Adventure in Style in Italy and Africa
Morocco: rediscover this Magical Land
October 2008 | Grading: Moderate
Join us for 20 days of magical discovery in October this year as we wander through mysterious bazaars, ancient Roman sites and the quaint villages of Morocco, one of the most fascinating exotic destinations in the world.
We will walk easy trails in the Atlas Mountains, venture by camel into the never ending sand dunes of the Sahara desert, travel the ancient trade route of a 1000 Kasbahs, relax on an Atlantic beach and explore the legendary cities of Casablanca, Fes and Marrakech.
This holiday requires mod`erate grade fitness as we will be walking for a few days with Berber guides into villages high in the Atlas Mountains. Each days walk is designed so you can meet the day’s objective in a leisurely fashion. While in the mountains each night we stay at villages in a warm, comfortable, mountain hut. All other accommodation, is very comfortable 3 star level. Click here to learn more >>
Call us for more information 1300 669 780 or email us, or visit our website: www.backtrack.com.au
COMING UP IN
OUR NEXT ISSUE:
We announce our full range of 2009 holiday destination dates and prices.
Contact us now if you'd like a sneak peak...
NEW in 2009 >> BOOTS IN BORNEO
We’re invited to “High Tea” with the President!
August 2009 | Grading: Challenging
This holiday is arranged in commemoration of all who died in the infamous Sandakan Death Marches during World War 2.
Our first ‘Boots in Borneo’ in 2007 was a great success. We said then that we would do this itinerary every 2 years. We have made some exciting changes to the itinerary and we are ready to go again in 2009.
August 15 has been designated by the Malaysian Government as Sandakan Memorial Day. A time to remember the Australian and British soldiers who died as prisoners of war in Borneo and in particular at Sandakan and during the infamous Death Marches of 1945. It also commemorates the local people of Sabah who suffered and died during this period. Today a deep bond still exists between the people of Sabah and Australia. In 2009 our team have been invited to attend a special High Tea at the residence of the President (Mayor) of Sandakan. This will be held on the eve of the official Dawn Service on the 15th. We will also attend the Dawn Service, being held at the Memorial in the grounds of the Sandakan POW Camp. The dawn service has been described by the Australian Ambassador as, “a very moving and emotional experience.”
As part of our commemoration activities, we will be walking selected short sections of the infamous Death March Route as well as visiting the Ranau POW Camp, Kundasang Memorial Gardens and the war cemetery on Labuan Island.
While in Sabah we plan to visit the Orangutan Rehabilitation programme at Sepilok, learn jungle survival techniques with local guides, trek to the summit of Mt Kinabalu, enjoy a day of white water rafting and more. Interested? Learn more >>
NEW in 2009 >> EGYPT, JORDAN AND SYRIA
April 2009 | Grading: Easy
A new destination for Back Track and we are very excited. Egypt, Jordan and Syria have long been favoured destinations of dedicated travellers. The sheer majesty of the pyramids of Giza, the sublime beauty of the lost city of Petra and the colour and vibrancy of the covered markets of Damascus will astound you.
Back Track’s new Middle East adventures take in the best attractions of these countries. Accompanied throughout by local, English speaking guides and a Back Track Tour manager, we explore, discover and enjoy these ancient lands.
The EGYPT highlights include a cruise on the Nile, a 4WD journey into the Western Desert and the fabled temples of Luxor and Abu Simbel. Learn more >>
JORDAN offers up crusader forts, Wadi Rum where we enjoy the warm hospitality of the Bedouin and the well preserved Roman city of Jerash. Learn more >>
SYRIA is living history. We visit Crak des Chevaliers described by Lawrence of Arabia as “the finest castle in the world”, the ancient ruins of Palmyra; and Aleppo, a picture postcard maze of cobblestoned laneways. Learn more >>
Click here to download our Egypt, Syria and Jordan brochure >>
SUPPORTING LOCAL COMMUNITIES ON THE KOKODA TRACK, PNG
17 groups > April – October 2008 | Grading: Challenging
Resulting from recent meetings held in PNG, between the Australian and PNG governments, both governments have agreed to improve economic opportunities and provide basic services for landowners living along the Kokoda Track.
Australia's environment minister, Peter Garrett, signed on behalf of Australia to protect the Track's heritage. "As well we will provide additional assistance to enable the revenues that are gained from the trekking activities along the Track to find their way to communities who are most in need." he said.
Back Track’s primary concern has been that to date there has been little evidence that the large amounts of trekking permit fee money collected in Port Moresby, has been spent on projects to support the Track communities. There has been widespread rumour that money which should have gone to Track communities has in fact been misappropriated.
Back Track is hoping that this new commitment by both governments will ensure that trekking permit funds will be used to assist the many different Track communities. All Back Track local trekking crew members live in villages directly along the Track. Most come from the small village of Naduri. As well as providing employment, as a trekking company we also pay land owners directly for camp site and lodge fees, plus small amounts of money are raised by local communities providing a limited number of food items, especially fruit to trekkers. To really benefit long term from tourism the local land owners and villagers along the Track need the professional assistance and guidance from a well run Kokoda Track Authority. Back Track supports the concept of an accountable Kokoda Track Authority.
ADVENTURE IN STYLE:
HOTELS AND PERSONAL ATTENTION IN ITALY
Spring: May 2008 | Autumn: September/October 2008 | Grading: Relaxed & Indulgent
Indulge and pamper yourself in beautiful Italy. Dave Lowe, tour leader, has made an art form of taking special care of his small groups that he escorts around the tantalizing sites of Tuscany, the Lakes and Umbria. From the time you sip your first complimentary champagne, you know you have made the right choice. Dave strives for a very relaxed, fun and light-hearted approach to travel and his charming Italian assistant Dante certainly adds flavour to the experience. Learn more >>
Click here to download our Italy brochure >>
SAFARI IN COMFORT THROUGH SOUTHERN AFRICA
17 August – 11 September 2008 | Grading: Easy
Our aim is to give you the best holiday you have ever had. The safari crew will strive to ensure that you experience the areas we visit in an up close and personal manner and in a very comfortable style. You will never feel isolated from the local people and their culture and of course you will be in the 'Great African Outdoors' with its amazing wildlife reserves, spectacular scenery and the number one attraction, the African wildlife. This unique itinerary is designed to give you a look at some of the most popular and “off the beaten tourist track” attractions in southern Africa. Learn more >>
Click here to download our Southern Africa Safari brochure >>
HIGH ALTITUDE TREKKING >> KILIMANJARO, EVEREST BASE CAMP, ANNAPURNA
28 September – 20 October 2008 | Grading: Challenging
We are regularly told by our readers that they would never consider a Classic trek like Everest Base Camp, Kilimanjaro, or even a high altitude trek anywhere in the Himalaya such as our Hidden Annapurna, because they believe the effects of altitude will inhibit their enjoyment and chances of success.
Back Track Adventures can take you safely to altitude and you will enjoy the experience. We have learned the lessons of trekker acclimatisation over 25 years of high altitude trekking experience. There are simple rules that we adhere to on all our high altitude adventures that demonstrably increase our chances of travelling safely, happily and successfully. Our success rate on getting our clients safely to the top of Kilimanjaro and back is equal to the worlds best. The same goes for our Everest Base Camp trekkers and our treks throughout the Himalaya.
If you want to experience the adventure of trekking in some of the worlds most beautiful high altitude environments, then join up on a Back Track Adventures High Altitude trek. It’s only your attitude that will inhibit you not the altitude.
Link through to the office movie website:
When > Thursday 12 June
Time > 6.30pm
Where > Palace Centro Theatre
James Street, Fortitude Valley
Brisbane
RSVP > 07 3850 7699 or email
SPECIAL FREE MOVIE PRERELEASE -- MONGOL
You’re invited to a special prerelease of MONGOL on Thursday evening 12th June commencing at 6.30pm at the Palace Centro Theatre in James Street, Fortitude Valley. If you would like us to send you a free double pass please let us know by phone to Karen on 3850 7699 or email to enquiries@peregrinetravelqld.com.au. We will need to know your mail address to send you the double pass.
Award-winning Russian filmmaker Sergei Bodrov ("Prisoner of the Mountains") illuminates the life and legend of Genghis Khan in his stunning historical epic, "Mongol". Based on leading historical accounts and a nominee for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 2008 Academy Awards, "Mongol" delves into the dramatic and harrowing early years of the ruler who was born as Temudgin in 1162. As it follows Temudgin from his perilous childhood to the battle that sealed his destiny, the film paints a multidimensional portrait of the future conqueror, revealing him not as the evil brute of legend, but as an inspiring, fearless and visionary leader. "Mongol" shows us the making of an extraordinary man, and the foundation on which so much of his greatness rested: his relationship with his wife, Borte, his lifelong love and most trusted advisor.
Filmed in the very lands that gave birth to Genghis Khan, "Mongol" transports us back to a distant and exotic period in world history; to a nomad's landscape of endless space, climatic extremes and ever-present danger. In a performance of powerful stillness and subtlety, celebrated young Japanese actor Asano Tadanobu ("Zatoichi", "Last Life in the Universe") captures the inner fire that enabled a hunted boy to become a legendary conqueror. Asano's achievement is matched by those of his co-stars, including the radiant newcomer Khulan Chuluun as Temudgin's courageous, spirited wife Borte, and the Chinese actor Honglei Sun ("The Road Home") as the "Mongol" chieftain Jamukha, Temudgin's dearest friend and deadliest enemy. Masterfully blending action and emotion against some of the most arresting terrain on earth, Bodrov delivers an exciting and awe-inspiring tale of survival and triumph, and a love story for the ages.
make a diary note -- Hike to help Nepal
You’re invited to the Annual Hike to help Nepal. Buy a delicious Nepali meal and join the Nepalese community for a picnic in the park. Lucky draw prizes for all walkers and sponsorship fund raisers. There will be stalls, project displays, raffles and prizes as well as music and fun for all ages.
When > Sunday July 27. 9am-2pm
Where > Simpsons Falls, Mt Coot-tha, Brisbane
INFORMATION EVENINGS
Back Track Travel Centre conducts regular information nights using digital image projection. We provide detailed
information about the world’s most exciting Adventure Holidays. Although there is no charge, we do ask that you phone and make a reservation. If you would like to arrange an information evening for your group, contact us to see what we can arrange. We generally run these sessions on a Tuesday and Wednesday evening from 6.30pm. Click here for a complete programme of upcoming presentations.