Probus Travel Handbook March 2022 by ProbusSouthPacific

Tour Officer

Travel Handbook

GET IN EARLY

to avoid disappointment for your preferred 2019 group touring dates.

NORFOLK ISLAND: ONE OF AUSTRALIA’S BEST KE

YOUR GROUP TOURING SPECIALISTS WHO HAVE BEEN SENDING GROUPS AWAY FOR MORE THAN 20 YEARS.

Contact Kylie at Norfolk Select & All About Travel for all your group touring requirements. Our office has been dealing with Probians and Special Interest Groups for over two decades, and NORFOLK ISLAND specialise in group travel to Norfolk Island, Cook Islands, and Lord Howe Island in particular. 8 Day Norfolk Island D We can put together your next International Tour and tailor make an itinerary for your groups √ Return flights from Brisbane requirements, whether it be New Zealand, Italy, Canada, Singapore, just to name a few. or Sydney with Air New Zealand, including all taxes (connecting flights available from other ports)

RAROTONGA COOK ISLANDS

7 day Cook Island Explorer Tour

√ 7 night’s accommodation at Castaway √ Full breakfast daily and dinner nightly on Norfolk Island

•

Return flights ex Australia with Cruise including lunch & √ Comprehensive daily entertainment, and 4WD Air New Zealand touring showcasing the • All airport taxes Safari Tour and more. bestso ofmuch Norfolk Island • Individual/couple ticket • 6 nights’ beachfront Don’t have enough for a group booking? Norfolk Select have many grea deluxetravellers accommodation at wallets with all necessary travellers, couples and smaller groups. Contact us to documentationcreate a tailor-made p Edgewater Resort • Full breakfast and dinner daily Priced from on the Island (including a variety of themed dinners) • Some lunches pp • Daily touring including TWIN SHARE. Avatiu Markets, Lagoon (Based on a minimum of 10 travellers)

$2,999.00

HIDEAWAY RETREAT OCEAN COTTAGES We have a retail division where we can assist with individuals flights, andBREEZE holiday requirements. A peaceful location in lovely Enjoy fabulous ocean view from We also deal with all major companies for all your Cruising, International and Domestic travel needs.

ARD AN AW E R A Y, WE AGENC G N I N D WIN ED AN N W O ALIAN TH AUSTR NG WI O L A , ON BASED DITATI E R C C ATAS A

sub-tropical gardens

your cottage

√ Return flights, including all taxes

√ 7 night’s accommodation in a selfcontained one bedroom Apartment

√ 7 night’s accommodation in a selfcontained one bedroom Cottage

√ Airport meet & greet on Norfolk Island

√ Return airport transfers on Norfolk Island

√ Car rental daily, including all compulsory charges

√ Half day Island tour

PRICED FROM TWIN SHARE

Price ex BNE: $1096.00 p/p Price ex SYD: $1132.00 p/p Price ex MEL: $1449.00 p/p

TOLL FREE

*Based on K Class airfares

GREA

8 Da in

√ √ 7 nig √ Ret

√ Car re √ A fu including

PRICED FROM TWIN SHARE

Price ex BNE: $1335.00 p/p Price ex SYD: $1369.00 p/p Price ex MEL: $1688.00 p/p

1800 724 400 or 1800 646 056

P P P

P: 07 5513 1433 M: 0409 904 787 E: kylie@allabouttraveltweed.com.au www.norfolkislande TOLL FREE

1800 724 400

E: norfolkselect@big

THERE IS NO BETTER TIME TO VISIT BEAUTIFUL NORFOLK ISLAND!

Contact Norfolk Select now to avoid disappointment for your preferred 2022 and 2023 group touring dates.

We also have fantastic individual packages as below or see all of our hot deals on

www.norfolkislandescapes.com.au

CON KYLI TACT ALL YE FOR GROU OUR REQU P TRAVE L IREM ENTS

NORFOLK ISLAND – GROUP TRAVEL

8 Day Norfolk Island Discovery Tour •

• • •

Return flights from Brisbane or Sydney with Qantas, including all taxes (connecting flights available from other ports) 7 night’s accommodation at one of our preferred Group orientated properties Full breakfast daily and dinner nightly on Norfolk Island Comprehensive dailytouring showcasing the best of Norfolk Island

•

A special welcome happy hour on arrival Personal document wallets

•

Priced from

$2,695.00 pp TWIN SHARE.

(Based on a minimum of 10 travellers).

** Our preferred group orientated properties are: Castaway, Aloha Apartments, South Pacific Resort, Paradise Hotel & Resort and The Governor’s Lodge Resort Hotel.

Don’t have enough travellers for a group booking? Norfolk Select have many great package deals for sole travellers, couples and smaller groups. Contact us to create a tailor-made package to suit you!

OCEAN BREEZE COTTAGES

GO SEE TOURING

Enjoy fabulous ocean view from your cottage

Call Go See Touring for our South Island New Zealand Tour! 3-11 October 2022 Fully escorted. Ex. Bne $4,495 p/p twin share, $1280 p/p Single Supp.

√ Return flights, including all taxes √ 7 night’s accommodation in a self-contained one bedroom Cottage √ Return airport transfers on Norfolk Island

Christmas on Norfolk!

√ Car rental daily, including all compulsory charges

20-27 December 2022 ex BNE from $2,285*pp Twin Share Single Supplement is $510.00 pp Call Go See Touring for full itinerary and details

√ Half day Island tour

Oce availa an Breeze ble ov C Price ex Bne from: $1,495 pp er Bo ottages C u a nty W l l now Price ex Syd from: $1,542 pp eek! t o d a i v s appo o Price ex Mel from: $1,675 pp intme id nt *Travel dates over Bounty Day currently available, package price on application. PRICED FROM TWIN SHARE

ASK ABOUT THE 8 DAY DISCOVERY PACKAGE ESPECIALLY FOR INDIVIDUALS NOT GROUPS, BASED ON COUPLES/TWIN OR SOLE OCCUPANCY TRAVELLERS INCLUDING RETURN FLIGHTS, 7 NIGHTS ACCOMMODATION AT SOUTH PACIFIC RESORT, IN A SUPERIOR ROOM, A COMPREHENSIVE PROGRAMME OF TOURING, INCLUDING FOUR EVENING DINNERS AND CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST DAILY, FROM $2,580 PER PERSON TWIN SHARE. CONDITIONS APPLY AND SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY FOR FLIGHTS AND ACCOMMODATION AT THE TIME OF BOOKING.

**** All packages based on Q class airfares.

Touring Travel & Cruise Specialists

www.norfolkislandescapes.com.au | E: norfolkselect@bigpond.com | Ph: 07 5524 4966 D.A Bantoft & K. Bantoft trading as Norfolk Select Marketing ATAS No: A10619 IATA: 0235976-6 ABN: 93 367 366 822 *Conditions apply *All bookings subject to availability and confirmation at the time of booking

Call 1300 551 997

GET IN EARLY info@goseetouring.com

to avoid disappointment for your preferred 2019 group touring dates.

CON KYLI TACT AL E FOR GRO L YOUR REQUUP TRAVEL IREM ENTS

NORFOLK ISLAND: ONE OF AUSTRALIA’S BEST KEPT SECRETS!

Kangaroo

Island

Kangaroo Island Sip & See Day Tour Birds and bees, wines and cider • Discover Kangaroo Island’s nature. • Wildlife and local wine & cider Morning pick-up and evening set down at selected Adelaide CBD hotels • Return travel to Kangaroo Island by coach/ferry • Expert commentary by a local driver/guide • Kangaroo Island Sip & See Day Tour includes: • “Free Flight” Birds of Prey Presentation at Raptor Domain • 2-course lunch and Guided Tour at Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery (optional Cider Tasting additional cost) • Guided Tour and Shop Visit at Clifford’s Honey Farm Shop (optional sample of Drunken Drone Brewery’s Honey Wheat Ale) • Visit stunning Pennington Bay • Structured Wine Tasting at False Cape Wines • Free time in Penneshaw for dinner (own expense)

Kangaroo Island Experience See All the Highlights in One Amazing 1 Day Tour

2 Day Ultimate Kangaroo Island Tour Experience Wildlife & Spectacular Scenery at a Leisurely Pace

• Selected hotel pick up / set downs from Adelaide CBD • Return travel to Kangaroo Island by coach/ferry • Expert commentary by a local driver/guide • Seal Bay Conservation Park guided beach walk • Two-course lunch at Vivonne Bay Bistro • Flinders Chase National Park including Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch • Kangaroos and Koala viewing at Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park • All admission fees

• Morning pick-up and evening set down at selected Adelaide hotels • Return travel to Kangaroo Island by coach/ferry • Two days of expert commentary by a local driver/guide • Ultimate Kangaroo Island 2 Day Tour includes: Day 1: KI Experience • Seal Bay Conservation Park guided beach walk • 2-course lunch at Vivonne Bay Bistro • Flinders Chase National Park including Remarkable Rocks & Admirals Arch • Kangaroos and Koala viewing at Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park • Overnight accommodation on Kangaroo Island including full buffet breakfast Day 2: KI Sip & See • ‘Free Flight’ Birds of Prey Presentation at Raptor Domain • 2-course lunch and Guided Tour at Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery (optional Cider Tasting additional cost) • Guided Tour and Shop Visit at Clifford’s Honey Farm Shop (optional sample of Drunken Drone Brewery’s Honey Wheat Ale) • Visit stunning Pennington Bay • Structured Wine Tasting at False Cape Wines • Free time in Penneshaw for dinner (own expense)

Kangaroo Island or KI as the locals call it is a South Australia icon and one of world’s finest nature destinations, with breathtaking landscapes and fascinating wildlife and is just a short 45-minute SeaLink ferry trip from Cape Jervis, located the tip of the beautiful Fleurieu Peninsula in South Australia. KI is Australia’s third largest island at 155 km long by 55 km wide, and over 540 kms of spectacular coastline. It is a big island and will easily take you days to discover. Across the island a menagerie of wildlife abounds – from kangaroos and wallabies to echidnas and goannas, koalas, osprey sea eagles and the rare Glossy Black Cockatoo. Take a guided beach walk at Seal Bay amongst a colony of wild Australian Sealions and to the amazing Flinders Chase National Park, where you will see the incredible regeneration after the 2019/20 bushfires.

Enjoy award-winning wines at the picturesque cellar doors, relish in the local produce from organic honey to fresh oysters and seafood. Visit beer and cider breweries and discover Australia’s first boutique Gin Distillery - Kangaroo Island Spirits. SeaLink and Kangaroo Island Odysseys offer an array of touring options, group tours and fully escorted holidays. We even offer a small group 3-Day Flinders Ranges Tour! With vehicle sizes ranging from 8-seaters to 50-seater coaches, there’s something for everyone, and for every size group, large or small. Call one of our friendly Sales Consultants on 13 13 01, or email bookings@sealink.com.au or for group bookings and enquiries groups@sealink.com.au Visit sealink.com.au for further information.

1 Day Kangaroo Island Wildlife Discovery Tour Discover the island’s unique animals on this exciting day tour.

2 Day / 1 Night Kangaroo Island Sights and Gourmet Delights Savour the tastes and stunning sights of KI on this fantastic new tour

• Morning pick-up and evening set-down at selected Adelaide CBD hotels (coach/ ferry option only) or Kangaroo Island accommodation • Return scenic coach transfers to Cape Jervis taking in the picturesque Fleurieu Peninsula with its vineyards, coastal views and rolling hills (coach/ferry option only) • Return transport to/from Kangaroo Island by SeaLink Ferry (coach/ferry option only) • Personalised 4x4 touring with expert commentary from your driver/guide • All entrance fees and special permits • Gourmet style picnic lunch with Kangaroo Island wines in an Australian bush setting • Morning or afternoon tea • Beach walk to see Australian sea lions at Seal Bay Conservation Park

• Morning pick-up and evening set-down at selected Adelaide CBD hotels • Return scenic coach transfers to Cape Jervis travelling through the picturesque Fleurieu Peninsula with its vineyards, coastal views and rolling hills (Ex Adelaide Only) • Return ferry travel to/from Kangaroo Island by SeaLink Ferry (Ex Adelaide and Cape Jervis Only) • Overnight accommodation at the Aurora Ozone Hotel, Kingscote including full breakfast • Personalised 4x4 touring with expert commentary from your local Driver/Guide • All entrance fees and special permits

3 Day / 2 Night Flinders Ranges Outback Tour Explore the magnificent Flinders Ranges in the heart of South Australia’s outback. • Morning pick-up and evening set-down at selected Adelaide CBD hotels • Morning and/or afternoon tea and lunch each day • 2 nights accommodation at Rawnsley Park Station including daily continental breakfast (Standard or Superior) • See the Kanyaka Station Homestead Ruins • Enjoy the ‘Sunset on the Chace’ tour (operated by Rawnsley Park Station) • 2 course dinner in the Woolshed Restaurant at Rawnsley Park Station • See picturesque gorges on your tour around Wilpena Pound and the southern Flinders Ranges • Signature Antipasto platter lunch at the Prairie Hotel • Delight in a 3 course Lamb Tasting food experience with matching wines • Journey through the Clare Valley to Paulett Wines & Bush Devine Café for a delicious lunch including a glass of wine and wine tastings (optional) • Personalised touring with expert commentary from your local Driver/Guide and all entrance fees and special permits

Call 13 13 01 visit sealink.com.au or kangarooislandodysseys.com.au

Heritage listed hotel Mercure Canberra

CANBERRA

EXPERIENCE

Nestled at the base of the Brindabella Mountains and surrounded by bushland, Canberra is a city unlike any other. Year-round the city offers world class exhibitions, exuberant dining for every budget, outdoor adventures and historic trails.

Immerse yourself in the world of the Ancient Greeks at the National Museum of Australia, until 1 May. The exhibition is themed around athletes, warriors and heroes and explores competition through sports, politics, drama, music and warfare all illuminated by more than 170 objects from the British Museum.

SEE Time your visit to Canberra to coincide with the 2022 Heritage Festival and experience a wide range of events focused around the theme, curiosity. The festival runs from the 9 April - 1 May and will include events such as a Roaring 20’s Banquet Dinner at the historic hotel Mercure Canberra, formerly known as the Hotel Ainslie which opened in 1927. For more information about the festival visit act.gov.au/heritagefestival.

ALL ACCOR Logo JOB : 19J3103E Date : 12/02/19 Scale : Size : Fabrication :

C0 M0 Y0 K0 White

GET CARRIED AWAY Let the Canberra Balloon Spectacular take you away in March with more than 25 balloons taking to the sky daily 12-20 March. Don’t let the early starts deter you, this is a once in a lifetime must-do experience. For more details head to enlightencanberra.com/program/ canberra-balloon-spectacular/

Mount Ainslie

Mercure Canberra

Australians and Hollywood exhibition NFSA

DON’T MISS

DRIVE

Discover unseen treasures from Australian cinema at the Canberra exclusive exhibition Australians & Hollywood. Featuring rare behind-the-scenes footage and costumes and props from the National Film and Sound Archive collection on display for the first time. Highlights include costumes from Moulin Rouge and The Sapphires, Baz Luhrmann and Catherine Martin’s art concept books for Romeo + Juliet as well as custom props from Mad Max: Fury Road. nfsa.gov.au/hollywood

Bring your own ride or jump in a hire car and head out to the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve where you can stroll along a 2.1km wheelchair accessible pathway past a series of interconnected ponds in the “The Sanctuary” - a large wetlands ecosystem. If you want to venture further afield into the bushlands surrounding Canberra you can head out on a day walk. The trails range from 500 metre walks all the way through to 19 kilometres where you will experience the native flora and fauna of the region. For more details visit www.tidbinbilla.act.gov.au/

DINE You will never be at a loss for great food in Canberra. Head to the Kingston Foreshore for a wide range of restaurants overlooking the banks of Lake Burley Griffin and don’t miss the foodie delights of No Name Lane, the foodie hub that only locals know about. For an experience on the water grab a GoBoat from the Kingston Foreshore and head around to Snapper on the Lake for some fish and chips to go. For more dining suggestions visit visitcanberra.com.au/articles/best-neweats-and-bars

STAY For accommodation packages which include discounts on some of Canberra’s key exhibitions and events Accor hotels is your hotel group of choice. Visit all.accor. com to see all offers at Accor’s 12 Canberra hotels including discounted packages for the Australians & Hollywood Exhibitions and the Ancient Greeks exhibitions.

e Scan m

WELCOME

1. Bella Vista Probus Club members meet “El Caballero de Paris” (The Gentleman from Paris) in Havana, Cuba

WELCOME

TO THE PROBUS TOUR OFFICER TRAVEL HANDBOOK Probus Clubs across Australia and New Zealand have many common interests. One, of course, is their love of Probus, and the other is travel – whether it be within their own country or overseas. This Handbook has been designed to assist Tour Officers with their planning of Probus Club tours and trips, both locally and abroad. Probians love to explore new destinations and rediscover old ones but, more importantly, these experiences are far more memorable when shared with fellow members. While every role on the Management Committee is important, the role of the Outings, Activities and Tours Officer is the key to ensuring that Club members are staying active and enjoying that Probus fun and friendship for which we are renowned.

TO U R O FFI C E R TR AVE L HAN D B O O K

This Handbook highlights key destinations across Australia, New Zealand and beyond for you to consider when planning your next trip. It also includes offers available to members through our Member Benefits Scheme as well as offers from our range of Probus Partners. I encourage you to consider these offers when planning your tours and trips itinerary for the upcoming year. Also included in this Handbook is information about the role of the Outings, Activities and Tours Officer as well as some keys steps to consider when planning a trip or tour. I sincerely hope that you find the information in this Handbook helpful and ask that you contact our team if we can be of any assistance. Yours faithfully, Silvana Martignago, CEO of Probus South Pacific

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W W W.PR O B U S S O UTH PAC I FI C.O R G

Call 1300 729 938 visit www.murrayprincess.com.au

The Murray Princess is a true inland paddle-wheeler built in 1986 especially for the Murray River. She has a character and charm of yesteryear and is the largest inland paddlewheeler in the southern hemisphere. Catering for up to 120 guests, she brings the unique advantages of small ship cruising to the remarkable setting of the amazing Murray River and Australia’s outback. Cruises depart from Mannum, an 80-minute drive from Adelaide, and are generally of 3-, 4- and 7-night duration. Complimentary coach transfers are offered from Adelaide and secure parking is offered in Mannum for those who bring their own car to Mannum.

Everyone is welcome, from solo travellers to large groups, or the entire vessel can be chartered. The Murray Princess is a truly spectacular cruise with all meals, live entertainment each evening, an exciting selection of onshore tours, guided tours and eco excursions and onboard presentations. Murray Princess also offers a range of packages including tours to Kangaroo Island and the Flinders Ranges and accommodation in Adelaide. They are worth checking out! For further information and bookings call Murray Princess on 1300 729 938, visit murrayprincess.com.au or email

murrayprincess@sealink.com.au

2022/2023 SEASON

CONTENTS 12

Tour Officer

Travel Handbook

Message from the Editor A brief introduction to this Travel Handbook

Probus South Pacific Limited PO Box 1294, Parramatta NSW 2124 phone +61 2 9689 0200 1300 630 488 (Australia) 0800 1477 6287 (New Zealand) email admin@probussouthpacific.org website probussouthpacific.org

14 The Outings, Activities and Tours Officer’s role Bits and pieces to keep in mind when planning your Club’s next tour

Administration enquiries email admin@probussouthpacific.org

20 30 travel secrets of Australia and New Zealand Off-the-beaten-path experiences to whet your travel appetite

130

Directory

Published by Citrus Media PO Box 222 Earlwood NSW 2206 email contact@citrusmedia.com.au

Your quick reference to the Australia and New Zealand destinations of this Handbook

Management Publisher Jim Flynn

DESTINATIONS 29

Editorial Editor Adam Scroggy email probus@citrusmedia.com.au Deputy Editor Kalon Huett Art Director Yang Zhou Creative Director Stephanie Goh

Australia

Advertising Alex Brereton email alex@citrusmedia.com.au

30 New South Wales 48 Victoria 58 Queensland 66 Western Australia 74 South Australia 82 Tasmania 88 Australian Capital Territory 94 Northern Territory

Production Printed by IVE Mailed by D&D Mailing Service Print Post #100029232 Cover Image Maheno Shipwreck, Fraser Island Probus Tour Officer Travel Handbook Disclaimer

The Probus Tour Officer Travel Handbook (the Travel Handbook) is published by Citrus Media (ABN 44 140 352 254) (the Publisher) on behalf of Probus South Pacific Limited (ACN 152 374 395) (PSPL). Advertisers and contributors to the Travel Handbook acknowledge that they are aware of and undertake to comply with the provisions of applicable State and Federal discrimination legislation and the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 in relation to false and misleading advertising or statements and unfair practices. Neither PSPL nor the Publisher accept any responsibility for such breaches. Opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of PSPL or the Publisher. All articles are general in nature. Individuals should seek expert advice before acting on any information contained in the Travel Handbook. Neither PSPL nor the Publisher make any warranties in relation to the information provided and, to the full extent allowed by law, disclaim all warranties of any kind, express or implied. All material in the Travel Handbook is copyright and may not be produced in whole or in part without the express written permission of the Publisher. Advertisers and contributors warrant that photographs provided for print in the Travel Handbook do not infringe the intellectual property or moral rights of any third party and that the advertiser or contributor holds all necessary permits and licences.

101 New Zealand & the Rest of the World 102 116 124 132

ew Zealand and the Pacific N Asia Europe USA & Canada

TO U R O FFI C E R TR AVE L HAN D B O O K

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W W W.PR O B U S S O UTH PAC I FI C.O R G

Sydney in Style Book with confidence with Captain Cook Cruises, the leader of Sydney Harbour experiences for over 50 years. Cruise in style aboard our premium dining and sightseeing fleet. Enjoy million dollar views from expansive indoor & outdoor seating. Hear fascinating stories that bring the history and culture of the Harbour city alive. BOOK NOW for PROBUS group specials incl FREE Tour Leaders

Sunset Dinner 3-course dining from 5pm

Top Deck Lunch

Sightseeing

2 or 3-course dining from 12.00pm

Up to 9 departure daily New Premium options

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Official Vivid Sydney Light cruises (May-Jun). Seniors Festival (Mar-Apr) super specials. Christmas in July. Boxing Day Sydney to Hobart cruises. Grandparents Day (Oct) specials & more!

B O O K N O W 9 2 0 6 1111 C A P TA I N C O O K .C O M . A U

EDITOR’S MESSAGE

We’d need a vast collection, not a handbook, to cover it all. Instead, we’ve aimed to present a variety of options to satisfy every touring need, from day trips close to populated centres to multi-day and even multi-week escapes that pack in as much value as possible. You’ll find history and heritage, art and culture, scenic landmarks, wildlife encounters, cruises, rail journeys, and so much more. Whichever kind of tour you and your Club members are looking for, we think you’ll find inspiration within these 140 pages. Location-wise, we’ve ordered the states and territories of Australia by population, and each state section has been split into distinct regions. So, if your Club is looking to venture out locally, you should find plenty of ideas not too far from home. Alternatively, if you have in mind a new region you’d like to explore, all you have to do is flick to the relevant page (you can find a full list on page 29) and take in all of the options available. Meanwhile, the rest of the world begins on page 102, starting with 14 jam-packed pages for New Zealand – but certainly not ending there. International travel is only just now starting to become viable again, and as such our Travel Handbook includes a selection of ideas for inspiration in the Pacific Islands, Asia, Europe, the USA and Canada for any Probians looking to venture overseas. Throughout the history of Probus, there have been some absolutely wonderful and memorable Club trips to foreign destinations, and we’re excited at the prospect of seeing these trips unfold once again – with thanks, as always, to the planning and dedication of Probus Tour Officers. Where possible, we’ve included website details and phone numbers for our chosen locations, to make it as easy as possible for you to get in touch with the business, venue or operator in question. On each spread you’ll find “At a Glance” breakout boxes with quick-access details to many of the locations mentioned, and there’s also a Directory on page 138 where you can see them all in one place. On page 14, we’ve provided a specific run-down on the role of the Probus Tour Officer, with a few hints and tips to keep in mind when organising your next outing, activity or tour. And to whet the appetite for the many destinations covered throughout the guide, we’ve put together a list of 30 must-see, must-do travel secrets in Australia and New Zealand – you’ll find that starting on page 20. That’s enough from us for now – we’ll leave you to turn the page and begin discovering the inspiration that follows. After all, a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. ■

ABOUT THIS HANDBOOK: A MESSAGE FROM THE EDITOR What it is, why we made it, and how it will help you – the fantastic Probus Tour Officers. “Travel: it leaves you speechless, and then turns you into a storyteller.” So said 14th century explorer Ibn Battuta, and while we’re pretty certain he didn’t know about Probus when he spoke his words, his wisdom nonetheless rings true to Probians today. Whether it’s a day trip to a new museum in a neighbouring town, or a month-long tour to the far-flung reaches of the globe, travel enriches our lives, broadens our horizons, and connects us to each other. The role of the Probus Tour Officer is essential in facilitating these trips, which is why in this, the Probus Tour Officer Travel Handbook, we’ve sought to provide you with a handy resource to help bring together these wonderful trips. Throughout the Handbook, we’ve sought to cover as wide a selection of Australia and New Zealand destinations as possible. There are two reasons for this. Firstly, Probus Clubs and members can be found in every corner of our two great countries. And secondly, there isn’t a corner of Australia and NZ that isn’t worth exploring. From the cities to the coast and the outback of Australia, and from the fiords to the mountains and geothermal hot springs of New Zealand, any group of Probians looking for a tour, outing or activity has an endless array of options from which to choose. That said, we certainly won’t claim this Handbook is exhaustive – there’s simply too much to fit into one guide.

TO U R O FFI C E R TR AVE L HAN D B O O K

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W W W.PR O B U S S O UTH PAC I FI C.O R G

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travel.ttc.com/en-au/probustourofficer

TOUR OFFICER ROLE 1

THE OUTINGS, ACTIVITIES AND TOURS OFFICER’S ROLE A few hints and tips for Probus Tour Officers to keep in mind when planning the next Club trip. The role of the Outings, Activities and Tours Officer is an exciting and rewarding one. It requires planning, organisational skills, patience and imagination. It is recommended that more than one officer be appointed to fulfil this role. Any Probus tour, trip and/or activity should be approved by the Management Committee. The Management Committee approves a Probus activity once they are satisfied that it meets all management guidelines. When assessing whether to approve an activity, the Management Committee should consider all of the information related to that activity in order to approve it. This would normally include interest from members, location, availability, cost and risk assessment.

1. Blackheath Probus Club members take an alpine hike at Thredbo 2. The Probus Club of Stuart Alice Springs on an outing to the town of Ooraminna 3. Adelaide North Combined Probus Club members gather for a day visit to Urrbrae House

TO U R O FFI C E R TR AVE L HAN D B O O K

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The key functions of the Officer are to: Investigate and propose suitable trips, tours, outings and activities to the Management Committee for consideration. In costing each outing or activity, ensure that all expenditure is covered and any cancellation fees are taken into account. Any discounts or ‘free of charge’ offers should be applied so as to benefit all members. Maintain liaison with other Clubs with a view to arranging occasional joint outings. Ensure that a risk assessment of each outing is conducted when determining suitability. A scertain feasibility – costs and booking arrangements. A sk members for suggestions of proposed outings, tours and other activities.

W W W.PR O B U S S O UTH PAC I FI C.O R G

nsure that all members are provided with clear E instructions in relation to the activity or outing including contingency plans. Collect money by a nominated date before each activity, keep complete records and issue receipts for all funds received. Give all money collected to the Treasurer for banking with a detailed listing of all funds received. Carefully record all expenses, such as postage and telephone calls, and submit these to the Treasurer with receipts for reimbursement. Consider offers from Probus Partners given that they normally attract a discount for Probus members.

Familiarisation programs From time to time, an Officer may be invited by a trip or tour provider to participate in familiarisation programs known as “Famils” programs. This enables the Officer to experience a destination first-hand in readiness for a Club trip. Clubs should set a protocol for free of charge (FOC) benefits offered to Officers.

Identifying what trips, tours or outings to consider While the Outings, Activities and Tours Officer is responsible for planning these events, they do not have to do all the work. We suggest having a team of members to assist in the research and planning. The objective of any Club is to have as much participation from members as possible. Not all members will participate in every trip, tour or activity so it is important to provide a range of trips, tours and activities that suit both activity levels and lifestyle. Here are some tips to gauge interest from members: S urvey: A survey is a great way to understand what your Club members are interested in. We suggest using both open and closed ended questions in your survey that will identify members’ interests. If members are not participating in any trips, tours or activities, ask them why? H ealth Check: The Club Health Check (provided by PSPL) can assist in identifying opportunities and interests. This can be a useful tool when planning outings for your Club. S uggestion box: Consider using a suggestion box where members could include ideas and thoughts on what they would like to do.

Here are some tips on how to plan a joint event: F ind contact information for local Clubs in the online Directory of Probus Clubs in the Club Administration section of the PSPL website. S chedule meetings for you to discuss any proposed trips, tours or outings to gauge interest. This can be done face-to-face or even virtually via Zoom or hybrid meetings. B rainstorm some ideas together on what events may be of interest to members of both Clubs. I t is recommended that each participating Club nominate a person responsible for agreeing on responsibilities and tasks among each Club. A sk the trip, tour or activity provider if other Probus Clubs are already booked on a proposed trip or tour and seek to combine your numbers to achieve minimum participation.

Plan events with other Probus Clubs Maintaining a good relationship with other Clubs is very important. If you are planning an outing or gathering, we suggest liaising with other Clubs with a view of arranging joint outings. This will assist in achieving minimum number of participants (if required) and will also strengthen the relationship with other Clubs within your local community. TO U R O FFI C E R TR AVE L HAN D B O O K

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TOUR OFFICER ROLE 1

Promote your trip, tour or activity with the wider community Promoting a Club’s level of activity by highlighting the range of trips, tours and events it participates in is a great way to generate interest in a Club. Engage all members to take photos and submit them to PSPL to be featured either in our publications, website or Facebook. Send your submissions via email to marketing@probussouthpacific.org to be featured. Here are some tips for submitting Club News: Provide a brief description of 100 to 300 words, preferably in third person, about the event with some highlights of the day. For all photos you wish to submit, ensure you have consent from the participants in the photos. Provide these same submissions to your local newspaper to promote the Club. Local newspapers are usually happy to include this information free of charge given the importance of Probus in the community. Please note that due to the high volume of submissions, not all Club News will be published in the magazine, however we will endeavour to include them in either our range of publications, website or Facebook.

1. Meadowbank Combined Probus Club embark on a camelback adventure in Port Stephens 2. CoonaraCherrybrook Probus Club “catches the breeze” in Mauritius 3. Bella Vista Probus Club hitting all the right notes on an international visit to Harbin, China

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TOURING

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TOUR OFFICER ROLE 1

Setting a payment and refunds policy Organising a trip, tour or activity can be a very exciting time for your Probus Club. However, there are some key aspects to consider before suggesting the trip, tour or activity to your committee. Depending on the type of outing, the Officer will need to pre-plan, do some research and set a policy with respect to payment and refunds, and ensure that Club members are fully aware of these policies. When planning a trip, tour or activity, the Officer should: Communicate/negotiate refunds and cancellation terms with the trip, tour or activity provider prior to booking. Sometimes there can be more than one provider in a trip (i.e. transport and accommodation) and, as such, it is important to ensure that all cancellation and refund conditions are understood at the time of booking. Make sure to do some research and ensure the venue has a COVID-19 Safety Plan in place. Be sure to check whether they provide refunds or credits if members were unable to attend due to COVID-19 or if the locations being visited were to go into lockdown. Ensure that members understand the cancellations and refunds policy when the booking is made to ensure that there is no misunderstanding. In some cases, a minimum number of participants is required and often no refunds will apply. Consider setting an amount required as a deposit when seeking expressions of interest in the trip, tour or activity as this will assist in determining the number of participants early. In some cases, expressing interest without paying a deposit increases the risk of cancellations and/or inaccurate assessment of participant numbers.

Encourage members to give sufficient notice of cancellations to allow the Club to offer those cancelled spots to other members, if possible. E nsure that all participants are clear on the final payment date.

Insurance coverage

1. Yeronga Probus Club members take pole position in Scottish heritage town Maclean 2. Ringwood Clocktower Probus Club members feeling on top of the world in Birdsville 3. The Probus Club of Dingley Central visit the border town of Swan Hill and its famous 11-metre Murray Cod

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Please be aware that only approved activities will be covered under the Probus National Insurance Programs, subject always to the terms and conditions of the policies within those programs. These activities include any event organised by a Club or Association such as meetings, outings, tours, trips and interest groups. For insurance purposes, the approval of a trip, tour, outing or activity should be reflected in the Club’s minutes as being approved. Not all of the information the Management Committee considers needs to be reflected in the Club’s minutes. However, the minutes should contain sufficient information to understand what is being approved. The National Insurance Programs do not provide cover for cancellation/refunds, nor do they provide cover for illness. Information about the Probus National Insurance Programs can be found in the Club Administration Section of the PSPL website at www.probussouthpacific.org ■

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Highlights of Cronulla & Surrounds Just 40 minutes by train from Sydney’s Central Station, the Sutherland Shire is a destination with pristine beaches, sparkling waterways and spectacular national parks. Combined with an outstanding café culture, you can experience coastal relaxation, fabulous food and natural beauty. Visit for the day or stay for a few to enjoy the beautiful Sutherland Shire. Discover…

Nature & Outdoor activities • • • •

• • • • •

Walk Cronulla Esplanade, follow the coastline walk to explore Cronulla’s beaches & ocean pools. It’s the only beach in Sydney accessible by train. Visit Kamay Botany Bay National Park – Learn about Aboriginal culture, see Captain Cook’s Landing Place and watch the whale’s at Cape Solander (June – November) Take the iconic wooden ferry from Cronulla to Bundeena or book a scenic lunch cruise with Cronulla & National Park Ferry Cruises. Visit Royal National Park, the world’s second-oldest national park. Discover beautiful waterfalls, picnic areas and native flora. Park Connections can collect you from Sutherland Train Station and help you explore the Park. In Bundeena, walk the Jibbon Loop Track or paddle along the magnificent Hacking River with Bundeena Kayaks. Join Cronulla Whale Watching to see these amazing creatures in their natural habitat (May – Oct). Visit the EG Waterhouse National Camellia Gardens. One of its kind in NSW, with the Teahouse Café famous for its scones & tea. Joseph Banks Native Plants Reserve is devoted entirely to Australian native plants with four kilometres of sealed walking paths. Como Heritage Trail – a 3 hour loop walk, download the map on Sutherland Shire Council’s website.

Arts & Culture activities • • • •

Discover Aboriginal carvings and middens on the Jibbon Loop Track near Bundeena. Explore the Bundeena Maianbar Art Trail on the first Sunday of every month. Visit Hazelhurst Arts Centre and café, Gymea. Visit Sydney Tramway Museum, Australia’s oldest tramway museum.

Food & Drink

Dine in beach-side restaurants & clubs and enjoy a vast array of cuisines. There are many options for groups big or small. Here’s just a few: • • • • • • • • • •

Cronulla RSL ‘Tradies’ – Gymea and Caringbah Bundeena Community & Services Club The Botanical @ Highfields, Caringbah The Bavarian Beer Café, Westfield Miranda Hazelhurst Café, Gymea Mikes Bar & Grill, Gymea or Sutherland Union Place, Jannali Como Hotel Club Central, Menai

Scan m For more information about what’s on and to plan your trip to the Sutherland Shire go to e www.visitsutherlandshire.com.au

TRAVEL 0 3 SECRETS OF Australia and New Zealand Throughout this Travel Handbook you’ll find hundreds of ideas for your Club’s next tour, outing or activity. But if there’s one thing we love about travel, it’s that there’s always more to see and do. So, to kick things off – and in no particular order – here are 30 travel secrets from Australia and New Zealand to whet the appetite and leave you feeling inspired.

1 2

Charles Knife Canyon, WA

Experience a geological wonder reminiscent of a coastal Grand Canyon, albeit on a smaller scale, when you make the winding drive to Charles Knife Canyon in Learmonth. Following the ridges of Cape Range National Park outside the town of Exmouth, you’ll eventually reach the top of the range for breathtaking views to the multi-coloured gorges below. Don’t forget to charge your cameras for this one.

Explore Middle-earth & Hobbiton, NZ

J.R.R. Tolkien fans will revel in a unique, immersive experience discovering the mythical worlds made famous by the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. Join a Middle-earth adventure or take a guided walking tour of the official Hobbiton Movie Set (hobbitontours.com) in the heart of the enchanting Waikato region. Soak up New Zealand’s dramatic natural scenery as you explore a series of extraordinary film locations. TO U R O FFI C E R TR AVE L HAN D B O O K

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Orange appeal, NSW

Drive less than four hours from Sydney to Orange, one of Australia’s most elegant inland towns. Set against the backdrop of Mount Canobolas – an ancient, extinct volcano – the town is characterised by lovely tree-lined streets, charming early 20th-century architecture and wonderful public parks. As the wine region with the highest elevation in the country, Orange also appeals for its plethora of vineyards and cellar doors.

Stargazing in Canterbury, NZ

Does your Club fancy a stargazing experience like no other? At the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve (darkskyreserve.org.nz) in Canterbury – a renowned centre for astro-tourism and public education – you’ll be treated to the wonder of natural, dark night skies protected against light pollution. Prepare to marvel at the Milky Way and constellations like the Southern Cross through a telescope at the largest reserve of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere.

Tiwi Islands, NT

Nicknamed the ‘Island of Smiles’, Tiwi Islands is a destination offering unbridled joy and happiness to lucky visitors. Situated 80km north of Darwin, it’s renowned for the traditional lifestyle of its inhabitants, a thriving Aboriginal arts culture, vibrant fabrics and textiles, picturesque fishing lodges and exquisite coastal scenery. Tours to Tiwi Islands – comprising Melville Island, Bathurst Island and nine smaller uninhabited islands – include light aircraft flights or a ferry ride from Darwin.

Cruise the Murray River, VIC

Board a historic paddle steamer or luxury houseboat and meander down the Murray River through the iconic red gum forests of the Echuca Moama region in northern Victoria. Your tour might stop to explore this famous wine region or enjoy the sunset by a riverside campfire. Before departing, visit the Port of Echuca Discovery Centre with exhibits on the 19thcentury river trade (portofechuca.org.au) and admire vintage cars on display at the National Holden Motor Museum (holdenmuseum.com.au). TO U R O FFI C E R TR AVE L HAN D B O O K

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Get a taste of paradise on Norfolk Island

For a slice of the Pacific Islands even closer to home, Australians can visit the external territory of Norfolk Island. Due to its distance from the mainland it’s a destination often overlooked, yet always unforgettable to those who visit. It’s home to towering pines, the tallest fern trees on earth, rare birds, lush forests and gorgeous offshore islands. Don’t miss the Kingston and Arthur’s Vale Historic Area (kingston.norfolkisland.gov.au), where you can relive the history of the island’s convict and Polynesian settlements.

How ‘bout them apples in the Huon Valley, TAS

Head south-west of Hobart into the picturesque Huon Valley, at the edge of the Tasmanian wilderness, for the chance to see Australian fruit-growing in all its glory. Eighty-three per cent of Tasmanian apples originate in the valley. The centre of the Huon Valley, Cygnet, is famous not only for its delicious apples, but also its cherry and berry orchards. What’s more, Cygnet is packed with art studios, galleries and craft shops to explore.

Sightsee from a hot air balloon, NZ

Go hot air ballooning over Canterbury or Queenstown on the South Island or Waikato, Hawke’s Bay, Wairarapa or North Auckland on the North Island to admire New Zealand’s remarkable landscapes from the ultimate vantage point floating high in the sky. Club members will be wowed by the vistas across lush rural expanses of forests, rivers, lakes and vineyards, as well as quaint towns you might drive through once you come back down to earth.

Werribee Open Range Zoo, VIC

Animal lovers will be delighted with a day-trip to Werribee Open Range Zoo, an African-themed zoo just a little over 30km south-west of Melbourne (zoo.org.au/werribee). Enjoy a unique and immersive experience as your group explores the zoo on a 40-minute Safari Tour – passing giraffes as they traverse the iconic savannah, meeting critically endangered Mongolian Wild Horses, and seeing many other animals roam the expansive grounds. TO U R O FFI C E R TR AVE L HAN D B O O K

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Super street art in Christchurch, NZ

Historic Christchurch, a South Island city known for its English heritage, also happens to be New Zealand’s home of street art. Spend a leisurely day walking the streets and checking out the always-evolving murals around every corner – from the must-see Riverside Market mural to ‘Organic Matters’ in Lichfield Street. The thriving street art scene has brought much of the city’s architecture and creative urban atmosphere back to life following the devastation of the 2011 Christchurch earthquake.

Cactus Country, VIC

On a journey to Cactus Country – Australia’s largest cactus garden located in the rural town of Strathmerton – Club members will be transported from the Victorian Murray bushland to the Mojave Desert in Mexico (cactuscountry.com.au). Follow one of eight sandy trails through a 12-acre desert oasis spotting thousands of weird and wonderful cacti and succulents along the way. Depending on the time of day you might treat yourselves to margaritas or homemade cactus ice cream.

Cape Tribulation, QLD

Experience a land that time forgot when you travel to captivating Cape Tribulation in Far North Queensland. This remote headland and ecotourism destination is where the Daintree – one of the world’s oldest rainforests – meets the Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest coral reef system. Aptly named by Lieutenant James Cook, who described the challenging cape as an ‘insane labyrinth’, Cape Tribulation is renowned for stunning landscapes and seascapes adored by photographers.

New Zealand Rugby Museum in Palmerston North, NZ

If Club members would like a taste of NZ’s sporting passion while travelling around the North Island, why not go to Palmerston North, a two-hour drive north of Wellington, to visit the New Zealand Rugby Museum? The museum (rugbymuseum.co.nz) holds a comprehensive collection of rugby memorabilia, records and artefacts – including national treasures like the first All Blacks match programme and a 1905 ‘Originals’ jersey. TO U R O FFI C E R TR AVE L HAN D B O O K

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Gyorn Gyorn Paintings, WA

If you’re travelling through the north Kimberley wilderness, be sure to find time for the long-hidden Gyorn Gyorn paintings (also known as the Bradshaws) – thought to have been created 60,000 years ago, making it some of the earliest figurative art. The distinguishing feature of the paintings is their stick-like human figures. Join a local Indigenous tour guide to find a few Gyorn Gyorn art sites.

Mon Repos turtle encounter near Bundaberg, QLD

From November to January witness the amazing sight of loggerhead sea turtles, an endangered species, lugging themselves up the beach to safety in order to nest and lay their eggs. Around 6-8 weeks later (generally between January and March), tiny turtle hatchlings emerge and scurry to the ocean under the moonlight. As the only ranger-guided turtle encounter available on the east coast of Australia, this is a wildlife experience not to be missed (bundabergregion.org/ mon-repos-nightly-turtle-encounter).

Château Tanunda & Barossa Sculpture Park, SA

While the Barossa Valley is famed for its wineries, its pioneering architecture and contemporary art are also astonishing. Visit Château Tanunda (chateautanunda.com) – an acclaimed winery and one of the most recognisable buildings in Australia – which was built in the late 1890s using bluestone quarried from the nearby village of Bethany, where you’ll also discover a hillside collection of abstract works made from local marble and granite at the Barossa Sculpture Park (barossasculpturepark.com).

Chasing waterfalls in Taupō, NZ

Fed by the mighty Waikato River, Lake Taupō and the Taupō region is a haven of picture-worthy waterfalls. You’ll definitely want to visit thunderous Huka Falls, where almost a quarter of a million litres of crystal-blue water bursts through the gorge, and majestic Otupoto Falls, where the water cascades over a cliff directly into the lake. Surrounding Taupō you’ll also find splendid hot springs like those at the Craters of the Moon Thermal Area, a region within New Zealand’s largest geothermal field. TO U R O FFI C E R TR AVE L HAN D B O O K

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Historic Port Adelaide, SA

Take some time to relax in historic Port Adelaide, the thriving former gateway to trade, commerce and immigration in South Australia. Club members can wander between the wharves and colonial buildings while picturing a vibrant scene from the state’s fledgling past. Individuals can find their own way around or use the ‘Living in Port’ iPhone app for a self-guided walking tour of the heritage precinct (livinginport.com.au/app).

White sand & roos at Lucky Bay, WA

Want to step foot on Australia’s whitest beach? You’re about to get lucky! A 45-minute drive from the town of Esperance to Cape Le Grand National Park, you’ll discover Lucky Bay – an unspoilt jewel of this idyllic coastline. From the kangaroos lazing on the squeakyclean sand to the inviting turquoise water, few destinations can match Lucky Bay for tranquility. It’s also the perfect viewpoint to the wildlife-rich Archipelago of the Recherche, known locally as the Bay of Isles.

Beautiful Binalong Bay, TAS

Situated at the southern end of the striking Bay of Fires, beautiful Binalong Bay is a highlight of any Tasmanian travel itinerary. Featuring white sandy beaches and remarkable coastal rock faces, the bay certainly will not disappoint your group on the Bay of Fires Eco Tour (bayoffiresecotours.com.au). Avid anglers will also relish the chance to fish for Australian salmon, dusky flathead, trevally, Atlantic bluefin tuna, striped marlin and more.

Greenstone carving in Hokitika, NZ

Head to the coastal town of Hokitika, 40km south of Greymouth on New Zealand’s South Island, to search for pounamu (also known as greenstone), learn about the unique carving methods and meanings, and absorb the significance of this ancient custom. Here in ‘Jade Country’ the jade shops display superbly hand-crafted pieces carved by local artists, while many stores even let you inside the carving studio for a glimpse of the experts at work. Hokitika is also renowned for its gorgeous sunsets. TO U R O FFI C E R TR AVE L HAN D B O O K

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Rainbow Valley Conservation Reserve, NT

With a name like Rainbow Valley you would expect this small (by NT standards) conservation reserve to be a scenic destination – and you would be absolutely right! Located about an hour’s drive south from Alice Springs, Rainbow Valley Conservation Reserve is home to fabulous sandstone bluffs and rock formations that dazzle during sunrise and sunset, not to mention a wide array of mammals, reptile species, birdlife and flora.

All things miniature at Cockington Green, ACT

Drive 20 minutes north of Canberra to the town of Nicholls, where a world of miniatures awaits your Club at Cockington Green Gardens (cockingtongreen.com.au). Set within superbly landscaped gardens, the miniature village is a unique attraction featuring an impressive display of meticulously handcrafted miniature scenes and buildings from all over the globe – including the 34-room Waverley Dolls House. There’s even a miniature steam train to take you around the gardens, and an even-more-miniature railway line.

Breweries, distilleries & pyramids in Stanthorpe, QLD

Three hours’ drive from Brisbane or the Gold Coast is Stanthorpe, a hidden gem in the cool, high country of Queensland’s Granite Belt region. At first glance it’s a quaint country town set amid some of Australia’s highest vineyards, but dig deeper and you’ll discover it’s home to outstanding microbreweries and distilleries – including Granite Belt Brewery (granitebeltretreat.com.au/brewery) and Castle Glen Australia (castleglenaustralia.com.au). While you’re in the area, don’t miss the eye-catching Ballandean Pyramid.

Birdwatching on Stewart Island, NZ

Bird lovers will not want to miss a trip to Stewart Island – or Rakiura, which means ‘the land of glowing skies’ in the Māori language – home to New Zealand’s largest and most diverse bird population. Here Club members can go birdwatching for the chance to spot the kākā, albatross, weka, rare yellow-eyed penguin and kiwi – the muchloved little flightless bird endemic to New Zealand. TO U R O FFI C E R TR AVE L HAN D B O O K

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Whale watching at Cape Byron, NSW

Between June and October every year, whales travel north from their Antarctic summer feeding grounds all the way to their breeding and birthing grounds via Cape Byron, the easternmost point of Australia. The headlands in the Cape Byron State Conservation Area offer an ideal place to make the most of whale migration season. Observe humpback whales in their natural playground from a coastal vantage point or join an organised whale watching tour.

Discover Māori culture in Rotorua, NZ

The town of Rotorua on NZ’s North Island abounds with Māori heritage. There’s no better place to learn all about the culture, history and traditions of New Zealand’s indigenous people. You’ll have the chance to enjoy Māori cultural performances, see traditional wood carvings at Te Puia, the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute, and experience a delicious steam hāngi. For a completely immersive experience, your group could book an overnight stay at the living Tamaki Māori Village.

Old-school picture house at Brunswick Heads, NSW

Venture 15 minutes from the hustle and bustle of popular Byron Bay to trendy Brunswick Heads, where something is bound to be happening at Brunswick Picture House – a lovingly restored and reimagined old theatre (brunswickpicturehouse.com). The 2016 revival of this iconic building has set the stage for a vibrant blend of film, circus, cabaret, music and family-friendly entertainment for the local community and visitors alike.

Watch oceans collide at Cape Reinga, NZ

Watch as two oceans collide from the lookout at Cape Reinga / Te Rerenga Wairua, 165 metres above sea level and the end of the road towards the northernmost point of New Zealand. This is where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific in a splendid swirl of currents. At the west end is Cape Reinga Lighthouse; at the northernmost tip of the cape you’ll see a pōhutukawa tree – believed to be over 800 years old – from which, according to Māori oral history, the spirits of deceased Māori leap into the ocean to return to their ancestral homeland of Hawaiki. ■ TO U R O FFI C E R TR AVE L HAN D B O O K

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PROUDLY PRESENT

HighTea

at PARLIAMENT

HOUSE

A BEHIND THE SCENES TOUR OF CANBERRA The tour also features APH historical art and furniture collection plus some of Canberra’s most iconic attractions

DAY ONE

Mount Ainslie lookout Highlight Audio Tour-Australian War Memorial Last Post- Australian War Memorial Group Dinner at Alivio Tourist Park

DAY TWO

Breakfast at Alivio Tourist Park Group Tour - Museum of Australian Democracy Group Tour-Parliament House High Tea-Queens Terrace Café, Parliament House Group Tour-High Court of Australia Group Dinner Alivio Tourist Park

DAY THREE

Breakfast at Alivio Tourist Park Private Guided Tour – National Gallery of Australia Building & Architecture Tour – National Museum of Australia Lunch Depart Canberra

BOOKINGS

Crowthers professional tour coordinators can arrange all travel details including flights and itineraries from anywhere around Australia. Please call the Crowthers team now on (02) 9540 0900 email: tours@crowtherscoaches.com.au visit www.crowtherscoaches.com.au

AUSTRALIA In many ways, the last two years have served as a reminder of the beauty that resides in our own backyard. And natural beauty is just the beginning: Australia is a land of immense history and heritage, of arts and culture, of world-leading produce and dining. There’s more to discover than could ever fit in this Travel Handbook, but on the following pages you’ll find a selection of enriching Aussie experiences to consider for your Club’s next tour – no matter where you may reside on this great southern land.

30 NEW SOUTH WALES

66 WESTERN AUSTRALIA

3 2 Sydney 34 Central Coast & Hunter 38 South Coast & Illawarra 40 Southern Highlands, Tablelands & Snowy Monaro 42 North Coast & New England 44 The Riverina 45 Central, Orana & Far West 46 Lord Howe Island

6 8 Perth 6 8 Wheatbelt 7 0 South West & Great Southern 7 1 Goldfields-Esperance 7 1 Mid West & Gascoyne 7 2 The Kimberley & Pilbara 74 SOUTH AUSTRALIA 7 6 Adelaide 7 6 The Fleurieu Peninsula & Kangaroo Island 7 8 Limestone Coast, Riverland & Murraylands 7 9 Yorke & Eyre Peninsulas 8 0 Far North

48 VICTORIA 5 0 Melbourne 5 1 Barwon & Great South Coast 5 2 Wimmera Mallee 5 2 Central Highlands & Loddon Campaspe 5 4 Gippsland 5 6 Yarra Valley & Dandenong Ranges 5 6 Goulburn & Ovens Murray

82 TASMANIA 8 4 Hobart & the South 8 4 West Coast 8 6 The North 8 6 East Coast

58 QUEENSLAND 6 0 Brisbane & Moreton 6 0 Darling Downs 6 2 Wide Bay-Burnett, Fitzroy & Mackay 6 3 North Queensland 6 4 Central West & South West

88 AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY 94 NORTHERN TERRITORY 9 6 The Top End 9 7 Katherine & Barkly Tablelands 9 8 The Red Centre

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AUSTRALIA VICTORIA

Sydney’s Harbour, Bridge and CBD from the west

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New South Wales The harbour and beaches of Sydney, its largest city, are rightly celebrated around the world. But NSW packs so much more into its rich and varied landscapes. Move outwards in any direction from the glitzy state capital and you’ll find something mind-blowing. Stunning beaches and delightful beach towns jostle for prime space along the wondrous north and south coasts. Bewitching national parks begin at Sydney’s doorstep and stretch to all corners of the state. Mining and agricultural towns each tell their own unique story. The endless wonders of NSW await your Club...

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(sea.museum) to view one of the world’s largest and most diverse in-water fleets including Cold War submarine HMAS Onslow, naval destroyer HMAS Vampire, and a replica of Captain Cook’s tall ship HMB Endeavour – plus a huge range of fascinating exhibitions and galleries.

SYDNEY Whether you’re a group of Sydneysiders looking for a fun day out, or visiting from out of town and keen to take in the best of what the city has to offer, the Harbour City is bursting at the seams with opportunities for fantastic tours, from the harbour itself and world-famous beaches all the way out west to the breathtaking Blue Mountains.

Step into Sydney’s sporting history at the SCG Recently reopened to tour groups after a long hiatus, the Sydney Cricket Ground is Australia’s oldest sporting stadium, opening in 1848 and playing host to some of Australia’s most renowned sporting names and moments. Your Club can take a 90-minute guided walking tour of the SCG precinct and Museum for a dynamic behindthe-scenes look at the iconic venue. See the hallowed turf where legends from Donald Bradman to Steve Waugh and Michael Clarke took their places in cricketing history. Sit in the dressing rooms where the greats prepared for their finest moments, visit the media centre, and see the historic SCG members Reserve. Hear entertaining stories of players, spectators and events as you take in the architecture and ambience of this iconic Australian sporting precinct (scgtour.com.au).

Explore the Harbour and its surrounds When you think of Sydney, first and foremost you think of its spectacular harbour. A sparkling aquatic playground with more than 240km of shoreline featuring lovely beaches, picturesque gardens and a surprising amount of unspoiled natural bushland, a day out on the harbour will leave every member of your Club with a smile on their faces. If you’d like to discover the world’s most beautiful harbour in a unique and refreshingly local way, there are plenty of options. It could be as simple as a day out on the ferry visiting Manly, or something more organised with food and drinks included. Captain Cook Cruises (captaincook.com.au) is the perfect choice for the latter – think sumptuous dinner cruises, long lunch gatherings, fun day trips and exclusive private charters. The choice is yours. Another option available for your members is a short ferry ride or tour to Cockatoo Island, the former convict penal establishment and naval shipyard located in the heart of the harbour west of the Bridge. Today, Cockatoo Island is a source of endless intrigue and inspiration for visitors. It’s managed by the Harbour Trust, and you can book a group tour at their website (cockatooisland.gov.au), from World War II Shipyard Tours to Convict Precinct Tours and more. When you hop off the boat at Darling Harbour, duck over to the Australian National Maritime Museum

AT A GLANCE 1. There’s no better way to see Sydney than from its sparkling harbour 2. Take a guided tour of the Sydney Cricket Ground and discover over 150 years of sporing history

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Captain Cook Cruises 02 9206 1111 captaincook.com.au

Cockatoo Island 02 8969 2100 cockatooisland.gov.au

Australian National Maritime Musem 02 9298 3655 sea.museum

Sydney Cricket Ground 02 9380 0377 scgtour.com.au

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Enjoy an expert-led tour and talk at Australia’s museum of the sea. Tour includes a light morning or afternoon tea, maritime history presentation and guided tour of the museum. Daily at 10am or 2pm | Darling Harbour Sydney

Bus drop-off and pick-up available | For groups of 10 to 40 people | Experience duration 2hrs Bookings essential at bookings@sea.museum or call 02 9298 3655

sea.museum/tour-and-talk

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Blackheath, arrange a short hike to Wentworth Falls, or relax at a cafe and art gallery in Springwood – there really is so much to choose from. AAT Kings runs the Blue Mountains All Inclusive Discovery tour, which stops at Sydney Zoo in Western Sydney before continuing to the Blue Mountains for the Three Sisters, Scenic World, lunch at a local cafe and free time discovering the unique mountain town of Leura.

CENTRAL COAST & HUNTER 2

Heading north up the M1 out of Sydney and more incredible experiences await. The Central Coast, with its coastal drives, hinterland forest and beaches, somehow remains one of the NSW’s best-kept secrets despite its proximity to Australia’s biggest city. Meanwhile, a little further north is the beautiful Hunter, home of the eponymous wine region, glorious Port Stephens, and a flourishing major city in the form of Newcastle.

Delve into the Central Coast’s treasures An enticing mix of harbour, river, coastline, national parks and pretty villages, your Club will love a day – or more – on the Central Coast. Avoca, Terrigal and The Entrance each offer their own distinct version of paradise and are bursting with restaurants and shopping destinations. For something more active, stretch your legs on the Strom Loop or Bouddi Coastal Walk, immerse yourself in rainforest, boulders and unique wildlife at Palmgrove Nature Reserve, or hop on a ferry with Central Coast Ferries (centralcoastferries.com.au) for day trips to spots like Davistown, Empire Bay or Woy Woy. Keen for something a bit different? How about a tour of the Central Coast Chocolate Factory (chocolatefactorygosford.com.au) for a behind-the-curtain look at beloved sweet treats coming to life on the factory floor? To explore the beautiful Central Coast over multiple days, book your Club (30 members or more) on a 4-day, 3-night Central Coast Tour Package with Avoca Beach Hotel.

Soak up some of the other beaches Sydney is world-renowned for its beaches and beachside communities – and any local knows their pleasures extend well beyond busy Bondi and the eastern suburbs. Spend the day exploring the Northern Beaches, whether it’s lunch by the harbour at unforgettable Q Station (qstation.com.au) or exploring the Palm Beach peninsula made famous by Home and Away. Alternatively, go south to the Sutherland Shire (visitsutherlandshire.com.au), where you can enjoy lunch with views of North Cronulla Beach or drive through the stunning Royal National Park to discover Bundeena, one of Sydney’s true hidden gems. Prefer your views from the water? Bring members aboard a scenic lunch cruise with Cronulla Ferries (cronullaferries.com.au) and share in their delicious menu while taking in the unspoiled waterways of Port Hacking.

Journey to the magical Blue Mountains Just beyond Sydney’s greater west is the Blue Mountains National Park. For a short break, the Mountains have it all – stunning scenery, naturally, but also quaint villages, gardens galore, breathtaking rides, cave tours, waterfalls, lookouts, and an incredibly rich history. Take your Club on a day trip to Katoomba and visit the Three Sisters and nearby lookouts. Ride the 545-metre-long Cableway at Scenic World (scenicworld.com.au). Admire the views at

AT A GLANCE

1. Climb aboard one of Cronulla Ferries’ vessels – like the Gunnamatta, shown here – for a great day out on the water 2. The Scenic Cableway in Katoomba offers unrivalled views of the Jamison Valley

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Q Station 02 9466 1500 qstation.com.au

Cronulla Ferries 02 9523 2990 cronullaferries.com.au

Scenic World 1800 759 929 scenicworld.com.au

Central Coast Chocolate Factory 02 4322 2244 chocolatefactorygosford. com.au

AAT Kings Blue Mountains 1-day All Inclusive Discovery tour 1300 300 911 aatkings.com/tours

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Central Coast Ferries 0418 631 313 centralcoastferries.com.au

AVOCA BEACH HOTEL

AAP V C A BEACH HOTEL VRO OEC SAE NBTESA C H H O T E L PPRR E E SSEENNT T SS

CENTRAL COAST CENTRAL COAST CENTRAL COAST TOURPACKAGES PACKAGES TOUR

TOUR PACKAGES Explore the beautiful Central Coast for 4 days and 3 nights. All Explore the beautiful Central Coast for 4 days and 3 nights. All mealsand andtours toursincluded. included. meals

Explore the beautiful Central Coast for 4 days and 3 nights. All meals and tours included.

$595 $595

$595

Per Per Person PersonTwin TwinShare Share Minimum Minimum30 30people peoplerequired required Available AvailableMondayMonday-Thursday Thursday

Per Person Twin Share ENQUIRE Minimum 30TODAY people required ENQUIRE TODAY 02 4382 2322 or stay@avocabeachhotel.com.au Available Thursday 024382 Monday2322 or stay@avocabeachhotel.com.au

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Visit Port Stephens Renowned for its stunning beaches, sheltered bays and laidback lifestyle, Port Stephens has so much to offer. Check out pristine beaches like Zenith Beach, Wreck Beach and Fingal Bay. Take a dolphin or whale watching cruise with AquaMarine Adventures (aquamarineadventures.com.au). Saddle up on a camel and explore the region’s incredible sand dunes (oakfieldranch.com.au). Climb the iconic (but be warned: steep!) Tomaree Mountain for epic views, or wander the Blue Lagoon trail for something a little more relaxed. Want more? How about a visit to the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary (portstephenskoalasanctuary.com.au) for unique experiences with koalas in a natural and idyllic bushland setting; tailored education sessions from local guides on koala care, rehabilitation and eventual return back to the wild; and, best of all, your Club’s opportunity to directly contribute to the preservation of local koalas in Port Stephens.

Relax in the Hunter Valley World-famous wineries, acclaimed restaurants and delicious local produce – what’s not to love about the Hunter Valley? Wander through the stunning Hunter Valley Gardens (huntervalleygardens.com.au), with over 14 hectares of award-winning display gardens – take the 35-minute Gardens Train to see as much as possible. Be

sure to check out the Hunter Valley Gardens Shopping Village, a unique collection of bespoke shops, including the wonderful Hunter Valley Christmas Shop. Head to Maitland for a tour of the Maitland Gaol (maitlandgaol. com.au), where visitors are invited to ‘serve time’ learning about the facility, past prisoners and daring escapes. And of course, don’t forget to stop for a tasting or a meal at one of the hundreds of wineries and restaurants.

AT A GLANCE 1. Do your part to help koalas in Port Stephens with a visit to the Koala Sanctuary 2. Members will appreciate a stroll through the spectacular yet peaceful Hunter Valley Gardens 3. A hot air balloon floats over some of the lovely vineyards of the Hunter Valley

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AquaMarine Adventures 02 4919 0469 aquamarineadventures .com.au Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary 02 4988 0800 portstephenskoala sanctuary.com.au

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Oakfield Ranch Camel Tours 0429 664 172 oakfieldranch.com.au Hunter Valley Gardens 02 4998 4000 huntervalleygardens. com.au Maitland Gaol 02 4936 6482 maitlandgaol.com.au

BOOK NOW FOR AN

EXCLUSIVE PROBIAN OFFER!

EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC OF THE SYDNEY CRICKET GROUND FOR YOURSELF SCG GUIDED WALKING TOURS

Explore the unforgettable behind-the-scenes of the iconic SCG. Perfect for sporting fans and Probians. Exclusive offer you won’t find anywhere else! Private group tours for over 15 people, at a time that suits your group.

BOOK TODAY www.scgtour.com.au Email: tours@scg.nsw.gov.au Phone: 02 9380 0377

Terms and Conditions: Tour itinerary subject to change without notice (due to but not limited to site activities and inclement weather)

PRESENTED BY THE

Book a group tour Journey to Cockatoo Island, Sydney Harbour with your Club and discover its storied convict and dockyard eras! Choose from four guided tours of this historic destination, including accessible tours for groups with less mobile Probians. $16 per concession.

PLUS

Scan the QR code to learn more and arrange a tour! Did you know? You can arrange a FREE community talk for your Club with the Harbour Trust. Our volunteer speakers marry archival and current images with history to paint a vivid picture of our protected places on Sydney Harbour including Cockatoo Island. Choose from five face-to-face talks, delivered directly to your Club. Learn more: harbourtrust.gov.au/free-probian-talks

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SOUTH COAST & ILLAWARRA Stretching from the Royal National Park just south of Sydney all the way down to the Victorian border, the NSW South Coast and Illawarra region is a treasure trove of unspoiled beaches, delicious produce and captivating towns.

Find a quiet spot on gorgeous Jervis Bay With its powder-white sand, turquoise waters and magnificent marine life, Jervis Bay is a true jewel of the South Coast. Some say Jervis Bay’s beaches have the whitest sands in the world, from the iconic (and popular) Hyams Beach to the many hidden coves and bays dotted around its kilometres of shoreline. Many visitors choose to stay near the region’s commercial centre of Huskisson, but for something a little different take your Club to Mandala Beach House (mandalabeachhouse.net), located in Callala Bay on Jervis Bay’s northern edge. This six-bedroom, fivebathroom luxury holiday home is immaculately designed with two living areas, a heated swimming pool, covered BBQ area and more – perfect for Probians looking for an unforgettable escape. Callala Bay itself is a quieter, lesserknown Jervis Bay town that has a real locals vibe while still offering a shopping centre with everything your Club will need, from an IGA to a bakery, cafe, butcher, pizza restaurant, fish and chips shop and more.

Sample sweet treats and country charm in Berry A bucolic main street, lush landscape and sophisticated food, dining and shopping scene – the little town of Berry punches well above its weight. Check out the Berry Museum (berryhistory.org.au), with its extensive collection of items, memorabilia, photographs and records from the area’s agricultural, dairying and timber past. Browse for antiques and collectibles in one of Berry’s many heritage buildings. Visit an arts and craft workshop, such as This Old House Studio (thisoldhousestudio.com.au). And, of course, you can’t come to town without hitting up the Famous Berry Donut Van, known around Australia for its freshly made cinnamon doughnuts – just be ready for the queues! The town is also a great base to explore nearby wineries, beaches, and nature walks with a large range of accommodation options, whether you’re staying in town or a short drive up Kangaroo Valley Road at Berry Mountain.

Travel the Sapphire Coast’s Oyster Trail The Sapphire Coast runs from Bermagui in the north all the way to the Victorian border in the south, and is one of the oyster-producing meccas of Australia, with millions harvested from its estuaries and lakes each year. Meet the growers and savour freshly shucked oysters at places like Wonboyn Lake, Pambula Lake, Merimbula Lake, Nelson Lake and Wapengo Lake, or take a tour with Captain Sponge’s Magical Oyster Tours (magicaloystertours.com.au) for an on-water oyster farm experience to remember.

1. Mandala Beach House offers a postcard-like setting from which to enjoy Jervis Bay 2. The Berry Famous Donut Van is a South Coast institution 3. An aerial view of Eden, the Sapphire Coast’s most southerly town

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AT A GLANCE Mandala Beach House mandalabeachhouse.net Berry Museum 02 4464 3097 berryhistory.org.au

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This Old House Studio 02 4464 3662 thisoldhousestudio.com.au Magical Oyster Tours 0429 453 545 magicaloystertours .com.au

THE FACTORY - NOUGAT AND CHOCOLATE - 6 Jusfrute Drive, West Gosford, NSW 2250 | www.chocolatefactorygosford.com.au | (02) 4322 2244

The Sweetest Place on the Central Coast The Chocolate Factory Gosford is home to Nougat Limar, Bon Bon Fine Chocolates and The Sydney Marshmallow Co. Since 2007 we have been manufacturing premium confectionery in our modern facility, right here on the Central Coast. Explore an immersive world of chocolate, nougat and marshmallow in our rustic retail store, open 7 days, which is fully stocked with a wide selection of treats to suit any taste. Sit back and relax with us at our cafe, open Wednesday to Sunday, offering everything from hearty all-day brunches to delicate patisserie items. We have the perfect treats to indulge you in any season. Soak up the sun with your favourite flavour of our specialty home-made ice cream, or cosy up with one of our signature Bon Bon drinking chocolates on those colder days. You can learn first-hand how we create our decadent confectionery on a guided Factory Tour available Wednesday to Friday. If you just have a quick stop in mind, keep a look out for the porthole windows in our retail store, which offer a sneak peek into where all the magic happens. For our pint-sized chocolate connoisseurs, we offer fun-filled, and educational “Junior Chocolatier” workshops; available every Weekend* (additional classes during the week in School Holidays), where children can learn from our creative makers. Opening April 9th at The Factory: Create-a-Bar. A new and unique, interactive chocolate experience where you can create your very own Chocolate Bar. Choose your type of chocolate; Milk, Dark or Caramel, select your toppings from over 30 choices, pour into our Factory mould and wait for it to set. Your creation is then packed into our Chocolate Factory box, you now have your very own delicious, decadent Chocolate Bar to enjoy! We look forward to welcoming you to the “Sweetest Place on the Central Coast”. For more information or to book experiences, check out The Factory Gosford on social media or visit our website. * For school holiday availabilities of Tours and Junior Chocolatier Workshops please contact reception or check our website and Facebook for updates.

THE SWEETEST PLACE ON THE CENTRAL COAST

Huge retail store • Cafe • House made ice cream • Kids chocolatier workshops • Factory tours Open daily 6 Jusfrute Dr West Gosford PH: 4322 3222 www.chocolatefactorygosford.com.au

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(galleryontrack.org), which displays and sells arts and crafts created by local artists and artisans from the Southern Tablelands, Blue Mountains and Southern Highlands.

Soak up the Southern Highlands

SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS, TABLELANDS & SNOWY MONARO

Visit the Snowy Hydro

Uniquely situated atop the Great Dividing Range, the Southern Highlands and Southern Tablelands of NSW are a magnet for visitors, while the Snowy Monaro region offers a heady mix of history and adventure.

Most tourists head to the Snowy Mountains for snow sports, hiking and adventure, but there’s ample history to discover in this region too. Consider a tour of the Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre in Cooma to learn more about the Snowy Scheme, Snowy Hydro and renewable energy. Do a virtual flyover of the Snowy Mountains on a 14-metre wide immersive theatre screen (snowyhydro.com.au/visit).

Unlock history, heritage and culture in Goulburn Get out of the rat race and be enticed by the country charm of Goulburn, Australia’s first inland city. Club members can enjoy stunning rural landscapes, heritage architecture, contemporary art, modern boutique shops, casual dining and plenty of fresh air. For history and heritage, visit the Historic Waterworks Museum (goulburnwaterworks.com.au), the only complete, steam-powered municipal water supply left in its original location in the Southern Hemisphere; or the Rocky Hill War Memorial & Museum, a lasting tribute to the men and women of Goulburn who served during World War I. Or check out Garoorigang Historic Home, a privately owned heritage home on the outskirts of Goulburn where visitors can take a personally guided tour through 160 years of living Australian history in the unique setting of a lived-in family home. For more of a cultural experience, head to Goulburn Regional Art Gallery, or pop over to Gallery on Track

Located on Sydney’s south-western doorstep, the Southern Highlands includes the villages of Bowral, Berrima, Robertson and Moss Vale (to name but a few) amid rolling hills, bushland and cool-climate wineries. Head to Bowral for boutique shopping and award-winning restaurants, and don’t forget to stop by the Bradman Museum and International Cricket Hall of Fame (internationalcrickethall.com) to learn more about the sport of cricket via extensive displays, interactive touch screens and, of course, the Bradman Gallery, dedicated to Australia’s greatest ever cricketer and a Bowral local, Sir Donald Bradman. Stroll through cherry and magnolia trees in beautiful Corbett Gardens, the centrepiece of the spectacular Tulip Time festival (tuliptime.net.au), which runs from 16 September to 3 October in 2022 – a brilliant time to visit Bowral with more than 75,000 tulip bulbs on display in an extravaganza of colour. Just 10 minutes west of Bowral is Berrima, where your group can step back in time at the Berrima Courthouse (berrimacourthouse.org.au) and take a glimpse at justice in Australia in the 1840s. Guided and self-guided tours are available, while you can also book your Club into an 8pm ghost tour, or witness the popular “Treachery, Treason and Murder” sound and light show, an audiovisual experience depicting the infamous trial of Lucretia Dunkley and Martin Beech in 1843.

AT A GLANCE Goulburn Waterworks 02 4823 4448 goulburnwaterworks .com.au 1. Goulburn’s Historic Waterworks sits on the picturesque banks of the Wollondilly River 2. There’s no better time to visit Bowral than during Tulip Time

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Tulip Time Festival 02 4871 4888 tuliptime.net.au

Gallery on Track galleryontrack.org

Berrima Courthouse 02 4877 1505 berrimacourthouse.org.au

International Cricket Hall of Fame 02 4862 1247 internationalcrickethall.com

Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre 1800 623 776 snowyhydro.com.au/visit

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goulburnaustralia.com.au

#goulburnaustralia

Make your next group tour a memorable one in Goulburn Australia. A range of tours are available within the region.

Self-Guided Tours include: • Arts & Culture – Immerse yourself in one of our captivating galleries and performance venues and let your imagination wander.

Guided Tours* include: • Guided City Tour – A guide will board your coach and show you the sights of Goulburn, revealing the history and local tales behind many of the landmarks throughout the city.

• History & Heritage – Discover fascinating stories of our eclectic history through the abundance of museums, homesteads and stunning heritage architecture.

• Hosted Day Tour – Make your way to Goulburn and enjoy a day out with your host. Including a Guided City Tour, morning tea, visits to some of our main attractions, lunch, afternoon tea, and a Goulburn Australia welcome bag. • Miles Franklin Discovery Tour – Local researcher, Jennifer Lamb, will set the scene by starting your day with an illustrated talk outlining close connections between Goulburn, Miles Franklin and My Brilliant Career.

Or speak with our Groups Liaison Officer, Jacki, on: (02) 4823 4531 for a specialised itinerary for your group including suggested attractions and time frames to suit your needs and interests.

*Costs are applicable for Guided Tours, please speak with our Groups Liaison Officer for up to date prices.

Treachery, Treason & Murder.

An immersive audio-visual experience at the Berrima Courthouse When your club is next considering a visit to the Southern Highlands put us on your must-visit list.

Open 7 days 10am to 4pm Contact number: (02) 4877 1505 Email: info@berrimacourthouse.org.au Toilets, Picnic tables, Coach & Parking all available.

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NORTH COAST & NEW ENGLAND Heritage towns, wineries, laid-back beach vibes and World Heritage listed national parks – the New England and North Coast regions of NSW are destinations where the air is fresher, senses are heightened, and life proceeds at a more comfortable pace.

Take a Vintage Rail Journey up north

Experience Gold Rush heritage in Gloucester

Step back in time by taking your Club on a restored 1960s “Aurora Australia” sleeping train as you travel through the Mid North Coast and Northern Rivers regions of NSW with Vintage Rail Journeys (vintagerailjourneys.com.au). The 5-day, 4-night journey departs Sydney to arrive in Port Macquarie on Day 1, with stops in Casino, Byron Bay and Kempsey along the way. Highlights include a dolphinspotting cruise on the Hastings River, an overnight stay at the Old Casino Railway Station, a journey on the Byron Bay Solar Train, a scenic drive to the Arakoon National Park and South West Rocks area, and visits to Trial Bay Gaol, Kempsey Museum, the Slim Dusty Centre and more.

In 1876, gold was discovered in Copeland Creek, not far from the picturesque town of Gloucester. Your Club can find out more about the history of these once-rich soils at the Mountain Maid Gold Mine, which takes you up close and personal with old machinery such as a battery stamper, whirligig gold separator, air compressor and gold carts. Or walk the 3.3-metre, easy grade Hidden Treasure Track, which utilises the original goldmine road. The gold mining remnants on the track include the Criterion Battery and the Hidden Treasure Mine Entrance, which lies beyond a series of old shafts. Back in town, you can visit the Gloucester Museum for exhibits dating as far back as 1826, or wander the Gloucester Mosaics Walk, a self-guided walk that depicts the story of Gloucester on the walls and footpaths of the town.

Dance down the Country Music Trail in Tamworth Tamworth is renowned as the country music capital of Australia – music to the ears of those who make the pilgrimage to this buzzing regional town. Take a photo with the iconic Big Golden Guitar, the obvious place to begin – and not just because of the guitar, but also because behind it you’ll find the National Guitar Museum and Country Music Wax Museum. Move on to the Australian Country Music Hall of Fame for an unmatched collection of memorabilia from the genre. And hunt down the statues of Smoky Dawson, Slim Dusty and Joy McKean, and John Williamson – the latter of which is set to be unveiled at the 50th Tamworth Country Music Festival in 2022 (destinationtamworth.com.au/country-music-trail).

1. See the faces of country music legends like Smoky Dawson at Tamworth’s Country Music Wax Museum 2. The historic ruins of Trial Bay Gaol overlook the coastline at South West Rocks

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AT A GLANCE Vintage Rail Journeys North Coast Rail Tour 1300 421 422 vintagerailjourneys .com.au

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Tamworth Country Music Trail 02 6767 5300 destinationtamworth.com .au/country-music-trail

02 4988 0800

portstephenskoalasanctuary.com.au

562 Gan Gan Road, One Mile, 2316

Connect With Us

BBk your Probian Club outin g now!

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The easy grade walk around the charming town centre allows you to pass by etched pavers that portray the life and social history of the town and district, plus plenty of gift shops and specialty stores along the way (visitlockhartshire. com.au/heritage/lockhart-heritage-trail.aspx). Also, while you’re in town, don’t miss the Lockhart Water Tower Mural, which depicts a cascading waterfall surrounded by many of the unique native local fauna and flora.

Fly through aviation history in Temora The Temora Aviation Museum aims to acknowledge the role played by Australia’s historic ex-military aircraft, and the men and women who flew and supported them during times of conflict (aviationmuseum.com.au). It was built on the site of the biggest and longest-lasting RAAF Elementary Flying Training School during World War II. Here, your Club can wander the three main exhibit buildings: the Museum, which is in the original 10 EFTS Guardhouse; the second exhibition area, located in the Engineering Hangar overlooking the aircraft that are currently in maintenance; and the display hangar, which houses the new exhibition area along with the aircraft. The Museum is also a stop on Vintage Rail Journeys’ 5-day, 4-night Riverina Rail Tour, which starts in Sydney and heads west through Wollongong, the Southern Highlands and Goulburn before entering the Riverina. It returns via Parkes and the Blue Mountains (vintagerailjourneys.com.au).

THE RIVERINA A vast and vibrant country region stretching from the foothills of the Snowy Mountains, west through the Murrumbidgee catchment area and all the way to the flat, dry inland plains of Hay and Carrathool, the Riverina is a hugely productive agricultural area of NSW made fertile by the Murrumbidgee and Murray Rivers that flow through it.

Go on safari in NSW Get a glimpse of big cats up close, admire crocodiles and alligators and much more at Altina Wildlife Park, an open-air zoo located in Darlington Point on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River (altinawildlife.com). Your Club can book a tour where you’ll be taken around on a 2.5-hour horse-drawn cart or motorised cart tour with light morning or afternoon tea provided. Or, for a more in-depth experience, try a behind-the-scenes Wild Encounters tour for personalised interactions with your animal of choice – with the help of guides, of course!

Follow the Lockhart Sculpture & Heritage Trail Passing under shady Federation verandahs and wellpreserved 1840s shop fronts, the Lockhart Sculpture & Heritage Trail will take your group on an artistic journey through the town of Lockhart, revealing a wonderful collection of high-quality farm art sculptures. Many of them are award-winning National Farm Art pieces from Lockhart’s Spirit of the Land Festival, which is a celebration of the resilience of those who live and work on the land.

1. The beautiful Water Tower Mural is just one of many highlights in the surprising Riverina town of Lockhart 2. The Altina Wildlife Park specialises in the conservation of endangered and vulnerable species 3. Siding Spring Observatory sits high on the edge of the Warrumbungle National Park

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AT A GLANCE Altina Wildlife Park 0412 060 342 altinawildlife.com Lockhart Sculpture & Heritage Trail 02 6920 5674 visitlockhartshire.com. au/heritage/lockhartheritage-trail.aspx

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Temora Aviation Museum 02 6977 1088 aviationmuseum.com.au Vintage Rail Journeys Riverina Rail Tour 1300 421 422 vintagerailjourneys .com.au

CENTRAL WEST, ORANA & FAR WEST

These three regions cover, by far, the largest land area of New South Wales. The Central West is the area west of the Blue Mountains and includes Bathurst, Cowra, Lithgow, Mudgee, Orange and Parkes. Orana is immediately north of that, extending to the Queensland border and including towns like Dubbo, Cobar, Bourke and Coonabarabran. Finally, the Far West encompasses the region stretching all the way to the South Australian border, its major centre being Broken Hill.

See the stars in western NSW Coonabarabran is widely considered the ideal place in Australia for stargazing – nations including Korea, the US, UK, Poland, Hungary, Germany have telescopes set up here – so an observatory tour is a must on a visit here. You can tour Siding Spring Observatory and see Australia’s largest optical telescope while your guide, a working astronomer, technician or engineer, shares the history of the site and some of the mysteries of the

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universe it has helped to unlock (sidingspringobservatory. com.au). Alternatively, take a trip to Parkes and visit the famous Parkes Observatory – immortalised in the movie The Dish – which played a critical role in the Apollo 11 Moon landing (parkes.atnf.csiro.au).

Discover Broken Hill’s thriving art scene 3

Did you know that, in Broken Hill, there are twice as many art galleries as there are pubs? Bush artists are drawn to Broken Hill and Far West NSW thanks to its stark landscapes and colours. Try the Broken Hill Regional Art Gallery – the oldest regional gallery in NSW, established in 1904. In addition to a rich collection of permanently displayed works, it also hosts regular exhibitions including many established and emerging Indigenous artists (bhartgallery.com.au). At the Silver City Art Centre and Mint, gaze at The Big Picture, the world’s largest acrylic painting on canvas by a single artist (Peter Anderson, known as “Ando”), standing 12 metres high and nearly 100 metres long (silvercitymint.com.au/the-big-picture). And don’t miss the self-designed gallery of the city’s highest-profile artist, Pro Hart. His eponymous gallery features many of his own distinctive works, including six Rolls Royce cars he used as canvases (prohart.com.au). Elsewhere in town, the Line of Lode Miner’s Memorial recognises the lives lost in the town’s mining endeavours over the years.

AT A GLANCE

LORD HOWE ISLAND World Heritage listed natural surroundings, some of the world’s best day hikes and the world’s most southernmost coral reef – these are just some of the things that make Lord Howe Island, 600km of the coast of New South Wales, one of the world’s true island paradises. Its pristine feel is preserved by the fact that only 400 visitors are allowed on the island at any one time. To lock in your Club’s own little taste of paradise, book a 6-day, 5-night Lord Howe Island tour with Trade Travel, which includes return flights to and from Sydney. Highlights include an around-the-island cruise, the North Bay Turtle & Nature Tour, coral viewing with optional snorkelling, and a hike along the track to Clear Place (tradetravel.com.au). ■

1. The Line of Lode Miner’s Memorial is an icon of both Broken Hill and the mining industry 2. The famous Parkes Dish, which played a massive role in the Apollo 11 moon landing 3. Lord Howe Island is an island paradise off the coast of NSW

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Siding Spring Observatory 0417 689 003 sidingspring observatory.com.au Parkes Observatory 02 6861 1777 parkes.atnf.csiro.au Broken Hill Art Gallery 08 8080 3444 bhartgallery.com.au

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The Big Picture 08 8088 6166 silvercitymint.com.au/ the-big-picture Pro Hart Gallery 08 8087 2441 prohart.com.au Trade Travel 6-day, 5-night Lord Howe Island tour 1800 034 439 tradetravel.com.au

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AUSTRALIA VICTORIA

Twelve Apostles, Great Ocean Road

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Victoria Victoria might be the smallest state on mainland Australia, but its 228,000 square kilometres are absolutely packed with interesting destinations and travel experiences. The south-east state is renowned for its rich history, stunning coastal drives and sensational cuisine, but that’s just the beginning. From the capital city Melbourne, the thriving heartbeat of Victorian culture, to the iconic Twelve Apostles and historic goldfields around Bendigo and Ballarat – not to mention all the national parks, mountains, surf beaches, wineries and quaint coastal or inland towns – Victoria abounds with highlights for every tour group.

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I’m Free Tours (imfree.com.au/melbourne), who can take your group on a fun, leisurely, educational and free (a tip of up to $20 per person is recommended) stroll around the most fascinating parts of the city. Or for something indoors, try a one-hour tour at the Old Treasury Building, where you can view areas of the historic building that are inaccessible to the general public (otb.org.au/tours).

MELBOURNE One of the world’s most liveable cities, Melbourne is unrivalled for its multi-layered culture covering art, sport, food, shopping and entertainment. Locals and visitors alike relish the cosmopolitan capital’s wide array of attractions and experiences. Your tour group might enjoy the street art, architecture and vibrant atmosphere within metropolitan Melbourne’s impressive grid of streets – laid out by surveyor Robert Hoddle in 1837 – or you might decide to cruise Port Phillip, attend a major sporting event, visit the world-class public gardens and galleries, or explore countless other worthwhile sites throughout this remarkable city.

Take a laneway & landmark walking tour A walking tour is the best way to experience Melbourne’s fascinating laneways, arcades, eateries and other attractions. Start at Federation Square, a key public events space opposite the striking facade of Flinders Street Station, and get lost in the labyrinth of 19th century laneways brought to life by world-class street art. If the weather turns, head indoors to shop until you drop in one of the beautifully designed Victorian-era arcades. Along the way, stop for a specialty coffee or gourmet snack at one of many quality cafes, restaurants or food markets. If your members would prefer a guided walking tour, Melbourne just happens to be home to some of the best in the world. Guided walking tours let you uncover the hidden stories behind various landmarks, buildings and gardens, as well as famous people and events. Check out

Experience the MCG

1. Melbourne’s laneways provide endless opportunities for exploration 2. Learn more about Melbourne’s rich sporting heritage on an MCG Tour 3. The National Gallery of Victoria is located on Southbank 4. Discover the Bellarine Railway aboard the Q Train 5. The iconic Twelve Apostles are a must-see on the Great Ocean Road

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No trip to the capital is complete without visiting the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), one of the world’s great venues for sport and entertainment. Join the masses to cheer at an AFL/WAFL game in winter or a BBL/WBBL T20 cricket contest in summer. If you can’t attend a live event, join an MCG Tour to step onto the hallowed turf and peek inside the player change rooms. And while you’re there, check out the award-winning Australian Sports Museum’s cutting-edge technology and immersive experiences of the nation’s sporting history (australiansportsmuseum.org.au).

See the sights in Southbank Cross the Yarra River to Southbank where more wonderful highlights await. For panoramic views of the city on another level, take the express lift up to Melbourne Skydeck (melbourneskydeck.com.au), the Southern Hemisphere’s highest observation deck. Visit the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) (ngv.vic.gov.au), home to a broad collection of Australian and international art and artefacts, as well as changing modern exhibits. Walking south-east, relax at the picturesque Royal Botanic Gardens and visit the Shrine of Remembrance war memorial (shrine.org.au).

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BARWON & GREAT SOUTH COAST Travelling south-west from Melbourne through Barwon, your tour will reach Victoria’s celebrated Surf Coast, where coastal towns and pristine beaches are always the catch of the day. Continuing further along the famous Great Ocean Road, members can enjoy glorious views at every twist and turn – all the way to Port Campbell via the Great Otway National Park. Keep going and you’ll eventually get to the seafaring city of Warrnambool and Logans Beach Whale Watching Platform, then the charming village of Port Fairy and the lighthouse on Griffiths Island.

Get down to Geelong Stop by the lovely coastal city of Geelong. Walking along the curved Art Deco boardwalk at the redeveloped Geelong Waterfront esplanade, you’ll spot a 19th-century carousel, sea bath, and the colourful Baywalk Bollards sculptures. The National Wool Museum and Geelong Gaol Museum are both worth a visit as well. Head south-east and hop aboard the Q Train (theqtrain.com.au), an award-winning restaurant that travels along the historic Bellarine Railway between Drysdale and Queenscliff.

Drive the Great Ocean Road Starting in the town of Torquay – a premier surfing destination and the birthplace of iconic brands Rip Curl and Quiksilver – the winding Great Ocean Road takes you on perhaps the most scenic route of unspoilt beauty in

AT A GLANCE I’m Free Tours (walking tours) 0436 018 633 imfree.com.au/melbourne

National Gallery of Victoria 03 8620 2222 ngv.vic.gov.au

Old Treasury Building 03 9651 2233 otb.org.au/tours

Australian Sports Museum & MCG Tours 03 9657 8879 australiansportsmuseum. org.au

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Melbourne Skydeck 03 9693 8888 melbourneskydeck.com.au Shrine of Remembrance 03 9661 8100 shrine.org.au The Q Train 03 4238 3930 theqtrain.com.au

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Australia. Stop to gaze down at renowned Bells Beach before travelling onwards to Anglesea, Lorne, Apollo Bay and Johanna Beach.

Admire the Twelve Apostles Members of your Club will be wowed by the imposing Twelve Apostles, magnificent rock formations rising majestically from the Southern Ocean. For any avid photographers in the group, this is undoubtedly a destination not to be missed. But there’s plenty more to see along this incredible stretch of coastline, including Loch Ard Gorge and Castle Rock.

WIMMERA MALLEE Go to the Grampians The Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park, with its rugged sandstone mountain range about a three-hour drive west of Melbourne, offers some of the best bushwalking terrain in Victoria. From the rich Indigenous history featuring caves with ancient rock art, to the wide array of native Australian plants and animals, there’s so much to see at the Grampians. Don’t miss the opportunity to watch a truly special sunrise or sunset (or both!) at The Balconies, a relatively easy walk to a memorable lookout. You’ll also be pleasantly surprised by the burgeoning food scene in local towns like Halls Gap and Ararat.

Travel the Silo Art Trail Make a day (or two) of travelling the Wimmera Mallee Silo Art Trail – a contemporary route taking you to a growing number of massive murals painted by various artists on traditional silos (siloarttrail.com/home). The trail’s eastern route takes you from Rupanyup to Goroke via Sheep Hills, Brim, Rosebery, Lascelles, Patchewollock, Albacutya and Kaniva. Your Club would love the 6-day, 5-night Trade Travel (tradetravel.com.au) tour exploring the Wimmera Mallee Silo Art Trail along with the region’s sheep and wool farming history, salt lakes, river ports and orchards. Members can even go cruising on a paddle steamer.

CENTRAL HIGHLANDS & LODDON CAMPASPE Situated adjacent to north-west Melbourne is the Central Highlands and Loddon Campaspe, where the fascinating story of the Victorian Goldfields and Eureka Stockade unfolds before your eyes in and around the popular hubs of Ballarat and Bendigo. There’s also natural beauty to enjoy, with rugged Lerderderg State Park offering dramatic views of grassland, forest and the spectacular Lerderderg River Gorge.

AT A GLANCE 1. Get in touch with native wildlife on a visit to the Grampians 2. The Wimmera Mallee Silo Art Trail is a popular tour destination for Probians

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Wimmera Mallee Silo Art Trail 03 5398 0100 siloarttrail.com/home

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Trade Travel 6-day, 5-night Wimmera Mallee Silo Art Trail tour 1800 034 439 tradetravel.com.au

Indulge Your CurIosItY

at the old treasurY BuIldIng

Join a personally guided tour of the historic Old Treasury Building to discover some of its treasures. From the historic gold vaults where the precious metal was stored during the 1860s, to the changing temporary exhibitions, there is something to delight everyone. Long-term exhibitions focus on early Melbourne history, while temporary exhibitions include ‘Women Work for Victory in WWII’ and ‘Lost Jobs: The Changing World of Work’. Please see our website for detailed information. Your one-hour tour will cater to your group’s specific interests. Specialised tours are available in history, architecture, art or a mix of all three! Content is flexible to suit differing requirements. There is step-free access and an internal lift. Contact us today to discover how Old Treasury Building can fit into your social calendar. Fees apply.

Discover Melbourne’s Hidden Gem Tours by appointment only Visit OTB.ORG.AU/TOURS Costs apply or call us on (03) 9651 2233

Old Treasury Building is committed to being a COVIDSafe venue. See the website for the latest entry requirements

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Join the Gold Rush at Ballarat

Situated about 90 minutes from Melbourne, Ballarat’s mid-19th-century architecture and superbly preserved streetscapes showcase its origins from the Gold Rush era. While Ballarat boomed in the 1850s thanks to the discovery of gold, the city remains an enchanting place to visit to this day. From here you can spend a day at Sovereign Hill, a 25-hectare, immersive open-air museum depicting Ballarat’s first 10 years (sovereignhill.com.au). Visitors can even try panning for real gold. And if that’s not enough to fill your itinerary, there’s also the Eureka Stockade Memorial Park, the site considered the birthplace of Australian democracy.

Day trip to Daylesford An easy day trip from Ballarat, Daylesford sits on top of an extinct volcano at the foot of the Great Dividing Range. The peaceful spa town is popular for its large concentration of mineral springs, giving members a fine opportunity to put their feet up, relax and recuperate in style. At nearby resort town Hepburn Springs, you can treat yourselves to traditional wellness bathing at a historic bathhouse.

bushwalk amongst the delightful dairy-farm country. The southernmost point, Wilsons Promontory National Park, is a standout destination admired for its beaches, bushland and wildlife, while the Mornington Peninsula provides a natural paradise for leisure activities and lookouts.

Stay in bustling Bendigo Bendigo is known for its heritage attractions, goldfieldsera architecture, potteries, Chinese culture, gastronomic delights and more. Embark on a central goldfields discovery with Trade Travel’s 5-day, 4-night tour of Ballarat and Bendigo, which features vintage tram rides, botanical gardens, art galleries, convents, and the largest Buddhist stupa in the Western world.

GIPPSLAND Extending from Melbourne’s eastern suburbs to the New South Wales border, Gippsland is a diverse region filled with natural wonder including mountains, lakes and more. Here your Club members can make the most of the outdoors with a walk along Ninety Mile Beach or a

1. An old-fashioned grocery store in the re-created mining town of Sovereign Hill 2. Unwind in the geothermal waters of the Mornington’s Peninsula Hot Springs 3. Little Penguins are the star attraction on Phillip Island 4. Picturesque and serene Lake Daylesford

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Unwind on the Mornington Peninsula Travel one hour south from Melbourne to a splendid corner of Victoria, the Mornington Peninsula. If relaxation is on the agenda, members can spend a day by the beach at Rosebud, Rye, Sorrento or Portsea. Some could opt for a refreshing beverage at the Portsea Hotel overlooking the water. Alternatively, others might relish the chance to soothe their joints at the Peninsula Hot Springs, a day spa oasis flowing with natural geothermal mineral waters (peninsulahotsprings.com). Point Nepean National Park is the perfect place for a laid-back picnic. And at the tip of the peninsula, step into Australian history at Fort Nepean, an important and well-preserved 18th-century fortress with a network of tunnels and World War II battlements.

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Visit Phillip Island People tend to make a beeline from Melbourne to Phillip Island for one special reason – the Penguin Parade. There’s no doubt Club members will fall in love with the adorable Little Penguins as they emerge from the water at dusk and waddle across the sand to find their nightly homes at Summerland Beach (penguins.org.au/attractions/penguin-parade). But there’s more to see and do here for those with time to spend. Car racing enthusiasts will be thrilled to check out the Grand Prix Circuit, while attractions like Forrest Caves, Pyramid Rock Lookout, Red Rock Beach, Cowes Jetty and Phillip Island Wildlife Park offer something for everyone.

AT A GLANCE Sovereign Hill 03 5337 1199 sovereignhill.com.au Peninsula Hot Springs 03 5950 8777 peninsulahotsprings.com

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Trade Travel 5-day, 4-night Ballarat & Bendigo Central Goldfields Discovery tour 1800 034 439 tradetravel.com.au

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Penguin Parade – Phillip Island Nature Parks 03 5951 2830 penguins.org.au/ attractions/ penguin-parade

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AT A GLANCE Puffing Billy Railway 03 9757 0700 puffingbilly.com.au

YARRA VALLEY & DANDENONG RANGES

GOULBURN & OVENS MURRAY

Sample excellent varieties of wine, food and other fresh local produce in the Yarra Valley, home to some of the finest wineries and vineyards in the state. Drive through the Dandenong Ranges for pleasant walking tracks and stunning mountain landscapes. Your members won’t want to miss Australia’s premier preserved steam railway, Puffing Billy Railway, a splendid open-air vintage train journey built in 1900 to serve the local communities (puffingbilly.com.au).

In the north-east of the state, the Goulburn and Ovens Murray region offers a great getaway for any Club keen on a change of pace in small towns surrounded by scenic mountain peaks. Staying in Bright, you can use the town as a base for exploring nearby towns like Beechworth and Glenrowan – home of the Ned Kelly Interpretive Centre (glenrowantouristcentre.com.au) as well as local wineries, breweries and plenty more.

Look around Lakes Entrance The coastal town of Lakes Entrance is best known for its connection to the Gippsland Lakes, a vast system of inland waterways. Stretching along the Tasman Sea shoreline, Ninety Mile Beach can be accessed via a pedestrian bridge. Local wildlife to keep an eye out for includes kangaroos, pelicans and, for lucky visitors, dolphins. Your group might also enjoy a trip to Griffiths Sea Shell Museum, which features marine life and coral reef exhibits.

Head to Wilsons Prom Make your way down to the southernmost point on the Australian mainland to explore Gippsland’s biggest drawcard, Wilsons Promontory – a craggy coastal national park. The peninsular site is known for its hiking tracks, viewpoints and wildlife spotting. Popular natural attractions include Squeaky Beach, Whisky Bay and Tidal River Overlook.

Ned Kelly Interpretive Centre 03 5766 2367 glenrowantourist centre.com.au

Spend a few nights in Bright

1. Puffing Billy chugs its way through the Dandenong Ranges 2. A six-metre statue of Ned Kelly welcomes (so to speak) visitors to the town of Glenrowan

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Bright is one of the most charming regional destinations in eastern Victoria, with a rich food and hospitality scene you’ll find hard to leave behind. At the Bright Museum, situated in the town’s former train station, members will learn all about the region’s rail and Gold Rush history. For walkers and cyclists, Bright is also a starting point for the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail.

Explore the Victorian Alpine Region From Bright you can explore the rest of the Victorian Alpine Region including Falls Creek, Mount Hotham and Mount Beauty. Set aside a day for Mount Buffalo National Park, where you’ll want to see The Horn Lookout, Ladies Baths Falls and Sinclair’s Waterhole. ■

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In addition to this Travel handbook, PSPL provides a range of services and support to Probus Clubs including: Probus Club Handbook National Insurance Program Active Retirees & Staying Connected publications PSPL Website, Online Directory of Probus Clubs & Shop Complimentary Club website hosting Promotional material Guidelines on policies and procedures Model Constitutions Probus Partnership Program

For more information, please contact the PSPL Team Australia: 1300 630 488 New Zealand: 0800 1477 6287 Email: admin@probussouthpacific.org Website: www.probussouthpacific.org

AUSTRALIA VICTORIA

Port Douglas, Far North Queensland

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Queensland With a stunning coastline stretching nearly 7,000 kilometres, Queensland is famous for its beautiful beaches and idyllic offshore islands. But head inland and you quickly discover the Sunshine State has so much more to offer than surf, sand and tropical climates alone. Queensland is also home to the oldest rainforest in the world, a vast and seductive outback, and some splendid urban destinations to boot. If your Club desires a tour defined by diverse attractions and experiences, Queensland has you covered.

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Gallery of Modern Art (qagoma.qld.gov.au). Wander along the Clem Jones Promenade to admire the Brisbane River on one side and the South Bank Parklands on the other.

BRISBANE & MORETON Brisbane, the state’s capital, is the perfect base for your tour of South East Queensland. This vibrant city has evolved into a popular destination for culture, cuisine and a consistently packed calendar of exciting local and international events. Beyond Brisbane, take advantage of all there is to see and do around the wider Moreton Bay Region, which includes Redcliffe, Caboolture and Bribie Island. Got time for a detour south? Your group will not be disappointed with a trip to the sunny Gold Coast, where golden sand meets green hinterland, not to mention the country’s best theme parks including Sea World.

Wander Brisbane’s bustling CBD and South Bank The heart of Brisbane offers easy riverside excursions and an array of urban attractions. The iconic Story Bridge is the perfect place to start your visit with photo opportunities in all directions. Across the river from the CBD, clustered in the South Bank cultural precinct, you’ll come across interactive exhibitions at the Queensland Museum and Sciencentre (qm.qld.gov.au) and quality collections at the Queensland

1. The city of Brisbane has a flourishing dining, entertainment and cultural scene 2. Enjoy expansive views of the capital from Mt Coot-Tha’s Summit Lookout 3. The Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art, otherwise known as QAGOMA 4. Step back in time with a visit to Toowoomba’s Royal Bull’s Head Inn 5. Toowoomba quite literally comes to life during its annual Carnival of Flowers

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Escape to nearby natural highlights You only need to travel an hour from the city to take in Brisbane’s surrounding beauty. A plethora of waterfalls, mountains and lookouts make day trips a must. Mount Coot-Tha looms large over Brisbane and provides brilliant views from its Summit Lookout. Another highlight is the Scenic Rim, a rural paradise set in the foothills of the Great Dividing Range. Going offshore, you’re a boat ride away from North Stradbroke Island or Moreton Island – think pristine beaches, sand dunes, shipwrecks, and possibly some close encounters with dolphins.

DARLING DOWNS To the west of Brisbane and Moreton is the Darling Downs, a farming region on the western slopes of the Great Dividing Range. The region has been celebrated in art and literature for its quintessential grassy landscape,

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which traditionally held woolsheds and large pastoral stations of wealthy squatters.

Take a trip to Toowoomba Take a short trip to Toowoomba, the main city in the Darling Downs, best known for the Cobb+Co Museum with its horse-drawn carriages (cobb.qm.qld.gov.au), the Royal Bull’s Head Inn (nationaltrustqld.org.au/visitorsites/Royal-Bull-s-Head-Inn) – a 19th century homestead built by an ex-convict and featuring colonial-era displays – and the annual Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers, held each year in September (tcof.com.au).

See the Southern Downs & Granite Belt The Southern Downs and Granite Belt – an area comprising the towns of Warwick, Stanthorpe, Killarney and Allora, plus numerous friendly villages – is well worth an inland sojourn. This amazing high country is home to giant granite formations, gourmet food and award-winning wineries.

AT A GLANCE

Queensland Museum and Sciencentre 07 3153 3000 qm.qld.gov.au Queensland Gallery of Modern Art 07 3840 7303 qagoma.qld.gov.au

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Cobb+Co Museum 07 4659 4900 cobb.qm.qld.gov.au Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers 131 872 tcof.com.au

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The Royal Bull’s Head Inn 07 5534 0873 nationaltrustqld.org.au/ visitor-sites/Royal-Bull-sHead-Inn

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before hopping in a four-wheel drive to cruise the unique beach highway that is 75 Mile Beach. It’s also known for its many shipwrecks, including the famous Maheno. If your group is looking for a place to stay on the island, luxurious yet affordable accommodation awaits at Kingfisher Bay Resort Fraser Island (kingfisherbay.com).

WIDE BAY-BURNETT, FITZROY & MACKAY Featuring the lovely Sunshine Coast, World Heritage listed Fraser Island, and a few eclectic coastal cities and towns along the way, the Wide Bay-Burnett, Fitzroy and Mackay regions combine to offer a truckload of attractions en route to North Queensland.

Relax on the Sunshine Coast Stretching north from the coastal city of Caloundra, near Brisbane, to the Cooloola section of the Great Sandy National Park, the Sunshine Coast is renowned for its beach resorts, surf spots and rural hinterland. Check out Australia Zoo, Sea Life Sunshine Coast Aquarium and Eumundi Markets, as well as the boutique shops and walking trails around upscale Noosa Heads.

Head to Hervey Bay & Fraser Island First-time visitors to this magnificent section of Australia’s east coast are in for a treat. Spend a day or two in Hervey Bay, a great place to observe humpback whales during the July to November migration season. Or take your Club to remarkable Fraser Island, the largest sand island in the world where rainforest rises above sand dunes. Everyone will be dazzled by the clear blue waters of Lake McKenzie,

Visit Bundaberg, Rockhampton & Mackay

1. The Maheno Shipwreck is just one of the many sights to see on a visit to Fraser Island 2. The Eumundi Markets are renowned for their fresh produce and locally made artisan treasures 3. In Bundaberg, enjoy a tour and tasting at the town’s eponymous rum distillery 4. Expect the occasional balcony intruder on a stay at Hamilton Island

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Make your way north through cattle country, stopping at some well-known cities and feasting on ‘paddock to plate’ meals as you go. Don’t miss the home of Bundaberg Rum, the Bundaberg Rum Distillery, for a distillery tour and tasting experience (bundabergrum.com.au/distillery.html). Inside the Bundaberg Botanic Gardens you’ll find the Hinkler Hall of Aviation, an educational centre dedicated to local long-distance pilot and aviation pioneer, Bert Hinkler (discoverbundaberg.com.au/hinkler-hall-of-aviation). A three-hour drive north of Bundaberg will take you to Rockhampton, a city straddling the Fitzroy River, right in the heart of cattle country. Several bull statues are situated around town. Members can get a taste of local life between 1850 and 1950, thanks to the recreated cottages, woolsheds and antique cars at Rockhampton Heritage Village (rockhamptonregion.qld.gov.au/FacilitiesRecreation/ Heritage-Village). When your tour reaches Mackay, the sugar capital of Australia, stretch your legs at Harbour Beach or stroll around the adjacent Mackay Marina Village and Shipyard (mackaymarina.com).

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NORTH QUEENSLAND Any adventure through Northern, North West and Far North Queensland is one that stays with you forever. From spectacular national parks and gorges to breathtaking beaches and islands, not to mention warm and welcoming local communities at every turn, your members will be in awe of this world-renowned tourist region. There really is something for everyone here, including cruises, wildlife, rainforests, railways, skyrails, waterfalls, lookouts, markets and more.

Enjoy the Whitsundays, Reef & Hamilton Island When it comes to exquisite natural beauty, few destinations on the planet rival the wonderful Whitsundays – 74 largely uninhabited islands characterised by rainforest and white sandy beaches – or the world’s largest coral reef system, the Great Barrier Reef, a massive stretch of coral teeming with marine life. And a myriad of island and reef cruises are available. Take the ferry from Port of Airlie or Shute Harbour to gorgeous Hamilton Island, where the group can relish the unspoilt Whitehaven Beach, check out the sea life at Reefworld, and visit Hamilton Island Wildlife to meet iconic Australian animals and many different marsupials (hamiltonisland.com.au/nature-and-wildlife/wildlifehamilton-island).

AT A GLANCE Kingfisher Bay Resort Fraser Island 07 3032 2814 kingfisherbay.com

Hinkler Hall of Aviation 07 4130 4400 discoverbundaberg.com. au/hinkler-hall-of-aviation

Mackay Marina Village and Shipyard 07 4955 6855 mackaymarina.com

Bundaberg Rum Distillery 07 4348 3443 bundabergrum.com.au/ distillery.html

Rockhampton Heritage Village 07 4936 8681 rockhamptonregion.qld. gov.au/FacilitiesRecreation /Heritage-Village

Hamilton Island Wildlife 07 4946 8635 hamiltonisland.com.au/ nature-and-wildlife/ wildlife-hamilton-island

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Check out Townsville & Magnetic Island Heading north, visit coastal city Townsville to spend some time at the pier and water park along The Strand esplanade. The Museum of Tropical Queensland (mtq.qm.qld.gov.au) has hundreds of artefacts from the HMS Pandora, which sank off the coast of Cape York in 1791. South-east of the city, the Billabong Sanctuary wildlife park is home to koalas, wombats and crocs (billabongsanctuary.com.au). Boost the itinerary with a short ferry ride to splendid Magnetic Island – a tropical island paradise of palmfringed beaches, large granite boulders and more. Trade Travel’s (tradetravel.com.au) 10-day, 9-night Whitsundays to the North tour takes in the coastal towns of Mackay, Sarina, Airlie Beach and Townsville, with travellers experiencing amazing gardens, homesteads, sugar mills, cruises, reef sea life and the chance to get closer (but not too close!) to crocodiles.

Explore Cairns, Kuranda, Wet Tropics & Tablelands Continuing further into tropical Far North Queensland, your Club members will be delighted by the laid-back city of Cairns, a gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and tropical Daintree Rainforest. Embark on a journey over and deep into the Wet Tropics with the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway from Cairns to Kuranda (skyrail.com.au). Make a day of it by booking a trip on the Kuranda Scenic Railway and browsing the renowned Kuranda Markets (kuranda.org/markets). For those groups keen to experience more of the rainforest, the enchanting Daintree National Park is only 100km northwest of Cairns. You may also choose to travel the Kennedy Highway to the lush Atherton Tablelands, passing through Ravenshoe, the highest town in Queensland at 920 metres above sea level.

Wander through the North West & Gulf Country Welcome to Gulf Country, home of the Carpentaria tropical savanna – the world’s largest intact savanna woodlands and native grasslands. Around 570km north of Mount Isa you’ll find Karumba, a quaint coastal town in the Gulf of Carpentaria, at the mouth of the Norman River, and the centre of the region’s impressive prawning industry. After a spot of fishing in Karumba, learn all there is to know about barramundi on a guided tour at the Les Wilson Barramundi Discovery Centre, a hatchery and breeding centre where you can even hand-feed ‘barra’ (barracentre.com.au). Highlights of the Gulf Savannah include Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park and hidden Cobbold Gorge. Venture through incredible countryside on the Gulflander (gulflander.com.au), a 1950 railmotor also known as the ‘Tin Hare’, or board the Savannahlander (savannahlander. com.au), a classic 1960s ‘silver-bullet’ railmotor, for an unforgettable scenic rail journey. Your Club can experience all this and more on AAT Kings’ 9-day, 8-night Gulf Savannah Wanderer tour (aatkings.com/tours/gulf-savannah-wanderer).

1. Kuranda is a lovely mountain retreat nestled in the rainforest 2. Unlock the hidden secrets of Cobbold Gorge 3. Get a taste of life in the outback on a visit to Longreach 4. Probians stop for a snap at Birdsville with Outback Aussie Tours

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More intrepid groups might head all the way up the peninsula to Australia’s northernmost point, Cape York, a remote outpost where you can take a walking trail to ‘The Tip’ of the country.

CENTRAL WEST & SOUTH WEST Pack your swags, it’s time to head to Australia’s heartland in outback Queensland. Connect with the country lifestyle throughout the scenic Central West and South West regions, a fusion of red sand hills, fabulous flora and fauna, and fascinating Australian history.

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Step back in time at Longreach & Winton Use Longreach as your outback base for soaking up the history and heritage of a truly unique region. Check out the Longreach Powerhouse Museum and the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame, a tribute to Australia’s outback heroes featuring an array of traditional artefacts, electronic displays, photographs, films and stories of bush life. Discover Australia’s aviation history, step inside the cockpit of a Boeing 747, and try your hand at flying a cutting-edge plane simulator at the Qantas Founders Museum. For groups interested in the history of the great Australian company, Qantas, or aviation in general, Outback Aussie Tours give guided tours of the Qantas Founders Museum (outbackaussietours.com.au/ destination/qantas-founders-museum). Or you can visit the Qantas Founders Museum website (qfom.com.au) Winton has a rich history linked to the Great Shearers’ Strike of 1891, while more recent dinosaur discoveries have attracted new visitors to the region. Among many highlights of Winton is a visit to the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum, which boasts the world’s biggest collection of Australian dinosaur fossils (australianageofdinosaurs.com). Outside Winton, the home of Australian bush poetry, you’ll find Dagworth Station, where in 1985 Banjo Paterson wrote the lyrics for the famous ballad, “Waltzing Matilda”. He first played the unofficial national anthem at Winton’s North Gregory Hotel. In fact, Combo Waterhole, on the Diamantina River at Kynuna, is believed by some to be the inspiration for the story of Waltzing Matilda.

Journey across the Southern Outback Some truly unique Aussie outback experiences await your tour group in the Southern Outback. Journey to the spectacular Channel Country and explore remote outback towns and communities filled with legendary outback characters. Retrace the last days of Burke and Wills – the great expedition to be the first European settlers to cross Australia from Melbourne to the Gulf of Carpentaria – discovering majestic desert landscapes like nothing you’ve seen before. Dining under the stars in this part of the world is an opportunity to cherish. Go beyond Roma and Charleville to the remote towns of Quilpie, Eromanga, Cunnamulla and more. Stop for a refreshing beverage at the famous pub in Birdsville, then stay for the Birdsville Big Red Bash music festival held each year in July (bigredbash.com.au/home), or the annual Birdsville Races held in September (birdsvilleraces.com). One of the best ways to experience Queensland’s Southern Outback is on Outback Aussie Tours’ Corner Country Explorer, a 14-15 day tour taking your group through towns including Roma, Charleville, Thargomindah, Tibooburra, Innamincka, Birdsville, Windorah and Longreach (outbackaussietours.com.au/ tour/2022-corner-country-explorer). ■

AT A GLANCE Museum of Tropical Queensland 07 4726 0600 mtq.qm.qld.gov.au Billabong Sanctuary 07 4778 8344 billabongsanctuary.com.au Trade Travel 10-day, 9-night Whitsundays to the North tour 1800 034 439 tradetravel.com.au Skyrail Rainforest Cableway 07 4038 5555 skyrail.com.au

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Kuranda Markets kuranda.org/markets Les Wilson Barramundi Discovery Centre 07 4745 2211 barracentre.com.au

Savannahlander 1800 793 848 savannahlander.com.au Qantas Founders Museum 07 4658 3737 qfom.com.au

AAT Kings’ 9-day, 8-night Gulf Savannah Wanderer tour 1300 300 911 aatkings.com/tours

Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum 07 4657 0078 australianageof dinosaurs.com

Gulflander 1800 577 245 gulflander.com.au

Birdsville Big Red Bash bigredbash.com.au/home

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Outback Aussie Tours 07 4658 3000 outbackaussietours.com.au

AUSTRALIA VICTORIA

Camel train at Cable Beach, Broome

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Western Australia Home to truly magnificent landscapes and rich in history and culture,Western Australia is a vast state well worthy of deeper exploration. Discover world-class beaches and ancient landmarks showcasing nature at its finest, all while enjoying some of the best fresh produce and wine in the country. It’s time to find out why everyone raves about the wild west.

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PERTH The capital, Perth, is the perfect place to begin Western Australia adventures both great and small, but it’s also a wonderful destination in its own right. The pictureperfect city, sitting where the Swan River meets the southwest coast, is known for its relaxed atmosphere, elite hospitality, and pristine beaches lining the suburbs. A trip to Perth gives your members a chance to put their feet up and enjoy the good life before hitting the road.

Unwind around the waters of Perth You haven’t been to Perth until you’ve spent time relaxing on or by the water. Perth City Beach offers a delightful day out by the azure waters of the Indian Ocean. Alternatively, why not indulge with a lunch or dinner cruise on the Swan River? Or enjoy waterside entertainment, art, shopping and museums at Elizabeth Quay, where you can even learn how local oysters produce the world’s most valuable pearls.

Discover historic Fremantle Your Club will no doubt appreciate a leisurely afternoon in the port city of Fremantle, which is famous for its Victorian architecture as well as its rich maritime and penal history. Take a guided submarine tour at WA Maritime Museum (visit.museum.wa.gov.au/maritime) or go behind bars in the recreated cellblocks at Fremantle Prison, which housed convicts from the 1850s (fremantleprison.com.au).

Ferry to Rottnest Island Sitting just offshore from the city of Perth is Rottnest Island, a protected nature reserve where white-sand beaches and secluded coves play home to an impressive population of the much-loved quokka, a small wallabylike marsupial known for its distinctive facial feature that makes it look like it’s smiling. From Thomson Bay, the main hub and ferry port, head inland to see Wadjemup Lighthouse and Oliver Hill Gun & Tunnel, a significant defence heritage site featuring military remnants from World War II (rottnestisland.com/see-and-do/ island-tours/oliver-hill). You can travel to and from Rottnest Island via a SeaLink ferry – modern, fast and eco-friendly vessels departing daily from Fremantle (sealinkrottnest.com.au).

Make your way to Mandurah & Peel For a short break from the city, take the journey down to Perth’s aquatic playground, the city of Mandurah, and the Peel region. Here you can visit wonderful wineries, explore vast waterways and national parks, spot black swans and pelicans in the wetlands, or enjoy a picnic by the Mandurah foreshore. Follow the Mandurah Art Trail (visitmandurah.com/art-trails) to find public art in hidden locations around the city.

WHEATBELT 1. Wave Rock is over 100 metres long and rises 15 metres from the ground 2. Explore the haunting and storied tiers of Fremantle Prison 3. Hop on board a SeaLink ferry to unlock Rottnest Island and meet the quokkas 4. Emus roam freely in Nambung National Park, home of the Pinnacles

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Wrapping around Perth and Peel, the Wheatbelt region spans 150,000 square kilometres and features a few must-see WA attractions. The landscape is scattered with diverse native wildlife, colourful wildflowers in bloom, and mind-blowing natural rock formations like Wave Rock and Elachbutting Rock. From March to November the Wheatbelt comes alive with markets, community fairs, agricultural shows, bush sporting events and plenty of other entertainment.

Go to Wave Rock You won’t want to miss Wave Rock, one of Australia’s most recognisable landforms (waverock.com.au). Located near the Wheatbelt town of Hyden, a four-hour drive southeast from Perth through picturesque farmland, Wave Rock is a natural, multi-coloured granite cliff shaped remarkably like a huge ocean wave about to break on the bush below. Formed over centuries of buffeting by wind

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and water, the 110-metre long ‘wave’ stands a massive 15 metres high. Time to take out those cameras!

Visit the Pinnacles Walk on the moonscape of the Pinnacles, one of Australia’s most unique and fascinating natural landmarks. Formed over millions of years, thousands of tall limestone pillars rise up from the shifting yellow desert sands in the Nambung National Park. Visit the state-of-the-art Pinnacles Desert Discovery Centre to see the story of the lunar-like Pinnacles revealed in interpretive displays (parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au/ site/pinnacles-desert-discovery-centre). AAT Kings (aatkings.com/tours) offers a brilliant 5-day, 4-night Monkey Mia Dolphins & West Coast tour starting in Fremantle and returning to Perth. This tour takes in not only the ancient limestone pires of the Pinnacles, but also heads further north for dolphin watching in Monkey Mia, cleaving gorges and seasonal wildflowers in Kalbarri National Park, and eye-popping stromatolites in Hamelin Pool – all of which you can read more about in the ‘Midwest & Gascoyne’ section on page 71.

AT A GLANCE WA Maritime Museum 1300 134 081 visit.museum.wa.gov.au/ maritime

SeaLink Rottnest Island tours 1300 786 552 sealinkrottnest.com.au

Mandurah Art Trail 08 9550 3999 visitmandurah.com/ art-trails

Fremantle Prison 08 9336 9200 fremantleprison.com.au

Pinnacles Desert Discovery Centre 08 9652 7913 parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au/ site/pinnacles-desertdiscovery-centre

AAT Kings 5-day, 4-night Monkey Mia Dolphins & West Coast tour 1300 300 911 aatkings.com/tours

Wave Rock waverock.com.au

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SOUTH WEST & GREAT SOUTHERN Take your Club for an invigorating tour of the South West and Great Southern regions, where you’ll be surrounded by ocean and forest while gorging on gastronomic delights.

Escape to Margaret River Margaret River is a small town with a massive reputation. Visitors to this popular destination enjoy gourmet food, craft breweries, and above all its surrounding world-class wineries. The whole Margaret River Region is renowned for its unique natural beauty defined by an unspoilt coastline, sea cliffs, underground caves, inland rivers and timber forests. Trade Travel (tradetravel.com.au) offer a splendid 4-day, 3-night tour of Margaret River including trips to Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse and the Underwater Observatory at Busselton Jetty, an iconic wooden pier stretching 1.8 kilometres (busseltonjetty.com.au/attraction/underwaterobservatory). Throughout this magical escape, your Club

1. The Busselton Jetty is the longest timber piled jetty in the Southern Hemisphere 2. Enjoy endless gourmet delights amid the vines of the Margaret River region 3. Learn more about Carnarvon’s role in the 1969 moon landing at the Carnarvon Space & Technology Museum 4. Kalgoorlie’s ‘Super Pit’ mine is about 3.7km long, 1.5km wide and 480 metres deep 5. Admire glassware over 2,000 years old at Coolgardie’s Waghorn Bottle Collection

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and its members will feast on local delicacies including truffle, chocolate, and of course some of the finest wine made anywhere in Australia.

Explore the coast Heading south-east from Margaret River, you’ll continue exploring rugged coastlines and gazing out over the Southern Ocean all the way to Bremer Bay via Greens Pool and Elephant Rocks. Watch powerful waves crashing against the cliff faces from the Natural Bridge viewing platform in Torndirrup National Park.

Soak up history and culture in Albany Make a stopover at Albany to board the Brig Amity, a land-mounted replica of the 19th century merchant ship (visit.museum.wa.gov.au/greatsouthern/brig-amity), or visit the National Anzac Centre, an immersive World War I history museum (nationalanzaccentre.com.au). While you’re in the area, make sure you check out the giant wind turbines at Albany Wind Farm and the large grain silos painted with murals by internationally renowned artists as part of the PUBLIC Silo Trail (publicsilotrail.com).

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Bottle it in Coolgardie Drive 30 minutes south-west from Kalgoorlie to Coolgardie, a small tourist town and mining ghost town. At the Goldfields Exhibition Museum you’ll see the award-winning Waghorn Bottle Collection, one of the largest and most comprehensive antique bottle displays in Australia featuring bottles and glassware from 300 BC to the present day (ourgems.com.au/ directory/waghorn-bottle-collection).

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The Mid West and Gascoyne region covers around onethird of Western Australia. The area is home to rich Aboriginal culture, an immense coastline, fabulous national parks and the oldest rocks in the world.

Learn what put Carnarvon on the map Sitting on the banks of the powerful Gascoyne River, the subtropical coastal town of Carnarvon gained international recognition when the Carnarvon Tracking Station provided crucial support to the Apollo 11 moon landing in 1969. Today the Carnarvon Space & Technology Museum celebrates this little-known history (carnarvonmuseum.org.au).

Discover Kalbarri National Park The relatively secluded Kalbarri National Park, which is set between the cities of Carnarvon and Geraldton, attracts thousands of visitors each year for its ancient rock formations, inland river gorges and coastal cliffs. Members will be wowed by the views from the easily accessible Kalbarri Skywalk, a pair of 100-metre-high lookouts jutting out from the edge of Murchison Gorge, which runs for nearly 80km.

GOLDFIELDS-ESPERANCE As the largest region of Western Australia, vast GoldfieldsEsperance is packed with natural diversity – from rich red deserts and secret bays to the 16-million-hectare Great Western Woodlands, the healthiest temperate woodland remaining on Earth. But as the name suggests, this is also historic goldfields country.

Strike gold in Kalgoorlie-Boulder In Kalgoorlie-Boulder, 595km inland from Perth, you’ll discover the 600-metre-deep ‘Super Pit’ – the biggest gold mine in Australia and one of the largest open-cut mines in the world. To tour this enormous site, Club members can either get down and dirty with a high-vis vest and hard hat or take to the sky on a scenic flight (goldfieldsairservices.com/kalgoorlie-scenic-flights). You can also pan for gold at Hannans North Tourist Mine (hannansnorth.com.au). For the slightly less adventurous, visit the Museum of the Goldfields to see the state’s largest display of gold bars and nuggets (museum.wa.gov.au/ museums/museum-of-the-goldfields).

AT A GLANCE Trade Travel 4-day, 3-night Margaret River tour 1800 034 439 tradetravel.com.au Busselton Jetty 08 9754 0900 busseltonjetty.com.au/ attraction/underwaterobservatory Brig Amity 1300 134 081 visit.museum.wa.gov.au/ greatsouthern/brig-amity

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National Anzac Centre 08 6820 3500 nationalanzaccentre. com.au PUBLIC Silo Trail publicsilotrail.com

Museum of the Goldfields 08 9021 8533 museum.wa.gov.au/ museums/museum-ofthe-goldfields

‘Super Pit’ Flights 1800 359 427 goldfieldsairservices.com/ kalgoorlie-scenic-flights

Goldfields Exhibition Museum 08 9026 6090 ourgems.com.au/ directory/waghornbottle-collection

Hannans North Tourist Mine 08 9022 1664 hannansnorth.com.au

Carnarvon Space & Technology Musem 08 9941 9901 carnarvonmuseum.org.au

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See Shark Bay

the Weano, Red, Hancock and Joffre gorges. Few national parks in Australia can compete with Karijini for sheer splendour. Explore the Burrup Peninsula to discover over 700 historic Indigenous archaeological sites and one million rock engravings, many dating back some 30,000 years. Travel further inland to experience life among outback communities like Tom Price, the highest town above sea level in WA, and Marble Bar, which welcomes visitors as ‘Australia’s Hottest Town’.

Head to breathtaking Shark Bay, a 23,000-square-kilometre area in the Gascoyne region known for its pearling history. Here you’ll find Hamelin Pool, home to the most diverse and abundant examples of stromatolites in the world. Check out the nearby Old Hamelin Pool Telegraph Station, built in 1884 as part of the communication line between Perth and Roebourne. At Monkey Mia, surrounded by rusty red sand dunes, your tour might be lucky enough to see not only dolphins but also dugongs, sharks, turtles, pelicans and emus.

THE KIMBERLEY & PILBARA A journey to Australia’s north-west will take you through the diverse landscapes of the Kimberley and Pilbara – regions like nowhere else on Earth. Ancient gorges and ranges are just the beginning as your tour embarks on the wilderness adventure of a lifetime.

Venture to the Pilbara The Pilbara is home to magnificent Karijini National Park, a vast wilderness area featuring highlights like Fortescue Falls, Handrail Pool, and the Oxer Lookout with views of

Continue up to the Kimberley 1. The boab tree is an iconic symbol of the Kimberley region 2. The town of Marble Bar in the Pilbara is known for its extremely hot weather 3. Witness the World Heritage listed Bungle Bungles in the Kimberley’s Purnululu National Park

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At the beach resort town of Broome, gateway to the Kimberley, Club members can take a tour of thriving pearl farms, enjoy a sunset camel ride on Cable Beach, or explore historic Chinatown overlooking Roebuck Bay. Travel to Purnululu National Park to see the spectacular Bungle Bungles – orange and black sandstone domes rising 300 metres above grass-covered plains. Take a wildlife cruise or scenic flight over Lake Argyle, one of the largest manmade lakes in the Southern Hemisphere and home to more than 70 islands. Last but by no means least, discover a truly intriguing natural phenomenon at the Horizontal Falls, which flow to their side and even change direction twice a day. ■

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Swan Valley Gourmet Wine Cruise

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Perth Swan River Dinner Cruise

Fremantle Lunch Cruise

Visit an award winning wine region in comfort on this iconic cruise. Enjoy morning tea, coffee & muffins and premium wine tastings with cheese 7 biscuits on-board before your two course lunch at Sandalford Estate.

Enjoy a night out with stunning river scenery and relaxing atmosphere on the Swan River. Upon departure, your hot buffet awaits with complimentary wines, beer and soft drinks to match.

Treat yourself with a lunch cruise like no other! Enjoy seasonal fresh produce with a lunch buffet and Captain’s commentary as you explore the Swan River. Enquire for one way and return options.

Departure Location: Barrack St, Perth. Departure Time: 9:45am.

Departure Location: Barrack St, Perth. Departure Time: 7:30pm.

Departure Locations: Perth, Fremantle. Departure Time: 11:15am (Perth), 12:45pm (Fremantle).

For over 30 years Captain Cook Cruises has established itself as Perth’s premier cruise company, providing picturesque tours of the city along the majestic Swan River. Conveniently located just a short stroll from Perth’s CBD in the magnificent Elizabeth Quay precinct, they provide an unrivalled experience with a range of options for exploring Perth and surrounds. With daily passenger cruises to Fremantle, scenic full day wine cruises to the Swan Valley, lunch, dinner and twilight cruises to choose from there truly is a cruise for everyone. Quite simply, Captain Cook Cruises are a must when visiting the city.

WWW.CAPTAINCOOKCRUISES.COM.AU | 08 9325 3341

AUSTRALIA VICTORIA

Vineyards of the Barossa Valley

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South Australia From mighty rivers and jaw-dropping coastlines to prehistoric geological landmarks and internationally acclaimed cellar doors, South Australia is positively packed with diverse travel experiences. Beyond lovely Adelaide and nearby highlights like the Barossa Valley and Kangaroo Island, your Club has a chance to discover the ancient intrigue of Mount Gambier, the impressive Flinders Ranges, and plenty more throughout this amazing state.

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palate. Elsewhere, members might visit a number of galleries, museums, farmers’ markets and stores selling gourmet fresh produce, including the always popular Maggie Beer Farm Shop (maggiebeer.com.au). Your Club can enjoy the best of the beautiful Barossa on SeaLink’s 3-day Adelaide and Barossa Short Break (sealink.com.au/ sealink-south-australia-tours).

ADELAIDE Known for its fine food and festivals, South Australia’s capital, Adelaide, is also a gateway to the premium wine regions, scenic foothills, exquisite coastlines and countless attractions within driving distance of this beautiful city.

Tour the City of Churches

THE FLEURIEU PENINSULA & KANGAROO ISLAND

Adelaide is a pleasantly accessible capital – any point in the city can be reached within 30 minutes – so it’s ideal to explore at a relaxed pace while indulging in worldclass food and wine. Wandering the charming streets, you’ll soon discover why Adelaide became known as the ‘City of Churches’. There seems to be a splendid church or cathedral around just about every corner, most of them impressively designed historical buildings dating back to the 19th century.

Heading south from Adelaide towards Cape Jervis, where ferries depart for must-see Kangaroo Island, the Fleurieu Peninsula is a rugged coastline and wetlands area featuring numerous conservation parks.

Visit McLaren Vale

Climb the Adelaide Oval Sports enthusiasts among the group might be keen on the unique RoofClimb experience, offering 360-degree views of the city and beyond from the rooftop of the iconic Adelaide Oval’s Western Stand and the world’s first rooftop stadium seats (roofclimb.com.au). Daytime and twilight climbs are both available.

Wine & dine in the Barossa No trip to Adelaide is complete without experiencing the wonders of the acclaimed Barossa Valley, a wineproducing region with strong German heritage and an international reputation. Situated an hour north-east of the capital, the Barossa has a selection of high-profile wineries offering guided tours and cellar-door tastings set amidst picturesque landscapes. Shiraz grapes are the local speciality, but there’s a cool-climate blend for every

1. St Peter’s Cathedral is arguably the most famous church in the City of Churches 2. Probians touring Kangaroo Island stop for a photo at Cape du Couedic Lighthouse

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Situated just 45 minutes from Adelaide, between the rolling Mount Lofty Ranges and Gulf St Vincent beaches, McLaren Vale is another important stop on your wine-tasting and culinary experiences tour of South Australia. McLaren Vale is home to some of the world’s oldest grape vines and boasts more than 80 cellar doors and vineyards. Combine awardwinning wine with modern art at d’Arenberg Winery, home to d’Arenberg Cube (darenberg.com.au/darenberg-cube), an avant-garde structure inspired by the shape of an unfinished Rubik’s Cube. The Cube features the fascinating Alternate Realities Museum (darenberg.com.au/alternate-realitiesmuseum) as well as a top-floor tasting room.

Explore Kangaroo Island A short ferry ride from Cape Jervis takes you to rugged Kangaroo Island, South Australia’s premier naturebased destination. Explore its beaches, bushland and

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nature reserves, making sure to admire the abundant wildlife in Flinders Chase National Park. Visit Seal Bay Conservation Park to see the amazing Australian sea lion colony on a guided walk with a Park Ranger, or check out Raptor Domain for an ‘in-flight’ display of birds of prey like eagles and falcons (kangarooislandbirdsofprey. com.au). Other places of interest include Clifford’s Honey Farm (cliffordshoney.com.au), Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Oil Distillery (emuridge.com.au), the Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch, and the lighthouse cottages at Cape Borda and Cape Du Couedic. To get the most out of your Kangaroo Island experience, join SeaLink’s Kangaroo Island Experience and let friendly local guides show your group what this incredibly special island has to offer (sealink.com.au/kangarooisland-tours).

Traverse the peninsula aboard a heritage train If your Club is keen for a day trip that allows you to see multiple Fleurieu Peninsula highlights in a single journey, why not take a train? With routes departing from Mount Barker, Goolwa and Victor Harbor, the SteamRanger

Heritage Railway operates a number of different heritage steam and diesel hauled tourist trains taking in destinations including Victor Harbor, Goolwa, Port Elliot, Strathalbyn and more (steamrangerheritagerailway.com.au).

AT A GLANCE Adelaide Oval Roofclimb 08 8331 5222 roofclimb.com.au Maggie Beer Farm Shop 1300 459 450 maggiebeer.com.au SeaLink 3-day Adelaide and Barossa Short Break 13 13 01 sealink.com.au/sealinksouth-australia-tours

d’Arenberg Cube and Alternate Realities Museum 08 8329 4888 darenberg.com.au Raptor Domain 08 8559 5108 kangarooislandbirdsof prey.com.au Clifford’s Honey Farm 08 8553 8295 cliffordshoney.com.au

Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Oil Distillery 08 8553 8228 emuridge.com.au SeaLink Kangaroo Island Experience 13 13 01 sealink.com.au/ kangaroo-island-tours SteamRanger 1300 655 991 steamrangerheritage railway.org

Every Station is a Destination Cockle Train

StrathLink

Southern Encounter

Hills Encounter

Victor Harbor - Goolwa - Finniss - Strathalbyn (return)

Goolwa - Middleton - Port Elliot - Victor Harbor (return)

Mount Barker - Strathalbyn - Goolwa - Victor Harbor (return)

Victor Harbor - Goolwa - Strathalbyn - Mount Barker (return)

Murray River Connector Mount Barker - Strathalbyn - Goolwa (return) Connects with the Paddle Steamer Oscar W

Website

For more information on these and other SteamRanger journeys, dates and times or to make a booking, visit our website steamranger.org.au or speak to our booking oﬃcers on 1300 655 991 (Mon-Fri 9am to 4pm) Groups of 10 or more are eligible for group discounts. Speak to our booking oﬃce for more details on 1300 655 991 (Mon-Fri 9am to 4pm)

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LIMESTONE COAST, RIVERLAND & MURRAYLANDS

The far east and south-east of South Australia – which comprises the magnificent Limestone Coast, Riverland and Murraylands regions – makes for a superb getaway from Adelaide or the continuation of a longer trip through regional Victoria. In addition to the plethora of beaches, rivers, lakes and mountains, you’ve come to the right place for prehistoric caves and volcanoes.

Discover Naracoorte Caves At Naracoorte Caves National Park, South Australia’s only World Heritage listed destination, Club members will discover a globally important fossil site. For over 500,000 years giant marsupials roamed the Limestone Coast, with many of their fascinating fossils now on display among remarkable caves open to the public on guided tours.

Be amazed by Mount Gambier Uniquely located on the slopes of Mount Gambier – a volcano which last erupted 5,000 years ago – the eponymous city and surrounding area is a captivating geological wonderland filled with prehistoric attractions. In the middle of town, visit Umpherston Sinkhole – once an underground limestone cave which, following the collapse of the chamber’s roof many years ago, evolved into a lush sunken garden within the newly formed giant crater. Another landmark not to be missed is the mysterious Blue Lake, which early each November morphs from a deep blue into an intense turquoise colour almost overnight.

1. The PS Murray Princess paddlewheeler cruises the Murray River 2. Guests share a game, a drink and a laugh aboard the Murray Princess 3. The Coffin Bay Oyster Farm is a popular attraction on the Eyre Peninsula 4. At Naracoorte, fossilised remains are remarkably well preserved 5. Streaky Bay’s Powerhouse Museum has over 400 engines on display

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Cruise the Murray River For an unforgettable experience, take your Club members cruising on the mighty Murray River – the thirdlongest navigable river in the world after the Amazon and the Nile – aboard the majestic PS Murray Princess (murrayprincess.com.au), the Southern Hemisphere’s largest inland paddlewheeler. Along the way you’ll see historic riverports and woolsheds, while the magical sunsets are a sight to behold. SeaLink provides superb 8-13 day packages touring SA including the Murray River (sealink.com.au/sealink-south-australia-tours).

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YORKE & EYRE PENINSULAS Hop between lakes and lookouts on a tour of the surprising Yorke Peninsula, close to Adelaide, then loop around the coast further west to the triangular and diverse Eyre Peninsula. Surrounded by Spencer Gulf on the east, the Great Australian Bight on the west, and the Gawler Ranges to the north, the Eyre Peninsula is renowned for its ecotourism and rich marine life.

Make your way from Whyalla to Port Lincoln There’s plenty to see and do on the three-hour drive from Whyalla, the gateway to the Eyre Peninsula, to the picturesque seaside town of Port Lincoln. Make sure you stop to gaze up at the outstanding silo art murals in Cowell and Tumby Bay (australiansiloarttrail.com). At the pointy tip of the peninsula, Port Lincoln is a seafood lovers’ paradise. Club members can catch and cook their own fish or indulge in a seafood feast prepared by quality local chefs. You can even learn all about the local fishing sectors with a behind-the-scenes factory tour at the award-winning seafood centre, the Fresh Fish Place (freshfishplace.com.au), or wade to the working Coffin Bay Oyster Farm to taste oysters fresh from the sea (oysterfarmtours.com.au). Port Lincoln National Park and nearby Coffin Bay National Park both offer expansive views of unspoilt coastal beauty including the dramatic sand dunes and limestone cliffs that loom high over the southern seas.

Continue to Streaky Bay Your Eyre Peninsula journey continues north-west to Streaky Bay. Here you’ll find more than you bargained for at the coastal town’s two fine museums. The Powerhouse Museum (streakybay.com.au/business/streaky-baypowerhouse-museum) is a treasure trove of over 400 restored engines in working condition. The Streaky Bay National Trust Museum (nationaltrust.org.au/places/ streaky-bay-museum) houses blacksmith tools, antique

AT A GLANCE

PS Murray Princess 1300 729 938 murrayprincess.com.au SeaLink Murray River Packages 13 13 01 sealink.com.au/sealinksouth-australia-tours/

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Silo Art Trail australiansiloarttrail.com Fresh Fish Place 08 8682 2166 freshfishplace.com.au Coffin Bay Oyster Farm 0412 268 648 oysterfarmtours.com.au

Powerhouse Museum

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Powerhouse Museum 0458 503 954 streakybay.com.au/ business/streaky-baypowerhouse-museum Streaky Bay National Trust Musem 0458 137 905 nationaltrust.org.au/ places/streaky-baymuseum

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printing equipment, furniture and clothing used by early settlers, old agricultural machinery, and the Straight Eight Nash car driven by the legendary Sylvia Birdseye, the first woman to hold a commercial bus driving licence in South Australia. She introduced overland mail and passenger bus services between Adelaide and Eyre Peninsula in 1928.

FAR NORTH Some of South Australia’s best attractions await your group in the state’s largest region, the Far North, which shares its border with four different states. The highlight of this vast region is undoubtedly the must-see Ikara-Flinders Ranges, but your outback adventure doesn’t have to end there.

Flee to the Flinders Ranges Head north from Adelaide to discover the incredible Flinders Ranges, the largest mountain range in South Australia. The Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park has viewpoints looking out over spectacular gorges and canyons containing Aboriginal art. The area is also rich in railway and mining history. Visit a handful of fascinating rural towns like Arkaroola, Parachilna, Leigh Creek and Quorn, where you can board the historic and charming Pichi Richi Railway (pichirichirailway.org.au) for a journey through the rocky outcrops and gum-lined creeks. For a change of pace and altitude, take a scenic flight over Lake Eyre and see Wilpena Pound, also known by its Adnyamathanha name of Ikara, meaning ‘Meeting Place’.

Go underground at Coober Pedy Situated 846km north of Adelaide on the Stuart Highway, the town of Coober Pedy is renowned as the opal capital of the world. Enormous quantities of precious opals are mined in this unique desert destination. Step into the historic Old Timers Mine – hand-dug in 1916 – and the Umoona Opal Mine & Museum (umoonaopalmine.com.au), which holds an underground house, panoramic theatre and Aboriginal interpretive centre. AAT Kings’ 8-day, 7-night South Australian Outback Adventure tour starts in Adelaide and takes you through Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park before spending two fascinating days in Coober Pedy.

AT A GLANCE

Play the Nullarbor Links Fancy a round (or part of a round) on the world’s longest golf course? The unique Nullarbor Links (nullarborlinks.com) features 18 rugged-terrain holes spanning a total 1,365 kilometres, with one hole in each participating town or roadhouse along the Eyre Highway between Ceduna, SA, and Kalgoorlie, WA. Pick up your scorecards at the Ceduna Visitor Information Centre and play at least the first two holes – Oyster Beds and Denial Bay. There are four more holes to play before you reach the state border, located in Penong, Nundroo, Nullarbor and Border Village. ■

1. See how opal is formed and mined at Coober Pedy’s Umoona Opal Mine & Museum 2. Wilpena Pound is a remarkable natural amphitheatre in the Flinders Ranges

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Pichi Richi Railway 1800 777 245 pichirichirailway.org.au Umoona Opal Mine & Museum 08 8672 5288 umoonaopalmine.com.au

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AAT Kings 8-day, 7-night South Australian Outback Adventure tour 1300 300 911 aatkings.com/tours Nullarbor Links 0407 990 049 nullarborlinks.com

Tours, Groups & Charters Call 1300 769 762 or visit adelaidesightseeing.com.au

No matter whether you’re travelling on your own, as a couple, or part of a group of 50, or 400, Adelaide Sightseeing can look after all your coach touring needs in and around Adelaide and South Australia. Adelaide Sightseeing is one of the State’s longest serving day tour operators with over 30 years of touring experience. Adelaide Sightseeing offers regular scheduled coach tours such as the popular half day Adelaide City Highlights, Adelaide Hills and Hahndorf Tour, and full day tours to the fabulous regions of The Barossa, McLaren Vale, Victor Harbor, Kangaroo Island, and the Murray River. If it is group travel you are after, Adelaide Sightseeing have a range of vehicles, of various sizes to cope with your

group, starting with the Mercedes Sprinter for 8 people, to 50-seater coaches. All vehicles are state-of-the art, and our experienced and knowledgeable Tour Drivers are second to none and will go that extra mile to ensure your time with us is special and memorable. Let us help you with your travel requirements in Adelaide, just call our friendly Sales Consultants on 1300 769 762, email bookings@adelaidesightseeing.com.au or for group bookings and enquiries email groups@adelaidesightseeing.com.au Visit adelaidesightseeing.com.au for further information.

AUSTRALIA

Bay of Fires on Tasmania’s north-east coast

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Tasmania Located 240 kilometres south of the Australian mainland across Bass Strait, the island state of Tasmania is like the best of Australia all rolled up into one tidy package. Tassie is renowned for its World Heritage listed wilderness, awe-inspiring coastlines and historic convict sites, but dig a little deeper and you might also discover some of the country’s best-kept secrets.

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HOBART & THE SOUTH Hobart, the second oldest capital in Australia after Sydney, offers a wonderful blend of heritage charm and contemporary culture set among the foothills of Kunanyi / Mount Wellington and surrounding bushland at the entrance to the Derwent River.

Day-trip to Bruny Island

Hop your way around Hobart by bus There’s no better way to sightsee around Hobart at your own pace than with a 1- or 2-day pass for the official Hobart City Hop-on Hop-off bus tour, Red Decker (reddecker.com.au). The double-decker bus takes you to 20 points of interest throughout the city, including Brooke Street Pier, awardwinning Salamanca Market, Narryna Heritage Museum, Cascade Brewery, Cascades Female Factory (a penal colony from 1828 to 1856), Hobart Convict Penitentiary, Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, Constitution Dock, Battery Point and Theatre Royal – the oldest continually operating theatre in Australia. Club members can either stop to take in their favourite attractions or stay onboard the bus for the full loop.

Appreciate art and more at Mona The Museum of Old and New Art, aka Mona, was built by the enigmatic David Walsh to house his collection of ancient, modern and contemporary art and is Australia’s largest private museum (mona.net.au). Situated on the banks of the Derwent, the unique subterranean museum features three levels of underground galleries to explore. Using handheld technology, visitors can learn all about the exhibits as they wander. Mona is also home to two wineries and a brewery.

1. Wander Hobart’s Salamanca Markets on Saturdays 2. Enjoy views of the Bruny Island Neck from Truganini Lookout 3. The Wall in the Wilderness was sculpted by Tasmanian artist Greg Duncan 4. Owner David Walsh describes the Museum of Old and New Art (Mona) as a ‘subversive adult Disneyland’ 5. The Highfield Historic Site with views of The Nut in the background

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A full-day trip from Hobart to Bruny Island by ferry will give your group a chance to enjoy both built and natural attractions while tucking into quality local produce including cheese, fudge, chocolate, honey, oysters and cider. Take a leisurely walk at The Neck – an isthmus of land connecting north and south Bruny Island – up to Truganini Lookout for 360-degree views of the landscape, sea and wildlife. Then take a tour of historic Cape Bruny Lighthouse, the southernmost lighthouse in Australia.

WEST COAST Travelling clockwise from Hobart, make your way around the diverse West Coast to enjoy majestic mountains, lakes and rivers, not to mention the wild Tarkine – nestled in the north-west corner of Tasmania – the second-largest expanse of cool temperate rainforest in the world. Coal River Coaches’ 6-day, 5-night West Coast tour includes Hobart, Strahan, Cradle Mountain, Smithton, Stanley and Launceston (lovetasmaniatours.com.au).

Go to The Wall at Derwent Bridge If you plan to put a few stops on the itinerary between Hobart and the West Coast, make sure one of them is Derwent Bridge – a two-and-a-half drive north-west of the capital, right in the beating heart of the state and sitting at

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the foot of hugely popular Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. The Lyell Highway cuts through town and over the Derwent River. Before you reach the bridge you’ll have a chance to visit ‘The Wall in the Wilderness’, one of the most ambitious art projects undertaken in Australia (thewalltasmania.com.au). The Wall is 100 metres of mostly rare Huon Pine featuring remarkable timber carvings that depict the history of the Central Highlands and pay homage to its protectors.

Cruise the Gordon River Continue further west to Strahan, a former port and now important tourism hub, where your Club can organise a cruise of the gloriously tranquil Gordon River – surrounded on both sides by untouched rainforest. Some tours take you deep into the wilderness to discover the abandoned port of Pillinger on the shores of Macquarie Harbour.

AT A GLANCE

See Stanley and The Nut At the top of the north-west coast, spend some time in Stanley, a romantic town jutting out into Bass Strait. After admiring the town’s perfectly preserved colonial architecture, in particular Highfield Historic Site (parks.tas.gov.au/explore-our-parks/highfield-historic-site) – an impressive old homestead overlooking the town – take the return chairlift up 95 metres to the top of The Nut, the remains of an ancient volcanic plug with a plateau you can circumnavigate on foot (thenutchairlift.com.au).

Red Decker (Hop-on hop-off tours) 03 6236 9116 reddecker.com.au Museum of Old and New Art (Mona) 03 6277 9978 mona.net.au

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Coal River Coaches 6-day, 5-night West Coast tour 03 6272 2645 lovetasmaniatours.com.au

Highfield Historic Site 03 6458 1100 parks.tas.gov.au/exploreour-parks/highfieldhistoric-site

The Wall in the Wilderness 03 6289 1134 thewalltasmania.com.au

The Nut Chairlift 03 6458 1482 thenutchairlift.com.au

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THE NORTH

Your Club won’t be disappointed with a journey to the north of Tassie, where delightful cities, towns and villages meet dramatic landscapes, island getaways and so much more.

Look around Launceston In the lovely riverside city of Launceston, Club members will want to visit the Queen Victoria Museum, housed in a 19th-century railway workshop, which features excellent exhibitions on Tasmanian history. Just across the river next to sprawling Royal Park you’ll find its sister Art Gallery. But Launceston’s major landmark is undoubtedly Cataract Gorge, just a 15-minute walk from the city centre, where the world’s longest single span chairlift crosses the natural basin of the South Esk River. Or for something a bit different, head 45 minutes north to see the largest lavender farm in the Southern Hemisphere, Bridestowe Lavender Estate (bridestowelavender.com.au). Summer is the best time to witness it in all its purple glory.

Fly to Flinders Island or King Island Fly from Launceston to the hidden gem that is Flinders Island, an untamed land of jagged mountains rising up from the wild sea. Fossick for ‘Killiecrankie Diamonds’, learn the history of the Furneaux Islands and inhabitants at the Furneaux Museum, or pop into Bowman’s History Room to absorb the origins of the island’s oldest continuously trading store. You can also take a scenic flight from Launceston to King Island, just above the north-west tip of mainland Tasmania, where your group will marvel at crystal-clear waters while breathing fresh air and dining on fresh produce. At 48 metres, Cape Wickham Lighthouse on the island’s north coast is the Southern Hemisphere’s tallest lighthouse. To see the best of both islands, embark on Trade Travel’s (tradetravel.com.au) 8-day, 7-night Flinders & King Island Combo tour.

Visit Port Arthur Don’t miss the Port Arthur Historic Site, part of the UNESCO World Heritage listed Australian Convict Sites. History buffs in the group will be keen to explore the 19th-century penal settlement turned open-air museum. On a guided walking tour of the grounds you can visit over 30 restored buildings and ruins including the large penitentiary and the Convict Church built by its inmates. On the Tasman Peninsula, go to the Coal Mines Historic Site, Tasmania’s first operational mine, to walk the ruins and tunnels where 1800s convicts worked and lived (coalmines.org.au). To enjoy all the best of Tassie in one amazing trip, consider Coal River Coaches’ 11-day, 10-night Full Loop tour (lovetasmaniatours.com.au). ■

EAST COAST Beautiful bays, beaches and islands await on Tasmania’s East Coast. Coal River Coaches’ 6-day, 5-night East Coast tour includes Launceston, Bicheno, Freycinet, Port Arthur and Hobart (lovetasmaniatours.com.au).

Discover Bicheno & Freycinet At the tiny coastal town of Bicheno, a fishing port and beach resort just north of the Freycinet Peninsula, your Club can enjoy a penguin tour at dusk, the Bicheno Blowhole, and a glass-bottomed boat tour of the Governor Island Marine Reserve. Or visit breathtaking Freycinet, where white-sand beaches and a pink-granite mountain range stand out in the national parks. The view from the lookout down to magnificent Wineglass Bay is one of a kind.

AT A GLANCE 1. The world’s longest single span chairlift ascends Launceston’s stunning Cataract Gorge 2. Bridestowe Lavender Estate is a sea of purple in full bloom 3. Port Arthur is the best-preserved convict site in Australia

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Bridestowe Lavender Estate 03 6352 8182 bridestowelavender.com.au Trade Travel 8-day, 7-night Flinders & King Island Combo tour 1800 034 439 tradetravel.com.au

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Coal Mines Historic Site 1800 659 101 coalmines.org.au Coal River Coaches 6-day, 5-night East Coast tour / 11-day, 10-night Full Loop tour 03 6272 2645 lovetasmaniatours.com.au

Tasmania’s leading premium group touring specialists with 25 years’ experience!

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• Set Date Tours from 5 Days to 11 Days • Bespoke Group Travel & Customised Itineraries • Full Services include Accommodation Bookings, Activity Bookings, Entry Fees, Airport Transfers, National Parks Passes & More! • Hobart City Day Tours: Food & Wine Tours, City & History Escapes, Nature & Wildlife Experiences

• Passionate & Dedicated Local Travel Experts that love to showcase Tasmania • Accreditations: Rainbow Tasmania, Quality Tourism Business + COVID Clean Operating Business • Touring Class Coach Captains with a combined 100+ years of Experience on Tasmanian Roads • Travel Designer Backgrounds: A diverse range of backgrounds makes us a versatile option across so many styles of holidays

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AUSTRALIA VICTORIA

Lake Burley Griffin, Canberra

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Australian Capital Territory Whether you’re travelling for a short break from near or far, the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) is a destination that packs a huge number of fascinating sites and experiences into a small area – particularly for history buffs and culture vultures.

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AT A GLANCE GoBoat 1300 993 208 goboat.com.au National Musem of Australia 1800 026 132 nma.gov.au

The landlocked ACT houses Canberra, Australia’s ‘Bush Capital’ known for its forest, farmland and nature reserves, as well as important federal buildings and offices including the strikingly modern Parliament House, High Court of Australia, and Royal Australian Mint. Canberra’s museums and art galleries are also some of the best in the country.

Enjoy Lake Burley Griffin Canberra’s centrepiece, Lake Burley Griffin, is the ideal place to start your holiday. Surrounded by many of the city’s main attractions, most of them situated close to its shores, the artificial lake can be admired and enjoyed from different perspectives. Club members will have the option to ride, walk or even Segway around the lake, gaze down at it from a hot air balloon, or spend the afternoon relaxing on the lake itself courtesy of a GoBoat – an electric picnic boat experience where you’re the captain for the day (goboat.com.au).

Walk the Canberra Centenary Trail A great way to explore the national capital is via the Canberra Centenary Trail, a historical loop trail for walkers and cyclists who favour low-intensity self-guided tours (parks.act.gov.au/find-a-park/canberra-centenary-trail). The 145km trail showcases the highlights of urban and rural Canberra, passing a number of iconic sites and hidden treasures along the route. The Centenary Trail is divided into daily sections so Club members can join or leave the trail as they please

1. It’s not hard to spot the National Carillon while floating on Canberra’s lovely Lake Burley Griffin 2. Views from Mount Ainslie Lookout, a popular detour on Canberra’s Centenary Trail 3. An old Holden vehicle on display at the National Museum of Australia

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Canberra Centenary Trail 13 22 81 parks.act.gov.au/ find-a-park/canberracentenary-trail

in various locations. You might experience Ngunnawal Country, rural history at Hall, the site where surveyors marked the northern border in 1910, or native forests in Mount Ainslie, Black Mountain, Red Hill and the National Arboretum Canberra. There is also a variety of flora and fauna to discover throughout the nature reserves and bushland hills. If your group only has a few hours, try one of the shorter walks like Kambah Pool to Tuggeranong Town Centre (8km, three hours one-way) – a scenic walk following the Murrumbidgee River and taking you to the Red Rocks Gorge Lookout – or One Tree Hill Summit (9km, three hours return), which takes you from the village of Hall to the summit lookout with views on a clear day over four of Canberra’s five city/town centres.

Visit the National Museum of Australia (NMA) While in Canberra, don’t miss the National Museum of Australia (NMA), a splendid museum that preserves and interprets Australia’s social history and cultural heritage through the important issues, people and events that have shaped the nation (nma.gov.au). At the heart of the NMA is its National Historical Collection with more than 210,000 objects representing Australia’s history and cultural heritage. Collections cover themes including the arts, sport, Indigenous culture, migration, transport, industry, and science and technology. Club members will have the opportunity to explore a wide array of works that

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OUR DOORS ARE OPEN We continue to welcome visitors while we work to expand our galleries. Plan your visit and book free tickets online. AWM.GOV.AU

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shed light on defining moments in Australian history such as the Gold Rushes, the Gallipoli landing, and the launch of Holden.

Accor offers travel and accommodation packages with discounted entry into the major exhibitions at the NFSA (all.accor.com/nfsa), as well as other Canberra attractions such as the National Gallery of Australia.

Explore the National Film & Sound Archive Take your tour to the wonderful National Film and Sound Archive of Australia (NFSA) – the country’s audio-visual archive – where members will discover an incredible collection of unseen treasures from Australian cinema (nfsa.gov.au). The NFSA is responsible for collecting, preserving and sharing Australia’s vibrant and diverse audio-visual culture through its national collection of film, television, sound, radio, video games, new media, and plenty of other related documents and artefacts. The collection features archives ranging from as far back as the late 19th century, when the recorded sound and film industries were starting to emerge, all the way to works from the present day. Retrace the history of moving images and sounds through more than 3 million items transformed into ‘living memories’ of Australia and its people. You’ll also learn how the nation’s homegrown talent has earned bigscreen success.

See the Australian War Memorial

1. Keep an eye out for the new temporary visitor’s entrance at the Australian War Memorial 2. Visitors can get up close with likenesses of celebs like Eric Bana at the NFSA’s Australians & Hollywood Exhibition 3. Poppies adorn the panels of the Australian War Memorial’s Roll of Honour

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One of Canberra’s most important sites to visit is the grand Australian War Memorial – the country’s national memorial to members of its armed forces and supporting organisations who have died or participated in wars involving the Commonwealth of Australia (awm.gov.au). Club members can learn more about Australia’s involvement in war, from the time of the first settlement at Sydney Cove in the 18th century to peacekeeping roles under United Nations auspices. Tour Officers should be advised that at the time of writing the Australian War Memorial is expanding its galleries as part of a major development project. The Memorial will continue to welcome visitors and remain open during this period. Throughout the development, key areas of the memorial will still be accessible, including the Second World War Galleries and the commemorative area featuring the Roll of Honour, Pool of Reflection, Eternal Flame, Hall of Memory, and Tomb of the Unknown Australian Soldier.

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Entry to the Memorial is free but all visitors need to book a ticket. It’s highly recommended to pre-book tickets online to avoid disappointment. The Memorial also has a new temporary entrance, which will operate for the next three years, located on the eastern side of the main building opposite Poppy’s Cafe. Free visitor parking is available in the P1 visitor carpark, located underneath Poppy’s Cafe. For more info about the development project head to awm.gov.au/ourcontinuingstory. ■

AT A GLANCE Accor Canberra Travel Packages (incl. NFSA) 1300 656 565 all.accor.com/nfsa

National Film and Sound Archive of Australia 02 6248 2000 nfsa.gov.au Australian War Memorial 02 6243 4211 awm.gov.au

NATIONAL FILM AND SOUND ARCHIVE OF AUSTRALIA PRESENTS

A tale of craft, talent, and ambition ON NOW UNTIL 17 JUL, CANBERRA GROUP BOOKING DISCOUNT $11 PER PERSON FOR GROUPS OF 10+ EXHIBITION TICKETS: NFSA.GOV.AU/HOLLYWOOD EXCLUSIVE ACCOMMODATION PACKAGES: ALL.ACCOR.COM/NFSA

AUSTRALIA VICTORIA

Nourlangie Rock, Kakadu National Park

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NORTHERN TERRITORY Head to the Northern Territory for the ultimate Australian outback adventure. Famed for its dramatic desert landscapes, this vast federal territory – six times the size of Britain – is home to iconic national treasures like Kakadu, Uluru and Kata Tjuta. The NT is also renowned for its ancient Aboriginal culture and diverse birdlife and wildlife. As the catchphrase from a memorable NT tourism campaign in the 1990s told us: “You’ll never never know if you never never go.”

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THE TOP END There’s no experience quite like a trip to the ‘Top End’, incorporating the Darwin and East Arnhem regions, and also including Katherine (see page 97). You’ll encounter superb national parks, diverse wildlife, World War II history, ancient Aboriginal rock art and so much more.

Visit vibrant Darwin Welcome to the NT’s capital, Darwin, a multicultural coastal hub that invites your tour group to enjoy its laid-back tropical lifestyle. A former frontier post, these days Darwin is a vibrant centre with a surprising food and market scene to be found along its leafy streets. You can see the best of Darwin via the hop-on, hop-off bus stopping at the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens, Crocosaurus Cove, Aquascene Fish Feeding Sanctuary at Doctors Gully, and the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory. Darwin is also the place to begin the Ghan Expedition to Adelaide, one of the world’s most renowned rail journeys taking you through Australia’s vast interior (journeybeyondrail.com.au/the-ghan).

Explore Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks You simply can’t come this far north without venturing into timeless Kakadu National Park, a biodiverse nature reserve and cultural site of great significance. Club members can experience the breathtaking prehistoric

1. If you’re brave enough, you can get up close with a saltie at Crocosaurus Cove 2. A tour aboard the Ghan between Darwin and Adelaide is an iconic Australian experience 3. Jim Jim Falls, in Kakadu National Park is best viewed from the sky 4. Karlu Karlu (aka the Devils Marbles) translates to ‘round boulders’ in the language of the traditional owners

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landscapes of Kakadu by boat, plane, or guided fourwheel drive tour – depending on the time of year. Spot crocodiles, jabirus, sea eagles, magpie geese, whistling kites and other species as you cross the floodplains through the enchanting wilderness. At the much smaller yet equally magical Litchfield National Park, 100km south-west of Darwin, you’ll be surrounded by idyllic waterfalls, lush waterholes and fascinating wildlife on a memorable day trip. Enjoy unforgettable highlights of the Top End on one of AAT Kings’ short breaks from Darwin, including the Kakadu & Litchfield National Parks 3-day tour (aatkings.com/tours).

KATHERINE & BARKLY TABLELANDS

and Aboriginal artefacts. The museum houses the De Havilland Gipsy Moth plane used by the first ‘flying doctor’, Dr. Clyde Fenton, for his pioneering aero-medical work in the 1930s. Opening times are seasonal, so check the website (katherinemuseum.com) for updates. After a day of sightseeing, soothe your muscles in the relaxing thermal baths at Katherine Hot Springs.

Marvel at Karlu Karlu / Devils Marbles

5. Litchfield National Park possesses some of Australia’s most beautiful waterfalls, including Florence Falls

Make your way to captivating Katherine, a wonderful region that comes to life in the wet season. Further south you’ll find one of the most sparsely inhabited regions anywhere in the world, the Barkly Tablelands – a seemingly endless plain of grassland defined by rugged beauty and premier cattle stations.

Members will undoubtedly be in awe of the region’s most celebrated landmark, the Devils Marbles. Appearing to have dropped from the sky into a shallow valley, these ancient granite boulders balance precariously as if defying the laws of gravity. Known as Karlu Karlu in the language of the traditional owners, the sacred site formed over millions of years. The scattered formations continue to crack and erode from the forces of wind and rain, subtly changing their appearance as time passes. Your group can explore the Devils Marbles on a self-guided walking trail supported by informative signage.

AT A GLANCE

Discover Katherine Go ‘where the outback meets the tropics’ at the country town of Katherine. Experience the wonder of Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge, the jewel of the area, on board a peaceful cruise or from inside a clear-nosed helicopter. At the Katherine Outback Heritage Museum, originally constructed as an air terminal during World War II, you’ll discover an eclectic collection of pioneer memorabilia

The Ghan 1800 703 357 journeybeyondrail.com.au/ the-ghan

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AAT Kings 3-day Kakadu & Litchfield National Park tour 1300 300 911 aatkings.com/tours

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Katherine Outback Heritage Museum 08 8972 3945 katherinemuseum.com

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Club members can learn all about outback life on visits to the Royal Flying Doctors Service Alice Springs Base (rfdsalicesprings.com.au), the Alice Springs Reptile Centre (reptilecentre.com.au) and the world’s largest classroom – the Alice Springs School of the Air (assoa.nt.edu.au).

THE RED CENTRE Travel deep into Australia’s arid ‘Red Centre’, a vast terrain of dusty red desert, mountains and gorges where native bird and animal species thrive. As the heart and soul of the outback, Alice Springs is an immensely popular gateway for tours of this remarkable region.

Journey to remote Alice Springs Alice Springs, located halfway between Darwin and Adelaide on the Stuart Highway, was made famous by Nevil Shute’s 1950 romance novel, A Town Like Alice. But the origin of the remote town actually dates back to 1872 as a station on the Overland Telegraph Line linking Darwin and Adelaide. This history is well preserved in the vintage buildings and equipment at the Alice Springs Telegraph Station Historical Reserve – site of the first European settlement in Alice Springs (alicespringstelegraphstation.com.au). While the town itself is tiny, Alice Springs offers visitors the chance to enjoy scenic walking trails, beautiful gardens, historic buildings and Aboriginal art galleries. Plus,

1. A camel train makes its way past Uluru on a clear outback evening 2. The distinctive layout of Alice Springs framed by the MacDonnell Ranges and desert landscape 3. Alice Springs’ Royal Flying Doctor Service Museum is housed in the original Radio Station House 4. Hikers trekking through Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

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Drive through the West MacDonnell Ranges It’s well worth driving through the majestic West MacDonnell Ranges (Tjoritja) – snaking almost 200km west of Alice Springs – for some truly spectacular scenery including magnificent waterholes and hidden gorges and chasms. Stop to enjoy natural attractions like Simpsons Gap, Glen Helen Gorge, the narrow Serpentine Gorge, and Ochre Pits – a sacred Aboriginal site of colourful rock layers mined for art and body paint. Continue to Watarrka National Park for a picnic and sunset viewing at Kings Canyon, forged through layers of sandstone and hard shale to create plateaued cliffs rising 270 metres above sea level.

See Uluru & Kata Tjuta A five-hour drive south-west of Alice Springs will take you to the iconic sandstone monolith known as Uluru. Thought to have started forming around 550 million

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years ago, Uluru is sacred to Indigenous Australians and admired by everyone who visits the world-famous landmark. Your group can experience the legendary rock at sunrise on a camel tour or at sunset with an outback barbecue dinner under the stars. Only 50km west you’ll find another geological wonder, Kata Tjuta (aka The Olgas) – impressively large, domed rock formations that will have photographers in their element. Visit at sunset to watch them glow and change colour with the surrounding desert landscape. All About Travel offers fantastic NT tours taking your Club to the highlights of Alice Springs, Uluru and plenty more (allabouttravel.travel). ■

AT A GLANCE Alice Springs Telegraph Station 08 8592 3993 alicespringstelegraph station.com.au Royal Flying Doctors Service Alice Springs 08 8958 8411 rfdsalicesprings.com.au

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Alice Springs Reptile Centre 08 8952 8900 reptilecentre.com.au Alice Springs School of the Air 08 8951 6800 assoa.nt.edu.au

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All About Travel 1300 484 510 allabouttravel.travel

COLLETTE PROMOTION

Q+A

DAN SULLIVAN, COLLETTE CEO

In preparation for your next big overseas adventure, Dan Sullivan joins us to discuss international travel and how it has changed.

G’day Dan – tell us, how did your passion for travel begin, and how has it shaped your family business? Jack Collette started Collette Tours in Rhode Island in 1918 with a bus of travellers that left Boston headed for Florida. That three-week adventure cost just $68.50. In 1962, Jack Collette (who didn’t have any children) sold the company to my father, Dan Sullivan Sr. I joined the company in 1973, and in 1990 I took on a leadership role. I guess you can say that I caught the travel bug from my father – and now almost 50 years later, it brings me great joy to make decisions alongside other members of the family who have joined the business. My father saw something in this industry that few others could understand at the time. He would be proud to see all that we have built.

this especially over the past two years. We have operated several hundred tours in this time and, while we missed our Australian guests, we have been very active in managing various rule changes throughout the world so our guests have an excellent experience.

We’re very excited about the return of international travel. How has travel changed in a post-COVID world, and what advice can you give Probians considering travelling abroad for the first time in over two years? Of course we have had a long period of time with travel being severely restricted and rapid changes to rules. Accredited travel advisors/agents are the way to book in today’s environment – not only are they members of every local community, but they also have the knowledge and expertise that ultimately will provide peace of mind before you travel. And when you arrive, one of the great benefits of guided travel is having the tour manager by your side, to help navigate the unknown and maximise enjoyment of those places we have waited so long to see.

We’ll put you on the spot here: what’s your favourite travel destination? One of the greatest places I’ve had the opportunity to travel in recent years has been Japan, where I helped with designing the popular Cultural Treasures of Japan tour. The Cultural Treasures tour has been popular with Australians. The tour takes in some of the classic highlights – Tokyo, Mount Fuji. Also, Japan Past & Present is a small group tour that uses the Shinkansen (bullet train) to travel between Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka. The inclusions on this tour are impressive, such as staying with Buddhist monks at a monastery on Mount Koya.

Some of us are still quite worried about the uncertainty that surrounds international travel. What is Collette’s refund policy?

What are the benefits of group travel? Of course, the tour manager leads the way; they are on hand to provide expert practical advice and commentary on the sights and experiences. Many long-lasting friendships are formed, often with people who ordinarily reside across the world. Perhaps most important today is that there is the convenience of all the components of an outstanding journey being looked after by one organisation, which makes things straightforward for the traveller. We found

Dan presents a $20,000 cheque to Kangaroo Island Native Plant Nursey to aid regeneration after the 2019-20 bushfires

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Australian guests have the cancellation waiver included with their tour, so guests can cancel for any reason and get their money back (less the deposit) – all the way up to 24 hours before the tour departs. It’s also possible to change the tour date or destination for free, up to 45 days prior to departure. We’ve offered this plan for decades to give our travellers assurance every step of the way – with no blackout windows or hidden restrictions. This meant that globally we refunded the equivalent of over AU$220million due to COVID-19. My view is that until Collette provide you with your tour, your money is protected.

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NEW ZEALAND & THE REST OF THE WORLD Whether you’re a New Zealand Probus Club hunting for a travel experience at home or an Australian Probus Club ducking across the pond, NZ’s rich palette of possibilities makes it one of the most wondrous countries on earth. On the following pages, we’ve chosen just a small selection to get the juices flowing. Or, for Tour Officers from either country looking to plan for an international travel adventure, you’ll also find ideas for the Pacific Islands, Asia, Europe, the USA and Canada. Let the adventure begin...

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124 EUROPE

104 Waitangi Treaty Grounds 104 Rotorua 105 Waitomo Caves 106 Wellington 106 South Island – East Coast 107 South Island – West Coast 108 Milford Sound & Doubtful Sound 108 Fiji 109 Cook Islands 110 Tahiti

126 A trip through Italy 126 The landmarks of London 126 Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo 127 Sail the Danube 128 See the Northern Lights 128 Travel around Poland 128 The city of Athens 130 Explore the Alps 130 Walk the Camino de Santiago 131 Keukenhof Flower Festival

132 USA & CANADA 116 ASIA

134 New York City 134 New Orleans, Memphis & Nashville 135 A lbuquerque International Balloon Fiesta 136 Eastern Canada 136 Canaadian Rockies

118 Tokyo, Japan 118 Kyoto, Japan 118 Cherry Blossom Festival, Japan 120 Bohol, Philippines 120 Borneo, Indonesia 121 The Mekong River 122 Singapore

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Milford Sound in New Zealand’s south

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New Zealand & The Pacific Islands Delve into enchanting New Zealand and the ethereal Pacific Islands, scattered far and wide across the Pacific Ocean and adjacent seas, yet bound by a common sense of joie de vivre. Time will stand still as you explore this region of sublime beauty, friendly people and a carefree attitude to life. The list of worthwhile sites and activities is endless, but over the following pages we’ve chosen just a few of our favourites.

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Continue your journey of discovery by taking the passenger ferry from the nearby town of Paihia to Russell, New Zealand’s first permanent European settlement and seaport. Russell’s historic buildings, craft shops, cafes and restaurants make it well worth a visit. Visit waitangi.org.nz for more information.

NEW ZEALAND Learn about NZ’s past at Waitangi Treaty Grounds Discover Aotearoa New Zealand’s fascinating past and the momentous events that shaped the nation. Waitangi (Māori language for ‘weeping waters’), located in the beautiful Bay of Islands on New Zealand’s North Island, is home to Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the most important historic site in the country. Set amid 16 hectares of native bush, it’s here that the Treaty of Waitangi (Te Tiriti o Waitangi), New Zealand’s founding document, was finalised and read to the chiefs on 5 February 1840. Often called the ‘Birthplace of the Nation’, Waitangi weaves together the strands and stories of many people, events and places to reveal the rich cultural history of Aotearoa New Zealand. In Te Kōngahu Museum of Waitangi and Te Rau Aroha Museum, visitors can explore the story of the Treaty and the 1835 Declaration of Independence presented to the northern chiefs. See Ngātokimatawhaorua, the great Māori canoe or waka , typical of the uniquely constructed canoes that were carved with symbols of iwi (‘tribe’) identity and spirituality. Built to mark the centenary of the signing of the Treaty, Ngātokimatawhaorua is launched each February as part of Waitangi Day commemorations.

Experience the geothermal wonders of Rotorua

1. A Māori welcome on the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, New Zealand’s most important historical site 2. Rotorua is famed for its bubbling hot pools, shooting geysers and natural hot springs 3. Arachnocampa luminosa, more commonly known as glow worms, light up the Waitomo Caves

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Rotorua, a city in the Bay of Plenty region of New Zealand’s North Island, sits on the southern shores of Lake Rotorua. There is something for everyone in this tourist hotspot. Adventurous members of the group might explore the crystal-clear lakes and forests, but it’s the geothermal wonderland that brings many to Rotorua. Sitting within the Pacific Rim of Fire, Rotorua’s bubbling mud pools, shooting geysers and natural hot springs provide a uniquely thrilling yet rejuvenating experience. Watch the impressive Pohutu Geyser (Pohutu means ‘big splash’) at Te Puia, the star of the Whakarewarewa Valley, erupting up to 20 times a day to heights of 30 metres. The Hell’s Gate geothermal reserve is the most active thermal park in Rotorua and the only one in New Zealand to feature a mud volcano. With its natural hot springs, sulphur rocks, mud pools and lunar-like landscape it’s bound to take your Club members into another world.

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Immerse yourselves in the silky, warm geothermal mud and sulphurous waters, used for healing and wellbeing by the Māori people for more than 700 years. After all your sightseeing, soak in a steaming mineral pool while enjoying spectacular views across the lake and end your day in one of the city’s fine eateries. Finally, don’t miss out on a visit to the Buried Village of Te Wairoa, New Zealand’s most visited archaeological site. Here you can discover the story of the 1886 Mount Tarawera eruption that obliterated the village and left it as a modern-day ghost town. Visit rotoruanz.com for more information.

Admire glow worms in Waitomo Caves Rising from the sea some 30 million years ago, the ever-evolving Waitomo Caves – a 300-odd cave complex in the northern King Country region – is a must-see attraction on New Zealand’s North Island. The highlight of the tour will undoubtedly be the magical Waitomo Glowworm Caves, the most famous of the system. The upper cave is dry and decorated with stunning, delicate rock formations. Your group will make its way through the dark, soaring limestone caverns to the tallest chamber, known as the cathedral. Prepare to be spellbound by a series of grottos lit by thousands of native glow worms, the Arachnocampa luminosa , a species found exclusively in New Zealand. On a guided boat tour, you will glide silently (glow worms don’t like noise!) through the caves, as these captivating creatures radiate their luminescence. It’s truly Mother Nature’s light show. Your guide, potentially a direct descendant of the Māori chief who originally explored the site, will bring the caves to life through storytelling, history and legend. Visit waitomo.com for more information.

AT A GLANCE Waitangi Treaty Grounds → Te Kōngahu Museum of Waitangi → Te Rau Aroha Museum → Ngātokimatawhaorua +64 9 402 7437 waitangi.org.nz

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Rotorua → Pohutu Geyser at Te Puia → Hell’s Gate Geothermal Reserve → Buried Village of Te Wairoa rotoruanz.com

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Waitomo Caves → Waitomo Glowworm Caves waitomo.com

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Visit wonderful Wellington Wellington may be known as New Zealand’s windy city, but don’t let that deter you from visiting the country’s vibrant cultural capital. There’s no better place to start than the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, located right on the waterfront. As its name suggests, this unique interactive museum is a ‘container of treasures’. Begin with the Mana Whenua exhibition to explore the story of New Zealand’s indigenous people, but don’t miss the museum’s superb art collection. Enjoy a coffee in one of the waterside cafes or hop over to Hannahs Laneway to experience the city’s eclectic food scene. To appreciate the stunning natural beauty of Wellington, drive or take a walking trail to the top of Mount Victoria. Rising 196 metres above the city, the lookout offers stunning panoramic views of the hills, harbour and city below. Alternatively, take the Wellington Cable Car to Kelburn for more great views, as well as access to the Wellington Botanic Garden. Elsewhere, the dynamic Cuba Street and Cuba precinct has scores of cafes, art and music stores to explore. Just 10 minutes’ drive from the city you’ll find Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne, the world’s first fully fenced ecosanctuary and home to New Zealand’s extraordinary wildlife. As dusk falls you will hear the chorus of native New Zealand birds such as the ruru with its haunting call, or spot New Zealand’s iconic kiwi, which is most active at night.

Grand Pacific Tours’ 9 Day Classic North Island Tour takes you from Auckland to Wellington via Rotorua with visits to top attractions along the way (gptnz.com). Visit wellingtonnz.com for more information.

Tour NZ’s South Island – East Coast

1. Ride the Wellington Cable Car past the hillside houses of Kelburn 2. Kaikōura is renowned for its amazing marine life and whale watching 3. Dunedin’s Larnach Castle and Gardens are well worth a visit while you’re in Otago 4. Shantytown Heritage Park is a faithfully re-created 1900s pioneer town in Greymouth

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While it doesn’t always receive the accolades bestowed upon the West Coast, the East Coast of the South Island is worthy of any NZ travel itinerary. The coastal town of Kaikōura is a world-class base for whale watching and marine life tours. It’s also home to the cottage of Fyffe House, the last remnant of a pioneer whaling station established in 1842. Continue the wildlife experience in Oamaru, home to two impressive penguin colonies, plus the country’s oldest public gardens and a historic Victorian precinct housing Steampunk HQ – a quirky collaboration of art, sound and light portraying an industrial version of ‘steampunk’, taking inspiration from 19th-century science fiction, fantasy and technology. At the head of Otago Harbour on the south-east coast, delightful Dunedin is renowned for both its Scottish and Māori heritage, interspersed with gothic-style Victorian and Edwardian architecture. The city’s enduring Scottish connection is visible in the buildings, shops and even the street signs. Visit Larnach Castle, a lovingly restored mock castle with award-winning gardens. Then drive to the adjoining Otago Peninsula, where Club members can look for colonies of rare yellow-eyed penguins. Visit newzealand.com/south-island for more info.

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Tour NZ’s South Island – West Coast The West Coast of the South Island is positively flooded with must-see destinations. Having travelled south from Nelson or west from Christchurch across spectacular Arthur’s Pass, immerse yourselves in the small coastal community of Punakaiki, on the edge of the Paparoa National Park. Here you’ll be a short walk to Punakaiki Cavern, a lovely limestone cave open to the public, and the popular Pancake Rocks – unique, weathered rock formations and vertical blowholes located at Dolomite Point south of the main village. A 40-minute drive south will get you to Greymouth, renowned for a rich mining and jade-hunting history depicted in exhibits at the History House Museum. Nearby you’ll find the Shantytown Heritage Park, a recreated gold rush town featuring a steam train. Next up is Hokitika, nestled around the mouth of the river of the same name. Drive inland to discover Hokitika Gorge, a breathtaking scenic gorge with aqua blue water running through the pristine podocarp forest. You can admire the gorge from two suspension bridges. At night, drive to Hokitika’s Glow Worm Dell to view the striking glow worm colonies for free. Continuing south to Franz Josef, you’ll see glorious glaciers and the delightful Lake Matheson. Aoraki / Mount Cook, the highest mountain in the country, looms large over the region. Finally, look out the window at waterfalls along the Haast Pass and visit the Haast Blue

Pools before arriving in tourism hotspot Queenstown and the historic Chinese settlement of Arrowtown; and, if you have the time, continue on to the town of Wanaka, known for its stunning lake framed by the craggy peaks of the Southern Alps. Visit newzealand.com/south-island for more info.

AT A GLANCE Grand Pacific Tours New Zealand 1800 622 768 gptnz.com Wellington → Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa → Hannahs Laneway → Mount Victoria → Wellington Cable Car → Wellington Botanic Garden → Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne wellingtonnz.com

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South Island → Kaikōura Whale Watching → Fyffe House , Kaikōura → Oamaru Penguin Colonies → Larnach Castle, Dunedin → Punakaiki Cavern → Pancake Rocks, Punakaiki → History House Museum, Greymouth → Shantytown Heritage Park, Greymouth → Hokitika Gorge

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→ Hokitika Glow-Worm Dell → Punakaiki Cavern → Lake Matheson → Haast Blue Pools → Queenstown → Arrowtown → Wanaka newzealand.com/ south-island

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Cruise Milford Sound & Doubtful Sound, NZ Fiordland National Park is New Zealand’s largest national park, spanning almost 13,000 square kilometres in the south-west corner of the South Island. This extraordinary World Heritage listed area is home to two spectacular fiords, Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound. Nothing compares to a cruise on these deep, unspoilt waterways with their backdrop of glacier-carved valleys, forest-clad mountains and raging waterfalls. Your members can opt for a day-trip or overnight cruise to experience the fiords at their most peaceful. Even the 125-kilometre winding road from Te Anau to Milford, where you will join your cruise, provides one of the most scenic drives anywhere in the world. The Milford Discovery Centre and Underwater Observatory at Harrison Cove takes you close to elevenarmed sea stars and native living black coral, which is actually a kaleidoscope of colours including greens, yellows, orange and white. The more remote Doubtful Sound is only accessible by taking a boat across Lake Manapouri, followed by a coach tour over Wilmot Pass to board your ship. The deeper and longer of the two fiords, Doubtful Sound is renowned for its flora and fauna including the Fiordland crested penguin. Some say you haven’t experienced Fiordland until you’ve seen it in the rain, with the steep mountains and cliffs creating hundreds of cascading waterfalls and the low-lying mist providing a truly unforgettable experience.

For an all-encompassing trip, on Grand Pacific Tours’ 10 Day Classic South Island tour your Club can experience many highlights of the majestic South Island, including a Milford Sound cruise (gptnz.com). Visit fiordland.org.nz for more information.

PACIFIC ISLANDS Discover fabulous Fiji 1. Travellers enjoy the sights of Milford Sound from the water 2. Aitutaki Island is a 50-minute flight north of Rarotonga, the Cook Islands’ main island 3. Traditional bures remain the housing of choice in Fiji’s Navala village 4. A Cook Islands man plays a wooden log pate drum on Rarotonga

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Wave goodbye to all your worries, it’s time to say ‘Bula!’ to Fiji! This archipelago of more than 300 islands offers a true tropical oasis for tour groups seeking that happy-golucky island experience. Even before your plane touches down you’ll be mesmerised by Fiji’s rugged landscapes, coral reefs and palm-lined beaches. Once you get the chance to explore the islands up close, you’ll quickly discover a haven of clear lagoons, dreamy waterfalls and of course, the friendly spirit for which Fiji is renowned. Beyond the obvious natural attractions there’s plenty to see and do, especially on the two major islands of Viti Levu and Vanua Levu where most of the local population resides. The former is home to Fiji’s capital, Suva, a lively port city with broad avenues and grand British colonial architecture like the Suva City Carnegie Library. Take a leisurely walk around the vibrant Municipal Market selling fresh fruit and vegetables. Visit the Victorian-era

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Thurston Gardens, housing the historic Fiji Museum and its archaeological findings dating back 3,500 years. Needless to say, the resort accommodation in Fiji is world-class. When you’re not taking it easy, you’ll have endless activities to choose from including a trip to the Arts Village in Pacific Harbour (artsvillage.com.fj) or a battery-assisted, pedal-propelled ‘velocipede’ eco adventure along an abandoned sugar cane railway with Ecotrax (ecotrax.com.fj). Or, to really get off the beaten track, visit Navala, a beautiful village in Fiji’s north, where the locals still live in traditional ‘bures’ – thatched huts supported by centre poles. Visit fiji.travel for more information.

the north, the island of Aitutaki is best known for its vast, turquoise lagoon teeming with marine life like rays and turtles. Coral reefs and sandy islets encircle this marvellous island, while boats run to smaller uninhabited islands such as tiny Tapuaetai (‘One Foot Island’), where palms hang over the perfect white sandy beaches. And if you’re hoping to experience some Polynesian culture, take an authentic village tour or attend an ‘Island Night’ cultural show full of traditional music, dance and food. Visit cookislands.travel for more information.

AT A GLANCE

Escape to the Cook Islands A three-and-a-half-hour flight north-east of Auckland in the South Pacific lies the idyllic Cook Islands, a destination that feels almost designed for leisure and appreciation of the good life. With no hotels taller than a coconut tree, the 15 islands have held onto the natural qualities that make them so special. On the largest island, Rarotonga, your group can enjoy views of rugged mountains while exploring the national capital, Avarua, where highlights include the peak of Te Rua Manga (‘The Needle’), the Discover Marine & Wildlife Eco Centre with interactive displays on the creatures of the Cook Islands, and a world-class exhibition of the islands’ history at Te Ara Cook Islands Museum of Cultural Enterprise. To

Grand Pacific Tours New Zealand 1800 622 768 gptnz.com Fiordland National Park → Milford Sound → Doubtful Sound → Milford Discovery Centre and Underwater Observatory, Harrison Cove

Fiji → Suva City Carnegie Library → Suva Municipal Market → Thurston Gardens and Fiji Museum, Suva → Pacific Harbour Arts Village → Ecotrax Fiji → Navala Village fiji.travel

fiordland.org.nz

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Cook Islands → Te Rua Manga (The Needle), Avarua → Discover Marine and Wildlife Eco Centre, Avarua → Te Ara Cook Islands Museum of Cultural Enterprise, Avarua → Aitutaki island → Tapuaetai (One Foot Island) cookislands.travel

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Travel to tantalising Tahiti Tahiti, the highest and largest island in French Polynesia, is a mythical destination you have to see to believe. As tropical as it is secluded, this paradise in the Pacific is home to two extinct volcanoes, black-sand beaches, and many lagoons and waterfalls that will invite your Club members to well and truly unwind. In addition to gorgeous flora and fauna throughout, Tahiti is home to interesting archaeological sites; monuments to Captain Bligh and Captain Cook, who explored the island over 250 years ago; and a lighthouse designed by the father of Robert Louis Stevenson, the Scottish novelist who wrote Treasure Island, at Point Venus. A trip to Tahiti also places you at the doorstep of the splendid Society Islands. From the main island you can easily take a boat to Tahiti’s enchanting sister island, Mo’orea, where a guided four-wheel drive tour takes your group through lush vegetation to highlights like Afareaitu Waterfalls, Magic Mountain Overlook, and picturesque pineapple farms. You’re also not far from Teti’aroa – once the preferred vacation spot for Tahitian royalty, the atoll is owned by Marlon Brando, who bought it for preservation purposes in 1967. The islet houses a private resort often frequented by international celebrities. Or travel to Bora Bora north-west of the island, where Mount Otamenu and Mount Pahia watch over majestically. Visit tahititourisme.com.au for more information. ■

1. Mount Otamenu is the highest point on the island of Bora Bora 2. The iconic overwater bungalows of Mo’orea, a French Polynesian island with a host of natural wonders to discover

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AT A GLANCE Tahiti → Point Venus Lighthouse → Afareaitu Waterfalls → Magic Mountain Overlook

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→ Teti’aroa atoll → Mount Otamenu → Mount Pahia tahititourisme.com.au

New Zealand Coach Holidays

GPTNZ PROMOTION

Explore New Zealand on a coach holiday

G There’s just something magical about New Zealand. Beautiful at all times of the year and best described as a world in miniature. Explore the stunning scenery, fascinating history, mouth-watering food, beaches, mountains and unique culture on a coach holiday to remember.

Clockwise from top left: Māori concert in Rotorua; Auckland Sky Tower; Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise.

rand Pacific Tours (GPT), the New Zealand Coach Holiday Specialist, provide a comprehensive range of value for money holidays offering a highly professional and personalised service to thousands of Probians every year. A coach tour allows you to sit back and relax in armchair comfort enjoying all the iconic attractions without the hassle of overlooking hidden locations or taking a wrong turn. Feel secure in the hands of our professional crew who will welcome you as whãnau (family) and pass on their knowledge and stories while having many laughs along the way. GPT offers 4 Styles of Touring and 3 Ways to Travel New Zealand, utilising full size coaches with capacities of 20, 32 and 48 seats

including Ultimate Small Group Touring (20 seat Business Class), Signature Mid-Size Group Touring (32 seat Premium Economy), Classic Escorted Group Touring (48 seat Classic) and Special Interest Group Touring. All tours include airfares and taxes, return airport transfers in New Zealand, coach travel, accommodation, most meals, sightseeing and attractions; meaning you do not have to worry about any hidden extras. A coach holiday offers travellers peace of mind with everything being taken care of. Enjoy the camaraderie and make new friends with like-minded travellers as you explore the wonder that is New Zealand. We take care of it all leaving you to get on with creating incredible holiday memories!

GPTNZ PROMOTION

New Zealand Coach Holidays

Maximum 20 Travellers

Business Class on Wheels

rand Pacific Tours has taken small group touring to new heights by offering innovative Ultimate Small Group Tours, not offered by any other operator in New Zealand at this premium level. The VIP experience, known as “Business Class on Wheels” caters for a maximum of only 20 travellers on a purposebuilt full-size coach, enjoying premium 4.5 Star accommodation, personal service, and value-added experiences, as well as priority access to attractions and a deluxe travel set. Travellers should prepare themselves to enjoy the luxury of these state-of-the-art vehicles. The Ultimate experience is best summed up by a past traveller who declared

“I will find it difficult to travel on a standard coach ever again.” Luxury features on board the Ultimate Coach include 20 luxury leather, reclining seats with adjustable headrest and calf support, wood grain timber tray tables with a built-in cup holder, seat side personal storage, personal audio unit, individual USB charging port, stylish centre galley and daily on-board Wi-Fi allowance. All travellers have a window seat from where they can sit back and enjoy panoramic views as you explore this breathtaking and diverse country with a daily seat rotation. The Ultimate Coach Captains are the best in the business and have been handpicked for their professionalism and attention to detail. They are there from start to

finish, attending to travellers’ needs and ensuring a personal touring experience. Stay in a collection of hotels synonymous with style. The perfect mix of included group meals featuring local cuisine and free evenings to dine at leisure. Relive the day’s highlights with your newfound friends indulging in the daily ‘Hotel Wine Time’ (discounted drinks). As VIP travellers enjoy a welcome drink on the first night of the tour and an intimate farewell dinner with beverages on the last night of the tour. There are ten Ultimate itineraries ranging from 9 - 19 days. Fall in love with New Zealand as you explore the iconic attractions and unique hidden gems at the perfect pace on a luxury small group tour to remember.

“I will find it difficult to travel on a standard coach ever again”

New Zealand Coach Holidays

GPTNZ PROMOTION

A new innovation to the GPT range is Signature Mid-Size Group Touring. Travellers will experience the beauty of New Zealand in the Premium Economy Comfort of a full-size coach, touring with a mid-size group of up to 32 travellers, fully escorted.

MAXIMUM 32 TRAVELLERS

Premium Economy Comfort

ach Signature coach is beautifully crafted offering an array of onboard features including 32 Premium Economy Comfort seats, 2 door access, seat back tray table, cup holder, restroom, daily onboard Wi-Fi allowance plus more!

The configuration of the coach seating is two seats on the left side of the aisle and an individual seat on the right side, all with panoramic viewing. All travellers will rotate and enjoy the variety of armchair comfort in the dual seats as well as the spacious individual window seat. The 4 Star hotels used are stylish, centrally located and offer deluxe service with a large range of facilities available. Handpicked for their expert knowledge and extensive driving experience, your Coach Captain will be on hand to assist you with every

aspect of the tour. An experienced Tour Leader will also accompany you, making you feel welcome and relaxed and ensuring you enjoy a memorable Kiwi experience. A new itinerary featured in the Signature range is the 11 Day Signature Top of the South Island. The circular touring route from Christchurch will visit several iconic regions in the top part of New Zealand’s South Island - each offering something different, and not offered by any other tour company. The itinerary extensively explores the best of the West Coast, Nelson, Marlborough, Kaikõura and Canterbury and responds to travellers who enjoy the outdoors, love food and wine and want a more active experience of New Zealand’s amazing environment. While there is nothing too strenuous, a big point of difference is the included outdoor activities, such as four short scenic walks and opportunities for wildlife encounters. There are nine Signature itineraries to choose from, ranging from 9 - 19 days. Each will take you on an unforgettable journey throughout New Zealand, where each day is a new discovery!

GPTNZ PROMOTION

New Zealand Coach Holidays

A Classic experience 48 SEAT COACH. 2 + 2 SEATING Travel on a 48 seat coach with a professional Coach Captain and Tour Leader. Daily seat rotation offers you breathtaking views from every seat.

rand Pacific Tours’ popular Classic Escorted Group Tours keep travellers coming back for more. You will enjoy some of the most iconic attractions and stunning landscapes that New Zealand has to offer. There are 4 itineraries available in the Classic Group Touring range all staying at 4 Star, handpicked accommodation. Hotels selected are close to town centres or occupy premium positions and offer highquality service and facilities. Our most popular itinerary, the 19 Day Classic Rail, Cruise and Coach provides an experience like no other. Enjoy the romance of rail travel, the majesty of cruising and the luxury of coach travel. You will visit the “best of” attractions with highlights including 3 scenic rail journeys onboard the Glenbrook Vintage Rail, Coastal Pacific, and the world-renowned TranzAlpine plus relax on 4 scenic cruises including an overnight cruise on the beautiful Milford Sound. The tour includes

From the time you arrive in New Zealand a friendly smile awaits, your professional Coach Captain and Tour Leader will share their expert knowledge of New Zealand, ensuring you learn as you sit back and relax while everything is taken care of. Clockwise from top left: World-renowned TranzAlpine Rail Journey; cruise on the TSS Earnslaw; experience the breathtaking scenery on the Classic Coach.

multiple two-night stays in popular regions, so you have time to relax and enjoy the sights. “I would definitely recommend this trip to all my family and friends. The scenery, experiences and overall inclusions of the tour were great. Accommodation was also excellent. Could not have seen all that if we had done a self-drive holiday,” said past traveller J.B. from NSW. For the budget conscious traveller there are 4 itineraries available in the Classic Affordable Group Touring range all staying in 3.5 Star accommodation. Hotels selected offer clean and comfortable surrounds, excellent restaurant facilities and genuine Kiwi hospitality. These tours offer fantastic value for money and will appeal to the budget conscious traveller. We invite all Probians to travel with Grand Pacific Tours on a Classic Escorted Group Tour. Share your holiday experiences with like-minded travellers and make a network of wonderful new friends.

EXCLUSIVE OFFERS FOR ALL PROBIANS INDIVIDUAL DEPARTURES

SAVE

GROUP DEPARTURES

SAVE

UP TO

750

1000

PER COUPLE ON ONE OF OUR 250+ GUARANTEED DEPARTURES*

UP TO

PER COUPLE ON ALL GROUPS OF 10 OR MORE FROM YOUR CLUB**

New Zealand Coach Holidays 3 Ways to Travel. 4 Styles of Touring. 30 Itineraries. 250+ Departures Ultimate Small Group Touring

Signature Mid-Size Group Touring

Classic Escorted Group Touring

Special Interest Group Touring

Business Class on Wheels Small Group Travel 4.5 Star Accommodation

Premium Economy Comfort Fully Escorted 4 Star Accommodation

Fully Escorted Most Popular 3.5 - 4 Star Accommodation

Innovative Holidays Like-Minded Travellers Unique Experiences

Maximum 20 Travellers. Itineraries are tailored to provide a Business Class level of comfort, service and quality without compromise. Enjoy extensive onboard features and VIP Extras.

Experience the beautiful scenery of New Zealand in the Premium Economy Comfort of a full-size coach, touring with a mid-size group of up to 32 travellers, fully escorted.

On the Classic Escorted Group Tours, travel is on a 48 seat coach with a professional Coach Captain and Tour Leader. There are multiple travel options to suit all budgets and interests.

Whether you’re travelling solo; enjoy the thrill of aviation; a keen gardener; want a festive getaway; or a tour that complements an existing passion or inspires a new one, we’ve got it covered!

Itineraries range from 9 - 19 days

Itineraries range from 8 - 19 days

Itineraries range from 11 - 17 days

NEW STYLE

Conditions apply. *Travel on selected departures in September, April and May and save up to $750 per couple ($275 - $375 per person) depending on the itinerary. All other departures will save $350 per couple ($175 per person) off the brochure price. **For a group of 10 or more people, travel on selected departures in September, April and May and save up to $1000 per couple ($400-$500 per person) depending on the itinerary. All other departures will save $600 per couple ($300 per person) off the brochure price. Special Offer valid on new bookings only until 30 Sep 2022 for travel to 31 May 2023. Not to be used in conjunction with any other special offer; can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Refer to the COVID-19 Disclaimer in our Booking Conditions regarding post COVID-19 travel at www.gptnz.com.

NEW ZEALAND

1800 622 768

SPECIALIST

NZ Coach Holidays eBrochure Out Now!

COACH HOLIDAY

gptnz.com

AUSTRALIA VICTORIA

Mount Fuji and Chureito Pagoda, Japan

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Asia Historic highlights, contemporary attractions and cultural diversity at every turn – welcome to amazing Asia, where you won’t leave disappointed. From picturesque rice fields and rivers to unique wildlife and stunning city skylines, there’s a travel experience for everyone in this fascinating part of the world.

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JAPAN Travel to diverse and enthralling Japan, where you can experience rustic villages, majestic castles, serene temples and spectacular landscapes while dining on traditional cuisine like sushi, ramen and yakitori as you go. Take in the magic of Japan’s most famous destinations, from the excitement and energy of Tokyo and Osaka to the tranquility of bucolic villages and the traditional capital, Kyoto. To make the most of your trip, join Janesco Travel – which specialises in creating tours for special interest groups and Clubs such as Probus – on a fully escorted journey through this remarkable land. Janesco is led by Satoko Franks, a Kyoto native and Australian resident, who is passionate about showing the real Japan to Australian travellers. Options range from as short as 10 days to as long as 22 days for their “Japan All Over Tour” (janescotravel.com/japan-all-over-tour-2022).

Explore extraordinary Tokyo The excitement begins the moment you arrive in Japan’s exuberant capital, Tokyo. Members will revel in a multiday tour of this vibrant city that began as a tiny fishing village. No other destination in Japan can rival Tokyo for its contrast between historical samurai culture and impressive modern architecture and technology. Start with a Japanese beer, sake or cocktail overlooking the Imperial Palace at sunset. Get incredible views of the city from an observation deck at Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. Buy a kimono or simply soak up the atmosphere of renowned shopping and entertainment districts like Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ginza and Harajuku. Visit some of Tokyo’s 4,000-plus temples and shrines including Sensō-ji Temple, one of its oldest and most significant, and Zōjō-ji Temple at the foot of the iconic Tokyo Tower. Tokyo is also a haven for museum lovers. Wander the excellent Tokyo National Museum and National Museum of Nature and Science. For something different, take a look around Yayoi Kusama Museum (yayoikusamamuseum.jp) – featuring the work of the celebrated Japanese contemporary artist known as the ‘Queen of Polka Dots’ – or discover the Mori Building Digital Art Museum: teamLab Borderless (borderless.teamlab.art), perhaps the most futuristic and progressive museum anywhere in the world. Day-tripping outside of Tokyo? Don’t miss your chance to take photos of the renowned peak and volcano of Mount Fuji, one of Japan’s three sacred mountains.

Discover ancient Kyoto For historic splendour and serenity it’s hard to look past Japan’s ancient capital and spiritual heart, Kyoto, renowned for its classical Buddhist temples, imperial palaces, Zen gardens and traditional wooden houses. Kyoto is home to some 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the magnificent Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji), a Zen Buddhist temple at which the top two floors are

1. Its full name is a mouthful, but teamLab Borderless (for short) museum in Tokyo is an incredible experience 2. Himeji Castle in Japan’s Hyogo Prefecture is a sight to behold during cherry blossom season 3. The impressive Tokyo Tower stands at 333 metres in height 4. Wander through the famous gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine 5. Ninenzaka is a famous cobbled pedestrian road in Higashiyama, Kyoto

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covered entirely in gold leaf, and Nijō Castle, the beautifully preserved Kyoto residence of the famous shōgun Tokugawa Ieyasu from the Edo Period (1603-1867). Other highlights of Kyoto and its outskirts include Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates standing close together, and the Sagano Bamboo Forest, situated in the gorgeous Arashiyama district, a seemingly endless grove of tall bamboo stalks swaying in the wind as the sun filters through to the pathways below. In the Higashiyama District, make sure your group visits Ninenzaka, an ancient 150-metre stone-paved pedestrian road lined with traditional buildings and shops. After a long day of sightseeing, enjoy the region’s rich and refined cuisine in the form of a Kaiseki multicourse dinner, while a geisha performs a traditional dance. And for the ultimate Kyoto experience, stay in a traditional ryokan, a type of Japanese inn typically featuring tatamimatted rooms and communal baths.

Enjoy the Cherry Blossom Festival Each year in Hanami (‘flower viewing’) season, from late March through to May as one travels further north,

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the Cherry Blossom Festival sees thousands of locals and visitors alike descend on popular viewing spots to admire the iconic sakura – Japan’s delicate pastel pink cherry blossoms. The sakura flowers hold great significance in Japanese history and culture, with the cherry blossom believed to represent the hope, beauty and fragility of life. Club members can appreciate these breathtaking flowers in bloom within many of Tokyo’s most splendid parks and landscaped gardens including Ueno Park, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, Sumida Park and Koishikawa Botanical Garden, not to mention surrounding major landmarks across the country including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Himeji Castle – a national treasure and the finest surviving example of early 17th-century Japanese castle architecture. Follow the cherry blossoms from the ancient capital Kyoto to the samurai town of Kanazawa and the thatched rural villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama on Janesco Travel’s 16-day Japan Cherry Blossom Dreams Tour, departing annually in March (janescotravel.com/japancherry-blossom-dreams-tour-2022-2).

AT A GLANCE Janesco Travel 1300 880 819 janescotravel.com Tokyo → Tokyo Imperial Palace → Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observation Deck → Sensō-ji Temple → Zōjōji Temple → Tokyo National Museum

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→ National Museum of Nature and Science → Yayoi Kusama Musem → Mori Building Digital Art Museum: teamLab Borderless → Mount Fuji Kyoto → Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji) → Nijō Temple

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→ Fushimari Inari Shrine → Sagano Bamboo Forest → Ninenzaka, Higashiyama District Cherry Blossom Festival → Ueno Park → Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden → Sumida Park → Koishikawa Botanical Garden

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might be interested in visiting the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary, a forest where you can meet the native species of tarsier, a small primate, in its natural habitat.

SOUTH EAST ASIA The 11 countries that make up South East Asia combine to offer wonderful diversity in history and culture as well as both natural and developed beauty. Whether your Club travels to one country or many, South East Asia is bound to serve up an experience your members won’t soon forget.

Take a break in Bohol, the Philippines Situated in the Central Visayas region of the Philippines and reached by ferry from Cebu, Bohol might just be the jewel of the archipelago. The star attraction of Bohol Island is the Chocolate Hills – named after the way their grass covering turns cocoa-brown in the hot dry season – an unusual geographical formation consisting of 1,200-plus symmetrical mounds spread across 50 square kilometres. Generally conical in shape, the hills stand around 30 to 50 metres high on average, with the highest peaks rising up to 120 metres. One of the hills, Sagbayan Peak, provides visitors with an unobstructed view of the vast expanse. Spend a morning or afternoon wandering through the main island’s colonial architecture, particularly in the municipality of Carmen, explore the unique caves and scenic waterfalls, or boat over to one of the smaller surrounding islands. Elsewhere on Bohol, Club members

Meet orangutans in Borneo 1. The Chocolate Hills are an iconic feature of the Philippines’ Bohol Island 2. Measuring just 4-5 inches, the tarsier is considered the world’s smallest primate 3. Orangutans, while endangered, can still be seen at national parks and wildlife reserves in Borneo 4. The Kundasang War Memorial sits at the foot of Mount Kinabalu 5. Witness the magnificent remains of the Khmer empire at Angkor Wat, Cambodia

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Head to the large, rugged island of Borneo in South East Asia’s Malay Archipelago for a glimpse of remarkable, yet sadly endangered, orangutans – great apes native to the rainforests of Indonesia and Malaysia. Take your tour group to Sarawak and Sabah, two Malaysian states on Borneo, where surviving populations of orangutan – with its distinctive red-orange hair – live within national parks and wildlife reserves. Experience the local way of life with a homestay in a unique longhouse in Sarawak, before visiting Batang Ai National Park or Bako National Park to see the orangutans, not to mention other wildlife including proboscis monkeys, crab-eating macaques and silvery langurs. In Sabah the top wildlife-spotting attractions include Kinabatangan River, Danum Valley Conservation Area, Deramakot Forest Reserve, and Tabin Wildlife Resort. The best time to visit Borneo for a wild orangutan experience is between March and October. And there’s plenty to see in Borneo beyond the incredible wildlife. Your Club will have the opportunity to gaze up in awe at imposing Mount Kinabalu, the highest peak in South East Asia and the third-highest peak of an island on

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Earth. The Kundasang War Memorial, which is dedicated to the Australian and British soldiers of the Sandakan prisoner-of-war camp in World War II, is well worth a visit to learn more about Australian history in Sabah.

Cruise the Mekong River Get ready to cruise the mighty Mekong River, for thousands of years a thriving trade route connecting six different countries – China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam – and still relied upon for many facets of everyday life by more than 60 million people. Lined by small towns, rich with diverse wildlife and abundant in various species of large fish including giant river carp and catfish, the almost 5,000km trans-boundary Mekong is one of the world’s great rivers. Travel by elegant, fully equipped boat through some of the most intriguing parts of South East Asia, stopping to appreciate important landmarks while soaking up the ancient traditions and cultures of local communities. Along the way you might learn how rice wine is made, see the National Museum and Royal Palace at Phnom Penh, stay in Siem Reap where the astonishing Temples of Angkor await, or visit bustling Ho Chi Minh City for a Vietnamese cooking class. Finally reach the Mekong Delta in southern Vietnam, where you’ll find villages and floating markets within the vast maze of rivers, swamps and islands.

6. A fisherman plies his trade on the Mekong River in Thailand 7. Learn the art of spring roll making in a Vietnamese cooking class

AT A GLANCE Bohol, Philippines → Chocolate Hills → Sagbayan Peak → Carmen municipality → Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary

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Borneo, Indonesia → Batang Ai National Park → Bako National Park → Kinabatangan River → Danum Valley Conservation Area → Deramakot Forest Reserve → Tabin Wildlife Resort → Mount Kinabalu → Kundasang War Memorial

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Mekong River → National Museum and Royal Palace, Phnom Penh → Angkor Temples, Siem Reap → Mekong Delta

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Visit scintillating Singapore Singapore is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and vibrant destinations in Asia. This thriving city-state is a melting pot of South East Asian culture, contemporary architecture and world-class tourist attractions that will keep your Club enthralled for days or even weeks. Start your tour of Singapore with a stroll along mesmerising Marina Bay, admiring the dazzling view of the city skyline with its modern green skyscrapers at night. At the National Gallery Singapore, you’ll be able to absorb the world’s largest public display of modern South East Asian art. Take the time to visit Baba House, a superbly preserved, blue three-storey Peranakan heritage home built in the 1890s. You’ll definitely want to pay a visit to the Singapore Botanic Gardens, a truly spectacular 74-hectare scenic paradise and the only tropical garden honoured as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And don’t miss the Gardens by the Bay, a 21st-century wonderland of distinctive plant displays and high-tech architectural marvels. Meanwhile, an unforgettable wildlife adventure awaits your group at Mandai Singapore Zoo, one of the world’s best tropical rainforest zoos inhabited by 2,800 animals from over 300 species including the two-toed sloth and white-faced saki monkey. On the night safari, Club members can experience an electric tram ride past many of the animals. ■

1. The Gardens by the Bay is a scenic paradise for nature and photography lovers 2. A visitor enjoys an interactive Yayoi Kusama exhibit at the National Gallery Singapore

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AT A GLANCE Singapore → Marina Bay → National Gallery Singapore → Baba House

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→ Singapore Botanic Gardens → Gardens by the Bay → Mandai Singapore Zoo

VISIT EXOTIC JAPAN WITH JANESCO TRAVEL – WE SPECIALISE EXCLUSIVELY IN TOURS TO JAPAN

Japan is back and open for travel

Fully escorted tours from $5,200 pp for a 10 day tour. We deal directly with Japan, no intermediaries, no middle man. That means cheaper, safer and more flexible tours, with our signature personable and personalised service. Led by Satoko Franks, a native of Kyoto, Japan, we have been taking tours to Japan for more than 15 years. Living in Australia for some 40 years, Satoko understands what Aussies are looking for in a tour. We know they are keen to learn when they travel, to gain insights into the people and customs of Japan and we believe that the best way to deliver this is with small fully escorted group tours. Our past Probus tours have ranged from 10 to 40 passengers.

Getting started Map out the key elements of your ideal tour What season? The pale pastel pinks of Spring, vivid orange and red Autumn colours, verdant green of the sultry Summer, vivid white snowscapes of Northern Winter. What duration tour would you like? 16 -22 days are popular. What type of tour? Cultural, art, sightseeing, culinary, craft? Or a mixture of them all? What style of accommodation? 4-5 star? Include a stay in a ryokan or country village for a real Japan experience.

Where to go in Japan? The Golden Route of the main island Honshu includes dynamic Tokyo, traditional Kyoto, historic Kanazawa, vibrant Osaka and poignant Hiroshima – but then again there are are more than one golden routes. A northern tour might include the northern island of Hokkaido, with its indigenous Ainu tribes and wilderness areas. A southern tour could include the art island of Naoshima, mountainous Shikoku, volcanic Kyushu and the tropical island of Okinawa. How to get around? Transport can be a treat in itself and include anything from Bullet Train to rickshaw.

Call us 1300 880 819, email us contact@janescotravel.com or visit our website www.janescotravel.com

旅行

AUSTRALIA VICTORIA

Amalfi Coast, Italy

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Europe Few destinations can compete with Europe for its captivating history, remarkable ancient and contemporary architecture, or diverse cultures and cuisines. Whether travelling by road, rail or riverway, you’ll soon discover why no trip through Europe is ever the same. Wherever you plan to go, the lure of Europe runs the gamut from prestigious cities and important heritage sites to natural wonders and unforgettable experiences. When Europe beckons, it’s almost impossible to deny this great land…

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Take a trip through Italy The mere mention of Italy will evoke passion in even the most seasoned traveller. The country boasts some of Europe’s most breathtaking scenery as well as unmissable historic and cultural experiences. Begin your love affair in its capital, Rome. Marvel at the Colosseum, still the world’s largest standing amphitheatre, and the Pantheon, a former temple and one of the best preserved ancient Roman buildings. Saint Peter’s Square, the starting point for a tour of Vatican City, is considered one of the most beautiful plazas in the world. From Rome your members can travel to the World Heritage listed Pompeii, not far from Naples, where a guide will invite you into 2,000 years of history in the excavated ruins of this astounding city. Continue down the stunning Sorrento Coast to the island of Capri for a panoramic boat tour along its steep cliffs. Here you’ll see the famous Faraglioni rocks. Journey through the vineyards and olive groves of Tuscany and sample its fare as you make your way to Florence, the cradle of Italy’s renaissance art and architecture. Don’t miss Michelangelo’s statue of David at the Accademia Gallery. And then there’s Venice, a sparkling jewel in Italy’s crown. With over 400 bridges traversing a network of canals, it is the country’s most walkable city. Give your feet a rest by riding an iconic gondola down the Grand Canal.

Visit the landmarks of London Welcome to London, one of the world’s most exciting cities! From bustling streets to world-class theatres, gardens, museums and galleries, you will be spoilt for choice.

1. The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo takes place in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle 2. A gondola ride through Venice, the City of Canals, is a highlight of Italy 3. Famous London red double-decker buses in London whizz by famous Big Ben and Westminster Abbey 4. The impressive Hungarian Parliament presides over the Danube in Budapest

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Why not begin with an iconic red double-decker bus? See some of London’s most famous landmarks, such as Trafalgar Square, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace and Kensington Palace, once home to Queen Victoria and Princess Diana. Or go higher with a ride on Europe’s tallest Ferris wheel, The London Eye, for a panoramic view of the city as you soar 135 metres above the River Thames. For a different perspective, cruise the Thames on a sightseeing tour. No visit is complete without trying a local curry or sipping an ale at a classic London pub. If stomachs are grumbling, jump on the ‘Tube’ (the famous Underground) like a true Londoner and head to Borough Market, one of the city’s oldest and largest food markets. If high-end shopping is more to your taste, take the Tube to Knightsbridge, and check out London’s most iconic store, Harrods. In the heart of London’s West End is the city’s lively theatre scene, with approximately 40 venues hosting new shows and longrunning favourites like The Lion King or Les Misérables.

Watch the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo (edintattoo.co.uk) is not only a highlight of the annual Edinburgh Festival, but also the world’s most popular military celebration, attracting visitors from around the globe to a week-long cultural and musical event in the heart of Scotland’s historic capital. Led by British, Commonwealth and International military bands, the tattoo takes place on the floodlit Edinburgh Castle esplanade, making it a spectacle to savour. The Tattoo, or ‘last orders’, began as a modest show in a castle bandstand some seven decades ago, but today it

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features over a thousand performers. Be entertained by international pipe bands, highland dance groups or worldclass singers. You will also witness displays of military precision and battle reenactments. After a dramatic finale of mass pipes and drums, a lone piper plays a lament from a castle rampart, before fireworks and a military flypast bring this crowd-pleasing event to a close. Your members may wish to book the Tattoo as part of an escorted tour, offering a package of other exceptional Edinburgh experiences and dining options. Whatever your decision, the pipes are calling you to one of the greatest shows on Earth. Secure your tickets early to avoid disappointment.

city of Passau, with its cobblestone streets and Baroque architecture, as well as Europe’s largest church organ in St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Choose from a broad range of cruise options from the European spring through to autumn. Unpack once, enjoy the splendid views from the deck, and step ashore to immerse yourself in culture and history. And of course, indulge in quality cuisine and fine wine along the way. Check out Collette’s Classic Danube tour, which includes a 7-night river cruise (gocollette.com/en-au).

Sail the Danube River Unspoilt scenery, medieval villages, and cities straight from fairytales – a cruise down the Danube River is an enchanting adventure in which every day is different. The second longest river in Europe, the Danube snakes its way through 10 European countries. The Hungarian capital of Budapest is considered the jewel of the Danube, and a view of its night skyline from the river is mesmerising. Enter Slovakia and marvel at Bratislava’s 13th-century castle, perched on a rocky hill above the Danube. Journey to Vienna where you can tour some of Europe’s most interesting architecture, such as the Vienna State Opera and The Hofburg, a former imperial palace. Your members can go beyond the capitals to explore charming spots like Germany’s Regensburg, Europe’s best preserved medieval city, with the first stone bridge built over the Danube. While in Germany, explore the 2,000-year-old

AT A GLANCE Italy → Colosseum, Rome → Pantheon, Rome → Saint Peter’s Square, Vatican City → Pompeii → Sorrento Coast → Capri → Faraglioni rocks → Statue of David, Accademia Gallery, Florence → Grand Canal, Venice

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London → Trafalgar Square → Big Ben → Westminster Abbey → Buckingham Palace → Kensington Palace → The London Eye → River Thames cruise → Borough Market → Harrods, Knightsbridge → West End Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo edintattoo.co.uk

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Danube River → Budapest, Hungary → Bratislava, Slovakia → Vienna, Austria → Regensburg, Germany → Passau, Germany Collette Classic Danube Tour 1300 792 196 gocollette.com/en-au

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See the spectacular Northern Lights Every year from late August to mid-April, intrepid travellers seek out some of the wildest places on our planet in the hope of witnessing the awe-inspiring and elusive natural phenomenon of aurora borealis, otherwise known as the Northern Lights. For those fortunate enough, dazzling streaks of blue, green, pink and violet appear across a clear and dark night sky, as electrically charged particles from the sun collide with elements in our atmosphere to produce a light show like no other. The huge amount of activity during the aurora can cause shifts and flows which give the appearance that the light is dancing. It’s truly a transfixing sight. With its islands, fjords, steep mountains and pollutionfree skies, Norway boasts some of the most beautiful vantage points to witness the lights, but countries like Iceland, Sweden and Finland offer superb vantage points as well. A popular option is a bus tour from Iceland’s capital, Reykjavik, a city bustling with life and surrounded by stunning natural landscape. On a Northern Lights safari in Finland you might stay in a traditional lavvu, the temporary dwelling of the Sami people, or spend a night in a glass igloo. Alternatively, one of the best ways to see the lights is to take a cruise deep into the hushed landscape and dark skies of the Arctic Circle.

Travel around remarkable Poland With complex roots that go back more than 1,000 years – from medieval times to its tragic involvement in World War II and decades of communist rule through the Cold War – one can just about feel the history and tradition seeping from Poland’s streets and walls. At every turn you’ll find monuments, museums and memorials that pay tribute to its past and honour the resilience of its people. Walking the grounds of Auschwitz, in particular, can evoke deep emotions. Poland is also a country of contrasts. Its striking landscape includes an abundance of lakes and snow-

1. Horse-and-carriage tours are a great way to take in the sights in Krakow, Poland 2. The Northern Lights are a spectacle few get to see in their lifetime 3. The Acropolis sits majestically upon a rocky outcrop overlooking Athens 4. Visit the old historical neighbourhood of Plaka for a traditional Athens experience

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capped peaks. But it’s the blend of culture, colour and cuisine in Poland’s cities that your Club will be most keen to explore. You’ll admire the mix of old and new in modern-day Warsaw, where highlights include the Palace of Culture & Science and POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews. In Kraków visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine, Saint Mary’s Basilica and the renowned Wawel Royal Castle. Wander around Long Market in Gdańsk, absorb the Gothic architecture and atmosphere of Torun, and take pictures in Wroclaw’s market square lined with colourful townhouses. Make your way to Malbork, where the massive Malbork Castle has taken shape over centuries. Everywhere you go, feast on Poland’s national dish, pierogi – a dumpling stuffed with many fillings – or enjoy popular gingerbread cookies still based on original 13thcentury recipes.

Visit the amazing city of Athens Athens, the capital city of Greece and the historical capital of Europe, is a destination that in some ways needs little

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introduction. Ancient yet contemporary, graceful yet edgy, Athens is fit for the gods and visitors alike. The city is home to a number of acclaimed historic monuments, from its symbolic entrance, Hadrian’s Gate, and the truly imposing Acropolis – an ancient citadel perched on a rocky outcrop – to the Old Royal Palace, the ruins of the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Both history buffs and sports enthusiasts will want to step inside spectacular Panathenaic Stadium, home to the first Modern Olympic Games in 1896 and the only stadium in the world built entirely of marble. Any trip to Athens simply must include a journey back in time to the Plaka – the charming and uninterrupted old city where historic buildings with little shops line the hilly cobblestone streets. In the evening, when the neighbourhood comes alive with music and dancing, members can mingle with locals and fellow travellers while exploring the vibrant laneways, before sitting outside to devour delicious traditional dishes like moussaka, souvlaki and saganaki (fried cheese) at a family-owned restaurant.

AT A GLANCE Northern Lights → Norway → Iceland → Sweden → Finland Poland → Auschwitz → Palace of Culture & Science, Warsaw → POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews, Warsaw

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→ Wielicza Salt Mine, Krakow → Saint Mary’s Basilica, Krakow → Wawel Royal Castle, Krakow → Long Market, Gdańsk → Torun → Wroclaw → Malbork Castle, Malbork

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Athens → Hadrian’s Gate → Acropolis → Old Royal Palace → Temple of Olympian Zeus → Tomb of the Unknown Soldier → Panethanaic Stadium → Acropolis → Plaka

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Explore the beautiful Alps Regions around the world don’t come much more scenic and serene than the Alps, Europe’s extensive mountain range system stretching around 1,200km across the alpine countries of France, Monaco, Switzerland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Germany, Austria and Slovenia. A journey to the Alps could last days, weeks or months, so build an itinerary that suits your members and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime. Highlights of the Alps include staying in the castletopped old town of Annecy in France and riding Europe’s highest open-air railway to the rocky ridge of the Gornergrat where you’ll gaze in wonder at the Matterhorn in Switzerland. While in the Austrian Alps, take a cable car to the summit of Nordkette or channel the life of Mozart in Salzburg. Elsewhere, take any opportunity or vantage point to admire Mont Blanc, the region’s highest peak located along the French-Italian border and reaching into Switzerland.

1. The yellow scallop is an iconic symbol of the Camino de Santiago 2. The city of Salzburg, in Austria, where Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born 3. Tulips bloom as crowds gather by the windmill in Keukenhof Garden 4. The Gornergrat Bahn is a cogwheel railway that takes you to 3,100m above sea level in Switzerland

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Club members can spend the rest of their time exploring tunnels surrounded by natural glaciers, dining on delectable Alpine food like hearty Bavarian bratwurst with potatoes, and shopping (or window shopping) for Swiss chocolate, authentic nutcrackers, traditional lederhosen and more.

Walk the Camino de Santiago, Spain It’s time to follow in the footsteps of millions of pilgrims. Europe’s greatest cultural trail awaits your Club on the Camino de Santiago, an inspirational pilgrimage to the historical and spiritual city of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, north-west Spain. Travelling by foot across the varied yet not overly challenging terrain of rural Spain – surrounded by gorgeous countryside and scattered with rustic villages – this memorable journey will immerse you in the region’s grand history, fill you with fine Spanish food including tapas, and surprise you with an unmatched spirit of camaraderie.

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The best known Camino de Santiago route, the French Way, spans almost 800km. It can take over 40 days to walk the full Camino, but don’t worry, your group doesn’t have to make such an epic commitment to reap the personal rewards of your very own pilgrimage. An eightday tour starting in Sarria, for example, lets you complete the final 100k of the Way of St James, and you will each still receive your ‘Compostela’ – the official certificate of accomplishment given to pilgrims. On a longer selfguided tour you can walk the best sections of the Camino while hopping on trains to visit other cities as you go (caminodesantiago.gal).

Go to the Keukenhof flower festival, Amsterdam Every autumn in Amsterdam, the fascinating capital of the Netherlands, 500 or more flower growers and bulb purveyors plant over seven million flower bulbs by hand. The bulbs then flower in spring for an amazing annual festival called Keukenhof, drawing crowds from all over

Europe and beyond. During the special eight-week period between March and May, Flower Gardens: Keukenhof Park becomes the world’s most beautiful spring garden and a unique attraction your tour will not want to miss. Wander the paths exploring 32 hectares of colourful flowerbeds in full bloom – some showcasing simple elegance, others crafted into creative and dramatic designs. Admire the outstanding selection of spring flowers including the Dutch national flower, the tulip – introduced to Dutch merchants at the beginning of the 17th century – alongside hyacinths, daffodils, crocuses, freesias, gerberas and many more. Some wonderful displays and spectacular flower shows can also be found in the indoor pavilions. Spring also happens to be one of the best times to experience Amsterdam as the whole city awakens and the parks and canals begin to burst with greenery. In early April, more than 500,000 tulips can be seen in the gardens of museums, private homes and city landmarks for the Tulip Festival (tulipfestivalamsterdam.com/keukenhof). ■

AT A GLANCE The Alps → Annecy, France → Gornergrat Railway, Switzerland → Nordkette, Austria → Salzburg, Austria → Mont Blanc

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Camino de Santiago, Spain caminodesantiago.gal

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Keukenhof Flower Festival, Amsterdam tulipfestival amsterdam.com/ keukenhof

AUSTRALIA VICTORIA

Niagara Falls on the USA-Canada border

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USA & CANADA Get set for an international adventure like no other – your Club is going all the way to vast, diverse and intriguing North America. Whether you travel to the USA, Canada or both on an epic group holiday, you’ll be greeted by a colourful tapestry of landscapes, attractions and experiences that run the gamut between exciting and truly unforgettable.

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USA

Tour America’s great musical cities – New Orleans, Memphis and Nashville

Take a bite of the ‘Big Apple’, New York City Start spreading the news – your Club is heading to America’s headline act, New York City! Destinations don’t come much more dazzling than the ‘Big Apple’, where famous buildings, bright lights and Broadway shows await lucky tour members. Explore the densely populated borough of Manhattan, where you’ll want to wander around the heart of mesmerising Midtown to see renowned sites like neonlit Times Square and spectacular skyscrapers including the Empire State Building and Rockefeller Center. Make your way uptown for a stroll around iconic Central Park. Inside the sprawling grounds you’ll find Belvedere Castle, Wollman Rink ice skating rink, Central Park Zoo, the Strawberry Fields memorial to John Lennon, and all types of entertainment. Downtown you’ll discover Greenwich Village – the epicentre of the city’s counterculture movement in the 1960s – trendy shopping and dining neighbourhood SoHo, bustling Chinatown, the Wall Street district, and the poignant National September 11 Memorial Museum. Last but by no means least, ferry to the Statue of Liberty – a global symbol of freedom – and Ellis Island, the main gateway to the United States during the immigration boom of 1892-1924.

1. The Statue of Liberty in the foreground, with the newly built One World Trade Center skyscraper behind 2. Attending a live jazz show on New Orleans’ Bourbon Street is an experience to savour 3. Visitors gather at Graceland, the place that Elvis Presley called home 4. Hundreds of brightly coloured balloons take to the sky at the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta

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Snap your fingers and tap your toes, it’s time to go on the ultimate tour of America’s music cities – New Orleans, Memphis and Nashville – backed by an incomparable soundtrack. Swing into your holiday in style when you arrive at ‘The Big Easy’, New Orleans, renowned as the jazz capital of the world. This soulful city is a playground for food lovers as well. Stroll the sidewalks of the French Quarter, stopping to feast on mouth-watering Cajun and Creole cuisine or snacking on the city’s favourite fritter, a classic beignet from iconic Café Du Monde. Feel the rhythm of Memphis, the ‘birthplace of the blues’, where you might just meet a few talented local musicians. Some members will be all shook up by a tour of Graceland, Elvis Presley’s mansion and private retreat, while those interested in exploring the American Civil Rights Movement can take a coach tour following the route of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s last march. In Nashville, experience historic Ryman Auditorium, the original home of the Grand Ole Opry (1943 to 1974) – often referred to as the ‘home of American music’ and ‘country’s most famous stage’. Go to the Country Music Hall of Fame, the largest museum of popular music in the world, and check out RCA Studio B – ‘home of 1,000 hits’ – where legendary artists like Dolly Parton, Chet Atkins, Waylon Jennings and Elvis recorded countless tunes.

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To hit all the high notes of New Orleans, Memphis and Nashville, join the 8-day, 7-night Collette tour of America’s Music Cities (gocollette.com/en-au/tours/north-america/ usa/americas-music-cities).

Experience the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in New Mexico The sky’s the limit when your tour arrives in scenic, enchanting New Mexico for the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta – an annual hot air ballooning extravaganza and one of the world’s most photographed events (balloonfiesta.com). Held in early October, the unique aviation festival is an enthralling spectacle of sound, colour and entertainment up in the air. Watch in awe as the bright balloons are launched high above your heads, keeping a keen eye out for the special character balloon rodeos and twilight balloon glows. One thing’s for sure, Club members have never seen anything quite like it. While in Albuquerque, spend some time in the Old Town soaking up the fabulous fusion of Mexican, Native American and Spanish heritages, before driving east along the famed and eclectic Route 66. Then wind your way north on the historic Turquoise Trail – through an area inhabited by prehistoric peoples and explored by Spanish missionaries – to fascinating Santa Fe, where you can enjoy an open-air tram tour of the city including Santa Fe Plaza and the Miraculous Staircase of Loretto Chapel.

AT A GLANCE New York City → Times Square → Empire State Building → Rockefeller Center → Central Park → Greenwich Village → SoHo → Chinatown → Wall Street district → National September 11 Memorial Museum → Statue of Liberty

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New Orleans → French Quarter → Café Du Monde Memphis → Graceland → Martin Luther King Jr’s last march (coach tour) Nashville → Ryman Auditorium → Country Music Hall of Fame → RCA Studio B

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Collette 8-day, 7-night tour of America’s Music Cities 1300 792 196 gocollette.com/en-au Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta balloonfiesta.com → Albuquerque Old Town → Turquoise Trail → Santa Fe Plaza → Miraculous Staircase of Loretto Chapel

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CANADA Discover the best of Eastern Canada Say bienvenue to Eastern Canada, a region offering sensational travel experiences for the group after a little bit of everything. Check out cosmopolitan Toronto before making a detour to admire the magnificence and power of Niagara Falls up close. Journey through vibrant capital Ottawa for a blend of French and Canadian customs, multicultural Montreal where impressive skyscrapers in the New Town juxtapose cobblestone streets and cathedrals in the Old Town, and charming Quebec City with its old-world style and 17th-century buildings. Spend an idle day in the lovely wine country of Niagaraon-the-Lake, home of the much-loved Shaw Festival Theatre in summer. See Ottawa’s Rideau Canal, which becomes the world’s largest skating rink during winter. Take pictures of the grand railway hotel, Fairmont Le Château Frontenac – considered the world’s most photographed hotel – with splendid views of the Saint Lawrence River in Quebec. Admire the incredible Montmorency Falls, a natural wonder plunging 83 metres off the Canadian Shield. And look over Montreal from the top of Mount Royal. If there’s space on the itinerary, make it all the way to The Maritimes – an enchanting coastal region comprising the provinces of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island – known for its rich seafaring history. Take in the rugged splendour of the Cabot Trail, see Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse, visit the Anne of Green Gables Museum, discover the secrets of potato farming at the Canadian Potato Museum, and learn to eat lobster like the locals wherever you go.

Explore the Canadian Rockies by road and rail Spanning the provinces of British Columbia and Alberta, the vast, UNESCO World Heritage listed Canadian Rockies mountain range should be on any international holiday bucket list. Travel by a mix of road and rail – including the famous Rocky Mountaineer train – from the thriving cultural seaport of Vancouver to cosmopolitan Calgary, absorbing dramatic scenery and native wildlife throughout the journey. Explore the glorious ice fields, glacial peaks, sweeping valleys and rushing waterfalls of Glacier National Park, not to mention the soaring rocky mountain peaks visible at every twist and turn. If one highlight can be picked from this magical place it might be driving the Icefields Parkway, a 232-kilometre stretch of double-lane highway that winds along the Continental Divide and offers some of North America’s most dramatic vistas. Don’t miss your chance to ride across the thick Athabasca Glacier in the dynamic Columbia Icefield, which you can also view on foot from a glass-floored platform called Glacier Skywalk. Elsewhere, check out Maligne Canyon and Athabasca Falls in Jasper National Park, see the turquoise, glacier-fed Lake Louise and marvel at Moraine Lake, situated in the Valley of the Ten Peaks within Banff National Park. ■

AT A GLANCE

1. Quebec City’s Fairmont Le Château Fontenac is known as the world’s most photographed hotel 2. Take a ride on the Rocky Mountaineer train through Canada’s picturesque Rocky Mountains

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Eastern Canada → Toronto → Niagara Falls → Shaw Festival Theatre → Rideau Canal, Ottawa → Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, Quebec City → Montmorency Falls, Quebec City → Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia → Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse, Nova Scotia

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→ Anne of Green Gables Museum, Prince Edwards Island → Canadian Potato Museum, Prince Edwards Island Canadian Rockies → Glacier National Park → Icefields Parkway → Athabasca Glacier → Maligne Canyon → Athabasca Falls → Lake Louise → Moraine Lake

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Probus Travel Handbook March 2022

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