What's on: Travel Program: Night Sky Dreaming - An Indigenous Astronomy Tour

*SOLD OUT* Discover the wonders of Indigenous Astronomy with well-respected Astronomer Dr Fred Watson and special guest CSIRO astrophysicist Ray Norris.

Astronomy of Indigenous Australians

Astronomy of Indigenous Australians
Renee Nowytarger © Renee Nowytarger

Event Type:
Special event
Date:
11 August 2013 to 19 August 2013
Location:
Off-site
Admission:
$3280 per person twin share (Single supplement:$450)

About the trip

Join well-respected Astronomer Dr Fred Watson on a 9 day tour through areas of aboriginal astronomical interest. Meeting in Melbourne, you will then journey to Mildura and enjoy a cruise on the Murray River by paddle steamer, before discovering the histories and walking tracks of the Mungo National Park. Next, enjoy a stop-over in Menindee and then take some time to explore Kinchega National Park’s abundant bird and wild life. All this is just the beginning.

For the second half of the trip you will head to the character-filled opal mining town of White Cliffs, before entering Mutawintji National Park’s Historic Site where you will embark on an interpretive bush walk, followed by a day spent exploring the Sculpture Symposium and the Royal Flying Doctors. Next, visit Coonabarabran, the home of Australia’s largest telescope.

Finishing in Sydney, the tour includes comfortable country accommodation and the majority of meals and entry fees as noted on the itinerary. Come along and discover the wonders of indigenous astronomy and enjoy a little of your own night sky dreaming.

About your leader

Dr Fred Watson is Astronomer in Charge of the Australian Astronomical Observatory at Coonabarabran, and 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” and “Why is Uranus Upside Down?”. In January 2010, Fred was awarded Member of the Order of Australia for service to astronomy, particularly the promotion and popularisation of space science through public outreach.

Trip Highlights

  • An after dinner talk by Ray Norris
  • A cruise on the Murray River by Paddle Steamer
  • A tour of the ‘Walls of China’ lunette system with indigenous guide Harry Nanya
  • A river cruise on the Menindee Lakes
  • Exploring Kinchega National Park’s abundant bird and wildlife
  • Discovering Mutawintji National Park’s Historic Site
  • Visiting the Sculpture Symposium and the Royal Flying Doctors
  • A special dinner with a local, NASA-employed, amateur astronomer – Trevor Barry
  • Visiting Siding Spring and the UK Schmidt

What’s included

  • 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
  • Australian Museum tour host

Full itinerary

How to book

*SOLD OUT*

To secure your place, please complete the booking form and email it to marnie@fredwatson.com.au.

Alternatively, please write to:

Fred Watson Tours
PO Box 973
Newport NSW 2106

Your option is held for seven days secured by receipt of a non-refundable deposit. Reservations are confirmed with a $300 deposit with final payment due prior to 11 July 2013.

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