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6 Day - Gladstone & Carnarvon Gorge Getaway
Departure Date: Thursday, 8th April 2010
Tour Cost: from $2112 per person twin share
This tour is a great country escape travelling the scenic coast to Gladstone then off the beaten track west of the range to remarkable Carnarvon Gorge. Gladstone is exciting, diverse and beautiful and we tour some of the best attractions including The Rio Tinto Alumina Refinery, Boyne Smelters, a winery and art village visit. Then on to Carnarvon Gorge for a relaxing two night stay based at the Wilderness Lodge. This allows time to fully appreciate Carnarvon Gorge, one of Australia's most remarkable wonders. This timeless valley between towering cliffs is a geologically unique landmark, home to an incredible array of plants...graceful palms, tall eucalypts, unusual ferns and mosses...as well as animal and bird species. Rock Art is a tangible reminder of it's Aboriginal heritage. A contrasting homeward route via Roma and Miles adds variety. Come and experience breathtaking diversity at its best on this special getaway!
DAY 1 BRISBANE—GLADSTONE (LD)
Thursday, 8th April 2010: Depart Brisbane Roma Street at 7.00am. Travel north on the Bruce Highway, with passengers joining enroute as required between Brisbane and Maryborough. Enjoy a lunch stop in the Heritage City of Maryborough before travelling on to Gladstone. 2 Night Stay Harbour City Motel.
DAY 2 GLADSTONE SIGHTSEEING (BLD)
Friday, 9th April 2010: After a hearty breakfast, enjoy a tour of Rio Tinto and Boyne Smelters. This tour will take you through both Boyne Smelters Ltd aluminium smelter and the Rio Tinto Alcan Yarwun alumina refinery. Next, lunch and a wine tasting at Gecko Winery. After lunch visit the Cedar Galleries Artist Village with time to explore this remarkable village. Built totally by hand, these galleries are a tribute to those who created them. Walk through the village and take in the masterpieces that have been created by local and visiting artists. Watch in awe as crafts people delicately produce intricate pieces of furniture or sculpture and artist express themselves on canvas. Sample wine at the Waratah Vineyard or enjoy a cappuccino at the cafe while you soak up the atmosphere. Before returning to our accommodation enjoy a sightseeing tour of Gladstone.
DAY 3 GLADSTONE—CARNARVON GORGE (BD)
Saturday, 10th April 2010: Travel the Dawson Highway to the Biloela Heritage museum for morning tea and a guided tour. Stop just outside Moura to view the 150th Meridian in Apex Park then on to the town centre for lunch (own expense). After lunch continue on through Rolleston for an early arrival at Carnarvon Gorge. Enjoy some sightseeing before settling in for accommodation.
2 Night Stay Carnarvon Wilderness Lodge.
DAY 4 CARNARVON GORGE FREE DAY (BLD)
Sunday, 11th April 2010: Without leaving your cosy bed, enjoy the birdcalls or sit and watch the pretty-faced wallabies graze. The sheer wonder of Carnarvon Gorge radiates from the National Park where, for the ambitious, a day-long trek begins with a track map and packed lunch, or you're welcome to join an informative shorter walk led by a guide. The Gorge has many Aboriginal rock art sites. In Angiopteris Ravine, rare King Ferns grow luxuriantly and there's an opportunity to see Aljon Falls and the Moss Gardens. After all that walking and discovering, it's nice to know comfort awaits back at the Wilderness Lodge. After dinner, enjoy a relaxing activity.
DAY 5 CARNARVON GORGE—MILES (BLD)
Monday, 12th April 2010: Reluctantly, farewell to breathtaking Carnarvon Gorge. Rejoin the Carnarvon Developmental Road for Injune. Arrive in Roma for lunch at 'The Big Rig' before continuing on to the Miles Historical Village. Stay Starline Motor Inn.
DAY 6 MILES—HERVEY BAY (B)
Tuesday, 13th April 2010: Homeward bound through the agriculturally rich Darling Downs to Toowoomba. Farewell to all who have shared this wonderful holiday with you. Arrive in Brisbane mid afternoon. Northbound passengers stay on board the coach for arrival into Maryborough and Hervey Bay early evening.