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S T A N F O R D T R A V E L / S T U D Y REEFS AND RAIN FORESTS OF AUSTRALIA Voyage in the Land Down Under July 6 to 16, 2012 a program of the stanford alumni association

Reefs and Rain foRests of austRalia · surviving rain forest in the world, a Gondwanan relic that has survived more than 135 million years. Take a guided walk and learn about the

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Page 1: Reefs and Rain foRests of austRalia · surviving rain forest in the world, a Gondwanan relic that has survived more than 135 million years. Take a guided walk and learn about the

S T A N F O R D T R A V E L / S T U D Y

Reefs and Rain foRests of austRaliaVoyage in the Land Down Under

Ju ly 6 to 16, 2012

a program of the s tan ford a lumni assoc ia t ion

Page 2: Reefs and Rain foRests of austRalia · surviving rain forest in the world, a Gondwanan relic that has survived more than 135 million years. Take a guided walk and learn about the

HighlightsS P E n D two nights

in cosmopolitan Sydney,

with its famed Harbor bridge

and iconic opera House.

DainTree rain foresT

syDney opera house

Discover the many wonders of the “land down under!” After being charmed

by the sparkling city of Sydney, cruise with

oceanographer/marine biologist/ecologist

Rob Dunbar up the eastern coastline of Australia

aboard the comfortable Coral Princess II to a

jaw-dropping underwater world of stark beauty

and remarkable marine wildlife: Australia’s famous

Great Barrier Reef. Whether aboard a glass-bottom

boat or snorkeling or diving underwater, you’ll

discover an incredible, vast coral reef ecosystem

teeming with schools of tropical fish lurking just

feet below the ocean’s surface. But there’s more!

Cruise next to the oldest rain forest remnant in

the world and marvel at the northeastern coast’s

complex mangrove system. You’ll be mesmerized

from day one to day eleven — join us!

BRE T T S. ThOmPSON, ’83, D IRECTOR, STANFORD TR AVEL /STUDY

S n o R K E L on the best

parts of the Great barrier

Reef, beyond the reach

of larger ships.

W a n D E R along the

spectacular rain forest

trails in the Cooper Creek

Wilderness.

E X P L o R E nathan Reef,

locale of some of the Great

barrier Reef’s most colorful

coral gardens and home to

some 400 marine species.

Page 3: Reefs and Rain foRests of austRalia · surviving rain forest in the world, a Gondwanan relic that has survived more than 135 million years. Take a guided walk and learn about the

FRIDaY To SunDaY, JuLY 6 To 8DeparT u.s. / syDney, ausTraliaFly from the u.S. and cross the international date line en route to australia. arrive in Sydney on Sunday and transfer to our hotel. Voted the world’s number one city, Sydney is a place you can visit again and again. The sophistication and sheer energy of the city that has grown up around beautiful Sydney harbour is impressive. This afternoon go on a guided walking tour of Macquarie Street to see the many fine structures built in the early days of the colony and visit the native flora section of the Royal botanical

Gardens. This evening celebrate the start of our adventure with a welcome reception and dinner. FouR SEaSonS HoTEL SYDnEY (L,D)

MonDaY, JuLY 9syDneyThis morning we walk to Circular Quay for a private tour of the Sydney opera House, the busiest performing arts centre in the world, followed by lunch overlooking the harbour. Enjoy the afternoon and evening at leisure exploring some of the many sights of Sydney. FouR

SEaSonS HoTEL SYDnEY (b,L)

TuESDaY, JuLY 10syDney / Cairns /eMbark / GreaT barrier reefThis morning take a flight to Cairns and board Coral

Princess II. as we depart Cairns and cruise

Trinity bay, take some time to

settle in and explore our

“home” for the next four

nights. anchoring off Thetford Reef and

Sudbury Cay, take a

glass-bottom-boat tour over the colorful coral gardens. Then gather on the snorkel deck for a fish feed giving us the chance to view some of the 1,500 species of tropical fish that call the reef home. You may wish to enjoy our first snorkeling opportunity for a close-up view of the hundreds of varieties of coral growing on this section of reef. The experienced crew will be on hand to provide assistance, advice and guided snorkeling tours for less-experienced swimmers. Coral PrInCess II (b,L,D)

WEDnESDaY, JuLY 11GreaT barrier reefawaken this morning as we cruise the spectacular Hinchinbrook Channel, separating the australian mainland and Hinchinbrook Island, one of the most diverse marine environments on the australian coast. Discover the island’s towering cliffs and mangrove eco-systems. This afternoon discover our ship’s company’s very own tropical paradise, Pelorus

Island. Enjoy a bbQ lunch on the beach freshly prepared by the captain. Pelorus’ fringing reef, in the shallow waters just yards off the beach, offers some fantastic snorkeling opportunities. admire the many varieties of colorful corals from the glass bottom boat with a marine biologist, accompany the dive instructor on an unforgettable SCuba dive (additional cost) or simply relax on the long stretch of golden sandy beach. There is also an opportunity to visit the surrounding rain forest on a guided nature walk. Coral PrInCess II (b,L,D)

THuRSDaY, JuLY 12 GreaT barrier reefThis morning join a naturalist on a guided rainforest walk to discover Dunk Island’s unique flora and fauna. Keen birdwatchers should be able to spot and record many of the island’s nearly 100 species of native birds. Following lunch, discover nathan Reef, which offers some of the most colorful coral gardens found anywhere along the

It inerary

DainTree naTional park

Port Douglas

Cairns

from Sydney

to Alice Springs/Ayers Rock

A U S T R A L I A

Dunk Island

Fitzroy IslandSudbury Cay

Pelorus Island

Nathan Reef

Hinchinbrook Island

Trinity Bay

Gr

ea

t

Ba

rr

i er

R

ee

f

DAINTREENATIONAL PARK

COOPER CREEKWILDERNESS

Sydney

Alice Springs/Ayers Rock

AUSTRALIA

GreaT barrier reef

Page 4: Reefs and Rain foRests of austRalia · surviving rain forest in the world, a Gondwanan relic that has survived more than 135 million years. Take a guided walk and learn about the

length of the reef and allows us to view many of the 400 different species of coral living in this World Heritage-listed wonderland. Join a guided snorkeling tour, head off with a marine biologist in a glass bottom boat or accompany a dive instructor on a SCuba dive. Coral PrInCess II (b,L,D)

FRIDaY, JuLY 13GreaT barrier reefawaken this morning at our exclusive mooring at noggin Reef. Discover the reef from above on the glass bottom boat before ample time to snorkel over the colorful corals or SCuba dive with the instructor. This afternoon, travel ashore to explore beautiful Fitzroy Island. Surrounded by a reef system that forms part of the Great barrier Reef Marine Park, Fitzroy Island offers wonderful bush walking opportunities and idyllic white sandy beaches. Enjoy a final snorkeling opportunity over the island’s fringing reefs, just yards from the beach in the sheltered waters. Coral PrInCess II (b,L,D)

SaTuRDaY, JuLY 14 GreaT barrier reef /Cairns / DiseMbark /porT DouGlasEnjoy breakfast as we cruise through Trinity bay before arriving in Cairns for disembarkation at Trinity Wharf. Here we travel by coach north to the beachside town of Port Douglas, where the rain forest meets the reef. Enjoy a visit to a private botanical garden in tropical australia’s rain forest region, The botanical ark. Home to alan and Susan Carle, their family and 3,000 species of plants, the ark is one family’s attempt to preserve and save the world’s precious rain forests. Meet with alan for a guided tour of their property and enjoy lunch prepared by Susan that utilizes ingredients fresh from their garden. Spend the evening at leisure. SHERaTon MIRaGE (b,L)

SunDaY, JuLY 15porT DouGlas /Cooper Creek WilDernessToday we journey deep into the Daintree Rain Forest where we explore the Cooper Creek

Wilderness, whose centrepiece is the last remnant of the oldest-surviving rain forest in the world, a Gondwanan relic that has survived more than 135 million years. Take a guided walk and learn about the evolutionary history of the Daintree Rain Forest and the history of early European settlements in the wake of Captain Cook’s arrival at Cape Tribulation. Cruise through australia’s most complex mangrove system, with offers superb wildlife spotting opportunities, and enjoy a gourmet picnic in the heart of the rain forest. This evening we celebrate our final evening with a farewell reception and dinner at our hotel. SHERaTon MIRaGE (b,L,D)

MonDaY, JuLY 16porT DouGlas / Cairns / u.s.Transfer from Port Douglas to Cairns International airport for flights back to the u.S. (b)

DainTree naTional park

GreaT barrier reef

Optional Post-trip Extension to Ayers Rock and Alice SpringsJuLY 16 To 19 (4 additional days)

Fly from Cairns to uluru (ayers Rock), the world’s biggest monolith, located in uluru-Kata Tjuta national Park and a World Heritage site. on a sunrise walk along the base, hear the dawn chorus of birdcalls greeting the sun and discover the prints of animals that have foraged during the night. Then transfer to alice Springs where we visit the Royal Flying Doctor Service to understand how this outback medical service manages to cover millions of miles across the region and offer a “mantle of safety” to tens of thousands of outback residents since it began in the 1930s. Learn how children who live on remote outstations are educated when we visit the School of air, the biggest educational facility in the outback. Fly back to Sydney to catch international flights returning home. additional details and pricing will be sent to confirmed passengers.

Page 5: Reefs and Rain foRests of austRalia · surviving rain forest in the world, a Gondwanan relic that has survived more than 135 million years. Take a guided walk and learn about the

Coral Princess IIThe Coral Princess II is a 46-passenger, expedition-style cruise ship ideally suited to accessing sites on australia’s Great barrier Reef that are out of reach to larger vessels. Comfortable accommodations — all outside cabins — offer a choice of twin or double beds, en suite facilities and air-conditioning. Some cabins have an extra sofa or Pullman berth. breakfast and lunches are buffet-style and dinner alternates between buffet and table d’hôte. The ship’s amenities include two air-conditioned lounges, a sun deck and spa pool, and a comprehensive library with videos and books about australia. a glass-bottom boat is used for excursions, landings and exploration.

Program Costs*

DeCk a

DeCk b

DeCk C

Length: 115 ft. / Beam: 39.4 ft. / Draft: 8.2 ft.registry: australia

Rates per person, based on double occupancy

* association nonmembers add $200 per person. ** Single acommodations are limited.

Rates per person, based on single occupancy**

Deck C Stateroom $8,095Twin beds only, avg. 150 sq. ft

Deck C Stateroom $6,995Twin or double bed, avg. 150 sq. ft.

Deck B Upper Stateroom $7,195Twin or double bed, avg. 150 sq. ft.

Deck B Deluxe Stateroom $7,450Twin or double bed, avg. 162 sq. ft.

DininG lounGe

Double beDDeD sTaTerooM

Page 6: Reefs and Rain foRests of austRalia · surviving rain forest in the world, a Gondwanan relic that has survived more than 135 million years. Take a guided walk and learn about the

D a t e SJuly 6 to 16, 2012 (11 days)

S i z eLimited to 38 participants

i N C L U D e D4 nights of deluxe hotel accommodations 4-night cruise aboard the Coral Princess II 8 breakfasts, 8 lunches and 6 dinners Welcome and farewell receptions Local beer and wine at lunches and dinners bottled water on excursions Gratuities to porters, guides, drivers

and ship crew for all group activities all tours and shore excursions as described in the itinerary Internal flight from Sydney to Cairns use of snorkeling equipment, including masks, snorkels and fins aboard the Coral Princess II Transfers and baggage handling on program arrival and departure days Port fees and embarkation taxes Minimal medical, accident and evacuation insurance Educational program with lecture series and pre-departure materials, including recommended reading list, a selected book, map and travel information Services of our professional tour manager to assist you throughout the program N O t i N C L U D e DInternational and u.S. domestic airfare Passport and visa fees Immunization costs Meals and beverages other than those specified as included SCuba dives Independent and private transfers Trip-cancellation/interruption and baggage insurance Excess-baggage charges Personal items such as email, telephone and fax calls, laundry and gratuities for nongroup services

a i r a r r a N g e m e N t SInternational and u.S. domestic airfare is not included in the program cost. Round-trip, economy-class airfare from San Francisco to Sydney and returning from Cairns, australia, is approximately $2,000 as of September 2011 and is subject to change without notice. Information on recommended flight itineraries will be sent by our designated agent.

f U e L C O S t S In the uncertain, often volatile oil market of late, it is difficult to predict fuel costs over the long term and, more specifically, at the time of operation of this voyage. our prices are based upon the prevailing fuel rates at the time of brochure printing. While we will do everything possible to maintain our prices, if the fuel rates increase significantly, it may be necessary to institute a fuel surcharge.

e q U i p m e N tall necessary snorkeling equipment is provided on the Coral Princess II. However, past travelers have recommended bringing one’s own mask and snorkel to ensure the most comfortable fit. Information on optional SCuba diving excursions offered by the cruise line will be provided to confirmed participants.

W H a t t O e X p e C tWe consider this to be a moderately strenuous program. Daily programs involve up to three miles of walking, often on uneven, slippery terrain, and up to one hour sitting on the pontoon of a Zodiac or the seat of an aluminium vessel in potentially choppy conditions. There will be several days of snorkeling and/or swimming and while no prior snorkeling experience is necessary, all participants should be comfortable swimming unassisted in open water and able to use a boat ladder and climb into and out of the glass-bottom boat for snorkeling activities and nature walks. In some instances stairs are unavailable or do not have handrails. Participants must be physically fit, active and in good health. We welcome travelers 15 years of age and older on this program.

Deposit & final paymenta $1,000 deposit is required to hold space for the Reefs and Rain Forests of australia. an additional $200 deposit is required to hold space for the optional Post-trip Extension. Complete and return the attached reservation form or sign up online. Final payment is due 120 days prior to departure. as a condition of participation, all confirmed participants are required to sign a Release of Liability.

Cancellations & refundsDeposits and any payments are fully refundable, less a $500-per-person cancellation fee, until 120 days prior to departure. after that date, refunds can be made only if the program is sold out and your place(s) can be resold, in which case a $1,000-per-person cancellation fee will apply. We recommend trip-cancellation insurance; applications will be sent to you.

insuranceStanford Travel/Study provides all travelers who are u.S. or Canadian citizens with minimal medical, accident and evacuation coverage under our group-travel insurance policy. our group policy is intended to provide minimal levels of protection while you are traveling on this pro- gram. We strongly recommend that you subscribe to optional baggage and trip-cancellation insurance. a brochure offering such insurance will be mailed with your confirmation about one week after we receive your deposit. The product offered in this brochure includes a special Waiver of Pre-Existing Conditions and coverage for Financial Insolvency and Terrorist acts if you postmark your insurance payment within 15 days of the date listed on the confirmation letter.

eligibilityWe encourage membership in the alumni association as the program cost for nonmembers is $200 more than the members’ price. Parents and their children under 21 may travel on one membership. For more informa- tion or to purchase a membership, visit alumni.stanford.edu/goto/membership or call (650) 725-0692.

responsibilityThe Stanford alumni association, Stanford university and our operators act only as agents for the passenger with respect to transportation and ship arrangements and exercise every care possible in doing so. However, we can assume no liability for injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity in connection with the service of any automobile, motorcoach, launch or any other conveyance used in carrying out this program or for the acts or defaults of any company or person engaged in conveying the passenger or in carrying out the arrangements of the program. We cannot accept any responsibility for losses or additional expenses due to delay or changes in air or other services, sickness, weather, strike, war, quarantine, force majeure or other causes beyond our control. all such losses or expenses will have to be borne by the passenger as tour rates provide arrangements only for the time stated. We reserve the right to make such alterations to this published itinerary as may be deemed necessary. The right is reserved to cancel any program prior to departure in which case the entire payment will be refunded without further obligation on our part. The right is also reserved to decline to accept or retain any person as a member of the program. no refund will be made for an unused portion of any tour unless arrangements are made in sufficient time to avoid penalties. baggage is carried at the owner’s risk entirely. It is understood that the ship’s ticket, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the passenger and the cruise company. baggage is carried at the owner’s risk entirely. The airlines concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time that passen-gers are not onboard their plane or conveyance. neither the alumni association, Stanford university nor our operators accept liability for any carrier’s cancellation penalty incurred by the purchase of a nonrefundable ticket in connection with the tour. Program price is based on rates in effect in September 2011 and is subject to change without notice to reflect fluctuations in exchange rates, tariffs or fuel charges.

© CoPYRIGHT 2011 STanFoRD aLuMnI aSSoCIaTIon. aLL RIGHTS RESERVED.PRInTED on RECYCLED, FSC-CERTIFIED PaPER In THE u.S.

Information Terms & Conditions

California Seller of Travel Program Registration #2048 523-50

Page 7: Reefs and Rain foRests of austRalia · surviving rain forest in the world, a Gondwanan relic that has survived more than 135 million years. Take a guided walk and learn about the

Reefs and Rain Forests of AustraliaJuly 6 to 16, 2012

Stanford Faculty LeaderRob DunbaR, whose research interests concern the links among oceanography, climate change, ecology and biogeochemistry, heads a research group that works on topics related to global environmental change, particularly the coastal ocean, air-sea interactions and polar pro-cesses. Professor Dunbar is also engaged in interdisciplinary studies of global change in collabo-ration with environmental scientists, economists, lawyers and policy specialists. about half of his current research focuses on the impacts of climate change on the coral reefs of the central and western Pacific. He currently has projects underway with scientists and policy specialists at the university of Queensland as well as the australian Institute of Marine Sciences. Rob says, “australia’s Great barrier Reef is the largest coral reef complex on earth, extending for over 1,600 miles and containing a spectacular array of marine and terrestrial wildlife. It has much to teach us about marine ecosystems and how climate change impacts the oceans but I am also mindful of its primordial beauty. I’ve been working on the GbR for over 20 years now but I am just as excited for this trip as for my very first! I know I’ll see things I’ve never seen before and will do so in the company of fun, smart and inquisitive people. I can’t wait for the adventure to begin!”

Victoria P. and Roger W. Sant Director, Earth Systems Program, Stanford university W.M. Keck Professor of Earth Sciences, Stanford university Weintz university Fellow in undergraduate Education, Stanford university Recipient of the Richard W. Lyman award, Stanford alumni association bS, geology, university of Texas, austin PhD, oceanography, Scripps Institution of oceanography, uC-San Diego

Reservation FormI/We have read the Terms and Conditions for the program and agree to them.

Signature _________________________________________________________

If this is a reservation for one person, please indicate: I wish to have single accommodations.

oR I plan to share accommodations with _________________________oR I’d like to know about possible roommates.

Category Preference: 1st choice: ____________________________ Twin beds Double bed

2nd choice: ____________________________ Twin beds Double bed

Here is my deposit of $________ ($1,000 per person) for ______ space(s) and $________ ($200 per person) for ______ space(s) on the optional extension.

Enclosed is my check (make payable to Stanford alumni association) oR Charge my deposit to my: Visa MasterCard american Express

CaRD # EXPIRES

auTHoRIZED CaRDHoLDER SIGnaTuRE DaTE

Mail completed form to address on mail panel or fax to (650) 725-8675 or place your deposit online at alumni.stanford.edu/trip?reefs2012. Please submit your reservation only once to avoid multiple charges to your account.

7406

naME aGE STanFoRD CLaSS

naME aGE STanFoRD CLaSS

aDDRESS

CITY / STaTE / ZIP

HoME PHonE WoRK PHonE

CELL PHonE

EMaIL aDDRESS

MR. / MRS. / MS.MISS / DR. / PRoF.

MR. / MRS. / MS.MISS / DR. / PRoF.

“We loved having Rob on our adventure; he really knows his stuff!”J a c o b y Fa m i ly, a l a s k a Fa m i ly a d v e n t u r e , 2 0 1 0

S T A N F O R D T R A V E L / S T U D Y

siGn uPonline!

Page 8: Reefs and Rain foRests of austRalia · surviving rain forest in the world, a Gondwanan relic that has survived more than 135 million years. Take a guided walk and learn about the

“The things that impressed us most were the friendly nature and good humor of the Australian people we met.” a n n e , m a ’ 6 1 , a n d b i l l m i l l s , a u s t r a l i a a i r e x P e d i t i o n , 2 0 0 7

Stanford Travel/StudyFrances C. Arrillaga Alumni Center326 Galvez StreetStanford, CA 94305-6105(650) 725-1093

Nonprofit Org.U.S. Postage

P A I DStanford Alumni

Association

alumni.stanford.edu/goto/travelstudy

Cape TribulaTion, DainTree naTional park

Reefs and Rain foRests of austRaliaVoyage in the Land Down Under

Ju ly 6 to 16, 2012

S T A N F O R D T R A V E L / S T U D Y