Dear Educational Travellers and Friends,
 Gordon River (credit - Courtesy of World Heritage Cruises) |
We trust that this, our latest newsletter, finds you safe and healthy.
Well, what a year it has been for all of us, but particularly for our family and friends in hardest affected Victoria! It’s remarkable to learn that Australia is now virtually free of Covid-19 cases in the community. Long may this wonderfully good news continue.
As you are also aware, there is much positive commentary of late in the media and from government about the progress with Covid-19 vaccine trials. We can but hope that some of the vaccines are approved for widespread use very soon and that we can once more see a complete and continuous relaxation of the internal state and territory borders in Australia
Our last newsletter was four months ago, as we have continued to keep our newsletters to a minimum. Our priorities have been to be in constant contact with all our participants who were due to depart on our many international tours during this second half of 2020.
Thank you again to the many of you who have contacted us during these past months with your support and encouragement. This has been much appreciated and we have been heartened by your ever keen desire to get back to travelling the globe just as soon as it is possible to do so safely. Next year will be our 26th year of operation and we are looking forward to resuming our educational travel adventures once again in a safe and enjoyable manner.
Since our company’s inception, our focus has been to connect people across cultures through travel and we remain committed to the principle that travel is a life-long learning experience to enrich and inspire you. As overseas travel is not possible at present, we have been asked by many of you to develop more tours within Australia, so that you can finally escape from home and learn more about our great country. We are now pleased, therefore, to offer a range of tours closer to home for you to consider as listed below:
Nullarbor and Eyre Peninsula - 17 March - 26 March 2021
Travel across the famous Nullarbor Plain, viewing stunning coastal scenery including towering cliffs, caves, sinkholes, blowholes and remote beaches, the vine region of Margaret River and home to the massive Karri and Tingles trees of south west WA. Journey from forest to coast and everything in between. Marvel at the amazing collection of fauna and flora.
Full details of our Nullarbor and Eyre Peninsula tour can be seen here
Norfolk Island - 19 March - 27 March 2021
Norfolk Island has a unique beauty, with its renowned tall majestic pines, crystal clear waters, sheer cliff faces, coral reefs and beautiful beaches. Norfolk Island, which lies directly east of Australia and north of New Zealand, is far more than a picturesque island in the South Pacific, it is paradise with a past.
The Wonders of Tasmania - 09 April - 23 April 2021
From south to north and east to west, we will experience the diverse natural environment of Tasmania while exploring historic and beautiful towns and staying in comfortable hotels and lodges. This is an island tour unlike any other with an incredible range of inclusions over an unforgettable two weeks.
Full details of our The Wonders of Tasmania tour can be seen here
Legendary Outback Track Safari in South Australia and Birdsville - 20 April - 02 May 2021
Follow in the footsteps of early explorers and pioneers along the three famous Outback tracks of Oodnadatta, Birdsville and Strzelecki. All are remote, harsh but beautiful 4WD Tracks steeped in history. Be transported back in time as you hear tales of the people who opened up this great vast country with stories of hardship, strength, family values and the Australian pioneering spirit. Sleep in the unique Desert Cave Hotel in Coober Pedy and experience perhaps the best night’s sleep you’ve had in a while.
Australia's North West Adventure in Style - 08 July - 19 July 2021
Our program compares and contrasts the peoples and traditions of the Alpine countries of Switzerland, Austria, Bavaria, and Italy. We explore the differing regions of Switzerland, from the wooden mountain villages of the Jungfrau to the sophisticated Alpine resort of Davos and to the mediaeval towns of the Rhine Valley. We explore the differing regions of Austria, from the cosmopolitan city of Salzburg to the fiercely independent province of the Tyrol. We also experience the Dolomites, the former Hapsburg domain now an autonomous region of Italy, as well as the former Kingdom of Bavaria.
Full details of our Australia's North West Adventure in Style tour can be seen here
Wildflowers of Western Australian Photography Tour - 18 August - 30 August 2021
(non-photographers welcome too!)
A few hours north of Perth, Mother Nature’s finest offerings are on display where wildflowers bloom on Western Australia’s Coral Coast and hinterland all year round. The best time though is between late July and early October when blankets of brilliant wildflowers colour the Outback landscape. Why not experience this incredible natural beauty on a soft-adventure, small group tour aboard a purpose built 6WD tour vehicle and hosted by an expert driver guide, together with a professional photographer tour escort.
Full details of our Wildflowers of Western Australian Photography Tour can be seen here
We are still looking forward to many more years of providing you with exciting travel opportunities and we are continuing our work to compile a wide range of tours for 2021 and 2022, including more new and exciting local destinations across Australia and New Zealand. This information will appear progressively on our website and via newsletters in the coming few months.
As we mentioned in our last newsletter, although no one has any idea when the threat of the virus will pass, it will – and when it does, we will be here to welcome you on another Golden Compass tour packed with fulfillment.
In the meantime, stay safe and well.
Kerry, Alison and the best team of Program Leaders
