Australian Astronomy Odyssey 2025

Embark on an Unforgettable Celestial Journey in outback Australia

Dates - 25 March - 3 April

Style - Easy Adventure

Accommodaiton - 3 - 4 Star / Escorted

Fitness - good level of mobility / able to walk 5km / climb multiple stairs

Day 1  (Tuesday, March 25, 2025): Arrive in Sydney •  Arrive at Sydney International Airport after overnight flight (1 day lost crossing Intl. Date Line) •  Private transfer to InterContinental Hotel •  Check-in at the hotel (early check-in included) •  Explore the Sydney Opera House with an afternoon guided tour •  Dinner on the Sydney Opera House Forecourt Overnight at the InterContinental Hotel (D)

Day 2  (Wednesday, March 26, 2025):  Sydney - Harbor Cruise - Sydney Observatory •  Breakfast at the InterContinental Hotel •  Morning Tea harbor cruise to see the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House •  Afternoon visit to the Royal Botanic Garden; wander at your leisure •  Evening visit to the Sydney Observatory for stargazing and astronomy-related activities Overnight at the InterContinental Hotel (B, morning tea, D)

Day 3  (Thursday, March 27, 2025):  Sydney - Blue Mountains - Mudgee • Breakfast at the InterContinental Hotel •  Morning drive to the Blue Mountains (about 2 hours) •  Explore the Blue Mountains, including a visit to the Scenic Railway •  Lunch at Leura (on your own) •  Continue your journey to Mudgee (about 3 hours) •  Evening wine tasting in Mudgee and dinner Overnight at Parklands Resort & Conference Centre - (B, D)

Day 4  (Friday, March 28, 2025):  Mudgee - Siding Spring Observatory •  Check out of Parklands Resort & Conference Centre •  Drive to Siding Spring Observatory (about 3½ hours) •  Tour of Siding Spring Observatory •  Dinner and stargazing experience at Warrumbungle National Park Dark Sky Park Overnight at Acacia Motor Lodge - (B, D)

Day 5  (Saturday, March 29, 2025):  Siding Spring Observatory - Narrabri •  Morning visit to the Australia Telescope Compact Array in Narrabri •  Leisure time in Narrabri •  Visit to Sandstone Caves with indigenous guide (2-mile walk) •  Afternoon visit to Pilliga Potter, with German dinner included Overnight at Acacia Motor Lodge  (B, D)

Day 6  (Sunday, March 30, 2025):  Siding Spring Observatory - Parkes Telescope •  Visit the Emu Farm - Emu Logic •  Drive to Parkes (about 2 hours) •  Visit the Parkes Radio Telescope •  Evening dinner at the Parkes Dish with the local astronomical society Overnight at Station Hotel Parkes  (B, D)

Day 7  (Monday, March 31, 2025):  Parkes - Canberra - Mannum •  Check out of Parkes Station Hotel •  Drive to Canberra (about 2½ hours) •  Visit the Mount Stromlo Observatory with lunch •  Check in to Crowne Plaza Canberra •  Evening at leisure in Canberra (500m to restaurants) Overnight at Crowne Plaza Canberra (B, L)

Day 8  (Tuesday, April 1, 2025):  Canberra - Deep Space Complex •  Morning visit to NASA Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex •  Afternoon visit to the National Gallery •  Evening final dinner at Lanyon Homestead in Canberra or Wildbark Canberra Overnight at Crowne Plaza Hotel  - (B, D)

Day 9  (Wednesday, April 2, 2025):  Adelaide - Transfer to Mannum •  Morning flight to Adelaide •  Visit to the Australian Space Agency Museum •  Drive to Mannum (about 2 hours) •  Check-in to your accommodation at Mannum •  Stargazing on the Murray River Dark Sky Reserve Overnight in Mannum Motel - (B, D)

Day 10  (Thursday, April 3, 2025):  Mannum - Relaxation/Exploration - Stargazing •  Full day at leisure to enjoy Mannum •  Steam Paddle River cruise with lunch •  Stargazing on the Murray River Dark Sky Reserve Overnight in Mannum Motel (- (B, L, D)

Day 11  (Friday, April 4, 2025 - Depart Mannum/Adelaide •  Check out of your Mannum accommodation •  Transfer to Adelaide airport for your journey onward • If returning to U.S., overnight flight (1 day gained crossing Intl. Date Line) (overnight flight, meals aloft)

Inclusions:

· Tour Host - Sky and Telescope

· Tour Host – Fred Watson

· Tour Manager – Marnie Ogg

· Accommodation as listed

· Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner daily (B,L,D)

· Entry to all sights, and activities listed

· Air-conditioned motorcoach and driver

· Local Guides, behind-the-scenes experiences

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Not included:

· International Flights to Australia

· Optional tours

· Domestic flights into / out of Adelaide

· Tips

· Drinks

· Items of personal nature

NOTES

Please be aware that traveling in Australia can present challenges such as unpredictable weather, long distances, and accommodations of basic standards. Despite these challenges, we strive to make your journey as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. As such the itinerary provided is an overview and is subject to change at any time. While every effort will be made to adhere to the planned schedule, no recompense will be provided for any changes or disruptions. All avenues will be explored to maintain the planned itinerary to the best of our ability.

Dark Sky Traveller does not organize twin shares for accommodations. However, we will accommodate preorganized pairs upon request. 

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Deposit:

$1,000 pp  - $500 nonrefundable but is transferable (please see our terms and conditions_

Final Payment - 15 December 2024