Chillagoe To Host Savannah Guides School This April

PRLog (Press Release) - Jan. 9, 2013 - Savannah Guides is a network of professional tour guides with a collective in-depth knowledge of the natural and cultural assets of Northern Australia.

Tropical Tablelands Tourism chair and Member for Barron River Michael Trout said it was an excellent opportunity to showcase the natural beauty and diversity of the national parks in and around Chillagoe.

“These are some of the best tour guides across the top of Queensland, Northern Territory and Western Australia all coming to learn more about Chillagoe for three days.

“This provides an excellent opportunity for Tropical Tablelands Tourism to be involved and we are looking forward to working with Savannah Guides in the lead up to the event.”

Mr Trout described Chillagoe as a genuine outback town with fascinating attractions and abundant wildlife.

“Chillagoe was once the site of an ancient coral reef but today the coral has been transformed into large limestone bluffs containing over 560 known caves, the largest having over 11 kilometres of passages.

“At the extremities of these bluffs, volcanic activity has created colourful marble and rich mineral deposits,” he said.

Savannah Guides manager Russell Boswell said it was part of the organisation’s charter to raise awareness and encourage the protection of the natural and cultural resources of the tropical savannahs of northern Australia.

“Savannah Guides works with many of Australia's leading tourism, environmental and community organisations to pursue its mission.

“It provides interpretation and public education as well as training and guiding leadership to promote ecologically sustainable tourism principles,” he said.

The Savannah Guides school program is held twice yearly with the most recent being at the Nitmiluk School in Katherine.

“This was highly successful with a great group of participants sharing ideas, developing new contacts and having a fun time together,” Mr Boswell added.

“A main focus was how Savannah Guides works with its partners including Tourism NT, NT Parks and Wildlife and QPWS.

“Guiding skills relating to extended walks, cultural interpretation and guest expectations were supplemented with field trips exploring Nitmiluk Gorge, Edith Falls and The Jatbula Trail’s Northern Rockhole.”

Mr Boswell said they were currently planning for next year’s school in Chillagoe with more information to follow in the new year.

For more information on Savannah Guides visit http://sgltd.com.au/

ENDS

Interviews: Michael Trout, Chair of Tropical Tablelands Tourism M: 0412 183 194

E: michael@blazingsaddles.com.au