Tour operators dream of the honour APT has just received thanks to its new partnership with Australia Zoo: access to an otherwise off-limits destination.
The award-winning Australian Outback tour operator has been granted exclusive access to the Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve, encompassing 121,406 hectares of private parkland on the Cape York Peninsula.
A tribute to crocodile hunter Steve Irwin, the reserve has been declared a 'strategic environment area', the first in Queensland, making it off limits to the general public.
Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve
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Travellers can only enter the reserve while on APT's popular 11-day Cooktown & Cape York tour, which now features behind-the-scenes access to the eco-reserve.
According to Rob Tandy, General Manager of APT’s Kimberley and Outback Wilderness Adventures, APT's new partnership and access to the reserve demonstrates the company's commitment to protecting the environment.
"Next year marks ten years since Steve Irwin sadly passed away and so we are honoured to take our guests to this protected part of Australia to learn first-hand about this incredible conservation project where he conducted his famous crocodile ‘capture and study’ research project," he said.
Guests on the tour will spend an entire day at Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve, accompanied by an experienced Australian Zoo ranger.
The experience includes:
- Lessons on wildlife and sonar detection of salt water crocodiles at Stone's Crossing.
- Guided tour of Camp Coolibah including talks on crocodiles and the endangered speartooth shark.
- Demonstration on deploying crocodile cages.
- Lessons on the region's geology, bush tucker and native flora.
Other highlights include Mosman Gorge, Cape Tribulation, the Bloomfield track and Australia's northernmost point.
A visit to Cape Tribulation is also on the itinerary
Guests can expect a more personal experience, as APT only allows a maximum of 20 people on its Outback adventures.
The touring company has a proven record of best capturing Australia's remarkable regions – ATP has won Best Domestic Tour Operator at the National Travel Industry Awards the last four years running.
