Summer in South Aussie

We love South Australia, there's no denying it.

Why? you may well ask. Well, apart from stunningly beautiful scenery, whether it's brilliant azure coastline, native eucalyptus forest, rugged rocky ranges or outback plains, we've got the lot. Plus our favourite part, delicious food and wine! so much food and wine. And it's all world class, that's for sure.

So it's only natural that we'd want to share our proverbial backyard with you. This summer, we thought it was about bloody time we expanded our range of tours. So now, there's a sweet little lineup of active, adventure and even some more luxurious tours for you to enjoy.

And of course, there's always the Santos Tour Down Under, what a treat for cycling fans!

Come and visit South Australia... you won't want to leave.

New artwork for ROC Bus - thanks, Avanti!

Great feedback from the Otago Central Rail Trail with Ecotrek!

Travel Collective brand, Ecotrek, are specialists for partly- or fully-supported tours on the Otago Central Rail Trail.

With a bumper season in 2009-2010, we are already filling places for the 2010-2011 season!

Here is some great feedback from happy customers who have enjoyed leisurely cycling on the Rail Trail this season...

"Thank you for helping us to make the ride a very enjoyable experience, and we would have no hesitation in recommending you to other friends who may wish to do this trip in the future."
Lyndsay & Dervan, Wellington, NZ


"Just want to say thanks for everything. We had no hiccups and everything went well. Loved the accommodation. Weather was good... We just had a ball! Thanks!"
Jo, Levin, NZ

Outback preparations

It's that time of year when Ben, our ROC Tours guru, is madly preparing everything to get ready for the Outback season. The ROC Bus is being primped and pampered, new bikes are just about to be delivered and all the gear is being sorted.

We're looking at a great season for ROC Tours this year, with several itineraries well and truly sold out already and others getting pretty close to...

There's still time to jump on board the Nullarbor, South West & Wineries Cycle Tour, which takes in the contrasting landscapes of the wide open Nullarbor Plain, and the towering treetops of the Karri forests in the South West, as well as pristine white beaches, National Parks and tempting wines.

24 hour madness

Its official, Emma and I have signed up for the 24 hour Dirty Weekend MTB event... Now all that remains is to get that endurance fitness back on track. Most of what I have been doing of late relates to walking.. oh and sitting at a computer of course. Still I am sure that with our trusty friends from Avanti - (They provide our trusty steads) we will make it through, and if nothing else, we will have great bikes to ride!

We have been using Avanti bikes on all of our cycling tours across Australia they ROC..!

The event is run by Bicycle SA and it is a great 24 hour for anyone that is interested

And as you all know the Travel Collective has the best cycle tours around just have a look!

Peter

Borneo Jungle Longhouse Experience

Experience the life and culture of the former Headhunters of Borneo, the Iban people, at Kuala Medalam longhouse, on our 21-day Borneo Wildlife & Culture Expedition.

Tour Down Under > YouTube Testimonials

Check out this clip!

Tour Down Under > Quick Wrap!

Well, we survived another week of action! The 2010 Santos Tour Down Under was a great success for the event organisers, the race itself and for all those who experienced it with The Adventure Collective.

As a quick wrap up, our team looked after a total of 178 people over the duration of the week! And did a most fantastic job of it at the same time.

Huge thanks go out to...

Ben: for his logistical genius and getting everyone to where they had to be at the right time!

Andy, Kate & Brianna: for being the best lunch crew ever, feeding hungry cyclists and spectators with delicious and wholesome food!

Sujai: for getting all the bikes safely to/from the big ride!

Emma: for being calm on the surface and paddling like crazy underneath!

And most of all, to our fearless leader, long-time TDU supporter and our constant motivator, Peter Solly.

Here's what some of our delighted customers had to say:

"Just a quick note before the daily grind wipes the smile off my face. Judy and I both want to thank you for making our Tour Down Under experience a fantastic one. For the second year in a row you delivered everything you promised and more!"
Ken & Judy, NZ

Snapshot: Tour Down Under

Stage 6: Adelaide City Council Street Circuit
The final stage, won by young Aussie rider, Chris Sutton! Andre Greipel took the overall honours and the ochre jersey.

Snapshot: Tour Down Under

Stage 5: Snapper Point to Willunga
Huge crowds gather on Old Willunga Hill for the King of the Mountain. The cheers for Aussie World Champ Cadel Evans were deafening!

Snapshot: Tour Down Under

Stage 4, Norwood to Goolwa, plus the Mutual Community Challenge Tour
Our lunch set-up on Goolwa Oval!

Snapshot: Tour Down Under

Santos Club Tour Dinner, Wednesday 20 January 2010
Adelaide City Council Tour Village

Club Tour participants were entertained by the international voices of cycling, Phil Liggett and Paul Sherwen, during the Club Tour dinner.

What a start to 2010!

It's shaping up to be a great year!

Our Australian outback cycle tours (ROC Tours) are filling up fast, with the Gibb River Road - Mitchell Plateau and Gibb River Road - Bungle Bungles trips already SOLD OUT, Savannah & Kakadu Cycle Tour almost full and many other trips filling quickly.

Book now to ensure you get a place on the tour you want!

Also in Australia, the Santos Tour Down Under is in full swing, with Lance Armstrong and World Champion Cadel Evans leading the star line-up of professional cycle racing.

Across in New Zealand, the Otago Central Rail Trail season is going strongly, with more people than ever choosing Ecotrek for their rail trail supported or partly supported experiences.

Look forward to seeing you in 2010!