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April 17 - 21, 2023

Western Australia Total Solar Eclipse at Sal Salis Camp

5-day Outback Eclipse Adventure in Western Australia at Sal Salis Eco-Retreat

When the Moon’s shadow passes over the western coast of Australia, where would you like to be? Walking among pristine dunes at the edge of the Indian Ocean? Swimming out into the crystal-clear waters above a spectacular coral reef? Or relaxing in a hammock outside your walk-in safari tent – the same vantage point from which you’ve spent the last few nights scanning the star-filled southern skies?

These are the k ...Show more

Highlights

  • Watch the Moon’s shadow sweep across Australia’s western coast during the 49 second April 20, 2023 total solar eclipse.
  • Relax for four nights at an exclusive eco-camp among the dunes overlooking Ningaloo Reef.
  • Join us nightly for a guided tour of the Milky Way – Southern Outback Edition.
  • Snorkel or paddle your sea kayak over coral formations, viewing schools of exotic fish and other marine life.
  • Swim with docile whale sharks (conditions permitting) in the open ocean.

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Itinerary



Upon landing at Learmonth Airport (code: LEA), you’re met by our local TravelQuest representative, who arranges the 90-minute transfer to Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef eco-camp. After meeting our camp manager and fellow travelers, spend the rest of the day exploring the beach and enjoying the expansive Indian Ocean. If you arrive by late afternoon, plan to join us for a welcome dinner – then accompany our trip astronomer for our first evening of stargazing in the dark outback.

Southern Milky Way Treasures
By TQ Astronomer, Jay Anderson

One of the very best treats in visiting Western Australia is the splendidly dark nighttime skies that display the treasures of our Milky Way galaxy. Those visiting from northern latitudes prepare yourself for an incredible array of celestial wonders. In April, the setting Sun brings the Southern Cross into view, 40 degrees above the southeast horizon. Nearby, and just as prominent, the Milky Way’s galactic companions, the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds, really do look like clouds as they circle the pole, never setting, through the night. Above the Cross, the incomparable nebula around eta Carina will delight both telescopes and cameras. Sagittarius lies on the horizon and rises higher as the night advances, bringing the core of the Milky Way into view with its web of dark lanes that form patterns important in Aboriginal lore. Orion, upside down for Northern Hemisphere visitors, sinks to the horizon in the north while Omega Centauri, the largest of the globular clusters, is overhead and easily visible to the eye.

The dark outback of Australia with its sparse population and spread-out communities is the perfect location to explore the delights of the southern sky. No Moon will interfere—we are going to an eclipse, after all, and the Moon will be new. This trip will expose you to a night sky like no other, so bring cameras, star trackers, and telescopes and be prepared when possible, to immerse yourself in the universe.

DATE(S): Monday, April 17, 2023

MEALS: Dinner

ACCOMMODATION: Sal Salis Eco-Camp

Every day at Sal Salis, you can choose from a range of activities designed to showcase the unspoiled natural environment. You may choose to sea kayak along Ningaloo Reef, guided by our local friends, to the best spots for viewing the coral heads and shimmering clouds of fish, or perhaps do some drift-snorkeling, taking in the undersea spectacle from just a few meters offshore. You could also embark on a guided walk through Mandu Mandu Gorge, where you’ll enjoy wildlife and bird spotting. Our expert team is ready to help plan the best day for you, factoring in weather conditions and the tides. Your stay also includes a unique opportunity to swim with majestic – and reassuringly easygoing – whale sharks. As our boat heads out beyond the reef, a spotter plane will try to locate the whale sharks from above. With a little luck, you’ll soon be snorkeling among these beautiful creatures. If you prefer not to swim, you can still view the gentle giants from on deck while keeping an eye out for dolphins, dugongs, manta rays, turtles and more! Each evening after dinner, join our TravelQuest trip astronomer for a guided tour of the Milky Way – Southern Edition. Then on April 20, it’s the big moment: watching from the spectacular shoreline as the Moon, for 49 dramatic seconds, totally obscures the Sun.

 

Eclipse viewing prospects in Exmouth, West Australia by TQ Astronomer, Jay Anderson

In April, the northwest coast of Australia lies in one of the sunniest areas in the Southern Hemisphere. Statistics acquired from satellite show an average cloud cover of only 28 percent in April at Exmouth. Weather station observations from the local airport confirm the high frequency of sunny days, with nearly 80 percent of the days of the month reporting clear skies or scattered cloud at eclipse time. Closer examination of daily satellite images confirms the generous sunshine of all of Australia’s Northwest Cape, as all but one of the April 20s stretching back to the year 2000 would have provided an easy view of the eclipse. Exmouth and the surrounding area enjoys the very best of Australian sunshine, and for those interested in the stars as well, the very best of nights.

 

Later in the evening, join us for a celebratory farewell meal and raise a glass to our unforgettable eclipse adventure on the North West Cape.

DATE(S): Tuesday - Thursday, April 18, 19 & 20 2023

MEALS: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner daily

ACCOMMODATION: Sal Salis Eco-Camp

Once you’ve gathered up your belongings (and some amazing memories), we transfer you back to Exmouth and Learmonth Airport in time for your flight home or on to further adventures.  

DATE(S): Friday, April 21, 2023

MEALS: Breakfast

Optional Add-ons

Located a little further away from the other 15 wilderness tents is a secluded, intimate love nest – the Honeymoon Tent. With its private beach access and romantic touches, this tent is for those celebrating their love. This special tent carries with it a trip add-on supplement of $950 USD per person for your entire stay.

Includes

In the comings months we will be offering pre- and post-nights at Sal Salis (subject to availability) if you wish to extend your stay. TravelQuest will reach out to you with these details as soon as they are available.

TRIP LEVEL

Level 2: Easy/moderate: short to medium walks over uneven terrain, on sloping paths and over sand dunes. To participate in snorkeling activities, guests should be confident swimmers.

At TravelQuest, we want to be sure you find the trip that best suits your interests and level of fitness. Please email or call if you have any questions regarding the itinerary.

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IMPORTANT

  • TravelQuest, working with our partners, makes every effort to follow the published itinerary. However, please keep in mind that it is subject to change depending on weather and other local conditions.
  • Viewing a solar eclipse is particularly weather-dependent; therefore, we can offer no guarantee that local conditions will cooperate.
  • All tour prices, taxes and airfares quoted in this brochure are based on tariffs, costs and United States dollar exchange rates that were in effect at the time of publication. Consequently, prices herein are subject to change. Due to fluctuations in global oil prices, a fuel surcharge may be added to your expedition fee. You will be advised of details and costs prior to departure.

Pricing & Terms

Prices are per person in US Dollars based on the number of guests in a room.

Double

$7,960

Single

$15,460

Honeymoon Tent (King Bed Only)

$8,910

Includes

  • 4 nights’ accommodation at Sal Salis eco-camping lodge
  • LEA-Sal Salis Camp/Sal Salis Camp-LEA arrival and departure transfers
  • All ground transportation
  • Services of your TravelQuest Trip Leader/Astronomer
  • Expert local guides throughout your stay
  • Farm-to-table meals daily starting with dinner day 1 through breakfast day 5
  • Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, including coffee and tea – available in the open bar
  • Sightseeing admissions and activities as noted in the itinerary
  • Snorkeling equipment, fins, wet suits, kayaks and paddles

Not Included

  • Air transportation to and from Exmouth’s Learmonth Airport (airport code: LEA)
  • Meals and activities not specified in the itinerary
  • Passport and visa fees if applicable, along with any required immunizations
  • Travel Insurance/Trip Cancellation Insurance

Payments & Terms

  • An advance payment of $2,000 USD, made by credit card, along with the completed reservation form, are required to secure your reservation.
  • A second advance payment of $2,500 USD per person, payable by check or bank wire only, is due February 15, 2022.
  • Final payment – payable by check or bank wire only – is due by August 8, 2022.

Cancellation Terms

Cancellations must be made to TravelQuest in writing via email, fax or mail.

  • All advance payments, less a $800 USD per person cancellation fee, are refundable through February 15, 2022.
  • Cancellations made between February 16 and July 15, 2022, will incur a $3,000 USD per person fee.
  • There are no refunds after July 15, 2022.
  • Air cancellation terms are additional.

TRAVELER HEALTH

At TravelQuest we want to be sure you find the trip that best suits your interests and level of fitness. Prior to making a booking, it is the responsibility of each traveler to thoroughly read the itinerary, and to acquire and understand all pertinent medical advice to determine whether they are in an appropriate state of physical health to undertake the trip. At a minimum, participants must be able to climb into and out of buses, vans and trains without assistance, to carry their own luggage, and to generally keep up with the pace of the trip. If you have any questions about your trip’s itinerary or its level of difficulty, please contact us prior to booking.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

Travel insurance protects you from the unexpected “what-ifs” on your travels. What if your bags go missing, what if you have to cancel, what if you need medical assistance? We at TravelQuest International recommend that you purchase a travel protection plan to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. You may purchase this insurance on your own or you may contact our friends at Travelex who are familiar with our trips and offer a selection of coverages to suit your needs. To be eligible for the waiver of pre-existing medical condition exclusion, the plans must be purchased within 15 days from the time you make your initial deposit to TravelQuest. ALL Travelex policies must be purchased at least 3 weeks (21 days) prior to your departure date.

For more information on these plans or to enroll, click on the link below or contact Travelex Insurance Services direct at 1-800-228-9792, and reference location number 03-6043.

TravelEx Insurance

A NOTE ABOUT FUEL

In the uncertain, often volatile global oil market, it is difficult to predict long-term fuel costs and, more specifically, costs at the time of the trip. Our prices are based on prevailing fuel rates at the time of brochure publication, which is well in advance of departure. While we will do everything possible to maintain our prices, if fuel costs increase significantly at or before the time of the trip, it may be necessary to institute a fuel surcharge.

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