3 Day - Springtime In The Lockyer Valley
Departure Date: 18th September 2009
Tour Cost: from $596 per person twin share
Reconnect with the magic of Mother Nature on this fabulous three day breakaway which combines Toowoomba's brilliant Carnival of Flowers Festival with the spectacular Lockyer Valley. The ‘Valley of Variety’ is home to some of the richest and most fertile farming land in the world. Set in the heart of the Lockyer Valley amongst a backdrop of majestic scenery and tucked around the Great Dividing Range is the charming town of Gatton - our home for our two night stay.
Learn the secrets of organic farming with a guided tour of Bauer’s Organic Farm, Qld’s largest producer of certified organic vegies. Enjoy a guided train tour of Pohlmans Nursery, the largest wholesale nursery on the Eastern seaboard. See the natural beauty of Lake Apex Park, a must for bird watchers and visit the local Historical Village showcasing the town’s history. But there’s more…St Paul’s Orchid Show, Brindabella Rose Show, the Grand Parade and historical Spring Bluff Railway Station. There is no doubt that this three day tour represents great variety and value with the opportunity to experience a beautiful part of Queensland’s South East.
DAY 1 HERVEY BAY—GATTON LD
Friday, 18th September 2009: Depart home this morning - Hervey Bay at 6:15am and Maryborough at 7:00am. Travel through Nanango, Yarraman and Esk to the charming rural township of Gatton, arriving for lunch and a guided train tour at Pohlmans Nursery, the largest wholesale nursery on the Eastern seaboard. Find out why their plants are so healthy and productive and how they use cutting edge technology to bring you consistently high quality plants. Browse through the range of beautiful plants and perhaps choose something special to take home. Next see the natural beauty of Apex Lake Park with its many varieties of birdlife, then visit the local Historical Village showcasing the town’s history with actual buildings from previous era’s and memorabilia before settling in to our accommodation.
Two Night Stay Gatton Motel
DAY 2 CARNIVAL OF FLOWERS BD
Saturday, 19th September 2009: Take some free time to enjoy the city centre renowned for costumes at carnival time. See the city wide floral window display competition and the magnificent St Paul's Lutheran Church Orchid Display. Gather at midday to experience the Grand Floral Parade, see hundreds of fresh blooms used to create spectacular floral floats. Sit back and relax in the undercover seating as the parade goes by. Grab a bite to eat and reboard our coach and set off for the English style Brindabella Country Gardens, see the Brindabella Rose Show and Rhododendron Festival. Heading home visit the historic and picturesque Spring Bluff railway station nestled in the hillside of the Great Dividing Range. Enjoy the scenic drive through Murphy’s Creek on our return journey to Gatton.
DAY 3 GATTON—HERVEY BAY BL
Sunday, 20th September 2009: This morning enjoy a guided tour of Bauer’s Organic Farm, one of Queensland’s largest organic vegie farms. Meet our guide, Rob Bauer for a fun, fully guided commentary on the way to the farm, through the magnificent fertile farmland scenery of the Lockyer Valley. Learn about organic food, organic gardening and staying healthy. Say farewell to Queensland’s beautiful ‘Salad Bowl’, making our way home through Esk where we stop for a delicious lunch at the Esk Club Hotel, then continue our journey on through Somerset Dam, Kilcoy and Beerwah. Return to Maryborough at 6.00pm and Hervey Bay at 6.30pm.