The Sunshine Coast, Queensland

The Sunshine Coast, only a hour’s drive north of Brisbane, offers a diverse range of attractions, both man made and natural. With an average of 7 hours of sunshine per day, the Sunshine Coast takes in the areas of Glasshouse Mountains, Caloundra, Maroochdore, the Blackall Range, the Conondale Range, Noosa and the Cooloola Coast - the Gateway to Fraser Island.

Not as glitzy as the Gold Coast yet just as luxurious this young area features some of the best real estate and some of the most impressive international resorts. First class golf courses, secluded beaches and unlimited sunshine are guaranteed. Along the popular Hastings St strip of Noosa you can absorb the relaxing and cosmopolitan café lifestyle or simply stroll in and out of the many exotic boutiques. Markets are held in different areas each week featuring arts and crafts and so much more.

Glasshouse Mountains and Mountville Nostalgia Town, Bli Bli Castle, Noosa, Ginger Factory, Pineapple and Macadamia Plantations, Pomona Silent Movie Theatre, Gympie, Mooloolaba Canal Cruise.

DAY 1

Sydney to Coffs Harbour

Our first day sees us arriving at our pre-arranged pick-up points in Sydney and setting off North towards Raymond terrace. We travel along the Pacific Highway passing through Karuah and Buladelah. On reaching Taree, it is time for a break and a lunch stop. As the afternoon moves on, so do we as we make our way to the Tourist Information Centre at Kempsey to enjoy a coffee and a short film. The film, a documentary about the origins of the Akubra Hat, is followed by a stroll through the museum. A short drive up the Highway and we find ourselves in the beautiful and sunny Coffs Harbour where we enjoy our evening meal and a great night’s rest.

Overnight: Coffs Harbour

DAY 2

Coffs Harbour to the Sunshine Coast

This morning we continue to move up the spectacular East Coast making our way through Grafton, Ballina and Tweed Heads before crossing the New South Wales/Queensland border. There we find ourselves on the glamorous Gold Coast. From there on a scenic drive takes us along the coast and inland, in and out of cities and past the capital city of Brisbane. On our last leg of the journey today we make our way to our accommodation for the evening at Kawana Waters located on the Sunshine Coast between Maroochydore and Caloundra.

As this will be our home for the next few nights, to make us feel welcome our hosts, the Drysdale Family, will arrange complimentary drinks and a scrumptious dinner.

Overnight: The Kawana International Motor Inn

About our accomodation: The Kawana International Motor Inn is ideal for coach groups as it is fully equipped with a large entertaining area and a dining room that seats up to 50 people. All rooms are equipped with refrigerators, coffee/tea making facilities, television, and direct dial telephones. The view across the front yard overlooks the pretty canals and the boats moored along the jetties, features that make up this area of the coast. Down the street is a shopping mall and for the warmer months there is a swimming pool.

Overnight: Kawana International Motor Inn, Kawana Waters

DAY 3

Mooloolaba and Caloundra

Beginning our day with a yummy cooked breakfast, we head off at about 9 am to cruise the Canals of Mooloolaba. A peek at the affluent real estate of the Sunshine Coast follows, exposing mansions that rise up out of man-made islands. Yachts, speed-boats and sunbakers galore fill this gorgeous coastal area and our skipper, a local, fills us in with some juicy facts. Returning back to dry land, you have the opportunity to stroll around the shops and attractions of the wharf. Lunch is served back at the motel and you may want to truly experience the seaside lifestyle by enjoying a short siesta before we head out to explore Caloundra.

Overnight: Kawana International Motor Inn, Kawana Waters

DAY 4

The Glasshouse Mountains. Flaxton and Monteville

Today, we set out to capture the beauty of the famous Glasshouse Mountains. Expect a day in the hills where you will experience the beauty of nature in its full glory. As we move through Flaxton and Monteville, we stumble across the many cottage crafts available - some are even edible! A visit to the model railway and just absorbing the fresh air and scenery of this magical area will take us through to mid afternoon. Another siesta perhaps before the evening’s fair?

Overnight: Kawana International Motor Inn, Kawana Waters

DAY 5

Bli Bli Castle

Today we travel a little further up the coast and down memory lane. Our first visit will be Bli Bli Castle, a privately owned building that houses thousands of dolls dressed in national costumes from around the world. For an excellent photo of the surrounding area, go straight up to the parapets. Dungeons and torturing equipment can be found down the corridors and down the cold, dark staircases.

Overnight: Kawana International Motor Inn, Kawana Waters

DAY 6

Nostalgia Town

A re-living of the history of the "older generation" can be experienced at Nostalgia Town. For those that were actually there this fascinating recreation of past time brings back memories and guaranteed laughter. Remember the old organ that played as you read the script? Or what about the noise as the audience gets caught up in the scene as it flickers across the screen? Well you can see it all here. The only thing that is missing is the horse and buggy ride home! For those too young to know, it offers a whole new world of fun.

Overnight: Kawana International Motor Inn, Kawana Waters

DAY 7

Gympie

Breakfast may be a little earlier this morning as we set off to Gympie. There we will take a tour of the Historical Mining Museum and stroll around and drive through Gympie itself. A barbecue lunch will follow and for dessert our afternoon stop is at the Ginger Factory. If you like the smell of ginger, you will love the aromas that flow from the cauldrons of this busy factory and you will be intrigued by the little shops resembling yesteryear. And of course you will be thrilled with the ginger products.

Overnight: Kawana International Motor Inn, Kawana Waters

DAY 8

Noosa

Our final day on the Sunshine Coast will be dedicated to the popular sights that draw tourists here time after time. A relaxing day with lunch provided and some spare time to yourself, the beaches and the atmosphere of Hastings Street in Noosa are a must.

Overnight: Kawana International Motor Inn, Kawana Waters

DAY 9

Sunshine Coast to Armidale

Sadly today is the day we depart the Kawana International Motor Inn. As we head south towards Brisbane, we take a detour through the town of Toowoomba to make our way down to Armidale where dinner and our accommodation awaits us.

Overnight: Armidale

DAY 10

Armidale to Sydney

On the final morning of our tour we make our way back to Sydney passing through the rolling hills and valleys of New South Wales via Tamworth and Muswellbrook.

Inclusions: Five Star coach travel, motel accommodation, breakfast, lunch and dinner as per itinerary, admission fees as per itinerary.

$1,450.00

All prices are per person and on a twin share basis Single share supplement $55.00 p/person

*Cost includes GST