Taste of Wilderness including Keppel Island and Fraser Island

DAY 1  - Wednesday 7^th August ‘24                      DUBBO              (L,D)

Welcome aboard our exciting tour to Carnarvon Gorge and Bourke.   Today we travel to Jerilderie for our morning tea break.  We continue on through Narrandera to West Wyalong for lunch.  Continue our journey north, stopping enroute for afternoon tea, to Dubbo where we settle in for our Overnight Stay at the The Matilda Motor Inn.

 

DAY 2  - Thursday 8^th           DUBBO – ST GEORGE             (B,L,D)

We continue our journey north today through Gilgandra to Castlereagh Highway to Coonamble for morning tea. Then travel through Walgett and take our lunch stop in Lightning Ridge an area well known for its opal fields.  Our journey then takes us into Queensland through the tiny town of Hebel then onto St George, centre for the large irrigation area, with cotton as the main crop.  We settle in at the Merino Motor Inn, St George.

 

DAY 3  - Friday 9^th                     ST GEORGE – ROMA                           (B,D)

This morning after a hearty breakfast we make our way to Roma, a town steeped in history and important today as it supplies natural gas to Brisbane.  We stop for morning tea at Roma’s largest bottle tree, which has the incredible girth of 9.62 metres, a height of 15 metres and a crown of 23 metres, was transplanted by Roma Town Council to its present location from a local property in 1927. The tree was fairly well grown at the time of the transplant and quite possibly originated in the nineteenth century. We visit The Big Rig in Roma for an intriguing journey of twists and drama of when oil and gas first flowed in our nation.  Be intrigued by the story of our oil and gas pioneers as it comes alive through exhibits, machinery displays, audio-visual features and our knowledgeable local "Roma Rigger” guides. We enjoy lunch in town and a look around before making our way to our accommodation at Mandalay Motor Inn, Roma.

 

DAY 4  - Saturday 10^th             ROMA - ROCKHAMPTON           (B,D)

Today is a chance to sit back and take in the scenery as we travel from Roma to Rockhampton. There will opportunity to enjoy morning tea, and lunch, enroute. Take in this wonderful landscape. Tonight we settle in at the Mercure Rockhampton for two nights.

 

DAY 5  -  Sunday 11^th                   GREAT KEPPEL ISLAND          (B,L,D)

After a hearty breakfast this morning we head to the glorious Great Keppel Island. Great Keppel Island is a white-sand, turquoise-water haven off the coast of Yeppoon, in the Southern Great Barrier Reef. Plus, it's just a short 30 minute trip from the mainland. Landing on Fisherman's Beach, ditch your shoes and sink your toes straight into the sand. Then, you can explore however you like! If you don't feel like swimming, come prepared with walking shoes for the wonderful bushwalks as you discover undisturbed wildlife and foliage. Alternatively, spend time just relaxing on the sand and soaking up the sun. At any time between 11:30am and 2:30pm, make your way to the Great Keppel Island Hideaway Bistro. Your day includes anything from the lunch menu and choice of beer (XXXX or Great Northern stubbie or can), house wine or soft drink. We conclude the day with a return to our accommodation for the evening meal. 

 

DAY 6 – Monday  12^th           ROCKHAMPTON – HERVEY BAY         (B,L,D)                                                                                               

Time for breakfast! This morning we start our day with a tour of Cathedral Cave. This popular tour has something for everyone! Showcasing our largest and most spectacular caves, this walk leaves you with lasting memories of ancient geological history, early explorers, the wonders of wildlife and special cave acoustics. Experienced local guides deliver the captivating stories of this ancient Australian landscape on small-scale interpretive tours. It is recommended to wear enclosed shoes. After working up an appetite we stop at the Queens Hotel in Gladstone for our lunch. We continue on to our accommodation for dinner and an overnight stay at Ramada By Wyndham Hervey Bay.

 

DAY 7– Tuesday 13^th     HERVEY BAY – FRASER ISLAND    (B,D)

This morning we have some free time in Hervey Bay to explore or just rest. This afternoon we transfer via ferry to Fraser Island where we check in the Kingfisher Bay Resort for the next three nights. We enjoy Sunset drinks at the Sunset Bar, and a delicious dinner and the Sand & Wood Restaurant before returning to our motel.

 

DAY 8 -  Wednesday 14^th    FRASER ISLAND      (B,L,D)

After a satisfying breakfast we head off to enjoy a full day 4WD Beauty Spots Tour. We visit Lake McKenzie, Central Station and Waggoolba Creek, Pile Valley, The creek is fed by a source coming from the Pile Valley and and the water here is truly breathtaking, running clear and cool through the lush green backdrop, it is truly a sight for sore eyes. The creek winds through the tropical rainforest here before finding its way out to the ocean. If you are looking for somewhere to experience nature at its most beautiful, then there aren’t many places better to do that than here. We also visit the Seventy-Five Mile Beach. Driving along the sand highway of K'gari (Fraser Island) is a must while spending time in Australia. The scenery is unbeatable as you have the open ocean on one side and island views on the other as you make your way around. Along 75 Mile Beach, you will also find Indian Head Lookout, Champagne Pools, and the Maheno Shipwreck, among others, which are all highlights of the island. You can also spot some iconic K'gari Wildlife during your treks up and down 75 Mile Beach. Dingos often make an appearance, particularly at sunrise or sunset. Just remember that these Australian wild dogs can potentially be dangerous, so only admire these creatures from a distance! And during the winter months, be on the lookout for migrating humpback whales breaching offshore! We see Eli Creek, Coloured Sands and Stonetool Sandblow, and also enjoy a buffet lunch at K’gari Beach Resort. Tonight we enjoye a Dune Asian Infused three course banquet.

 

DAY 9 -  Thursday 15^th       FRASER ISLAND                      (B,L)

We enjoy an early breakfast before heading out this morning for a Whale Watch Cruise. There's a reason Fraser Island is regarded as Australia's number one whale-watching destination! The humpbacks aren't just passing by each July through October - they're taking time out in the calm, sheltered waters off our western bay to socialise, have some fun, learn some essential life skills and nurture their young. For whale watchers it really is a case of who's watching whom on these magical days out... everyone is encouraged to wave their arms and make a bit of noise, to capture the attention of these inquisitive creatures. The humpbacks' natural curiosity takes over. they glide up to the boats and in return, put on an almighty show - slapping their tails, waving their pec fins and breaching into the air, for a truly larger-than-life spectacle. After a relaxing lunch we take a Ranger Guided Bush Medicine Walk. We learn of Bush Tucker and Bush Medicines, aboriginal culture, the Flora and Fauna of Fraser Island, the dingoes, eco-system and other interesting facts. There will be free time explore the K’gari World Heritage Centre. We take part in a Bush Tucker Talk & Taste Experience. Tonight’s dinner is at leisure (own expense).

 

DAY 10 -  Friday 16^th    FRASER ISLAND  - TOOWOOMBA        (B,D)

After a hearty breakfast it is time to depart Fraser Island and head back to River Heads. We head off to Yandina to explore two interesting factories, Nutworks Macadamia Factory & Ginger Factory. The Nutworks journey began way back in 1993 when four Sunshine Coast macadamia growers joined forces to build a processing plant at Verrierdale in the Noosa Hinterland.The processing plant allowed them to offer a better supply of hand-sorted raw kernels to local shop keepers who then roasted, flavoured and sold them to the public. The iconic Ginger Factory offers fun rides, fascinating tours, a unique retail precinct and cafe surrounded by beautiful sub-tropical gardens for all to enjoy. Then its onward to Toowoomba for our overnight stay at Oaks Toowoomba Hotel.

 

DAY 11 -  Saturday 17^th        TOOWOOMBA – GLEN INNES       (B,L,D)

This morning, after breakfast, we head off to the Cobb & Co Museum. The world-class Cobb+Co Museum is part of the Queensland Museum Network and home to the National Carriage Collection. We enjoy morning tea in the Queens Park before heading to the Monty Brewery for a tour and lunch. Visit to discover a variety of interactive displays, exhibits and heritage trade workshops. We depart and travel to Glenn Innes with 30 heritage-listed buildings and picture-postcard main street. We stay at our overnight accommodation at the New England Motor Lodge.

 

DAY 12 -  Sunday 18^th        GLEN INNES - TAMWORTH    (B,D)

Breakfast time! Then we head off to the Wollomonbi Falls Picnic Area. If you love the raw power and beauty of rugged wilderness, then a visit to Wollomombi Falls picnic area in New England is your idea of heaven. After heavy rain the waterfall cascades 220m over the dramatic cliffs to the valley below. If it’s been raining, you’ll soak up more than just the scenic views as the massive gorge fills with mist. We travel on to Tamworth for  a visit to the Golden Guitar  and the Calala Cottage Museum. Tonight’s accommodation is at the Stockmans Motel, Tamworth.

 

DAY 13 -  Monday 19^th        TAMWORTH - PARKES     (B,D)

This morning we enjoy a hearty breakfast before heading out for the day. What tour is complete without animals! Today we enjoy a visit to the Taronga Western Plain Zoo. Experience the ultimate zoofari at Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo! There's so much to see and do. The Zoo is home to hundreds of rare and endangered animals including giraffes, rhinos, elephants and big cats. Daily keeper activities (included in zoo entry) and special tours deliver magical experiences you will never forget. Tickets are valid for two consecutive days, giving you ample time to experience all that is on offer. The Zoo's free access Savannah Visitor Plaza includes a shop, playground and cafe overlooking the Savannah Lake and Primate Island, home to Black-handed Spider Monkeys and Ring-tailed Lemurs. Tonight our accommodation is at North Parkes Motel, Parkes.

 

DAY 14 -  Tuesday 20^th                      PARKES  - HOME     (B,D)

We enjoy the last breakfast of the tour before heading off to visit the Henry Parkes Centre. The Henry Parkes Centre is a modern tourism complex and cultural precinct located on the northern side of town, incorporating Parkes Visitor Information Centre, the King's Castle Elvis Exhibit, Parkes Motor Museum, Moat Cottage Replica, Henry Parkes Museum, and Antique Machinery Collection. We continue on to West Wyalong before returning to our respective destinations after a memorable Taste of Wilderness tour.

Price $6622 per person, based on Twin Share
(single supplement $1345)