Effective May 2026. Itinerary subject to change as circumstances require.
Path of the total solar eclipse as it passes over Australia. The path is 216 km/ 1135 miles wide on land near where we plan to observe the eclipse. All maps shown are courtesy of X. Jubier.
This Total Solar Eclipse expedition will be our 59th adventure operated by ECLIPSE TOURS/RING OF FIRE EXPEDITIONS. Our 8-day exclusive land program starts in Sydney and takes us to the Australian Outback where Aboriginal culture intersects with the celestial event of a total solar eclipse on July 22nd. This expedition will be led by co-authors Imelda B. Joson (former Editor of Sky & Telescope) and her husband Edwin L Aguirre (accomplished photographer). Our program balances natural beauty, bustling cities, and the magic of the Australian Outback from UNESCO World Heritage site ULURU (Ayers Rock) to our viewing location in Devils Marbles National Park. For eclipse photographers the eclipse begins at 11:18 am with the Sun at elevation 45, azimuth 27. culminating at 12:51 pm with totality where the Sun is at elevation 49, azimuth 356, and then the final partial phase ending at 2:18 pm with the Sun at elevation 43, azimuth 328 degrees. Of course, these times may be adjusted in case we determine to move our observing position. Since we plan to be on land, it would be helpful to have a Sun tracking mount capable of operating in the southern hemisphere.
One of many successful total eclipse photos from the April 2023 total solar eclipse cruise aboard the Coral Discoverer. Photo of the Sun’s corona by Eliot Herman.
Historical daytime cloud amount over eclipse path (2001 to 2018)). All maps show are courtesy of X. Jubier.
Satellite view of the eclipse zone on July 22, 2023, 2024 and 2025. Courtesy NASA Worldview.
NOTE: Due to the significant time/date change of this destination, Eclipse Tours/Ring of Fire Expeditions recommends guests arrive at least 1 day prior to acclimatize.
Group airport transfer to our downtown Sydney hotel. Afternoon half-day sightseeing to discover the city’s sights and its Southern Beaches
Lunch included at North Bondi Fish Market with stops at the Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney, a private Aboriginal Bush Tucker Tour, and Sydney Opera House – Sydney Opera House Tour
Lodging: Radisson Blu Sydney or similar
After breakfast, meet your local guide and private coach for a comprehensive city tour.
(Economy ticket included in package – upgrade to Business/First available for a surcharge). Upon arrival in the Australian Outback, we will transfer to our lodging for the stay and then partake in a special evening program hosted by Voyages Indigenous Tourism called “Evening Field of Light Pass.”
Lodging: Sails in the Desert Hotel or similar
Early morning, we will gather in the dark to embark on a “must do” Uluru Sunrise and Kuniya Walk. We will return to your lodge for a sumptuous breakfast before we continue exploring the Ayers Rock – Uluru region, its symbolism for the Aboriginals people of Australia.
Mid-day time for a relaxing stay at the resort with pool time.
Our evening will entail a Sunset Wintjiri Group Dinner with optional star gazing (weather/sky permitting)
Disclaimer: Climbing on Uluru was outlawed permanently on October 26, 2019. The ban was enacted by the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park Board in respect of the wishes of the local Anangu Aboriginal people, for whom the monolith hold immense spiritual significance. The permanent closure was timed to coincide with the 34th anniversary of the land being returned to its traditional owners.
After breakfast, pack your bags for a scenic drive through Australia’s legendary Outback. Our luxury motorcoach will transport you in style, with WIFI, as it whisks across the sheer endless horizon toward Alyce Springs, our next home base.
Lodging: Crowne Plaza Alice Springs (or similar)
Today is the highlight of the journey – ECLIPSE DAY – Where our group will be driven to the magical National Park of the Devil’s Marbles to a private viewing site for the Total Solar Eclipse. Due to distance and Eclipse duration, this will be a 14-day Exploration excursion.
Lodging: Crowne Plaza Alice Springs (or similar)
After breakfast, we will once-again pack our bags and depart the hotel for an airport transfer. Our flight will take us from Alice Springs to Queensland’s capital Brisbane. Upon arrival, we will transfer to our hotel for an afternoon/evening to discover the city on your own.
Lodging: Crystalbrook Vincent Hotel (or similar)
Morning Ultimate Brisbane Walking Tour
The afternoon is free to explore at your own pace.
This evening, gather with your group for a farewell dinner at Mr Percival’s.
Lodging: Crystalbrook Vincent Hotel (or similar)
Departure to North America or start of your extension (options will be shared by July 2027)
Reserving your space on this program requires a $1,500 non-refundable deposit per person. Deposits are accepted by credit card only. Reservations are acknowledged in order received.
A 2ndnon-refundable deposit of $2,500 per person is due by 1/31/27.
Final Payment: The final payment is due on or before 7/31/27 Direct Travel handles all invoicing.
Cancellations and Refunds: Cancellation fees are based on the date the written notice is received by Direct Travel. (Notification of cancellation must be received in writing.) A full copy of our terms can be found in the booking form.
Click HERE to REGISTER and make payment. One registration form must be submitted for each room booked. If you are sharing a room with someone, please add them as a guest during your registration process, do not submit a 2nd registration form.
We cannot confirm you unless the registration form, trip protection policy and deposit are all received.
