A flatback returns to the sea at EcoBeach. Photo by Glenn McFarlane, Conservation Volunteers Australia

Investigate the mysteries of the Australian flatback along the spectacular and remote Kimberley coast of Northwestern Australia December 6 to 13, 2010. Patrol the beaches each night to find nesting flatbacks and relax during the day at the EcoBeach Wilderness Resort south of Broome in Western Australia. Hurry - sign up soon or we will release our last spots on the tour!

Sea Turtle Restoration is partnering with Conservation Volunteers Australia to offer this flatback protection and fundraising expedition. Limited to 8 people. Six slots left!  See details below. Go to sign-up Page.

STRP FORGOTTEN FLATBACK and WILD KIMBERLEY EXPEDITION Western Australia, December 6 to 13, 2010

Join Program Director Teri Shore and STRP Board Director Susan Sakmar patrolling for flatbacks at night while staying at the Eco Beach Wilderness Retreat, a multi-award-winning eco resort set in a pristine and untouched environment just over an hour’s drive south of Broome in Western Australia. EcoBeach is a significant flatback sea turtle nesting beach, where sea turtle researchers and volunteers have recently begun to count and monitor the life cycles of this little-studied species. Teri visited EcoBeach early this year to work on the nesting beach and see the resort. Read about her experience.  Read more about Conservation Volunteers Australia. Read more about the Australian Flatbacks. This wild, red-rock desert region on the aquamarine Indian Ocean is called the Kimberley.  Sea Turtle Restoration Project is working with activists in Australia and around the world to protect the Kimberley and the sea turtles that live here. Contact Teri Shore if you would like to receive an information packet or to discuss this exciting sea turtle and outback adventure: tshore@tirn.net or  415-663-8590, ext. 104.

Flatback Expedition Costs
8 days / 7 nights December 6 to 13, 2010.You must stay for all 8 days and 7 nights - the sea turtle research is depending on you!
Twin / Dble room Garden View Eco Tent $1323 US [$1425 Australian] per person + $200 US STRP suggested donation = $1,523 US per person. Fans, no air conditioning.

Single Garden View Eco Tent $1810 US [1950 Australian per person] + $200 US STRP suggested donation = $2,010 U. S. one person only in tent. Fans, no air conditioning.

Inquire about Ocean View tents and air-conditioned Eco Villas.  Read more about accommodation types at Conservation Volunteers Australia.

Trip Fee includes
•  2 turtle researchers and nightly turtle research activities
•  Training and project support
•  Return transportation from Broome
•  Breakfast and dinner daily
•  Snacks
•  Accommodation in an ecotent with private bath facilities and linen
•  Access to the resort facilities at Eco Beach

What's not included
•    Travel to Broome
•    Beverages (available for purchase at the resort)
•    Lunch (available for purchase at the resort)
•    Optional extra tours and activities available from the resort
•    Travel insurance

Deposit of $500 U.S. per person.  Go to Sign Up Page.

For U.S. travelers: Travel from California to Western Australia: LA or SFO to Sydney or Brisbane ~14 hours. Plus Sydney or Brisbane to Broome (via Perth or Darwin) ~ 7 hours. So it is recommended that U. S. travelers plan to spend at least several days before and after the sea turtle expedition to get used to the time zone changes and enjoy Australia. Make it a trip of a lifetime. Talk to Teri Shore for suggestions and ideas on planning a fantastic journey. [tshore@tirn.net]