So in about 9 hours, I will be leaving Columbia on a plane headed to Los Angeles (through Charlotte of course). Tomorrow night I will be boarding a Qantas jet around 11:30 p.m. PST heading to Brisbane, Australia. I'm sooo excited I can't stand it! I'm also very nervous. Besides my cruise, my trip to Israel, and my trip to Canada, I have never been out of the country before. Let alone by myself. I am meeting up with other people in LAX, but I don't know them. So as you all know by now, that is something I love to do and am good at...meeting new people. I'm just nervous! :) So here the itinerary or what we will be doing. How did I ever get so blessed and how did I ever deserve such an opportunity as this. I'm flabbergasted! Hope you enjoy reading and I can't wait to post videos and pictures when I get back! :)
Thursday, 3 June 2010
Thursday, 3 June 2010
2330 Departure of Qantas Flight QF 16 from Los Angeles International Airport to
Brisbane International Airport
Friday, 4 June 2010
In Flight
Saturday, 05 June 2010
0800
approx.
Arrival of Qantas Flight 16 into Brisbane International Airport
On arrival, collect your luggage, make your way through Customs and into the Arrivals Hall to meet with your hosts from Tourism Queensland, Ms Shana Pereira & Ms Kylie Smith & Brisbane Marketing, Mr Michael Magner.
You will be transferred by JPT Tours to Newstead House for a “Welcome to Country” performance
0845 Arrive at Newstead House and enjoy your “Welcome to Country” performed by Riverlife Mirrabooka
Meet the local Brisbane Aboriginal Tribe Riverlife Mirrabooka and share in rich Aboriginal culture presented by the Yuggera Aboriginal Dancers
0915 Depart Newstead House by way of River City Cruises to transfer to Southbank. A light morning tea will be served onboard whilst cruising up river
Sit back, relax and enjoy cruising through Australia's most livable city, Brisbane.
Enjoy the commentary as we cruise past riverside parks and buildings where you will learn about early convict settlers and present day landmarks - all aboard the M.V. Neptune.
1015 Arrive at Southbank and board your JPT Tours coach to transfer to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
1045 Arrive at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary and meet with your host, Mr Mathew Doherty. You will have the chance to cuddle a koala and hand feed a kangaroo during your visit
Officially recognised by the Guinness World Records, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is the world's first and largest koala sanctuary, with over 75 years experience and 130 koalas. Famous for opportunities to get close to
Australian wildlife, Lone Pine now also gives a slice of Aussie outback farm life, with a new sheep dog show. Complete the experience by meeting an assortment of farm animals in the outback farmyard.
Of course, the most popular animal encounter is still the irresistible koala hug. Cuddle one of these cute creatures anytime and even have your souvenir photo taken.
You can feed kangaroos and wild lorikeets, encounter birds of prey and hold a snake. You'll meet a large variety of wildlife including wombats, birds, dingos, Tasmanian devil and more, in beautiful, natural settings.
www.koala.net
1215 Depart Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary and transfer to Mount Coot-Tha Lookout
1230 Arrive at Mount Coot-Tha Lookout and enjoy lunch at the Summit Restaurant
Offering spectacular panoramic views of Brisbane stretching to Moreton Bay, dining at the Summit is a memorable experience in a truly unique setting with award winning contemporary cuisine.
The restaurant layout is designed with terraced seating inside for up to 220 guests flowing to an open deck outside so everyone is assured panoramic views of Brisbane and the surrounds.
The Restaurant offers regularly changing menu's of contemporary, quality Queensland style cuisine with Mediterranean and Asian influences. Fully licensed, the wine list offers an extensive selection of premium Australian Wines, some of which are vintage Queensland, with many offered by the glass.
www.brisbanelookout.com/pages/summit_restaurant.html
1400 Depart Mount Coot-Tha and transfer to your Hotel
1430 Arrive at The Sebel Citigate King George Square and check in
Included in your stay at the Sebel Citigate King George Square:
The Citigate tower features 228 fully appointed standard rooms. Citigate King George Square Brisbane is part of Brisbane's largest hotel. Offering guests a full range of services and facilities, in relaxed yet sophisticated surroundings, including a restaurant, cafe and lounge, excellent conference and meeting space, fully equipped gymnasium and swimming pool.
You will have some time to relax and freshen up prior to this evening’s welcome dinner
1745 Please assemble in the lobby for your pick up with JPT Tours to transfer to GoMA (Gallery of Modern Art) for your “Welcome to Queensland” Gala Dinner
1800 “Welcome to Queensland” Gala Dinner
The Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) - Australia's largest gallery of modern art - stands out as a star attraction. Over five levels, GoMA offers 5,825 square metres of exhibition galleries, a purpose-built cinémathèque, a children's art centre, a research library, a restaurant and retail facilities.
www.qag.qld.gov.au
2200 Depart GoMA and transfer to your Hotel with JPT Tours
2215 Arrive at your Hotel
Overnight : SEBEL CITIGATE KING GEORGE SQUARE
www.mirvachotels.com.au
Sunday, 06 June 2010
From 0630 Breakfast at leisure served in Bistro Allure located on the ground floor of the Hotel – included in your stay
0830 Arrive at Southbank and meet with your guide for your Segway Tours experience, Mr Ray Carson.
Suddenly, thought and action are one. Stand on a Segway PT and it remains stationary and upright, balancing you appropriately. Shift your weight forward, backward, left, or right, and LeanSteerage technology immediately
sends you gliding in the precise direction you want to go, at exactly the speed you want to move. Straighten up and you gently stop.
XPERIENCES (SEGWAY TOURS)
www.Xperiences.com.au
0930 End of your Segway Tour. You will be escorted on foot along the Promenade to spend time at the Southbank Markets
Every Friday night, Saturday and Sunday crowds flock to buy local and interesting wares from the South Bank Lifestyle Market. With an exciting range of arts, craft, homewares, collectibles, exotic items, designer fashion
and much more, the markets are a great way to discover something new.
1100 Arrive at Sirromet Wines
Included in your visit to Sirromet Wines:
1100 Tour & Tasting at Cellar Door
1200 Lunch served in Lurleen’s Restaurant
Sirromet Wines is Queensland's largest and most highly-awarded winery located roughly midway between Brisbane and the Gold Coast, in picturesque Mount Cotton. Located amidst 560 acres of land, the combined winery, tasting area and restaurant offer views over the rolling vineyards and rural vistas towards Moreton Bay. Much of the produce used in the stylish Lurleen's Restaurant is grown on site in the organic orchard, vegetable and herb gardens complete with free range chickens.
www.sirromet.com
1400 Depart Sirromet Wines and you will experience a mini Brisbane tour with JPT Tours
1630 Return to your Hotel
1815 Please assemble in the lobby of your Hotel for your pick up with JPT Tours to transfer to Tukka Restaurant for dinner
1830 Dinner at Tukka Restaurant
Located in the heart of Brisbane's West End, just 5 minutes from the CBD Tukka showcases the best of native Australian cuisine that embraces the freshest ingredients from the bountiful countryside, oceans and bays, and
combines them with native herbs, spices and berries to produce a true taste of Australia.
www.tukkarestaurant.com.au
2030 Depart Tukka and transfer to your Hotel with JPT Tours
Overnight : SEBEL CITIGATE KING GEORGE SQUARE
Monday, 07 June 2010
From 0600 Breakfast at leisure served in Bistro Allure located on the ground floor of the Hotel – included in your stay
0900 Please assemble in the lobby for your pick to transfer with JPT Tours to Davies Park
0950 Group 1 (8pax) to arrive at Davies Park for pre-flight safety briefing ad boarding
1000 Helicopter 1 and Helicopter 2 depart Davies Park and fly to Tangalooma via Redland Bay, Macleay Island, West coast of North Stradbroke Island to Amity Point then directly onto Tangalooma
1030 Heli 1 and Heli 2 with Group 1 (8pax) land at Tangalooma
Passengers disembark then helicopters immediately return to Davies Park via direct route over water for Group 2
1045 Group 2 (8pax) arrive at Davies Park
1050 Heli 1 and Heli 2 arrive back at Davies Park. Refuel as required plus pre-flight safety briefing and boarding
1100 Heli 1 and Heli 2 depart Davies Park and fly to Tangalooma via Redland Bay, Macleay Island, West coast of North Stradbroke Island to Amity Point then directly onto Tangalooma
1130 Heli 1 and Heli 2 with Group 2 (8pax) land at Tangalooma
Passengers disembark and helicopters depart
Included in your visit to Tangalooma Island Resort:
1200 Lunch served in Tursiops Restaurant
1330 Desert Safari Tour (includes Sand Tobogganing for the adventurous)
1500 Site inspection of the accommodation types
1600 Dolphin Behaviour and Data Collection Presentation at the Tangalooma
Marine Education Centre
1700 Hosted Dinner at the Steakhouse
1800 Feeding the Wild Dolphins commences (Please ensure you have a
change of clothes for this activity as you could get wet up to your waist)
Tangalooma Island Resort is situated on Moreton Island, only a 75-minute cruise across Moreton Bay by a high-speed catamaran from Brisbane. Fringed on three sides by Moreton Island National Park, the Resort is situated
amongst landscaped gardens and natural bushland. Accommodation options include 96 air-conditioned hotel rooms, 134 self-contained resort units and 56 two-storey villas - all 50 metres of the beachfront.
A highlight of any stay at Tangalooma Island Resort will be the opportunity to interact closely with our native wild life. Each evening the Tangalooma inshore dolphins swim up the beach, where they are hand fed fresh by the
Dolphin Care staff and Resort Guests in a controlled manner. Guests have the opportunity to participate in the feeding or watch from the jetty. In the mornings our resident pelicans and cormorants also enjoy a bucket or two of fish hand fed to them on the beach. Day tours also allow you to Sand Toboggan, swim in Blue Lagoon, snorkel sunken shipwrecks and visit Cape Moreton Lighthouse.
Sand tour at Tangalooma
With so much space, a 4WD Desert Safari - You can try sand tobogganing on sandhills 46 metres high and on which you can reach speeds of 30kpm. Quite a thrill when you’re just sitting on a thin masonite board.
A highlight of any stay at Tangalooma Island Resort will be the opportunity to interact closely with our native wild life. Each evening the Tangalooma in- shore dolphins eagerly swim up to the beach, adjacent to the well lit jetty,
where they are rewarded with fresh fish hand fed to them by our Dolphin Care staff and Resort Guests. Whether you are actually participating in the feeding or simply watching from the jetty, you will be overwhelmed by these
beautiful creatures.
TANGALOOMA ISLAND RESORT
Moreton Island
www.tangalooma.com
1900
approx.
Depart Tangalooma on the launch and transfer to Holt Street Wharf –
approximately 75minutes transfer time
2045 Arrive at your Hotel
Overnight : SEBEL CITIGATE KING GEORGE SQUARE
Tuesday, 08 June 2010
0800 Please assemble in the lobby for your pick up with JPT to transfer to the Boardwalk Bar & Bistro for breakfast
0815 Arrive at the Boardwalk Bar & Bistro for breakfast on the riverfront
www.boardwalkbar.com.au
1000 Depart Boardwalk Bar & Bistro and transfer South to the Gold Coast with JPT Tours
1130 Arrive at Mariners Cove and check in at the Tall Ships counter
1145 Departure of the speedboat to transfer across to McLarens Landing
Arrive at McLarens Landing for lunch
Step aboard our Luxury High-Speed Wave Piercing Catamaran the "M.V.
2000." Our vessel departs for our Balinese style resort on South Stradbroke Island, "McLaren's Landing Island Paradise". Arrive at our beautiful 9 acre, Balinese style island paradise "McLaren's Landing Island Paradise"
Includes: Scrumptious Australian BBQ island steak and seafood luncheon feast Fish, Chicken, Steak, Prawns, Baked Potatoes, Pasta Salad, Garden Salad, Coleslaw and Fresh Bread Rolls. Guided educational Bush Walking tour, through native Australian bush, with sights of wild Wallabies and various Bird species and wildlife
Tall Ship return cruise departs to Marina Mirage Wild Sea Eagle feeding off the front of the vessel Optional Parasailing, Jet Boat Rides off the vessel while it sails. Afternoon tea on both vessels available including; tea, coffee, fresh cake and biscuits
www.tallship.com.au
1430 Depart McLarens Landing onboard the Sir Henry Morgan and sail back to Mariners Cove
1600 - 1630 Arrive at Mariners Cove
1630 Arrive at your Hotel and check in Q1 Resort & Spa
1730 Please assemble in the lobby for your pick up with JPT Tours to transfer to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
1800 Arrive at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary for the Wildnight Adventure – includes dinner
After dark, Currumbin comes alive with activity in the Gold Coast’s only buffet and night-time wildlife tour. Delicious food, traditional culture and Australian animals at their very best at.
On arrival, the experience begins with a delicious Australian buffet including a choice of hot dishes, salads and desserts.
Then take a walk on the wild side and get closer to Australia’s native wildlife in a natural environment and experience spellbinding, Aboriginal music, dance and culture, seven nights a week.
All in a unique, buffet and tour package you must experience at least once in your life.
Get closer to some of our incredible Australian wildlife. You’ll meet the koalas and see one of the biggest Saltwater Crocodiles in Australia, hand feed the mob of friendly kangaroos and see the Tasmanian Devil at its most active.
Enjoy an Aboriginal corroboree where you’ll see traditional dance mixed in with snake, possum and owl appearances as well as Dreamtime stoires told by the dancers. The haunting sound of the didgeridoo echoing through the Sanctuary’s natural bushland is a truly memorable experience.
The Wildnight Adventure BBQ buffet is served from 6:00 pm prior to the start of the Wildnight Adventure at 6:45 pm every night of the week.
Tour tips: Bring your camera, a small torch if you like, insect repellent, warm clothing in winter, and wet weather gear if it’s rainy. And make sure you wear comfortable shoes.
CURRUMBIN WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
www.cws.org.au
2130 Depart Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and transfer to your Hotel
2200 Arrive at your Hotel
Overnight : Q1 RESORT & SPA
Cnr Hamilton Ave & Surfers Paradise Blvd
Surfers Paradise
www.q1.com.au
Wednesday, 09 June 2010
0420 Please assemble in the lobby for your pick up at 0430 with Hot Air Gold Coast
0430 Departure from your Hotel of the Hot Air Gold Coast transfer to drive inland to catch your Hot Air Balloon Flight
Please ensure you wear warm clothing for this activity as the morning will be cooler the further you move inland
Included in your Hot Air Balloon Flight:
Balloon Flight for 16 Adults
Breakfast served at O’Reilly’s Vineyard, Canungra
Hop onboard to experience the fun & unique sensation of your first hot air balloon ride, floating gently above the spectacular Gold Coast Hinterland, in Queensland, Australia. So much to see, but often it's the sensation of floating silently over this picturesque landscape at sunrise for your 30 minute hot air balloon flight, that really makes this such a special time. Breathe in the wide-open spaces and be amazed at the colourful spectacle of our other balloons in the morning sky.
Includes Champagne Breakfast at O'Reilly's Grand Homestead & Vineyard
www.hotair.com.au
0830 Breakfast at O’Reilly’s Vineyard, Canungra
0930 Depart O’Reilly’s Vineyard with JPT Tours and transfer to Mount Tamborine
1000 Arrive at Rainforest Skywalk and meet with your host for an overview before the chance to wander in the Rainforest at your leisure
Visitors depart from the Rainforest Eco Gallery and begin the adventure on a spectacular elevated walkway through the beautiful middle and upper canopies of the rainforest. The walkway is a stable, high-tech steel structure enabling visitors to explore these canopies in a safe and secure way. It descends gradually to the lower canopy and follows points of interest including rockpools and waterfalls, a butterfly lookout, local history enclosure
and sheltered rest areas along the way until reaching the amazing Skywalk. This is a 40 metre long cantilever soaring 30 metres above the valley, with spectacular views over the creek and the rainforest canopies below. Finally the walk returns along the rainforest floor to the Centre.
RAINFOREST SKYWALK
www.rainforestskywalk.com.au
1100 Depart Rainforest Skywalk and transfer with JPT Tours to Gallery Walk
Free time to explore Gallery Walk at leisure, making your way to Witches Chase Cheese Company for lunch at 1230
Situated on Tamborine Mountain in the Gold Coast Hinterland, the Gallery Walk comprises a cluster of galleries and craft shops showcasing a wealth of diverse art and craft including paintings, sculpture, ceramics, porcelain,
glass, jewellery, woodwork, fabrics and much more. From fine art to the frivolous, there is something to suit all tastes and budgets in this fascinating precinct.
As you explore Gallery Walk enjoy coffee, light refreshments or a sumptuous lunch at one of the fine restaurants and cafes. You will also discover a local Winery's cellar door tasting room, an avocado farm tour and many other
attractions.
GALLERY WALK
Long Road (Gallery Walk), Mount Tamborine
http://www.tamborinemtncc.org.au/visiting/gallery_walk/gallery_walk.cfm
1230 Arrive at Witches Chase Cheese Company
Located in a shared premise with MT Tamborine Brewery Boasting the best beer money can buy and Liquid Amber Bistro & Grill With mouth watering Steak, Seafood and much much more.
Set amongst the tropical Rainforest of Tamborine Mountain lies the Witches Chase Cheese Co. Happy Jersey cows produce our regions finest milk, from which we handcraft a specialty range of award winning premium cheeses including fresh, soft, blue and hard varieties. We use traditional methods without preservatives and with vegetarian rennet
WITCHES CHASE CHEESE COMPANY
www.witcheschasecheese.com.au
1400 Depart Witches Chase Cheese Co. and transfer to your Hotel with JPT Tours
1430 Arrive at your Hotel
Free time to relax prior to this evening’s activities
1715 Please assemble in the lobby to walk around to the entrance to QDeck.
1730 Meet your host, Ms Erin Rolfe for your hosted sunset drinks on the 77th Floor – QDeck
QDeck takes you to the highest point above the Gold Coast and offers spectacular 360 degree views from the surf to the hinterland and beyond. Rising 230m into the sky, QDeck is located on Level 77 & 78 of the iconic Q1
Tower, in southern Surfers Paradise. More than just awesome views, your journey begins with an inside look at
the construction of this landmark development before boarding the express lift to the observation deck. Take some time to explore this custom designed viewing arena and soak up the panoramic views. Enjoy coffee and cake, or perhaps an evening cocktail at QBar lounge and café.
QDECK
Q1 Resort & Spa, Hamilton Avenue, Surfers Paradise
www.qdeck.com.au
1815 Please meet back in the lobby of your Hotel for your transfer with JPT Tours to the Australian Outback Spectacular
1845 Arrive at the Australian Outback Spectacular
Australian Outback Spectacular, presented by R.M. Williams, is located on the Pacific Motorway between Warner Bros Movie World and Wet 'n' Wild Water World, just 20 minutes from the heart of Surfers Paradise.
The show takes place in an arena with a 1000 seat capacity. The show is based around Australian stock horses and features the spirit of the Australian outback through scenes of wild horses, stampeding cattle, an array of bush vehicles and displays of horsemanship. There is even a mustering helicopter that dives into the arena to round up a mob of charging cattle.
The audience is split into two groups after receiving free stockmen's hats whose headbands depict their respective station. Guests can barrack and cheer for their stockmen and women to bring home the ultimate prize of "top station" while enjoying a traditional roast dinner.
www.outbackspectacular.com.au
2115 End of the Show, transfer back to your Hotel with JPT Tours
2145 Arrive at your Hotel
Overnight : Q1 RESORT & SPA
Cnr Hamilton Ave & Surfers Paradise Blvd
Surfers Paradise
www.q1.com.au
Thursday, 10 June 2010
From 0700 Breakfast at leisure served in the Beach Club located at your Hotel – included
in your stay
1030 Arrive at Australia Zoo
There is no other zoo like Australia Zoo! There is plenty of wildlife action every day with action-packed LIVE shows and exciting encounters with amazing animals, all set in an open and natural bush environment.
With 14 shows daily, get your adrenalin pumping as you watch crocodiles launch a strike from the water's edge in the 5000 seat 'Crocoseum'. See the thrilling free flight bird show, watch playful tigers with their handlers, and
elephants roam. See demonstrations of the world's most venomous snakes, giant pythons, otters and koalas, or walk among the kangaroos & wallabies that roam free.
AUSTRALIA ZOO
Steve Irwin Way, Beerwah
www.australiazoo.com.au
1400 Depart Australia Zoo and transfer to your Hotel.
Along the way, you driver will take you on a mini Sunshine Coast Hinterland
Tour including;
1630 Arrive at your Hotel and check in the Quay West Noosa Resort & Spa
This magnificent Noosa resort offers a choice of spacious and luxuriously appointed studio, 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments. Perfect for romantic escapes, incentive groups or family accommodation.
Quay West Resort & Spa Noosa offers world class leisure facilities including a luxurious Mii Spa Day Spa, lagoon swimming pool with man-made beach entry, restaurant and cocktail bar, gymnasium, tennis centre, conference and business centre.
1830 Hosted Dinner courtesy of Tourism Sunshine Coast, Tourism Noosa and Quay West Noosa Resort & Spa
Overnight : QUAY WEST RESORT & SPA NOOSA
94 Noosa Drive
Noosa Heads
www.mirvachotels.com/quay-west-resort-noosa#
Friday, 11 June 2010
From 0630 Breakfast at leisure served in Restaurant Aroona located within the Resort – included in your stay
0730 Transfer to the Sunshine Coast Airport – Terminal 4, Air Fraser
0830 Board your charter planes to fly to Fraser Island
Air Fraser Island is a tourist based air charter service, specialising in aerial tours of World Heritage Listed Fraser Island, using the eastern beach of Fraser Island as its unique airstrip.
www.airfraserisland.com.au
0915 Land on Fraser Island and meet with your host from Kingfisher Bay Resort, Ms Stephanie Siebert
Kingfisher Bay Resort is the gateway to the World Heritage wilderness of Fraser Island. This Australian icon is famous for its ancient rainforests, spectacular fresh-water lakes, remarkable wildlife and famous 75-Mile Beach
with streams spilling into the ocean, mighty sand blows, coloured sand and even a shipwreck.
The resort nestles among tree-covered dunes on the edge of the calm waters of the Great Sandy Strait and is a paradise for boating, fishing, swimming, bush walking, four-wheel driving and just enjoying the magnificent, natural
beauty of this island.
Kingfisher rangers guide a variety of four-wheel-drive coach tours and personalised tours for up to four people, to explore Fraser Island. Rangers also have a free, daily program of nature walks and activities such as bird
watching, stargazing and fishing clinics. Dolphin search cruises operate all year round except from August to October when there are daily whale watch cruises to see the migrating humpback whales.
Hosted Dinner courtesy of Kingfisher Bay Resort
Overnight : KINGFISHER BAY RESORT
Fraser Island
www.kingfisherbay.com
Saturday, 12 June 2010
From 0630 Breakfast at leisure served in Maheno Restaurant located within the Resort –
included in your stay
0750 Departure of the launch from Kingfisher Bay Resort to River Heads
1200 Arrive at Eumundi Markets - Your luggage will be transferred to your Hotel whilst you enjoy your time at the Markets
The Eumundi Market is one of Australia's leading tourist attractions and is held every Saturday and Wednesday. The markets are situated in the centre of town with it's interesting shops and eateries. Over two hundred exciting
stalls of various handcrafts and produce selected to make your visit a memorable one and you will find something tempting around every corner. Growing since 1979, the market operates in front of the re-built railway station and south of the fig trees fronting the main street.
http://www.eumundimarkets.com.au/
1400 Depart the Eumundi Markets and transfer to your Hotel with Sunair Bus Service
1430 Arrive at your Hotel and check in Sheraton Noosa Resort & Spa:
Free time to relax prior to this evenings Farewell Dinner
1800 Arrive at Eumarella Shores for your “Farewell to Queensland” Dinner Just behind the coastal dunes is untouched Lake Weyba, and Eumarella Shores - an award winning absolute lakefront retreat nestled on the water's
edge, minutes from Noosa. Offering 4 star traditional Queenslander cottages and stunning contemporary
lakehouses in a 5 star location.
Discover the peace and tranquility of a country retreat in an outstanding coastal location.
2130 Arrive at your Hotel
Overnight : SHERATON NOOSA RESORT & SPA
www.starwood.com/redir/sheraton/noosa
Sunday, 13 June 2010
1100 Departure of Qantas Flight QF 15 from Brisbane to Los Angeles International
Airport
0700 Arrival of Qantas Flight QF 15 into Los Angeles International Airport
