Capertee Caper, NEW SOUTH WALES
Airing Date: Dec 27th, 2004
Everyone's heard of the Grand Canyon, but how many people have heard about Capertee Valley, the world's second largest enclosed valley? Spanning up to 50 kilometres in some parts, Capertee Valley is one of Australia's true secrets, and it's less than three hours' drive from Sydney.
Getabout Four Wheel Drive Adventures provide a great way to appreciate the valley's amazing landscape. During a two day Capertee Caper tour you'll see areas of the region that are virtually undiscovered and unexplored - and you'll be doing it with the safety and comfort of professional guides who are passionate about the area and know a lot about the region's history.
One of the highlights of the tour is a visit to the pagodas. The clumps of rocks are formed by layer after layer of sandstone, ironstone and more sandstone sandwiched together over 250 million years. Dozens of formations crowd the escarpment, making these natural rocks appear like an ancient city.
From ancient rock formations to ghost towns, this tour is like stepping into an Indiana Jones movie. After traversing fern-gullied creeks and climbing into sunken canyons, you'll visit the ruins of an old mining village. In its heyday in the 1880s more than 3000 people lived here, and some of the original coal miners' huts can still be seen.
It was rough living back then, but modern visitors on the tour will enjoy two nights in shared guesthouse accommodation at Capertee Valley Retreat. This cosy retreat is a great base during the Capertee Caper tour and offers stunning views of this World Heritage area. After an adventurous day out, unwind on the verandah with a cold drink and soak up the unique character of the Australian bush.
The facts:
Capertee Caper tour starts from $585 a person. Price includes pick up in Sydney, meals and two nights at Capertee Valley Retreat. Tag-along tour costs from $450 a couple.
Getabout 4WD Adventures
Tel: 1300 305 660
Suggested reading material: Lonely Planet
Prices correct at 27/12/04
