8 Days Estuaries and Escarpments

itinerary

Day 1 – Wed: Brisbane, Toowoomba, Roma  

Departing Roma Street, Brisbane we travel through the rich fertile area of the Lockyer Valley, Toowoomba, stopping en-route for morning tea.  We continue on to Dalby, renowned for having the largest grain receival depot in Queensland. We continue on to Chinchilla, break for lunch, travel through Miles arriving into Roma, taking time to visit the The Big Rig Oil Patch. This attraction will take you on a journey from Australia’s first discovery of petroleum, through the boom and bust years of oil and gas exploration and onto today’s multi-billion dollar industry.  Arrive and check-in at Best Western Bungil Creek at Roma. (MT,L,D)

Day 2 – Thu: Injune, Carnarvon Gorge

This morning we get to visit Roma’s Cattle Sales (the largest in Australia).  The raised walkway around the yards provides us with an excellent vantage point over the proceedings.  Upon leaving Roma discover the numerous bottle trees growing in town.  We then head north, breaking at Injune, before making our way into the Carnarvon Gorge National Park, a spectacular oasis hidden in the rugged ranges of Queensland’s Central Highlands. Carnarvon Gorge features towering sandstone cliffs, vibrantly coloured side gorges, diverse flora and fauna and Aboriginal rock art. Arrive and check-in at Carnarvon Gorge Wilderness Lodge for a 2 night stay.  The unique timber and canvas Safari Cabins have their own outback charm and blend unobtrusively into the natural bushland. (B,L,D)

Day 3 – Fri: Carnarvon Gorge

Today we have organised a range of walking tours (not compulsory) with different fitness levels for you to choose.  Discover many shades of green, on the Moss Garden walk, offering a rich mosaic of mosses, ferns and lichens. Here the micro-climate sustains a lush rainforest environment. The Baloon Cave Aboriginal cultural walk is a short walk among the fan palms and cycads and leads to a small sandstone overhang featuring stenciled Aboriginal rock art. Carnarvon Gorge Wilderness Lodge Safari Cabin.  (B,L,D)

Day 4 – Sat: Agnes Water

For the early risers (not compulsory) join us on the Dawn Nature Trail.  This short stroll along the shady banks of Carnarvon Creek provides a snapshot of the plant life on the gorge floor. You can see turtles basking in the sun, and if you’re quiet enough you may see the elusive platypus. Departing Carnarvon Gorge Wilderness Lodge we move on through the broad-acre farming areas and large coal mines around Moura.  We break for lunch at Banana and continue on heading for the coast making our way to the once bustling gold mining town of Benaraby for a quick cuppa and leg stretch.  The last leg of today takes to us to Agnes Water, checking in at the Sandcastles Resort 1770 for a 2 night stay. (B,L,AT,D)

Day 5 – Sun: Agnes Water

This morning we take the ideal getaway on the Pink Amphibious LARC.  The Paradise Tour takes us along the coastline of Eurimbula National Park, where we are given commentary on wildlife and the history of Bustard Bay.  We cross four tidal creeks and 4WD drive up the steep climb to the historic Bustard Head Lightstation.  Return to Sandcastles Resort 1770. (B,MT,L,D)

Day 6 – Mon: Hervey Bay, Fraser Island

This morning we make our way to Hervey Bay for boat transfers to world heritage-listed Fraser Island, a rare and beautiful destination with untamed wilderness and a rugged natural charm.  Arrive mid afternoon and check-in at Kingfisher Bay Resort for an overnight stay.  Nestled into the island’s landscape, the Queenslander-style, Resort Hotel rooms sit lightly on the land allowing island wildlife to go about their daily business uninterrupted. (B,L,D)

Day 7 – Tue: Maryborough

Wake up to an orchestra of frogs and birdsong,  and water views that will make you wish you had just a few more days to stay.  Take in the beauty of precious eco-systems and unique wildlife with an experienced guide on our Fraser Island 4WD coach tour.  Explore Central Station, and walk along the banks of Wanggoolba Creek.  Departing the island we make our way back to the mainland and check-in at Carriers Arms Hotel Motel, Maryborough for our last night.  Dinner tonight is our `Buck Outback’ dinner and show finale night.  Enjoy good food and fabulous entertainment - tonight really is a magical finish to this special holiday. (B,L,D)

Day 8 – Wed: Tilt Train to Brisbane

After breakfast we join local ambassador `Mary Heritage,’ and take a guided tour discovering the city’s colourful past and rich heritage buildings and sites.  We head back to Brisbane on the fabulous Tilt Train departing Maryborough at 11.05am and arriving back into Roma Street, Brisbane at 2.40pm. (B)  

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