Seniors Coach Tours 2011 Holidays

Seniors Coach Tours

2 Seniors Coach Tours 2011 Holidays

Passengers from VictoriaMelbourne coach departure and return points for all tours are:

Southern Cross Station Coach Terminal, Spencer Street Melbourne,

Forest Hill Shopping Centre Taxi rank, Mahoneys Road.

Please indicate when booking where you wish to join the coach. For tours commencing with a flight departing from Melbourne, passengers are welcome to join the tour at Melbourne airport.

Passengers from country Victoria may, depending on departure times, need to arrive in Melbourne the day prior to departure. Overnight accommodation, meals, etc. are a passenger responsibility. Subject to availability, SCT can arrange accommodation and breakfast at Batman’s Hill on Collins (used for interstate passengers) at an additional cost.

Passengers from other States, Territories and overseas.Coach departures: Passengers on tours departing Melbourne by coach need to arrive in Melbourne the day prior to departure. Overnight accommodation and full breakfast is included for passengers who have purchased our interstate fares. accommodation is at: Quality Inn Batman’s Hill on Collins 623 Collins St Melbourne (or similar).

Transport to the hotel from the airport will be by prepaid Skybus voucher. On the morning of departure make your own way to Southern Cross Station Bus Terminal, part of Southern Cross Station and located at the northern end of the station (cross Spencer Street and turn right – about 300 metres).For passengers making their own arrangements to arrive in Melbourne, accommodation and meals are not included in your fare. Subject to availability, SCT will arrange accommodation and full breakfast for you at Batman’s Hill on Collins, from which you are able to join the tour at Southern Cross Bus Terminal.

Air departures: For tours which fly out of Melbourne, overnight accommodation is at: Ciloms Airport Lodge. 398 Melrose Dve Tullamarine.

Ciloms operate a courtesy service from and to the airport. You will join the group at the airport on the morning of departure.

Should you wish to stay in the central city at Batman’s Hill on Collins, an additional charge may apply.

Airline schedules are subject to change which may affect joining/departing arrangements and consequently that day’s itinerary. Any additional costs incurred, including overnight accommodation, are a passenger expense.

Itineraries in this brochure are correct as at November 1, 2010. However these are subject to change due to various reasons including attraction closures, opening days and time variations, train, ferry and other timetable changes, changes in accommodation service quality due to ownership and/or management changes.

Fares shown in this brochure are correct as at November 1st 2010 and SCT reserves the right to amend fares as circumstances change.

Where special fares are offered these apply to all passengers, regardless of whether your booking was made prior to the special offer being available. If you have already paid in full you will be entitled to a refund. This ensures fairness for all passengers.

When “last minute specials” are offered, usually at very short notice, these last minute fares apply only to new bookings received following the offer and are not retrospective.

Departure details and any known itinerary changes will be posted to passengers home address approximately 14 days prior to departure date.

Seniors Coach Tours

3Seniors Coach Tours 2011 Holidays

J A Reed Pty Ltd A C N 075 188 144 trading as Seniors Coach ToursTAL 32076

Enjoyable holidays designed for those who enjoy large coach travel, the company of others and lots of fun.

Easy pace itineraries with a balance between the need to “move on” to reach the destination and the opportunity to stop and enjoy places we visit and the natural attractions for which our country is famous. No rush, no fuss!

Multi-night stops provide an easier pace of travel with greater enjoyment and relaxation and combine with overnight stops to provide the best itineraries.

Comfort-plus coaches are modern, 5 star coaches, air conditioned and air-bag equipped for the smoothest ride, toilet equipped, panoramic windows for the best views and fitted with lap sash belted reclining passenger seats. Two-door coaches encourage faster and easier boarding. Most holidays are staffed by a two-person crew to provide the best service possible.

Two person crews are used on most tours, and their extensive experience provides excellent service, commentary and assistance to passengers.

Inclusive fares means no unexpected extras. Your fare includes comfort plus coach travel, suburban pickup (see page 2) air fares as per itinerary, comfortable 3 to 4 star accommodation, cooked breakfasts, most lunches, 2 course dinners, all admittances as per itinerary, most morning and afternoon teas.

Fares are subject to change prior to receipt of full payment (see page 2), however fully paid fares are not subject to any increase.

Great value is guaranteed. Compare our fares and what is included and you will agree that Seniors Coach Tours include more than our competitors and offer excellent value for money.

Single travellers wishing to share will be matched with another passenger (of the same gender) or, if this is not possible, will be provided with single accommodation at the twin share rate. No extra fare applies.

Single supplements apply when you require and book guaranteed sole occupancy of your accommodation.

Luggage allowance is 20 kg per passenger, one case per passenger. Where two passengers are sharing a case the total weight of that case is 20 kg. We suggest that passengers travelling together bring one case per person. Overweight cases can incur extra airline charges (your expense). Coach captains may require repacking of overweight cases.Loyalty bonus applies to more and more passengers who are becoming regular Senior Coach Tours travellers. We acknowledge your continuing support by offering worthwhile loyalty bonuses for your second, third, fourth ... tenth holiday. Please ask about your bonus when booking trips.

previous holidays

next holiday loyalty bonus

1 up to 10 daysover 10 days

$ 20$ 35

2 or 3 up to 10 daysover 10 days

$ 30$ 50

4 or more up to 10 daysover 10 days

$ 50$100

Passenger Comments


“This was my third trip with Seniors, and I’m more than pleased with the service, I’ll keep coming back for more.” JR

“I had a great 12 days – good company and didn’t miss anything … it was just what I needed.” CN

“It delivers what it promises at a reasonable pace.” PE

“We had good value for money and did more in the 12 days than we would have alone.” CJ

“Very thoughtfully organised – extremely good value.” GJ

“Until now all our holidays have been overseas and this tour equaled or bettered any others. Thoroughly enjoyed the trip, also the friendly staff. Thank you so much.” FK

“I would recommend Seniors Coach Tours because it was so excellent and good value for money. So informative too, historically and geographically. I am recommending this tour to everyone.” BL

“Thanks for a well planned and safe holiday.” OB

“A wonderful holiday.” CJ

“We have already recommended Seniors Coach Travel to many people. Overall, excellent.” TW

“It was a wonderful tour, seeing many places, plus the information from coach driver added to the appreciation more. Thank you for the happy memories.” GJ

“The 3 trips I have been on have all been excellent.” CC

“A first class tour – thanks to everyone.” TB

“I have travelled with other groups and this one was the best.” WV

“We were looked after every step of the way. No hassles; worry free.” HR

“Everything is done for you, transfers etc. to hotels and airports – a worry free holiday.” HE

“Seniors Coach Tours takes the stress out of travelling on your own.” MR

“Your trip is to be highly recommended to friends.” CU

“I can’t recommend Seniors highly enough. Thanks for another great holiday.” DR

“Excellent tour, great itinerary, excellent coach crew. Ideal pace for seniors.” OR

“I have already recommended Seniors to several acquaintances. Having everything included was excellent and added to our enjoyment of the whole holiday.” KG

“I have been on many tours, overseas and NZ and this one rates with the best. Thank you for a most enjoyable holiday.” TP

“All our needs were looked after with great care.” MP

“I have already recommended these tours to others because of their easy pace and great value.” CE

“Professional handling and customer service; my accommodation was excellent overall. The places of main interest were well chosen. Loved it!” JN

In this Brochure


Seniors Coach Tours 2 Passenger Comments 4 Departures 6 We Have Australia Covered 7 Insurance 8 Early Birds 9

OVERSEAS New Zealand Highlights (Christchurch to Auckland) 10 New Zealand Highlights (Auckland to Christchurch) 12 Norfolk Island 14

OPERA Opera in the Alps 16 Opera in the Caves 17

TASMANIA Tasmanian Highlights 18 Tasmania Revisited 21 Tasmania - Relax in Hobart 24 Christmas in Tasmania 73

VICTORIA Victorian Highlights 25

NEW SOUTH WALES NSW Highlights 28 NSW Central Coast 32 East Coast Wanderer 34

CENTRAL AUSTRALIA Thru the Centre 36 Ghan & Top End 39 Central Australia 44

QUEENSLAND Queensland Inland Explorer 48 Queensland Tropical North 50 Cairns to The Alice 52 Queensland Gold Coast 54

WESTERN AUSTRALIA The Kimberley (Darwin to Broome) 56 The Kimberley (Broome to Darwin) 58 WA Coastal Spectacular 60 WA Southern Highlights 62 Across the Nullarbor 64 SOUTH AUSTRALIA South Australian Highlights 66 Flinders Ranges 70

AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY Canberra Floriade 72 AUSTRALIAN AIR HOLIDAYS Nature Plus 74 Tasmanian Wilderness 75 Tasmanian Scenic Beauty 75 Bass Strait Islands 76 New Year in the Outback 77

Conditions of Travel 78 2011 Calendar 79

Departures


DATE HOLIDAY PAGE

NOVEMBER 2010 26 Bass Strait Islands (Melb dep.) 76 26 Bass Strait Islands (Adel dep.) 76

DECEMBER 2010 4 Bass Strait Islands (Bris dep.) 76 31 New Year in the Outback 17

JANUARY 2011 11 Tasmanian Highlights 18 14 Opera in the Alps (3 days) 16 14 Tasmanian Wilderness 75 18 Tasmanian Highlights 18 25 Tasmanian Highlights 18 26 Tasmanian Scenic Beauty 75

FEBRUARY 2011 1 Tasmanian Highlights 18 4 Bass Strait Islands (Syd dep.) 76 8 Tasmanian Highlights 18 9 Tasmanian Scenic Beauty 75 11 Bass Strait Islands (Melb dep.) 76 11 Bass Strait Islands (Adel dep.) 76 15 Tasmanian Highlights 18 16 Opera in the Caves 17 22 Tasmanian Highlights 18 23 Victorian Highlights (12 days) 25 23 Tasmanian Scenic Beauty 75 25 Victorian Highlights (10 days) 25 25 Norfolk Island (Melb dep.) 14 26 Norfolk Island (Syd & Bris dep) 14

MARCH 2011 1 Tasmania Revisited 21 4 Tasmanian Wilderness 75 8 Tasmanian Highlights 18 9 NZ Highlights (Christchurch to Auckland) 10 9 NSW Highlights 28 15 Tasmanian Highlights 18 18 Norfolk Island (Melb dep.) 14 18 Bass Strait Islands (Melb dep.) 76 18 Bass Strait Islands (Adel dep.) 76 19 Norfolk Island (Syd & Bris dep) 14 22 Tasmanian Highlights 18 23 NZ Highlights (Auckland to Christchurch 12 23 Victorian Highlights (12 days) 25 25 Victorian Highlights (10 days) 25 26 Bass Strait Islands (Bris dep.) 76 29 Tasmanian Highlights 18 30 Tasmanian Scenic Beauty 75

APRIL 2011 1 Bass Strait Islands (Syd dep.) 76 5 Tasmanian Highlights 18 6 Victorian Highlights (12 days) 25 8 Victorian Highlights (10 days) 25 8 Bass Strait Islands (Melb dep.) 76 11 Bass Strait Islands (Adel dep.) 76 12 Tasmania - Relax in Hobart 24 12 Nature Plus 74 19 Tasmanian Highlights 18 22 Tasmanian Wilderness 75 26 Tasmanian Highlights 18 27 South Australian Highlights 66

DATE HOLIDAY PAGE

MAY 2011 6 South Australian Highlights 66 6 Flinders Ranges 70 10 Nature Plus 74 15 Thru the Centre 36 19 NSW Central Coast 32

JUNE 2011 5 Ghan & Top End 39 7 Top End 39 11 East Coast Wanderer 34 11 Queensland Gold Coast 54 19 Ghan & Top End 39 21 Top End 39 30 Queensland Inland Explorer 48

JULY 2011 7 The Kimberley (Dar. to Broome) 56 11 Queensland Gold Coast 54 17 Queensland Tropical North 50 17 The Kimberley (Broome to Dar.) 58

AUGUST 2011 1 Cairns to The Alice 52 7 The Kimberley (Dar. to Broome) 56 16 WA Coastal Spectacular 60 17 Central Australia 44

SEPTEMBER 2011 7 WA Southern Highlights 62 7 South Australian Highlights 66 9 Flinders Ranges 70 16 South Australian Highlights 66 22 Across the Nullarbor 64 22 Canberra Floriade 72

OCTOBER 2011 4 Tasmanian Highlights 18 5 NSW Highlights 28 11 NZ Highlights (Christchurch to Auckland) 10 11 Tasmanian Highlights 18 18 Tasmanian Highlights 18 19 NSW Highlights 28 21 Norfolk Island (Melb dep.) 14 22 Norfolk Island (Syd & Bris dep) 14 25 Tasmanian Highlights 18

NOVEMBER 2011 1 Tasmanian Highlights 18 2 Victorian Highlights (12 days) 25 4 NZ Highlights (Auckland to Christchurch 12 4 Victorian Highlights (10 days) 25 4 Norfolk Island (Melb dep.) 14 5 Norfolk Island (Syd & Bris dep) 14 8 Tasmanian Highlights 18 15 Tasmania Revisited 21 16 Victorian Highlights (12 days) 25 18 Victorian Highlights (10 days) 25 22 Tasmanian Highlights 18 29 Tasmanian Highlights 18

DECEMBER 2011 6 Tasmanian Highlights 18 21 Christmas in Tasmania 73

We Have Australia Covered


Travel Insurance


Travel insurance is highly recommended by Seniors Coach Tours for all clients.

Purchase of travel insurance avoids possible loss of monies paid due to unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances involving any passengers, family and travelling companions.

Illness or accident involving a passenger prior to a tour departing is a major cause of insurance claims, and such illness or accident of one passenger may mean that a travelling companion will also not wish to travel alone. An accident/injury or death of a close family member may require immediate return to home whilst your holiday is in progress.

It is important to supply all relevant information, especially medical conditions, when applying for a policy so that the insurance company can accurately

determine whether to offer Insurance and if a premium loading will apply. Incorrect information is likely to lead to non payment of any claim.

Due to the operation in Australia of Medicare and private health insurance, it is not possible to be covered for medical expenses for Australian-based holidays, however additional travel costs for yourself or your travelling companion will be met under a comprehensive plan.

Please understand that Seniors Coach Tours is not an insurance company. Should you decide not to purchase travel insurance then you are travelling at your own risk and, in the event that you are unable to join the tour or need to leave the tour before its completion, the cancellation policy as outlined on page 78 of this brochure and on the SCT booking form will apply.

Hobart from Mt Wellington, Tasmania

HOLIDAY DAYS DEPOSIT MELB. Book Book FARES & Deposit & Pay p.p.t.s. s.s. by 30 Nov by 30 Nov SAVE SAVETasmanian Highlights, Jan 12 250 2,745 540 50 120

Tasmanian Highlights, Feb to Apr 12 250 2,895 540 50 120

Tasmanian Highlights, Oct to Dec 12 250 2,995 560 50 250

Tasmania Revisited, Mar 12 250 2,895 540 50 120

Tasmania Revisited, Nov 12 250 2,895 540 50 200

Tasmania - Relax in Hobart 9 250 2,095 395 50 120

Vic Highlights, 12 day Feb to Apr 12 250 2,595 495 75 145

Vic Highlights, 12 day Oct to Nov 12 250 2,695 495 75 245

Vic Highlights, 10 day Feb to Apr 12 250 2,195 365 60 125

Vic Highlights, 10 day Oct to Nov 12 250 2,295 365 60 225

Sth Aust Highlights, Apr & May 11 300 3,275 525 75 150

Sth Aust Highlights, Sep & Oct 11 300 3,375 525 100 300

Flinders Ranges 10 200 2,295 535 75 175

WA Southern Highlights 12 400 3,545 635 100 300

WA Coastal Spectacular 18 500 5,845 1275 150 450

The Kimberley 11 400 4,395 670 125 300

Cairns to The Alice 13 350 3,725 595 100 300

Across the Nullarbor 14 400 3,595 695 100 250

Central Australia 13 400 3,995 995 125 300

Ghan &Top End 12 400 3885 670 125 300

Top End (fly both ways) 10 400 4,095 670 100 300

Thru the Centre 19 400 5,595 1295 150 450

Queensland Inland Explorer 13 400 3,725 560 100 300

Queensland Tropical North 13 300 3,875 680 100 300

Queensland Gold Coast 14 300 2,965 595 75 250

Canberra Floriade 8 200 1,885 435 50 150

NSW Highlights 12 250 2,735 420 100 300

NSW Central Coast 15 300 3,195 635 100 250

East Coast Wanderer 14 300 3,195 685 100 250

Norfolk Island, Apr 8 400 2,835 365 75 150

Norfolk Island, Oct 8 400 2,935 395 100 225

New Zealand Highlights, Mar 17 400 4,295 910 100 150

New Zealand Highlights, Oct 17 400 4,395 910 125 200

Opera in the Caves 5 200 1,195 155 50 100

Early Birds


FARES SHOWN ARE EX MELBOURNE, EARLY BIRD SAVINGS APPLY TO FARES FROM ALL STATES

SCT allocates “early birds” on most departures. SCT reserves the right to close early bird offers for any particular departure before Nov 30, 2010, or to extend this offer beyond Nov 30. 2010. Early bird savings cannot be combined with any other offer, including the SCT loyalty bonus available to past passengers. Choose the offer which gives you the best fare.

10

New Zealand Highlights

Seniors Coach Tours 2011 Holidays

Fares: (per person twin share)March departure:ex Melbourne $4,295ex Hobart/Launceston $4,565ex Sydney $4,295ex Adelaide $4,565ex Brisbane $4,295ex Perth $4,850single supplement $ 910

October departure:ex Melbourne $4,395ex Hobart/Launceston $4,665ex Sydney $4,395ex Adelaide $4,665ex Brisbane $4,395ex Perth $4,950single supplement $ 910

Fares include air fares.Deposit of $400 due within 7 days of booking. Balance due 65 days prior to departure.

Day 1(D) HOME PORTS, CHRIST-CHURCHFly from your homeport to Christchurch where we are met by a Grand Pacific Tours representative and transferred to our home for two nights, Hotel Heartland, Hotel Cotswold or The Elms Hotel.

Day 2 (B,D) CHRISTCHURCHThis morning enjoy a city sights tour showcasing the grand architecture, immaculate parks and the picturesque Avon River. This afternoon travel on the Christchurch Tramway, the best way to move around the city centre and view all the “must see” sights including the Arts Centre and Botanical Gardens.

Day 3 (B,L,D) CHRISTCHURCH, OMARAMADepart Christchurch and travel through the southern Canterbury Plains to Lake Tekapo. See the brilliant turquoise water, visit The Church of the Good Shepherd and view the Sheep Dog Statue. Marvel at the spectacular mountain ranges including Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak. The opportunity is available (time and weather permitting) to enjoy a scenic flight (optional, own expense) over the Southern Alps before travelling to Omarama. Our home tonight is the Heritage Gateway Hotel.

Day 4 (B,L,D) OMARAMA, DUNEDINDepart Omarama and see Lake Benmore, before following the Waitaki River to Oamaru, famous for its limestone. Continue south to Dunedin, a well preserved Victorian city. Enjoy an informative tour including a visit to Olveston House, a prestigious historic home. Tonight enjoy an entertaining Scottish evening with bagpipes, great food, special Haggis Ceremony and gift. Overnight Hotel Mercure Leisure Lodge.

Day 5 (B,D) DUNEDIN, TE ANAUThis morning travel out along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle where we hear of the tragic and scandalous history on a guided tour. Visit Glenfalloch Woodland Gardens and view the superb collection of flowers, followed by a delightful morning tea. Farewell Dunedin and travel through Balclutha and Gore to Te Anau, gateway

17 days, departs Mar 9, Oct 11

Christchurch to Auckland

to Fiordland. Tonight you may like to visit the Te Anau Glow Worm Caves (optional, own expense). Our home tonight is the Distinction Luxmore Hotel (Superior Rooms).

Day 6 (B,L) TE ANAU, MILFORD SOUND, QUEENSTOWNDepart Te Anau for a fascinating drive to Milford Sound where we board our launch for a cruise on this magnificent fiord. See the spectacular Bowen Falls and towering Mitre Peak as we enjoy a picnic lunch. This afternoon travel to Queenstown, overlooking magical Lake Wakatipu. We spend the next two nights at Mercure Queenstown Resort, a year round resort which offers a wide range of activities and attractions. This evening is free and you may choose to dine at one of the many fine restaurants.

Day 7 (B,D) QUEENSTOWNA free day to explore Queenstown at leisure. Our Coach Captain is available to assist with the many sightseeing options available, whether it be the thrill of a jet boat ride, a heritage tour to Skippers Canyon or the helicopter ride of a lifetime. This evening board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw and cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station. Enjoy the best of New Zealand’s high country cuisine in the Colonel’s Homestead. After dinner enjoy a short farm tour then reboard the TSS Earnslaw for a sing along by the piano as we cruise back to Queenstown.

Day 8 (B,L,D) QUEENSTOWN, ARROW-TOWN,FOX GLACIERTravel to Arrowtown, an old gold mining village and visit the Lakes District Museum. Continue via the Haast Pass to the West Coast, an area of stunning beauty. See the snow capped peaks of the Southern Alps as we travel to Fox Glacier. Time is available (weather permitting) to experience a scenic flight (optional, own expense) over the spectacular glaciers. Our home tonight is the Heartland Hotel Glacier Country.

Day 9 (B,L,D) FOX GLACIER, ARTHURS PASS, CHRISTCHURCHTravel to Hokitika and visit the Greenstone Factory. Continue into Arthurs Pass and board The TranzAlpine, renowned as one of

EARLY BIRDBook & Pay by Nov 30, 2010

SAVE $150

11



the great train journeys of the world. View rivers and valleys as we travel through the Waimakariri Basin, over massive viaducts and through the patchwork farmlands of the Canterbury Plains to the elegant city of Christchurch. On arrival our coach is waiting to transfer us to Heartland Hotel Cotswold or The Elms Hotel, our overnight home.

Day 10 (B,L,D) CHRISTCHURCH, PICTON, WELLINGTONTravel along the East Coast to the fishing village of Kaikoura. Enjoy the spectacular scenery as we travel through Marlborough Country, famous for its food and wine. Continue to Picton, where we board the Interislander Ferry for our journey through the Marlborough Sounds and across Cook Strait to Wellington. Our home for two nights is the Hotel Ibis Wellington.

Day 11 (B) WELLINGTONToday explore this exciting region and enjoy an extensive city tour which explains the history and culture on show in New Zealand’s capital, Wellington. A highlight is the guided tour of Te Papa, New Zealand’s National Museum, with exhibits that embrace both Maori and European views of the land, environment and people. Enjoy some free time to explore at leisure in the afternoon. This evening is also free and you may choose to dine at one of the many fine restaurants.

Day 12 (B,D) WELLINGTON, TAUPO, ROTORUADepart Wellington and view the snow capped peaks of Mt Ruapehu and Mt

Tongariro as we travel to Lake Taupo. Visit the spectacular Huka Falls then travel along the Thermal Explorer Highway to the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua and our home for two nights, Hotel Sudima or Hotel Lake Rotorua.

Day 13 (B,L,D) ROTORUAToday begins with a Gondola ride to Cableway Restaurant where a buffet breakfast and spectacular views are on offer. Travel to the Agrodome where we see performing sheep, a shearing display and sheep dog trial. Visit Paradise Valley Springs, a superb wildlife park where we can hand feed rainbow trout. Some free time is available before an afternoon transfer to see the boiling mud pools and the geysers for which Rotorua is famous. This evening we experience an entertaining Maori Hangi and Concert.

Day 14 (B,L,D) ROTORUA, AUCKLAND, BAY OF ISLANDSWe depart Rotorua and travel north via Auckland to the Parry Kauri Park to see a magnificent example of a Kauri Tree. Continue via Whangarei to Paihia, situated in the heart of the beautiful Bay of Islands. Enjoy a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, location of the signing of the treaty between the Maori tribes and the British. Our home for two nights is the Hotel Kingsgate or Hotel Autolodge.

Day 15 (B,D) BAY OF ISLANDSThis morning travel aboard a luxury catamaran to Cape Brett and the famous Hole in the Rock. Keep an eye out for bottlenose and common dolphins before returning via Russell to Paihia for a free afternoon. A range of optional activities are available or you may choose to relax and enjoy the pleasant atmosphere of the waterfront.

Day 16 (B,L,D) BAY OF ISLANDS, AUCKLANDDepart the Bay of Islands this morning and travel via Whangarei and Dargaville to Matakohe. Enjoy a visit and informative talk at the Kauri Museum before continuing to Auckland for a city sights tour. This evening we are treated to a special farewell dinner with our new friends. Our overnight home is the Copthorne Hotel Auckland City.

Day 17 (B) AUCKLAND , HOME PORTSTime to say goodbye. We transfer to the airport for our flights home after a memorable New Zealand holiday.



17 days, departs Mar 23, Nov 4

Auckland to Christchurch

Day 1 (D) HOME PORTS, AUCKLANDFly from home ports to Auckland where we are met by a Grand Pacific Tours representative and transferred to our home for two nights, Copthorne Hotel Auckland City.

Day 2 (B,D) AUCKLANDThis morning enjoy an extensive city sights tour of Auckland, including the Auckland Sky Tower, offering breathtaking views across Auckland. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore at leisure.

Day 3 (B,L,D) AUCKLAND, BAY OF ISLANDSDepart Auckland and travel to the Parry Kauri Park to see a magnificent example of a Kauri Tree. Enjoy a visit and informative talk at the Kauri Museum in Matakohe, then travel via Whangarei to Paihia, situated in the heart of the beautiful Bay of Islands. Enjoy a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the location of the signing of the treaty between the Maori tribes and the British. Our home for two nights is the Kingsgate Hotel Autolodge or Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands.

Day 4 (B,D) BAY OF ISLANDSThis morning travel aboard a luxury catamaran to Cape Brett and the famous Hole in the Rock. Keep an eye out for bottlenose and common dolphins before returning via Russell to Paihia for a free afternoon. A range of optional activities are available or you may choose to relax and enjoy the pleasant atmosphere of the waterfront.

Day 5 (B,L,D) BAY OF ISLANDS, AUCKLAND, ROTORUADepart the Bay of Islands and travel via Auckland to the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua. Visit Paradise Valley Springs, a superb wildlife park where you can hand feed rainbow trout then continue to the Sudima Hotel, our home for the next two nights.

Day 6 (B,L,D) ROTORUAToday begins with a Gondola ride to Skyrides Restaurant where a buffet breakfast and spectacular views are on offer. Travel to the Agrodome where you see performing sheep, a shearing display

and sheep dog trial. Some free time is available before an afternoon transfer to see the boiling mud pools and the geysers for which Rotorua is famous. This evening we experience an entertaining Maori Hangi and Concert.

Day 7 (B,D) ROTORUA, TAUPO, WELLINGTONDepart Rotorua and travel along the Thermal Explorer Highway before arriving at the spectacular Huka Falls. Continue to Lake Taupo where some free time is available to enjoy this scenic lakeside town. Continue south along the Kapiti Coast to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital and our home for two nights, the Hotel Ibis Wellington.

Day 8 (B) WELLINGTONToday explore this exciting city with a city tour which explains the history and culture on show in New Zealand’s capital. A highlight is the guided tour of Te Papa, New Zealand’s National Museum, with exhibits that embrace both Maori and European views of the land, environment and people. Enjoy some free time to explore at leisure this afternoon. This evening is also free and you may choose to dine at one of the many fine restaurants.

Day 9 (B,L,D) WELLINGTON, PICTON, CHRISTCHURCHToday we board the Interislander Ferry, cross Cook Strait and travel through the Marlborough Sounds to Picton. Enjoy the spectacular scenery as we travel through Marlborough Country, famous for its food and wine. Travel along the East Coast to the fishing village of Kaikoura before arriving in Christchurch. Home tonight is the Heartland Hotel Cotswold or The Elms Hotel.

Day 10 (B,L,D) CHRISTCHURCH, OMARAMAAfter a city tour depart Christchurch and travel through the southern Canterbury Plains to Lake Tekapo. See the brilliant turquoise water, visit The Church of the Good Shepherd and view the Sheep Dog Statue. Marvel at the spectacular mountain ranges including Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak. The opportunity is available (time and weather permitting) to enjoy a

Fares: (per person twin share)March departure:ex Melbourne $4,295ex Hobart/Launceston $4,565ex Sydney $4,295ex Adelaide $4,565ex Brisbane $4,295ex Perth $4,850single supplement $ 910

November departure:ex Melbourne $4,395ex Hobart/Launceston $4,665ex Sydney $4,395ex Adelaide $4,665ex Brisbane $4,395ex Perth $4,950single supplement $ 910



SAVE $150

13



scenic flight (optional, own expense) over the Southern Alps before travelling to Omarama. Home tonight is the Heritage Gateway Hotel.

Day 11 (B,L,D) OMARAMA, DUNEDINDepart Omarama and see Lake Benmore, before following the Waitaki River to Oamaru, famous for its limestone. Continue south to Dunedin, a well preserved Victorian city. Enjoy an informative tour including a visit to Olveston House, a prestigious historic home. Tonight enjoy a Scottish evening, complete with bagpipes, great food, special Haggis Ceremony and gift. Our home tonight is the Mercure Leisure Lodge or Scenic Hotel Dunedin City.

Day 12 (B,D) DUNEDIN, TE ANAUThis morning travel out along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle where we hear of the tragic and scandalous history on a guided tour. Visit Glenfalloch Woodland Gardens and view the superb collection of flowers, followed by a delightful morning tea. Farewell Dunedin and travel through Balclutha and Gore to Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland. You may like to visit the Te Anau Glow Worm Caves tonight (optional, own expense). Our home tonight is the Distinction Luxmore Hotel (Superior Rooms).

Day 13 (B,L) TE ANAU, MILFORD SOUND, QUEENSTOWNDepart Te Anau for the spectacular drive to Milford Sound where we board our launch for a cruise on this magnificent fiord. See the spectacular Bowen Falls and towering

Mitre Peak as we enjoy a picnic lunch. This afternoon travel to Queenstown, overlooking magical Lake Wakatipu. This evening is free and you may choose to dine at one of the many fine restaurants. Home for two nights is the Mercure Queenstown Resort.

Day 14 (B,D) QUEENSTOWNToday is a free day for you to explore Queenstown at leisure. Our Coach Captain is available to assist with the many sightseeing options available, whether it be the thrill of a jet boat ride, a heritage tour to Skippers Canyon or the helicopter ride of a lifetime. This evening board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw and cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station where we are treated to the best of New Zealand’s high country cuisine in the Colonel’s Homestead. After dinner enjoy a short farm tour then reboard the TSS Earnslaw for a sing along by the piano as you cruise back to Queenstown.

Day 15 (B,L,D) QUEENSTOWN, ARROWTOWN, FOX GLACIERTravel to Arrowtown, an old gold mining village and visit the Lakes District Museum. Continue via the Haast Pass to the West Coast, an area of stunning beauty. See the snow capped peaks of the Southern Alps as we travel to Fox Glacier. Time is available (weather permitting) to experience a scenic flight (optional, own expense) over the spectacular glaciers. Our home tonight is the Heartland Hotel Glacier Country or Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier.

Day 16 (B,L,D) FOX GLACIER, ARTHURS PASS, CHRISTCHURCHTravel to Hokitika and visit the Greenstone Factory. Continue into Arthurs Pass and board The TranzAlpine, renowned as one of the great train journeys of the world. View rivers and valleys as we travel through the Waimakariri Basin, over massive viaducts and through the patchwork farmlands of the Canterbury Plains to the elegant city of Christchurch. On arrival our coach is waiting to transfer us to our overnight home, Heartland Hotel Cotswold or The Elms Hotel. This evening enjoy a special farewell dinner with your new friends.

Day 17 (B) CHRISTCHURCH, HOME PORTSTime to say goodbye. We transfer to the airport for our flights home after a memorable New Zealand holiday.

14

Norfolk Island


8 days, departs Melbourne: Feb 25, Mar 18, Oct 21, Nov 4 Sydney & Brisbane: Feb 26, Mar 19, Oct 22, Nov 5

Just five kilometres one way, eight the other, this extinct volcanic outcrop is a mere speck in the ocean. Captain Cook was the first European to see Norfolk Island. In 1774 he claimed it for Great Britain and described it as “paradise”. In the following years, this tiny uninhabited paradise became home to two convict settlements. The last convict was moved to Tasmania in 1856.

The famous “Mutiny on the Bounty” in 1791 saw Captain Bligh and some crew set adrift and Fletcher Christian and the remainder of the crew, with Tahitian girlfriends, sail to Pitcairn Island.

In 1856, Queen Victoria resettled the Pitcairn Islanders from their now overcrowded island to Norfolk Island. Descendants of over one third of those original settlers remain on the Island today.

HighlightsOur itinerary includes all of the following highlights (subject to weather, possible absence of locals from the Island and other unforeseen factors).

Introductory coach tour of scenic attractionsBounty Folk MuseumHistoric Cemetery walk4-course progressive dinner in 4 Island homesConvict Settlement TourMelanesian Mission ChapelFish Fry dinnerFarm and Industry TourCycloramaGuided tour of Pitcairn Settlers VillageClydesdale-drawn wagon tour to Steeles PointGlass-bottomed boat tour of the coral reefIncludes 7 full breakfasts, 4 lunches, 6 dinners

Fares: (per person twin share)Feb & Mar departures:ex Melbourne $2,835ex Sydney $2,710ex Brisbane $2,660single supplement $ 365

Fares: (per person twin share)Oct & Nov departures:ex Melbourne $2,935ex Sydney $2,810ex Brisbane $2,760single supplement $ 395


15

Norfolk Island


Local identity Bev Wheeler is our host on Norfolk Island. A permanent resident on the island, her knowledge, humour and friendliness help make your holiday a most memorable experience. Bill Adams, a fifth generation Mutiny on the Bounty descendant, assists Bev from time to time.

Centrally located in the township of Burnt Pine, South Pacific Resort offers comfortable rooms set in lush sub-tropical gardens with mountain and valley views and all the creature comforts that will make your stay one to remember. We stay in comfortable “garden rooms”.

Within easy walking distance to the town centre and restaurants, the South Pacific Resort is the perfect home for our Norfolk Island holiday.

All rooms contain en suite with shower, refrigerator, hair dryer, tea/coffee making facilities, direct dial telephone facilities, television, clock/radio, ceiling fans and dial up internet/email access from rooms.

South Pacific Resort

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Opera in the Alps


3 days, departs Jan 14, or 2 days, departs Jan 15

Day 1 (L,D) MELBOURNE, NAGAMBIE, MULWALA, GLENROWAN, MYRTLE-FORDDeparting Forest Hill Shopping Centre and Southern Cross Station we travel to Seymour and Nagambie, where we enjoy morning cuppa. On to Nurmurkah and Mulwala. Enjoy a luncheon cruise on Lake Mulwala on board the MV Paradise Queen. During the afternoon we travel to Glenrowan. Visit the Ned Kelly Museum and enjoy afternoon cuppa. A short final journey to Myrtleford. Home for two nights, the Golden Leaf Motel. Time to settle in, enjoy a pre-dinner drink and then dinner together at the motel.

Day 2 (B,D) MT BEAUTY, TAWONGA GAP, BRIGHT, OPERA IN THE ALPSVisit Mt Beauty, views of Mt Bogong, Victoria’s highest mountain as we travel. Visit the information centre and enjoy morning cuppa together. Travel via Tawonga Gap to the beautiful village of Bright. Time to stroll in the village. Return to Myrtleford, with time to relax or explore the township prior to departing for Beechworth. A short tour of Beechworth with dinner tonight at Latrobe University. We then take our reserved seats for the highlight of our short holiday, Opera in the Alps 2011. This year’s event features the return of Yvonne Kenny, one of the most distinguished sopranos of her generation, with internationally-acclaimed tenor and Opera Australia star Rosario La Spina.

They are joined by a 100-voice choir and 50-piece orchestra led by one of Australia’s most entertaining conductors, Guy Noble. It’s a relaxing evening of fine food, wine and classical favourites under the stars, in the picturesque grounds of La Trobe at Beechworth. Passengers travelling on the two day itinerary make their own way by V-line rail service to Wangaratta and V-line coach to Myrtleford, arriving at the Golden Leaf Motel during the day and joining us prior to departing for Beechworth.

Day 3 (B,L) MILAWA, BENALLA, EUROA, MELBOURNEA visit to Milawa Mustards (taste and purchase if you wish) as we commence our journey home. Travel to Benalla, enjoy a stroll in the Benalla Rose Garden, then continue to Euroa for a delicious pub lunch. Continue to Yea, afternoon cuppa here, and a short journey back to Southern Cross Station, Melbourne, arriving at approximately 5:00 p.m. and Forest Hill Shopping Centre at approximately 5:45 p.m. So concludes our most enjoyable short holiday to Opera in the Alps, 2011.

Fares: (per person twin share)3 daysex Melbourne $ 635single supplement $ 90

Interstate fares on application.

Deposit of $200 due within 7 days of booking, plus any additional deposit needed for non-refundable air fares from departure points other than Melbourne. Balance due 45 days prior to departure.

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Opera in the Caves


Fares: (per person twin share)ex Melbourne $1,195ex Hobart/Launceston $1,545ex Sydney $1,575ex Adelaide $1,595ex Brisbane $1,675single supplement $ 155For this tour interstate passengers need to arrive in Melbourne the day prior to departure. For travellers who have purchased our interstate fares (above) the following is included:

Sky bus transfer from Melbourne Airport to city,One night accommodation at Batman Hill on Collins (or similar) including full breakfast.

Fares include air fares.Deposit of $200 due within 7 days of booking, plus any additional deposit needed for non-refundable air fares from departure points other than Melbourne. Balance due 45 days prior to departure.


SAVE $100

5 days, departs Feb 16

Featuring the Opera Scholars Australia at Naracoorte Caves

Day 1 (D)Departing Melbourne we travel to Geelong and then join the Great Ocean Road for a spectacular journey along Victoria’s southern coast. Lunch at Apollo Bay. On to the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge and Warrnambool. Home tonight, Central Court at Warrnambool (or similar).

Day 2 (B,L,D)A leisurely journey to Port Fairy with its many National Trust buildings and the deep sea port of Portland, where woodchips and live sheep exports depart for overseas. During the afternoon we continue to Nelson and Mt Gambier. Home for three nights is the Mt Gambier International Motel (or similar).

Day 3 (B,L,D)Today we explore South Australia’s beautiful Limestone Coast, visiting the award-winning Millicent Museum and the seaside town of Beachport and the fishing port of Robe.

Day 4 (B,L,D)The highlight of our trip today. We visit Yallum Park at Penola, one of the best preserved Victorian mansions in Australia. During the afternoon an opportunity to explore the stunning Naracoorte Caves, with afternoon tea prior to our late afternoon “Opera in the Caves” concert. Superb entertainment. A later dinner at our motel completes the day.

Day 5 (B,L)Departing from Mt Gambier we travel to Hamilton, Dunkeld and Halls Gap in the Grampians. During the afternoon we reutrn to Melbourne, having completed a most enjoyable short break holiday including “Opera in the Caves”.

Opera Scholars Australia aims to assist in the development of young singers by providing scholarships, training, and opportunities to perform in a variety of locations.

For the first time they will perform in the outstanding acoustic conditions in Blanche Cave at Naracoorte, where their voices need no amplification, to an audience of around 200 persons.

This concert is organised by Seniors Coach Tours, Young at Heart Holidays and Australian Air Holidays for their passengers.

The Opera Scholars program will include items for well known musicals and operas, including:

Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves from Nabucca by VerdiHabanera from Carmen by BizetFlower Duet from Lakme by DelibesHumming Chorus from Madam Butterfly by PucciniStar of Eve from Tannhauser by WagnerDrinking Song from La Traviata by Verdi

Tasmanian Highlights

12 days, departs Jan 11, 18, 25, Feb 1, 8, 15, 22, Mar 8, 15, 22, 29Apr 5, 19 (Easter), 26, Oct 4, 11, 18, 25, Nov 1, 8, 22, 29, Dec 6

NEW ITINERARY FOR 2011

Day 1 (D) TO LAUNCESTONPassengers from Melbourne transfer to Melbourne Airport and join passengers from Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth for the one hour flight to Launceston, due to depart early afternoon. (Perth passengers arrive in Melbourne the day prior to departure and stay overnight at Quality Inn Batman’s Hill on Collins, or Ciloms Airport Lodge – room and cooked breakfast are included in your fare.) On arrival our Seniors Coach Tours coach awaits us. Enjoy afternoon tea and a guided tour of Franklin House, named after Sir John Franklin, governor of Van Diemen’s Land, built in 1838 and now beautifully restored. Home for two nights is Best Western Abel Tasman Airport Motel.

Day 2 (B,D) LAUNCESTONA relaxing day as we explore the city of Launceston and its surrounds. After a short Tamar River cruise including the vertical cliffs of Cataract Gorge, enjoy a stroll around Home Point, then visit City Park with its many trees, shrubs and annuals plus the Macaque Monkey enclosure. Time to explore the central city prior to

visiting the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery. During the afternoon visit the famous Cataract Gorge. Walk across the bridge or ride the world’s longest single-span chairlift across the gorge.

Day 3 (B,L,D) LAUNCESTON, ROSS, BICHENO, SWANSEAToday we travel south to the historic village of Ross, with its ornate convict-built sandstone bridge. Enjoy a town tour and visit the Tasmanian Wool Centre, followed by lunch. During the afternoon we continue to Bicheno on the East Coast and visit East Coast Natureworld, featuring many Tasmanian animals and birds. Home tonight is the Waterloo Motel at Swansea.

Day 4 (B,L,D) SWANSEA, EAGLEHAWK NECK, PORT ARTHUR, HOBARTThis morning we pause to visit the historic Church of England church at Buckland where stained glass windows date back to the 1400’s. To Copping and Eaglehawk Neck, Tasman’s Arch and Devils Kitchen prior to arriving at historic Port Arthur. Lunch today in the Port Café. Take a boat ride to Masons Cove calling at the Isle of


Fares: (per person twin share)October to Decemberex Melbourne $2,995ex Sydney $3,095ex Adelaide $3,295ex Brisbane $3,295ex Perth (extra day) $3,645single supplement $ 560

Fares: (per person twin share)Januaryex Melbourne $2,745ex Sydney $2,845ex Adelaide $3,045ex Brisbane $3,045ex Perth (extra day) $3,395single supplement $ 540

Fares: (per person twin share)February to Aprilex Melbourne $2,895ex Sydney $2,995ex Adelaide $3,195ex Brisbane $3,195ex Perth (extra day) $3,545single supplement $ 540


SAVE $250


SAVE $120

Perth passengers who have purchased our interstate fare (above) need to arrive in Melbourne the day prior to departure. Included in your fare is:



the Dead, enjoy a stroll in the grounds, or inspect the buildings, relics of a former era. Later we continue to Hobart and our home for three nights, Best Western Balmoral Motor Inn, Fountainside Hotel or Mid City Motel.

Day 5 (B,D) HOBARTWe visit the famous Salamanca Market set in the historic waterfront area of Battery Hill. Time to browse the market stalls and the many art and craft galleries. If you wish, visit nearby Elizabeth Mall. During the afternoon we enjoy harbour views from the Signal Station at Mt Nelson (weather permitting) and visit the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, with time to enjoy a stroll through parts of the gardens, marvelling at convict-built heating walls and the sub-antarctic plant house. Tonight, for those who wish, a visit to Wrest Point Casino.

Day 6 (B,L,D) HUON TRAILSouthbound we follow the Huon Trail to Grove. Enjoy a morning cuppa at the Apple and Heritage Museum. Visit the “Big Tree” prior to arriving at the Tahune Forest Air Walk. On arrival stroll along the Huon Pine Walk before enjoying a BBQ lunch at the Air Walk Café. Walk in the treetops on the Air Walk, up to 37 metres above the forest floor. We return via Geeveston with time to purchase afternoon tea here if you wish (own expense).

Day 7 (B,D) HOBART, QUEENSTOWNDeparting from Hobart, we travel along the picturesque Derwent Valley to New Norfolk and Hamilton. Morning cuppa on

route as we continue to Derwent Bridge. During the afternoon we visit Lake St Clair, deepest natural glacial lake in the southern hemisphere. We continue to Nelson Falls, enjoy a pleasant short walk through the cool forest from the car park. On to Queenstown. Home for three nights is the Goldrush Motor Inn, Queenstown Motor Lodge or Heemskirk Motor Inn.

Day 8 (B,L,D) QUEENSTOWN, GORDON RIVER CRUISEAn earlier start this morning as we travel the short distance to the coastal town of Strahan, where we board our cruise vessel MV Lady Jane Franklin II for a magnificent cruise across Macquarie Harbour viewing Hell’s Gate harbour entrance, commercial salmon farms and the amazing Gordon River, plus a rainforest walk through ancient forests (see a 2,000 year old tree) and a visit to Sarah Island, a notorious convict settlement. Lunch as we cruise.



On our return time for a stroll in Strahan, visit the craft shops, cafés or the Huon Pine mill. We return to Queenstown via Zeehan, where we visit the extensive and interesting West Coast Pioneers Museum.

Day 9 (B,L,D) QUEENSTOWN, WEST COAST WILDERNESS RAILWAYTravel to Strahan by coach to join the West Coast Wilderness Railway, travelling from Strahan through absolute wilderness areas, through deep gullies, along river banks and, using a rack and pinion system, climbing steep mountains and descending the other side. Lunch included along the way. Stop at several stations along the way. An absolutely amazing journey. On arrival in Queenstown we are joined by a local guide for a short town and mining tour, with free time to relax or explore later in the afternoon. (Note: Day subject to change due to Winter timetable of train.)

Day 10 (B,L,D) QUEENSTOWN, CRADLE MOUNTAIN, WYNYARDFrom Queenstown we travel via Tullah to the picturesque Cradle Mountain. Lunch on arrival at Cradle Mountain Chateau before transferring to smaller coaches to make the journey to beautiful Dove Lake, nestled in the mountains. Enjoy a short walk along a small part of the shore of the lake. Visit the fascinating Information

Centre before continuing north to the coast and Wynyard and our overnight home, the Waterfront Motel Wynyard or Stanley Village Motel.

Day 11 (B,L,D) WYNYARD, STANLEY, DEVONPORTDuring the morning we visit Allendale Gardens & Rainforest and enjoy morning tea in one of the most beautiful and extensive private gardens in Tasmania. On to the coast and the township of Stanley. Ride the chairlift to the top of “The Nut”, a huge volcanic plug perched on a headland. Simply spectacular views! Later lunch today at the Stanley Hotel. During the afternoon we travel along the northern coast to Burnie and Devonport. Home tonight is the Gateway Inn, overlooking the TT line terminal and the port of Devonport.

Day 12 (B) DEVONPORT, SHEFFIELD, LAUNCESTON, HOMEDeparting from Devonport we travel along the coast and inland to Sheffield, town of murals, depicting much of the history of the district. Time to browse prior to arriving at Launceston Airport. The return flight is scheduled to depart early afternoon. Melbourne passengers return home and passengers from other states catch connecting flights to their home ports. Thus concludes a most enjoyable twelve-day Tasmanian Highlights holiday.

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21

Tasmania Revisited


12 days, departs Mar 1, Nov 15

Tasmania Revisited is designed for those many passengers who have already visited Tasmania on the Seniors Coach Tours Tasmanian Highlights program.

An opportunity to explore different parts of this beautiful island.

NEW ITINERARY – THE TASMANIA YOU HAVEN’T SEEN!

Day 1 (D) TO LAUNCESTONPassengers from Melbourne transfer to Melbourne Airport and join passengers from Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth for the one hour flight to Launceston, due to depart early afternoon. (Perth passengers arrive in Melbourne the day prior to departure and stay overnight at Quality Inn Batman’s Hill on Collins, or Ciloms Airport Lodge – room and cooked breakfast are included in your fare.) On arrival our Seniors Coach Tours coach awaits us. Enjoy afternoon tea and a guided tour of Franklin House, built in 1838 and named after Sir John Franklin, governor of Van Diemen’s Land, and now beautifully restored. Home for three nights is Best Western Abel Tasman Airport Motel.

Day 2 (B,L,D) BEACONSFIELD, BEAUTY POINTToday we enjoy a tour of the Tamar Valley. We call at the Swiss village of Grindelwald on route to Beaconsfield, where we visit Grubb Shaft Gold and Heritage Museum. The site is also home of the Beaconsfield mine disaster of recent years. Picnic lunch today. During the afternoon we continue to Beauty Point where we visit Platypus House. Watch Tasmanian platypus and echidnas in an indoor setting, stroll in the echidna garden and enjoy a 15 minute platypus film. We return via Batman Bridge, 206 metres long and 91 metres above the Tamar River, built in 1966, the first cable-stayed bridge in Australia.

Day 3 (B,D) GEORGETOWN, BRIDESTOWE LAVENDER FARMThis morning we visit Georgetown, third oldest European settlement in Australia. Visit “The Grove”, originally home of the port officer. At Low Head we visit the Pilot Station and Light House, oldest continuous serving in Australia, having commenced work in 1805. Then to Bridestowe Lavender Farm, now over 85 years old. Learn a little of the workings of the farm, browse in the shop. (Note: lavender will not be in bloom.) During the afternoon we return to Launceston and visit Cataract Gorge, always a delight to stroll in the gardens , take a ride on the world’s longest single span chairlift, or stroll across the suspension bridge.

Day 4 (B,L,D) LAUNCESTON, SCOTTSDALE, ST HELENSToday we explore the north west of Tasmania as we journey to Scottsdale, which is surrounded by some of the most fertile land in Tasmania. Potatoes, poppies, dairy and timber are all important, while in former years hops were a major crop. Visit the Forest Eco Centre, complete with local craft centre. On to Derby, home of the “tin rush” in the 1880’s. We visit the Tin Centre, learn a little of the history of easy mining and the role of Chinese miners. Time also for a stroll amongst superb historical gardens overlooking the Ringarooma River. Lunch here today. During the afternoon we continue to the east coast and the beautiful

EARLY BIRDMar 1 departure

Book & Pay by Nov 30, 2010

SAVE $120

EARLY BIRDNov 15 departure


SAVE $200

Fares: (per person twin share)ex Melbourne $2,895ex Sydney $2,995ex Adelaide $3,195ex Brisbane $3,195ex Perth (extra day) $3,545single supplement $ 540Perth passengers who have purchased our interstate fare (above) need to arrive in Melbourne the day prior to departure. Included in your fare is:



Tasmania Revisited


village of St Helens, set on Georges Bay. Visit the beautiful beaches of Binnalong Bay before arriving at our overnight home, Tidal Waters Resort.

Day 5 (B,L,D) ST HELENS, SCAMANDER, LONGFORD, DELORAINEToday we travel south along the coast to Scamander and via St Mary’s Pass to Fingal. Visit the Tasmanian Hotel Tourist Information Centre, built of sandstone bricks from prison barracks which once housed 400 men. Lunch today in Campbelltown, followed by a short guided tour. During the afternoon we continue to Westbury, where we visit White House, a restored 1840’s property classified by the National Trust. The house is surrounded by an outdoor bake house, coach house and stable and garage, containing horse drawn vehicles and early model cars. We continue to Deloraine and our home for the night, Mountain View Country Inn.

Day 6 (B,L,D) DELORAINE, MOLE CREEK, CRADLE MOUNTAIN, TULLAHVisit Yarns Artwork in Silk, a four panel story of the area created by over 300 people who spent over 10,000 hours crafting this mural. Then we travel to nearby Mole Creek and at the Honey Farm

– see the bees at work (behind glass), taste this pure honey, with over 50 varieties, purchase if you wish. A short but slow journey through the hills as we continue to the world-famous Cradle Mountain. Lunch today at Cradle Mountain Chateau, with time to enjoy a feast of photographic delights in the Wilderness Gallery. During the afternoon visit Dove Lake and view (subject to cloud cover) Cradle Mountain. Time for a short walk along the path which surrounds the lake. Later we continue to Tullah, our overnight home the Tullah Lakeside Chalet.

Day 7 (B,D) TULLAH, BURNIE, STANLEYThis morning we travel north towards Burnie. Enjoy a stroll through beautiful Annsleigh Gardens, five acres of flowering trees and plants, including an extensive rose garden and miniature cottage. During the afternoon we visit the Regional Art Gallery, well known for its print gallery exhibitions. Later we continue to Stanley and our home for four nights, Stanley Seaview Inn.

Day 8 (B,L,D) STANLEYA relaxing day as we explore the northern coastal township of Stanley. Established in the early 1800’s, the architecture of the

Tasmania Revisited


early buildings reflects the genteel life style of that era. Stanley was the base of the Van Diemen’s Land Company, which began in 1825 by royal charter from George IV, who granted huge areas of land to the company. Today we visit Joe Lyons Cottage, birthplace of Tasmania’s only Prime Minister, Stanley Artworks, studio and shop of several acclaimed Tasmanian artists, and visit the huge monolith known as “The Nut”. Take the chairlift to the top for stunning views of the township and the coastline. During the afternoon visit Highfield Historic Site, the homestead built in 1832 as headquarters for the Van Diemans Land company. View the house, grounds and outbuildings.

Day 9 (B,L,D) ARTHUR RIVER CRUISEA most relaxing day as we enjoy a scenic river cruise aboard the MV Arthur Robinson. Travel upstream to Turks Landing at the junction of the Arthur and Frankland Rivers. Take a stroll through the temperate rainforest and enjoy a delicious barbeque lunch among the trees of the forest. Watch sea eagles and wedgetail eagles being fed on the return journey. We return via Couta Rocks, a tiny coastal location, and Edith Creek, travelling through pleasant country scenery.

Day 10 (B,D) WOOLNORTHToday we breathe what is officially the “cleanest air in the world” at Cape Grim, as we visit Woolnorth. The oldest building on the property here dates back to 1831. Spectacular scenic views. Learn how the largest (and relatively new) Roaring 40’s wind farm operates, and enjoy morning tea

as part of our visit. We return to Stanley and the afternoon is free to relax, take a stroll or explore. You may wish to join the 3:00 p.m. Stanley Seal Cruise to a nearby Australian Fur Seal colony. (Own expense, availability not guaranteed.)

Day 11 (B,L,D) STANLEY, WYNYARD, DEVONPORTDeparting from a most enjoyable stay in Stanley, we travel to Table Cape, a large tulip and (legal) opium growing area and stunning in Spring with the tulip bulbs in flower. To Wynyard and Burnie, where we visit Lactos Cheese Tasting and Sales. Hand crafted cheeses of many varieties. Taste and purchase if you wish. During the afternoon we continue to Devonport. Take a ride to Coles Bay (and return) on a vintage train on the Don Railway, Australia’s largest collection of steam locos and carriages. View the restoration being undertaken in the railway workshops. Home tonight is the Gateway Devonport, located above the Mersey River and the TT Line Spirit of Tasmania berth.

Day 12 (B) DEVONPORT, LAUNCESTON AIRPORT, HOMEFollowing a visit to the home of Joe Lyons (we saw where he was born on day 8) we travel to Elizabeth Town prior to arriving at Launceston Airport. The return flight is scheduled to depart early afternoon. Melbourne passengers return home and passengers from other states catch connecting flights to their home ports. Thus concludes a most enjoyable twelve-day Tasmania Revisited holiday.


Tasmania – Relax in Hobart9 days, departs Apr 12

Fares: (per person twin share)ex Melbourne $2,095ex Sydney $2,195ex Adelaide $2,395ex Brisbane $2,395ex Perth (extra day) $2,745single supplement $ 395Perth passengers who have purchased our interstate fare (above) need to arrive in Melbourne the day prior to departure. Included in you fare is:



Day 1 (D) TO LAUNCESTONPassengers from Melbourne transfer to Melbourne Airport and join passengers from Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth for the one hour flight to Launceston, due to depart early afternoon. (Perth passengers arrive in Melbourne the day prior to departure and stay overnight at Quality Inn Batman’s Hill on Collins, or Ciloms Airport Lodge – room and cooked breakfast are included in your fare.) On arrival our Seniors Coach Tours coach awaits us. Enjoy afternoon tea and a guided tour of Franklin House, named after a governor of Van Diemen’s Land, and now beautifully restored. Home for tonight is Best Western Abel Tasman Airport Motel.

Day 2 (B,L,D) LAUNCESTON, ROSS, BICHENO, SWANSEAToday we travel south to the historic village of Ross, with its ornate convict-built sandstone bridge. Enjoy a town tour and visit the Tasmanian Wool Centre, followed by lunch. During the afternoon we continue to Bicheno on the East Coast and visit East Coast Natureworld. Home tonight is the Waterloo Motel at Swansea.

Day 3 (B,L,D) SWANSEA, FREYCINET NATIONAL PARK, HOBARTThis morning we visit world-famous Freycinet National Park and, from Coles Bay, visit Cape Tourville, enjoy the views from the boardwalk at the Cape Tourville lighthouse. We return to Swansea for lunch and, during the afternoon, visit Girraween Gardens. Time for a stroll in the gardens before continuing to Sorrell and Hobart. Home for six nights is the Best Western Balmoral Motor Inn.

Day 4 (B,D) HOBARTA free day today to explore the fascinating city of Hobart. Our coach will make several trips to the city centre to drop off and pick up at selected locations and times. You may choose a Captain Fells lunchtime ferry ride, the Maritime Museum, Penitentiary Chapel, Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, the main shopping area or Wrest Point Casino. Maps and details available on the day. We meet for dinner after an enjoyable day in the Tasmanian capital.

Day 5 (B,D) SALAMANCA MARKET, BOTANICAL GARDENS, WREST POINT CASINOToday we visit the famous Salamanca Market, or you may prefer to browse in nearby Elizabeth Mall or take a stroll along Constitution Dock. During the afternoon visit the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens. Tonight, for those who wish, a visit to Wrest Point Casino.

Day 6 (B,L,D) HUON TRAILFollow the Huon Trail to Geeveston. Visit the Apple and Heritage Museum, the Forest and Heritage Centre and the “Big Tree” prior to lunch in the Air Walk Café. Walk in the treetops at the Tahune Forest Air Walk. Stroll along the Huon Pine Walk. We return via Mt Nelson and enjoy harbour views from the Signal Station.

Day 7 (B,L,D) RUNNYMEDE HOUSE, RICHMONDVisit Runnymede House, built in 1840, now a National Trust property. We continue to the historic Georgian village of Richmond. Following lunch some time to photograph the bridge, browse in the craft shops and visit the Old Hobart Town Historical Model Village.

Day 8 (B,L,D) NEW NORFOLK, MT FIELD NATIONAL PARK, RICHMONDTravel along the picturesque Derwent Valley to New Norfolk. Visit St Matthew’s, the oldest church in Tasmania and the Oast House, a hop museum, craft market and wood turning studio. Morning cuppa then to Mt Field National Park and the magnificent Russell Falls. Time for a stroll before lunch in the National Park Café. Return to Hobart via historic Hamilton, visit Prospect Villa and Gardens.

Day 9 (B,) HOBART, LAUNCESTON AIRPORT, HOME PORTSTravel north to Oatlands, morning cuppa at Campbelltown and on to Evandale prior to arriving at the airport. Our return flight is scheduled to depart early afternoon. Melbourne passengers return home and passengers from other states catch connecting flights to their home ports. Thus concludes a most enjoyable nine day Tasmanian Hobart Stayput holiday. EARLY BIRD


SAVE $120

NEW ITINERARY FOR 2011


Victorian Highlights

Day 1 (D) ARRIVE MELBOURNEPassengers flying into Victoria arrive at Melbourne Airport during the day and transfer by Skybus (fare included) to central Melbourne and our home for two nights, Quality Hotel Batman’s Hill on Collins, in upgraded Club rooms (or similar) located in the heart of Melbourne. We gather at 6:00 p.m. in the hotel foyer to meet new friends and enjoy dinner together.

Day 2 (B,L,D) MELBOURNE, EUREKA TOWER, PUFFING BILLYToday experience several Melbourne icons. We depart at 9:30 a.m. for a short “City Sights” tour before visiting the new Eureka Tower Observation Deck. The 360 degree views of the city, bay and mountains from the Eureka Tower level 88 are stunning. We travel by coach to the Dandenong Ranges and enjoy lunch at Grants Picnic Ground, with its tall gums and colourful native birds. In the afternoon we join Melbourne’s famous Puffing Billy from Belgrave to Lakeside. We return to Batman’s Hill on Collins where dinner concludes our day together.

Day 3 (B,D) MELBOURNE, GREAT OCEAN ROAD, OTWAY RANGES, TWELVE APOSTLES, LOCH ARD GORGE, WARRNAMBOOLThis morning passengers who are booked on the 10 day tour join the group at Batman on Collins. We depart from Melbourne across West Gate Bridge and along the Princes Highway to Geelong to journey along the breathtaking coastline of south-west Victoria on one of the world’s most scenic roads. The Great Ocean Road

officially begins at the Surf Coast town of Torquay and follows the contours of the coast to the Shipwreck Coast city of Warrnambool. Morning cuppa at Lorne and then we follow the coastline to the seaside village of Apollo Bay. Simply superb coastal scenery. During the afternoon we travel through the cool climate rainforest of the Otway Ranges, returning to the coast near the much-photographed and world-famous Twelve Apostles. Nearby Loch Ard Gorge and the tragic story of the shipwreck of the Loch Ard reminds us of the perils of early ocean voyages. Afternoon cuppa at Peterborough and a short journey to Warrnambool and our home for two nights, the Gateway Motor Inn.

Day 4 (B,D) WARRNAMBOOL, FLAGSTAFF HILL MARITIME MUSEUM, PORT FAIRY, SHIPWRECKED SHOWThis morning we visit Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum. Step back in time in a recreated maritime village where we hear and see the hardships of those who sailed the high seas and learn of the wreck of the Loch Ard in the gorge we visited yesterday. Then a short town tour prior to some free time in Warrnambool. During the afternoon we take a guided coach tour of nearby historic Port Fairy on the Moyne River, one of Victoria’s earliest settlements, boasting over 50 National Trust-classified buildings. On to Tower Hill State Game Reserve, once an active volcano and Victoria’s first National Park. We descend inside the rim of the volcano on a circular road, enjoying views of the crater lake and various crater islands. Following dinner we enjoy the multi-million dollar theatrical experience

12 days, departs Feb 23, Mar 23, Apr 6, Nov 2, Nov 1610 days, departs Feb 25, Mar 25, Apr 8, Nov 4, Nov 18

Fares: (per person twin share)12 Day Holiday, Feb to Apr:ex Melbourne $2,595ex Hobart/Launceston $2,795ex Sydney $2,845ex Adelaide $2,895ex Brisbane $2,945ex Perth $3,145single supplement $ 495


SAVE $145


Fares: (per person twin share)12 Day Holiday, Oct to Nov:ex Melbourne $2,695ex Hobart/Launceston $2,895ex Sydney $2,945ex Adelaide $2,995ex Brisbane $3,045ex Perth $3,245single supplement $ 495


SAVE $245

Fares: (per person twin share)10 Day Holiday, Feb to Apr:ex Melbourne $2,195single supplement $ 335


SAVE $125

Fares: (per person twin share)10 Day Holiday, Oct to Nov:ex Melbourne $2,295single supplement $ 335


SAVE $225



Shipwrecked that brings to life the story of the Loch Ard disaster and the miraculous survival of just two passengers, Tom Pearce and Eva Carmichael.

Day 5 (B,D) WARRNAMBOOL, COLAC, SOVEREIGN HILL, BALLARATFrom Warrnambool we travel to Camperdown, a rural farming township and Red Rock, where we enjoy 360 degree views of the surrounding volcanic lake area. Morning cuppa at Colac before continuing to Ballarat, whose early fortunes were based on the wealth created by gold. Early buildings reflect the prosperity of the era. Time to explore a little of the central part of the city. During the afternoon we visit Sovereign Hill, a world-famous recreated goldfields township set over 25 hectares on a site which forms part of the richest alluvial goldfields the world has ever seen. Home for two nights is the Bell Tower Ballarat. Following dinner we return to Sovereign Hill for the hottest show in town – Blood on the Southern Cross – the dramatic and spectacular story of the Eureka Rebellion on the Ballarat goldfields in 1854.

Day 6 (B,L,D) BALLARAT, ARARAT, HALLS GAP, BALLARATFrom Ballarat we journey to Ararat, visit the Gum San Chinese Heritage Centre in Ararat. A morning cuppa here before making our way to the magnificent Grampians National Park, a very special place for many Victorians. Enjoy a light lunch at Wartook, visit McKenzie Falls and Boroka Lookout with its spectacular views

of the Wonderland and Mt William Ranges. On to the picturesque village of Halls Gap, where we visit Brambuk Aboriginal Cultural Centre. Later we return to Ballarat via Pomonal and Mayston.

Day 7 (B,L,D) BALLARAT, DAYLESFORD, CASTLEMAINE, BENDIGO, ECHUCAThis morning we travel to Daylesford which, with nearby Hepburn Springs, boasts the highest concentration of mineral springs in the country. Swiss-Italian miners and other immigrants settled here and people travelled from afar to “take the waters”. On to Castlemaine, visit Buda Historic Home and Garden, morning cuppa here. We continue to the goldrush era city of Bendigo. Lunch in Bendigo followed by a visit to Central Deborah Gold Mine, where we board the vintage talking tram for a tour of Bendigo. Visit the historic and famous Bendigo Pottery, Australia’s oldest working pottery. Watch the potters at work, view the pottery museum. Later we continue to Echuca and our home for two nights, Philadelphia Motor Inn.

Day 8 (B,L,D) ECHUCAA relaxing day as we explore this river town, once Australia’s second busiest port, the main transport hub for a huge area served by the Murray, Murrumbidgee and Darling Rivers. The arrival of rail in the 1880’s spelled the end of the river trade. This morning we take a short drive to the Barmah Forest, largest red gum forest in the world with a river frontage of over 100 kilometres. Hundreds of bird species inhabit the wetlands. We return to Echuca



and following lunch we visit the Port of Echuca, the red gum mill and cruise the Murray on an authentic paddle steamer. Some free time this afternoon to explore, browse or simply relax.

Day 9 (B,L,D) ECHUCA, KYABRAM, SHEPPARTON, BENALLA, GLENROWAN, MYRTLEFORDWe continue to the central Victorian city of Shepparton, centre of a large stone fruit growing and irrigated dairy farming area. Visit the Shepparton Heritage Centre, four galleries depicting themes of early development of the area. Following lunch we continue to Benalla in the heart of Victoria’s bushranger country. Stroll around the Benalla Rose Garden or visit the Art Gallery. At Glenrowan, Ned Kelly country, we visit the Ned Kelly Museum and Homestead at Kate’s Cottage, then a short journey to Myrtleford and our home for two nights, the Golden Leaf Motel.

Day 10 (B,D) MYRTLEFORD, CHILTERN, BEECHWORTH, MYRTLEFORDThis morning we visit the village of Chiltern, named after the Chiltern Hills in England. Visit Dow’s Pharmacy, set up as it was in 1929, and enjoy morning cuppa at Lakeview Homestead, noted for its association with the Australian author, Henry Handel Richardson, who used Chiltern as the setting for part of the novel The Fortunes of Richard Mahony. On to Beechworth, with its wide and well-planned town layout dating back to the early days of the gold rush. Time for a browse along the main street prior to a guided coach tour of the area, including the Powder Magazine, Goldfields Hospital facade and the cultural precinct including the historic courthouse, scene of Ned

Kelly’s committal hearing in 1880. View the amazing sculpture, the “Phoenix Tree” prior to returning to Myrtleford.

Day 11 (B,L,D) MYRTLEFORD, BRIGHT, MOUNT HOTHAM, OMEO, SWIFTS CREEK, BRUTHEN, LAKES ENTRANCEWe journey to the sub-Alpine village of Bright, known for its tree-lined streets, the English trees a glorious hue of colour in Autumn and Spring. Morning cuppa at Harrietville. From here, the Great Alpine Road climbs the Great Dividing Range to the alpine resort of Mount Hotham where we pause for photos and to enjoy the stunning mountain scenery. We continue on to Omeo, our lunch destination. During the gold era, Omeo was a rugged, unruly frontier settlement, thankfully now a quiet country village. Our descent continues through Swifts Creek to Bruthen and the coastal holiday town of Lakes Entrance. A short tour of the area before arriving at Lakes Entrance and our overnight home, Pelican at Lakes.

Day 12 (B,L) LAKES ENTRANCE, SALE, YARRAGON, MELBOURNEWestward bound, we visit the Bairnsdale Clock Museum. Travel through Central Gippsland, with its huge brown coal and power generation industries to the craft village of Yarragon. Following lunch the last stage of our holiday together takes us along the Princes Freeway via Forest Hill, arriving in Melbourne at Southern Cross Station (coach terminal) at approximately 4:00 p.m. while interstate passengers continue to Melbourne Airport for their return flight home at the end of a most enjoyable Victorian Highlights Seniors Coach Tours holiday.


NSW Highlights

Day 1 (L,D) MELBOURNE, ECHUCA, SWAN HILLDeparting Melbourne we travel north to Kilmore, Heathcote and Echuca, arriving in time for lunch. After the arrival of the rail in 1864, the Port of Echuca became Australia’s largest inland port. Spend some time in the port precinct and enjoy lunch here today. During the afternoon we travel along the Murray Valley Highway to Cohuna before arriving in Swan Hill and our home for tonight, Country Comfort Campbell.

Day 2 (B,L,D) SWAN HILL, MILDURA, WENTWORTHThis morning we continue our journey, with morning cuppa at Boundary Bend. Cross the Murray River into NSW recrossing back into Victoria as we arrive in Mildura. Following lunch we enjoy a cruise on the Murray, paddlesteamer style, and then visit Orangeworld, learn a little of the orange industry and take a ride around this citrus property. A short journey brings us to Wentworth, close to the junction of the Murray and Darling Rivers. Home tonight, the Central Motor Inn.

Day 3 (B,D) WENTWORTH, BROKEN HILLToday we visit the unique Australian Inland Botanic Garden, which displays its plants by geographic region. Visit the Old Wentworth Gaol, a fascinating historic landmark. During the afternoon we travel the Silver City Highway to Broken Hill, a roadside stop at Twin Wells on route.

12 days, departs Mar 9, Oct 5, Oct 19* (*reverse itinerary)

Home for two nights, the Silver Haven Motor Inn.

Day 4 (B,L,D) BROKEN HILLA day exploring Broken Hill, birthplace of BHP. We visit White’s Living Art and Mining Museum, gain an insight into the history of mining in the area, then to the Pro Hart Gallery. Lunch today at Line of Lode Visitor and Information Centre, overlooking the city, gateway to the Miners Memorial to 817 men who died on the Line of Lode. During the afternoon we visit nearby Silverton, an early mining centre, then a ghost town and now home to several well known artists. The Silverton Hotel has featured in many motion pictures. Later we visit the Living Desert, home to sculptures carved at a symposium to honour the late Fred Hollows. (Some walking needed to reach the top of the memorial.)

Day 5 (B,D) BROKEN HILL, WILCANNIA, WHITE CLIFFSThis morning we visit the Royal Flying Doctor Service at Broken Hill airport. See the “mantle of safety” spread across Australia at work. Visit the Regional Art Gallery, or you may wish to browse in the main city area. In the afternoon we travel the Barrier Highway to Wilcannia via the old opening bridge which led to what was once the third largest shipping port in Australia. On to White Cliffs, where opal was found in 1889. Home with a difference tonight, the White Cliffs Underground Motel.

Fares: (per person twin share)ex Melbourne $2,735ex Hobart/Launceston $3,085ex Sydney $3,110ex Adelaide $3,135ex Brisbane $3,210ex Perth $3,435single supplement $ 420For this tour interstate passengers need to arrive in Melbourne the day prior to departure. For travellers who have purchased our interstate fares (above) the following is included:




SAVE $300


NSW Highlights

Day 6 (B,L,D) WHITE CLIFFS, WILCANNIA, COBARWhite Cliffs is home to an experimental Solar Power Station designed by the Australian National University, which looks like a science fiction set with its huge parabolic discs. This morning learn a little of the opal story with a local guide and visit Jock’s Place, a museum housed in a local dugout. Late morning we depart and return to Wilcannia, picnic lunch here today, then during the afternoon rejoin the Barrier Highway. Afternoon cuppa stop at Pinchinara prior to arriving at Cobar. Home tonight, Town and Country Motor Inn.

Day 7 (B,L,D) COBAR, MT GRENFELL, MT DRYSDALE, BOURKEThis morning we visit Mt Grenfell Historic Site, well known for hundreds of aboriginal paintings, featuring rich red and yellow ochres. Three main art sites are within easy walking distance. We return to the Great Cobar Heritage Centre, a two storey red brick building with extensive indoor and outdoor displays. During the afternoon we travel the Kidman Way to Mount Drysdale, a once-thriving mining township which rivalled Cobar in size and importance. Continuing north we travel to the inland centre of Bourke, on the edge of the outback, hence the phrase “back of

Bourke”. The town was born in the 1860’s as pastoralists established huge sheep runs in the area. Bourke was a major shipping port and Cobb and Co stopover by the 1880’s and, when rail arrived in 1885, the town became even more of a transport hub. Home for two nights, the Bourke Darling River Motel.

Day 8 (B,D) BOURKEA relaxing day as we explore this inland town. Visit the historic cemetery, travel back into the world of bushrangers, river boat men and cameleers. A local guide joins us as we visit a high tech citrus and grape farm, take in the views from nearby Mt Oxley.


NSW Highlights

Day 9 (B,L,D) BOURKE, NYNGAN, DUBBOToday we travel the Mitchell Highway, breaking our journey for morning cuppa at Glenariffe on route to Nyngan. Originally established at Canonba, the settlement was by passed by the establishment of rail to Bourke, so in 1882 the villagers moved south to the rail and established Nyngan. During the afternoon we continue to the city of Dubbo, set on the Macquarie River. Home for two nights is the Homestead Motel.

Day 10 (B,D) DUBBO, WESTERN PLAINS ZOOToday we explore this thriving city with a population of over 40,000, with a little free time to browse, explore or relax. Visit Jedda Boomerangs and Dundullimal Homestead which includes a restored squatter’s timber slab homestead. A major attraction today is Western Plains Zoo, an open range home to over 1,000 endangered and exotic animals from many countries around the world. This evening visit the Dubbo Observatory for a 90 minute look into the wonders of the universe.

Day 11 (B,L,D) DUBBO, ORANGE, BATHURST, BLACKHEATHFrom Dubbo we continue along the Mitchell Highway to Orange, settled in the

early 1800’s and named after the Prince of Orange, who later became King of the Netherlands. Morning cuppa and a stroll in the Botanic Gardens, a relatively new garden opened in 1988 for the Australian Bicentenary celebrations. On to Bathurst, well known for the Mt Panorama motor racing circuit. Visit the home of Ben Chifley, Australia’s Prime Minister from 1945–1949. During the afternoon we continue to Lithgow. Enjoy a train journey on the famous Zig Zag railway, one of the most spectacular engineering feats of the 19th century, which allowed trains to cross the Blue Mountains, prior to days of tunnelling through the mountain. Home tonight is the Redleaf Resort at Blackheath.

Day 12 (B) BLACKHEATH, KATOOMBA, SYDNEY AIRPORT, HOMEAs our NSW Highlights holiday draws to a close, we visit Govett’s Leap, part of the Blue Mountains National Park, and view the famous Three Sisters. Take a ride on the Scenic Railway or Skyway (own expense). We descend from the Great Diving Range and follow the freeway to Sydney Airport. Interstate passengers join their various flights home. So concludes a most enjoyable inland holiday to less visited areas of NSW.

Grose Valley, Blue Mountains National Park


NSW Central Coast

Day 1 (L,D) MELBOURNE, LAKES ENTRANCEDeparting Melbourne we travel through Gippsland (lunch on route) to Lakes Entrance. Home tonight, the Pelican Motel.

Day 2 (B,D) LAKES ENTRANCE, EDEN, BEGA, BATEMANS BAYWe enter NSW and visit the Killer Whale Museum at Eden. Time in Eden prior to afternoon cuppa at beautiful Narooma as we travel to Batemans Bay. Home tonight, Bay Waters Motor Inn.

Day 3 (B,D) BATEMANS BAY, NOWRA, FITZROY FALLS, BERRIMA, CAMPBELLTOWNWe travel to Nowra and inland to Kangaroo Valley. Morning cuppa, then to the historic village of Berrima where we have time to stroll and browse in the village and visit the historic Courthouse. On to Campbelltown and our overnight home, Maclin Lodge.

Day 4 (B,D) CAMPBELLTOWN, BLUE MOUNTAINS, KATOOMBA, BLACKHEATHTravel to the Blue Mountains. Time in Katoomba before we view the Blue Mountains at the Edge Cinema. Visit Govett’s Leap. Home tonight is the Redleaf Resort at Blackheath.

Day 5 (B,L,D) BLACKHEATH, MT TOMAH, GOSFORDAn easy day today. We travel to the beautiful Mt Tomah Cool Climate Botanic Gardens. Later in the morning continue to Richmond and Windsor. Lunch today on the Hawkesbury Paddlewheeler. We continue to Gosford and our home for tonight, the Galaxy Motel.

15 days, departs May 19

Day 6 (B,D) GOSFORD, NEWCASTLE, FORSTER, TAREE, PORT MACQUARIETo Newscastle, Forster and then on to Taree on the Manning River. From North Haven we follow the coast road to Port Macquarie. Our home for two nights, Country Comfort Hotel.

Day 7 (B,L,D) HASTINGS RIVER CRUISEEnjoy the location, the climate and some free time today. Visit Sea Acres Nature Reserve and Rainforest Centre. Our highlight today is a Hastings River cruise. Plenty of room on board the Port Venture to relax and enjoy a delicious lunch and the scenery as we cruise. Dolphin sightings are common. The rest of the day is free to relax.

Day 8 (B,L,D) PORT MACQUARIE, KEMPSEY, NAMBUCCA HEADS, COFFS HARBOURDeparting Port Macquarie, we continue north to Kempsey. Visit the Macleay River Museum and Settlers Cottage, South West Rocks (picnic lunch today) and the Trial Bay Gaol & Museum. On to Nambucca Heads, visit Captain Cook Lookout before arriving at Coffs Harbour and two nights at the Comfort Inn Big Windmill.

Day 9 (B,D) NORTH COAST REGION BOTANIC GARDEN, CLOG BARN, PET PORPOISE POOLA walk this morning in the North Coast Regional Botanic Garden before a demonstration of clog making at the Clog Barn. Some time to browse prior to the afternoon show at the Pet Porpoise Pool, the world’s most interactive marine park.





SAVE $250


NSW Central Coast

Day 10 (B,D) COFFS HARBOUR, BELLIGAN, DORRIGO, ARMIDALEThis morning we leave the coast and travel inland to Belligan, an art & craft village. We climb to Dorrigo (in the coach) and visit the National Park & Rainforest Centre and Ebor Falls. On to Armidale and a guided tour of this “university” town. Home tonight, Country Comfort Armidale.

Day 11 (B,D) ARMIDALE, TAMWORTH, COONABARABRANToday we travel to Tamworth, Australia’s country music capital. Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Powerhouse Motorcycle Museum. During the afternoon we continue to Coonabarabran and visit the Diprotodon Exhibition. Our home tonight, Best Western Matthew Flinders.

Day 12 (B,L,D) COONABARABRAN, GILGANDRA, WESTERN PLAINS ZOO, DUBBOWe travel to Gilgandra and Dubbo. During the afternoon visit the famous Western Plains Zoo, with over 1,000 exotic and endangered species from throughout the world. Home tonight is the Country Comfort Blue Lagoon. Following dinner visit the Dubbo Observatory, see the wonders of the universe explained using computerised telescopes.

Day 13 (B,L,D) DUBBO, PARKES, COWRATravel to Parkes, visit the CSIRO Radio Telescope at Parkes on route to Cowra. During the afternoon visit Australia’s World Peace Bell, the Australian and Japanese War Cemeteries and the Japanese Garden and Cultural Centre. Home tonight, the Civic Motor Inn, Cowra.

Day 14 (B,L,D) COWRA, YOUNG, COOTAMUNDRA, WAGGA WAGGA, ALBURYThis morning we travel to Young. Morning cuppa as we enjoy Captains Walk at Cootamundra, then to Wagga Wagga, largest inland city in NSW and our lunch destination. During the afternoon continue to Albury and the Quality Resort Siesta.

Day 15 (B,L) ALBURY, WANGARATTA, BENALLA, SEYMOUR, MELBOURNEAlong the Hume Highway, lunch at Seymour, returning via Melbourne Airport arriving in Melbourne (Southern Cross Station coach terminal) at approximately 4:00 p.m., completing a most memorable Central New South Wales holiday.


East Coast Wanderer14 days, departs Jun 11

Day 1 (L,D) MELBOURNE, YASSDeparting Melbourne we travel the Hume Highway to Albury and, following lunch, continue to Yass. Home tonight, the Sundowners Swaggers Motor Inn.

Day 2 (B,L,D) YASS, GOSFORDFrom Yass we continue north, bypassing the central Sydney area and travelling on freeways and motorways to Gosford. Home for two nights, The Galaxy Motel.

Day 3 (B,L,D) HAWKESBURY RIVER CRUISEToday we cruise on the Hawkesbury River with the “Last Riverboat Postman”. Enjoy a buffet lunch on board before arriving back at Brooklyn and making our way to the Gosford Regional Gallery, located on the shores of Caroline Bay.

Day 4 (B,D) GOSFORD, NEWCASTLE, FORSTER, TAREE, PORT MACQUARIETo Newcastle, Forster and Taree on the Manning River. From North Haven we follow the coast road to Port Macquarie. Visit Sea Acres Nature reserve and Rainforest Centre prior to arriving at our home for two nights, Country Comfort Hotel.

Day 5 (B,L,D) HASTINGS RIVER CRUISEEnjoy the location, the climate and some free time today. Our highlight is a Hastings River cruise. Plenty of room on board the Port Venture to relax and enjoy the scenery. Dolphin sightings are common. Delicious luncheon as we cruise. The rest of the day is free to relax.

Day 6 (B,L,D) PORT MACQUARIE, KEMPSEY, NAMBUCCA HEADS, COFFS HARBOURDeparting Port Macquarie, we continue north to Kempsey, visit the Macleay River Museum and Settlers Cottage. Visit South West Rocks and the Trial Bay Gaol & Museum. On to Nambucca heads, visit Captain Cook Lookout before arriving at Coffs Harbour and two nights at the Comfort Inn Big Windmill.

Day 7 (B,D) PET PORPOISE POOL, COFFS HARBOURThe Pet Porpoise Pool is Australia’s most interactive marine park where you can be kissed by a seal or shake “hands” with a dolphin. We spend the morning at the Pet Porpoise Pool before enjoying some free time in Coffs Harbour. During the afternoon we explore the area by coach before returning to the Sanctuary Resort Motor Inn.





SAVE $250


East Coast Wanderer

Day 8 (B,L,D) COFFS HARBOUR, GRAFTON, BALLINA, BYRON BAY, SURFERS PARADISEToday we continue north as we travel to Grafton, famous for streets lined with Jacaranda trees. Lunch at Ballina. Visit the famous Byron Bay Lighthouse, most easterly point on the mainland, and into Queensland to the Gold Coast and Surfers Paradise. Home for two nights is the Vibe Hotel, Surfers Paradise.

Day 9 (B,D) Q1 OBSERVATION DECK, AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK SPECTACULARA day of local attractions including a visit to the Q1 Observation Deck. Take a fast lift to the 77th floor! Stunning views from Brisbane to Ballina. Free time this afternoon. Enjoy the dinner show, Australian Outback Spectacular.

Day 10 (B,D) SURFERS PARADISE, CALOUNDRAWe continue north over the Gateway Bridge to Caloundra. During the afternoon a coastal drive to Mooloolaba where we visit Underwater World. Home for two nights, Rydges Oasis Resort at Caloundra.

Day 11 (B,D) CALOUNDRAThis morning enjoy stunning scenery as we visit Blackall Range, view the Glasshouse Mountains, visit Lake Barron and Mary Cairncross Park. Time to browse in the Mecca of craft villages, Montville. We return via Mapleton and Nambour.

Day 12 (B,L,D) CALOUNDRA, MARYBOROUGH, HERVEY BAYFrom Caloundra we travel to Gympie and Maryborough. During the afternoon continue to Hervey Bay, and our home for two nights, Kondari Resort.

Day 13 (B,L,D) HERVEY BAY DOLPHIN WATCHING CRUISEA highlight of our holiday as we cruise the Great Sandy Straits by Hervey Bay and Fraser Island. Here we look for bottlenose and the lesser-known humpback dolphins. These water are also home to dugongs and turtles.

Day 14 (B) HERVEY BAY, HOME PORTSSadly we travel to Sunshine Coast Airport (lunch on route) for our flights home, concluding a most enjoyable holiday. In Melbourne coach transfer is available to Southern Cross Station and Forest Hill.


Thru the Centre19 days, departs May 15

Due to the distances travelled, several days involve longer travelling times than normal.

Day 1 (L,D) MELBOURNE, HORSHAM, MILDURADeparting Melbourne we travel the Western Highway, with morning tea at Beaufort. Lunch at Horsham before joining the Henty and Sunraysia Highways to Mildura. Home tonight is the Mildura Motor Inn.

Day 2 (B,D) MILDURA, BERRI, MORGAN, BURRAToday we travel northwest with morning cuppa at Berri. View the Jimmy James Memorial, then on to Morgan. Visit the Port of Morgan Museum. We continue to the historic copper mining town of Burra. Home tonight is the Burra Motor Inn.

Day 3 (B,L,D) BURRA, PETERBOROUGH, PORT AUGUSTAA guided tour of Burra this morning. This National Trust-classified township has an important copper mining history. Lunch today in Peterborough, one of only two places in Australia where three railway gauges meet, and on to Port Augusta, the “Cross Roads of Australia”. Visit Wadlata Outback Centre, an award-winning interpretive centre depicting earlier days in the area including a display of the early days of the Ghan. Home tonight, Standpipe Golf Motor Inn.

Day 4 (B,D) PORT AUGUSTA, WOOMERA, COOBER PEDYThis morning we travel to Woomera, centre for the largest rocket testing area in the world following WWII and later home to an immigration detention centre, both now closed. Then on to Glendambo. In the afternoon we continue north to Coober

Pedy, “Opal Capital of the World”. Home for two nights, the Opal Inn.

Day 5 (B,D) COOBER PEDYAn easy day to rest and explore Coober Pedy. Learn about life in an underground town on a guided tour of Coober Pedy. Visit the Catacomb Church, the 18 hole golf course and Umoona opal mine. See an underground home, view an opal cutting demonstration, and opal showroom. Purchase quality jewellery at realistic prices. During the afternoon we drive to the Breakaway Reserve for magnificent views of colourful low hills which have broken away from the Stuart Range. “The Castle” and “Salt and Pepper” outcrops will be familiar as they have been used in a number of advertisements.

Day 6 (B,L,D) COOBER PEDY, KULGERA, ERLDUNDAAn easy travelling day today as we travel north along the Stuart Highway into the Northern Territory to Kulgera for lunch. During the afternoon we continue to our overnight home, Desert Oaks Motel, Erldunda.

Day 7 (B,L,D) ERLDUNDA, YULARA, ULURU, KATA TJUTAAn early start as we travel on the Lasseter Highway through Mount Ebenezer and Curtain Springs, passing the table-topped Mount Conner before arriving at Yulara in time to visit the Cultural Centre prior to lunch. We visit Uluru (Ayers Rock), drive around “the rock” and visit nearby Kata Tjuta (The Olgas), a massive pile of 36 weathered rocks, prior to viewing the sun setting with accompanying colour changes of Uluru. Home tonight, the Outback Pioneer Motel.

Fares: (per person twin share)ex Melbourne $5,595ex Hobart/Launceston $5,945ex Sydney $5,745ex Adelaide $5,745ex Brisbane $5,745ex Perth $6,195single supplement $1,295For this tour interstate passengers need to arrive in Melbourne the day prior to departure. For travellers who have purchased our interstate fares (above) the following is included:




SAVE $450


Thru the Centre

Day 8 (B,L,D) YULARA, KINGS CANYONYou may wish to try an early morning helicopter flight (own expense) or watch the sunrise then, following breakfast, we depart for Kings Canyon. Lunch on route at Kings Creek Station. Enjoy an afternoon walk along the canyon floor, maybe enjoy another helicopter ride to view the canyon cliffs (own expense). Home tonight, Kings Canyon Resort.

Day 9 (B,D) KINGS CANYON, ALICE SPRINGSToday we travel to Alice Springs, returning to Erldunda and then north along the Stuart Highway. Take in the view from Anzac Hill. Home for three nights, Aurora Resort Alice.

Day 10 (B,L,D) WEST McDONNELL RANGESWe visit the West McDonnell Ranges today. Pause at the John Flynn Memorial, visit

Simpson Gap and Stanley Chasm (picnic lunch here). Following lunch we visit Ormiston Gorge, Glen Helen Gorge and the Ochre Pits whose coloured clays are used for Aboriginal ceremonial occasions.

Day 11 (B,D) ALICE SPRINGS DESERT PARK, RFDS BASE, TODD MALL, SOUNDS OF STARLIGHT THEATREThis morning we visit the award-winning Alice Springs Desert Park with desert habitats and free-flying bird of prey displays. In the afternoon visit the Royal Flying Doctor Service base before some free time to explore Todd Mall and other town attractions, or purchase a souvenir or two. A special event tonight as we enjoy the Sounds of Starlight Theatre, featuring photographic images during performances of the didgeridoo and other instruments. You will love this show!

Day 12 (B,L,D) ALICE SPRINGS, AILERON, BARROW CREEK, DEVILS MARBLES, TENNANT CREEKDeparting “The Alice”, we travel north along the Stuart Highway, morning cuppa at Aileron and lunch at Barrow Creek. Visit the Devils Marbles, an impressive collection of granite boulders, then to Tennant Creek. According to legend, the settlement sprang up when a beer wagon broke down here! Visit Bill Allen Lookout for panoramic views of the area. Home tonight, Bluestone Inn.

Day 13 (B,L,D) TENNANT CREEK, NEWCASTLE WATERS, DALY WATERS, MATARANKA, KATHERINEAn earlier start today as we continue north, calling at Attack Creek Historical Reserve, morning cuppa at Renner Springs, Newcastle Waters and the Overland Telegraph Monument on route to Daly Waters Hotel, our lunch destination. During the afternoon continue to Mataranka and Katherine – home of the Tindal RAAF airbase. Our home for two nights, the Knotts Crossing Resort.


Thru the Centre

Day 14 (B,L,D) NITMILUK CRUISE, KATHERINE MUSEUM, SPRINGVALE HOMESTEADA relaxing day today. A highlight of our holiday as we enjoy a two hour Nitmiluk Cruise at Katherine Gorge. (Note: Some walking is undertaken between the two gorges; reasonable fitness needed.) Time to view the exhibits in the Visitor Centre prior to lunch. During the afternoon visit Katherine Museum and enjoy Devonshire tea at Springvale Homestead, the oldest original homestead in the Northern Territory. Visit also Knotts Crossing, site of the 1870’s original township, a shanty pub and an overland repeater station.

Day 15 (B,L,D) KATHERINE, PINE CREEK, KAKADU NP, COOINDA, YELLOW WATER CRUISE, JABIRU, SOUTH ALLIGATORThis morning we continue to Pine Creek and enter Kakadu National Park. At Cooinda enjoy another highlight, the Yellow Water Cruise. Abundant bird life and also many crocs, both saltwater and freshwater varieties. We visit Bowali Visitor Centre and Jabiru township prior to arriving at our overnight home, Aurora Kakadu at South Alligator.

Day 16 (B,D) JUMPING CROCS CRUISE, WINDOWS ON THE WETLAND, HUMPTY DOO, BATCHELORToday we enjoy the Adelaide River Queen Jumping Crocs Cruise which allows us to view crocodiles so close you can almost touch them. (But don’t!) Visit Windows on the Wetlands, an excellent interpretive display. At Humpty Doo we join the Stuart Highway to Batchelor and our home for tonight, Best Western Batchelor Resort.

Day 17 (B,D) BATCHELOR, LITCHFIELD NP, WANGI FALLS, DARWINWe journey to the amazing Litchfield National Park with its huge termite mounds, all facing north in long rows. Visit Florence and Wangi Falls before continuing to the award-winning Territory Wildlife Park. Explore the Wetland, Woodland or Monsoon Vine Forest areas and see wildlife up close in their natural habitats. On to Darwin and our home for two nights the Quality Frontier. This evening enjoy outdoor dining tonight at Stokes Wharf.

Day 18 (B,L,D) DARWINToday we explore the city, visiting Darwin Botanic Gardens, which covers 42 hectares and showcases the flora of tropical habitats around the world, and East Point Military Museum situated at East Point, an important military location during WWII. During the afternoon we visit the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory with its Cyclone Tracy exhibition. Later enjoy a sunset dinner cruise on Darwin Harbour.

Day 19 (B) DARWIN, MELBOURNEThis morning we visit the uniquely beautiful Parliament House, located in an area rich in Territory history, overlooking Darwin Harbour. See the facade of Christ Church Cathedral, the only part remaining after Cyclone Tracy. Sadly our holiday comes to an end as we fly to various interstate locations, having completed a most enjoyable “Thru the Centre” holiday. Flights depart at varying times. For Melbourne passengers coach transfers are available to Southern Cross Station coach terminal or Forest Hill Chase.


Ghan & Top End12 days, departs Jun 5, Jun 1910 days, (Top E nd) departs Jun 7, Jun 21

Day 1 (L,D) MELBOURNE, ADELAIDE, THE GHANMelbourne and interstate passengers fly to Adelaide where we join the legendary Ghan for its 12:20pm departure. Light lunch on board. Relax and enjoy the afternoon, dinner and overnight as we travel north.

Day 2 (B,L,D) ADELAIDE, ALICE SPRINGSStart the day with a beautiful sunrise as the Ghan makes its way north to Alice Springs. Here we have the opportunity to leave the train and explore “The Alice” before recommencing our northward journey on board the Ghan.

Day 3 (B,L,D) ALICE SPRINGS, KATHERINE, DARWINWe arrive in Katherine, with time to explore the area before rejoining the Ghan as it continues on its final leg into Darwin, our northernmost capital. On arrival we transfer to our hotel. Passengers commencing the 10-day Top End holiday fly into Darwin today and also transfer to our hotel to meet the group for dinner. Home tonight is Quality Hotel Frontier Darwin.

Day 4 (B,D) DARWIN, TERRITORY WILDLIFE PARK, LITCHFIELD NATIONAL PARK, WANGI FALLSThis morning we visit the award-winning Territory Wildlife Park with its vast open spaces and fantastic range of wildlife.

Explore the Wetland, Woodland or Monsoon Vine Forest areas. A fascinating and enjoyable morning. In the afternoon we travel South to Litchfield National Park to view the magnetic termite mounds, neatly in rows all facing magnetic north, Florence Falls and the well-known Wangi Falls. Enjoy a short and easy walk to view these magnificent falls. On to Batchelor and our overnight home, Best Western Rum Jungle.

Day 5 (B,L,D) BATCHELOR, ADELAIDE RIVER, PINE CREEK, KATHERINEThis morning we travel to Adelaide River. Visit the Adelaide River War Cemetery, a sobering reminder of the impact WWII had on this part of Australia. Over 400 service men and women lie buried here, including some killed in the Japanese bombing of Darwin. After morning tea we continue to Pine Creek this morning, gateway to Arnhem Land and a uranium mining district. Visit the Pine Creek Museum and Library, a building of many uses over the years, including a military communications centre during WWII, mining warden’s quarters, and small hospital. We continue to Katherine and our home for two nights, All Seasons Katherine (or similar).

Day 6 (B,L,D) KATHERINE, NITMILUK CRUISE, KATHERINE OUTBACK MUSEUM, SPRINGVALE HOMESTEADEnjoy a two-hour cruise in the Nitmiluk National Park (Katherine Gorge). (Note: Some walking is undertaken between the

Fares: (per person twin share)PLUS GHAN FAREGhan & Top Endex Melbourne $3,885ex Hobart/Launceston (extra day) $4,235ex Sydney $3,885ex Adelaide $3,685ex Brisbane $3,885ex Perth (extra day) $4,185single supplement $ 670

Perth, Hobart and Launceston passengers who have purchased our interstate fare (above) need to arrive in Melbourne the day prior to departure. Included in your fare is:


GHAN FARES:Gold Class: Adult $1,700Pensioner/CHSC $1,170GSR Senior Card $1,350Red Sleeper: Adult $1,250Pensioner/CHSC $ 750GSR Senior Card $ 940Ghan fares only applicable as part of the complete tour; not available separately. Gold Class: twin and single. Red Sleeper: twin share only.

Fares: (per person twin share)Top Endex Melbourne $4,095ex Hobart/Launceston $4,345ex Sydney $3,995ex Adelaide $4,095ex Brisbane $3,895ex Perth $4,095single supplement $ 670



SAVE $300


Kings Canyon (Watarrka National Park), NT

Simpsons Gap, NT


Ghan & Top End

two gorges; reasonable fitness needed.) Visit the Visitor Interpretive Centre and enjoy a light lunch. We also visit the Katherine Outback Heritage Museum with its eclectic collection of artefacts, photos, maps and pioneer memorabilia, before making our way to the Springvale Homestead, where we enjoy a guided tour and country-style Devonshire tea (or coffee). Visit also Knotts Crossing, site of the 1870’s original township, a shanty pub and overland repeater station.

Day 7 (B,L,D) PINE CREEK, KAKADU N.P., YELLOW WATER CRUISE, JABIRU, SOUTH ALLIGATORWe return to Pine Creek and enter Kakadu National Park this morning. At Yellow Water, a land-locked billabong brimming with native flora and fauna, enjoy a highlight of our holiday as we join a two- hour wetlands cruise. Crocodiles, both fresh and saltwater are normally plentiful, as is a variety of bird life, including the jabiru. Lunch at Cooinda and, during the afternoon, we continue to Jabiru and to our home for two nights, Aurora Kakadu at South Alligator.

Day 8 (B,D) JABIRU, BOWALI VISITOR CENTRE, UBIRRToday we visit Bowali Visitor Centre, gain an understanding of Kakadu’s landscape and moods via a presentation in the theatrette, view the various displays, browse in the gift shop, explore the township of Jabiru, established to service the nearby Ranger Uranium Mine. During the afternoon we visit Ubirr, one of Kakadu’s most famous rock art galleries, immortalised in the first Crocodile Dundee movie. The various aboriginal paintings are sited on

a circular walk in the site (easy walking) and feature both pre-European arrival red ochre paintings plus post-arrival (hands in pockets, axes, firearms). A most interesting aboriginal art site.


Ghan & Top End

Day 9 (B,L,D) JUMPING CROCS CRUISE, WINDOWS ON THE WETLANDS, DARWINWe travel to another section of the Adelaide River for the famous “Jumping Crocs” Cruise. See at close range (and in safety) the powerful wild crocs jumping high out of the water for food. Lunch here today. We visit Windows on the Wetlands, perched high on Beatrice Hill, overlooking the Adelaide River flood plains, with 360 degree views. A fascinating interactive display of the development of the area including the ill-fated Fogg Conservation cotton growing project. We continue to Darwin where we enjoy a short tour of the city and visit the new Parliament House. See the facade of Christ Church Cathedral, all that remains after Cyclone Tracy. Our home for three nights is The Quality Hotel Frontier Darwin.

Day 10 (B,L,D) DARWINToday we explore the city. The Darwin Botanic Gardens are our first stop. Here we see tropical palms, orchids and exotic foliage plants. On to the East Point Military Museum situated on East Point, an important location in the wartime defence of Darwin. After lunch we visit the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory. Here we have time to wander

through the Cyclone Tracy Exhibit. Some free time this afternoon. Outdoor dining tonight at Stokes Wharf.

Day 11 (B,L,D) DARWIN, SUNSET DINNER CRUISEAnother relaxing day. We visit Aquascene, hand feed the milkfish, catfish and many other varieties which come in hundreds at high tide to be fed, following a local resident’s tradition started over 50 years ago. Visit the WWII oil tunnels, built after above ground tanks were destroyed by bombing, and Indo Pacific Marine, one of only a few successful efforts in the world to relocate a coral reef in isolation from the sea. The variety of sealife and microrganisms in this community is amazing. Again, some free time today then, later in the afternoon, join a most enjoyable Sunset Dinner Cruise on Darwin Harbour.

Day 12 (B) DARWIN, HOME PORTSThis morning we visit the Aviation Museum before our homeward flight to Melbourne or other interstate home ports, concluding a most enjoyable Ghan and Top End or Top End holiday. For Melbourne passengers, coach transfers are available to Southern Cross Station Coach Terminal or Forest Hill Chase.


13 days, departs Aug 17

Central Australia

Day 1 (D) HOME, ALICE SPRINGS Passengers from all states fly to Alice Springs, where we will be met by our Seniors Coach Tours representative and transferred to our home for three nights, Aurora Resort Territory Inn, centrally located on Todd Mall. Depending on flight arrival times, enjoy a short introductory tour of Alice Springs during the afternoon, visit Anzac Hill and the Royal Flying Doctor base. Enjoy a pre dinner drink and dinner together at the resort.

Day 2 (B,L,D) ALICE SPRINGS, WEST McDONNELL RANGESToday we visit the West McDonnell Ranges. Pause at the John Flynn Memorial, visit Simpson Gap, Stanley Chasm (picnic lunch here), Ormiston Gorge and the Ochre Pits, whose coloured clays are used for Aboriginal ceremonial occasions.

Day 3 (B,D) ALICE SPRINGS DESERT PARK, OLD TELEGRAPH STATION, SOUNDS OF STARLIGHT THEATREA morning visit to the award-winning Alice Springs Desert Park where we see many exhibits, including the amazing birds of prey display. This afternoon we visit the

Old Telegraph Station before some free time in Alice Springs. A special event tonight as we enjoy the Sounds of Starlight Theatre, featuring photographic images during performances of the didgeridoo and other musical instruments. You will love this show!

Day 4 (B,L,D) ALICE SPRINGS, KINGS CANYONToday we commence our journey south and travel the Stuart Highway to Erldunda, then westward to Kings Canyon, with lunch at Kings Creek Station. Enjoy an afternoon walk along the canyon floor, maybe enjoy a helicopter ride (own expense) to view the canyon cliffs. Simply stunning! Home tonight, Kings Canyon Resort.

Day 5 (B,L,D) KINGS CANYON, YULARAThis morning we depart Kings Canyon and travel to Yulara, morning cuppa on route as we travel the Lasseter Highway. A later lunch on arrival at the Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre. Time to visit the Centre prior to arriving at our home for two nights, The Desert Gardens Hotel. Later view the sunset and the changing colours of Uluru.

Fares: (per person twin share)ex Melbourne $3,995ex Hobart/Launceston $4,345ex Sydney $4,195ex Adelaide $4,245ex Brisbane $4,295ex Perth $4,395single supplement $ 995



SAVE $300


Central Australia

Day 6 (B,L,D) ULURU, KATA TJUTAEarly risers will have the opportunity to watch the sunrise over Uluru (Ayers Rock) before breakfast. A leisurely day soaking in the atmosphere of the “red centre” as we visit nearby Kata Tjuta (The Olgas). Picnic lunch here. During the afternoon, if you wish, take a helicopter ride for a bird’s eye view of Uluru or Kata Tjuta (own expense).

Day 7 (B,D) YULARA, ERLDUNDA, COOBER PEDYA slightly earlier start today as we return to the Stuart Highway at Erldunda, morning cuppa here, and then travel south to Kulgera and Marla, our luncheon destination. During the afternoon we continue to Coober Pedy. Home for two nights, the Opal Inn.

Day 8 (B,L,D) COOBER PEDYA relaxing day as we explore this unique outback town. Visit two underground churches, each quite different from the other, the town golf course, enjoy lunch in an opal mine, and learn a little of the art of opal mining, cutting and polishing. Browse in the excellent Umoona opal shop. Visit the nearby Breakaways, magic views over these rocky outcrops, and see the famous dog fence, built to stop the spread of wild dogs.

Day 9 (B,L,D) COOBER PEDY, WILLIAM CREEK, OODNADATTA TRACK, MARREE, LEIGH CREEKWe leave the lunar-like landscape of Coober Pedy and travel to William Creek


Central Australia

in time” depicting early development of the area including the original Ghan. Morning cuppa and we depart for Port Pirie. During the afternoon we continue to Adelaide and our home for two nights, Comfort Inn Anzac Highway.

Day 12 (B,D) ADELAIDE, VICTOR HARBORToday we visit Adelaide’s seaside holiday playground, Victor Harbor. Enjoy a horse-drawn tram ride across the causeway to Granite Island, home of a penguin colony. Return to Adelaide via Goolwa and historic Strathalbyn.

Day 13 (B) ADELAIDE, HOMEA morning city sights tour of Adelaide prior to boarding flights from Adelaide to our home ports. Some flights will be direct flights, others may fly with a stop on route. So concludes a most interesting and enjoyable journey across the continent. For Melbourne passengers, coach transfers are available to Southern Cross Station Coach Terminal or Forest Hill Chase.

where we join the southern end of the Oodnadatta Track and travel along part of the original route to the Ghan. Visit Coward Springs, Marree and Lyndhurst, arriving at Leigh Creek, a service town for the nearby Leigh Creek coalfields which feed the Port Augusta power station. Our home for tonight is the Leigh Creek Tavern.

Day 10 (B,L,D) LEIGH CREEK, PARA-CHILNA, HAWKER, PORT AUGUSTAFrom Leigh Creek we continue south, with a morning tea stop at the famous Prairie Hotel at Parachilna. On to Hawker, visit the Wilpena Panorama, a 30 metre circular painting depicting the Flinders Ranges. During the afternoon visit the Kanyaka Station ruins and the Quorn railway station, home of the Richi Pichi railway which runs on the old Ghan railway tracks. A short journey to Port Augusta and our overnight home, Highway One Motel.

Day 11 (B,D) PORT AUGUSTA, PORT PIRIE, ADELAIDEWe visit the award winning Wadlata Outback Centre, an award winning “tunnel

Brachina Gorge, SA


13 days, departs Jun 30

Queensland Inland Explorer

Day 1 (D) MELBOURNE, BRISBANE, GYMPIE, MARYBOROUGHMelbourne and interstate passengers fly to Brisbane to commence the Queensland Inland Explorer holiday. Your Seniors Coach Tours coach captain or hostess will meet your flight. Later we travel north to Gympie and Maryborough and our home for tonight, McNevins Parkway.

Day 2 (B,L,D) MARYBOROUGH, CHILDERS, BOROREN, GLADSTONE, ROCKHAMPTONA local guide joins us for a tour of Maryborough. This is a fascinating insight into this town that has preserved its heritage and sure to be enjoyed by all. Morning cuppa at Childers and lunch at Bororen. Visit Gladstone, Queensland’s busiest port, enjoy views of the deep water harbour from the lookout. We arrive in Rockhampton, located on the banks of the Fitzroy River and straddling the Tropic of Capricorn. “Rocky” is known as the “Beef Capital of Australia”. A short town tour prior to arriving at our home for tonight, the Comfort Inn, Rockhampton.

Day 3 (B,L,D) ROCKHAMPTON, MACKAY, PROSERPINE, AIRLIE BEACHVisit Rockhampton Heritage Village, morning cuppa, with lunch at Clairview. A short city tour of the “Sugar City” – Mackay. Here we see the largest bulk sugar loading terminal in the world. On to Proserpine and Airlie Beach, the centre of the thriving

Whitsunday Coast. Home for two nights, the Best Western Colonial Palms Motor Inn.

Day 4 (B,D) HAMILTON ISLAND CRUISEA magnificent day in the Whitsundays as we join Fantasea Cruises cruising in the pristine waters to Hamilton Island. Coach tour of Hamilton Island. Free time to stroll the shops of bustling Airlie Beach.

Day 5 (B,L,D) AIRLIE BEACH, BOWEN, BILLABONG WILDLIFE SANCTUARY, TOWNSVILLEThis morning we complete our journey north as we travel to Bowen, home of the Big Mango, a tribute to the local Kensington Mango. Enjoy a morning cuppa and lookout views. Lunch at Home Hill and guided tour of Asworths Rock Collection. On to Billabong Wildlife Sanctuary and then to Townsville with its relaxed tropical atmosphere. Home for two nights, the Monte Carlo Motor Inn.

Day 6 (B,L,D) QUEENS GARDENS, REEF HQ, IMAX THEATRE, ANZAC PARKEnjoy some relaxing exercise as we visit Queens Gardens, the original Townsville botanic gardens. Later a guided tour at Reef HQ, the world’s largest living coral reef aquarium. Lunch at the aquarium. We visit the IMAX theatre for spectacular movie viewing. Later we stroll in Anzac Park, overlooking Breakwater Marina. The rest of the day is free to explore.

Fares: (per person twin share)ex Melbourne $3,725ex Hobart/Launceston $4,025ex Sydney $3,625ex Adelaide $4,025ex Perth (extra day) $4,325single supplement $ 560Perth, Hobart and Launceston passengers who have purchased our interstate fare (above) need to arrive in Melbourne the day prior to departure. Included in your fare is:




SAVE $300


Queensland Inland Explorer

Day 7 (B,D) TOWNSVILLE, CHARTERS TOWERSA short journey inland this morning to a town of the gold era, Charters Towers, which once boasted 29 crushing mills, 65 hotels and its own Stock Exchange, all for 30,000 people. We join the Ghosts of Gold Trail to explore more of the history of gold mining in the area. Panoramic views from the town lookout. Home tonight, the Cattlemans Rest.

Day 8 (B,L,D) CHARTERS TOWERS, HUGHENDEN, WINTON, LONGREACHA longer journey today. Morning cuppa at Hughenden with a later lunch at Winton at the Waltzing Matilda Centre. Created as a tribute to the swagman life, this centre provides an interesting look into Australian history. We continue to Longreach. Home for two nights is the Longreach Motor Inn.

Day 9 (B,D) LONGREACHA relaxing day at Longreach, the largest town in central-west Queensland. Visit the School of Distance Education, the famous Stockman’s Hall of Fame and Outback Heritage Centre (lunch available here), Qantas Founders Outback Museum (747 jumbo jet tour at own expense). Later in the day watch the sunset and the multitude of stars as we enjoy a Thompson River dinner cruise.

Day 10 (B,D) LONGREACH, BARCALDINE, EMERALDTo Barcaldine and the Australian Workers Heritage Centre, a national monument to workers. We continue to Alpha and Emerald, home to Queensland’s most handsome railway station and a 250 million year old fossilised tree. Tonight we stay at the Emerald Meteor Motel.

Day 11 (B,L,D) EMERALD, SPRINGSURE, INJUNE, ROMAToday we head south via Springsure, Rolleston and Injune (picnic lunch today) to Roma. Check in to our overnight home, Roma Explorers Inn.

Day 12 (B,L,D) ROMA, MILES, DALBY, TOOWOOMBAThis morning we visit the Big Rig and discover the story of oil and gas in the area. On to Miles and the Miles Historical Village. Following lunch we travel to Dalby, centre of the richest grain and cotton growing area in Queensland and Toowoomba, a city with wide tree-lined streets, colonial architecture and over 100 parks and gardens. We enjoy a guided tour of some of the attractions of the city. Home tonight, The Park Motor Inn.

Day 13 (B) TOOWOOMBA, BRISBANE, MELBOURNEA short journey to Brisbane Airport this morning where we board flights home to various ports, completing a fascinating and enjoyable Queensland Inland Explorer holiday. In Melbourne, coach transfers to Southern Cross Station coach terminal and Forest Hill Chase are available.


13 days, departs July 17

Queensland Tropical North

Day 1 (D) MELBOURNE & OTHER HOME PORTS, ROCKHAMPTONMelbourne and interstate passengers fly to Rockhampton arriving during the afternoon. Our Seniors Coach Tours coach captain or hostess will meet our flight. We transfer to our home for two nights, the Sundowner Rockhampton.

Day 2 (B,D) ROCKHAMPTONAn easy day as we explore this city and its nearby coast. This morning we take in the views from Mt Archer Lookout, enjoy a stroll in the Botanic Gardens where, in 1982, a Japanese Garden was added as a sister city project with Ibusiki in Japan. Also enjoy a heritage walk covering the historical buildings and stylish early architecture (or, if you wish, browse in the city centre). This afternoon we enjoy a scenic drive with stunning views of the Capricorn coast as we travel to Yeppoon and Rosslyn Bay. At Emu Park we visit the Singing Ship. Its design incorporates fluted organ pipes which catch the wind and create musical sounds. The ship was built for the Captain James Cook bicentenary celebrations.

Day 3 (B,L,D) ROCKHAMPTON, MARLBOROUGH, MACKAY, AIRLIE BEACHToday we journey to Marlborough and Clairview, a local guide tells us about “Colonial Street” and we enjoy lunch at

the Community Centre. We cross the Pioneer River at Mackay, which boasts the largest bulk sugar facilities in the world. Afternoon cuppa here. We continue to Proserpine and Airlie Beach, gateway to the Whitsunday Islands. Home tonight, Best Western Colonial Palms Motor Inn.

Day 4 (B,L,D) AIRLIE BEACH, BOWEN, AYR, TOWNSVILLEWe continue north today as we travel to Bowen, Home Hill and Ayr. After lunch we visit the Billabong Wildlife Sanctuary before arriving in tropical Townsville and our home for two nights, the Hotel Ibis.

Day 5 (B,L,D) TOWNSVILLEThis morning we take a walk in Queens Gardens, the original botanic gardens. Later we visit Reef HQ, the world’s largest living coral reef aquarium. Lunch at the aquarium. Following lunch visit the IMAX theatre, spectacular movie viewing. Later take a stroll in Anzac Park, overlooking Breakwater Marina, to view some of the features of the park. The rest of the day is free to relax.

Day 6 (B,D) TOWNSVILLE, INNISFAIL, PORT DOUGLASOur journey north continues today as we travel to Ingham and Innisfail. During the afternoon we continue to Cairns, largest city in the north and along the scenic coastal highway to Port Douglas. Home for two nights is the Mercure Tree Tops Resort.


Perth passengers: Due to the late arrival of your flight dinner is not included on Day 1.



SAVE $300


Queensland Tropical North

Day 9 (B,L,D) COOKTOWNA day to explore and relax. A guided tour includes Grassy Hill Lookout, overlooking the Endeavour River, the Chinese cemetery and the WWII airport. We also visit the James Cook Historical Museum and enjoy a cruise on the Endeavour River.

Day 10 (B,L,D) COOKTOWN, PORT DOUGLAS, CAIRNSFrom Cooktown we return south, travelling through Palmer River and Mt Molley as we travel to Port Douglas. Lunch and time to browse in this thriving holiday destination. During the afternoon visit Rainforest Habitat Wildlife Sanctuary and then continue south, enjoying again the coastal highway views on route to Cairns. Home for four nights is the All Seasons Cairns.

Day 11 (B,L,D) CAIRNSEnjoy the array of tropical shrubs, fernery and orchids at Flecker Botanic Gardens before travelling to Kuranda. Lunch and a chance to visit market stalls before we catch the Scenic Railway from Kuranda to Freshwater Station. Our coach awaits for the transfer back to Cairns.

Day 12 (B,D) CAIRNSThis morning we visit Green Island, with two hours to explore and enjoy the island and its activities. This afternoon we visit Palm Cove, an absolutely beautiful village and beach setting. Some free time later in the afternoon, or you may choose to spend the afternoon browsing in the central Cairns area.

Day 13 (B) CAIRNS, HOME PORTSSadly today we depart by air and return to our home ports, concluding a most enjoyable journey along the North Queensland coast. Due to airline schedules, all flights may not be direct flights. Melbourne passengers are scheduled to fly direct to Melbourne.

Day 7 (B,D) PORT DOUGLAS, DAINTREE RIVER (Great Barrier Reef Cruise Option)A relaxing day as we explore Port Douglas. This morning visit the Daintree World Heritage Area and enjoy a ride on the world heritage-listed Daintree River on board the Daintree Rainforest River Train. Lunch in the village of Daintree. Visit the Mossman Sugar Mill as we return to Port Douglas. Time to stroll along Four Mile Beach or browse in the many shops in the main street. For passengers wishing to visit the coral reef, an optional full day reef tour is available – own expense, approximately $200 – book when you make your holiday booking.

Day 8 (B,L,D) PORT DOUGLAS, COOKTOWNNorthbound on the Mulligan Highway we travel to Lakeland, enjoy lunch here and, during the afternoon, continue to Cooktown, located on the Endeavour River. Home for two nights is the River of Gold Motel.



Cairns to The Alice

Day 1 (D) HOME, CAIRNSDeparting from our home states we fly to Cairns. Our Seniors Coach Tours captain or representative will meet our flight. Transfer to our home for two nights, the All Seasons Cairns. Relax and enjoy the mild climate of this northern city. Join fellow passengers for a pre-dinner drink and dinner together at our motel.

Day 2 (B,D) CAIRNS, PORT DOUGLAS, PALM COVEA relaxing day as we enjoy a morning stroll among an array of tropical shrubs, fernery and orchids at Fletcher Gardens. We follow the coast with many stunning coastal scenes as we journey north to Port Douglas. Some free time prior to visiting Rainforest Habitat Wildlife Sanctuary for a guided tour of this excellent facility. We return to Cairn’s most delightful beach at Palm Cove. Take a stroll along the beach, browse in the shops, enjoy a coffee or a cocktail (own expense) prior to returning to Cairns.

Day 3 (B,D) CAIRNS, SCENIC RAILWAY, KURANDA, MT SURPRISEToday we travel on the Kuranda Scenic Railway from Cairns, stopping on route to Kuranda at Barron Falls, travelling through lush rainforest and deep gorges. Time to stroll in the village among the many market stalls. During the afternoon we travel to Mareeba, Atherton and Ravenshoe, over 900 metres above sea level. We continue to Mt Surprise and our home for two nights, Bedrock Village.

Day 4 (B,L,D) UNDARA LAVA TUBESAn easy day today. Relax at Bedrock Village prior to the short journey to Undara Lava Tubes. Lunch here today, before a guided tour of this unique attraction, formed 190,000 years ago when waves of molten

lava flowed into creek and river beds. The surface cooled but underneath continued to flow, causing tunnels under the black lava rock.

Day 5 (B,L,D) MT SURPRISE, GEORGETOWN, COBBOLD GORGEToday we travel along the Gulf Development Road to Georgetown, Forsythe and Cobbold Gorge. During the afternoon explore the relatively unknown Cobbold Gorge. Our tour includes a boat tour of the gorge, with its majestic sandstone cliffs. The gorge is fed by permanent springs and many native fish and Johnstone River Crocodiles are found there. Also view the grave of John Corbett, murdered in 1871 during the gold rush. Tonight relax in the outback as we enjoy an overnight stay at Cobbold Gorge.

Day 6 (B,L,D) COBBOLD GORGE, CROYDON, NORMANTONOur journey today takes us through the outback of northwest Queensland as we return to Georgetown then travel the Gulf Development Road to Croydon, centre of a shire half the size of Tasmania. Around 7,000 people lived in Croydon at the height of the 1880’s gold rush. Croydon is the eastern terminal for the Gulflander railway, built in gold rush times, but today a historic reminder of another era. During the afternoon we continue to Normanton, on the Norman River. Home for two nights, the Gulfland Motel.

Day 7 (B,L,D) NORMANTON, GULFLANDER TRAIN, KARUMBAToday enjoy a short ride on the Gulflander railway, a leisurely journey across the golden savannah grasslands. Morning cuppa at Blackbull siding before returning to Normanton. Our afternoon takes us to Karumba, at the mouth of the Norman River




SAVE $300


Cairns to The Alice

on the edge of the Gulf of Carpentaria with its extensive tidal flats. Fishing, including prawns, is the main industry. Relax and enjoy an afternoon drink at the Karumba pub.

Day 8 (B,L,D) NORMANTON, CLONCURRYWe continue through outback Queensland today as we journey to Bourke and Wills Roadhouse (morning cuppa) and then to Cloncurry, centre for a large grazing and copper and gold mining area. A later lunch today, then enjoy John Flynn Place, a tribute to the founder of the Royal Flying Doctor Service and also, time permitting, the Mary Kathleen Memorial Museum, named after an abandoned town from which three of the buildings originated. Home tonight, Gidgee Inn.

Day 9 (B,D) CLONCURRY, MT ISAA short journey this morning to the city of Mt Isa, on the Leichhardt River, once the home of the Kalkadoon tribe. We visit Outback At Isa, including Riversleigh Fossils Interpretative Centre. The afternoon is free to explore, browse or relax. Home tonight is the All Seasons Verona Motel.

Day 10 (B,L,D) Mt ISA, TENNANT CREEKA day of travel today as we cross the Queensland – Northern Territory border near Camooweal on route to Barkly Homestead. Following lunch we continue to Three Ways, where we meet the north–south Stuart Highway. A short distance south lies Tennant Creek. Visit the Battery Hill Mining Centre, relax and enjoy the views prior to arriving at our overnight home, Eldorado Motor Inn.

Day 11 (B,L,D) TENNANT CREEK, ALICE SPRINGSAs we journey south today we visit the Devils Marbles, a collection of huge rounded red coloured boulders, important in the creation story of the Dreaming, where the Rainbow Serpent made the earth and then returned to a spot where the rainbow meets the earth. The boulders are fossilised Rainbow Serpent eggs. Lunch today at Barrow Creek and during the afternoon we complete our journey as we arrive in Alice Springs. Visit the Old Telegraph Station and Anzac Hill for a view overlooking the town. Home for two nights is the Aurora Resort Territory Inn.

Day 12 (B,D) ALICE SPRINGSThis morning we visit the 300 million year old West McDonnell Ranges, pause at the John Flynn Memorial, visit Simpson Gap and Stanley Chasm. During the afternoon we visit the award-winning Alice Springs Desert Park, an introduction to the plants, animals and people of “the Centre”. Or you may choose to relax at our hotel, or browse in the shops along Todd Mall. A special event tonight as we visit the Sounds of Starlight Theatre featuring the renowned didgeridoo player Andrew Langford. A highlight of our holiday.

Day 13 (B) ALICE SPRINGS, HOMEVisit the National Pioneer Women’s Hall of Fame and Royal Flying Doctor base. Our program this morning depends on airline schedules to various states. Passengers join various flights home concluding a most interesting holiday through the Queensland and Territory outback country.


14 days, departs Jul 11

Queensland Gold Coast

Day 1 (L,D) MELBOURNE, NUMURKAH, JERILDERIE, NARRANDERADeparting Melbourne we travel the Hume and Goulburn Highways, with lunch in Numurkah. We continue through Finley and Jerilderie, visiting “The Willows”, before arriving at the Gateway Motel in Narrandera.

Day 2 (B,L,D) NARRANDERA, WEST WYALONG, FORBES, PARKES, WESTERN PLAINS ZOO, DUBBOToday we travel to West Wyalong and Forbes, passing the famous CSIRO telescope. An early lunch in Parkes before continuing to the Western Plains Zoo, a fascinating open range zoo. Our overnight accommodation in Dubbo is the Homestead Motel.

Day 3 (B,D) DUBBO, COONABARA-BRAN, TAMWORTH, ARMIDALEDeparting Dubbo we travel the Newell Highway to Coonabarabran and then join the Oxley Highway to Tamworth, the “Country Music Capital of Australia”. Later we continue to the university city of Armidale and our overnight home, the Regency Hallmark Inn.

Day 4 (B,L,D) ARMIDALE, GLEN INNES, CASINO, LISMORE, COOLANGATTA, SURFERS PARADISEThis morning continue north along the New England Highway to Glen Innes and Tenterfield before turning toward the coast, travelling through Casino and Lismore and arriving later in the day at Coolangatta. Our home for seven nights is the Vibe, Surfers Paradise.

Day 5 (B,D) CURRUMBIN WILDLIFE SANCTUARY, MOUNT NATHAN WINERYAn early start today as we visit Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary which celebrated its 60th birthday in 2007. Join the special shows featuring wombats, koalas, free flight birds and crocodiles. Later visit Mount Nathan Winery. As well as wines, honey is produced here. Try and buy if you wish.

Day 6 (B,L,D) BALLINA, ALSTONVILLE, BYRON BAYToday we cross the border into NSW. Enjoy a Rainforest Morning Tea Cruise from River Terrace to the riverside village of Tumbulgum. Pass Stotts Island, the largest remnant of sub-tropical rainforest in NSW and a haven for local birdlife. We travel to Alstonville for lunch and a tour of Summerland “House with no steps”, followed in the afternoon with a visit to Byron Bay to view the lighthouse. Simply stunning clifftop views from the most easterly point on the Australian mainland.

Day 7 (B,D) WAX MUSEUM, Q1 OBSERVATION DECK, AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK SPECTACULARA day of local attractions today including the Wax Museum, plus a visit to Q1 Observation Deck. Take a fast lift to the 78th floor! Stunning views from Brisbane to Byron Bay. The afternoon is free to visit Twin Towns Casino or browse and relax.

Day 8 (B,D) FREE TIMEToday is yours to relax, explore, walk along the beach, browse in a nearby shopping centre, or take a tour to one of the many





SAVE $250


Queensland Gold Coast

local attractions (own expense). A special treat tonight as we visit the Australian Outback Spectacular, an evening dinner show filled with outback music, drama and action.

Day 9 (B,D) SEA WORLDToday we visit one of the Gold Coast’s most popular attractions, Sea World. Plenty of time to enjoy the animals, including sharks, polar bears, dugongs, dolphins and seabirds, plus the various shows including the famous dolphin show.

Day 10 (B,L,D) DURANBAH, MURWULLUMBAH, TWEED HEADSA short journey to Duranbah where we visit Tropical Fruit World. Enjoy fruit tasting, plantation safaris, the fauna park, plus the miniature train and tractors which move you around the park. Great fruit drinks, natural foods and ice-creams. Lunch in Murwillumbah before a visit to the Tweed River Art Gallery and the Rainforest Heritage Centre.

Day 11 (B,D) SURFERS PARADISE, GRAFTON, COFFS HARBOUR, KEMPSEYWe depart the Gold Coast heading south to Murwillumbah, Ballina and Grafton. During the afternoon we continue to Coffs Harbour and Kempsey. Overnight at Moon River Motor Inn.

Day 12 (B,L,D) KEMPSEY, TAREE, NEWCASTLE, BEROWRA HEIGHTS, CAMPBELLTOWNWe continue south to Taree and Bulahdelah, with lunch today in Newcastle. We continue along the Newcastle Freeway, crossing the Hawkesbury River, then afternoon cuppa at Berowra Heights. Using Sydney’s modern freeways, we bypass the city and suburbs to arrive at Campbelltown and our home for tonight, Maclin Lodge.

Day 13 (B,L,D) CAMPBELLTOWN, GOULBURN, GUNDAGAI, HOLBROOK, ALBURY, WANGARATTAFrom Campbelltown to Goulburn for a cuppa prior to continuing to Gundagai for lunch. During the afternoon we continue to Holbrook, Albury and our overnight home in Wangaratta – The Quality Hotel, Wangaratta Gateway.

Day 14 (B,L) WANGARATTA, BENALLA, SEYMOUR, MELBOURNEAn easy last day as we continue to Benalla and Seymour. Delicious pub lunch in Seymour. We travel via Melbourne Airport (where interstate passengers catch flights to their home ports) to Melbourne’s Southern Cross Station coach terminal, arriving at approximately 4:00 p.m. having completed a delightful 14 day winter holiday to Queensland. Transfer to Forest Hill available.



Day 1 (D) MELBOURNE, DARWINThis morning Melbourne passengers fly to Darwin. Passengers flying from other States arrive during the day and transfer to our home for two nights, the Quality Hotel Frontier, Darwin. Outdoor dining tonight at Stokes Hill Wharf.

Day 2 (B,D) DARWIN, SUNSET DINNER CRUISEA leisurely day today as we explore our most northern capital. A tour of the city, visit Parliament House, see the facade of Christ Church Cathedral, the only part remaining after Cyclone Tracy, and visit East Point Military Museum. Learn a little about the bombing of Darwin. We visit the Museum and Art Gallery, which features a display telling the story of Cyclone Tracy. Later in the day enjoy a sunset dinner cruise on board the Spirit of Darwin as we cruise on Darwin Harbour and see the sun drop below the horizon.

Day 3 (B,L,D) DARWIN, LITCHFIELD NP, ADELAIDE RIVER, PINE CREEK, KATHERINEDeparting Darwin, we travel to Batchelor, originally established for employees of the Rum Jungle Mine. In Litchfield National Park, in the Tabletop and Tableland Ranges, visit the fascinating magnetic termite mounds, Florence Falls and Wangi Falls. Lunch at Adelaide River, visit Adelaide River War Cemetery, where 434 WWII service men and women are buried, including some killed in the Japanese bombing of Darwin. On to Pine Creek, gateway to Arnhem Land and a uranium mining district and finally to Katherine. Home for two nights, Knotts Crossing Resort.

11 days, departs Jul 7, Aug 7

The Kimberley – Darwin to Broome

Day 4 (B,L,D) KATHERINE, NITMILUK (KATHERINE GORGE) CRUISEAnother relaxing day. Enjoy the two-hour morning Nitmiluk Cruise on two of the thirteen gorges which make up Katherine Gorge and flow into the Daly River which itself empties into the Timor Sea. A highlight is Jedda Rock, used in the filming of the early Australian film Jedda. (Note: Some walking is undertaken between the two gorges; reasonable fitness needed.) During the afternoon we visit Katherine Museum and enjoy Devonshire tea and a guided tour of Springvale Homestead, an early cattle property. Visit also Knotts Crossing, site of the 1870’s original township, a shanty pub and an overland repeater station.

Day 5 (B,L,D) KATHERINE, TIMBER CREEK, KUNUNURRASchool resumes today and we join the children of the School of the Air for their first session (subject to timetable). We travel to Victoria River, lunch at the roadhouse. On to Timber Creek, a small settlement on the Gregory River founded in 1835 when the Victoria River was the lifeline to the biggest cattle stations in the world. Afternoon cuppa prior to the last stage of our journey into Western Australia and the town of Kununurra. Home for two nights, the Kununurra Hotel.

Day 6 (B,L,D) KUNUNURRA, HIDDEN VALLEY N.P., LAKE ARGYLE, ORD RIVER CRUISEToday we visit Hidden Valley National Park with its 350 million year old rock formations, enjoy a short walk through part of the park. Kununurra is one of the youngest towns in Western Australia, being gazetted in the early 1960‘s. The area is rich in pastoral history and the famed




SAVE $300


The Kimberley - Darwin to Broome

Durack Homestead, built by Patsy Durack, was moved and reconstructed prior to the flooding of the Lake Argyle and is now a museum. Cross the retaining wall of this massive lake to join the Triple J cruise downstream from Lake Argyle along the Ord River to Kununurra, a distance of approximately 50 kilometres. Definitely a cruise to remember!

Day 7 (B,L,D) KUNUNURRA, HALLS CREEK, FITZROY CROSSINGPassengers have the opportunity to book on a spectacular sunrise Bungle Bungle flight over the ”lost world” of unique and fascinating beehive-like striped rock dome formations starting with a pre-dawn breakfast (own expense). Please contact our office to book. Then today’s journey takes us to Halls Creek, on the edge of the Great Sandy Desert. The first gold in WA was discovered here in 1885. Later it was the last stopping place for drovers using the Canning Stock Route to Wiluna. Lunch here today. During the afternoon we continue to Fitzroy Crossing, located on the best spot to ford the Fitzroy River. Home tonight, Fitzroy River Lodge.

Day 8 (B,L,D) FITZROY CROSSING, GEIKIE GORGE CRUISE, DERBYThis morning enjoy a Fitzroy River Geikie Gorge Cruise, the gorge carved by water through ancient coral reefs leaving colourful sheer yellow, orange and grey ochre sculptured cliffs. The flood water marks show the volume of water in flood

time. We continue our journey to Derby and our home tonight, the King Sound Resort, Derby.

Day 9 (B,D) DERBY, BROOMEThis morning we enjoy a town tour of Derby. View the famous Boab Prison Tree, believed to be over 1,500 years old. The Derby Wharf, from 1964 to 1983 used for live cattle loading, has the largest tidal variance in Australia, over thirty feet in height. We arrive in Broome mid-afternoon and enjoy a short tour of the town prior to arriving at our home for two nights, the Mercure Inn Continental.

Day 10 (B,D) BROOMEA most enjoyable day as we enjoy this western seaboard town, centre of a huge pearl industry and known as the “Pearl Capital of the World”. View the Courthouse, originally built in 1889 as a telegraph office when Broome was linked by undersea telephone cable to Java. We visit the Broome Historical Society Museum and Chinatown. Enjoy the view as we watch the sunset at Cable Beach tonight.

Day 11 (B) BROOME, MELBOURNESadly we join our homeward flights to Melbourne or other interstate destinations, concluding a most enjoyable Kimberley holiday. For Melbourne passengers, coach transfers are available to Southern Cross Station coach terminal and Forest Hill Chase.


11 days, departs Jul 17

The Kimberley – Broome to Darwin


Day 1 (D) MELBOURNE, BROOMEThis morning Melbourne passengers fly to Broome. Passengers flying from other States arrive during the day and transfer to our home for two nights, the Mercure Inn Continental.

Day 2 (B,D) BROOMEA most enjoyable day as we enjoy this western seaboard town, centre of a huge pearl industry and known as the “Pearl Capital of the World”. Visit the Courthouse, originally built in 1889 as a telegraph office when Broome was linked by undersea telephone cable to Java. We visit the Broome Historical Society Museum and Chinatown. Enjoy the view as we watch the sunset at Cable Beach tonight.

Day 3 (B,L,D) BROOME, DERBYThis morning we set out for Derby. Lunch at Willare Bridge Roadhouse. On arrival in Derby we enjoy a tour of the town. View the famous Boab Prison Tree, believed to be over 1,500 years old. The Derby Wharf, used from 1964 to 1983 for live cattle loading, has the largest tidal variance in Australia, over thirty feet in height. Our home tonight is the King Sound Resort, Derby.

Day 4 (B,L,D) DERBY, FITZROY CROSSING, GEIKIE GORGE CRUISEThis morning we continue to Fitzroy Crossing, located on the best spot to ford the Fitzroy River. Enjoy a Fitzroy River Geikie Gorge cruise, the gorge carved by water through ancient coral reefs leaving

colourful sheer yellow, orange and grey ochre sculptured cliffs. The flood water marks show the volume of water in flood time. Home tonight, Fitzroy River Lodge.

Day 5 (B,L,D) FITZROY CROSSING, HALLS CREEK, KUNUNURRAToday’s journey takes us to Halls Creek, on the edge of the Great Sandy Desert. The first gold in WA was discovered here in 1885. Later it was the last stopping place for drovers using the Canning Stock Route to Wiluna. Lunch here today. During the afternoon we continue to Kununurra. Home for two nights, the Kununurra Hotel.

Day 6 (B,L,D) HIDDEN VALLEY N.P., LAKE ARGYLE, ORD RIVER CRUISEPassengers have the opportunity to book on a spectacular sunrise Bungle Bungle flight over the ”lost world” of unique and fascinating beehive-like striped rock dome formations starting with a pre-dawn breakfast (own expense). Please contact our office to book. Today we visit Hidden Valley National Park with its 350 million year old rock formations, enjoy a short walk through part of the park. Kununurra is one of the youngest towns in Western Australia, being gazetted in the early 1960‘s. The area is rich in pastoral history and the famed Durack Homestead, built by Patsy Durack, was moved and reconstructed prior to the flooding of the Lake Argyle and is now a museum. Cross the retaining wall of this massive lake to join the Triple J cruise downstream from Lake Argyle along the Ord River to Kununurra, a distance of approximately 50 kilometres. Definitely a cruise to remember!




SAVE $300


The Kimberley - Broome to Darwin

Day 7 (B,D) KUNUNURRA, TIMBER CREEK, KATHERINEWe leave Kununurra this morning to continue our journey eastwards to Timber Creek, a small settlement on the Gregory River founded in 1835 when the Victoria River was the lifeline to the biggest cattle stations in the world. From Timber Creek we travel to Victoria River prior to the last stage of our journey to Katherine. Home for two nights, Knotts Crossing Resort.

Day 8 (B,L,D) KATHERINE, NITMILUK (KATHERINE GORGE) CRUISEAnother relaxing day. Enjoy the two-hour morning Nitmiluk cruise on two of the thirteen gorges which make up Katherine Gorge and flow into the Daly River which itself empties into the Timor Sea. A highlight is Jedda Rock, used in the filming of the early Australian film Jedda. (Note: Some walking is undertaken between the two gorges; reasonable fitness needed.) During the afternoon we visit Katherine Museum and enjoy Devonshire tea and a guided tour of Springvale Homestead, an early cattle property. Visit also Knotts Crossing, site of the 1870’s original township, a shanty pub and an overland repeater station.

Day 9 (B,L,D) KATHERINE, PINE CREEK, ADELAIDE RIVER, LITCHFIELD N.P., DARWINSchool resumes today and we join the children of the School of the Air for their first session (subject to timetable). Departing Katherine, we travel to Pine Creek, gateway to Arnhem Land and

a uranium mining district. Lunch at Adelaide River, visit Adelaide River War Cemetery, where 434 WWII service men and women are buried, including some killed in the Japanese bombing of Darwin. Then to Batchelor, originally established for employees of the Rum Jungle Mine, and Litchfield National Park in the Tabletop and Tableland Ranges. Visit the fascinating magnetic termite mounds, Florence Falls and Wangi Falls before continuing to Darwin and our home for two nights, the Quality Hotel Frontier, Darwin. Outdoor dining tonight at Stokes Hill Wharf.

Day 10 (B,D) DARWIN, SUNSET DINNER CRUISEA leisurely day today as we explore our most northern capital. A tour of the city, visit Parliament House, see the facade of Christ Church Cathedral, the only part remaining after Cyclone Tracy. Visit East Point Military Museum and learn a little about the bombing of Darwin. Visit the Museum and Art Gallery, which features a display telling the story of Cyclone Tracy. Later in the day enjoy a sunset dinner cruise on board the Spirit of Darwin as we cruise on Darwin Harbour and see the sun drop below the horizon.

Day 11 (B) DARWIN, MELBOURNESadly we join our homeward flights to Melbourne or other interstate destinations, concluding a most enjoyable Kimberley holiday. For Melbourne passengers, coach transfers are available to Southern Cross Station coach terminal and Forest Hill Chase.



WA Coastal Spectacular


Day 1 (D) HOME PORTS TO BROOMEDeparting from home ports we fly to Broome, via Perth. Home for two nights is the Mercure Inn Continental, Broome. Meet your fellow passengers and enjoy dinner together at the motel.

Day 2 (B,D) BROOMEA relaxing day today in Broome, pearl capital of the world. A tour of the area, visiting the Courthouse, originally built as a telegraph office, the Broome Historical Society and Chinatown. Enjoy the sunset over Cable Beach.

Day 3 (B,L,D) BROOME, PORT HEDLANDWe travel the Great Northern Highway at the western edge of the Great Sandy Desert. Picnic lunch today as we travel. Home tonight, The Esplanade Hotel, Port Hedland.

Day 4 (B,L,D) PORT HEDLAND, ROEBOURNE, KARRATHAToday we travel to Roebourne, view the many historic buildings, visit Cossack, first port in the north west, now a “ghost town” with several restored public buildings. Following lunch we continue to Karratha, established in 1968 on Nichol Bay due to the Hamersley iron ore project. Visit the North West Shelf Visitors Centre. Home tonight, All Seasons Karratha.

Day 5 (B,L,D) KARRATHA, EXMOUTHWe continue along the North West Coastal Highway through Cane River Conservation Park to Nanutarra Roadhouse, our lunch destination. During the afternoon continue to Exmouth, established in 1967 as a support town for the US communications base. Home for two nights, Pot Shot Hotel Resort.

Day 6 (B,L,D) CAPE RANGE NATIONAL PARKVisit the Milyering Visitor Centre, built of rammed earth and using solar power. Enjoy magnificent 360 degree views from Vlamingh lighthouse at the tip of Cape Range.

Day 7 (B,L,D) EXMOUTH, CORAL BAY, CARNARVONTravel south to the ideallic seaside village of Coral Bay, part of the Ningaloo coral reef, longest in Western Australia. Enjoy a glass-bottomed boat cruise in these pristine waters. (Note: Due to tides, we may be required to wade out in knee deep water to board the cruise. Reasonable fitness and appropriate clothing and footwear required.) Later we continue to Carnarvon on the Gascoyne River, and our home for two nights, Fascine Lodge.

Day 8 (B,D) CARNARVONA leisurely day as we explore Carnarvon, commercial centre of the Gascoyne region. This morning join an informative walking tour of Bumbaks Plantation. On a beautiful river setting learn about the wonders of growing bananas, grapes, mangoes and ground crops in Carnarvon. This afternoon we visit the Carnarvon Railway Museum, ride the Coffee Pot Train along the 1.6 kilometre jetty and visit the Lighthouse Jeepers Museum. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the three kilometre tramways trail (optional).

Day 9 (B,L,D) CARVARNON, DENHAM, MONKEY MIAToday we travel to the Peron Peninsula and Denham, most westerly town in Australia. Following lunch we visit Hamelin Pool to see the fascinating stromatolites, the world’s oldest known living organisms. Walk the stromatolite boardwalk and learn about the beginning of life on earth.

Fares: (per person twin share)ex Melbourne $5,845ex Hobart/Launceston $6,195ex Sydney $5,845ex Adelaide $5,745ex Brisbane $5,945ex Perth $5,445single supplement $1,275



SAVE $450


WA Coastal Spectacular

Later we travel to Monkey Mia, famous for its bottlenose dolphins, part of a pod of around 300 dolphins who interact with humans at the beach. Home for two nights, Monkey Mia Resort.

Day 10 (B,D) MONKEY MIAThis morning enjoy a cruise on Shark Bay, view dolphins, rays and perhaps sharks in the sheltered waters. The afternoon is free to relax and enjoy the scenery and the resort.

Day 11 (B,D) MONKEY MIA, KALBARRIWe retrace our steps back out to the North West Coastal Highway and then make our way to Kalbarri. A short town tour on arrival. Home for two nights, Best Western Kalbarri Palm Resort.

Day 12 (B,L,D) KABARRIWe spend today enjoying the superb scenery and, depending on the season, may find an abundance of wildflowers. We visit the Kalbarri Wildlife Centre and then the Rainbow Jungle, a beautiful parrot habitat and free-flying bird aviary. Following lunch we enjoy a drive around Kalbarri National Park. Later in the afternoon we join a Murchison River Sunset Cruise and explore river gorges and view spectacular formations. Dinner when we return.

Day 13 (B,L,D) KALBARRI, GERALDTONToday we drive along the spectacular coastline to Northampton, with lunch and time to wander around this National Trust-classified historical town. Later we travel the short distance to Geraldton. Our home for two nights, All Seasons Geraldton.

Day 14 (B,D) GERALDTONToday we explore the thriving city of Geraldton. This is a key port and administration centre for the Midwestern region and home to a large rock lobster industry. We take a town tour with a local guide, visiting the impressive St Francis Xavier Cathedral, designed by Monsignor John Hawes, the designer of many fine buildings in and around Geraldton. Enjoy the views from Mills Park Lookout. Some time to browse in the central shopping district.

Day 15 (B,L,D) GERALDTON, GREEN-OUGH, CERVANTES,A leisurely start to the day as we travel the short distance to historic village of Greenough. Time to view the conservation area and visit the Walkaway Station Museum, built in 1887. Lunch here at

the restored Hampton Arms Inn. In the afternoon we follow the scenic coast road through Leeman, Green Head and Jurien Bay to Cervantes and our overnight home, Best Western Cervantes Pinnacles.

Day 16 (B,L,D) CERVANTES, THE PINNACLES, PERTHThis morning we visit the Pinnacles where thousands of spectacular calcified spires (shell deposits) formed around 25,000 years ago and are scattered over 400 hectares of multicoloured sands in the Nambung National Park. We return via Cervantes to the Brand Highway for our journey south to Perth. Home for two nights is the Comfort Hotel Perth City.

Day 17 (B,D) PERTHToday we relax in this vibrant western capital. This morning we take a ferry ride to nearby Fremantle with time to explore the area around Fisherman’s Wharf. During the afternoon visit Kings Park, enjoy the wildflower displays, with some free time in the central city.

Day 18 (B) PERTH, HOME PORTSSadly we depart by air and return to our home ports, concluding a most enjoyable West Coast holiday. Eastbound planes depart late morning. Coach transfers to Southern Cross Station and Forest Hill are available.


12 days, departs Sep 7

WA Southern Highlights

This departure is during the Spring wildflower season and viewing of wildflowers is included in the itinerary, however good viewings of wildflowers are not guaranteed due to varying seasonal conditions.

Day 1 (D) MELBOURNE, PERTHPassengers from Melbourne and other capitals fly to Perth. Seniors Coach Tours personnel will be there to meet us as we transfer to our hotel. Home for three nights, the Comfort Hotel Perth City.

Day 2 (B,L,D) LONDON COURT, ROYAL MINT, KINGS PARKA relaxing day today in this modern capital city. We take a tour of Perth including London Court, The Royal Mint, visit Kings Park overlooking Swan River and the central city. Enjoy a walk in Kings Park with its many attractions including the Tree Top Walk and spectacular flower displays. Time in the city area for lunch and to browse.

Day 3 (B,D) FREMANTLE, HILLARYS BOAT HARBOURThis morning we explore Fremantle, a fascinating city and a blend of the old and the new. We travel by ferry along the Swan River to Fremantle. Visit the Fremantle Maritime Museum and view the winning America’s Cup yacht Australia II. This afternoon we drive along the spectacular beaches of Perth’s Northern Suburbs to Hillarys Boat Harbour. Time to relax and shop in the many speciality stores here.

Day 4 (B,L,D) PERTH, MANDURAH, BUNBURY, BUSSELTONThis morning we start our fascinating journey of the South West, passing through Rockingham, Safety Bay, and Waikiki before a morning cuppa at Mandurah. We view the Dawesville Cut and arrive at the Dolphin Discovery Centre for lunch. Time to browse this informative display. Tour Bunbury before we drive the sensational Ferguson Valley with a stop at Gnomesville. Through the apple capital Donnybrook, then to Busselton River Resort for three nights.

Day 5 (B,D) MARGARET RIVER, AUGUSTA, CAPE LEEUWIN, YALLINGGUPToday we visit the Margaret River Chocolate Company and a local winery prior to free time to browse shops in Margaret River. Arriving in Augusta we visit Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse where the Southern and Indian Oceans meet and view the fossilized water wheel. We then return to Busselton via the scenic coast road with large stands of karri forest, spectacular views at Yallingup, then onto Dunsborough before returning to Busselton.

Day 6 (B,L,D) BUSSELTON, NANNUPBusselton is a magnificent seaside resort nestled on Geographe Bay. A relaxing day today with a visit to the Busselton Jetty, the longest wooden jetty in the Southern Hemisphere. We then view Port Geographe and visit the historic Old Butter

Fares: (per person twin share)ex Melbourne $3,545ex Hobart/Launceston $3,995ex Sydney $3,645ex Adelaide $3,445ex Brisbane $3,745single supplement $ 635



SAVE $300


WA Southern Highlights

Factory. Travel inland to the timber town of Nannup, our lunch stop. Journey home through jarrah forest and pine plantations.

Day 7 (B,L,D) BUSSELTON, PEMBERTONTravel to Pemberton with a stop at Beedelup Falls, then visit the local Pemberton Museum, hand-feed the brilliant Rosellas under the Giant Gloucester Tree. Board the Pemberton Tram which takes us on a forest journey winding through giant stands of karri & marri trees. Overnight in Pemberton at the Karri Forest Motel.

Day 8 (B,L,D) MANJIMUP, WALPOLE, ALBANYTravelling south we pass through Walpole and the Valley Of The Giants. A highlight of our holiday as we enjoy a spectacular Tree Top Walk, high above the forest. Mid-afternoon we arrive in the coastal city of Albany. Take in views from the Gap, Natural Bridge and Stoney Ridge prior to arriving at our home for two nights, the Metro Inn.

Day 9 (B,L,D) ALBANYA relaxing day in Albany as we explore this southern city which includes Anzac Memorial on Mt Clarence and Whale World, the site of the last operating whaling station in Australia. We travel to Mt. Barker where we visit the Banksia Farm, with over 70 species of Banksia and wildflowers on display. We return to Albany with a visit to Mt Romance Sandalwood Factory.

Day 10 (B,L,D) ALBANY, STIRLING RANGES, WAVE ROCK, HYDENFollowing breakfast we leave the beauty of the coast and head into the interior, travelling again through the magnificent Stirling Ranges to Lake Grace and Hyden. Picnic lunch along the way. We visit the

unique rock formation at Wave Rock, 2.7 million years old and up to 15 metres high. Enjoy also the Wildflower Shoppe, Wildlife Park and Old Lace Collection. Home tonight is the Hyden Wave Rock Hotel, country hospitality at its best.

Day 11 (B,D) HYDEN, YORK, PERTHWe travel through the wheat belt towns of Kondinin and Corrigin with a stop at the Dog Cemetery, then to York. Visit the York Motor Museum and the Mill Gallery which exhibits local hardwood furniture and fine art. A short drive to Perth completes our wildflower journey. Overnight at the Comfort Hotel Perth City.

Day 12 (B) PERTH, MELBOURNESadly today we depart by air and return to our home ports, concluding a most enjoyable Western Australia Southern Highlights holiday. For Melbourne passengers, coach transfers are available to Southern Cross Station coach terminal or Forest Hill Chase.



Across the Nullarbor

Due to the distances travelled,several days involve longer travelling times than normal.

Day 1 (D) HOME PORTS, PERTHDeparting from various capital city airports we fly to Perth. Your Seniors Coach Tours coach captain or hostess will greet you at Perth Airport and arrange for your transfer to the city and our home for three nights, Comfort Hotel Perth City. Meet your fellow passengers as we enjoy dinner together.

Day 2 (B,D) PERTHA relaxing day in this modern capital city. Take a tour of Perth including London Court, The Royal Mint and Kings Park with views overlooking Swan River and the city. Enjoy a walk in Kings Park with its many attractions and spectacular wild flower displays. Time in the city areas to browse.

Day 3 (B,D) FREMANTLE, HILLARYS BOAT HARBOURThis morning we explore Fremantle, a fascinating city and a blend of old and new. We travel by ferry along the Swan River to Fremantle. Visit the WA Maritime Museum and see the victorious America’s Cup yacht, Australia II. This afternoon we drive along the spectacular beaches of Perth’s northern suburbs to Hillarys Boat Harbour. Time to relax and browse in the many speciality stores here.

Day 4 (B,L,D) PERTH, KOJONUP, MT BARKER, ALBANYDeparting from Perth we travel the Albany Highway to Kojonup, established in 1837 to protect the mail run from Albany to Perth. Visit Kodja Place, the Australian Rose Maze, encapsulating present day rural Australia, and the old Military Barracks. Following lunch we continue to Mt Barker, an agricultural area now also home to many vineyards. Visit the Banksia Farm. A

short journey to Albany, on Princess Royal Harbour, and our home for two nights, the Metro Inn.

Day 5 (B,D) ALBANYA relaxing day in Albany, the first settlement dating back to 1826 and later a major whaling station. A highlight of our trip is a morning cruise on Silver Star Cruises into King George Sound. At this time of the year, chances of whale sightings are excellent. Visit Whale World and the last operating whale station in Australia. We also visit Mount Romance Sandalwood Factory and enjoy the views from Mt Clarence.

Day 6 (B,L,D) ALBANY, RAVENSTHORPE, ESPERANCEToday we travel to Jerramungup, a small wheat and sheep farming community, and Ravensthorpe, once a mining community. An old smelter which operated between 1906 and 1918 still survives. The WA time meridian shows the spot where, at midday Western Standard Time, the sun is due north at midday, 8 hours ahead of Greenwich (16 minutes ahead of Perth). Following lunch we continue to Esperance. Home tonight, the Hospitality Inn.

Day 7 (B,L,D) ESPERANCE, NORSEMAN, COCKLEBIDDYFrom Esperance we travel north to Norseman. See a modern camel train (life size, corrugated iron style) and a bronze statue of Norseman. Following lunch we travel east on the Eyre Highway to Balladonia. Visit the Cultural Heritage Museum where computer-driven tech-nology recreates the story of the area. Drive over 90 kilometres of straight road, longest straight stretch in Australia, on route to Cocklebiddy and the Wedgetail Inn Hotel/Motel.

Fares: (per person twin share)ex Melbourne $3,595ex Hobart/Launceston $3,795ex Sydney $3,795ex Adelaide $3,595ex Brisbane $3,895ex Perth (14 days) $3,595ex Perth (11 days) $3,095single supplement $ 695



SAVE $250


Across the Nullarbor

Day 8 (B,L,D) COCKLEBIDDY, EUCLA, BORDER VILLAGE, NULLARBORThis morning we are eastbound to Eucla. See the old jetty and Old Telegraph Station, built in 1877 and once one of the busiest in Australia. Into South Australia at Border Village from where we continue to the village of Nullarbor and the Nullarbor Hotel Motel.

Day 9 (B,L,D) NULLARBOR, CEDUNASpectacular views of the Great Australian Bight today. Bunda Cliffs form a perpendicular 80 metre wall above the water and viewing platforms are a great spot to see a migrating whale (not guaranteed). An optional flight over the area this morning (own expense, subject to availability) includes White Wells Cave and Blowhole. From Nullarbor we continue our eastward journey to Ceduna. Tonight our home is the East West Motel.

Day 10 (B,L,D) CEDUNA, STREAKY BAY, COFFIN BAY, PORT LINCOLNThis morning enjoy a tour of Ceduna and the port area prior to departing along the west coast of the Eyre Peninsula to Streaky Bay with the only remaining sea lion colony on the mainland. Following lunch we continue south visiting Murphy’s Haystack on route to Venus Bay and Coffin Bay. Home for two nights, the Hilton Hotel, Port Lincoln.

Day 11 (B,L,D) PORT LINCOLNA relaxing day as we enjoy this seaside city. During the morning we take in the sights, visit the Axel Stenross Maritime Museum and enjoy an aqua culture and sightseeing cruise, visiting a sea lion colony and local tuna farm – learn a little of this huge industry, hand feed the tuna if you wish. During the afternoon we visit Whalers

Way, the southern tip of Eyre Peninsula and home to simply magnificent scenery. A photographer’s delight. Cliffs, blowholes, and golden beaches! If you prefer, you may choose to spend the afternoon browsing in the main town area, or walking along the Esplanade.

Day 12 (B,L,D) PORT LINCOLN, WHYALLA, PORT AUGUSTAThis morning we travel to picturesque Tumby Bay and Cowell, home of Australia’s only commercial jade mine. View local jade at Cowell Jade and Jemstones. Purchase if you wish. Then to Whyalla, where in the 1890’s BHP built an iron ore smelting works, refining ore carried from Iron Knob by tram line. Enjoy a delicious country-style lunch at the Mt Laura Homestead. During the afternoon we continue to Port Augusta, visit the award-winning Wadlata Outback Centre, learn a little of the development of the outback and the early Ghan railway. Home tonight, Highway One Motel.

Day 13 (B,D) PORT AUGUSTA, ADELAIDEWe travel via Melrose and Gladstone to the beautiful Clare Valley. Time to browse the shops. During the afternoon we continue to Port Wakefield and join the A1 highway to Adelaide, having completed our coach journey across the Nullarbor. Home tonight, The Comfort Inn Anzac (or similar).

Day 14 (B,) ADELAIDE, HOMEA morning city sights tour of Adelaide prior to boarding flights from Adelaide to our home ports. Some flights will be direct flights, others may fly with a stop on route. So concludes a most interesting and enjoyable journey across the continent.


11 days, departs Apr 27, May 6, Sep 7, Sep 16

South Australian Highlights

Day 1 (D) HOME, ADELAIDE Passengers from Melbourne transfer to Melbourne Airport for the short flight to Adelaide, arriving early afternoon. Passengers from other capitals may fly direct from their home state or via Melbourne to Adelaide. During the afternoon enjoy a tour of the sights of Adelaide prior to arriving at our overnight home, The Comfort Inn Anzac.

Day 2 (B,L,D) ADELAIDE, VICTOR HARBORThis morning enjoy a walk in the Adelaide Botanic Gardens, housing the Bicenntenial Conservatory and the restored Palm House, oldest glass house in an Australian Botanic Garden. Visit Ayers House, a National Trust property once owned by Sir Henry Ayers, seven times Premier of South Australia. View the Old Gum Tree where Governor Hindmarsh proclaimed the establishment of the government of the colony in 1836. Lunch at Glenelg. During the afternoon we travel to the Fleurieu Peninsula and Victor Harbor, a favourite coastal holiday destination on Encounter Bay. In season, whales and dolphins are often sighted in the Bay, which was once an important whaling station. Home for two nights, the Apollon Motor Inn.

Day 3 (B,D) VICTOR HARBOR

A leisurely day in Victor Harbor. This morning enjoy views from The Bluff, visit Urimbirra Wildlife Park, enjoy a horse-drawn tram ride across the causeway to Granite Island, home of a penguin colony and the Granite Island Recreation Park. During the afternoon we take a short journey to nearby Goolwa, view the Goolwa Barrage, a concrete barrier separating salt and fresh water. On Hindmarsh Island view the mouth of the Murray prior to visiting Signal Point River Murray Centre, learn a little of the history of the area and its river trade.

Day 4 (B,L,D) VICTOR HARBOR, CAPE JERVIS, KANGAROO ISLAND, KINGSCOTEThis morning we travel from Victor Harbor via Glacier Rock, the first recorded evidence of glaciation in Australia discovered in 1859, and Inman Valley to Yankalilla, where we join the main Adelaide connection to Cape Jervis. We board the Sea Lion II, a large passenger and car ferry for the 45 minute journey across Backstairs Passage to Kangaroo Island, noted for its rugged coastline, pristine beaches, disease-free native animals and flora and the Ligurian bee. The KI population is believed to be the only remaining pure stock of these bees in the world. Lunch on arrival. During the

Fares: (per person twin share)April & May departuresex Melbourne $3,375ex Hobart/Launceston $3,575ex Sydney $3,475ex Brisbane $3,575ex Perth $3,625single supplement $ 525


SAVE $300

Fares: (per person twin share)Sept. & Oct. departuresex Melbourne $3,475ex Hobart/Launceston $3,675ex Sydney $3,575ex Brisbane $3,675ex Perth $3,725single supplement $ 525



SAVE $150



afternoon we visit American River, Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery and Island Pure Sheep Dairy as we travel to Kingscote and our home for two nights, Ozone Seafront Hotel.

Day 5 (B,L,D) KANGAROO ISLANDToday we visit Pandana Wildlife Park, a large collection of rare and unusual birds and animals. Morning cuppa as we enjoy a stroll through the extensive grounds. We continue to the south coast and Seal Bay. A guided tour from the cliff takes us onto the beach and within great viewing range of the famous sea lions. (Good views for those unable to negotiate the walk to the beach.) Picnic lunch on route to the Remarkable Rocks, huge rocks carved into artistic outlines by millions of years of almost constant wind. Then to Admirals Arch and the colony of the smaller New Zealand fur seals. Some free time in Kingscote prior to dinner together at our hotel.

Day 6 (B,D) KINGSCOTE, FERRY TO JERVIS BAY, HAHNDORF, LYNDOCH, TANUNDAThis morning we return to Penneshaw to travel back to Cape Jervis on the mainland. We travel via Myponga which supplies around 5% of Adelaide’s filtered water. We continue through the Mt Lofty ranges to Hahndorf, Australia’s oldest German settlement, dating back to 1838 and named after Captain Hahn of the ship Zebra, whose passengers settled there. Time to browse in the many art and craft venues, cafés and galleries in this picturesque village. During the afternoon we continue to Birdwood and Lyndoch in the Barossa Valley where we visit Chateau Barossa. Enjoy wine tasting and stroll in one of the best rose gardens in South Australia, with beautiful scenic views. It’s a short journey to Tanunda and our overnight home, Barossa Motor Lodge. Dinner together completes our day.

Day 7 (B,L,D) TANUNDA, ANGASTON, BURRA, PORT PIRIEWe visit nearby Angaston, with its Angus Park dried fruit shop, purchase if you wish, Barossa Quilt and Craft Cottage and Doddridge Blacksmith Shop. Morning cuppa and then to the historic copper mining centre of Burra. The discovery of copper in 1845 began a highly successful mining era in Burra, bringing huge wealth to the colony. Time for lunch and a stroll around the town centre prior to an afternoon tour of the area led by a local guide. Highlights include Peacocks Chimney Stack, Bon Accord Mining complex, and Malowen Lowarth Cottage, one of 33 cottages built for Welsh miners in Paxton Square between 1849 and 1851.


Later the short journey to Port Pirie and our home for tonight, John Pirie Motor Inn.

Day 8 (B,L,D) PORT PIRIE, PORT AUGUSTA, WHYALLAWe travel north to Port Augusta, enjoy a stroll in the Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden prior to visiting the award-winning Wadlata Outback Interpretative Centre. Learn something of the early settlers and the diversity of the area. Lunch here today. During the afternoon we travel to Whyalla, home of the huge steel works established by BHP. BHP also built a smelting works at Whyalla in the 1890’s to treat iron ore found at Iron Knob, approximately 50 kilometres inland and originally transported to Whyalla (then Hummock Hill) by tram line. We visit the National Trust classified Mt Leura Homestead, with an interesting display of historical items from the area, and Hummock Hill Lookout. Home tonight is Whyalla’s Westland Hotel Motel.

Day 9 (B,L,D) WHYALLA, PORT LINCOLNThis morning we continue to Cowell, home of Australia’s only commercial jade mine. View local jade at Cowell Jade and Gemstones; morning tea here. Purchase jewellery or stone if you wish. Enjoy the coastal scenes at Tumby Bay and a picnic lunch in this seaside village. A short

distance and we are in Port Lincoln, most southerly settlement on Eyre Peninsula and home to a huge tuna fishing industry. Home for two nights, the Hilton Hotel.

Day 10 (B,D) PORT LINCOLNA relaxing day as we enjoy this seaside city. Enjoy an aqua culture and sightseeing cruise, visiting a sea lion colony and local tuna farm – learn a little of this huge industry, hand feed the tuna if you wish. During the afternoon we take in the sights, visit the Axel Stenross Maritime Museum and Whalers Way, the southern tip of Eyre Peninsula and home to simply magnificent scenery. A photographer’s delight, cliffs, blowholes, and golden beaches! If you prefer, you may choose to spend the afternoon browsing in the main town area or walking along the Esplanade.

Day 11 (B) PORT LINCOLN, ADELAIDE, HOMEThis morning we return to Adelaide by charter plane (52 passenger Fokker aircraft) and, during the afternoon, depart from Adelaide for our home airports. Some flights will be direct, others may fly with a stop on route. So concludes a most enjoyable 11 day South Australian Highlights holiday.

Please note: Departures on May 6 and Sep 16 operate the reverse itinerary.


Sacred Canyon, Flinders Ranges, SA


10 days, departs May 6, Sep 9

Flinders Ranges

Day 1 (L,D) MELBOURNE, SWAN HILLDeparting Melbourne, we travel north to Echuca, arriving in time for lunch. We continue along the Murray Valley Highway to Cohuna before arriving in Swan Hill and our home for tonight, the Comfort Inn Campbell.

Day 2 (B,L,D) SWAN HILL, BERRITravel via Pinnaroo to Loxton, visit the Loxton Historical Village. We continue to Berri and visit “Berri Direct” where we sample local produce. View Fletcher Freighters 60 metre mural. Home tonight, the Berri Resort Hotel.

Day 3 (B,D) BERRI, CLAREFrom Berri we travel to Morgan, an historic river town, and Burra, once a major copper mining area and now carrying National Trust classification. Enjoy a guided town and district tour at Burra before continuing to Clare and our home tonight, the Clare Valley Motel.

Day 4 (B,D) CLARE, HAWKER, WILPENAThis morning we travel to Peterborough and Hawker. View the Wilpena Panorama,

a 30 metre circular painting depicting the Flinders Ranges. On to our home for three nights, the Wilpena Pound Resort at Wilpena.

Day 5 (B,L,D) WILPENA, CAZNEAUX TREE, SACRED CANYONA relaxing day as we explore this fascinating area. Walk into Wilpena Pound (climb to the rim if you wish), enjoy a picnic lunch. Visit the famous Cazneaux Tree and, subject to road conditions, visit the beautiful Sacred Canyon, view aboriginal rock paintings, Yanyanna Hut and Bunyeroo Lookout.

Day 6 (B,L,D) BLINMANToday we visit Stokes Lookout and the Great Wall of China on route to historic Blinman, once a copper mining area. Time for a refreshment (own expense) then return to the Station with the sun setting on the nearby Ranges.

Day 7 (B,L,D) WILPENA, QUORN, PORT AUGUSTAThis morning we visit the ruin of Kanyaka Station and the old Quorn Railway Station,





SAVE $175


Flinders Ranges

an elegant stone and brick structure built in 1916. We continue to Port Augusta to visit the Wadlata Outback Centre, an award-winning “tunnel in time” depicting early development of the area including the original Ghan. Following a light lunch we visit the Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden and Flinders Redbank Lookout. Overnight at the Standpipe Motor Inn.

Day 8 (B,D) PORT AUGUSTA, ADELAIDE, MANNUMThis morning we journey to Adelaide via Snowtown and Port Wakefield. We tour the City of Adelaide with its many beautiful buildings and gardens and later continue to the picturesque town of Mannum on the Murray. Home tonight is the Mannum Motel.

Day 9 (B,D) MANNUM, KEITH, BORDERTOWN, HORSHAM, STAWELLDeparting Mannum we travel to Tailem Bend and join the Dukes Highway which takes us to Keith and Bordertown with its rare colony of white kangaroos. In the afternoon we travel through Kaniva, Nhill and Horsham. Our overnight home is the Goldfields Motor Inn, Stawell.

Day 10 (B,L) STAWELL, BALLARAT, MELBOURNEWe visit the Stawell Gift Hall of Fame before travelling to Ballarat for lunch. We return to Melbourne via Melbourne Airport arriving at Southern Cross Station coach terminal around 4:00 p.m. and then on to Forest Hill, completing a most enjoyable Flinders Ranges holiday.



Canberra Floriade

Day 1 (L,D) MELBOURNE, MAFFRA, SALE, BAIRNSDALE, LAKES ENTRANCEWith a promise of fresh mornings, bright sunny days and cool nights, we depart Melbourne and travel through West Gippsland – morning cuppa at the quaint village of Yarragon. Picnic lunch at Maffra. To Sale, Bairnsdale, Gippsland Lakes and the coast. Home tonight is the Pelican at Lakes, Lakes Entrance.

Day 2 (B,L,D) LAKES ENTRANCE, CANN RIVER, BOMBALA, COOMA, CANBERRATo Cann River, then north, with lunch at Bombala on route to Cooma, once dubbed Australia’s most cosmopolitan city thanks to the thousands of migrants who flocked to the region to work on the Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric Scheme. We arrive in Canberra, our National Capital. Home for five nights, the Forrest Inn.

Day 3 (B,L,D) CANBERRAThis morning take in the spectacular 360 degree views over Canberra from Telstra Tower at Black Mountain before visiting the Australian National Botanic Gardens where we spend time surrounded by the world’s largest collection of native Australian plants. After lunch in the gardens café we enjoy viewing some of the wonderful collection of paintings at the National Gallery of Australia before exploring the miniature English garden and village settings at Cockington Green.

Day 4 (B,D) CANBERRAThis morning we enjoy a coach tour past many of the overseas embassies located in the national capital before visiting the National Capital Exhibition at Regatta Point. Then, it’s time to view the highlight of our holiday, the annual Spring Floriade. With over one million blooms, it’s a sea of colour! In the afternoon enjoy a guided tour of Old Parliament House, now known as the Museum of Australian Democracy, followed by a visit to the National Portrait Gallery.

Day 5 (B,D) CANBERRAAfter a tour of New Parliament House, and Canberra’s Glassworks, housed in Kingston Powerhouse, Canberra’s oldest building. In the afternoon we view Canberra and Lake Burley Griffin from Mt Ainslie Lookout. Magnificent views and a

perspective of how Walter Burley Griffin’s plan for Canberra has come to life. Later enjoy a cruise on beautiful Lake Burley Griffin, named for Canberra’s designer, Walter Burley Griffin.

Day 6 (B,D) CANBERRAToday we visit the Royal Australian Mint, press your own Australian $1 coin. Then to the Australian War Memorial, one of the world’s great museums and an Australian icon. View the new “Great War in the Air” featuring rare WWI aircraft. In the afternoon we visit the National Sound and Film Archive, explore 100 years of recorded sound, radio, television and film.

Day 7 (B,L,D) CANBERRA, YASS, GUNDAGAI, HOLBROOK, ALBURY, WANGARATTAVisit Yass District Museum on route to Gundagai. Picnic lunch in the park. Cuppa time at Holbrook (originally called “The Germans” because of its first European settlers), back into Victoria as we cross the Murray at Albury. Home tonight, Quality Hotel Gateway at Wangaratta.

Day 8 (B,L) WANGARATTA, GLENROWAN, SEYMOUR, MELBOURNEWe travel the Hume Highway to Glenrowan and view a theatrical recreation of Ned Kelly’s last stand. Then a two-course lunch at Seymour, returning to Southern Cross Station coach terminal via Melbourne Airport, arriving Melbourne at approximately 4:00 p.m., ending a wonderful eight-day Seniors Coach Tours Canberra Floriade holiday.





SAVE $150


Day 1 (D) TO LAUNCESTONPassengers from Melbourne transfer to Melbourne Airport and join passengers from Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth for the one hour flight to Launceston, due to depart early afternoon. (Perth passengers arrive in Melbourne the day prior to departure.) Enjoy afternoon tea and a guided tour of Franklin House, built in 1838. Home for two nights is Best Western Abel Tasman Airport Motel.

Day 2 (B,D) LAUNCESTONEnjoy a short Tamar River cruise then visit City Park and the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery. Time to explore the central city. During the afternoon visit the famous Cataract Gorge.

Day 3 (B,L,D) LAUNCESTON, HOBARTToday we travel south to Ross, with its ornate convict-built sandstone bridge. Enjoy a town tour and visit the Tasmanian Wool Centre, followed by lunch. During the afternoon we travel via the historic town of Richmond to Hobart. Our home for three nights is the Balmoral Motor Inn, Hobart.

Day 4 (B,L,D) HUON TRAILSouthbound we follow the Huon Trail to Grove. Enjoy a morning cuppa at the Apple and Heritage Museum. Visit the “Big Tree” prior to arriving at the Tahune Forest Air Walk. On arrival stroll along the Huon Pine Walk before enjoying a BBQ lunch at the Air Walk Café. Walk in the treetops on the Air Walk, up to 37 metres above the forest floor. We return via Geeveston with time to purchase afternoon tea here if you wish (own expense).

Day 5 (B,D) CHRISTMAS DAY, HOBARTHappy Christmas. This morning we travel to Hobart. Enjoy traditional Christmas dinner at our Hobart home, the Balmoral Motor Inn. During the afternoon, we visit the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens. A lighter meal this evening concludes Christmas Day celebrations.

Day 6 (B,D) HOBART, QUEENSTOWNWe travel along the picturesque Derwent Valley to New Norfolk, Hamilton and Derwent Bridge. During the afternoon we visit Lake St Clair and Nelson Falls. On to Queenstown. Home for three nights is the Goldrush Motor Inn.

Day 7 (B,L,D) WEST COAST WILDERNESS RAILWAYToday we travel to Strahan to join the West Coast Wilderness Railway, travelling from Strahan through absolute wilderness. Stop at several stations along the way. An absolutely amazing journey, now included in your fare.

Day 8 (B,L,D) GORDON RIVER CRUISETravel the short distance to Strahan, where we board our cruise vessel MV Lady Jane Franklin II for a magnificent cruise across Macquarie Harbour viewing Hell’s Gate harbour entrance, commercial salmon farms and the amazing Gordon River, plus a rainforest walk through ancient forests and Sarah Island, a notorious convict settlement. Lunch as we cruise.

Day 9 (B,L) QUEENSTOWN, CRADLE MOUNTAIN, LAUNCESTON, HOMEFrom Queenstown we travel to Zeehan, Tullah and picturesque Cradle Mountain. Morning cuppa prior to transferring to smaller coaches to take the journey to beautiful Dove Lake. Enjoy a short walk along the shore. Lunch at Cradle Mountain Chateau. During the afternoon we continue to Sheffield and Launceston, where we catch the late afternoon flight to Melbourne or home ports. Some interstate passengers may need to stay in Melbourne overnight (not included in fare). So concludes a most enjoyable Christmas holiday in beautiful Tasmania.

9 days, departs Dec 21

Christmas in Tasmania

Fares: (per person twin share)ex Melbourne $2,395ex Sydney $2,645ex Adelaide $2,695ex Brisbane $2,745ex Perth (extra day) $3,045single supplement $ 420Perth passengers who have purchased our interstate fare (above) need to arrive in Melbourne the day prior to departure. Included in your fare is:




Australian Air HolidaysIn 2004, flying in a restored DC3, we commenced a series of holidays to various parts of Australia using the name DC3 Australian Air Holidays. Since then we have flown DC3 tours to most states, including two “Around Australia” holidays lasting almost one month as we explore our great country at a leisurely pace, including locations not usually included in air holidays.

In 2009 we changed our name to Australian Air Holidays and broadened both the range of holidays we offer and aircraft used. These twin engine planes now include 10-passenger Chieftain, 12-passenger Titan and Kingair, 15 passenger Jetstream, 26-passenger DC3 and 52-passenger Fokker 50’s.

In 2009 and again in 2010 we flew many trips to Lake Eyre, carrying over 2,000 passengers to view this spectacular “inland sea”. These trips continue in popularity and new departures, including an Opera in the Opal Fields event sheduled for September, are planned for 2011.

Australian Air Holidays 2011 Tasmanian program includes Chieftain, DC3, Jetstream and Fokker 50 aircraft with itineraries

from one day to six days in Tasmania, including King and Flinders Islands, a great opportunity to visit Tasmania and enjoy its scenery, history and culture in a short visit.

In February 2011 we invite you to join us for the first “Opera in the Cave”, a weekend event on the Limestone Coast of South Australia. As well as a relaxing weekend visit to this scenic area the highlight will be a performance of well loved operatic arias by “Opera Scholars of Australia”.

We plan a further 150th year celebration of the Burke and Wills expedition, using the DC3 we recently visited the famous “Dig Tree”. Plans are also well advanced for a winter weekend series visiting Cape York, northern tip of Australia.

A selection of holidays available at the time of writing follows, however, if you wish to receive more information about these unique holidays or register to receive our regular newsletters and holiday updates, please contact our office:Phone: 1800 815 906Email: [email protected]: www.australianairholidays.com

Happy flying.

Nature Plus

Fly from Melbourne’s Moorabbin Airport in our Chieftain aircraft north to the Murray river city of Echuca. A short tour of Echuca and a luncheon cruise on the river. Continue to Mungo National Park. Two nights Mungo Lodge. A day exploring Mungo National Park with Harry Nanya Tours.

From Mungo Lodge fly to Lake Alexandrina at the mouth of the Murray and the Coorong. We land at Goolwa to join a Spirit of the Coorong cruise into Coorong National Park. Continue to Nhill and the Little Desert Nature Lodge (two nights). Visit the Malleefowl Aviary, then join Wimpey’s 4 wheel drive tour showcasing the unforgettable scenery and unique wildlife of the Little Desert. After dinner the Night Spotlighting Tour.

Fly over the magnificent Grampians on the next leg of our journey to Hamilton and

Fares: (per person twin share)ex Melbourne $3,985ex Sydney (extra day) $4,435ex Adelaide (extra day) $4,435ex Brisbane (extra day) $4,535ex Perth (extra day) $4,735single supp. (ex Melb) $ 310 (other cities) $ 380


5 days, departs Apr 12, May 10

Dunkeld. Lunch is at the award-winning Royal Mail Hotel before flying on to Moorabbin, concluding a fascinating and most enjoyable flying holiday to some of Southern Australia’s scenic highlights – well known but not often visited.

75

Tasmanian Wilderness

Tasmanian Scenic Beauty

Fares: (per person twin share)ex Melbourne $3,495ex Sydney (extra day) $3,795ex Adelaide (extra day) $3,995ex Brisbane (extra day) $3,995ex Perth (extra day) $4,145single supplement $ 245


4 days, departs Jan 14, Mar 4, Apr 22

Fly from Melbourne’s Essendon Airport to the Tasmanian township of Strahan, on the shores of Macquarie Harbour. Time to take a stroll, perhaps visit the local museum prior to boarding the West Coast Wilderness Railway for the journey from Queenstown to Strahan travelling in the comfort plus Premium Carriage, stopping at stations along the way. Join the Lady Jane Franklin II for a delightful cruise on Macquarie Harbour. Best seats on the boat as we travel Premium Class on the Captain’s Deck. Included in our cruise is Hells Gates, the narrow harbour entrance, commercial salmon farms, the amazing Gordon River, a rainforest walk through ancient forests and a visit to Sarah Island, a notorious convict settlement. Two nights, Strahan.

Fly over Lake Dove and Cradle Mountain

Fares: (per person twin share)ex Melbourne $4,845ex Sydney (extra day) $5,145ex Adelaide (extra day) $5,345ex Brisbane (extra day) $5,345ex Perth (extra day) $5,495single supplement $ 350


6 days, departs Jan 26, Feb 9, 23, Mar 30

to Wynyard. A short coach tour to Table Cape then fly to Smithton. A short coach tour to nearby Stanley and “The Nut”. Take a chairlift ride to the top for magnificent coastal views. One night Smithton.

Breathe what is officially the “cleanest air in the world” at Cape Grim, as we visit Woolnorth before reboarding our aircraft for the return flight to Essendon, so ending a short break flying holiday to the World Heritage Tasmanian wilderness.

Departing from Moorabbin Airport we fly over Wilson’s Promontory to Flinders Island, landing at Whitemark. Two nights Flinders Island.

Fly to the main Tasmanian island refuelling at Launceston on route to Strahan and, subject to weather conditions, fly over Cradle Mountain and Lake Dove (fantastic views on a clear day). Join the ABT Railway for the spectacular rail journey from Strahan to Queenstown (Premium Carriage). Cruise Macquarie Harbour and the magnificent Gordon River in Captain’s Premium seating on board the Lady Jane

Franklin II. Two nights Strahan.

Fly north to Currie, on King Island. One night King Island.

Return to Melbourne’s Moorabbin Airport full of great memories of a most enjoyable holiday.



Bass Strait Islands

Fares: (per person twin share)ex Melbourne $2,295ex Sydney $2,595ex Adelaide $2,395ex Brisbane $2,695single supplement $ 200


3 days, departs Melbourne 2010: Nov 26, 2011: Feb 11, Mar 18, Apr 8 Sydney 2011: Feb 4, Apr 1 2011 Adelaide 2010: Nov 26, 2011: Feb 11, Mar 18, Apr 8 Brisbane 2010: Dec 4, 2011: Mar 26,

Day 1 (L,D) MELBOURNE, TWELVE APOSTLES, KING ISLANDPassengers join the comfort-plus Fokker 50 to fly from Adelaide or Sydney to Melbourne’s Essendon Airport. Departing from Essendon we fly along the coast to the Twelve Apostles and the Cape Otway Lighthouse. During the morning flight passengers in aisle seats swap with passengers in window seats to maximise viewing (acceptance of this is a condition of travel). Refreshments served as we fly. Fly “low and slow” over the Twelve Apostles and Cape Otway Lighthouse, then return so that both sides of the aircraft enjoy the views of these famous tourism icons. Heading south we continue to King Island, flying over Cape Wickham Lighthouse and landing at the main town of Currie. A local coach awaits and, following a short introductory tour of the township of Currie, we enjoy a barbecue lunch featuring King Island meats. During the afternoon we learn a little of the kelp industry, spend some time browsing in the town, visit the award-winning King Island Dairy – taste the large variety of tempting cheeses, purchase if you wish – and visit the village of Grassy. Dinner tonight overlooking the ocean includes crayfish as a main course and is a highlight of our holiday.

Day 2 (B,L,D) KING ISLAND, WYNYARD, FLINDERS ISLANDFollowing breakfast this morning we rejoin our aircraft for the short journey to the Tasmanian mainland and the coastal town of Wynyard. Enjoy a tour of Table Cape, famous for its tulip farms, ablaze with colour in Spring. Lunch today at Wynyard, then our journey continues as we fly along the coast then pass over Franklin Pass, the wreck of the Farsund and Cape Barren Island on route to Flinders Island and the main airport near Whitemark. Our local Flinders Island guides await and we commence a delightful journey of scenic exploration of the island. Visit the town of Whitemark and the beautiful coastal beaches at Trousers Point. Following arriving at our accommodation for the night we meet again for dinner together at the Furneaux Hotel.

Day 3 (B,L) FLINDERS ISLAND, MELBOURNEFollowing a hearty breakfast we visit Emita/Port Davies and Wybalenna, site of the settlement of the Tasmanian Aboriginal settlement between 1833 and 1847. Morning cuppa at Allports Beach and then to the Furneaux Museum, a fascinating country museum. Enjoy a walk on the beach at Killiekrankie, home of Killiecrankie “diamonds”, a form of white topez. Lunch today at JJ’s on the Bay. During the afternoon we visit Palana, where evidence of WW2 surveillance is still visible. From Palana Beach we explore North East River and the beautiful Sawyers Beach. Walk along the beach and enjoy an afternoon cuppa. Sadly it’s time to return to the airport where our Fokker 50 awaits. Melbourne and Adelaide passengers fly “low and slow” over Wilsons Promontory on route to Melbourne. Sydney passengers fly direct from Flinders Island. Thus concludes a most enjoyable weekend Bass Strait Island holiday.

Brisbane passengers fly to Merimbula on route to Flinders Island. On Day 2 we continue to King Island, and return on Day 3 via the Twelve Apostles and Melbourne.


New Year in the Outback

Fares: (per person twin share)ex Melbourne $2,885ex Sydney $2,885ex Brisbane $2,785ex Adelaide $2,785single supplement $ 150 (limited availability)

Deposit of $300 due within 7 days of booking. Balance due 45 days prior to departure.

3 days, departs Melbourne, Adelaide, Sydney & Brisbane Dec 31, 2010

Day 1 (L,D)Passengers from Sydney and Brisbane enjoy lunch at the world famous Birdsville Hotel (welcome drink on arrival), then fly over Goyder Lagoon, Warburton Groove and Lake Eyre to Coober Pedy. Passengers from Melbourne and Adelaide enjoy lunch at Broken Hill on route to Coober Pedy.

Later we all join together in Coober Pedy from Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide for a unique Australian Air Holidays New Year’s Eve celebration.

Day 2 (B,L,D)On New Year’s Day enjoy a relaxed Coober Pedy tour in the “opal capital” of the world, including an underground mine. Visit the stunning Breakaways rock formations. An opportunity to purchase quality opals at realistic prices. We dine at Desert Cave including a “surprise” enjoyable evening.

Day 3 (B,L)Melbourne and Adelaide passengers enjoy a 2.5 hour flight over Lake Eyre (still plenty of water), Warburton Groove and Godyer Lagoon on route to the tiny settlement of Birdsville. Enjoy lunch at the Birdsville Hotel. Sydney & Brisbane passengers enjoy lunch at Bourke. A fantastic 3 day New Year in the Outback concludes as we return to our home airports.

Note: Accommodation is at Desert Cave Resort plus other comfort plus air conditioned motels. Underground rooms are very limited in availability and may be requested but are not guaranteed.

COOBER PEDY – LAKE EYRE – BIRDSVILLENew Year’s EveWelcome to passengers from around Australia. Arrive in Coober Pedy, settle in to our accommodation. Our evening at the Desert Cave Resort commences with pre-dinner drinks at 7.30 p.m. followed by four course dinner (drinks included) and live entertainment (dinner dance style) throughout the evening. Join us in the traditional “Auld Lang Syne” at midnight to welcome the New Year. A fun filled night for all!

Music provided by VOGUE,a leading Adelaide musical duo.

“Our style of music – not too loud”


Conditions of TravelWhat is included? Comfort-plus coach travel, accommodation (minimum 3 star), meals as per itinerary, B = cooked breakfast, L = light lunch, D = 2 course dinner, all admittances, most morning and afternoon teas. Personal items including drinks, postcards, photos, etc., are not included.

Bookings: Phone, mail or in-person bookings are welcome, as are bookings through your local travel agent. Your deposit is due within 7 days to confirm your booking and the balance is normally due 45 days prior to departure (or within 7 days for bookings closer than 45 days from departure). For tours of New Zealand and Norfolk Island and tours including the Ghan, balance is due 65 days prior to departure.

Deposit: Deposits as set out in the brochure are required from all passengers. The amount stated is for passengers joining any tour in this brochure in Melbourne. Additional deposits may apply for passengers joining from other states to cover non-refundable airfares.

Payments: Cash, cheques made payable to SENIORS COACH TOURS; Eftpos, Mastercard or Visa are all welcome.

Office Hours: Mon to Fri 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. except public holidays.

Address: Suite 1, 79 Mahoneys Road, Forest Hill 3131 Phone: 03 9875 1444

Cancellations:Cancellation prior to the date final payment is due:Holidays involving air travel:

All money paid will be refunded, less a $100 per person administration fee and your non-refundable airfare.

Holidays not involving air travel:All money paid will be refunded, less a $100 per person administration fee.

Cancellation after final payment is due and received:30 days and over prior to departure: 25% retainedUnder 30 days prior to departure: 50% retainedUnder 7 days prior to departure, non attendance or non completion of tour: no refund

For tours of New Zealand and Norfolk Island and tours including the Ghan:Cancellation after final payment is due and received:

Over 29 and under 65 days prior to departure: deposit plus 50% retainedOver 9 and under 30 days prior to departure: deposit plus 75% retainedUnder 10 days prior to departure, non attendance or non completion of tour: no refund

Please note: Where Early Bird saving offers are used, the cancellation policy applies from the Early Bird savings due date for final payments.

Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is highly recommended and can avoid losses when cancellations occur. There is no age limit for cover for trips within Australia, however, availability is subject to pre-existing illness conditions. Losses covered include cancellation fees due to illness of you, the traveller, a travelling companion or family member, loss of luggage, interruption of journey and additional expenses.

Luggage: Please note that maximum weight per piece of luggage on most tours is 20 kg. Overweight luggage may not be carried. One case per person. For persons travelling together, two small cases are requested rather than one large case.

CONDITIONS OF TRAVEL:1. Seniors Coach Tours makes all arrangements for its tours using the services of other providers of accommodation, air and ground transport, meals, attractions, both individuals and companies. In these conditions, all such providers are referred to as “the principal”.2. The Company acts as agent for all principals and the Company shall not be liable for any loss, delay or damage suffered by a passenger or his/her property, in consequence of any act, omission, default or negligence by any principal or any subcontractor of any principal.3. Neither Seniors Coach Tours, nor any servant or agent shall be liable for any loss, delay or damage suffered by a passenger or his/her property, in consequence of any act, omission, default or negligence of Seniors Coach Tours, its servants or agents.4. Passengers agree to indemnify Seniors Coach Tours, its servants or agents against any claim, demand or judgement or damage made or awarded for all actions arising from items 1 to 3 above.5. The tour proposals set out in the most recent Seniors Coach Tours brochure and the passenger’s acceptance by completion of a booking form creates an agreement between Seniors Coach Tours and the passenger subject to the law of the State of Victoria. Completion of the booking form together with the passenger’s signature, verifies acceptance of these terms and conditions.6. Seniors Coach Tours (and its principals) reserves the right to alter any published itinerary if Seniors Coach Tours believes such alteration is in the best interests of passenger safety, well-being or enjoyment.7. Seniors Coach Tours, and its contract operators accept no responsibility for delays or financial losses caused by the inability of any other operator used in this holiday to provide services described in this brochure due to cessation of business, bankruptcy or any other reason.8. Seniors Coach Tours reserves the right to substitute vehicles of a lesser standard should this be unavoidable due to mechanical failure, delay or any other genuine reason.9. Seniors Coach Tours accepts no responsibility for the behaviour of any employee, representative or agent of any motel, attraction, café, restaurant or similar venue associated with this tour or for events arising from such behaviour.10. Special dietary requirements are requested from accommodation and meal providers, but Seniors Coach Tours cannot guarantee that requests will always be met.11. No passenger will be permitted to commence or continue this tour if, in the opinion of Seniors Coach Tours or its agents, their physical or mental condition makes them unable to care for themselves or their behaviour becomes objectionable to other passengers. Seniors Coach Tours will not be responsible for any additional expense incurred should any passenger be required to leave the tour due to the provisions of this clause.12. Receipts for deposits or final payments from travel agents do not constitute payment to Seniors Coach Tours until such money is received by and available to Seniors Coach Tours.13. A minimum number of bookings is required for the tour to be financially viable and to achieve an enjoyable group atmosphere. If such numbers are not achieved passengers may at their option receive a full refund or transfer to another tour.

J A Reed Pty Ltd A C N 075 188 144 trading as Seniors Coach Tours TAL 32076

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2011 CalendarFEBRUARY

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Documents

Seniors Coach Tours 2011 Holidays