Journey's End: The Indian Ocean laps at Kalbarri's Red Bluff Beach (Brad Pennington)
Kalbarri National Park (www.calm.wa.gov.au/national_parks) is situated near the center of Australia's remote western coastline. It is bordered on the west by the Indian Ocean, east by inland desert. The centerpiece of the 460,000-acre park is 50-mile-long Murchison River and its numerous gorges, but the area is also famous for its wildflowers and its whale watching. Kalbarri Township is a six-hour drive north of Perth, the "most isolated big city in the world."
Qantas is offering a new way to visit Australia, including Perth. The Qantas Aussie Air Pass (1-800-227-4603; www.QantasUSA.com) includes round-trip travel on select flights from New York, Los Angeles, or Honolulu, plus three qualifying domestic flights in Australia (to be taken within seven to 21 days of arrival).
Fares start at $999 departing from Los Angeles or Honolulu, and $1,299 from New York (JFK), available from November 1 through December 9, 2004, April 26 through June 17, 2005, or July 19 through August 26, 2005. Subsequent domestic stopovers within zone one (including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide) can be redeemed at no extra cost; add $200 for zone two (Uluru, Darwin, Cairns) stopovers or $400 for zone three (Perth and Broome). The Aussie Airpass is also available in Canada. Call your travel professional or Qantas for details.
