Luxury Safari Escape

Leaving the city behind, we fly to the Central Western town of Parkes, NSW. This fascinating town was named in honour of Sir Henry Parkes in 1873, who played an instrumental role in the Federation of Australia.

Our local guide will take you out to visit the Parkes Radio Telescope nicknamed ‘The Dish’. This 64-metre steel paraboloid structure overshadows the flat landscape below, nestled on a three-story concrete tower. The Dish was made famous by the movie of the same name, released in 2000, that highlighted the role it played in in the 1969 Moon landing, as 600 million people watched Neil Armstrong step onto on the moon.

Returning to town, our guide will take you on a town tour including the Heritage Listed Post Office, the Railway Station, as well as a visit to the Sir Henry Parkes Centre. Containing four museums, there is something for everyone, from the King’s Castle Elvis Exhibit, to the Motor Museum, as well as Moat Cottage Replica, and the Henry Parkes Museum – all in one location.

Our afternoon departure from Parkes takes us to the South Australian town of Murray Bridge and our luxury multi-million-dollar accommodation for the next three nights.

Overnight at Monarto Safari Resort – Waterhole View One Bedroom Suite

Your day of adventure begins with a two-hour guided Dawn Wildlife Safari. This tour gives you exclusive access to Monarto Safari Park before it opens to the public, and provides a great overview of what you can expect to see while we are here.

Immerse yourself in the vast parklands with free-roaming herds of African animals as you explore the parklands from the comfort of the Safari Truck. You’ll have the opportunity to observe and photograph animals including Southern White Rhinos, Giraffes, Cheetahs, Eland, Ostriches, and Zebras. You will be served some light refreshments along the way so you don’t miss a minute of the action.

Returning to the resort for a sumptuous breakfast, you have the morning to enjoy the facilities including the Luxurious Day Spa, as well as the two breathtaking pool areas.

After lunch you can return to the zoo and spend the afternoon exploring the many different animal exhibits or simply relax at the resort.

Overnight at Monarto Safari Resort – Waterhole View One Bedroom Suite

Following breakfast, you have are encouraged to spend the day exploring Monarto Safari Park via the guided Zu-Loop bus experience, or a combination of the Zu-Loop bus and walking. You can hop on and off the bus at the wildlife viewing platforms and spend time observing your favourite animal species, including Giraffes, Elephants, Lions, Cheetahs, Rhinos, Chimpanzees, and more.

Additionally, your visit will be enhanced by attending Daily Keeper Presentations and intimate behind-the-scenes animal experiences. (All options for pre-booking will be provided before we depart on the tour).

To bookend your Dawn Safari experience, you will now get to soak up the last rays of the sun on the Sunset Wildlife Safari tour. Departing two hours before sunset, you will again have exclusive access to Monarto Safari Park after hours, with ample opportunity to immerse yourself in the vast parklands and watch the free-roaming herds of African animals across the 550 hectares. Drinks and canapes will be served during the tour, capping off the unforgettable experience.

Overnight at Monarto Safari Resort – Waterhole View One Bedroom Suite

After a late checkout we fly north-east following the Darling River to the outback town of Bourke in NSW. Here in this small outback town, we visit one of Australia’s leading contemporary artists, Jenny Greentree who has been painting professionally for 19 years. Jen’s art is inspired by the rich Australian scenery, and she has worked from her own gallery for 18 years.

Living on the banks of the Darling River quite literally ‘out the back O’ Bourke’ provides continual inspiration for Jen who works in a variety of mediums. Jen’s perceptive observation and artistic skill enable her to convey the unique characteristics of the outback landscape in a very realistic manner. She has a familiarity with the bush around her, which goes beyond the superficial to an emotional and spiritual connection.

After a leisurely lunch, it’s time to take our last flight on this 3,300km round trip back to Queensland. What seems like such a short time in days, takes in so much of what our Animal Kingdom has to offer right here in our backyard. This tour is truly ‘Africa in Australia’ and is not to be missed.