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Fred Watson is Astronomer in Charge of the Australian Astronomical Observatory at Siding Spring, Coonabarabran – the largest optical telescope in Australia. In January 2010, Fred was made a Member of the Order of Australia for service to astronomy, particularly the promotion and popularisation of space science through public outreach. Fred is well-known for his astronomy slots on ABC radio, and on Network Ten’s ‘The Project’. His books include “Stargazer- the Life and Times of the Telescope”, “Why is Uranus Upside Down?” and his new book “Star-Craving Mad - Tales from a Travelling Astronomer” which brings to life stories for his tours abroad.

Ray Norris is an Adjunct Professor in the Dept. of Indigenous Studies at Macquarie University and studies the astronomy of Aboriginal Australians. Ray is an astrophysicist at CSIRO Astronomy & Space Science (CASS) and has received an Honours Degree in Theoretical Physics at Cambridge University, UK, and a PhD at Manchester University, UK.

Tour Overview

Day 1: 11 August, 2013 - BENDIGO Meet our special guests Ray Norris and Fred Watson at Tullamarine Airport at 9.00am this morning to commence our Indigenous Astronomy tour with the journey to Little River – an area of particular aboriginal astronomical interest. We journey on to Ballarat this evening for a tour of the local observatory and a BBQ dinner. A highlight of the evening is an after dinner talk by Ray Norris. (D) - Alexander Place Day 2: 12 August, 2013 - MILDURA Travelling on from Ballarat we journey through Carisbrook, another astronomically significant sight for the indigenous community before carrying on into the border town of Mildura for the evening. This evening we cruise on the Murray River by Paddle Steamer - the Melbourne. Relax whilst we pass by Lock 11, many beautiful old river gums and several impressive houseboats over dinner. (B,D) – Mercure Mildura Day 3: 13 August, 2013 – MUNGO NATIONAL PARK Get your walking shoes ready for a tour this afternoon of the ‘Walls of China’ lunette system with indigenous guide Harry Nanya. On the way home as the night turns black we’ll share the sky of a million stars and a dreamtime story. (B,L,D) - Mungo Lodge Day 4: 14 August, 2013 – MENINDEE Sleep in, for a leisurely morning, or take the opportunity to stretch your legs on any of the number of tracks not far from the Mungo Lodge. Lunch is served before continuing onto Menindee for the night. (B,L,D) - Burke & Wills Motel Day 5: 15 August, 2013 – BROKEN HILL Anyone ready for some bird watching in this magnificent arid outback? We take a river cruise on the Menindee Lakes before exploring Kinchega National Park’s abundant bird and wildlife. We take the full day to explore this fascinating corner of NSW including the Mundi Mundi Plains. We finish the day with a special dinner with a local, NASA-employed, amateur astronomer – Trevor Barry. (B,L,D) - Comfort Inn Hilltop Day 6: 16 August, 2013 – BROKEN HILL Today we enter Mutawintji National Park’s Historic Site today. Here special ceremonies and initiations took place for the Kullawarra people. Embark on an interpretive bush walk to the engravings site and to the stencils site. We arrive late into Broken Hill where you can explore and find dinner on your own. (B,L) - Comfort Inn Hilltop

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Day 7: 17 August, 2013 – WHITE CLIFFS A visit to the Sculpture Symposium and the Royal Flying Doctors and in town lunch before we journey to the character filled opal-mining town of White Cliffs. Particularly good for stargazing this last-frontier town appeals with its quirky, residents and tales of wealth won and lost. (B,D) – White Cliffs Underground Motel Day 8: 18 August, 2013 - DUBBO After breakfast we start our long journey back to Sydney via Coonabarabran with a full days drive to Dubbo for a comfortable overnight stay. (*Those who prefer may wish to fly with Rex Airlines back to Sydney this day or from Dubbo the following morning. Not included) (B) – Golden West Motor Inn

Day 9: 19 August, 2013 - SYDNEY Making the most of the day, we start early and take in a tour of Siding Spring Mountain, the AAT and the UK Schmidt telescopes with an exclusive tour of these facilities with Fred Watson. Arrive late to Sydney Central Station approx 9pm. Arrangements to stay in Sydney can be made for interstate travellers. (B,L)

Tour Cost and Inclusions

Places a minimum number of 12 people will be required to commence this tour. Alternative arrangements made be made if these numbers are not achieved. The tour program is inclusive of all food, accommodation and transport for the duration of the tour as listed in the above itinerary.

• Special guests, astronomers Ray Norris and Fred Watson • Professional Tour Director • 9 nights, comfortable country accommodation • Breakfasts, lunches and dinners as per itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner) • Entrance fees as note on the itinerary • Private air Conditioned coach

Cost: $3280* per person – twin share $ 650* – single supplement

Items not included are: Airport, airline and government taxes, Indian Pacific train fare, visa fees; other meals as required, beverages with meals, additional optional activities; health costs; personal expenditure, shopping.

* Prices are subject to change. Itinerary may change at any time. Valid for travel 11 – 19 August, 2013. Valid for sale 1 July 2012 – 11 July 2013. Further conditions apply. Contact me for full terms and conditions

Reservations

To secure your place, please request a booking form by emailing marnie@fredwatson.com.au or write to: Fred Watson Tours, PO Box 973, Newport NSW 2106. Reservations are confirmed with a $400 non-refundable deposit with final payment due prior to 11 July, 2013.