Once-In-A-Lifetime Australian Cattle Drive Through FAR&WIDE Travel.

Business Editors/Travel Writers

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 26, 2001

Sign on for an epic journey across the great expanse of the Australian Outback, while riding with a team of seasoned stockmen driving 600 head of cattle from Birdsville to Marree. Whether you're a wrangler or a tenderfoot, through FAR&WIDE Travel Corporation, the Great Australian Cattle Drive provides an opportunity to participate in a genuine frontier event. Staged over six weeks in April and May 2002, with a variety of droving tours available in length of three to eleven days, FAR&WIDE's Great Australian Cattle Drive is a roundup not to be missed.

This once-in-a-lifetime chance to experience the legendary Birdsville Track will begin with passage to Sydney. From home base at the Park Hyatt Sydney overlooking Sydney Harbor, first days include a sailing cruise and plenty of leisure time to explore the city on your own.

Next, there's a change of pace when travelers are whisked off on a tour of the Outback, its abundant wildlife and spectacular scenery. Riders will be provided with a horse and saddle to begin their adventure for the Great Australian Cattle Drive. The Drive is a hallmark event of Australia's 2002 Year of the Outback celebrations planned across Australia and celebrated through FAR&WIDE Travel Corporation.

A cattle drove of this type has not been undertaken along the Birdsville Track since the early 1970's. Experienced horsemen, including 70 year old, Boss Drover/Horse Tailor, Eric Oldfield, will be part of the droving team to offer coaching in riding technique for novices and to assist saddle weary riders. For experienced riders who want a true challenge, the desert landscapes offer plenty of adventure.

Driving herds, riders will see how the Australian Outback was built on the backs of the men and women who forged their way through some of the most beautiful and diverse country on earth. Camping accommodations provide brilliant vistas and night skies as well as meals and entertainment -- not to mention the Australian bush music, poetry and Aboriginal cultural celebrations.

This FAR&WIDE package nears culmination with a flight to Kangaroo Island where a naturalist guide leads participants to Seal Bay Conservation Park, home to Australian sea-lion colonies. That same afternoon, following a delicious seafood BBQ lunch, they will see Gantheaumme Conservation Park, where ospreys nest and kangaroos come out to feed.

Swain Australia Tours, a company of FAR&WIDE Travel Corporation, has crafted this package, as well as a collection of the greatest travel values throughout Australia. "Since hosting the `best-ever' Olympics in 2000, Sydney has established itself as a world class city and one of the leading reasons North American consumers choose to travel to Australia," said Ian Swan, president of Swain Australia Tours.

FAR&WIDE is the largest company in the value-added sector of the leisure travel industry, offering the greatest and most diverse array of commissionable travel experiences including FIT, independent, group, escorted, Fly&Drive and Cruise&Land programs that range from traditional sightseeing to very specialized itineraries. Travel agents can call 1-800-806-6522 or visit www.farandwide.com for more information about FAR&WIDE's tiered commission and override programs.

FAR&WIDE's roster of leading travel companies includes: Adventure Center, African Travel, Brian Moore International Tours, Central Holidays, FAR&WIDE-London, Grand European Tours, High Country Passage, Intercontinental Travel Company, IST Cultural Tours, Journeys Unlimited, Lion World Travel, Pacific Bestour, Prism Holidays, Regina Tours, Spanish Heritage Tours, Swain Tours and Downunder Direct, Tourlite and Zeus Tours & Yacht Cruises, as well as several destination management companies in key locales.