In 1836, Charles Darwin visited Sydney aboard the Beagle, and rode a horse inland to the Blue Mountains. This 2012 day-trip retraces his journey (in a modern bus!) from Sydney to the Blue Mountains. Throughout the trip, commentary and readings from Darwin's Australian diary will be provided by Frank Nicholas (co-author of the book "Charles Darwin in Australia", CUP, 2008). Highlights include following The Charles Darwin Walk at Wentworth Falls, where you retrace exactly Darwin's footsteps through beautiful Australian bush, seeing exactly the same views that so impressed him.

Lunch is at the same hotel where Darwin stayed (Gardner's Inn at Blackheath).

We end our day-trip by driving from Parramatta along Victoria Rd, retracing exactly Darwin's return journey until we reach the Banjo Patterson Restaurant, very near where Darwin caught a punt across the Parramatta River. This restaurant is in a beautiful sandstone building that is very likely to have been there in 1836, when Darwin rode past! It is named after a famous Australian poet, who lived there in the 1870s. This dinner will be at your own expense.

After dinner, you will be returned to the city in the bus between 9.00 to 9.30pm.

This is a special tour not offered to the public, where you will gain insights as to how the young (26-year-old) Charles Darwin reacted to Australia and how his Australian observations contributed to his revolutionary ideas. Limited seats available to ensure everyone gets a chance to ask questions and contribute to discussions.

Date: Saturday 14th July 2012

AUD$200 per person; lunch and afternoon tea included; dinner at own expense - maximum 18 passengers. Signed copies of "Charles Darwin in Australia" will be available for purchase at $20

This day-trip is operated by Boutique Tours Australia. Google them for extra Sydney experiences, but please contact Frank Nicholas (frank.nicholas@sydney.edu.au) to register your interest.