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Australia’s Best Guides – Ray Andrews | Naturalist & Birder

Posted on by Nicola Billens

Ray Andrews

Ray Andrews has a CV to beat most when it comes to knowledge of nature. His bespoke tours are a fascinating way to learn almost anything about Australia and our unique wilderness.

Please tell us a little bit about who you are and what you do?

I call myself a naturalist but I have so many more interests. My degree is in Tropical Plant sciences. I am a big birder, and have worked with frogs, mammals, insects, planted 10,000’s of trees, done aboriginal rock art tours for years, operated biking, canoeing, sea kayaking, hiking and camping tours. I ran a wine tour company and was featured on many docos and travel productions. I currently run a tour company specialising in adventures into Papua New Guinea and do bespoke tours in Australia.

My favourite place to visit is the Cape York peninsula and the far flung Islands of Melanesia. I am just as happy sitting down half naked in a village hut in Papua New Guinea gorging on wild pig with my bare hands as to being a wine snob sipping on gorgeous chardonnays (if you don’t like chardy you haven’t tried enough of it) at top notch restaurants. My wife would prefer me to be the later.

I love history and especially the contact periods when Europeans first meet indigenous cultures and have a special interest in the Wallace line in Indonesia where the flora and fauna of Australia (Sahul) meets the Asiatic (Sunda) fauna and flora.

I live in beautiful Eumundi on the Sunshine coast with an amazing wife and two great kids. My latest project is setting up a film shoot for National Geographic in the Highlands of Papua New Guinea where I am taking my son along with me.

What’s your favourite Australian animal and why?

Love platypus and spend way too much time stalking them in the river on my property.

What haven’t you seen / done in Australia that you’d like to and why?

I haven’t been to the Coral Bay or Hamelin pool of WA. Best secret spot in Australia is the Quinkan Rock Art bodies on Cape York peninsula, but if you haven’t experienced the Trobriand Islands in PNG you are missing out of everything.

 

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Australia’s Best Guides – Brett Graham | Aboriginal culture & Central Australia

Posted on by Nicola Billens

Brett Graham

Based at Ayres Rock (Uluru), Brett Graham is one of Australia’s best outback guides. His deep knowledge and passion for Aboriginal culture brings it to life for his guests in only a way that few people can.

Please tell us a little bit about who you are and what you do?

My name Is Brett Graham, Director and part owner of SEIT Outback Australia. I love the bush especially the outback and have spent a lot of time with the Aboriginal people of the central desert regions around Uluru.

I spent a lot of time travelling and camping around Australia by 4WD since I could drive, always going somewhere – the more remote the better! I grew up in Melbourne but was always in the bush on weekends exploring a new area. As owner and tour guide I spend a lot of time with our staff ensuring that their cultural knowledge and general touring knowledge and practices are the best they can be. I love to get out bush and just spend time with the Aboriginal people as they have so much to teach us all.

What got you started with your passion for Central Australia and what do you find most interesting about it?

I have alway had an interest in all things outback and then the opportunity presented some 12 years ago. I have been learning ever since. I love the challenges that the outback and remote Australia throws at you, the logistics are never ending but rewarding when it all comes together.

How do you bring Central Australia to life on your tours?

I think people sense that I have a lot of experience in the outback and who I am is part of the tour. People come for a cultural / outback experience and because I live and breath the outback it naturally becomes the flavour of my touring experiences.

Why do you think it’s important that people learn about Central Australia?

Understanding comes from experiences with people who spend time on the land and with the people, and hence are able to pass on knowledge to guests.

People come to Uluru and surrounds to get connected. This takes time and knowledge, and this is an area that we have built connections in.

If people wanted to find out more about Central Australia are there any particular books, documentaries or websites you would recommend?

There are many books and films that tell stories and depict Central Australian culture and most are a great source of information about all aspect of outback life. I think it really depends on your focus on the outback as to where you start .

What’s your favourite Australian animal and why?

Thorny devil – prehistoric! A true survivor of the outback, a fascinating reptile.

What place is Australia’s best-kept secret?

Mt Woodroffe South Australia – spectacular scenery.

What haven’t you seen / done in Australia that you’d like to and why?

Kimberly region and Cape York. On the must-do list – just need the time to do it properly. Extreme regions of Australia is where I like to be.

Finally, how can people follow you on social media?

Facebook

 

Click here to find out more about Australian travel with Alquemie

 

Charter a luxury expedition yacht

Posted on by Nicola Billens

Amanda on Anda

Amanda here – reporting to you about a fabulous new find in the world of luxury expedition yachts!  Her name is Anda and she is a true expedition vessel with luxury accommodation, all the toys and many comforts.  Anda is not your typical white-boat, she is a luxury expedition yacht available for private charters into Australia’s wild & beautiful waters.  Anda is for exploring, discovering and adventuring.

Currently berthed in Fremantle the Master, Hostess and Chef were happy to show me around the beautifully finished boat.  Anda’s owner is a passionate yachtsman and has no fewer than 12 boats in his personal fleet, however only Anda and a 50 ft game fishing launch, The Fortescue, are available for charter.

  • Some facts about Anda:
  • Length: 42 mtr | 138 ft
  • Built: 1965 in Norway, originally as an ice-breaker.  Rebuilt from 2010 to 2012
  • Cruising Speed: 10 knots
  • Cruise Range:7500 nm
  • Stabilisers: 2 x quantum stabilisers for smooth sailing in seas over 4 mtr
  • Guest Suites: 5 including the spacious master suite, 3 x queen suites and 1 x twin suite all with private en suite bathroom
  • Dining: indoor & outdoor for 10 people
  • Relaxation: sundeck with outdoor spa, large saloon area
  • Transport & fun: 2 x semi-inflatable high speed 7 mtr jet tenders, 2 x Seadoo jetskis
  • Crew: 10 highly experience crew including 2 executive chefs

Price point?  Well to give you an idea, Anda is currently from AU$30,000 per day or $150,000 AUD per week plus GST.  APA is included (advance provisioning allowance).

Where to?  Pretty much wherever you want!  Australia has nearly 60,000km of coastline but my recommendations would be the Kimberley Coast, Rowley Shoals, the Cape York Peninsula and the Great Barrier Reef.

So yes I am excited … Anda really offers stylish luxury, a sense of freedom and extraordinary Australian adventures!!

Click here to find out more about Australian travel with Alquemie