Gold Coast & O'Reilly's Rainforest

DAY 1

ALBURY – BRISBANE SUNDAY 16TH JUNE, 2024
Welcome to our seven day Winter Getaway Tour to the Gold Coast and O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat.
Group to assemble at 11.30am at the Albury Airport for a direct Qantas flight to Brisbane departing at 12.40 pm touching down in Brisbane at 2.50pm. On arrival, collect luggage and meet our local coach operator who will transfer us to our Brisbane accommodation for the next two nights.
Accommodation: Hotel Grand Chancellor (2 nights) Brisbane Ph: (07) 3831 4055

DAY 2

EXPLORING BRISBANE MONDAY 17TH JUNE
This morning embark on a leisurely River Cruise that will have us gliding along Brisbane’s waterfront. From the bustle of the city’s skyscrapers to leafy suburbs with waterside mansions we cruise upstream on the Brisbane River to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. The Sanctuary is the world's first and largest koala sanctuary. Enjoy the Platypus Show, see the Birds of Prey and the Sheep Dog demonstration followed by our BBQ lunch. We cruise back to the city and transfer to the Wheel of Brisbane, the giant observation wheel that offers a spectacular 360 degree panoramic view of the city. Unrivalled for its view, a ride on the Wheel of Brisbane is an uplifting experience that will take us almost 60m above the ground in the safety and comfort of a fully enclosed air conditioned capsule. Our final stop today is a journey up to the highest peak in the city - Mount Coot-tha Lookout, offering magnificent panoramic views on the city below and Moreton Bay. What a fabulous way to end our day!

DAY 3

BRISBANE – O’REILLY’S TUESDAY 18TH JUNE
Following breakfast, we farewell our hosts and head for the hills. Make a stop at Canungra Valley Vineyard for a delightful wine tasting before travelling to Lamington National Park, where we arrive at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat. It’s secluded here, isolated due to the private property being established prior to its declaration as a national park. While it wasn’t Queensland’s first national park, it is the most significant and was regularly referred to as ‘Queensland’s National Park’. World Heritage status was bestowed on Lamington in 1994 in recognition of its high biodiversity and the fact it contains a living museum of the evolutionary steps taken in the development of Australia’s modern day flora. On arrival, we enjoy lunch before we settle into our accommodation. Late afternoon we have a special treat in store as we head out for a Private Sunset Experience before returning for our evening meal together.
Accommodation: O’Reilly’s Rainforest Resort (2 nights) Canungra - Lamington National Park Ph: (07) 5502 4911

DAY 4

DISCOVERING LAMINGTON NATIONAL PARK WEDNESDAY 19TH JUNE
After breakfast we spend the morning enjoying the beautiful scenery that surrounds O’Reilly’s at leisure. There are a number of short nature walks, including the famous Tree Top Walk or the early morning Bird Walk. Lunch will be provided before our afternoon 4WD tour where we visit Moran’s Falls, the Wishing Tree and Pats Bluff. On our return you may wish to relax in your room, take in the surroundings, enjoy a complimentary afternoon tea or catch a film in the theatrette* (subject to timings). After an exhilarating day in the mountains relax and enjoy an early dinner together before we board a 4WD bus, travelling to the mystical Glow Worm Grotto for a guided rainforest tour. We perch ourselves beside the secluded gully, home to millions of ancient glow worms, illuminating the cliff face in a blanket of twinkling stars. What an incredible day!

DAY 5

DAY 5 EXPLORING TAMBORINE MOUNTAIN THURSDAY 20TH JUNE
A leisurely morning to enjoy the surroundings one final time before saying farewell to our wonderful hosts. Travel to the spectacular hinterlands of Mount Tamborine.
First, we enjoy the stunning rainforest scenery at Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk. Set in acres of magnificent rainforests beside the crystal-clear rock pools of Cedar Creek, we can immerse ourselves in a comprehensive array of rainforest flora and fauna. The thrill will be the 40-metre bridge that soars a breathtaking 30 metres above the creek and rainforest below. A short distance from here is Cedar Creek Estate where we enjoy a delicious lunch and wine tasting. Have some free time now to explore the Gallery Walk – wander the art galleries, crafts, jewellery and quaint shops filled with local produce before meandering our way back down to the Gold Coast where we check-in to our accommodation for the next two nights.
Accommodation: Mantra at Sharks Gold Coast Ph: (07) 5603 3200

DAY 6

EXPLORING THE GOLD COAST FRIDAY 21ST JUNE
Our breakfast this morning is a little unusual as we head out early to the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary is home to over 1400 birds, mammals and reptiles. We have the morning to experience the program on offer, such as feeding the wild lorikeets or perhaps boarding the miniature steam train for "Kangaroo Crossing" and coming face to face with kangaroos, wallabies and some not-quite-so-friendly crocodiles. Taking a sightseeing drive through the Gold Coast suburbs of Burleigh Heads, Broadbeach and Surfers Paradise we arrive at Skypoint, one of the world’s tallest residential buildings. We’ll take one of the fastest elevators in the world to the 77th floor to take in the brilliant views and enjoy lunch from the observation deck. Back at our hotel we freshen up as tonight we are in for a real treat!  There is no place on earth like the Australian Outback... and no show on earth like the new Australian Outback Spectacular show ‘Heartland’. This touching story will resonate with many as it delves into real world struggles that many Aussie farmers are dealing with today. Prepare to embark on a vivid, spectacular and emotional ride into the heart of the Australian bush under the iconic red roof with a delicious three course dinner. Australia’s favourite dinner and show is more than a night out – it’s an experience steeped in courage, tradition and daring Australian spirit. What a fabulous night!

DAY 7

BRISBANE – ALBURY SATURDAY 22ND JUNE
After an early breakfast, we complete our checkout formalities and transfer to the Brisbane airport for our direct Qantas flight to Albury departing Brisbane at 9:55 am. Our flight arrives back in Albury at 12:15pm after a fabulous holiday.

TOUR COST

$3845.00 Per Person Twin / Double Share
$4426.00 Single Supplement

INCLUDES

Flights Albury / Brisbane return
Coach travel for duration of tour
Accommodation on basis as booked
Meals as indicated on itinerary·Entrances to attractions as per itinerary
Enrances to attractions as per itinerary
Goods & Services Tax

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner