selected should have an unobstructed view over the ocean so that a clear view of totality can be obtained with the Sun low in the eastern sky.”
The launching spot for the hot air balloon is near the town of Mareeba, about 40 kilometres inland and on the “dry” side of the coastal range. You will be flying 1000 – 3000 feet above the ground (plus 900 feet above sea level) with a completely unobstructed view. The peak two minutes of totality at 6:38 am falls in the middle of the projected flying time.
WARNING: Do not look directly at the sun. All Small World Journeys guests will be provided with special eclipse-viewing glasses. The only time that the Sun can be viewed safely with the naked eye is when the moon completely covers the disk of the Sun during the total eclipse.
What will the weather be like?
It will be impossible to predict the weather or cloud cover for the day of the eclipse. However, we can consider seasonal averages. Cairns has a tropical climate, and it is highly likely there will be scattered to broken clouds on the morning of the eclipse. According to the Australian Bureau of Meteorology’s climate statistics for Cairns, in November the mean number of clear days is 7.9, while the mean number of cloudy days is 7.6.
Taking into account the eclipse occurs in the early morning, chances are greater that the skies will be clear at that time of day. Please note that while we can hope for sunny skies, we cannot guarantee them!
Is the eclipse on November 13th or 14th?
Both are correct. In Universal Time, the total eclipse begins in northern Australia at 20:35:08 UT on November 13 (which is November 14 Australian time), and ends in the South Pacific at 23:48:24 UT on November 13.
What should I bring with me?
We will provide you with a suggested packing list in your Confirmation Packet. Some important things to remember to bring are lightweight clothes for the tropics, sunscreen, hat, swim suit and SCUBA certification card (if applicable).
What about sharks or jellyfish?
The ocean is home to sharks, but the ones you may encounter at the Great Barrier Reef are small and pose little threat to swimmers. In fact, divers and snorkelers often consider themselves lucky to spot one of these shy, magnificent creatures. Australia's famed Great White sharks prefer cold water, and therefore are not found at the Great Barrier Reef.
Box jellyfish, irukandji and other jellyfish, collectively known as "stingers" breed along the coast in estuaries and are not commonly found at The Great Barrier Reef. Therefore, they do not pose a major threat to snorkelers or divers at the reef. However, as a precaution you can use a full body lycra suit from the reef boat (provided free) so that you may still enjoy snorkeling and/or diving. Stingers are only a consideration between November and April/May.
Do I need a visa to visit Australia?
All visitors to Australia need a visa, with the exception of visitors from New Zealand. An Australian entry visa, commonly known as an ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) will let you spend up to three months in Australia. In most countries it is easily obtained by the travel agent who issues your ticket, and should be free of charge. You can also get an ETA on line by visiting www.eta.immi.gov.au. There is no need for you to visit an Australian diplomatic office to submit an application, and you do not need a stamp or label in your passport. Upon check in at the airport, the airline agent will be able to confirm your ETA electronically. All visitors will also need a passport, valid for at least six months after the planned return date.
Do I need to bring my own snorkelling or dive equipment?
You may bring your own equipment if you wish; however mask, fins and snorkel are provided on the outer Barrier Reef trip for snorkelers and all dive equipment is included in the dive package.
Why should I travel with Small World Journeys?
LOCAL SUPPORT & KNOWLEDGE
Our office is in Cairns – this means we are right around the corner for 24-hour support, to answer your questions, or if you have an emergency in the middle of the trip.
Local knowledge means we know the restaurant owners who catch their own fish (and then deliciously prepare it for you!), where to buy the real indigenous-made souvenirs, and where the mobs of people will be on the morning of the eclipse (hint: we’re not going there.)
ECO-CREDENTIALS
Being an “eco” tour operator means more to us than just offering walks outdoors. It means we pay to offset the carbon emissions from your trip, give a percentage of profits to local environmental and community organizations, plant trees, recycle, and participate in Rainforest Rescue’s Adopt-a-Square program. See 10 Reasons Why We’re Eco for more on what we do for our environment and community.
HUNDREDS OF HAPPY GUESTS
We could tell you that we provide highly professional customer service, respond attentively and consistently exceed our guests’ expectations. But don’t believe us! Read some of our testimonials or ask us for references from past guests who are willing to tell you all about their experience with Small World Journeys.
GOODIES!
You get a Small World Journeys water bottle, a cloth carry bag, a regional field guide, eclipse-viewing glasses, and a 5 square metre of Daintree rainforest adopted in your name, plus a certificate detailing where your rainforest square is located. Plus you get an unforgettable trip too.
Other Questions?
Once you book your trip, we will send out a Confirmation Packet to you with detailed information that should answer most of your questions. In addition, you can feel free to email us anytime at: info@smallworldjourneys.com.au
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| Single Supplement: | $400 AUD |
| Days: | 5 Days/4 Nights |
| Dates: | 12-16 November |
| Starts/Ends: | Cairns, Australia |
+ 2011 Nobel Laureate Brian Schmidt
+ Eclipse Path / Best View
+ Eclipse Interesting Facts
+ Eclipse Safety
+ November Weather In Cairns
+ Glossary of Eclipse Terms
+ Terms & Conditions
+ Travel Insurance
