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Latest Listings Photo No. 1-10 (out of 38 photos hit) (1) 2 3 4 » Tour Calendar Tour Calendar     MONTHLY DAY TOURS - DATES FOR 2012 TUESDAY DAY TOUR - BEST OF THE HASTINGS WEDNESDAY DAY TOUR - BEST OF THE McLEAY VALLEY THURSDAY - BEST OF THE MANNING 2012 DAY TOURS 7,8,9 FEBRUARY 13,14,15 MARCH 17,18,19 APRIL 15,16,17 MAY 4,5,6 SEPTEMBER 16,17,18 OCTOBER 20,21,22 NOVEMBER **All day tours include air-conditioned coach travel, morning tea & lunch.  Departure time below is from the Port Macquarie Coach Terminal, Hayward St, Port Macquarie DAY TOURS: 14 February 2012 "Celtic Thunder" at Newcastle Entertainment Centre Cost:  $180.00 per person 27/28 February 2012 "Myall River Cruise & Historic Carrington" Cost:   $325.00 per person Tuesday 20 March 2012 St Patrick's Day lunch & Coopernook Hotel Cost:  $TBA Tuesday 24 April 2012 "Mystery Tour" Cost:  $45.00 per person Thursday 10 May 2012 Autumn in Gloucester - Trudgealong Farm Cost:  $55.00 per person Saturday 02 June 2012 Bonnie Wingham Scottish Festival (lunch own cost) Cost:   $40.00 per person Tuesday 31 July 2012 Xmas in July at Harrigans of Harrington Cost:   $55.00 per person Saturday 17 November 2012 Bellingen Markets Cost:  $35.00 per person  (book at HCT) EXTENDED TOURS 8 -9 February 2012 "Love Never Dies" Cost:  $295.00 per person 11 - 12 February 2012 "Rod Stewart at Hope Estate", NSW Hunter Valley COST:   $350.00 per person 16 - 23 February 2012 "Norfolk Island" Cost: $2835.00 per person 27/28 February 2012 "Myall River Cruise & Historic Carrington" Cost:   $325.00 per person 12 - 24 March 2012 "Broken Hill, South Australia & Eyre Peninsula" The Forgotten Corner. Cost:  $2995.00 per person 12 - 15 April 2012 "Outback Spectacular" Cost: $725.00 per person 19 - 22 April 2012 Bundanoon is Brigadoon Cost: $565.00 per person 2 - 8 May 2012 "Autumn Festival in Bright" Cost: $1120.00 per person 11 - 22 June 2012 "Inland NSW, QLD, Rockhampton & Town of 1770" Cost:   $2990.00 per person 3-20 July 2012 "Matilda Highway, Lawn Hill NP, Gulf Country, Carnarvon Gorge" Cost:  $4075.00 per person 25 - 26 July 2012 "Christmas in July in Armidale" COST :  $245.00 per person 06 August - 16 September 2012 "UK Tour" Cost:  TBA Postponed until July 2013 West Kimberley's & Gibb River Road" Cost:  TBA 19 - 25 September 2012 Toowoomba Garden Festival" Cost:  $1485.00 per person 10 - 20 October 2012 "East Gippsland & the Snowy Mountains" Cost:   $2240.00 per person November  2012 "Dubbo Zoo & Mudgee" Cost:   $995.00 per person Mid Nov Wild New England & Oxley Rivers NP Cost:   TBA 4-5  December 2012 Christmas Lights in the Hunter Valley Cost:   $320.00 per person Dec 2012 Christmas at Chifley @ Wiseman's Ferry Cost:    TBA 22 - 28 December 2012 Christmas on the Sunshine Coast COST:   $1675.00 per person Dec/Jan New Year's Eve Spectacular, North Sydney COST:  TBA Licensed Travel Agent: Port Macquarie Travel Agency Pty Ltd Lic No. 2TA000831 Note: All prices are based on twin or double share accommodation. Single supplement is available on request. RETIREMENT VILLAGE PICK UPS UPON REQUEST FOR OUR DAY TOURS Port City Bowling Club - 15 mins prior to advertised departure time Coach terminal - Advertised time Port Panthers - 5 mins after advertised departure time CHRISTMAS LIGHTS IN THE HUNTER VALLEY GARDENS Domestic Tours     Christmas Lights Spectacular 2 days Tuesday 4 & Wednesday 5 December 2012 Day 1: Tuesday 4 December 2012 (L,D) We will depart the Port Macquarie Coach Terminal at 8.00am with morning tea at Bulahdelah and our lunch stop at Cessnock RSL.   For the afternoon we will visit  the Hunter Valley Gardens with an optional mini train tour available for those of us that are less mobile!!!  Then its back on the coach to our accommodation at Harrigan’s Irish Pub. We will have enough time to freshen up before boarding our coach for our scrumptious Christmas dinner and Christmas Lights. Tonight we are treated to an unforgettable Christmas Lights spectacular  with more than one million lights on show throughout dedicated areas of the Hunter Valley Gardens.  With names like “Aeroplane Santa”, “Flying Fairies” and “Inflatable Snowdome” it is sure to be a memorable night—especially with  special guest visit from Santa.  Time for bed, we head back to Harrigan’s.     Day 2: Wednesday 5 December 2012 (B) After a hearty breakfast we load the coach at 9.00am and head for Wallarobba on the Williams River.   Here we have a scrumptious Devonshire morning tea before exploring the Camelot Lavender & Llama farm, with hostess Denise.  Late morning we venture into Dungog  where we give you time to explore this delightful country town with its main street being a designated urban conservation area. Lunch is at your own expense -  Henryk knows a good pie shop.   After lunch we travel onwards to Gloucester where we have a comfort break and time for an ice-cream??? From here we travel back via Krambach and Taree (quick comfort stop if needed) to arrive home around 5.00pm COST: $320.00 per person (based on twin/double share accommodation) Single Supplement : $95.00 A deposit of $100.00 per person is required upon booking with final payment due 7 November 2012 INCLUSIONS: Air conditioned coach travel Overnight accommodation, 2 course Christmas dinner, Garden entry & Christmas Lights Spectacular, full hot buffet breakfast Morning tea & tour Camelot Lavender Farm Lunch Cessnock RSL The itinerary may be subject to change without notice.  Whilst every effort is made to adhere to the itinerary as provided, Holiday Coast Tours reserves the right to alter the touring and attractions as dictated by circumstances and conditions outside the company’s control.  Alterations may be made to ensure the smooth running of the tour.  Every attempt will be made to ensure the alterations do not adversely effect the operation of the tour.  Holiday Coast Tours will not be held responsible for weather based cancellations or those closures made at the venue’s discretion.   Passengers are strongly recommended to take out travel insurance in case of cancellation or curtailment expenses, loss of luggage or illness etc.   Cancellations and amendments: Cancellation fees will be levied relative to the amount of notice given: 42 days or more—loss of deposit 7-41 days: 20% of fare plus deposit 1-6 days: 50% of fare plus deposit Day of departure: 100% of fare. In case of concert or sporting tours, where admission tickets are purchased in advance, a minimum cancellation fee equivalent to the cost of admission tickets will apply. Please note: Passenger baggage to be a maximum of 20kg. per person FOR BOOKINGS CONTACT:   Port Macquarie Travel                  Licence No. 2TA 000831   110 William Street PORT MACQUARIE  NSW  2444                PH: 6583 1422 or Camden Haven Travel                                PH: 6559 9048 CHRISTMAS ON THE SUNSHINE COAST Domestic Tours     HOLIDAY COAST TOURS Presents a 7 Day CHRISTMAS ON THE SUNSHINE COAST Saturday 22 to Friday 28 December 2012 Day 1 (LD): PORT MACQUARIE TO THE GOLD COAST: Saturday 22 December 2012 Welcome to our 7 day Christmas on the Sunshine Coast tour.  We head north this morning with our departure time from the Port Macquarie Coach Terminal at 8.00am. Our lunch break will be at the South Grafton Ex Services Club before continuing past Ballina and Byron Bay, stopping for comfort breaks along the way. We’ll cross the border into Queensland and turn our watches back to local time. Our overnight stay is at the Quality Mermaid Waters Hotel where we’ll check in and freshen up after the day’s travels (lunch in Grafton / dinner in motel). Quality Mermaid Waters Hotel, Gold Coast (ph 07 5572 2500) Day 2 (BD): THE GOLD COAST TO THE SUNSHINE COAST: Sunday 23 Dec 2012 Following breakfast we enjoy a sightseeing tour of the Gold Coast including Surfers Paradise and Southport. We’ll make our way north, bypassing Brisbane city, to join the Bruce Highway to take us through to Caloundra on the Sunshine Coast. Following some free time for lunch (at own expense) we join the MV Mudjimba for a stillwater cruise around the Kawana canals and Mooloolaba harbour.  We’ll enjoy live commentary and local history plus see the multi-million dollar homes and the largest long-line fishing fleet in Australia. We then check into our accommodation at the Rydges Oasis Resort, located in Caloundra. Set on 10 acres of landscaped palm gardens, the resort will be our base for the next 4 nights (breakfast/dinner in motel). Rydges Oasis Resort, Caloundra (ph 1800 072 096) Day 3 (BD): MONTVILLE: Monday 24 December 2012 Today we head up into the Blackall Range. First stop though is in Yandina at Australia’s only Ginger Factory. We’ll see the audio visual display tracing the life of ginger from planting to final use, see ginger growing in the patch and then view the factory from the observation deck to see production. We also enjoy a tour on the Ginger train. After our visit we drive up to Montville to the top of the Blackall Range. Probably the most well-known village along the range, Montville was first established in 1887 and is today a place to step back in time. Enjoy the tranquillity of village life in a streetscape unique to any other tourist centre and browse the many craft shops and art galleries. We spend some free time here then continue to Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve on the southern edge of the Blackall Range, overlooking the unique formations of the Glasshouse Mountains. The view is spectacular! Our final stop of the day is at Maleny Mountain Wines for afternoon tea and a tasting before heading back to Caloundra (breakfast & dinner in motel / lunch at own cost). Rydges Oasis Resort, Caloundra (ph 1800 072 096) Day 4 (BLD): CHRISTMAS DAY: Tuesday 25 December 2012 Merry Christmas!! We have a leisurely day to enjoy the festivities. We celebrate the day with a Christmas lunch at the resort followed by a free afternoon to enjoy a stroll or simply to relax. Dinner this evening will be a light supper (breakfast, Christmas lunch & dinner in motel). Rydges Oasis Resort, Caloundra (ph 1800 072 096) Day 5 (BD): AUSTRALIA ZOO: Wednesday 26 December 2012 This morning we are off to a famous Queensland attraction. Near a little place called Beerwah is Australia Zoo – home, of course, to the late Steve Irwin, the “Crocodile Hunter”. Australia Zoo has a reputation for conservation work, due mainly to the popularity of the documentary series “The Crocodile Hunter”.  We’ll arrive in time to take our seats in the “Crocoseum” for all the action involved in a “Wildlife Warriors” show.  We’ll see the free-flying bird show and the Crocs! The keepers will bring them out into the clear water so we can see them as they would hunt in the wild. Following the show we have time to wander the park, exploring as we please.  A people mover is available to access the various parts of the park.  From here we return to the Coast and our motel (breakfast & dinner in motel / lunch own cost). Rydges Oasis Resort, Caloundra (ph 1800 072 096) Day 6 (BD): CALOUNDRA TO BALLINA: Thursday 27 December 2012 Following a leisurely morning we farewell our hosts and begin our return leg home. Travelling through Brisbane we join the motorway south. We’ll stop in Broadbeach for a lunch break (own expense) then continue through to Mullumbimby to visit the Crystal Castle. Set amongst acres of lush gardens with panoramic views, the castle features extraordinary statues, amazing natural crystals, exquisite jewellery, and much more. We can stroll the Buddha Walk and see Australia's biggest stone-carved Blessing Buddha, a 15 tonne, awe-inspiring masterpiece, rising almost 4 metres high, from his pond. From here we re-join the Pacific Highway and drive through to our overnight stop in Ballina. Here we’ll check into our accommodation for our final night on tour (breakfast & dinner in motel / lunch at own cost). Comfort Inn All Seasons, Ballina (ph 02 6686 2922) Day 7 (BL): BALLINA TO PORT MACQUARIE: Friday 28 December 2012 We begin our day with a morning tea cruise aboard the "MV Richmond Princess". The cruise takes us along the Richmond River, the lifeblood of this region from the days of first settlement until the 1950s. We’ll enjoy a fascinating commentary on the history of the river from the ship’s Captain as well as morning tea. Following our cruise, we disembark and make our way to the Ballina RSL Club, our lunch venue today. This afternoon we travel home to complete our Christmas on the Sunshine Coast tour (breakfast in motel / lunch in Ballina). COST: $1675.00 per person (based on twin/double share accommodation) Single Supplement: $320.00 A deposit of $200.00 per person is required upon booking with final payment due by 18 November 2012 TOUR INCLUSIONS Air conditioned coach travel 6 nights motel accommodation 6 cooked breakfasts 6 motel dinners 3 included lunches – see below Lunch at the South Grafton Ex Servicemen’s Club on Day 1 Harbour cruise on the MV Mudjimba, Mooloolaba Factory tour and train ride at the Ginger Factory, Yandina Afternoon tea and tastings at Maleny Mountain Wines, Maleny Christmas day lunch with all the trimmings Entry to Australia Zoo, Beerwah Entry to the Crystal Castle, Mullumbimby Morning tea cruise on the MV Richmond Princess, Ballina Lunch at the Ballina RSL Club on day 7 The itinerary may be subject to change without notice.  Whilst every effort is made to adhere to the itinerary as provided, Holiday Coast Tours reserves the right to alter the touring and attractions as dictated by circumstances and conditions outside the company’s control.  Alterations may be made to ensure the smooth running of the tour.  Every attempt will be made to ensure the alterations do not adversely effect the operation of the tour.  Holiday Coast Tours will not be held responsible for weather based cancellations or those closures made at the venue’s discretion.   Passengers are strongly recommended to take out travel insurance in case of cancellation or curtailment expenses, loss of luggage or illness etc.   Cancellations and amendments: Cancellation fees will be levied relative to the amount of notice given: 42 days or more—loss of deposit 8-41 days: 20% of fare plus deposit 2-7 days: 50% of fare plus deposit 1 day before & Day of departure: 100% of fare. In case of concert or sporting tours, where admission tickets are purchased in advance, a minimum cancellation fee equivalent to the cost of admission tickets will apply. Please note: Passenger baggage to be a maximum of 20kg. per person FOR BOOKINGS CONTACT:   Port Macquarie Travel                  Licence No. 2TA 000831   110 William Street PORT MACQUARIE  NSW  2444                PH: 6583 1422 or Camden Haven Travel                                PH: 6559 9048 DUBBO ZOO & MUDGEE Domestic Tours     HOLIDAY COAST TOURS presents a 5 DAY TOUR TO MUDGEE Monday 5 to Friday 9 November 2012 Mudgee reputedly derives its name from the Wiradjuri Aboriginal term 'Moothi' meaning ‘nest in the hills'. This is a suitable title as Mudgee is a very attractive town of fine old buildings, located in the broad, picturesque and fertile Cudgegong River Valley. Surrounded by hills of green and blue, it is situated 265 km north-west of Sydney, 470m above sea-level and has a population of around 10,000. The area is noted for its fine wool, beef, fat lambs, cereal crops, lucerne, vegetables, vineyards and honey. DAY 01 (LD): PORT MACQUARIE TO MUDGEE: Monday 05 November 2012 Welcome to our 5 day tour to Mudgee, situated on the banks of the Gudgegong River. This morning we depart the Port Macquarie Coach terminal at 8.00am travelling south on the Pacific Highway. At Raymond Terrace we veer inland through Maitland and at Singleton we stop for lunch at the RSL Club. We join the Golden Highway and travel through Jerry’s Plains and Denman, skirting the Wollemi National Park. Upon arrival into Mudgee we check in at the Quality Parklands Resort – home for the next 4 nights (lunch at Club / dinner in motel). Quality Parklands Resort, Mudgee DAY 02 (BLD): MUDGEE: Tuesday 06 November 2012 Mudgee is the oldest town west of the Blue Mountains. “Discovered” by Lawson and Blaxland in 1821, it was settled soon after by pasture hungry squatters and their flocks of sheep and cattle. This morning we are joined on the coach by our locally based guide for a tour of the town. The town was proclaimed in 1838 and architect Robert Hoddle later planned and designed the street grid, which proved to be so successful that Melbourne was designed in basically the same way. He designed Mudgee’s wide streets to be broad enough to turn a team of oxen. Many of the fine old stately buildings from the last century thankfully remain and most are now classified by the National Trust. We enjoy our picnic lunches before our afternoon visit to a vineyard that was established in 1995 on part of what was a successful sheep, cattle and cropping property “Berowa”. Now the High Valley Wine & Cheese Company, it offers a delightful cellar door where we have a tasting of both the cheese and wine.  Our final visit of the day is to Oatley Wines at Craigmore (Mudgee’s oldest). Here we’ll wander through the winemaker museum and enjoy a tasting then head back to our motel to relax prior to dinner (breakfast & dinner in motel / picnic lunch). Quality Parklands Resort, Mudgee Day 3: (BLD): DUBBO: Wednesday 07 November 2012 Following a hearty breakfast we travel to Dubbo for a morning visit to the Western Plains Zoo. The zoo is one of the largest in the world, covering some 300 hectares, where animals live in large natural areas behaving very much as they would in the wild. We are joined by a local guide who will board our coach and provide us with an insight into the animals and zoo (with plenty of stops for explanations and photos). From here we make our way into Dubbo for lunch at the RSL Memorial Club. This afternoon we have arranged a tour of the Old Dubbo Gaol, a stark reminder of our harsh and often violent past. The gaol began life as a courthouse lockup in 1847 before being proclaimed an official gaol from 1859 to 1966. It has been fully restored and inside the huge sandstone gates we will view the original gallows, holographic displays and animatronic models providing us with a realistic and fascinating insight into a bygone era of barbaric prison life. We then return to Mudgee and our motel to freshen up for dinner (breakfast & dinner in motel / lunch at Club). Quality Parklands Resort, Mudgee DAY 04 (BLD): GULGONG: Thursday 08 November 2012 Our touring today takes us to Gulgong, an old gold town that was once described as, believe it or not, “the hub of the world”! Gulglong has narrow streets that wind between quaint clapboard and iron buildings, complete with verandahs and iron lace. It is also the boyhood home of the author Henry Lawson who was inspired by the Gulgong goldrush days to write his poem “the Roaring Days”. We visit the town’s famous Pioneer Museum, which houses one of the finest collections of Australiana in the country. The vastness of this exhibition deserves plenty of time for uninterrupted viewing to inspect the displays. We eat our picnic lunches then stop at the Henry Lawson Centre to see the living memorial to this famous Australian. We head back to Mudgee to enjoy the remainder of the afternoon at leisure (breakfast & dinner in motel / picnic lunch) Quality Parklands Resort, Mudgee DAY 05 (BL): MUDGEE TO PORT MACQUARIE: Friday 09 November 2012 This morning we farewell our hosts ready for our journey home. We travel home via Cassilis, Merriwa and Tamworth. In Bendemeer we stop for lunch at the Bendemeer Hotel then continue on the Oxley Highway through Walcha and into Port Macquarie. We arrive home late afternoon to complete a fabulous 5 day tour to Mudgee (breakfast in motel / lunch at hotel). All itineraries are subject to change due to occasional restrictions in opening times/days of some attractions, e.g. churches, wineries etc. We cannot be held responsible for any changes due to closures, inclement weather etc COST: $995.00 per person (Based on twin/double share accommodation) Single Supplement: $260.00 A deposit of $150.00 per person is required upon booking with the final payment being 1 October 2012 TOUR INCLUSIONS:      ir conditioned coach travel 4 nights motel accommodation 4 cooked breakfasts 4 motel dinners 5 included lunches – see below Lunch at the Singleton RSL on day 1 Locally guided tour of Mudgee Lunch from McDonald’s bakery (pick up) on day 2 Tastings at the High Valley Wine & Cheese Company, Mudgee Wine tastings at Oatley Wines, Mudgee Entry and Guided Tour of the Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo Lunch at the RSL Memorial Club in Dubbo on day 3 Guided tour of the Old Dubbo Gaol Locally guided tour of Gulgong Entry to the Pioneer Museum, Gulgong Picnic lunch from the motel on day 4 Entry to the Henry Lawson Centre, Gulgong Lunch at the Bendemeer Hotel on day The itinerary may be subject to change without notice.  Whilst every effort is made to adhere to the itinerary as provided, Holiday Coast Tours reserves the right to alter the touring and attractions as dictated by circumstances and conditions outside the company’s control.  Alterations may be made to ensure the smooth running of the tour.  Every attempt will be made to ensure the alterations do not adversely effect the operation of the tour.  Holiday Coast Tours will not be held responsible for weather based cancellations or those closures made at the venue’s discretion.   Passengers are strongly recommended to take out travel insurance in case of cancellation or curtailment expenses, loss of luggage or illness etc.   Cancellations and amendments: Cancellation fees will be levied relative to the amount of notice given: 42 days or more—loss of deposit 8-41 days: 20% of fare plus deposit 2-7 days: 50% of fare plus deposit 1 day before & Day of departure: 100% of fare. In case of concert or sporting tours, where admission tickets are purchased in advance, a minimum cancellation fee equivalent to the cost of admission tickets will apply. Please note: Passenger baggage to be a maximum of 20kg. per person FOR BOOKINGS CONTACT:   Port Macquarie Travel                  Licence No. 2TA 000831   110 William Street PORT MACQUARIE  NSW  2444                PH: 6583 1422 or Camden Haven Travel                                PH: 6559 9048 GIPPSLAND & SNOWY MOUNTAINS Domestic Tours     HOLIDAY COAST TOURS Presents AN 11 DAY TOUR TO GIPPSLAND & THE SNOWY MOUNTAINS Gippsland is one of the few unique and diverse regions in Australia. It is comprised of snow fields, wilderness, rainforests, beaches, industrialised areas, farm land and much much more. The Snowy Mountains, known informally as "The Snowies", are the highest Australian mountain range and contain the Australian mainland's highest mountain, Mount Kosciuszko, which reaches 2,228 metres, approximately 7310 feet. Banjo Paterson's famous poem The Man from Snowy River recalls this era. The cattle graziers have left a legacy of mountain huts scattered across the area. Today these huts are maintained by the National Parks and Wildlife Service or volunteer organizations. Day 1 (L,D): HOME PORT TO GOULBURN: Wednesday 10 October 2012 Welcome to our 10 day tour to Gippsland and The Snowy Mountains. We depart the Port Macquarie Coach Terminal at 8.00am.  Today is a travel day as we head south on the Pacific Highway driving through Nabiac and Bulahdelah. We will stop to stretch our legs and for a lunch break at Ourimbah RSL.  We travel on to Goulburn for our overnight stop. (lunch at own expense / Dinner in the motel) Goulburn Heritage Motel 02 4821 9377 Day 2 (BLD): GOULBURN TO TRAWOOL: Thursday 11 October 2012 After a hearty breakfast we travel on the Hume Highway through Bowning and Coolac stopping in Gundagai for a morning break. We arrive in Albury at lunchtime and head to Adamshurst. Here we enjoy lunch and a guided tour. This elegant property was first built in 1891 as a private residence but has had many different uses since that time. It now welcomes visitors to the only heritage listed garden in Albury. This afternoon we continue on the Hume Highway until reaching Seymour where we head to our overnight accommodation in Trawool. (breakfast & dinner in the motel / lunch at Adamshurst) Trawool Valley Resort 03 5792 1444 Day 3 (BLD): TRAWOOL TO LEONGATHA: Friday 12 October 2012 We have a leisurely start today before heading off through Kerrisdale and Yea to join the Melba highway. We stop in Olinda & visit Cloudehill Nursery and Gardens for a guided tour. There are various “segments” of gardens including the Maple Court; below this lies the Green Theatre, reminiscent of Old Italian gardens. The stage is overshadowed by a tapestry wall of green and copper beech perfectly placed to aid acoustics. In summer, this area is used for twilight musical recitals.  The Old Rose Walk is to one side of this last area, and leads to the Peony Pavilion. The formal garden areas are surrounded by woodlands of Beech, Maple, Rhododendron and Magnolia. These magnificent trees, imported from Japan and Europe, date to earliest days of the original Woolrich Nursery and are now of historic importance. Lunch today will be something special! The Cuckoo Restaurant, designed in the Bavarian Chalet Style, is simply stunning with exceptional food, hospitality and entertainment. This afternoon we make our way into the Gippsland and head for our overnight accommodation in Leongatha. (breakfast & dinner in the hotel / lunch at own Cuckoo Restaurant) Leongatha Motel 03 5662 2375 Day 4: (BLD): LEONGATHA & WALHALLA TO LAKES ENTRANCE: Saturday 13 Oct 2012 This morning we join the Strzelecki Highway taking us north to Morwell. From here we continue through Tyers and into the Gippsland’s Baw Baw Ranges. At Thomson Station we board the Walhalla Goldfields Railway to experience the train’s journey along the spectacular Stringer’s Creek Gorge. First we travel across the historic Thomson River Bridge and head uphill through Happy Creek criss-crossing over Stringers Creek on large trestle bridges and into Walhalla. Walhalla is the oldest of Gippsland Gold Towns and it still retains much of its purity and heritage. Here we have some time to take a stroll on the main street before our lunch.  This afternoon we drive through Sale and Bairnsdale which has some very interesting architecture. The most striking building in the town is the Court House in Nicholson Street which was opened in 1894. It is recognised as one of Victoria's finest examples of late 19th century architecture and is considered of some significance to the development of an Australian style. Time permitting we can take a peek inside St Mary’s Catholic Church to see the murals on the ceilings and walls of the church, which are quite stunning! We arrive in Lakes Entrance and check in to our hotel. (Breakfast & lunch in the hotel / light lunch included) Pelican at Lakes Motel 03 5155 1277 Day 5 (BLD): LAKES ENTRANCE TO ALBURY: Sunday 14 October 2012 Our day starts with a sightseeing tour of Lakes Entrance & a visit to a very special place - Nyerimilang Heritage Park – a lakeside homestead that was used in the late 1800s as a base for fishing and shooting holidays. Today the homestead, which features a display on the history of Nyerimilang and the natural resources and history of the Gippsland Lakes, is protected by the National Trust. The semi formal garden and lawns, with views to the water, contains an interesting collection of exotic and native species. After morning tea from the coach we travel on the Great Alpine Road through Tambo Crossing and Omeo. Our lunch stop is at the historic Blue Duck Inn at Anglers Rest. This traditional Country Pub stands in splendid isolation at the confluence of three Alpine trout streams – the Cobungra, the Bundara and the Mitta Mitta Rivers, surrounded by one million acres of alpine national park. After lunch we continue our journey through the mountains as we make our way back to Albury. (Breakfast & dinner in the hotel / lunch at Blue Duck Inn) Quality Resort Siesta, Albury 02 6025 4555 Day 6 (BD): ALBURY TO JINDABYNE: Monday 15 October 2012 From Albury to the “Top of Australia.” This morning we bypass the Hume Weir and travel via Tallangatta to Corryong. At the Man from Snowy River Museum, there are some interesting insights into the life of the pioneers and their ingenuity. It also has an extraordinary exhibition of old skiing equipment. Next we cross the Murray River into NSW to join the breathtaking Alpine Way and wind our way through the peppermint forest to Clews Ridge, with its impressive stand of Alpine Ash. We collect our lunches at Khancoban before making a stop at the Murray 1 Power Station . Another great spot for views is Scammells Spur Lookout where we can see several peaks including Mt Townsend, Australia’s second highest mountain. We travel through Tom Groggin (where the Murray begins) and around Mt Kosciusko to the alpine village of Thredbo for an afternoon break. Thredbo is Australia’s premier Ski Resort. It has developed as a popular summer destination for those of us who can’t ski but love the beauty of this picturesque alpine village. Initially sited & developed by Tony Sponar, one of the many “larger than life” characters of the Snowy Mountains, the site and design was based on European Alpine villages - compact, interesting and, in winter, in the snow. Later today a scenic drive takes us through to Jindabyne – our base for the next two nights. What a great spot to stay and from which to explore the area. All the rooms at the Resort have private balconies offering sweeping views across the mountains and Lake Jindabyne. (breakfast & dinner in the hotel / packed lunch from Khancoban at own expense) Quality Resort Horizons, Jindabyne 02 6456 2562 Day 7 (BD): JINDABYNE: Tuesday 16 October 2012 First stop this morning is the Snowy Region Visitors Centre to view a short movie called “Kosciusko Reflections”. Then we head out to Lake Eucumbene – the highest and largest man-made lake in the Snowy Mountains Hydro Electric Scheme. We have some morning tea from the coach with time for a stroll across the massive wall of the Eucumbene Dam to the lookout. Some people may prefer to walk part of the way before hitching a ride on the coach for the remainder. Next stop is the Eucumbene Trout Farm. A tour of the hatchery and “grow-out” area will enable us to view literally thousands of fish at various stages of growth. The fish are used to stock the farm's own Trout Lake where visitors can try their luck to catch them. Whilst here, we have the chance to “tickle a trout”! Next we head back to Jindabyne for some free time to purchase lunch before our afternoon of sightseeing. We make our way to Charlotte Pass (weather and road conditions permitting) for breathtaking views of the Main Range and Mt Kosciuszko - Australia’s highest mountain. After a great day we head back to our motel for dinner. (breakfast & dinner in the hotel / lunch at own expense) Quality Resort Horizons, Jindabyne 02 6456 2562 Day 8 (BD): JINDABYNE TO SAPPHIRE COAST: Wednesday 17 October 2012 Following breakfast we bid farewell to our hosts and drive through Berridale to Cooma. Originally settled in 1823 it became the headquarters for the building of the Snowy Mountain Hydro Electric Scheme which commenced in 1949 and was the biggest engineering project ever undertaken in the world.  In the main street of Cooma we see the Mosaic Time Walk in Centennial Park depicting the life of the Monaro from its origins through to the present.  A statue of Banjo’s Paterson’s immortal mountain man, “The Man from Snowy River” is also in the park. At Cooma Central we board our 1920s restored train, The Orient Express it is not, but this is great fun.   The Cooma Monaro Railway is an established tourist railway based at Cooma Station. As the gateway to the Snowy Mountains area Cooma was the destination for almost 100 years of rail services, until the line from Canberra was closed by flood damage to the bridge over the Numeralla River. For 10 years there were no trains to be seen in the Monaro area, until the CMR commenced operations in December 1998.  The CMR uses CPH Railmotors, locally restored to (almost) ‘good as new’ condition. Motors 6 and 22 provide motive power, whilst trailer 55 has been restored as a dining/lounge car (a unique configuration).  The full run is to Chakola (an aboriginal word meaning ‘lyre bird’), some 19 kilometers from Cooma on the banks of the Numeralla River. We pass the intermediate stations at Snowy Junction and Bunyan.  During the trip we learn about the history of the railway and see some of the best Monaro country side. Returning to Cooma we have some time to purchase lunch.  This afternoon we visit the Snowy Mountain Authority Visitor and Information Centre which shows us a number of displays and videos about this remarkable project. From here we head down the Snowy Mountains Highway to Merimbula for our overnight accommodation. (breakfast & dinner in the hotel / lunch at own expense) Comfort Inn, Merimubla 02 6495 3077 Day 9 (BD): MERIMBULA TO BATEMANS BAY: Thursday 18 October 2012 This region of New South Wales is known as the Sapphire Coast. This morning we travel south to Eden. After our sightseeing, including the Wharf and the Seamans Wall and Rotary Lookout we visit the famous Killer Whale Museum with the skeleton of "Old Tom" the killer whale plus many other items of interest and history. Next we head back up the coast travelling through Cobargo to the National Trust Protected village of Central Tilba.  Many of the original timber buildings have been retained and restored, while any new buildings have been built in the character and style of the era.  Mount Dromedary, named by Captain Cook because of its unusual shape, overshadows the town.  The area is marked by many granite rock outcrops, and the houses sit in amongst these.  There are craft shops and cafes as well as the bakery. After our lunch break (at own expense) and time to explore we visit the ABC Cheese Factory. The ABC Cheese Factory was established in 1891 and was the very first Cheese Co-op in NSW. From here we travel onto Narooma, which is built on land almost completely surrounded by the waters of Wagonga River, its estuary and the sparkling Pacific Ocean.  The Narooma Visitor Centre houses a museum of the history of nearby Montague Island. A scaled replica of Montague's historic lighthouse is at one end and it houses the fascinating light mechanism brought from the island.  We now continue up the coast, travelling through Moruya to Batemans Bay in time to freshen up before dinner. (breakfast & dinner in the hotel / lunch at own expense) Araluen Motor Inn, Batemans Bay 02 4472 6266 Day 10 (BLD): BATEMANS BAY TO SYDNEY: Friday 19 October 2012 This morning we continue north driving through Ulladulla as we make our way to Huskisson for our Dolphin Watch Cruise. Upon returning to shore we make our way to the Huskisson RSL where we have arranged lunch. After lunch we travel through Wollongong on our way to Sydney. Wollongong's most popular coastal tourist drive is along the 665 metre 'Sea Cliff' Bridge. This is the region’s premier tourist drive, with the completion of this amazing bridge. The bridge itself has become a major attraction because it happens at exactly the point where the Illawarra Escarpment plunges into the South Pacific Ocean, delivering an amazing driving experience. We arrive in Sydney late afternoon for our final night on tour. (breakfast & dinner in the hotel / lunch at Huskisson RSL) Chifley Penrith Panthers 02 4721 7700 Day 11 (B): SYDNEY TO HOME PORT: Saturday 20 October 2012 All good things must come to an end so this morning we complete our check out procedure and head home. We will stop enroute to stretch our legs and to purchase lunch and arrive home mid afternoon to complete our fantastic 11 day holiday. (breakfast in the hotel / lunch at own expense) All itineraries are subject to change due to occasional restrictions in opening times/days of some attractions, e.g. churches, wineries etc. We cannot be held responsible for any changes due to closures, inclement weather etc. COST: $2240.00 per person (based on twin/double share accommodation) Single Supplement: $566.00 A deposit of $400.00 per person is required upon booking with final payment being 18 September 2012 TOUR INCLUSIONS: Air conditioned coach travel 10 nights motel accommodation 10 cooked breakfasts 10 motel dinners 5 included lunches – see below Lunch & guided tour at Adamshurst, Albury Guided tour of Cloudehill Nursery, Olinda Lunch at The Cuckoo Restaurant, Olinda One way Ride on Walhalla Goldfields Railway, Thomson Lunch in Walhalla Entry Nyerimilang Heritage Park, Lakes Entrance Lunch at Blue Duck Inn, Anglers Rest Entry Man from Snowy River Museum Visit to Murray 1 Power Station. Visit to Snowy Region Visitors Centre Entry to Eucembene Trout Farm, Lake Eucumbene Ride on the Cooma Monaro Railway Visit to Snowy Mountain Authority Visitor Information Centre, Cooma Entry to Killer Whale Museum, Eden Visit to ABC Cheese Factory, Central Tilba Entry to Narooma Visitors Centre Dolphin Watch Cruise, Huskisson Lunch at Huskisson RSL The itinerary may be subject to change without notice.  Whilst every effort is made to adhere to the itinerary as provided, Holiday Coast Tours reserves the right to alter the touring and attractions as dictated by circumstances and conditions outside the company’s control.  Alterations may be made to ensure the smooth running of the tour.  Every attempt will be made to ensure the alterations do not adversely effect the operation of the tour.  Holiday Coast Tours will not be held responsible for weather based cancellations or those closures made at the venue’s discretion.   Passengers are strongly recommended to take out travel insurance in case of cancellation or curtailment expenses, loss of luggage or illness etc.   Cancellations and amendments: Cancellation fees will be levied relative to the amount of notice given: 42 days or more—loss of deposit 8-41 days: 20% of fare plus deposit 2-7 days: 50% of fare plus deposit 1 day before & Day of departure: 100% of fare. In case of concert or sporting tours, where admission tickets are purchased in advance, a minimum cancellation fee equivalent to the cost of admission tickets will apply. Please note: Passenger baggage to be a maximum of 20kg. per person FOR BOOKINGS CONTACT:   Port Macquarie Travel                  Licence No. 2TA 000831   110 William Street PORT MACQUARIE  NSW  2444                PH: 6583 1422 or Camden Haven Travel                                PH: 6559 9048 TOOWOOMBA GARDEN FESTIVAL Domestic Tours     Holiday Coast Tours Presents The Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers Wednesday 19 September – Tuesday 25 September, 2012 In the spring of 2012 we are off to one of the best known – and best – garden shows in Australia. The 2012 Carnival of Flowers will be held in Toowoomba and we are going to be there for the main event – the Grand Central Floral Parade. Join us for our 7 day tour for what promises to be a wonderful line up of attractions including Flower, Food & Wine Events, Live Concert Series, Open Gardens, Streetfest, Sideshow Alley and Parkland Entertainment. Day 1 (LD): PT MACQUARIE TO THE GOLD COAST – Wednesday 19 September 2012 Welcome to our 7 day spring tour to Toowoomba for the 2012 Festival of Flowers. We depart the Port Macquarie Coach Terminal at 8.30am this morning.  After loading the coach we head north along the Pacific Highway stopping for our morning break en-route.  Our lunch today is at the South Grafton Ex-Servicemens Club before continuing on our way to the Gold Coast for our first night on tour. Quality Mermaid Waters Gold Coast - 1800 674 087 Day 2 (BLD): GOLD COAST TO TOOWOOMBA – Thursday 20 September 2012 Toowoomba is about 150ks west of the Gold Coast on the Darling Downs. On our way this morning we have arranged a visit to the very interesting Workshops Rail Museum in Ipswich. It offers an historic & interactive journey to the birthplace of Queensland’s Railways. There are steam engines in all their coal-burning, steam-blowing glory and we can witness the speed of Australia's fastest high tech train. The Workshops Rail Museum is the finest railway museum in the country. After a tour and lunch, we drive through to Toowoomba where we will visit some of Toowoomba’s beautiful public gardens for which the city is renowned. Queens Park and Botanical Gardens, reflect the grand gardening designs of a particularly English nature and are home to stately old trees many of which are more than 100 years old. We will also visit the entirely different Laurel Bank Scented Gardens, a gracious park designed specifically for the blind. We now check into our next four night’s accommodation. Comfort Inn Glenfield, Toowoomba - 07 4635 4466 Day 3 (BLD): EXPLORING TOOWOOMBA’S GARDENS – Friday 21 September 2012 This morning we explore some of the award winning gardens that are open during the festival and then we take a look at the Cobb & Co Museum which is part of the Queensland Museum. It is more comprehensive than its name suggests. It traces the history of horse drawn transportation in Australia from old timber wagons, spring wagons, and bullock drays through to the Cobb & Co coaches and the elegant Victoria and a landau used by the Duke of Edinburgh when he visited the colony in 1876. We enjoy lunch here then this afternoon visit the Danish Flower Art Workshop where the magic atmosphere of flower designer Martha Moller’s unique workshop is sure to leave us enchanted. We also make a visit to Spring Bluff, with its beautiful railway station (established in1867). The station has won many awards for its gardens that come alive each spring and summer with mass displays of flowering annuals before returning to our motel for dinner. Comfort Inn Glenfield, Toowoomba - 07 4635 4466 Day 4 (BD): THE GRAND CENTRAL FLORAL PARADE – Saturday 22 September 2012 After a leisurely breakfast we begin our day with a stroll through the peace and tranquillity of Ju Raku En, Australia’s largest Japanese Gardens with over 3 kilometres of stroll paths in 4.5 hectares of Japanese landscape. Late morning, we make our way to our seats for Australia’s most unique Street Parade - the Grand Central Floral Parade. Spectacular floats decorated with live flowers, fitting the chosen theme for the year, plus Bands, Marching Groups and Carnival Characters.  The Parade winds through the city and we enjoy it from a prime viewing location on reserved tiered seating. We have the remainder of the afternoon to purchase lunch at one of the many stalls in the gardens and wander through Toowoomba, soaking up the Carnival atmosphere. There is so much to see and colours to absorb! Comfort Inn Glenfield, Toowoomba - 07 4635 4466 Day 5 (BLD): JONDARYAN WOOLSHED – Sunday 23 September 2012 This morning we travel west to Oakey where we will be joined by a local guide to take us on a brief tour of the historical landmarks of the town. Next is the Museum of Australian Army Flying – home to a collection of memorabilia including aircraft, engines, uniforms and memories of the adventures and romance experienced by our pioneer military aviators. We will see the Bristol Boxkites used as a training aircraft in 1914 along with a range of others including the famous Pilatus Porter short take off and landing aircraft. Next stop is the historic Jondaryan Woolshed built in 1859. On the way we will pass St Anne’s Church – the oldest slab walled church in use in Queensland and the second oldest in Australia. We spend the rest of the day at Jondaryan Woolshed the oldest operating woolshed in Australia and the first “purpose built” shearing shed in the country. The complex covers 12 acres and features historic buildings and vintage machinery. During our time here today we will see sheep shearing demonstrations, sheep dogs working, steam farm machinery in operation. And we will stay on for an early dinner – a traditional camp oven dinner with entertainment. Comfort Inn Glenfield, Toowoomba - 07 4635 4466 Day 6 (BLD): TOOWOOMBA TO TENTERFIELD – Monday 24 September 2012 After breakfast we prepare for our departure and head south to Stanthorpe. Just south of here is a commercial berry farm called the Bramble Patch – we have arranged to stop for a visit. Lunch today is at a local winery, Ballandean EstateWines where we will also enjoy a short vineyard tour. Then we head over the border to Tenterfield – the town where Sir Henry Parkes made his speech resulting in the Federation of Australia. We know a local guide here who will join the coach and tell us a little bit about the area before we check into our motel. Tally Ho Motel Tenterfield - 02 6736 1577 Day 7 (BL): TENTERFIELD TO PORT MACQUARIE – Tuesday 25 September 2012 After breakfast we head for home. We follow the New England Highway south to Glen Innes where we have our morning break at the Standing Stones in the Centennial Parklands.  From Glen Innes, we drive through Armidale to Uralla, a pretty little village containing historic buildings and residences.  It is also where bushranger Captain Thunderbolt was buried in 1870 after being killed at Kentucky Creek, just outside the picturesque town.  Thunderbolts Rock - quite near the town was one of his hideouts.  Here we visit McCrossins Mill Museum where there are excellent exhibits of the history of Thunderbolt as well as the gold mining that went on in the area in early days. McCrossins Mill is also our lunch venue.  This afternoon, we make our way to Walcha to join the Oxley Highway back to Port Macquarie.  We arrive home late afternoon after a wonderful holiday! All itineraries are subject to change due to occasional restrictions in opening times/days of some attractions, e.g. churches, wineries etc. We cannot be held responsible for any changes due to closures, inclement weather etc. COST: $1485.00 per person (based on twin/double share accommodation) Single supplement: $325.00 A deposit of $200.00 per person is required upon booking with final payment being 1 August 2012 TOUR INCLUSIONS: Air conditioned coach travel 6 nights motel accommodation 6 cooked motel breakfasts 5 motel dinners plus one other – see below Lunch at the South Grafton Ex-Servicemens Club Talk/Tour Workshops Rail Museum followed by lunch,         Ipswich Award Winning Gardens tour, Toowoomba Entry to Cobb & Co Museum and lunch Visit to the Danish Flower Art Workshop, Toowoomba Grand Central Floral Parade - Reserved Seating Local guide in Oakey Entry to the Museum of Australian Army Flying Entry to Johndaryan Woolshed, lunch, camp oven dinner               and demonstrations Visit to the Bramble Patch, Stanthorpe – morning tea Lunch at Ballandean Estate Wines and tour of winery Guided tour of Tenterfield Entry to McCrossins Mill Museum and lunch, Uralla The itinerary may be subject to change without notice.  Whilst every effort is made to adhere to the itinerary as provided, Holiday Coast Tours reserves the right to alter the touring and attractions as dictated by circumstances and conditions outside the company’s control.  Alterations may be made to ensure the smooth running of the tour.  Every attempt will be made to ensure the alterations do not adversely effect the operation of the tour.  Holiday Coast Tours will not be held responsible for weather based cancellations or those closures made at the venue’s discretion.   Passengers are strongly recommended to take out travel insurance in case of cancellation or curtailment expenses, loss of luggage or illness etc.   Cancellations and amendments: Cancellation fees will be levied relative to the amount of notice given: 42 days or more—loss of deposit 8-41 days: 20% of fare plus deposit 2-7 days: 50% of fare plus deposit 1 day before & Day of departure: 100% of fare. In case of concert or sporting tours, where admission tickets are purchased in advance, a minimum cancellation fee equivalent to the cost of admission tickets will apply. Please note: Passenger baggage to be a maximum of 20kg. per person FOR BOOKINGS CONTACT:   Port Macquarie Travel                  Licence No. 2TA 000831   110 William Street PORT MACQUARIE  NSW  2444                PH: 6583 1422 or Camden Haven Travel                                PH: 6559 9048 CHRISTMAS IN JULY IN ARMIDALE Domestic Tours     Christmas in July in Armidale Wednesday 25 & Thursday 26 July 2012 DAY 1: Wednesday 25 July 2012 We depart the Port Macquarie Coach Terminal at 8.00am with a morning tea stop at Long Flat before ascending via the beautiful Mt Seaview area into the top of the New England at Walcha.  We have a light lunch at “The Royal” in Walcha and on to Armidale.   Armidale is located in the middle of the country’s richest wool producing districts. We stop at the Apex Lookout which offers views of the whole city, before heading to the University to visit the Historic mansion “Booloominbah”, then tour the campus. We then make our way to our accommodation.  We will be warmly welcomed by Sue at the Deer Park Motor Inn with time to freshen up before the evenings festivities—we may even  have the chance to feed the family of fallow deer on the property.  Dinner will be a festive feast with all the traditional trimmings and a beautiful menu. Deer Park Motor Inn PH: 67729999 DAY 2: Thursday 26 July 2012 After our full buffet breakfast we take a  town tour with a local guide to show us around this beautiful town.   One of the founding cities of this historic region, Armidale provides the marvellous contrasts of a bustling modern commercial centre with bygone beauty.   After our town tour we will have morning tea in the park before heading to Bellingen. Lunch today will be at Bellingen’s Diggers Rest Hotel. We will have a comfort stop at Macksville as we take a relaxing drive home.  We expect to arrive home in Port Macquarie around 4.30pm after a festive Christmas in July in Armidale   COST: $245.00 per person (based on twin/double share accommodation Single Supplement: $40.00 A deposit of $100.00 per person is required upon booking with the balance due 16 June 2012 TOUR INCLUSIONS: Air conditioned coach travel Overnight accommodation, Christmas dinner and buffet breakfast Lunch days 1 & 2 Visit to Booloominbah Town Tour guide The itinerary may be subject to change without notice.  Whilst every effort is made to adhere to the itinerary as provided, Holiday Coast Tours reserves the right to alter the touring and attractions as dictated by circumstances and conditions outside the company’s control.  Alterations may be made to ensure the smooth running of the tour.  Every attempt will be made to ensure the alterations do not adversely effect the operation of the tour.  Holiday Coast Tours will not be held responsible for weather based cancellations or those closures made at the venue’s discretion.   Passengers are strongly recommended to take out travel insurance in case of cancellation or curtailment expenses, loss of luggage or illness etc.   Cancellations and amendments: Cancellation fees will be levied relative to the amount of notice given: 42 days or more—loss of deposit 8-41 days: 20% of fare plus deposit 2-7 days: 50% of fare plus deposit 1 day before & Day of departure: 100% of fare. In case of concert or sporting tours, where admission tickets are purchased in advance, a minimum cancellation fee equivalent to the cost of admission tickets will apply. Please note: Passenger baggage to be a maximum of 20kg. per person FOR BOOKINGS CONTACT:   Port Macquarie Travel                  Licence No. 2TA 000831   110 William Street PORT MACQUARIE  NSW  2444                PH: 6583 1422 or Camden Haven Travel                                PH: 6559 9048 MATILDA HWY, LAWN HILL NP, GULF COUNTRY, CARNARVON GORGE Domestic Tours     Holiday Coast Tours Presents The Matilda Highway An 18 Day Coach Tour of Outback Queensland & the Gulf Tuesday 03 July – Friday 20 July, 2012 The Matilda Highway runs from Cunnamulla in the south to Karumba in the north. It passes through an ever changing landscape from undulating Mulga Plains in the south to open Mitchell Grass Plains and desert uplands in the central west and gulf plains in the north. There are picturesque billabong and vast inland river systems, rugged gorges and escarpments as well as many scenic national parks. Join us or an unforgettable journey through this magnificent part of Australia Highlights Charleville & Barcaldine The Tree of Knowledge QANTAS Outback Founders Museum Longreach Stockmans Hall of Fame 2 nights Lawn Hill National Park 2 nights Karumba on the Gulf of Carpentaria Normanton Mt Surprise – The Lava Tubes 2 nights at the Carnarvon Gorge National Park Day 1 (LD): Port Macquarie to Moree (Tuesday 03 July, 2012) Welcome to our 18 day tour. We depart the Port Macquarie coach terminal at 8.00am with morning tea at Long Flat on the Oxley Highway and head away from the coast and into the New England Ranges. Our lunch stop is at Walcha. From here we head into the heart of the wheat belt travelling through Gunnedah. Dorothea Mackellar wrote her famous poem My Country (popularly known as - I Love a Sunburnt Country) about her family's farm near Gunnedah. We continue west as we travel to our destination of Moree. (Dinner in the motel/Light lunch in Walcha) Burke & Wills Motor Inn, Moree - 02 6752 3377 Day 2 (BD): Moree to Charleville (Wednesday 04 July, 2012) Today we are heading into south western Queensland to join the Mitchell Highway (also known as the Matilda Highway) at Charleville. However before we leave Moree this morning we have some time to have a look around the town and briefly view the hot artesian spa baths. The waters are drawn from the Great Artesian Basin, which underlies an extensive area of north western NSW. The Artesian Bore here was constructed in 1895 for the purpose of supplying irrigation water…. however the waters mineral and sodium content was too high, hence the public bathing area! Not only are the waters good for health problems but also for those seeking relief from the normal aches and pains associated with sports. Then we head over the Queensland Border to St George for our lunch stop. This is a rural town 500ks west of Brisbane, situated on the Balonne River. We will have time to stretch our legs along the popular Riverside Walk. Our afternoon travel takes us north west to Charleville for our overnight stay. (Breakfast & dinner in the motel/Lunch own arrangements & cost at St George) Mulga Country Motor Inn Charleville 07 46543255 Day 3 (BLD): Charleville to Barcaldine (Thursday 05 July, 2012) We have just under 400ks to travel today with a couple of very interesting stops along the way. This morning we take a look around Charleville . The Royal Flying Doctor Service is based here and covers 622,000 sq kms – that’s almost the size of the UK. Also located here is the Cosmos Centre, home to the powerful MeadeTelescope. And it was from here that Qantas flew its first commercial flight to Cloncurry. The famous Stieger Vortex Rain Guns were fired from here during the 1902 drought of which 2 remain on show in Bicentennial Park. Late morning we travel through to Augathella where we stop for our picnic lunch. Then we continue to Blackall. Blackall is the home to the legendary gun shearer Jackie Howe. It was here that he set the almost unbelievable record of shearing 321 sheep with blade shears in a day. A bronze statue now stands as a monument to the man and the achievement. North of here is Barcaldine on the Capricorn Highway where we stay overnight. (Breakfast & dinner in the motel/picnic lunch supplied) Landsborough Lodge Barcaldine 07 46511100 Day 4 (BD): Barcaldine to Longreach (Friday 06 July, 2012) This morning we take a look at the new memorial at the Tree of Knowledge. This iconic ghost gum, which grew outside the Railway Station, earned its claim to fame as the founding site of the political movement we now know as the Australian Labor Party. It was poisoned in 2006 and did not recover. We also visit the Worker’s Heritage Centre, the only national attraction dedicated to celebrating the lives and proud heritage of ordinary working people. The displays tell the stories of the railway workers and blacksmiths, the farmers, nurses and teachers who shaped the nation. From here we travel onto Longreach – just over 100ks to the east. This afternoon we visit the Qantas Founders Outback Museum, adjacent to the historic 1922 Qantas hangar, which has been restored as part of the project. The complex houses the museum, theatrette and exhibition hall, visitor information centre and restaurant. Historic photographs, memorabilia and multi-media interactive displays eloquently tell the inspirational stories of overcoming the problems of long distance travel in Outback Australia. A Boeing 747-200, donated by Qantas Airways Ltd, is the latest addition to the exhibit and forms a spectacular part of the museum's outdoor display. Our guided tour provides us with an appreciation of the vision and achievements of the Qantas Founders, which is "that Qantas would one day become one of the world’s greatest airlines. Tonight we soak up a spectacular outback sunset as we enjoy the Drover’s Dinner Extravaganza. On the banks of the Thomson River we will sit back and be charmed by our outback entertainers and savour the traditional and exotic flavours of our outback themed cuisine. This will be a memorable evening. (Breakfast in the motel/Lunch own arrangements & cost/theme dinner) Albert Park Motor Inn Longreach 07 46582411 Day 5 (BLD): Stockmans Hall of Fame (Saturday 07 July, 2012) First stop this morning is the famous Stockmans Hall of Fame. Here we will see outback antiques, videos that make use of modern technology to tell old stories, an 1866 settlers hut and all the stockman’s paraphernalia is on show. Then we rejoin the coach to continue our touring along the Matilda Highway. By lunch time we will be at Winton. This central area of Queensland abounds with early Australian folklore and history. It was in this area that Banjo Paterson wrote his famous poem about the swagman and the jolly jumbuck. “Waltzing Matilda” was first heard in a pub here called the North Gregory Hotel. There are some fascinating and unusual sights on offer in Winton today and we take a brief sightseeing tour to discover the town’s uniqueness – see Arno’s Wall (its very different) and Searl’s Original Department Store. We also spend some time this afternoon at the Waltzing Matilda Centre. The Billabong Courtyard is our introduction to the Waltzing Matilda Centre. One minute, the bright Outback sunshine pours into the Courtyard via a steep louvred roof, brilliantly illuminating a group of figures near a waterhole. Then the louvred roof closes. The Courtyard is in cool darkness. Mist rises from the surface of the water and a ghostly apparition appears. Listen to the swaggie tell his own version of a story which has become Australia's greatest legend. Trace the history of Waltzing Matilda as it chronicles the growth of a nation - and enjoy a unique light and sound show. (Breakfast & dinner in the motel/light lunch at Waltzing Matilda Centre, Winton) Boulder Opal Motel, Winton 07 46571211 Day 6 (BLD): Winton to Cloncurry (Sunday 08 July, 2012) After breakfast in the motel we are on our way again, heading towards Cloncurry. We pass through Kynuna which, in the early days was a staging post for Cobb and Co Coaches. It’s also thought that Combo Waterhole, just a few ks from here, is the site of the famous billabong in Australia’s national folk song. Lunch today is at McKinlay – also a Cobb and Co staging post but more recently the town has become known as the home of the Walkabout Creek Hotel. This historic pub was once the Shire Hall and has recently gained notoriety as the pub in the movie "Crocodile Dundee". The hotel was originally named the Federal Hotel and was built in 1900. We enjoy a pub lunch here before continuing to Cloncurry. This afternoon we visit John Flynn Place which commemorates the founding of the Royal Flying Doctor Service. There is an art gallery, cultural centre and the RFDS Museum located here. (Breakfast & dinner in the motel/Pub lunch) Gidgee Inn Cloncurry 07 47421599 Day 7 (BLD): To Lawn Hill National Park (Monday 09 July, 2012) Today we are heading right into the Gulf Country! We make a morning tea stop at the Burke & Wills Road House (own expense) and continue our journey north along the Burke Developmental Road and turn off the Highway and travel through Gregory on our way to Adels Grove located on the edge of the Lawn Hill National Park. (Road conditions in this area are subject to change). Accommodation at Adels Grove is in the form of comfortable pre-erected tents with full toilet facilities located close by. (Breakfast & dinner in the motel/Picnic lunch included) Adels Grove, Lawn Hill National Park 07 47485502 Day 8 (BLD): Lawn Hill National Park (Tuesday 10 July, 2012) After breakfast we spend a leisurely day exploring Lawn Hill Gorge with its 60 metre sheer sandstone walls and crystal clear green water, fringed by lush tropical vegetation. Twenty kilometres of marked pathways provide access to the more spectacular viewing areas around the gorge area. You may like to hire one of the Canoes (own expense) to take a closer look at the Gorge. Today is at leisure and lunch is provided in the dining room. (Light Lunch provided, breakfast & dinner at Adel’s Grove Dining room) Adels Grove, Lawn Hill National Park 07 4748550 Day 9 (BLD): To Karumba via Normanton (Wednesday 11 July, 2012) Today we make an early start and travel back to the Burke & Wills Roadhouse before heading north to Normanton. We enjoy some of the sights of Normanton with lunch at the Albion Hotel, then travel north to Karumba which is the easiest point of access to the Gulf. A telegraph station was established here in 1870 and during the 1930s the Royal Mail Service operated Empire flying boats from here to Asia and Europe. (Breakfast & dinner in the motel/pub lunch) End o the Road Motel, Karumba 07 47459599 Day 10 (BD): Karumba and the Gulf (Thursday 12 July, 2012) Karumba is located on the mouth of the Norman River and is now the centre of the prawning industry in the Gulf of Carpentaria. A barramundi fishing industry also operates out of the town. This morning we visit the Barramundi Farm before some free time. This afternoon we enjoy a sunset cruise on the peaceful Gulf waters aboard the Ferryman. The Ferryman is a comfortable well fitted passenger barge that will give you a great view of the area as well as informative commentary on the Gulf’s history and local attractions. After our cruise, we enjoy open air dining (weather permitting) on the beachfront overlooking the mouth of the Norman River and the Gulf at the Sunset Tavern, Karumba Point. (Breakfast & dinner in the motel/Lunch own arrangements & cost) End o the Road Motel, Karumba 07 47459599 Day 11 (BLD):Karumba to Normanton (Friday 13 July, 2012) This morning we travel back to Normanton. At the Normanton Railway Station which is a classic example of Victorian architecture, we board the Gulflander which is a quite famous train that still runs from Normanton to Croydon. Our trip today takes us only as far as Critters Camp where our coach will meet us. After morning tea, we head east along the Gulf Developmental Road to Croydon. This old gold mining town was once the biggest in the Gulf and today it still has some interesting buildings. It was reckoned that there were once 50,000 gold mines in the area and reminders of these are scattered all around the countryside. There is a bit of a resurgence of gold mining in the area again today with new technology making it feasible to rework the old diggings.  After lunch in Croydon, we travel to Georgetown where we visit the Terrestrial Centre. Here we can view the multi award winning, Terrestrial - the Ted Elliott Mineral Collection. This collection, which is all the work of one man, Ted Elliott, contains over 4500 mineral specimens in a myriad of fascinating colours and shapes from the region and throughout the world. This unique display is set out in nine themed rooms each with its own audio visual component. A must-see for any traveller, this collection will amaze us with its beauty and sheer size. (Breakfast & dinner in the hotel/Pub lunch) Latara Resort Motel, Georgetown - 07 4062 1190 Day 12 (BLD): Cobbold Gorge (Saturday 14 July, 2012) Today we head south through Forsayth to Cobbold Gorge. Occupying an area of about 80 km², Cobbold Gorge was created by a process that began 1700 million years ago. Over millions of years sand and mud sediments were deposited on what was then the ocean floor. Eventually the sediments were more than 10km thick. Movement in the Earth's crust caused the sediments to compress, forming Hampstead Sandstone, and fold. Large scale faults began to appear in the rock Torrential wet season rains spilled torrents of water through the narrow faults, creating deep gorges and permanent waterholes. On our arrival, our tour commences with an accredited Savannah Guide and includes an escarpment walk and a visit to the grave of John Corbett, followed by lunch at the gorge and a boat cruise. Majestic sandstone cliffs tower on either side - and the world becomes a fascinating, shadowed place as we enter the deep recesses of Cobbold Gorge. Gliding along still dark waters between towering cliffs, the silence is broken only by distant chattering of the birds far overhead. Only 2 metres wide in places, the flat-bottomed boat has barely room to manoeuvre between the 30m ochre cliffs of the gorge. We'll have excellent "close-ups" of the sedimentary features that give Cobbold Gorge its shape and colours. A diverse range of vegetation grows in the gorge forming a habitat for abundant bird and wildlife. It is also home to fish such as black bream, archerfish, long tom and perch, and freshwater crocodiles.  After a fabulous day, we make our way back to Georgetown for a second night (Breakfast & dinner in the motel/Picnic lunch) Latara Resort Motel, Georgetown - 07 4062 1190 Day 13(BLD): The Lava Tubes (Sunday 15 July, 2012) We travel over to Mount Surprise this morning where our locally based Savannah Guide will introduce us to the Lava Tubes – the oldest standing and best preserved system anywhere in the world. They were formed around 190,000 years ago when a major crater in the McBride Volcanic Province erupted. After our tour we have lunch back at the Lodge. This afternoon we drive south along the Gregory Development Road to Charters Towers for our overnight stay. (Breakfast & dinner in the motel/Lunch at Mount Surprise) Cattleman’s Rest Motel Charters Towers 07 47873555 Day 14 (BLD) Charters Towers - Emerald – Carnarvon Gorge (Monday 16 July, 2012) Our touring takes us south today – through the Blackwood National Park and onto Claremont where we stop for lunch. This was the site of an early gold rush and is one of the oldest inland settlements in tropical Queensland. First explored by Ludwig Leichardt in 1845, it wasn't until the lure of gold attracted settlers in 1861 that the town flourished. However, in 1916 Clermont was devastated by flood and the town was relocated to a higher site nearby. This afternoon we continue to Emerald and then south through Springsure and into the Carnarvon Gorge National Park (Breakfast & dinner in the motel/Pub lunch at Clermont) Carnarvon Gorge Wilderness Lodge, Carnarvon Gorge 0749844503 Day 15 (BLD): The Carnarvon Gorge National Park (Tuesday 17 July, 2012) Located in the middle of the Great Dividing Range, this rugged area features dramatic gorge scenery as well as many aboriginal rock carvings and paintings. The Carnarvon Gorge is stunning, partly because its an oasis surrounded by drier plains and partly due to its scenic variety, which includes sandstone cliffs, moss gardens, deep pools and rare palms and ferns. The Gorge also contains fine examples of Aboriginal art along with an abundance of animal and bird life. There is a series of walks and impressive landscapes including cliff walls up to 200 metres high, to be enjoyed. Our locally based guide will show us around and lunch will be provided (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner) Carnarvon Gorge Wilderness Lodge, Carnarvon Gorge 0749844503 Day 16 (BLD): Roma & Dalby (Wednesday 18 July, 2012) We travel out of the National Park and south to Roma this morning. An experienced local guide will join the coach at the Bungil Cultural Community Centre for a tour of the interesting and historically significant sites in Roma including Hospital Hill, where petroleum was first discovered in Australia. Lunch today will be at the Riggers Mess Café at the Big Rig Tourist Complex. Next is a tour of the Oil Patch, which features a giant 1920 Emsco Rig, the last steam driven rig in Australia, as well as the first diesel powered rig and several large trucks and other equipment. A series of 12 interactive and informative panels, audio presentations, landscape diorama showing the Roma landscape some 300 million years ago, provides the interpretation. Our afternoon drive takes us through to Miles and onto Dalby. (Breakfast & dinner in the motel/Light lunch included) Dalby Manor Motor Inn, Dalby 07 46621011 Day 17 (BD): Jondaryan Woolshed/Toowoomba/Gold Coast (Thursday 19 July, 2012) Our morning stop is at Jondaryan Woolshed which is the oldest operating woolshed in Australia and the first “purpose built” shearing shed in the country. The complex covers 12 acres and features historic buildings and vintage machinery. During our time here today we will see sheep shearing demonstrations, sheep dogs working, steam farm machinery in operation. From here we travel towards Toowoomba. On the way we will pass St Anne’s Church – the oldest slab walled church in use in Queensland and the second oldest in Australia. We also make a stop at the Museum of Australian Army Flying – home to a collection of memorabilia including aircraft, engines, uniforms and memories of the adventures and romance experienced by our pioneer military aviators. We will see the Bristol Boxkites used as a training aircraft in 1914 along with a range of others including the famous Pilatus Porter short take odd and landing aircraft. We stop in Toowoomba for a lunch break (own cost) before heading down to the Gold Coast for our final night on tour. (Breakfast & dinner in the motel/Lunch own cost in Toowoomba) Quality Mermaid Waters Gold Coast 07 55722500 Day 18 (BL): Heading Home (Friday 20 July, 2012) We head home this morning with a stop at Grafton for lunch at the Australia Hotel. We arrive home late afternoon to complete a sensational 18 day tour. (Breakfast in the motel/Pub lunch) COST: $4075.00 per person (based on twin/double share accommodation) Single supplement $890.00 A deposit of $500.00 per person is required upon booking with final payment due 3 June 2012 TOUR INCLUSIONS: Air conditioned coach travel 17 nights accommodation as per the itinerary 17 cooked breakfasts, 17 dinners and 14 lunches Apsley Arms Hotel Walcha – Lunch (Day 1) Charleville - RFDS - entry/tour/guide (Day 3) Charleville Cosmos Centre - Astronomy by Day (Day 3) Picnic Lunch (Day 3) Blackall Wool Scour & Info Centre - guided tour (Day 3) Barcaldine V.C. - Guide - 1 hour (Day 4) Workers Heritage Centre - self guided tour (Day 4) QANTAS Founders Outback Museum incl 747 (Day 4) Outback Aussie Tours - Drovers Dinner (Day 4) Stockmans Hall of Fame – entry (Day 5) Waltzing Matilda Centre, Winton - Light lunch (Day 5) Waltzing Matilda Centre, Winton – entry (Day 5) Walkabout Creek Hotel McKinlay - Light Lunch (Day 6) John Flynns Place - entry/comp t/coffee (Day 6) Burke & Wills Road House - M/T own cost (Day 7) Adels Grove Touring/Lunches (Day 8) Albion Hotel - pub lunch (Day 9) Barramundi Discovery Centre - 1 hour (Day 10) Ferryman River Cruises - 2 hr A/T Cruise (Day 10) Sunset Tavern - Buffet Dinner (Day 10) Gulflander - O/W - Normanton/Critters Crossing (Day 11) Club Hotel Croydon - Pub Lunch (Day 11) Terrestrial Centre Georgetown - allow 1 hour (Day 11) Cobbold Gorge Tours - 4.5hrs ex CG Camp Village with lunch (Day 12) Undarra Experience - 2 hr Archway Explorer Tour (Day 13) Mt Surprise - Buffet Lunch (Day 13) Clermont Club – Lunch (Day 14) Carnarvon Gorge - Flora & Fauna Walk (Day 15) Carnarvon Gorge - lunch (Day 15) Big Rig Tourist Complex, Roma - Light lunch (Day 16) Oil Patch Roma - Guided Tour (Day 16) Jondayan Woolshed (Day 17) Museum of Australian Army Flying, Oakey (Day 17) Australia Hotel Grafton - Pub lunch (Day 18) The itinerary may be subject to change without notice.  Whilst every effort is made to adhere to the itinerary as provided, Holiday Coast Tours reserves the right to alter the touring and attractions as dictated by circumstances and conditions outside the company’s control.  Alterations may be made to ensure the smooth running of the tour.  Every attempt will be made to ensure the alterations do not adversely effect the operation of the tour.  Holiday Coast Tours will not be held responsible for weather based cancellations or those closures made at the venue’s discretion.   Passengers are strongly recommended to take out travel insurance in case of cancellation or curtailment expenses, loss of luggage or illness etc.   Cancellations and amendments: Cancellation fees will be levied relative to the amount of notice given: 42 days or more—loss of deposit 8-41 days: 20% of fare plus deposit 2-7 days: 50% of fare plus deposit 1 day before & Day of departure: 100% of fare. In case of concert or sporting tours, where admission tickets are purchased in advance, a minimum cancellation fee equivalent to the cost of admission tickets will apply. Please note: Passenger baggage to be a maximum of 20kg. per person Port Macquarie Travel                  Licence No. 2TA 000831   110 William Street PORT MACQUARIE  NSW  2444                PH: 6583 1422 or Camden Haven Travel                                PH: 6559 9048 INLAND NSW,QLD, GLADSTONE & TOWN OF 1770 Domestic Tours     Holiday Coast Tours Presents Southern Queensland Featuring Agnes Waters & 1770 Monday 11 June – Friday 22 June 2012 Agnes Waters & The Town of 1770 is the Birthplace of Queensland and the first recorded landing place of Captain James Cook in 1770. The then Lieutenant James Cook, on his discovery voyage of The New Found Land (Australia), first set foot at this point on the 24th May in 1770. The town was named in this honour and a monument laid near the spot where Cook and Joseph Banks came ashore. The Town of 1770 is nestled on the western side of a peninsula over looking one of the most magnificent views of Bustard Bay and Round Hill Creek. This will be our base for 3 nights as we explore the area. We will also visit Toowoomba, Gladstone, Hervey Bay, the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane. Day 1 (LD):  Port Macquarie to the Gold Coast (Monday 11 June, 2012) Welcome to our winter tour north to Queensland. We depart the Port Macquarie coach terminal at 8.00am.  After we have loaded the coach we follow the Pacific Highway north,  with a stop for lunch at the South Grafton Club. We arrive on the Gold Coast late afternoon for our first night on tour. (Club lunch/Dinner in the motel) Quality Mermaid Waters Gold Coast - 07 5572 2500 Day 2 (BLD): Gold Coast to Miles via Jondaryan (Tuesday 12 June, 2012) We are heading into the Darling Downs today. Toowoomba is about 150ks west of the Gold Coast. On our way this morning we have arranged a visit to the very interesting Workshops Rail Museum in Ipswich. It offers an historic & interactive journey to the birthplace of Queensland’s Railways. There are steam engines in all their coal-burning, steam-blowing glory and we can witness the speed of Australia's fastest high tech train. The Workshops Rail Museum is the finest railway museum in the country. After a tour and an early lunch we drive through to Toowoomba and onto historic Jondaryan Woolshed built in 1859. On the way we will pass St Anne’s Church – the oldest slab walled church in use in Queensland and the second oldest in Australia. We spend the afternoon at Jondaryan Woolshed which is the oldest operating woolshed in Australia and the first “purpose built” shearing shed in the country. The complex covers 12 acres and features historic buildings and vintage machinery. During our time here today we will see sheep shearing demonstrations, sheep dogs working, steam farm machinery in operation. And we will stay on for an early dinner – a traditional camp oven dinner with entertainment. (Breakfast in the motel/Light lunch/camp oven dinner) Starline Motor Inn Miles - 07 4627 1322 Day 3 (BD): Miles to Gladstone (Wednesday 13 June, 2012) We have just under 300ks drive this morning north through Wandoan and Taroom before we hit the Dawson Highway which takes us east through Biloela to Gladstone. The country around Wandoan is used for wheat and sorghum crops evidenced by the towering silos near the township. Our lunch stop will be at Theodore – an attractive town with palm trees growing along the Boulevarde into the centre of town. From here we continue to Biloela and then onto the coast at Gladstone. (Breakfast & dinner in the motel/Lunch own arrangements & cost) Rydges Gladstone - 07 4970 0000 Day 4 (BLD): Gladstone (Thursday 14 June, 2012) After breakfast this morning we take a look at Gladstone. The city is built around a natural deep water port and because of this, in the 1960s, the city was transformed with the start of a major industrial and community expansion which has continued to this day. So the first thing we are going to do when we arrive is take a harbour cruise. We will see why Gladstone is often referred to as the Industrial Land of the Giants! It has the world's largest alumina refinery, Australia's largest aluminium smelter, Queensland's biggest power station, Australia's largest cement operation and the State’s largest multi-cargo port. After our cruise we have a wine tasting and lunch at Gecko Valley Winery and then we are joined on the coach by a local guide who will tell us a little more about the city and take us through the Botanic Gardens. The Tondoon Botanic Gardens cover 83 hectares and offer an appealing range of sites and ecosystems, including a lake with forest surroundings and the Mt Biondello bush walk. The gardens are one of the few in Australia that are totally native. (Breakfast & Dinner in the motel/light lunch)Rydges Gladstone - 07 4970 0000 Day 5(BD): Gladstone to 1770 (Friday 15 June, 2012) After breakfast this morning we drive south along the Bruce Highway to Mirriam Vale and then out to Agnes Waters. This will be our base for the next three nights as we explore this delightful region. On arrival we check into our accommodation and then transfer to our local dinner venue. (Lunch own arrangements & cost/Dinner included) Sandcastles 1770 Motel & Resort Agnes Water – 07 4974 9428 Day 6 (BD): Exploring Agnes Waters & Seventeen Seventy (Saturday 16 June, 2012) This morning we enjoy breakfast at the 1770 Hotel. This morning are planning to do some local exploring. First stop will be a ‘voyage of discovery” through the Shire Museum. Of course the first recorded European to visit Australia’s shores was Lt James Cook when he anchored in Bustard Bay on the 23rd of May in the year 1770. The museum’s story is focussed around this event and the subsequent development of the local Miriam Vale Shire since that time. Our touring also includes a stop at Round Hill Headland to see the anchor from the 'MV Countess Russell' which, in 1873, was wrecked to the south, on what has become known as Wreck Rock (off Deepwater National Park). We will also see the Captain Cook Monument located on Captain Cook Drive and the point at which he landed at what is now the Town of 1770 on the 24th May. Later this afternoon, we join the unique, award-winning LARC (lighter amphibious resupply cargo vessel) for a one hour sunset cruise/tour to Eurimbula National Park. (Breakfast & dinner in the Resort/Lunch own arrangements & cost) Sandcastles 1770 Motel & Resort Agnes Water – 07 4974 9428 Day 7 (BLD): Lady Musgrave Island & Lagoon (Sunday 17 June, 2012) Enjoy a day at leisure or take the optional Reef cruise on 1770 Great Barrier Reef Cruises to Lady Musgrave Reef. The Spirit of 1770 is a purpose built 22 meter high speed catamaran that departs the marina each day and returns at approximately 5.30pm. Its takes roughly 90 minutes to get to the beautiful and fully protected Coral Lagoon. Once there the boat ties up to a private pontoon from which you can join a glass bottom boat, visit Lady Musgrave Island for a short walk or do some snorkling. A delicious lunch is served before the cruise departs for the return trip at around 3pm. (Breakfast and dinner at the Resort/Light lunch on the OPTIONAL cruise) Sandcastles 1770 Motel & Resort Agnes Water – 07 4974 9428 Day 8 (BLD): To the Discovery Coast (Monday 18 June, 2012) After breakfast we are off on our day’s touring – this time we head south to Bundaberg, a major sugar growing, processing and exporting centre. As we drive through Bundaberg, look out for a local landmark – the Whaling Wall - it is a fantastic marine life wall mural on one of Bundaberg's highest buildings in the town centre. We also visit the beautiful Botanic Gardens with time for a walk around the gardens, or an optional visit to Hinkler House Museum (own expense) which is dedicated to the life and times of the aviator Bert Hinkler who was born in Bundaberg.  In 1928 he made the first solo flight between England and Australia.  The house in which he lived his final years was transported from Southampton, England, to its present location within the gardens. Some of the sugar grown in the region actually ends up in the famous Bundaberg Rum!  Therefore, it’s appropriate that we indulge with a tour and tasting at the Distillery. This afternoon we continue south to Hervey Bay with a stop at Apple Tree Creek to visit the Flying High Bird Habitat. Covering an area of two acres and reaching a height of seven metres, the many varieties of Australian parrots and finches fly free in a natural habitat created especially for them! Within the aviary, there are now over 1500 birds which can be observed at the different feeding stations along the 300 metres of walking track. Now added to the collection are four spectacular South American Macaws along with numerous finches from Africa and Asia. Our accommodation for the next two nights is Hervey Bay - one of Queensland’s fastest developing areas. Once a sleepy settlement, Hervey Bay has grown at an astronomical rate in the last decade. (Breakfast & dinner in the hotel/Light lunch included) Ramada Hervey Bay - 07 4197 0500 Day 9 (BLD): Fraser Island (Tuesday 19 June, 2012) This morning we board the ferry at River Heads for a day on magnificent Fraser Island. Being the largest sand island in the world, Fraser hosts an amazing range of rainforests, freshwater lakes, sand dunes and miles of beaches. As the island has no roads and all access is via sand tracks and the beach, we take a 4WD tour of the island, showing us the many island sights, the crystal clear freshwater lakes, the magnificent wilderness and rich rainforests. Fraser is also famous for its dingo population. The dingoes on the island are the most pure bred in Australia. Visit one of the best known landmarks on the island - the Maheno Shipwreck, blown ashore during a cyclone. We enjoy a delicious lunch and after an exhilarating and memorable day touring Fraser Island, (and perhaps a swim in a clear lake – so bring your bathers) we return to the mainland, the motel and dinner. (Breakfast & dinner in the hotel/Lunch included) Ramada Hervey Bay  - 07 4197 0500 Day 10 (BD): The Eumundi Markets (Wednesday 20 June, 2012) We are heading to the Sunshine Coast this morning – more specifically to the famous Eumundi Markets which are held twice a week on Wednesdays and Sundays. From humble beginnings in 1979, when a couple of local artists thought they might like to hold a European style  “artisans and farmers” market in Eumundi to today where there are now 600 stalls and 1.6 million visitors per year! The Eumundi Markets continue to focus on handmade products, with the ethos of “make it, bake it, grow it, sew it”. We spend a couple of hours here before continuing into Brisbane for the last two nights of our tour. Our accommodation is at the delightful Royal on the Park – located in a quite corner of the CBD directly over the road from the Royal Botanic Gardens. (Breakfast & dinner in the motel/Lunch own arrangements at Eumundi Markets) Royal on the Park Brisbane - 07 3221 3411 Day 11 (BLD): Discovering Brisbane (Thursday 21 June, 2012) We have a great day in store today. Our coach will take us to Southbank where, at 10.00am we board Brisbane’s famous river boat MV Mirimar for a 19k upstream cruise though some of Brisbane’s most attractive suburbs and most interesting wildlife habitats. A commentary and morning tea will be provided. At 11.15am we will arrive at one of the world’s best zoos – Lone Pine, in time for the Platypus Presentation, the Birds of Prey Show and the Sheep Dog and Shearing Show. Then its back to the Mirimar where lunch will be waiting for us. We transfer back to our hotel. The rest of the afternoon is free to take a walk in the Botanic Gardens (opposite) or for some shopping. (Breakfast & dinner in the hotel/Lunch included) Royal on the Park Brisbane - 07 3221 3411 Day 12 (BL): Brisbane/Home (Friday 22 June 2012) We have arranged an early breakfast this morning as we have a fairly long day to get home. We bypass the Gold Coast and over the border into New South Wales. Lunch today is at the Ballina RSL. This afternoon we again travel via Grafton and Coffs Harbour before arriving home late afternoon to complete a sensational 12 day tour. (Breakfast in the motel/Club lunch included) All itineraries are subject to change due to occasional restrictions in opening times/days of some attractions, e.g. churches, wineries etc. We cannot be held responsible for any changes due to closures, inclement weather etc COST: $2990.00 per person (based on twin/double share accommodation) $580.00 single supplement A deposit of $350.00 per person is required upon booking with final payment  1 May 2012 TOUR INCLUSIONS: Air-conditioned coach travel 12 nights accommodation as per theitinerary 12 cooked breakfasts, 12 dinners and 7 lunches South Grafton Club – Lunch (Day 1) Workshops Rail Museum Ipswich - Tour 1 - entry/M/T/Lunch (Day 2) Jondaryan Woolshed - tour/arvo tea/camp oven dinner (Day 2) Curtis ferry Services - 2.5 hr coffee cruise (Day 4) Gecko Valley Winey - Light lunch (Day 4) Gladstone Visitors Centre - Local guide 2 hrs (Day 4) Shire Museum – tour (Day 6) LARC - Sunset Cruise (Day 6) Lady Musgrave Cruise - OPTIONAL EXTRA (Day 7) Bundaberg Rum Distillery - Bondstore experience & tasting (Day 8) Bundy RSL Club – lunch (Day 8) Flying High Bird Habittat (Day 8) Fraser Island - 4wd Tour with lunch (Day 9) Eumundi Markets - (Day 10) MV Mirimar - Southbank/Lone Pine M/T Cruise (Day 11) (includes entry to Lone Pine, lunch, return cruise) Ballina RSL Club – lunch (Day 12)  The itinerary may be subject to change without notice.  Whilst every effort is made to adhere to the itinerary as provided, Holiday Coast Tours reserves the right to alter the touring and attractions as dictated by circumstances and conditions outside the company’s control.  Alterations may be made to ensure the smooth running of the tour.  Every attempt will be made to ensure the alterations do not adversely effect the operation of the tour.  Holiday Coast Tours will not be held responsible for weather based cancellations or those closures made at the venue’s discretion.   Passengers are strongly recommended to take out travel insurance in case of cancellation or curtailment expenses, loss of luggage or illness etc.   Cancellations and amendments: Cancellation fees will be levied relative to the amount of notice given: 42 days or more—loss of deposit 8-41 days: 20% of fare plus deposit 2-7 days: 50% of fare plus deposit 1 day before & Day of departure: 100% of fare. In case of concert or sporting tours, where admission tickets are purchased in advance, a minimum cancellation fee equivalent to the cost of admission tickets will apply. Please note: Passenger baggage to be a maximum of 20kg. per person FOR BOOKINGS CONTACT:   Port Macquarie Travel                  Licence No. 2TA 000831   110 William Street PORT MACQUARIE  NSW  2444                PH: 6583 1422 or Camden Haven Travel                                PH: 6559 9048 OUTBACK SPECTACULAR Domestic Tours     Holiday Coast Tours Presents a  4 day Coach Tour to The Gold Coast Outback Spectacular Spirit of the Horse Thursday 12 April 2012 – Sunday 15 April , 2012 Highlights 3 nights at the 4 star Quality Mermaid Waters Hotel Carlton Brewery Tour Harbour Town and Carrara Market Shopping The Australian Outback Spectacular And much more! Day 1 (LD): Port Macquarie to the Gold Coast (Thursday 12 April, 2012) Welcome to our special 4 day coach tour to the Gold Coast. Our accommodation for the next 3 nights is at the Quality Mermaid Waters – a recently upgraded 4 star property located close to Surfers Paradise, the Pacific Fair Shopping Centre and the Jupiters Casino and Entertainment Complex. So sit back and relax as we head north from Port Macquarie on the first day of our tour. We depart the Port Macquarie Coach Terminal at 8.00am.  We stop at the South Grafton Ex Services Club for lunch  before heading to ‘the Coast” and checking into our hotel for the next 3 nights (Club Lunch at Grafton/Dinner in the motel). Quality Mermaid Waters Hotel, Gold Coast Day 2 (BLD): The Gold Coast (Friday 13 April, 2012) This morning after a leisurely breakfast we enjoy some free time before heading north to Yatala. Carlton has been brewing at Yatala since 1993, with the Brewhouse open to the public since 1996. Our guided tour will take in the full brewing process and we will see first hand the new state of the art brewing and packaging technology in action; from raw ingredients to brewing, bottling and a viewing of the amazing new distribution centre. The knowledgeable tour guides will test our brewing knowledge as we sample the beers. We then relax over a light lunch in the Brewhouse Bar and Beer Garden. This afternoon we enjoy a sightseeing tour of the Gold Coast before heading back to the hotel to freshen up for dinner.  (Breakfast & dinner in the motel/Lunchat the  Brewhouse) Day 3: (BD): Outback Spectacular (Saturday 14 April, 2012) After breakfast this morning it is time for a little retail therapy. Choose between a visit to the Carrara Markets,  these popular Gold Coast markets offer a “ton of fun”. Centrally located at Carrara on a stone’s throw from Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach – Carrara Markets is the biggest permanent weekend marketplace in Queensland. With over 500 stalls covering 10 acres it’s a treasure trove of the curious and the unusual. It’s also the original home of discount shopping when it comes to fresh produce, fashion, homewares, pots, plants, bric a brac, souvenirs, arts and crafts and just about everything else. Or perhaps  Harbour Town ? There is a huge range of quality national and international fashion and homewares, designers and manufactuers all selling top brands direct to "in the know" shoppers at prices permanently below regular retail prices. From lingerie to linen, dresses to décor, jackets to jewellery, perfume to pots, bags to books, Harbourtown has it all – all in one colourful and convenient location.! The afternoon is then free for us to relax before our big night out to the Australian Outback Spectacular. One of Australia’s most legendary stories is retold as the Spectacular celebrates the courageous spirit of the Australian horse and commemorates the legend that is Phar Lap. Australian Outback Spectacular’s ‘Spirit of the Horse’ brings to life this iconic Australian story in a specially designed world class arena. The all new show features an amazing cast of larger than life characters as well as magnificent animals including the spirited Australian stockhorse. The stunning special effects will have us on the edge of our seats as we celebrate the courageous spirit of the Australian horse and pay tribute to the legend that is Phar Lap. The grandeur does not end there as we are  treated to a stirring musical score composed exclusively for the show, as well as popular music composed and written by country music legend Lee Kernaghan. Then it’s time for some fun and games! Australians are famous for their competitive spirit and it’s impossible not to become involved in the competition that develops between stockmen and women from rival stations.  Join in the excitement as the stockmen and women test their skill in the race to be champions. We head back to the hotel after a great night out (Breakfast in the motel/ dinner Outback Spectacular/Lunch own arrangements and cost). Day 4 (BL): Heading Home (Sunday 15 April 2012) This morning we check out of our hotel and start the trip home. We break for lunch in Tubacia at the Squatters Rest. Surrounded by vintage tractors, engines and farm machinery there are 16 old style buildings including a replica 1880 cook house. We enjoy a guided tour followed by “Australia's best camp oven lunch”. We rejoin the highway returning to Port Macquarie to complete a sensational 4 day tour. (Breakfast in the motel/lunch Squatters Rest) All itineraries are subject to change due to occasional restrictions in opening times/days of some attractions, e.g. churches, wineries etc. We cannot be held responsible for any changes due to closures, inclement weather etc. COST: $725.00 per person (based on twin/double share accommodation) Single Supplement: $155.00 A deposit of $150.00 per person is required upon booking with final payment being 2 March 2012 TOUR INCLUSIONS Air conditioned coach travel 3 nights motel accommodation – subject to availability 3 cooked breakfasts 2 motel dinners – plus one other see below Lunch at South Grafton Ex Services Club, Grafton Lunch and tour at Carlton & United Brewery, Yatala Dinner and Spirit of the Horse show at Outback Spectacular, Gold Cost Camp Oven lunch with tour and a bush poet at Squatters Rest, Tucabia The itinerary may be subject to change without notice.  Whilst every effort is made to adhere to the itinerary as provided, Holiday Coast Tours reserves the right to alter the touring and attractions as dictated by circumstances and conditions outside the company’s control.  Alterations may be made to ensure the smooth running of the tour.  Every attempt will be made to ensure the alterations do not adversely effect the operation of the tour.  Holiday Coast Tours will not be held responsible for weather based cancellations or those closures made at the venue’s discretion.   Passengers are strongly recommended to take out travel insurance in case of cancellation or curtailment expenses, loss of luggage or illness etc.   Cancellations and amendments: Cancellation fees will be levied relative to the amount of notice given: 42 days or more—loss of deposit 8-41 days: 20% of fare plus deposit 2-7 days: 50% of fare plus deposit 1 day before & Day of departure: 100% of fare. In case of concert or sporting tours, where admission tickets are purchased in advance, a minimum cancellation fee equivalent to the cost of admission tickets will apply. Please note: Passenger baggage to be a maximum of 20kg. per person FOR BOOKINGS CONTACT:   Port Macquarie Travel                  Licence No. 2TA 000831   110 William Street PORT MACQUARIE  NSW  2444                PH: 6583 1422 or Camden Haven Travel                                PH: 6559 9048 Photo No. 1-10 (out of 38 photos hit) (1) 2 3 4 »