A once a year opportunity in the Outback

Explore the rarely visited seasonal river systems that flow from monsoonal Queensland into South Australia’s Outback with Ecotrek who specialises in small group, nature-based escorted walking, cycling and canoeing tours across Australia.

A ONCE A YEAR OPPORTUNITY
The “Cooper Creek and Coongie Lakes Canoeing in the Outback” trip can only be undertaken once a year when the floodwaters from Queensland’s Cooper river reach the Coongie Lakes system to create a huge freshwater oasis. These are major wetland areas set in the middle of the Outback renowned for their outstanding natural beauty and environmental significance.

This eight-night tour includes canoeing on Cooper Creek and Coongie Lakes, walking in the Outback, sleeping in swags under a starry sky and exploring Sturt National Park - home to kangaroos and the rare bustard - the isolated gold rush town of Tibooburra and the lonely mission at Innamincka. Also included is Depot Glen where English explorer Charles Sturt and his exploring party were stranded in 1844.

No previous canoeing experience is required and the walking is geared at an easy level that will suit most people with reasonable fitness. This trip, priced £1,069, departures 24th May 2008 and includes transport from Adelaide, camping and canoeing equipment, park entry fees, all meals, wine and guides.

BACKGROUND TO ECOTREK
Ecotrek is an accredited nature-based tour operator offering walking, cycling, canoeing, cultural, educational, heritage and art based tours throughout south-eastern Australia. Their holidays are designed to allow interaction with nature while making little or no impact on the environment. The company adheres to minimal impact practices and educates about sustainable activities in natural areas by working with local communities, governing bodies and industry leaders to promote eco-tourism.

Ecotrek, established in 1982, prides itself on providing its guests with unforgettable experiences and highlights some of Australia’s finest landscapes. The company operates over 50 escorted small group tours, 23 of which are based in South Australia. Tours can also be customised to meet individual fitness needs and requirements.

OTHER ECOTREK TOURS IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA INCLUDE:

WALKING TOURS:
• Flinders Ranges and the Heysen Trail – six-nights from £591
• Kangaroo Island Walking – four-nights from £622
• Yurrebilla Trail in Style – deluxe two-night tour from £513
• The Gammon Ranges - four-nights camping from £800

CANOEING TOURS
• Murray Backwater Canoeing – two-nights camping from £389
• Glenelg River Canoeing – four-nights walking and canoeing from £321

CYCLING TOURS
• Gourmet Cycling – four-nights from £802
• Riesling/Skilly Trail – one-night from £261
• Cycling the Outback – nine-nights camping the Flinders Ranges from £1,605
• Kangaroo Island Cycle – two-nights from £502
• Adelaide Hills Day Ride – one-day from £87

ECO JOURNEYS
• Explore the Gawler Ranges and Rugged West Coast – from £870

For further information on Ecotrek: Ecotrek.com.au
For further information on South Australia: Southaustralia.com