Press Digest 15th January 2007

Stretching more than 3,500km from the north-eastern tip of Queensland and running the entire length of the eastern coastline through New South Wales, the Great Dividing Range is the focus for Let’s Trek Australia & NZ’s new 14-day tour. Explore stunning National Parks, sand islands and rainforests, meet Rhinos and Tigers at the Dubbo endangered wildlife zoo, then complete the adventure amongst the marine life and vibrant corals of the Great Barrier Reef. The Great Divide tour departs Sydney 15th April 2007.

Head 100km west of Sydney to the stunning cliff faces of the Blue Mountains and the famous Three Sisters, towering above the rugged eroded gorges up to 760 metres deep. Hike down the Giant Staircase to the bottom of the Jamison valley before catching the world's steepest railway back to the top. Next, observe Black and White Rhino, Hippos and Tigers of Dubbo Zoo, one of the world’s most successful endangered wildlife collections, as well as home for Australian species such as koalas, kangaroos, wallabies and an abundance of native water fowl. Travel north, and on to the ancient volcanic site of unusual lava formations and rock erosion such as the spectacular Breadknife, in Warrumbungle National Park which is also home to the Anglo-Australian Observatory. Here, spend a stargazing evening observing the heavens through one of the largest optical telescopes in the Southern Hemisphere. Next day, hunt for opals during a mine tour at Lightning Ridge, home of the Black Opal, before soaking in the thermal hot springs. More remote and breathtaking hiking awaits at Carnarvon Gorge National Park which consists of creeks, rugged gorges, canyons, cliffs and rocky valleys. Here, visit an excellent example of Aboriginal rock art at the Art Gallery. Next up, meet Russell and his unique reptile show! Hold a python and see some of the world’s deadliest snakes before relaxing at Yungaburra with its 1920's charm and magnificent examples of Curtain Fig trees. Spend a night camping on a tropical beach complete with coconut palms, and fall asleep to the gentle lapping sound of the waves. Heading north, leave Cairns for a full-day sailing cruise to the Outer Barrier Reef to try scuba diving (no experience needed), hand-feed fish or snorkel among the vibrant coral in the warm tropical waters. An unforgettable day and superb finale to the trip.

The tour costs £492 plus food kitty of AUD $140 (~£56) including transport by mini-bus, 1-night hardtop/13-nights camping accommodation, camping equipment, all meals, full day Outer Barrier Reef Cruise with snorkelling, world's steepest railway, Dubbo Zoo entry, Opal Mine Tour, Hot Springs, Cattle Station stay with meals, horseback & motorbike riding Warrumbungle & Carnarvon Gorge National Parks and an experienced Let’s Trek Australia and NZ driver/guide.