“Club Combo Series” - July Departure

2023/24 - 8 Days: Queensland’s “Sunny Southeast”

A July Winter Getaway - Gold Coast, Brisbane and Toowoomba on the Darling Downs

 July – and Melbourne is a cold place to be! Join us for 8 days as we explore the Gold Coast, Brisbane and the Darling Downs.

Seaworld, Movie World, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and the sensational Outback Spectacular are all on the program during our stay on the Gold Coast.

In Brisbane we will explore the city, visit the Old Boggo Road Gaol and take a dinner cruise on the Brisbane River.

Come and enjoy some Queensland winter sun with ARJ. In conjunction with our touring partner Kanga Coaches I am looking forward to escorting this fantastic 8 day tour.

Kind Regards,
Cesare Cataldo

Day 1: Arrive Gold Coast

Our flight (details to be confirmed) from Melbourne Airport will have us on the Gold Coast by early afternoon. Our ARJ Touring Coach will be waiting for us for the transfer to our accommodation at Tweed Heads for the next three nights. What a great location! The famous Twin Towns Club is next door (via a covered walkway) and the main Griffith Street Shops and both the Coolangatta and Tweeds Heads Surf Clubs are all within a short walk. (Meal inclusions: Dinner at Twin Towns)

Mantra Twin Towns Tweed Heads  Tel 07 55362121 – 3 nights

Day 2 (BLD): Exploring the Gold Coast

This morning we take a short drive up the Coast to the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary is home to over 1400 birds, mammals and reptiles. We have the morning to experience the visitor program including feeding the wild lorikeets or taking the miniature steam train for "Kangaroo Crossing" and coming face to face with kangaroos, wallabies and some not-quite-so-friendly crocodiles. From here we then head into the Gold Coast Hinterland to a little place called Wongawallan.

The very British Fox and Hounds Hotel is the Gold Coast’s only authentic English Pub (and the only pub in Australia to have actually been transported from England!) At Fox & Hounds why not sample a British Ale and some traditional fare such as Toad in the Hole, Yorkshire Pudding, Atlantic Cod and Beef & Guinness Pie weekend Roasts. (Meal Inclusions: Breakfast & dinner in the motel/Pub lunch)

Day 3 (BLD): The Scenic Rim

Today we will be heading to an area about an hour west of the Gold Coast, known as the Scenic Rim. It is here that we enjoy a true farming experience at Towri Sheep Cheeses. Our morning will consist of a milking demonstration, cheese tasting, and we will have access to the cheese room to learn about the basics of cheese making. By the time we have finished we will know the differences between sheep, cow and goat cheese!

The Scenic Rim is also home to many fruit and vegetable crops and as we tour through the region we will see fields full of colorful produce such as carrots, onions, beans, corn, beetroot, potatoes and more. For lunch we stop in the quaint township of Boonah at the Dugandan Hotel and then we will be calling into one of the region’s most interesting places – Summer Land Camel Farm. Here we will learn about the history of camels in Australia and the powerful immune proteins that are contained in camel milk. Our tour takes in the interesting farming operations and we get to meet the camels and have afternoon tea before returning to the Gold Coast. (Meal Inclusions: Breakfast & dinner in the motel/Lunch at Dugandan Hotel)

Day 4 (BLD): Sea World & Movie World

Both Sea World and Movie World are on our agenda today. At Sea World, there is so much to see and do. Our program for the day will be provided on arrival so be sure to take note of the things you want to see – Shark Bay, Polar Bear Shores, Shark Attack, the Dolphin Nursery Pool and much more. Access to all parts of the Park is easy via the Sea World Monorail. Lunch is included.

Early afternoon we head to Movie World. From the minute we walk through the Grand Archway, we’ll become lost in a world of fantasy and fun. We will meet our favourite stars and super-heroes, experience an array of stunning shows and even have the chance to take a ride or two! What an amazing day of adventure! Mid afternoon we travel into Brisbane – our base for the next 4 nights (Meal inclusions: Breakfast & dinner in the hotel/Lunch at Sea World)

View Brisbane Kingsford Smith Drive Hamilton, Brisbane Tel 07 38621800 – 4 nights

Day 5 (BLD): Brisbane with a Local

This morning we take a look at Brisbane with our guide who shows us the real Brisbane through the eyes of a born and bred local. We will learn about Brisbane’s convict past and see the magnificent colonial buildings sitting comfortably alongside modern glass towers. We also drive by the inner renovated suburbs with their stunning ‘Queenslander’ homes. During the morning we go to the highest hill in the city - Mt Cootha Lookout. Making our way to the XXXX Brewery.  First lunch at the XXXX Alehouse and then a guided tour .This is one of Brisbane’s most iconic attractions covering 135 years of history of XXXX, from its origins to reaching the position of Australia’s number one beer. We conclude with a beer tasting. This afternoon we drive to South Bank to check out the lush riverfront parklands that has a beach-style swimming pool and restaurants. This area was originally utilised for the Brisbane Expo. We have a free afternoon to relax so ask our guide for directions back to our hotel or come back on the coach. (Breakfast and dinner in the hotel, lunch XXXX Alehouse)

Day 6 (BLD): More of Brisbane

First stop this morning is the Old Boggo Road Gaol. Named after the road which led to it (that became a boggy quagmire after rain), “Boggo Road Gaol” was officially known as the Brisbane Prison. For 109 years it dominated the skyline of the capital of Queensland. Our historical tour will see us immersed in the past of crime and punishment. We enjoy lunch on level 7 at the Observation Café with panoramic views of the bay and its islands. Next is our Port of Brisbane Tour to experience the daily activities of the Port of Brisbane and learn, from our guide, how an efficient and sustainable port operates. Finally our last visit is spent at Newstead House, one of the city’s oldest surviving homes. Relaxing on their delightful verandah overlooking the Brisbane River, we’re served afternoon tea whilst hearing all about the property and those who called it home. It’s time to dress up for this evening’s dinner cruise aboard the Kookaburra River Queen. Experience Brisbane’s city lights from the boat while enjoying dinner with live music and a chance to kick up our heels on the dance floor. This is sure to be a dazzling evening! (Meal inclusions: Breakfast in hotel, light lunch /dinner cruise)

Day 7 (BLD): Toowoomba & The Darling Downs

We are off to Toowoomba this morning – about 130ks west of Brisbane. Today is all about the Gardens so, first cab off the rank is a visit to one of the winning gardens from the annual Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers. Following morning tea from the coach, we stop at another exhibition garden on show.

From here we make our way to Toowoomba's most notable tourist attraction, the Cobb & Co Museum, which is part of the Queensland Museum. It is more comprehensive than its name suggests and traces the history of horse drawn transportation in Australia from old timber wagons, spring wagons and bullock drays through to the Cobb & Co coaches and a landau used by the Duke of Edinburgh when he visited the colony in 1876.This afternoon, we visit the Clivia Show along with the Australian Native Plant Show which are both situated behind the museum. There will be some free time to wander through the city centre – there are plenty of displays on offer so take your time and explore! Late afternoon we head back to Brisbane (Meal inclusions: Breakfast & dinner in the hotel/Light lunch)

Day 8 (B): Heading Home

Our week in the sun has come to an end! Our non stop flight (details to be confirmed) will have us back to Melbourne early afternoon to complete the tour. (Meal inclusions: Breakfast in the hotel)

Tour Price

Price on application

Tour Inclusions

Tour price includes deluxe coach touring, 7 nights accommodation, meals as indicated (B=Cooked breakfast, L= Light or packed lunch, D=2 course limited choice dinner) deluxe touring coach and other attractions and entries as per the itinerary.

Next Steps

To arrange a tour for your club simply contact Alex Corones from Australian Road Journeys on 0488 117 682 with your preferred date of travel – he will do the rest! When everything is confirmed, ARJ will provide printed itineraries for distribution to interested club members.

Read some testimonials from past groups here.

Tour Conditions

A deposit of $350 per person is required to secure your booking. This deposit is fully refundable until 60 days prior to the day of departure. Final payment is required 45 days prior to the day of departure. Bookings cancelled within 14 days prior to the day of departure are non-refundable. No additional cancellation fees apply.

Personal Travel Insurance is strongly recommended.

The Itinerary may be subject to change without notice. Whilst every effort is made to adhere to the itinerary as provided, Australian Road Journey’s reserves the right to alter the touring and attractions as dictated by circumstances and conditions outside the company’s control. Alterations may be made to ensure the smooth running of the tour.  Every attempt will be made to ensure alterations do not adversely affect the operation of the tour. Australian Road Journey’s will not be held responsible for weather based cancellations or those closures made at the venue’s discretion. All itineraries are subject to change due to occasional restrictions in opening times/days of some attractions, e.g. churches, wineries etc.