Moonwalk

For memories out of this world

Unlike anything you've done before, this truly is something you will remember for a lifetime. Experience the ecological wonders of the Australian bushlands on a nocturnal adventure through the country’s oldest national park. This exclusive tour takes you on a journey through the Royal National Park, guided only by the light of the full moon, glow sticks and excitement. Enjoy the tranquillity of the natural environment undisturbed by other visitors and observe the majestic terrain in the still of night.

Option 1: Moonwalk- Sunset AND Sunrise 3.8km

This option has been designed for everyone, so you can invite your friends and family, young and old, keen to learn or those wanting to serenity for themselves. This option includes the beautiful candlelit dinner after sunset at Wattamolla, as well as all the major interpretation on the stars, Aboriginal significance, flora, fauna, geology and other moonwalk related topics. Furthermore, you will also join in the full night photography session with Peter Solness. After midnight, you then hop back on the magical UDU bus, where you can have a great nights rest at UDU's pre-set up, luxury campground. Wake at sunrise for a morning dip at Wattamolla, followed by a big breakfast.

Option 2: Full-Moonwalk- Sunset TO Sunrise 9.8km

For the more adventurous, continue your walk under the stars, all the way til before first light. If you want a truly surreal experience, and don't mind forgoing a night's sleep to get it, then you will love this. Continue along the coast, taking photos of the Coast Tracks many highlights, such as the Wedding Cake, Marley and little Marley beaches and headlands, and patches of secluded bushland. We work as a team, so that by the time we arrive back at Wattamolla, you will feel "over the moon" ; ). We arrive before first light, so you have time for a moonlit swim, or a power nap on the beach or grass before watching the sun rise up over Wattamolla lagoon.

Itinerary

• Watch the sunset at Providential Cove accompanied by your expert UDU guide
• Candlelit gourmet dinner as the Moon rises over Wattamolla lagoon, surrounded by fig trees
• Prepare for the ensuing adventure, stock up on glow sticks, green lights and other funky gear whilst getting to know your fellow moonwalkers
• After a short drive to Bundeena and safety brief, walk to the Coast Track’s first look out for enchanting stories, stargazing and learning about the areas unique Aboriginal past, European history, and a nocturnal take on its fauna, flora and geology.
 
• By now your night vision has adjusted, continue along the White Cliffs, enjoying the open sky and sea breezes
• Enjoy a rest-stop and delightful midnight tea at “the Waterrun”, whilst learning how to take fantastic night photos from world class professional photographer Peter Solness.
• Find out how to take the best possible photos with your own camera (and it doesn’t matter how good it or you are), or join in the fun by having incredible photos taken of you.  These will be shared with you after the night, and serve as an incredible souvenir

This is where the two groups splits:

Option 1: Moonwalk: Sunset AND Sunrise

• From here, your UDU guides will lead you back to the bus, along the way you can chat to them to discover more, or you can test out your new found night photography skills
• When you arrive back at Wattamolla your tent will be set up, so all you need to do is crawl in to bed (tents, mattresses and pillows are provided, you may hire a Sleeping bag and linen for $10 or bring your own)
• Wake the next morning to the sound of Australian birds and the sound of waves crashing on distant cliffs
• Wonder down to the lagoon and the beach, you may find some of your fellow adventurers, although they may not look quite as fresh as you do!

Option 2: Full-Moonwalk: Sunset TO Sunrise!

• Continue your journey along the Coast Track, stopping for incredible views and night photo opportunities, such as the Wedding Cake and Marley Headland
• Join in the fun of Boomerang, Spear throwing and “fire twirling” on Big Marley Beach
• Walk along the beach bare-footed, as the Moon reflects off the crashing waves
• Enjoy another refreshment stop at Little Garie Headland, the “Moonshine” and great company will keep you buzzing
• Trek on inland, through various habitats, from coastal heath to dark and mysterious bushland
• Arrive at Wattamolla with time to have a nap on the beach or grass, or go for a swim before the sky starts to light up
• Your friends that slept the night will join you for sunrise, no doubt keen to hear all about your adventure 

This is where the groups meet again:

• Sunrise at Wattamolla is an incredible event.  With the lagoon at your back, and the bush on either side, you can sit on the beach and watch the sun rise through Providential Cove
• Watch the sun light up the many colours of sandstone, shining past Wattamolla’s beloved Palm tree, before lighting up its waterfall
• By now, your UDU chefs & guides will have cooked you another feast, and the journey finishes as it starts, with a scrumptious meal in a prefect bush setting
• From here, it’s a cosy one hour drive back to the city, where you can enjoy the rest of your weekend catching up on sleep, returning to the dreamlike memories that will no doubt be with you for a lifetime

Peter Solness- Illuminated Landscapes

This is a very unique opportunity to walk and talk with world class photographer Peter Solness. You may have seen his most recent work, Illuminated Landscapes currently on exhibition at Customs House:

"By making the artistic choice to light each vista, he reinvents each scene before him, adding a dream-like nocturnal beauty to every photograph. Yet despite their photographic purity and lack of manipulation, there remains something painterly in this photographer’s approach. Light doesn’t reflect, so much as emit from each subject, in ways that are similar to Surrealist painters such as Paul Delvaux".

Price: $249- Included

• Sunset to sunrise beach, bush and rainforest adventure led by two qualified UDU guides and lit by the glow of the full moon
• Professional photography lessons by renowned night photographer, Peter Solness
• Delectable dinner by candlelight, including an appetising selection of meats and gourmet salads
• “Moonshine”- a special mix including energy drinks to keep your enthusiasm bursting
• Refreshing midnight tea overlooking a dazzling night-time panorama
• Traditionally Australian, hot breakfast to dispel the chill of daybreak
• 200% carbon offsetting
• All transportation
• National park fees
• Show bag that includes glow sticks, torches, midnight munchies and many other great surprises
• Professional photo and video package
• Souvenirs
• Memories that are out of this world

Departs

Pick-up at approx 6:00pm from City, Circular Quay, Kings Cross, Eastern Suburbs and Sutherland; Please contact Understand Down Under prior to departure for exact times and locations.

Returns

Drop-off at approx 9:30am the following morning.

Departure Dates

• 05/03/2010................................... • 19/03/2011....................
• 02/04/2010................................... • 16/04/2011....................
• 24/09/2010................................... • 10/09/2011....................
• 23/10/2010................................... • 14/10/2011....................
• 20/11/2010................................... • 11/11/2011....................
• 18/12/2010................................... • 10/12/2011....................
• 21/01/2011................................... • 07/01/2012....................
• 18/02/2011................................... • 10/02/2012....................

What to Bring

• Clothing appropriate for the weather, including warmer attire for later in the evening
• Closed walking shoes
• Swimwear and towel
• Water (approx 2 litres)
• Prepare for the tour with adequate rest beforehand