WA 2017 | Operatunity

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24 June - 6 July 2017

We explore Western Australia and Adelaide and surrounds as well as cross the mighty Nullarbor Plain on the iconic Indian Pacific train, one of the most famous train journeys in the world from Perth to Adelaide. This amazing trip covers the barren expanse of the Nullarbor and every goldmine, ghost town and grapevine in between.

$9,125 NZD

Single Room in HOTELS & SINGLE small TRAIN cabin

- ADD $1,252 NZD

Single Room in HOTELS & SINGLE USE of TWIN cabin

- ADD $2,933 NZD

Initial Deposit On Booking

$900 NZD

Second Deposit Due 26 January 2017

$1,500 NZD

Final Balance Due 22 March 2017

Western Australia, Adelaide & Indian Pacific Rail

We offer a magnificent fully escorted trip exploring the beautiful South Western corner of Australia by coach, Adelaide and the surrounds of South Australia and crossing the mighty Nullarbor Plain on the iconic Indian Pacific train.
One of the most famous train journeys in the world, we experience the Indian Pacific Railway from Perth to Adelaide, which covers the barren expanse of the Nullarbor and every goldmine, ghost town and grapevine in between. Outside our window, the landscape shifts over and over, revealing hidden secrets, from long abandoned homesteads of the Nullarbor to the marvellously resilient wildflowers of Western Australia. Inside we enjoy the hospitality which makes the Indian Pacific one of the world’s greatest train journeys.
We experience Western Australia’s sunniest capital city Perth plus we get out of the city into the core of this beautiful state, with the whitest of beaches, largest expanse of outback, one of the oldest known living cultures on Earth, UNESCO World Heritage reef and rock formations, premium wines, magnificent gardens and forests.
And we arrive in Adelaide, a vibrant city of churches, stone buildings and gardens, history and great shopping. Again we journey out of the city to enjoy the Fleurieu Peninsula, a region south of Adelaide famous for its wine, produce and quaint country towns.
All this with music and the special brand of care and camaraderie that makes Operatunity trips so enjoyable and famous.
Auckland - Perth
(3 nights) ~ Duxton Hotel, Perth
Today we fly direct from Auckland to Perth with time this evening to settle in.
Western Australia is the country’s largest state making up one-third of its land mass. It has a huge 2400 km’s of coast line and wide diversity of flora, fauna and landscapes.
Perth City
Perth, capital of Western Australia, sits where the Swan River meets the southwest coast. Its suburbs lie along sandy beaches, and the huge riverside Kings Park and Botanic Garden on Mt Eliza offer sweeping views of the city.
HIGHLIGHTS include:
• Morning is free to relax at the hotel and recover from the long flight.
• In the afternoon we visit the beautiful Kings Park which is one of the largest inner city parks in the world. Visited by over 6 million people each year, the stunning location overlooks the city and the silken blue waters of the Swan River.
• Visit the historic Port Fremantle, explore the fascinating Maritime Museum and spend time in the markets.
• Gala welcome dinner with music at the hotel.
Perth City
HIGHLIGHTS include:
• Today we have a free day to enjoy Perth at our leisure, which may include a scenic cruise, a visit to the Bell Tower, and a wander with time for lunch at one of the fabulous Cafes or restaurants in the area.
• Following dinner subject to availability we will enjoy a show or concert. Perth Cultural Centre houses the state ballet and opera companies, and occupies its own central precinct, including a theatre, art galleries and the Western Australian Museum.
Harvey ~ Bunbury ~ Busselton
(2 nights) ~ Quality Inn Margaret River
We travel south today towards the area of Margaret River which is famous for its wine, delicious produce, surf and a laid back life style.
HIGHLIGHTS include:
• Time at Bunbury to visit Taffy’s where we can enjoy watching Salt Water Taffy, that American seaside sweet sensation, being pulled and wrapped the old fashioned way!
• Visit the Busselton Jetty extending 1.8 kilometres across stunning Geographe Bay, the heritage listed jetty is the longest timber-piled jetty in the Southern Hemisphere.
• Jump on board the famous Jetty Train to reach the spectacular Underwater Observatory. Descend 8 metres below the water’s surface to discover some of the 300 different marine species below the jetty.
Margaret River
HIGHLIGHTS include:
• Today we explore the beautiful region in and around Margaret River.
• Spend the day exploring the region, with a sumptuous long lunch at the beautiful vineyard, Leeuwin Estate, Margaret River.
• Time to wander through the township of Margaret River discovering the galleries, arts and craft returning at leisure to our accommodation.
Walpole ~ Valley of the Giants ~ Denmark ~ Albany
(2 nights) ~ Dog Rock Motel
Albany boasts a number of natural wonders and history as Western Australia’s oldest city with a rich whaling history. On 1 November 1914, the first convoy of Australian and New Zealand troops departed for the First World War from King George Sound, Albany.
HIGHLIGHTS include:
• Travel south today taking in the beautiful scenery through the giant Karri forest and rich farm land of the South West.
• Explore the timber town of Pemberton before continuing on to Walpole for lunch.
• Visit the Valley of the Giants to gain a bird’s eye view from the Tree Top Walk through the 400 year old giant forest.
• Later this afternoon travel through Denmark before arriving at Albany.
Albany
HIGHLIGHTS include:
• We take in the sights of the oldest city in W.A including the Gap, Natural Bridge and Discovery Bay.
• From Mount Clarence overlooking Albany, we marvel at the spectacular views of Princess Royal Harbour and King George Sound.
• Visit the newly established National ANZAC Centre to experience an emotional connection with the men and women who were involved in the First World War.
Albany ~ Perth
(1 night) ~ Duxton Hotel
HIGHLIGHTS include:
• Today we return to Perth along the Albany Highway.
• Visits to The Sandalwood Factory, the Kojonup Visitor Centre and the beautiful Rose Maze.
• Stop for shopping at Williams Woolshed, featuring an extensive range of clothing, produce and history!
Perth ~ Kalgoorlie
(2 nights) ~ Indian Pacific – Gold Class
We transfer to the iconic Indian Pacific Railway Station, steeped in history and embark on our adventure from Perth to Adelaide. The diversity of the Australian landscape that can be viewed on this remarkable journey and the wonderful hospitality afforded to guests aboard the train, makes the Indian Pacific one of the world’s greatest train journeys.
Cook ~ Adelaide
HIGHLIGHTS include:
• Time to reflect on the changing landscapes on our journey and enjoy the hospitality of the Outback Explorer Lounge as we travel across Australia’s longest single stretch of railway.
• Marvel at the raw beauty of the Nullarbor which conjures the sense of limitless space and time.
• Early afternoon arrive at Cook, a town created in 1917 when the railway was built. The town is on the longest stretch of straight railway in the world, at 478 kilometres which stretches from Ooldea to beyond Loongana.
• We continue overnight to Adelaide.
Adelaide
(2 nights) ~ The Playford by Sofitel
We arrive by train into Adelaide.
Adelaide is South Australia’s capital, situated on the coast and surrounded by parkland on the River Torrens. It is home to renowned museums such as the Art Gallery and is known as the city of churches.
HIGHLIGHTS include:
• City tour which includes a drive around the "city of churches”.
• Visit the Adelaide Royal Botanical Garden that features an exceptional Victorian garden landscape complemented by outstanding plant collections, cultural collections and garden buildings.
• Head to the picturesque seaside suburb of Glenelg before returning to our accommodation.
• Enjoy a free afternoon to explore the vibrant city centre.
• A free evening to explore the great restaurants of Adelaide for dinner.
Fleurieu Peninsula ~ Victor Harbour ~ Strathalbyn
Today we spend time exploring the Fleurieu Peninsula, a region south of Adelaide famous for its wine, produce and quaint country towns.
HIGHLIGHTS include:
• Visit Bracegirdles House of Fine Chocolate for morning tea.
• Learn how to make cheese at Producers of McLaren Vale.
• After lunch we travel to the seaside village of Victor Harbour with time also to explore the antique shops of Strathalbyn.
• A fun final evening commemorating 4th of July, Independence Day in the States. (It’s still 4th of July in the States, their time!) We celebrate with dinner and concert entitled Stars and Stripes, and include famous songs from shows and the 50s!
Today we transfer to the airport for our flights home filled with the wonder of magnificent scenery and new friendships.

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This trip includes

Return airfares Air Zealand: Auckland - Perth, Adelaide -Auckland with all taxes included.
12 nights accommodation as follows: 4 nights Perth, 2 nights Margaret River, 2 nights Albany, 2 nights Adelaide.
2 nights/2 days Gold Service iconic train journey with exceptional food and service on Indian Pacific between Perth and Adelaide with stops in Kalgoorlie and Cook, and time to lose yourself as the scenery unfolds through the big screen windows.
Discover Perth for 4 nights including Kings Garden, maritime museum, historic Fremantle and Swan River.
Special experiences including long lunch at vineyard at Margaret River, award winning meals at numerous restaurants, Bracegirdles House, cheese producers, drive through spectacular scenery including in and around Margaret River, McLaren Vale and the beautiful scenery through the giant Karri forest and rich farm land of the South West.
10 days coach exclusive charter with bus driver/guide with numerous tours as listed in itinerary, including city tour of Perth, Adelaide and Albany, visits to Adelaide Royal Botanical Garden, Sandalwood Factory, Rose Maze, the Valley of the Giants and newly established National ANZAC Centre.
Note that nearly all food is included on this trip : All breakfasts, 6 lunches and 9 dinners plus all taxes, tips and transfers within Australia.
Escorted by Sonja, Alex, and Tizane.
Important Information
• For further information please ring our office or visit our website.
• All trips are subject to change but any changes will be of equal or greater value.
• All deposits are refundable up until final payment date minus any costs that the company has incurred.
• Please refer to our terms and conditions on our booking form.
• While we carefully plan our trips to be well paced, all travellers need to possess a certain level of fitness. Some trips are more arduous and carry an advisory note in the itinerary that a specific level of fitness is required.
• Operatunity Travel requires all travellers to obtain comprehensive travel insurance.
Please be sure to ring our office if you require any information or clarification about
insurance or any questions regarding travelling with Operatunity Travel.

PLACES WE STAY (see photos below)

Duxton Hotel. Located in the heart of the City, the Duxton Hotel is the perfect accommodation venue for travellers staying in Perth. Only a few minutes’ walk away you will discover Perth's major shopping, entertainment and restaurant centres. With the hotel situated just a short stroll from the Swan River, you can enjoy the rare beauty of nearby central parklands and riverside walkways.

The Quality Inn Margaret River is a 4-star Quality Inn Margaret River Hotel is surrounded by beautiful gardens and spectacular natural bush land. It is located in the heart of Western Australia's tourist mecca, Margaret River.

Dog Rock Motel is situated in the heart of the city, close to all the action. This laid-back, low-rise motel directly overlooks the Dog Rock, a unique natural rock formation.

The Indian Pacific train is an elegantly luxurious train with comfortable interiors. The modern suites with their wooden surroundings contrast to the fantastic retro-Edwardian décor of the dining car, all complete with panoramic windows for perfect observation. This wonderful journey takes in two magnificent oceans, the Pacific and the Indian.

The Playford Adelaide MGallery by Sofitel is an award winning 5-star hotel in the heart of Adelaide’s vibrant North Terrace which offers the perfect blend of classical style and contemporary luxury. Located only 9km from Adelaide International Airport this hotel has a stunning Art Nouveau ambience.

MUSICAL HIGHLIGHTS

In Perth we enjoy a gala welcome dinner with music at the Duxton Hotel.

Following dinner subject to availability we will enjoy a show or concert. Perth Cultural Centre houses the state ballet and opera companies, and occupies its own central precinct, including a theatre, art galleries and the Western Australian Museum.

Stars and Stripes A fun final evening commemorating 4th of July, Independence Day in the States. (It’s still 4th of July in the States, their time!). We celebrate with dinner and concert entitled and include famous songs from shows and the 50s!

Travel Insurance

Every customer is required to take out insurance for all international travel when taking a trip with Operatunity Ltd.

DOMESTIC INSURANCE
Insurance for Domestic travel is currently available from many companies. Insurance for New Zealand trips is entirely at your discretion. Please email our office for our current recommendation if you wish our advice.

INTERNATIONAL INSURANCE
Insurance for International travel is currently available from many companies. For our trips overseas it is a requirement that proof of cover be sent to our office some time before departure from NZ. We can not accept travellers who hold no cover for international travel as per our term and conditions.
Please email our office for our current recommendation if you wish our advice. Email travelbookings@operatunity.co.nz Phone 0508 886 489

MOBILITY

Operatunity provides group senior travel and with this in mind we plan trips to suit our target market. But not every trip is created equal in terms of mobility. We want to give you the best possible experience but that will only be achieved if you are able to enjoy everything that our trips have to offer.
Most of our long haul trips require a better level of mobility. We will look after everyone as well as we possibly can, but we cannot look after one at the expense of the rest of the group. We also cannot have one person slowing the rest of group to the point where the group is not able to enjoy every experience we are able to provide.
With this in mind we have put a mobility clause into every trip. Under each explanation here I have popped a statement. Ask yourself if this is ‘you’, when booking on a trip.

None of the following mobility clauses preclude you from ordering a wheelchair at the airport if required.

1. GENTLE TOUR This tour will suit most people, even with a stick or a walker, but sorry not someone in a wheelchair. The activity level is gently paced, but you still need to be able to get on and off buses easily. There will be walking, but not a lot. “I love travelling, but at a gentle pace. I like to avoid stairs or too much activity, but I am able to get on and off buses easily.”

2. EASY TOUR This tour will suit people with a stick, but not a walker. You will be required to walk to get from place to place and stand in museums, but it is designed to be an easy tour with lots of times to rest, travel on a coach and walk easy leisurely distances. ”Walking is fine. I can get on and off a coach. I am happy to stand for an hour or two in museums and galleries and gently stroll through places of interest. I am happy to climb the odd set of stairs.”

3. MODERATE WALKING TOUR This tour requires a better level of fitness with no wheelchairs or walkers. Generally, there may be times when we can’t get the coach close. In some of our Pacific Island tours we will need you to transfer onto a tender and walk on soft sand. We also will have much longer flights and long walks through airports. “I like walking at a moderate pace. I love to keep my days full and experience everything the tour has to offer. Stairs, tender transfers and cobblestones don’t bother me.”

4. EXPLORING TOUR This is still a moderately paced tour, but you will be required to walk longer distances, walk on cobblestones and stand in museums. To really get the best out of this tour you need to be able to stand or walk for a couple of hours comfortably, be it at a leisurely pace. “I like to spend most of the day exploring. Whether walking historic neighbourhoods on cobblestones at a moderate pace or out and about on a coach, I want my days full. Stairs don’t bother me and I am keen to see and do as much as I can with the odd day off to recuperate.”

Operatunity is a company specialising in music lovers tours to the senior market. Each trip has been especially planned to include music and arts experiences and has a level of friendliness and care which cannot be found anywhere else! Our trips are packed with features not found anywhere else
Yes we have lots of people who travel on their own. We endeavour to match you up with someone who lives close to you or is close in age to you. Often you will get a chance to meet with your matchup or ring them before you leave on your trip. You also may prefer to travel solo and pay the single supplement price. We travel as a happy band so there will be lots of chances to meet people. You will find fellow music lovers and those with other similar interests. In fact those like the nicer things of life so you will travel with like-minded people. It is also important to remember that our singers are our escorts so you will see at least a couple of familiar faces as you leave.
If you live outside of Auckland, we can arrange travel and accommodation on your way to meet up with our group. We have access and can book domestic airfares in conjunction with Air New Zealand international airfares. Plus we can book your pre and post tour accommodation if required.
It is compulsory for our international trips and highly recommended for our domestic tours.
No as most airlines offer various special meals and any restaurants we visit are happy to accommodate special dietary requirements.
We seek to accommodate the needs of guests with disabilities whenever possible. However in most cases we are unable to take customers with walkers, wheelchairs or other mobility issues. Certain trips may be unsuitable due to walking or limited availability of accommodation with disabled facilities. We cannot be responsible for the care of customers suffering from significant cognitive illness (such as dementia). We ask such customers to consult with your doctor to obtain medical clearance. Guests needing assistance mustbe accompanied by an able companion who will be available to assist them and assume full responsibility for their wellbeing.
We ask that you can walk at least 100 metres unaided and be able to get on and off buses with little or no assistance. We cater for a senior market but it is important that you do not jeopardise the enjoyment of others by requiring more care and holding up the rest of the group. Talk to our office or staff at concerts and any advisory notes for individual trips to get a better idea of your suitability for each trip.
We stay at 4 and 5 star character hotels, avoiding package, tourist or big hotel chains. We choose hotels with a more personal feel often with historic content or hotels of beauty and character, centrally located or in parks, by the water, or with beautiful gardens.
Breakfast is included daily, and many dinners and lunches are also included as per our itinerary.
There are no hidden costs. Included in the trip are tips, taxes, porterage, breakfast, meals where specified, inclusions listed in the itinerary, entry fees where listed in the itinerary, concert/show tickets where listed in the itinerary, tour escorts and local specialised guides.
Some of our trips sell out very quickly and we recommend you make your booking as soon as you can to avoid disappointment.
We will ask you to pay an initial deposit when making your booking. We will then follow up for a second deposit and then a final balance payment prior to travel.
All deposits up until final payment are refundable minus an administration fee of up to $500 plus any non-recoverable costs the company may incur.
After final deposit refunds are unlikely and the refund becomes an insurance claim.
Our numbers vary from destination to destination, please contact our office for further information. We have a minimum number required to operate a tour. Should minimum numbers not be met, a full refund will be made.
For international trips, all guests must have a valid passport that does not expire earlier than at least 6 months beyond their intended stay.
Music is a key element in making our experiences special. There are special experiences and events every day, such as themed dinners, impromptu concerts, music, art tours with art experts and garden tours with garden experts.
Most hotels now have internet connection and all hotels have telephones in the room or at reception. If using your mobile telephone check calling and text rates, and disable data roaming before leaving New Zealand. Consider purchasing a prepaid SIM card. And you can keep in touch using social media such as Facebook. We have a copy of your next of kin details in case of emergency and we are also happy to help out with texts, phone calls and emails if you can’t get in touch with your family and need to while away. We are also happy to help out with getting your phones, ipads and cameras to work if needed while away.
We spend less time travelling between regions, allowing more time to enjoy experiences when you arrive. We avoid one night stops and “conveyor belt” travel, so you really can capture the local colour and vitality of the region. Our trips are planned so that there is a balance of included activities and free time for you to relax or do some exploring on your own.
Contact Operatunity Travel
Phone toll free: 0508 886 489
Mail your booking form to PO BOX 132 150, Sylvia Park, Auckland 1644
Email: travel@operatunity.co.nz
Phone toll free: 0508 886 489
Email: travelbookings@operatunity.co.nz