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Tech. Field Trips & Social Tours
Conference Field Trips – Wednesday 31st October
Tour 1: 9.00 am - 4.30 (meet at hotel at 8.30 am)
Visit to the Perth Desalination Plant
The Perth Seawater Desalination Plant, located in Kwinana, 40 kilometres south of Perth, started supplying water into the Integrated Water Supply Scheme (IWSS) in November 2006.
The plant is the first in Australia to provide desalinated water for large-scale public consumption. It is the Water Corporation's biggest single water source feeding the IWSS, providing 17 per cent of Perth's water needs.
The plant uses the reverse osmosis desalination process to remove dissolved salts and other minerals from seawater to obtain fresh water. By harnessing water from the ocean, the State has acquired an abundant source that is not dependent on rainfall - an important factor in the face of a variable climate.
The plant is a key part of the Water Corporation's Security through Diversity strategy to secure long-term water supply for the people of Western Australia.
Visit to the Environmental Technology Centre
The Environmental Technology Centre (ETC) occupies a 1.7-hectare site on the Murdoch University campus at which over forty environmentally sustainable technologies have been combined to form an integrated operating demonstration system. The technologies used and researched at the site include climate-sensible buildings, renewable energy systems for power supply and water pumping, aquaculture systems, organic waste management, and permaculture. The integrated approach allows research to be carried out on the important interactions between different technologies and is the key philosophy of the ETC.
The ETC was established in 1992, and officially inaugurated in 1994 during the National Conference on Technology Transfer in Remote Communities. It received a Centre of Excellence status in 1999 from the Western Australian Centres of Excellence programme. The ETC became a United Nations Environment Programme International Environmental technology Centre Cooperative Centre in 2002 having collaborated with them since 1996.
The aim of the ETC is to research, develop and demonstrate environmental technologies, conduct education and training, provide consultancy services to industry, and raise community awareness of environmental technologies.
Tour 2: 9.00 am - 4.30 (meet at hotel at 8.30 am)
Kwinana Industry Tour
This tour will provide you with an exciting opportunity for a first hand, inside look at the Kwinana Industrial Area (KIA). The KIA is Western Australia’s premier industrial area and is a major source of revenue for the State and Australian economies. Located some 40 kilometres south of Perth, industries in the KIA contribute up to $16 billion annual output and employ over 4,800 people directly and 26,000 indirectly.
The tour will include a site visit and overview of CSBP’s operations, and a site visit to the Alcoa alumina refinery. You will have the opportunity to discuss matters of interest with industry representatives on what makes the Kwinana Industrial Area a cornerstone of the Western Australian economy. The tour is being hosted by the Kwinana Industries Council, a not-for-profit incorporated business association with membership drawn from all of the major industries and many of the smaller businesses in the Kwinana Industrial Area (KIA).
Sustainable Design in Mandurah
A tour will provided of the Mandurah area highlighting key sustainability features such as the Sustainabile Mandurah Home. The award winning Sustainable Mandurah Home demonstrates how passive solar design, cost effective energy and water efficient features can be incorporated into a stylish, comfortable and affordable new home, presenting a range of social, environmentally responsible and cost saving features.
The Sustainable Mandurah Home sets a benchmark for the future of housing in the Mandurah and metropolitan area. The home is a hands-on display home that shows you how easy it is to reduce your ecological impact without compromising your lifestyle or your budget.
Tours
Operating Wednesday & Friday
1 Day Perth, Fremantle & Swan Valley with Swan River Cruise
Cost $171 per person
A morning in Perth and Fremantle with an optional scenic Swan River cruise followed by an afternoon in the Swan Valley visiting a winery, chocolate factory and Australian animal park.
This morning, tour Perth city’s key attractions and historical points including Kings Park botanical gardens, where you have time to experience a walk through the trees canopies on the Tree Top Walkway, then continue to Cottesloe Beach and historic Fremantle. Afterwards, we suggest you return to Perth via the optional Swan River Cruise with Captain Cook Cruises.
On board, relax into panoramic scenery of Perth as you enjoy a Western Australian wine tasting whilst cruising by extravagant waterfront houses of Millionaires Row, or stay on the coach returning to Perth by road. After 30 minutes free time in Perth city for lunch (own expense), re-board the coach and travel to the Swan Valley. Whilst here we visit Sandalford Wines, try chocolate at the Margaret River Chocolate Factory and meet kangaroos and koalas at Caversham Wildlife Park. Next we stop at Charlies Estate Wine & Nougat Boutique and enjoy an extensive wine tasting including cheese and biscuits. Whilst here you can sample the exciting varied flavours of nougat or just browse through their merchandise and gift shop.
Return back to Perth via the Burswood Resort & Casino with arrival at approx. 6.00pm.
Operating Thursday
1 Day Swan Valley Wine Cruise
Cost: 135 per person
A fabulous day cruising up Perth's Swan River to the historic Swan Valley wine region with tastings at two of the area's leading wineries, a cruise not to be missed!
Cruise from Perth city on the 'Queen of the Valley' to the picturesque Swan Valley, one of Australia’s best-known wine producing regions. Cruise past historic Guildford, Perth’s original inland port and gateway to the Valley and enjoy a delicious buffet lunch at Mulberry on Swan before joining a coach tour to two leading wineries, the internationally renowned Houghton Winery and premium small producer Chesters Estate. Then we make a stop at the famous Margaret River Chocolate Factory, whilst here sample their scrumptious chocolate delights. Your return cruise takes in spectacular homes, parklands, historical buildings and vineyards while you relax and enjoy complimentary wine, tea, coffee, cheese and crackers.
Operating Thursday
1 Day Pinnacles, New Norcia & Wildflowers (with Picnic Lunch)
Cost: $189 per person
A fascinating day out combining the history of Australia’s only Benedictine Abbey with the world renowned mystical Pinnacles Desert.
Our morning journey takes us through historical Guildford and Swan Valley, past Perth’s Pearce Air Force Base through the orange growing district of Bindoon to reach fascinating New Norcia. First settled in 1846 as a mission to the regions Aborigine, New Norcia is home to Australia’s only Benedictine Abbey. Drive through town and learn of the intriguing history and culture of the community before stopping for morning tea. Afterwards, visit a local produce shop for the chance to purchase Benedictine Community goods including olive oil, fruit wine, delicious New Norcia nut cake and fresh breads. Alternatively, visit the museum and art gallery (own expense).
From here we head north past Moora to the Western Wildflower Farm for a brief guided tour of how wildflowers are preserved for export before having lunch, alternatively indulge yourself and order the optional lobster lunch. Continuing on, we arrive at the Rock Lobster fishing town of Cervantes, their highly prized Rock Lobster are caught by local fishermen, primarily for export to Japan. Afterwards we travel into Nambung National Park, home of the mystical Pinnacles Desert. Here your driver guide takes you for an easy paced walk through parts of this fascinating landscape covering some 404 hectares. Ensure you wear comfortable footwear, bring a hat and plenty of film.
Additional stops to view wildflowers (Aug - Dec) will be made en route with arrival back in Perth at approximately 7.30 pm.
Operating Friday
1 Day Rottnest Island Discovery Package with 2 hour Island Tour & Buffet Lunch
Cost: $149.00 per person
Departing from either Perth or Fremantle enjoy a leisurely cruise down the Swan River before arriving at Rottnest Island. Today you have a range of options to choose from including hiring a bike on one of our 'free 'n' easy' packages, or exploring the Island on a two hour bus tour. Maybe you would prefer a swim or a cruise on the Underwater Explorer or just relax on one of Rottnest’s beautiful white sandy beaches. Whatever you desire we have an option to suit you.
Depart Perth and cruise down the Swan River to Fremantle to pick up other passengers then head out for Rottnest Island. Upon arrival join a 2 hour coach tour around the island showing off all the beautiful beaches, bays and reefs, Quokka’s and stunning .
Enjoy a scrumptious buffet lunch, afterwards enjoy free time to wander or just relax and swim before heading home in the late afternoon. Return back into Perth at approximately 5.50 pm.