APT Anticipates High Demand for KWA in 2014
16 August 2013: Australia’s Best Domestic Tour Operator[1], APT, has announced the launch of its new 2014 Kimberley Wilderness Adventures (KWA) programme a month ahead of schedule. According to APT’s General Manager, KWA, Rob Tandy, the decision has been taken to cater for increased demand.
“Through our 40 years of operating in the Kimberley, we’ve learned that our guests want authentic outback experiences combined with outstanding natural beauty and a touch of luxury in their accommodation. While we’ve always made continual enhancements to our product to cater to these needs, for 2014 we’ve taken it one step further, developing and improving every single one of our itineraries. In doing so we’re expecting a much higher level of interest amongst Australians looking to explore the beauty of their own backyard.” said Mr Tandy.
Supporting the launch is a new DVD. Entitled ‘Follow The Sun’, it captures the essence of the Kimberley, with music supplied by Xavier Rudd and additional destination footage contributed by Tourism Western Australia and Tourism Australia. Guests can ask their travel agent for a copy or alternatively they can view it online at www.aptouring.com.au/kimberley
The new KWA brochure features 20 itineraries ranging from two to 28 days in length. Packed with new features, it includes a new itinerary, seven extended tours, five new hotels and a new Signature Experience.
One new Tour – Pilbara and Exmouth
The new nine-day Pilbara & Exmouth explores the Pilbara landscape in depth, along with the Ningaloo Reef, the newest World Heritage Listed site in Australia and one of only a few places worldwide where it’s possible to swim with the largest fish in the ocean, Whale Sharks. The tour can also be added to the Kimberley Complete.
Seven extended itineraries
All Kimberley Complete, Broome to Darwin and West Coast tours now feature an extra night at each end of the tour. In Broome, guests stay at the award-winning Cable Beach Club Resort and Spa. If the tour starts and finishes in Darwin it will be Mantra Pandanas.
Five New Hotels including Cicada Lodge
As well as Cable Beach Club, Mantra Pandanas, The Hyatt Regency in Perth and The Esplanade Hotel in Port Hedland, APT has added Cicada Lodge, one of Australia’s hottest new lodges, to all Broome to Darwin itineraries. A joint venture between the Jawoyn people and Indigenous Business Australia (IBA), Cicada Lodge is located some 300km south of Darwin, and 32km from Katherine town centre and situated on the riverfront of the picturesque Katherine River within Nitmiluk National Park.
New Kimberley coastal cruising
APT has exclusively chartered the Coral Princess and Oceanic Discoverer, pioneers in Kimberley cruising and experts at navigating the secluded inlets of the local coastline. Australian owned and crewed, the boats don’t venture out of Australian waters so no passport checks are required.
Signature Experiences
New for 2014 is a welcome and/or farewell dinner at Cable Beach Club. Other Signature Experiences include an exclusive tour of Home Valley Station; East Alligator River cruise; helicopter flight over Mitchell Falls; King George Falls cruise; zodiac ride through Horizontal Falls; glass bottomed boat ride and snorkelling at Ningaloo Reef; Wandjina and Gwion Gwion rock art; and a seafood dinner at Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort.
Inclusions and lead in itinerary
All itineraries include an APT Kimberley Driver-Guide or Cruise Director; comprehensive sightseeing and touring, Signature Experiences; small group sizes of no more than 20 guests; custom-built 4WD vehicles; all park and excursion fees; all Kimberley cruises include beer, wine and soft drinks with meals onboard and airport transfers.
Lead in itinerary is the 15-day Kimberley Complete small group 4WD adventure with two nights at APT’s Bell Gorge, Mitchell Falls and Bungle Bungle Wilderness Lodges as well as two nights at Cable Beach Club, and a night each at Drysdale River Station, Home Valley Station, Emma Gorge Resort at El Questro and Fitzroy River Lodge. Priced from $8,795 per person, twin share, it includes four Signature Experiences as well as journeying along the iconic Gibb River Road, wading through Tunnel Creek, Wyndham, Parry’s Lagoon and cruising the Ord River.
SuperDeal
APT is offering its largest ever SuperDeal savings for 2014 bookings. Bookings on 4WD tours departing in April, May & September 2014 attract savings of up to $2,400 per couple or save up to $1,600 per couple on 4WD tours departing June to August 2014. Book by 31 December 2013 and terms and conditions apply.
To book call 1800 240 504, visit www.aptouring.com.au/kimberley or contact your local business development manager.