GO ‘ASTRO TRAVELLING’ WITH DAVE
I’m happy to announce I’ve been selected to run a series of illustrated astronomy/space related talks during onboard Australia’s Great Southern Railways train ‘Southern Spirit’ as a special guest speaker for their ‘Platinum Service’ customers. Care to join us on an Astro-Tour you’ll thoroughly enjoy?
A magnificent journey conjuring up the romance of the classical grand tour. This ‘Grand Tour’ takes you through the heart of Australia, from Uluru (Ayers Rock) to Brisbane, via Alice Springs, Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney.
Experience the majesty of Uluru, sift for opals in Coober Pedy, have a close encounter with seals on Kangaroo Island, visit Ned Kelly country, enjoy the renowned wine region of Hunter Valley and the Blue Mountains. An absolute gem not to be missed.
Great Southern Railways offer two different journeys on The Southern Spirit in its second season, ‘The Grand Tour’ departing from the heart of Australia’s Red Centre, Uluru (Ayers Rock) on 9 January, 2010. Followed by ‘The Coastal Classic’, departing Brisbane for Uluru (Ayers Rock) on 24 January to 6 February 2010.
Join Astro-Dave For The ‘GRAND TOUR’
ULURU – BRISBANE 9 January 2010 – 22 January 2010 13 Nights / 14 Days
The best views of the night sky are found in the Australian outback. We’ll trace out some of the better constellations and I’ll show you how to tell the difference between stars and planets. You’ll even find out how the early explorers navigated by the patterns in the night sky. And, I’ll also show you an easy way to locate the south pole using the Southern Cross. Amaze your friends with your new-found knowledge. I’ll be aboard the Southern Spirit conducting two separate astronomy related talks and during our stops I’ll get the scope out for a laser guided sky tour. There will be free giveaways, slide shows, fun Q&A sessions, informal discussion sessions. You’ll learn a lot!
Here are both session dates I’ll be on the train with you for our Astronomy/Space sessions
17 January Melbourne / Glenrowan 18 January Cootamundra / Parkes 19 January Blue Mountains / Sydney
Southern Spirit passengers can indulge in 12-night grand tours, in some instances taking in three states and six cities. And for the first time Melbourne and Brisbane will be included in Australia’s luxury train travel experiences. Southern Spirit journeys will be available from November through February each year and will combine train time including overnight sleeps with five-star hotels and add-on events and experiences, similar to land excursions during sea cruises, or options on bus tours.
Great Southern Rail’s new Platinum Service on the The Southern Spirit gives passengers a private space almost twice the size of the previous top-of-the-range Gold Class on the Ghan and the Indian Pacific. The cabin includes an en-suite bathroom with permanent toilet, sink and shower (no folding down). During the day it has a sofa, ottomans and table and windows either side with Roman blinds.
Places on The Southern Spirit are limited and highly sought after. So book early to secure your place on board this new Exclusive Australian Rail Journey and see more of Australia, experience more of Australia… and become an amateur astronomer for a few nights. These exclusive tours are designed so you can pause and savour the essence of Australia as The Southern Spirit winds its way through a rich tapestry of landscapes. All meals on excursions are included. To add to your enjoyment, guest presenters offer informative commentary on the regions travelled, covering topics such as history, astronomy, culture, food and wine.
EARLY BIRD OFFER – SEE AUSTRALIA AND SAVE
* Book your Southern Spirit adventure between 10 August 2009 and 31 October 2009 and you can save BIG with their Early Bird Offer.
For detailed information regarding these exclusive Australian rail Journeys visit thesouthernspirit.com.au
WE’RE TOURING NEW ZEALAND THROUGHOUT 2010 AS WELL!!
I’ve been invited by GRAND PACIFIC TOURS to join them on a tour of New Zealand throughout 2010 conducting a series of Astronomy talks, slide shows and night telescope viewing sessions. We’ll also tour all the South Island has to offer as well as visiting local observatories and mixing with some of the local amateur astronomers and astronomy clubs.
For booking information or just to enquire please feel free to visit the web-page Click Here
All departures are guaranteed to travel, and hidden costs are not an issue on our coach tours as one price includes airfares, accommodation, all breakfasts and most dinners. You won’t have to do a thing - the night skies of N.Z. await!
The New Zealand Luxury Coach Tour Specialists
Grand Pacific Tours’ management have compared the quality and value we provide with other companies and you will find it difficult to better the Grand Pacific Tours product. Our policy is to provide each traveller with the best New Zealand coach holiday experience available. Grand Pacific Tours are the market leaders in luxury coach holidays to New Zealand. We offer an extensive range of Luxury Coach and Rail tours as well as Special Interest tours throughout New Zealand.
Grand Pacific Tours offers an "all inclusive" style of touring that represents the best value for money and includes the highest quality standard of product. Grand Pacific Tours is 100% Australian owned and operated. As a New Zealand specialist the team is equally as passionate about what New Zealand has to offer as the number one tourism destination.
Peter Harding started the business in 1996 with a strong background in New Zealand and particular strengths in coach touring.
The Harding Family is synonymous with the New Zealand coach holiday market having specialised in New Zealand coach holidays for over 20 years and complemented by a team of highly motivated and knowledgeable staff, Grand Pacific Tours is proud of their professional and personalised service.
From the time you arrive in New Zealand a friendly smile awaits. Our professional Coach Captains will provide a high standard of commentary and have been specially trained to perform Grand Pacific Tours’ itineraries.
See spectacular scenery in armchair comfort and learn about the New Zealand culture as each region is explored.
* Our Astronomy Tours are available for you NOW!
I’ve conducted hundreds of astronomy/space nights like these and never tire of seeing the delight on people’s faces when I point out double stars, galaxies, planets and beautiful nebula clouds.
Click on the link to their webpages, make some enquiries, and let’s go…