Day 1: Broome to Windjana Gorge
We depart Broome early this morning and head for Windjana Gorge, passing Boab Trees (including the Prison Tree) and the savannah plains. We start our exploration at Windjana Gorge with its varied plant and bird life, the Devonian Reef walls of the gorge, its monsoon vine thickets, and its many freshwater crocodiles. Accommodation: National Park camp site Windjana Gorge. LD

Day 2: Windjana Gorge to Silent Grove
There is an opportunity for an early morning walk into the gorge before leaving Windjana. We then head through extensive hummock grasslands and the Napier Range . We spend time this afternoon visiting Bell Creek Gorge before ending up at Silent Grove, which marks the beginning of the botanical richness of the north Kimberley sandstone habitat. Accommodation: Camp Site Silent Grove. BLD

Day 3: Silent Grove to Mornington Wildlife Sanctuary
An early morning walk around the camp site at Silent Grove is always a great start to the day . After breakfast we move on to Mornington Station, where we start to see the wonders that are on offer in this area. Accommodation: Camp Site Mornington Station. BLD

Day 4: Mornington Wildlife Sanctuary
Today we explore the wonders of this wilderness sanctuary, which is home to two endangered bird species, the Gouldian Finch and the Purple Crowned Fairy Wren. A visit to the station would not be complete without a swim in the spectacular Sir John Gorge on the Fitzroy River. Accommodation: Camp Site Mornington Station. BLD

Day 5: Mornington to Manning River
Back onto the Gibb River Road, heading for Manning River, we visit other spectacular sites such as Galvins Gorge on the way. Arriving at our Manning River camp site, there is plenty of time for a swim in this magnificent oasis or to explore the area. Accommodation: Camp Site Manning River. BLD

Day 6: Manning River
A leisurely day as we spend today exploring, swimming, relaxing and enjoying the environment that is created by this beautiful oasis. Accommodation: Camp site Manning River. BLD

Day 7: Manning River to El Questro Station
Today our drive sees us cross the Durack River and pass the site of the old Durack River Homestead which was destroyed by flood in 2002. The road is a mixture of steep jump-ups and rough corrugations. The spectacular scenery includes the Pentecost River Lookout, which overlooks the floodplain. Accommodation: Camp Site El Questro Station. BLD

Day 8: El Questro Station
We spend today exploring El Questro Station. We visit Zebedee Springs and El Questro Gorge before enjoying an afternoon boat ride on Chamberlain Gorge with its diverse wildlife and riverine flora. Accommodation: Camp site El Questro. BLD

Day 9: El Questro Station to Kununurra
An early morning departure as we head for Kununurra, calling at Marlgu Billabong / Parry Lagoon Reserve with its wetland plants and birds and at the small port of Wyndham on the way. This wonderful outback experience ends with our arrival in Kununurra where we are transferred to our chosen accommodation. BL

Note: The above itinerary may be varied according to conditions and advice.

Limited collecting of taxa of particular research interest to participants may be possible on the trip, but general collecting will not be possible. Rare or threatened taxa will probably not be able to be collected. Contact the trip organiser with details of your research, taxa of interest and nature of material you would like to collect. Collecting will depend on you getting the appropriate collecting permits.

Cost includes:

• Experienced driver and a botanist guide
• Well-maintained custom-designed 4WD vehicle
• All camping equipment
• National Park entrance fees
• All meals as per itinerary

Not included:

• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses
• Alcoholic or carbonated beverages
• Accommodation in Broome and Kununurra
• Flights to Broome and from Kununurra

Day 1: Darwin - Fogg Dam - Mary River - Ubirr - Jabiru
We leave Darwin for Fogg Dam, built for a former rice-growing project, which now has a monsoon forest boardwalk and good access to shallow wetlands very representative of Top End floodplains. Although it is the dry season, the dam highlights the contrasts of a wet-dry landscape and features Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera), Melaleuca forests, wild rice (native Oryza spp.), Eleocharis spp. and various other Cyperaceae. Lunch will be provided at the historic Bark Hut Inn before we explore more wetland areas on the Mary River by boat. Driving through extensive eucalypt woodlands featuring Calytrix, Cycas and Livistona, Ubirr in northern Kakadu is our next stop, well known for outstanding examples of aboriginal rock art and rugged sandstone outcrops; the perfect setting for a great sunset. Accommodation and meals will be at the nearby town of Jabiru. LD

Day 2: Jabiru - East Alligator River - Nourlangie - Cooinda
Today sees us heading back toward the East Alligator River to further explore the river and surrounding Kombolgie Sandstone. The area is home to many species restricted to the sandstone outliers such as Neobyrnesia suberosa (Rutaceae), one of over 22 Western Arnhem Land endemic species specialised in growing from cliff faces. A local Aboriginal-guided boat cruise will give us the Bininj perspective of life in the area and there are good opportunities to see crocodiles in the wild. We then travel south to the Nourlangie area where there is again an impressive gallery of rock art shaded by overhangs and monsoon forest trees. Adjacent Anbangbang Billabong features a broad expanse of seasonal wetland and Little Nourlangie Rock has easily accessible sandstone pavement holding many endemics including species of the curious resurrection grass Micraira, Acacia, Asteromyrtus, Hibbertia, Lithomyrtus, Pityrodia, Melodorum, Pandanus, Verticordia and spinifex (Triodia). Tonight we stay at Cooinda and eat at the restaurant. BLD

Day 3: Cooinda - Maguk - Mary River/Pine Creek District
For those keen to get up early, we can explore the boardwalk through Melaleuca forest and wetlands at nearby Yellow Water to view the plants, waterbirds and perhaps a crocodile. We then drive down to scenic Maguk, where we spend much of the day. This area has a variety of habitats and offers interesting riparian communities, forests of the endemic tree Allosyncarpia ternata (Myrtaceae) and disjunct rainforest genera such as Lophopetalum arnhemicum (Celastraceae) as well as access to a good cross-section of the diverse, mostly sclerophyllous sandstone flora endemic to Western Arnhem Land (e.g. various Boronia, Calytrix, Cryptandra, Gardenia, Grevillea and Thryptomene). Swimming is an option in the clear pools of the gorge below the waterfall and a picnic lunch will be carried in. Accommodation is in the southern Kakadu area. BLD

Day 4: Mary River - Berry Springs - Darwin Harbour Mangroves - Darwin
Today sees us heading north toward Darwin via a few sites with NT endemics: Cycas conferta, an intriguing native citrus (Citrus gracilis), and the very restricted Acacia praetermissa. Berry Springs, with clear swimmable waters, offers a great lunch spot and a chance to explore a little more our evergreen rainforests with their characteristic mix of Australian and Malesian elements. Heading back to the Darwin area, we take a short walk through the diverse mangrove communities fringing Darwin Harbour viewing some of the 40 species known from the area as part of an informal and interactive tour with an aboriginal guide. It will be a relaxed opportunity to explore a traditional perspective on these plants through everyday uses and Yolngu language. We finish the tour with a sunset BBQ dinner at nearby East Point Reserve. BL

Note: The above itinerary may be varied according to conditions and advice

Limited collecting of taxa of particular research interest to participants may be possible on the trip, but general collecting will not be possible. Rare or threatened taxa will probably not be able to be collected. Contact the trip organiser with details of your research, taxa of interest and nature of material you would like to collect. Collecting will depend on you getting the appropriate collecting permits.

Cost includes:

Driver and two botanist guides Sightseeing with admissions as specified Meals as specified in itinerary only

Not included:

• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses
• Alcoholic or carbonated beverages
• BBQ dinner on last night (will be c. $15 per person)
• Accommodation in Darwin
• Flights to/from Darwin

Day 1: Cairns - Mossman Gorge - Cape Tribulation
We travel north from Cairns along the narrow coastal strip through sclerophyll woodland, with our first stop in the foothills of the mountains at Mossman Gorge to walk through the wet tropical rainforest, rich in endemics. Further north, we cross the Daintree River by ferry with a view of the mangroves and perhaps a saltwater crocodile. We have lunch and a rainforest tour at the Daintree Discovery Centre where rainforest cycads, king ferns (Marattiaceae), tree ferns and several palm genera are visible from the deck. Our last stop of the day is to walk along the Mardja boardwalk, where you'll experience a mosaic of several lowland tropical forest communities such as fan palm (Licuala ramsayi) forest, swamp forest, and mangroves. A cassowary sighting is possible. We then continue to Cape Tribulation in the beach forest, where we stay overnight.

Day 2: Cape Tribulation - Cooktown via the Bloomfield Track
Stops this morning include Woobadda River, and Bloomfield River Falls to see coastal rainforest. We lunch at the atmospheric Lion's Den Hotel deep in old tin mining country with the surrounding mountains clad in rainforest. On the way to Cooktown we stop to look at Black Mountain a mountain of large grey granite boulders coloured black by a surface coat of algae. In the afternoon we visit Finch Bay where the rainforests of the Wet Tropics overlap with the rainforests of Cape York Peninsula. Overnight at Cooktown, the town named after James Cook who visited the area with Joseph Banks and Daniel Solander in 1770. Tonight we have dinner at Nature's Powerhouse, the exhibition centre in the historic Cooktown Botanic Gardens.

Day 3: Cooktown - Elim Sands - Cooktown
We head north from Cooktown, to the local Indigenous community of Hopevale to visit spectacular coastal dunes unique to Cape York Peninsula. These dunefields are home to many species restricted to the Cape. From there we travel to Isabella Falls to look at sandstone flora in a wet climate. We can contrast this with the dunefields flora of the morning. The dunefields are formed on sands which have been eroded from these sandstones. Today will be on the road with packed lunches and in remote areas with no towns or settlements after Hopevale. We return to our motel in Cooktown, where we will have dinner at the local Bowls club and have the opportunity to meet locals in the 'barefoot bowls' competition.

Day 4: Cooktown - Jowalbinna Rock Art Safari Camp
We head back out from Cooktown to cross over the wet sandstones again into Lakefield National Park. Today will be spent mostly in the national park with its extensive Melaleuca and Eucalyptus woodlands. There will be stops to look at gallery rainforest along the Laura River with its iconic Corypha palms (Corypha utan), water lily swamps (Nelumbo sp. and Nymphoides sp.) and wetlands. We will also get to see magnetic termite mounds. We then travel off the beaten track to Jowalbinna Rock Art Safari Camp to stay for the next 2 nights.

Day 5: Jowalbinna - Jowalbinna
An easy day where you can choose to accompany local guides to visit spectacular examples of local Indigenous art, botanising along the way. Despite being the middle of the dry season, we will see many attractive wildflowers, including the spectacular native kapok (Cochlospermum gillivraei). Here the flora of the drier sandstones can be compared and contrasted with the flora of the wet sandstones and the eroded dunefields of day 3. This area has riparian forests dominated by Melaleuca, open Eucalypt woodlands and small areas of Semi-evergreen vine thicket.

Day 6: Jowalbinna - Cairns
Back on the main road our first stop is at the Quinkan and Regional Cultural interpretive centre at the small town of Laura. There we have a chance to understand the history of the settlement of the area and get an insight into its indigenous culture. We then head south via Bob's Lookout to lunch at Mareeba wetlands. We have an opportunity to walk through savannah woodland dominated by Eucalyptus and Melaleuca. During the afternoon, we pass from drier savannah woodland back into the coastal rainforests. We finish back in Cairns (dinner and accommodation included in the trip).

Note: Travel is by 4WD coach, and the roads are rough once we leave the more densely inhabited areas but the vegetation and scenery more than make up for any temporary discomfort. Sturdy footwear, a hat, sunscreen and insect repellant are absolutely necessary for this trip. We recommend long sleeves and long trousers for protection against sun and rough vegetation. Sunglasses are a must for the dazzling sands of the Elim dunefields.

Note: The above itinerary may be varied according to conditions and advice.

Limited collecting of taxa of particular research interest to participants may be possible on the trip, but general collecting will not be possible. Rare or threatened taxa will probably not be able to be collected. Contact the trip organiser with details of your research, taxa of interest and nature of material you would like to collect. Collecting will depend on you getting the appropriate collecting permits.

Cost includes:

• Driver, Two botanist guides and two support staff
• Meals as specified in itinerary only
• Entry fees unless specifically excluded above

Not included:

• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses
• Alcoholic or carbonated beverages
• Flights to/from Cairns

Day 1: Cairns - Cape Tribulation - Cairns
We travel north along the narrow coastal strip through sclerophyll woodland, with our first stop in the foothills of the mountains at Mossman Gorge to walk through the wet tropical rainforest, rich in endemics. Farther north, we cross the Daintree River by ferry with a view of the mangroves and perhaps a saltwater crocodile. We have morning tea at the Daintree Discovery Centre where rainforest cycads, king ferns (Marattiaceae), tree ferns and several palm genera are visible from the deck. We then continue to lunch at Cape Tribulation in the beach forest. Our last stop of the day is to walk along the Mardja boardwalk, , where you'll experience a mosaic of several lowland tropical forest communities such as fan palm (Licuala ramsayi) forest, swamp forest, and mangroves. A cassowary sighting is possible. We then return to Cairns for the night. Dinner that night will be at the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Centre for an evening of cultural entertainment.

Day 2: Cairns - Atherton/Yungaburra [whichever is booked by ICMSA]
Our first stop is at the boardwalk beside Cairns airport to look at the diverse mangrove community, rich in epiphytic orchids and ant plants. We then go up the rainforested escarpment to the Atherton Tableland either in the coach or on the Skyrail (this is an optional extra to be paid for). Beyond Kuranda, we pass into drier parts of the Tablelands with their fire-prone sclerophyllous forests and woodlands. We'll stop to look at these before going on to the volcanic landscape of Atherton/Yungaburra [whichever is booked by ICMSA], which will be our base for the next two days. An optional extra offered this evening, and again on Day 4will, be a spotlighting tour with a local guide to see some of the nocturnal animals (possibly including tree kangaroos, possums and owls) unique to the area.

Day 3: Atherton/Yungaburra - Herberton - Atherton/Yungaburra Today we drive through remnant high altitude rainforests to concentrate on drier high altitude woodlands. We visit several sites along the way including Mt. Hypipamee (the Crater) National Park. We head into somewhat drier habitats, with diverse eucalypt canopies and heathy understoreys resulting from nutrient poor soils. After lunch we return to Atherton/Yungaburra stopping to look at eucalypt tall open forests and remnant rainforests.

Day 4: Atherton/ Yungaburra - Lake Tinaroo- Lake Barrine - Atherton/ Yungaburra
Alternatives are offered today:

(1) For those wanting to travel by coach - Today we look at paleobotanical sites and various basal angiosperms in the rainforests. We see Australia's first 25 hectare permanent rainforest plot, which is maintained by CSIRO, at Robson Creek and soon after stand under the majestic Cathedral Fig Tree. A cruise on Lake Barrine, a crater lake, is followed by lunch in the famous teahouse. In the afternoon, we see the equally impressive Curtain Fig Tree, near Yungaburra and look at Bromfield Swamp which holds a pollen record of over 10,000 years. In the evening, the optional extra spotlighting tour is offered again, to see nocturnal animals unique to the area.

OR

(2) For those fit and with a sense of adventure - This 8 km walk is over rocky and uneven terrain, mostly not on formed tracks and is only for those with a high level of fitness! We are dropped off by the coach near Tolga. Our walk begins at 700 m, with maximum elevation 1100 m. The rhyolite substrate supports a range of vegetation, from low and stunted shrublands and grassy woodlands to mountain cloud forest, with local endemic and unusual species. The elevation and the distance from the coast interact to produce this local "southern" anomaly, with several sclerophyll species being in common or closely related to (for example) the Sydney/Blue Mountains sandstones rather than with the adjacent continental-climate-based savanna. See first hand the effect of cloud interception on vegetation and floristic diversity. Spectacular views of the Tableland and surrounding landscapes will be available from rock outcrops and cliff-lines. The coach picks us up at the end of the walk.
Requirements: High level of fitness, sturdy shoes, sunscreen, hat, 2 litre of drinking water, and a daypack to carry lunch. A packed lunch, morning and afternoon tea, and extra water will be supplied.

Day 5: Atherton/Yungaburra - Millaa Millaa - Cairns
This morning we visit other scenic spots like Millaa Millaa Falls and the MaMu Canopy Walk. After a packed lunch eaten at the floristically diverse Henrietta Creek, we drive down to the coastal lowlands and look at the impressive Eubanangee Swamp. The lower Palmerston contains many regional endemics and is one of the most diverse areas of rainforest in the Wet Tropics. This is the only chance to see Austrobaileya. Our final stop is at Bramston Beach, where we will have afternoon tea before returning to Cairns (dinner and accommodation included in the trip).

Note: The weather on the coast near Cairns is reasonably hot but the higher altitude of the Atherton Tableland means that it is cold there overnight, and may rain, so a warm parka and a rain-jacket are needed. Insect repellent should be carried on all outings.

Note: The above itinerary may be varied according to conditions and advice.

Limited collecting of taxa of particular research interest to participants may be possible on the trip, but general collecting will not be possible. Rare or threatened taxa will probably not be able to be collected. Contact the trip organiser with details of your research, taxa of interest and nature of material you would like to collect. Collecting will depend on you getting the appropriate collecting permits.

Cost includes:

• Driver and two botanist guides
• Meals as specified in itinerary only
• Entry fees unless specifically excluded above

Not included:

• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses
• Alcoholic or carbonated beverages
• Flights to/from Cairns

Day 1: Cairns - Cape Tribulation - Cairns
We travel north along the narrow coastal strip through sclerophyll woodland, with our first stop in the foothills of the mountains at Mossman Gorge to walk through the wet tropical rainforest, rich in endemics. Farther north, we cross the Daintree River by ferry with a view of the mangroves and perhaps a saltwater crocodile. We have morning tea at the Daintree Discovery Centre where rainforest cycads, king ferns (Marattiaceae), tree ferns and several palm genera are visible from the deck. We then continue to lunch at Cape Tribulation in the beach forest. Our last stop of the day is to walk along the Mardja boardwalk, , where you'll experience a mosaic of several lowland tropical forest communities such as fan palm (Licuala ramsayi) forest, swamp forest, and mangroves. A cassowary sighting is possible. We then return to Cairns for the night. Dinner that night will be at the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Centre for an evening of cultural entertainment.

Day 2: Cairns - Atherton/Yungaburra [whichever is booked by ICMSA]
Our first stop is at the boardwalk beside Cairns airport to look at the diverse mangrove community, rich in epiphytic orchids and ant plants. We then go up the rainforested escarpment to the Atherton Tableland either in the coach or on the Skyrail (this is an optional extra to be paid for). Beyond Kuranda, we pass into drier parts of the Tablelands with their fire-prone sclerophyllous forests and woodlands. We'll stop to look at these before going on to the volcanic landscape of Atherton/Yungaburra [whichever is booked by ICMSA], which will be our base for the next two days. An optional extra offered this evening, and again on Day 4will, be a spotlighting tour with a local guide to see some of the nocturnal animals (possibly including tree kangaroos, possums and owls) unique to the area.

Day 3: Atherton/Yungaburra - Herberton - Atherton/Yungaburra Today we drive through remnant high altitude rainforests to concentrate on drier high altitude woodlands. We visit several sites along the way including Mt. Hypipamee (the Crater) National Park. We head into somewhat drier habitats, with diverse eucalypt canopies and heathy understoreys resulting from nutrient poor soils. After lunch we return to Atherton/Yungaburra stopping to look at eucalypt tall open forests and remnant rainforests.

Day 4: Atherton/ Yungaburra - Lake Tinaroo- Lake Barrine - Atherton/ Yungaburra
Alternatives are offered today:

(1) For those wanting to travel by coach - Today we look at paleobotanical sites and various basal angiosperms in the rainforests. We see Australia's first 25 hectare permanent rainforest plot, which is maintained by CSIRO, at Robson Creek and soon after stand under the majestic Cathedral Fig Tree. A cruise on Lake Barrine, a crater lake, is followed by lunch in the famous teahouse. In the afternoon, we see the equally impressive Curtain Fig Tree, near Yungaburra and look at Bromfield Swamp which holds a pollen record of over 10,000 years. In the evening, the optional extra spotlighting tour is offered again, to see nocturnal animals unique to the area.

OR

(2) For those fit and with a sense of adventure - This 8 km walk is over rocky and uneven terrain, mostly not on formed tracks and is only for those with a high level of fitness! We are dropped off by the coach near Tolga. Our walk begins at 700 m, with maximum elevation 1100 m. The rhyolite substrate supports a range of vegetation, from low and stunted shrublands and grassy woodlands to mountain cloud forest, with local endemic and unusual species. The elevation and the distance from the coast interact to produce this local "southern" anomaly, with several sclerophyll species being in common or closely related to (for example) the Sydney/Blue Mountains sandstones rather than with the adjacent continental-climate-based savanna. See first hand the effect of cloud interception on vegetation and floristic diversity. Spectacular views of the Tableland and surrounding landscapes will be available from rock outcrops and cliff-lines. The coach picks us up at the end of the walk.
Requirements: High level of fitness, sturdy shoes, sunscreen, hat, 2 litre of drinking water, and a daypack to carry lunch. A packed lunch, morning and afternoon tea, and extra water will be supplied.

Day 5: Atherton/Yungaburra - Millaa Millaa - Cairns
This morning we visit other scenic spots like Millaa Millaa Falls and the MaMu Canopy Walk. After a packed lunch eaten at the floristically diverse Henrietta Creek, we drive down to the coastal lowlands and look at the impressive Eubanangee Swamp. The lower Palmerston contains many regional endemics and is one of the most diverse areas of rainforest in the Wet Tropics. This is the only chance to see Austrobaileya. Our final stop is at Bramston Beach, where we will have afternoon tea before returning to Cairns (dinner and accommodation included in the trip).

Note: The weather on the coast near Cairns is reasonably hot but the higher altitude of the Atherton Tableland means that it is cold there overnight, and may rain, so a warm parka and a rain-jacket are needed. Insect repellent should be carried on all outings.

Note: The above itinerary may be varied according to conditions and advice.

Limited collecting of taxa of particular research interest to participants may be possible on the trip, but general collecting will not be possible. Rare or threatened taxa will probably not be able to be collected. Contact the trip organiser with details of your research, taxa of interest and nature of material you would like to collect. Collecting will depend on you getting the appropriate collecting permits.

Cost includes:

• Driver and two botanist guides
• Meals as specified in itinerary only
• Entry fees unless specifically excluded above

Not included:

• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses
• Alcoholic or carbonated beverages
• Flights to/from Cairns

Day 1: Coolangatta - Springbrook National Park - Ulmarra
From Coolangatta (accommodation for previous night included in package) we drive to the northern slopes of the extinct Tweed Volcano at Springbrook NP. We will walk along cliff edges, descending beside waterfalls into gorges supporting Eucalyptus open forest and montane rainforests. Plants of interest include Lepidozamia (Zamiaceae), Doryanthes (Doryanthaceae), Streptothamnus (Berberidopsidaceae), Helmholtzia (Philydraceae), Exocarya (Cyperaceae). After a picnic lunch at Purlingbrook Falls, our route continues to Numinbah Natural Bridge, then through the erosion caldera of the volcano to our overnight stop in Ulmarra on the Clarence River.

Day 2: Ulmarra - Yuraygir NP - Ebor Falls - Wollomombi Falls - Armidale
A short drive takes us to the coast at Yuraygir NP with long beaches and diverse communities rich in Cyperaceae, Restionaceae, Proteaceae, Myrtaceae, Rutaceae and Ericaceae including woodlands, heath, sedgelands, saltmarsh and mangroves. After lunch beside the Nymboida River, the route climbs through varied forest communities containing Araucaria, Trimenia, and various Cunoniaceae and Proteaceae, onto the New England Tablelands. Two gorges cut deeply into the plateau escarpment feature Ebor Falls (Guy Fawkes River NP) on columnar basalt of the extinct Ebor Volcano and Wollomombi Falls (Oxley Wild Rivers NP). Overnight in Armidale.

Day 3: Armidale - New England NP - Cathedral Rock NP - Tenterfield
We visit two higher altitude national parks to the east of Armidale: New England NP and Cathedral Rock NP. Here we see a wide range of higher altitude vegetation types, including subalpine swamps and heathlands on granite, wetter Eucalyptus tall open forests and Nothofagus forest on the basalt of the Ebor Volcano. These escarpment forests include many endemic species in genera including Aristotelia, Tasmannia, Vesselowskya, Petermannia and Berberidopsis. Overnight at Tenterfield.

Day 4: Tenterfield - Girraween NP - Cunninghams Gap - Coolangatta
From Tenterfield a short drive takes us the granite outcrops of Girraween National Park which support Eucalyptus, Callitris woodlands. We pass through the fruit-growing area of Queensland's Granite Belt, and the southern edge of the Darling Downs to Cunninghams Gap, Main Range NP, for lunch. We will walk through closed and open forests to the exposed summit ridge of Mount Cordeaux, with Doryanthes and Xanthorrhoea. Return to Coolangatta (dinner and overnight accommodation included).

Note: Each day there will be walks of between 2-6 km along well formed trails. Our stops also provide plenty of botanical and scenic interest close to the bus. At this time of year, it may be very cold on the New England Tableland with rain or even snow possible. The coastal areas will be warmer, but participants should bring warm clothing including a waterproof jacket, gloves, scarf, hat, etc.

Note: The above itinerary may be varied according to conditions and advice.

Limited collecting of taxa of particular research interest to participants may be possible on the trip, but general collecting will not be possible. Rare or threatened taxa will probably not be able to be collected. Contact the trip organiser with details of your research, taxa of interest and nature of material you would like to collect. Collecting will depend on you getting the appropriate collecting permits.

Cost includes:

• Driver and three botanist guides
• All travel, meals, accommodation including accommodation in Coolangatta the night before the trip starts and dinner and accommodation on final return to Coolangatta

Not included:

• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses
• Alcoholic or carbonated beverages
• Breakfast after final night
• Flights to/from Coolangatta

Day 1: Sydney - Mount Tomah - Katoomba
We head northwest from the city of Sydney, across the Cumberland Plain with its remnants of grassy woodlands and up on Bells Line of Road into the sandstone flora of Blue Mountains. At about 1000 m we visit Mount Tomah Botanic Garden, with the new Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Visitor Centre and see the cool-climate plants of the Botanic Garden. After lunch, we walk on a track through the natural temperate rainforest (on the rich basalt soil here) and heathland and sclerophyll woodland (on sandstone) adjoining the Garden. We see more of the spectacular sandstone landscape as we travel on to Katoomba. LD

Day 2: Katoomba area
No packing of bags this morning! We spend the day around Katoomba in Blue Mountains National Park, seeing many iconic species, including a lot of the 100 Eucalyptus species that were recognised as a key biodiversity component for World Heritage listing. Starting at the famous Three Sisters at Echo Point we will walk along the Cliff-top Walk, through sclerophyll woodland and heathland to Katooomba Falls and Scenic World. There we take the steep cable-driven Scenic Railway (or walk down 1000 steps if you prefer) 400 m down the valley to old coal mines, and temperate rainforest and wet sclerophyll forest. After eating a packed lunch down there, we return to the top of the cliff on the Sceniscender and the coach takes us to Govetts Leap lookout with its scenic views across the massive Grose Valley. Accommodation in Katoomba as previous night. An optional evening tour is to the Edge Cinema to see an interesting Imax documentary about the Blue Mountains and the Wollemi Pine. BLD

Day 3: Katoomba - Botany Bay - Sydney
From Katoomba, we travel east along the Great Western Highway back to the Cumberland Plain past Penrith, stopping at Featherdale Wildlife park in Doonside to see a wide range of native animals that are hard to find in the wild. Then on to the coast at Kamay Botany Bay National Park. We walk where Captain James Cook, Joseph Banks and Daniel Solander walked in 1770, and see some of the plants in the rich coastal sandstone flora that inspired Cook to name this Botany Bay. BL

Note: the Blue Mountains reach 1000 m elevation. Consequently the temperatures are low at this time of year, and there could be rain, so bring a rain-jacket, warm parka, good walking shoes and gloves, etc.

Note: The above itinerary may be varied according to conditions and advice.

Limited collecting of taxa of particular research interest to participants may be possible on the trip, but general collecting will not be possible. Rare or threatened taxa will probably not be able to be collected. Contact the trip organiser with details of your research, taxa of interest and nature of material you would like to collect. Collecting will depend on you getting the appropriate collecting permits.

Cost includes:

• Driver and two botanist guides
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary

Not included:

• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses
• Alcoholic or carbonated beverages
• Flights to/from Sydney

Day 1: Melbourne - Anglesea - Lorne
We leave Melbourne and head southwest to the coast at Anglesea, with our first stop in the rich heathlands that, in spring, display one of the world's richest terrestrial orchid floras. From there we follow the famous Great Ocean Road along the southern coast with stops to look at the different vegetation types and scenery including waterfalls. Koalas are often to be seen in the Southern Blue Gum (Eucalyptus globulus) and Swamp Gum (E. ovata) forests. Overnight in Lorne. LD

Day 2: Lorne - Otway Ranges - Port Fairy
Our first stop will be at Melba Gully to see excellent examples of Nothofagus cunningahmii-dominated, cool-temperate rainforest, the westernmost occurrence of this pteridophyte-rich vegetation type in Australia. The southernmost Australian epiphytic orchid, Sarcochilus australis occurs in these forests. We stop at lookouts to see the famous sandstone columns called the Twelve Apostles in the ocean before lunching at Port Campbell. Wind-shorn coastal heathland and low eucalypt woodlands dominate the clifftop vegetation, giving way to coastal dunes further west. Overnight in the charming old whaling village of Port Fairy. Chenopod-dominated saltmarsh vegetation (Atriples, Rhagodia, Sarcocornia, Suaeda, Tecticornia) fringes the township and muttonbirds (or short-tailed shearwaters) nest in burrows of the coastal dunes here. BLD

Day 3: Port Fairy - Mt Eccles - Mt William - Halls Gap
Heading north today, we pass through some of the most recently (8,000 ybp) volcanically active country in Australia, with remnant Poa-Austrostipa-Rytidosperma-dominated grassland and interesting geological formations (e.g. tumuli, lava caves) with characteristic associated shrublands. We reach the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park, Victoria's foremost botanical hotspot after travelling through the State's most prosperous sheep and grazing country. The Grampians are a series of spectacular faulted sandstone ranges containing numerous endemic species. A bracing (steep, but paved) walk up Mt William, the highest peak (1165 m) in western Victoria clothed in subalpine shrubland dominated by Banksia saxicola and Allocasuarina grampiana, is an option. The Aboriginal information (Brambruk) centre in Halls Gap provides information on the history of the local indigenous people. Overnight in Halls Gap with evening presentation on the natural history of the area. BLD

Day 4: Halls Gap - Grampians - Little Desert
We explore more of the mountains' rich flora and scenery this morning before heading northwest to the regional town of Horsham and the isolated Mount Arapiles. The afternoon sees us in relatively dry sandy 'mallee' country of the Little Desert, home of the rare and elusive megapode, the Mallee Fowl, the only member of this intriguing bird group in southern Australia. The vegetation of this large national park is dominated by stunted eucalypt woodlands interspersed with extensive heathlands rich in representatives of Ericaceae (Epacridaceae), Fabaceae, Hibbertia, Xanthorrhoea, Banksia ornata. Overnight at a Mallee Fowl sanctuary in the desert for a closer look at the vegetation and appreciation of the extraordinary biology of the birds. BLD

Day 5: Little Desert - Ballarat - Melbourne
We return to Melbourne through some of Victoria's oldest wine-growing and gold-mining districts. We sample the dry sclerophyll woodlands and natural scenery of central Victoria and perhaps also stop to sample a red or two. BL

Note: The above itinerary may be varied according to local conditions and advice at the time.

Limited collecting of taxa of particular research interest to participants may be possible on the trip, but general collecting will not be possible. Rare or threatened taxa will probably not be able to be collected. Contact the trip organiser with details of your research, taxa of interest and nature of material you would like to collect. Collecting will depend on you getting the appropriate collecting permits.

Cost includes:

• Driver and two botanist guides
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary

Not included:

• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses
• Alcoholic or carbonated beverages
• Flights to/from Melbourne

Day 1: Perth to Albany
You are picked up between 7.30 and 8.00am, then we leave Perth and head south passing through Jarrah and Marri forest on our way to Mt Barker. A trip to this area would not be complete without a visit to the Banksia Farm, where it is possible to see the complete collection of 76 species of Banksia. After lunch we continue into Albany. Time permitting we explore the natural history that abounds in and around this historical port city including a visit to the spectacular coastal Torndirrup National Park. Accommodation: Motel Albany. LD

Day 2: Albany - Stirling Ranges - Albany
Today is spent exploring Stirling Range National Park. This area receives more rainfall than its surrounding districts, and consequently plants have evolved here that are not found elsewhere. There are over 1,500 species of plants here, including 90 endemics. Five peaks over 1000 m rise abruptly from the coastal lowlands to make the Stirling Range an obvious feature in the landscape. Late afternoon we leave the range behind us as we return to Albany. Time permitting we will have a short tour of this historical town - the first settlement in Western Australia, established in 1826, three years before the Swan River Colony, which became Perth. Accommodation: Motel Albany. BLD

Day 3: Albany to Denmark
An early start this morning as we travel to scenic Denmark to join the Fungi Conference participants and spend the day with them as they undertake a fungi and bryophyte foray through coastal woodlands and majestic Karri forests (one of the tallest hardwoods in the world). Accommodation: Motel Denmark area. BLD

Day 4: Albany to Pemberton
Leaving Denmark we move on to Walpole. During the morning we experience the Tree Top Walk in the Valley of the Giants with its impressive Tingle trees, some over 400 years old. The dense understorey in the forest includes Allocasuarina, Waterbush, Karri Wattle and many grasses. Climbing Clematis and Coral Vine provide colourful displays among the purple fowers of the Hovea. Delicate mosses and ferns cover the tree trunks in this moist environment, and tiny Droseras (insect-eating plants) and Trigger Plants can easily be missed unless you look carefully mongst the dense undergrowth. Flowering eucalyptus and acacias attract the birds. Accommodation: Motel Pemberton. BLD

Day 5: Pemberton to Perth
We have time this morning for a walk before we begin our return journey to Perth. Pemberton is surrounded by a number of national parks with interesting bushwalks that wind through tall Karri forrests. Leaving Pemberton, we proceed north-west through Bunbury, Mandurah and Fremantle. On the way we visit unique Tuart forest, the Vasse/Wonnerup Estuary with its wading birds and raptors, mangroves at Bunbury, and sandplain Banksia woodland. We will arrive back in Perth early evening. BL

Day 1: Perth to Jurien
Departing early this morning we head for the Northern Kwongan (sandplains), seeing en route Kangaroo Paws (Macropidia and Anigozanthos) in Gingin. From here we move on to the private wildflower reserve of Hi-Vallee Farm, which the original owners left uncleared. Late afternoon we go to the Nambung National Park where we spend time looking at the unusual rock formations (the Pinnacles) as the sun sets. Accommodation: Motel Jurien LD

Day 2 : Jurien to Kalbarri
After an early morning start, we drive north through the species-rich Lesueur National Park, an area originally thought of as 'worthless scrub', which was later recognised as one of Western Australia's most unique areas with over 900 plant species (10% of the State's known flora with seven Declared Rare plants) and 122 native birds including the endangered Canarby's Black Cockatoo, We then continue north to the coastal town of Kalbarri situated near the mouth of the Murchison River, surrounded by rugged coastal cliffs. Accommodation: Motel Kalbarri. BLD

Day 3: Kalbarri
We rise early to spend as much time as possible in the Kalbarri National Park, which holds over 500 different species of wildflowers and has spectacular cliffs and gorges along the Murchison River. Accommodation: Motel Kalbarri. BLD

Day 4: Kalbarri to Monkey Mia
Getting off to an early start we head for Monkey Mia in the Shark Bay World Heritage Area, with its samphire flats and ancient stromatolites. This afternoon there is time for a cruise on board the Shot Over cruising the waters of Monkey Mia looking for dolphins, dugongs and all the other magnificent marine life that this area offers. Accommodation Motel Monkey Mia BLD

Day 5: Monkey Mia
This morning starts with a visit to the beach to witness the dolphin-feeding. During the day we walk along local trails and visit isolated beaches and lookouts in this remarkable World Heritage listed area. BLD

Day 6: Monkey Mia to Perth
The tour concludes in Monkey Mia with breakfast this morning, before heading back to Perth. BL

Day 1: Karratha - Millstream National Park - Tom Price
We are picked up between 7.30 and 8.00am this morning then we head inland towards Tom Price and the Chichester Range. We travels through the Millstream-Chichester National Park, where we take time to enjoy the park with short walks and a swim in Python Pool. At Millstream we see an endemic fan palm (Livistona) fringing magnificent permanent pools of the Fortescue River. This afternoon we go on to Tom Price. Accommodation Motel Tom Price. LD

Days 2, 3 & 4: Tom Price - Karijini National Park
This morning we travel across the grasslands and Acacia dominated shrubland of the Fortescue Valley into Karijini National Park. We spend the next three days exploring and photographing the natural wonders of this magnificent area including breathtaking Oxers Lookout, Weano Gorge, Dales Gorge and Joffre Falls along with the many other highlights. Accommodation: Karijini Eco Retreat. BLD

Day 5: Karijini National Park to Newman
We continue our exploration of the National Park this morning including a visit to the Visitor Centre. This afternoon we travel farther inland across the Hamersley Plateau, past massive banded ironstone ranges to the mining centre of Newman,,where the outback experience ends with transfer to your chosen accommodation. BL

Note: The above itinerary may be varied according to conditions and advice at the time.

Limited collecting of taxa of particular research interest to participants may be possible on the trip, but general collecting will not be possible. Rare or threatened taxa will probably not be able to be collected. Contact the trip organiser with details of your research, taxa of interest and nature of material you would like to collect. Collecting will depend on you getting the appropriate collecting permits.

Cost includes:

• Experienced driver and a botanist guide
• Well-maintained custom-designed 4WD vehicle
• National Park entrance fees
• Meals as indicated in itinerary

Not included:

• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses
• Alcoholic or carbonated beverages
• Accommodation in Karratha and Newman
• Flights to Karratha and from Newman

Day 1 Tontouta - Boulouparis - 28 KM
On arrival at Tontouta International Airport, a botanist from the Institute of Research and Development (IRD) specialized in the flora of the region will welcome everyone. We then travel to Boulouparis, where we will stay at Paillottes de la Ouenghi, in bungalows. Dinner at the hotel. D

Day 2 Boulouparis - Koné - 200 KM
After American breakfast at the hotel, we head north. First stop will be a visit to the Niaouli Distillery at Boulouparis - The Niaouli tree is common in New Caledonia and its essence is used in perfumes and medicinal products. We travel through Moindou village, once a coal-mining centre, and head towards Bourail, where we visit the beach and the 'Roche Percée', a spectacular cliff pierced by caves, together with the 'Bonhomme' rock formation, an enormous hard quartz monolith carved by the waves, and the spectacular view over the Baie des Tortues (Turtle Bay), a pretty beach bordered by Araucaria trees. Lunch will be at la Nera restaurant at Bourail (drinks not included). We then continue north to Koné , to the La Néa Hotel - accommodation again in bungalows. Dinner at the hotel, menu drinks not included. BLD

Botanic highlights: Turtle Bay and the "Bonhomme", visit to the sclerophyll forest with Cycas.

Day 3 Koné - Poindimié - 85 KM The morning is dedicated to botanising in the Koné area, followed by lunch at the Koniambo Hotel in Koné (drinks not included). In the afternoon we take the cross-mountain road from Koné to Tiwaka on the East Coast - enjoying the imposing scenery and the tribal villages nestled in the heart of the valleys. Accommodation and dinner (menu drinks not included) in Poidimié at the Tieti Tera Hotel - deluxe room in garden bungalows. BLD

Botanic highlights: Introduction to North-West ultramafic mountains, maquis on serpentinites at the base of Mt Koniambo. Cross the island, various kinds of vegetation and views, Plateau de Tango and Pinus plantation, grassland, patches of remnant forests, east coast with mountains falling in the lagoon.

Day 4 Poindimié - Sarraméa - 208 KM
We head south in the morning, stopping at the Bâ waterfall in Houailou, famous for its natural 15m wide hole. Packed lunch en route (drinks not included). We continue to Kouaoua and then Sarraméa, one of the smallest regions of New Caledonia, and check into the Evasion Hotel (in bungalows). There is a short walk accessible to anyone, on a trail that leaves behind the hotel. The 'Trou Feuillet', a water-hole, is about 15 minutes' walk away, and there is the opportunity to swim there. Dinner at the hotel (menu drinks not included). BLD

Botanic highlights: Maquis on iron-crust, extraction of nickel, maquis dominated by Araucaria rulei

Day 6 Port Boisé area Today we explore the south of the island. We head to the Madeleine Falls for a stroll along the botanical pathway. There is also a possibility of visiting the old mining village of Prony. Packed lunch en route (drinks not included). Accommodation and dinner (menu drinks not included) at Kanua Tera again. BLD

Botanic highlights: Oncothecaceae (endemic family), Nothofagus forest. Chûtes de la Madeleine, - waterfall with many gymnosperms: Neocallitropsis, Retrophyllum minor, Dacrydium guillauminii, D. araucarioides. Maquis on hydromorphic soil. Monocarpic tree Cerberiopsis candelabra.

Day 8 Discover Nouméa with the Nouméa Explorer
After buffet breakfast at the hotel, you take the Nouméa Explorer to see the sights of Nouméa. The Nouméa Explorer will drop you off at:

• The Tjibaou Cultural Centre
• The Zoological and Botanical Park
• The Town Museum
• The Territorial Museum
• The Maritime Museum
• The Aquarium

Hop on and off the Explorer at any stop throughout the day! The 'Nature & Culture' Pass includes one entry per person to six of Nouméa's "Must See" venues. Lunch: own arrangements. Dinner at 360° Restaurant (menu drinks not included). Accommodation at Ramada Plaza again. BD

Day 9 International Departure
Buffet breakfast at your hotel or early breakfast in your room, depending on the departure time of flights. Private coach transfer to Tontouta Airport for international departure.

Note: The above itinerary may be varied according to conditions and advice

Cost includes:

• Driver, and one local botanist guide from IRD from day 1 to Day 7 (French / English)
• Accommodation mentioned in the itinerary
• The meals mentioned in the itinerary
• Transport in bus (air conditioning) from day 1 to day 7
• Transfer by coach from hotel toTontouta Airport for departure
• Nouméa Explorer on last day in Nouméa

Not included:

• Visits, excursion and meals not mentioned
• Snorkelling gear
• Drinks
• Personal expenses
• International flights to and from New Caledonia.