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Ancient Landscapes and Sacred Sites: an archaeological exploration of Far Western NSW

Discover ancient landscapes, archaeological treasures and sacred Indigenous sites at the spectacular Mungo and Mutawintji National Parks and delve into the intriguing colonial history of this remote corner of NSW.

Explore the spectacular Mutawintji National Park with its superb rock engravings and sacred Aboriginal sites, and admire the rugged beauty of its vibrant crimson gorges.

Explore the World Heritage-listed Mungo National Park and learn about the significant archaeological discoveries of Mungo Lady and Man, evidence of human history and culture in the region dating back thousands of years. Appreciate the breathtaking lunar landscapes of the so-called Walls of China, formed over thousands of years of erosion.

Visit Broken Hill Regional Art Gallery, the oldest art gallery in regional NSW, and learn about the town’s colourful colonial and mining history.

 

In the spirit of reconciliation, the Art Gallery Society of New South Wales and Renaissance Tours acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.
WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are warned that this brochure may contain names and images of deceased persons.

 

This tour is part of the World Art Tours program organised by the Art Gallery Society of NSW in partnership with Renaissance Tours.

 

At a Glance

  • Feast your eyes on breathtaking ancient landscapes and significant Aboriginal sacred sites
  • Learn about Indigenous culture and heritage at the Mungo and Mutawintji National Parks
  • Admire archaeological treasures and the lunar landscapes over the Walls of China at sunset
  • Explore the rural towns of Broken Hill and Silverton, rich in colonial and mining history

Tour Leader

Alex McKay

Destination

Mungo National Park, Menindee Lakes, Mutawintji National Park, Broken Hill

Dates

01 – 07 October 2022 (7 days)

Fitness Level

Challenging

?

Tour Status

Available

Enquire Book now

At a Glance

  • Feast your eyes on breathtaking ancient landscapes and significant Aboriginal sacred sites
  • Learn about Indigenous culture and heritage at the Mungo and Mutawintji National Parks
  • Admire archaeological treasures and the lunar landscapes over the Walls of China at sunset
  • Explore the rural towns of Broken Hill and Silverton, rich in colonial and mining history
Download Brochure
  • Itinerary
  • Pricing
  • Hotels

Saturday 01 October 2022 / Arrive Broken Hill

Arrive in Broken Hill in the afternoon on suggested flights and transfer to the hotel (group transfer included in tour price). Renaissance Tours or your travel agent can assist you with your flights and other travel arrangements including extra nights’ accommodation before the tour.

At 17:00 meet tour leader Alex McKay and fellow tour members for a welcome briefing at the hotel before visiting the Living Desert and Sculptures Symposium. Nestled on a hilltop amongst the Barrier Ranges, discover 12 sandstone artworks that highlight the outback skyline and the scenery at sunset.

Return to Broken Hill and enjoy dinner with Alex and fellow tour members at a local restaurant.

(D)

Sun 02 Oct / Broken Hill

This morning, enjoy a walking tour of the historic town centre showcasing Victorian and Art Deco buildings and learn about the town’s mining history. Visit the Broken Hill Regional Art Gallery, the oldest art gallery in regional NSW, housed in the magnificent Sully’s Emporium building. The gallery showcases a rich artistic heritage including Australian colonial and contemporary artists, and a large representation of leading Indigenous artists.

Continue to the Pro Hart Gallery, a tribute to the iconic artist who painted Australian scenes in the brilliant hues of the outback. Located in his studio and house, the gallery displays colourful artworks including sculptures, paintings and sketches.

Enjoy some time at leisure to further explore the town at your own pace, followed by dinner at a local restaurant.

(BD)

Mon 03 Oct / Broken Hill (Silverton)

This morning, visit the Royal Flying Doctor Museum, which presents the history and operations of doctors, nurses, pilots and communities in the service of those who live and work in remote places.

Then, continue to the outback town of Silverton and wander through the historic streets, many of which have appeared in films, before visiting the Gaol and Historical Museum to examine tools of the trades of mining, exhibits and artefacts.

Return to Broken Hill in the late afternoon and enjoy an evening meal in one of the town’s iconic restaurants.

(BD)

Tue 04 Oct / Broken Hill (Mutawintji National Park)

Today, travel to the stunning Mutawintji National Park. This spectacular desert region shows evidence of continuous use by Aboriginal people for thousands of years and is home to the famous hand stencil art of local Aboriginal communities. Dominated by the Bynguano Ranges, whose vibrant crimson colour dramatically captures changes in the light, the ruggedly beautiful park includes important cultural and historic sites, as well as spectacular gorges. Enjoy a private guided tour led by a local Aboriginal guide, learn about the dreamtime story of Kulluwirru (an ancient ancestor god) and discover the superb rock engravings.

Return to Broken Hill in the late afternoon; the remainder of the afternoon and evening is at leisure.

(BL)

Wed 05 Oct / Broken Hill – Mungo

Today, depart Broken Hill and travel to Mungo, stopping en route at the picturesque Menindee Lakes with colonies of swans, pelicans, ducks and egrets living on its banks.

Enjoy lunch and a tour at Tolarno Station, the traditional wool station settled in the late 1830s that witnessed the growth of the Australian wool industry in the region.

Arrive at Mungo Lodge in the late afternoon, at the doorstep of the stunning Mungo National Park, and enjoy dinner at the hotel.

(BLD)

Thu 06 Oct / Mungo (Mungo National Park)

Explore the World Heritage Mungo National Park, providing a unique insight into the ancient landscapes of Australia, formed by dry lake basins and sand formations. Enjoy a private tour led by an Aboriginal guide and learn about the significant archaeological discoveries of Mungo Lady and Man, the world’s oldest human cremations, which are testament to Indigenous history and culture dating back over thousands of years.

Return to the hotel for lunch followed by some time at leisure.

In the late afternoon, return to Mungo National Park for a sunset tour over the scenic Walls of China, a 33-kilometre chain of white dunes on the southeastern edge of the Lake Mungo lunette. Appreciate these spectacularly shaped sand and clay dunes, carved over thousands of years of erosion, and the breathtaking lunar landscapes before returning to the lodge for dinner.

(BLD)

Fri 07 Oct / Depart Mungo – Mildura

Depart Mungo and travel to Mildura. There, visit the Mildura Arts Centre, a major art and culture hub in North West Victoria including a regional art gallery, a performing arts theatre, a sculpture park and an historic mansion built in 1889.

Continue to a local winery to celebrate the conclusion of the tour with a special farewell lunch with Alex and fellow travellers.

After lunch, transfer to Mildura Airport (group transfer included in tour price) for suggested flights departing from 17:00. Renaissance Tours or your travel agent can assist you with your flights and other travel arrangements, including additional nights’ accommodation either before or after the tour, a room category upgrade, or travel insurance (highly recommended).

(BL)

Per person, twin-share

AUD 5,950

Single supplement

AUD 550

Deposit per person (at time of booking)

AUD 1,500

Final payment due

02 August 2022

Tour code

AG2216

Fitness level

Challenging
Please see our Terms & Conditions for fitness level definitions.

Suggested airline

Regional Express / Qantas
Please contact Renaissance Tours or your travel agent for current airfares and flight reservations.

Visa

New Zealand passport holders do not require a visa to visit Australia.

Tour price includes

  • Accommodation in four-star hotels with breakfast daily (B)
  • Meals as per itinerary (L = Lunch, D = Dinner), including wine with dinners
  • Comprehensive sightseeing, including local guides and entrance fees as per itinerary
  • Transportation throughout on comfortable, air-conditioned coaches
  • Group transfer to hotel from Broken Hill Airport on arrival
  • Group transfer to Mildura Airport from central Mildura on departure
  • Talks and discussions with your tour leader, Alex McKay
  • Gratuities for local guides, drivers and wait staff
  • Hotel porterage (one piece per person)

Tour price does not include

  • Airfares (please contact Renaissance Tours or your travel agent for assistance)
  • Transfers on arrival and departure if not using included group transfers
  • Airport porterage
  • Items of a personal nature (e.g. telephone, laundry, room service, minibar, taxis etc.)
  • Travel insurance (highly recommended; please contact Renaissance Tours or your travel agent for assistance)

 

Your hotels

 Broken Hill – The Royal Exchange Hotel****

Mungo – Mungo Lodge****

N.B. Hotels of a similar standard may be substituted.

Fitness Level

Challenging

?

Sunset over the Walls of China in Mungo National Park

Broken Hill Regional Art Gallery © Destination NSW

Living Desert and Sculptures Symposium © Destination NSW

Mutawintji National Park © Destination NSW

Mutawintji National Park © Destination NSW

Silverton Hotel © Destination NSW

Menindee Lakes

Country Road, Broken Hill © Destination NSW

Ancient Landscapes and Sacred Sites: an archaeological exploration of Far Western NSW

Discover ancient landscapes, archaeological treasures and sacred Indigenous sites at the spectacular Mungo and Mutawintji National Parks and delve into the intriguing colonial history of this remote corner of NSW.

Explore the spectacular Mutawintji National Park with its superb rock engravings and sacred Aboriginal sites, and admire the rugged beauty of its vibrant crimson gorges.

Explore the World Heritage-listed Mungo National Park and learn about the significant archaeological discoveries of Mungo Lady and Man, evidence of human history and culture in the region dating back thousands of years. Appreciate the breathtaking lunar landscapes of the so-called Walls of China, formed over thousands of years of erosion.

Visit Broken Hill Regional Art Gallery, the oldest art gallery in regional NSW, and learn about the town’s colourful colonial and mining history.

 

In the spirit of reconciliation, the Art Gallery Society of New South Wales and Renaissance Tours acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.
WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are warned that this brochure may contain names and images of deceased persons.

 

This tour is part of the World Art Tours program organised by the Art Gallery Society of NSW in partnership with Renaissance Tours.

 

  • Itinerary
  • Pricing
  • Hotels

Saturday 01 October 2022 / Arrive Broken Hill

Arrive in Broken Hill in the afternoon on suggested flights and transfer to the hotel (group transfer included in tour price). Renaissance Tours or your travel agent can assist you with your flights and other travel arrangements including extra nights’ accommodation before the tour.

At 17:00 meet tour leader Alex McKay and fellow tour members for a welcome briefing at the hotel before visiting the Living Desert and Sculptures Symposium. Nestled on a hilltop amongst the Barrier Ranges, discover 12 sandstone artworks that highlight the outback skyline and the scenery at sunset.

Return to Broken Hill and enjoy dinner with Alex and fellow tour members at a local restaurant.

(D)

Sun 02 Oct / Broken Hill

This morning, enjoy a walking tour of the historic town centre showcasing Victorian and Art Deco buildings and learn about the town’s mining history. Visit the Broken Hill Regional Art Gallery, the oldest art gallery in regional NSW, housed in the magnificent Sully’s Emporium building. The gallery showcases a rich artistic heritage including Australian colonial and contemporary artists, and a large representation of leading Indigenous artists.

Continue to the Pro Hart Gallery, a tribute to the iconic artist who painted Australian scenes in the brilliant hues of the outback. Located in his studio and house, the gallery displays colourful artworks including sculptures, paintings and sketches.

Enjoy some time at leisure to further explore the town at your own pace, followed by dinner at a local restaurant.

(BD)

Mon 03 Oct / Broken Hill (Silverton)

This morning, visit the Royal Flying Doctor Museum, which presents the history and operations of doctors, nurses, pilots and communities in the service of those who live and work in remote places.

Then, continue to the outback town of Silverton and wander through the historic streets, many of which have appeared in films, before visiting the Gaol and Historical Museum to examine tools of the trades of mining, exhibits and artefacts.

Return to Broken Hill in the late afternoon and enjoy an evening meal in one of the town’s iconic restaurants.

(BD)

Tue 04 Oct / Broken Hill (Mutawintji National Park)

Today, travel to the stunning Mutawintji National Park. This spectacular desert region shows evidence of continuous use by Aboriginal people for thousands of years and is home to the famous hand stencil art of local Aboriginal communities. Dominated by the Bynguano Ranges, whose vibrant crimson colour dramatically captures changes in the light, the ruggedly beautiful park includes important cultural and historic sites, as well as spectacular gorges. Enjoy a private guided tour led by a local Aboriginal guide, learn about the dreamtime story of Kulluwirru (an ancient ancestor god) and discover the superb rock engravings.

Return to Broken Hill in the late afternoon; the remainder of the afternoon and evening is at leisure.

(BL)

Wed 05 Oct / Broken Hill – Mungo

Today, depart Broken Hill and travel to Mungo, stopping en route at the picturesque Menindee Lakes with colonies of swans, pelicans, ducks and egrets living on its banks.

Enjoy lunch and a tour at Tolarno Station, the traditional wool station settled in the late 1830s that witnessed the growth of the Australian wool industry in the region.

Arrive at Mungo Lodge in the late afternoon, at the doorstep of the stunning Mungo National Park, and enjoy dinner at the hotel.

(BLD)

Thu 06 Oct / Mungo (Mungo National Park)

Explore the World Heritage Mungo National Park, providing a unique insight into the ancient landscapes of Australia, formed by dry lake basins and sand formations. Enjoy a private tour led by an Aboriginal guide and learn about the significant archaeological discoveries of Mungo Lady and Man, the world’s oldest human cremations, which are testament to Indigenous history and culture dating back over thousands of years.

Return to the hotel for lunch followed by some time at leisure.

In the late afternoon, return to Mungo National Park for a sunset tour over the scenic Walls of China, a 33-kilometre chain of white dunes on the southeastern edge of the Lake Mungo lunette. Appreciate these spectacularly shaped sand and clay dunes, carved over thousands of years of erosion, and the breathtaking lunar landscapes before returning to the lodge for dinner.

(BLD)

Fri 07 Oct / Depart Mungo – Mildura

Depart Mungo and travel to Mildura. There, visit the Mildura Arts Centre, a major art and culture hub in North West Victoria including a regional art gallery, a performing arts theatre, a sculpture park and an historic mansion built in 1889.

Continue to a local winery to celebrate the conclusion of the tour with a special farewell lunch with Alex and fellow travellers.

After lunch, transfer to Mildura Airport (group transfer included in tour price) for suggested flights departing from 17:00. Renaissance Tours or your travel agent can assist you with your flights and other travel arrangements, including additional nights’ accommodation either before or after the tour, a room category upgrade, or travel insurance (highly recommended).

(BL)

Per person, twin-share

AUD 5,950

Single supplement

AUD 550

Deposit per person (at time of booking)

AUD 1,500

Final payment due

02 August 2022

Tour code

AG2216

Fitness level

Challenging
Please see our Terms & Conditions for fitness level definitions.

Suggested airline

Regional Express / Qantas
Please contact Renaissance Tours or your travel agent for current airfares and flight reservations.

Visa

New Zealand passport holders do not require a visa to visit Australia.

Tour price includes

  • Accommodation in four-star hotels with breakfast daily (B)
  • Meals as per itinerary (L = Lunch, D = Dinner), including wine with dinners
  • Comprehensive sightseeing, including local guides and entrance fees as per itinerary
  • Transportation throughout on comfortable, air-conditioned coaches
  • Group transfer to hotel from Broken Hill Airport on arrival
  • Group transfer to Mildura Airport from central Mildura on departure
  • Talks and discussions with your tour leader, Alex McKay
  • Gratuities for local guides, drivers and wait staff
  • Hotel porterage (one piece per person)

Tour price does not include

  • Airfares (please contact Renaissance Tours or your travel agent for assistance)
  • Transfers on arrival and departure if not using included group transfers
  • Airport porterage
  • Items of a personal nature (e.g. telephone, laundry, room service, minibar, taxis etc.)
  • Travel insurance (highly recommended; please contact Renaissance Tours or your travel agent for assistance)

 

Your hotels

 Broken Hill – The Royal Exchange Hotel****

Mungo – Mungo Lodge****

N.B. Hotels of a similar standard may be substituted.

Book now
Enquire
Download Brochure

Ancient Landscapes and Sacred Sites: an archaeological exploration of Far Western NSW

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        Participation in tours

        Most of our tours require a MODERATE level of fitness. However, in certain destinations, or in certain seasons, or because of the nature of travel, certain tours will require an ABOVE MODERATE or CHALLENGING level of fitness. For the overall benefit of the group, at the time of booking we will require you to declare in writing that you are fit to participate in your chosen tour according to the level of fitness required for that tour. If you (or we) have any doubts about your level of fitness, you may be required to undergo a doctor’s appraisal. This would require your doctor to read the itinerary of your chosen tour, including the fitness level, and provide you (and us) with a written confirmation of your ability to participate.
        We reserve the right to refuse admission to the tour for any reason before commencement of the tour. Further, if after the tour has begun it becomes apparent that you are unfit or unsuitable to travel on the tour, we reserve the right to require you to withdraw from the tour at the earliest opportunity to do so. No refund will be provided.
        It is also a requirement that you do not cause any significant disruption to the tour or the tour group, and we may refuse admission on the tour, or require you to withdraw from the tour at any time if your participation causes significant disruption for other guests or the tour group or there is any safety issue as a result of your ongoing participation in the tour.

        Fitness to participate

        Moderate

        Tour members must be able to:

        • negotiate airports and railway stations without wheelchair assistance
        • use combined shower/bath facilities (it is impossible to guarantee walk-in shower facilities)
        • undertake walking tours of 1-2 hours duration, including using stairs, walking over cobblestones and other uneven surfaces
        • stand for long periods in museums and other sites
        • embark / disembark coaches, trains and other methods of transportation without assistance
        • handle your own luggage

        Above Moderate

        In addition to the above, tour members must also be able to:

        • undertake walking tours of 2-3 hours
        • climb staircases of 100 or more steps

        Challenging*

        In addition to the above, tour members must also be able to:

        • handle extremes of temperature (e.g. below 0 or above 35 degrees)
        • handle extremes of altitudes (e.g. 4000 metres and above)

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        Renaissance Tours

        Level 4, 47 York Street, Sydney NSW 2000 | GPO Box 5068, Sydney NSW 2001

        1300 727 095 (Australia) | 0800 403 621 (New Zealand)
        phone +61 2 9299 5801 | fax +61 2 9299 5805 | email info@renaissancetours.com.au

        ABN 14 069 591 448.

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