Turtles Of Mon Repos

Day 1

The Hunter - Coffs Harbour
Today we make our way via Bulahdelah to Kempsey for a visit to the Slim Dusty Centre. The museum showcases the life of Slim and the real characters of the Australian Outback, including costumes, cars and numerous guitars. After lunch, continue onto Coffs Harbour for a Plantation Tour at the Big Banana before settling into our overnight accommodation.

Day 2

Coffs Harbour - Brisbane
After breakfast, our journey continues north via Woodburn before crossing the Queensland border at Tweed Heads. Enjoy lunch at Currumbin before taking a scenic drive through the bustling Gold Coast with its shimmering high rises and beautiful beaches. This afternoon, we make our way to the southern suburbs of Brisbane, where we will settle in for the next two nights.

Day 3

Stradbroke Island
This morning we make our way to Brisbane's bayside to board the Stradbroke Island Ferry. Enjoy this North Stradbroke Island tour, crossing Moreton Bay Marine National Park by car ferry to Dunwich and then scenic touring to Point Lookout and Cylinder Beach. Spend time at Gorges Boardwalk where the clear waters make it easy to spot marine life including turtles, dolphins and manta ray. After lunch, visit the Stradbroke Island Historical Museum before returning by ferry to the mainland.

Day 4

Brisbane - Bundaberg
Today, we will welcome our Queensland passengers on board as we make our way to the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. Enjoy morning tea in Maleny and take in the spectacular views overlooking the Glasshouse Mountains. We then continue north to the seaside town of Tin Can Bay for lunch. This afternoon, we'll arriving in Bundaberg for the next three nights.

Day 5

Fairymead House and Sugar Museum - Mon Repos Visitor Centre
The Hinkler Hall of Aviation, situated in the Botanic Gardens, celebrates pioneer solo aviator Bert Hinkler. Take time to purchase your own morning tea in the gardens before visiting Fairymead House and Sugar Museum. Continue on to the Bundaberg Barrel where you will discover the secrets of Bundaberg Ginger Beer. After an early dinner at our hotel, transfer to the Mon Repos Visitor Centre for a Ranger guided tour with opportunity for a special turtle encounter during hatching season. Sightings cannot always be guaranteed - remember, you are viewing wild animals in their natural environment.

Please note that tidal variance may mean you are walking in soft sand and in the dunes, so a reasonable amount of fitness and suitable footwear and clothing will be necessary.

Day 6

Town Tour, Bundy Belle Cruise and Distilling Bondstore
This morning enjoy a town tour of Bundaberg which will highlight why locals regard their region so highly. Bundaberg's Whaling Wall, painted in just 5 days by internationally acclaimed marine artist Robert Wyland, adorns a 6 floor office block in the main street. Next board a luncheon cruise, hearing the history of the Burnett River and the Rum Distillery. This afternoon visit the Bundaberg Distilling Company, home of Bundaberg Rum. You will have time to discover the story so far, taste a little of their product and buy a souvenir or two if you choose.

Day 7

Bundaberg - Brisbane
Today we farewell Bundaberg and make our way to the Heritage City of Maryborough. Enjoy a locally guided tour before continuing on to Gympie for lunch. This afternoon we will travel back to Brisbane where we will farewell our Queensland passengers before settling in for our overnight stay.

Day 8

Brisbane - Glen Innes
Our journey today takes us into the beautiful Scenic Rim. Stop for morning tea in Beaudesert before traversing the Mt Lindesay Highway via Rathdowney to cross the border into New South Wales. Next we will stop at Aloomba Lavender, nestled in the rolling hills of Liston. Enjoy lunch and an informative talk about farming and producing lavender products. This afternoon, travel to Glen Innes where we will stay overnight.

Day 9

Glen Innes - The Hunter
After breakfast, we are homeward bound. Travel the New England Highway via Guyra and Walcha before stopping in Gloucester for lunch. This afternoon, on arrival back to The Hunter, your crew will have your transfers arranged.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner