TRAVEL

Take a cruise – in the Outback

You don’t have to go to sea or the rivers of Europe for a memorable cruise experience –there’s a treat waiting right here in the Queensland Outback.

Head 1200km north-west to Longreach where, throughout the winter season, you can see an outback sunset to the tune of the gentle slap-slap of paddlewheels on the lazy Thomson River.

Then tuck into a stockman’s dinner around the campfire under the stars and pioneer entertainment – quintessential Australia at its finest.

The Starlight’s Cruise Experience has been so popular that operators Outback Pioneers bought an additional boat in 2022.

In an unlikely overland journey, the historic paddlewheeler Pride of the Murray, was brought 1170km north to Longreach and has become something of a tourist attraction in her own right.

Outback Pioneers founder and owner, Richard Kinnon, was behind the Pride of the Murray’s incredible journey.

“We’re all about sharing the stories of this great outback land and I wanted a boat with her own stories to tell,” he said.

“From her days as a wool barge nearly a century ago, she has come to Longreach, once the wool capital of the world, for a new role.”

The cruise is just one of the activities making Longreach an increasingly popular destination. There is enough to do in the region to fill a week – and it all feels like a different world.

Time moves a little more slowly under wide blue skies, meals are bigger and the country’s pioneering past is ever present.

Stay at The Staging Post in the heritage heart of town for the full pioneer-inspired atmosphere and fill the days with outback experiences that will entertain and educate.

Ride the old bush mail route with the creak and rattle of the stagecoach as the pounding horses’ hooves raise the bull-dust on the Cobb & Co Stagecoach Experience.

The Nogo Station Experience is a station safari by double-decker open-top bus to learn the secrets of feral, domestic and native animals as well as the merino story in the historic shearing sheds.

And there’s always the famous Qantas Founders Museum and the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame.

At Winton, a day tour from Longreach, follow the footsteps of Banjo Paterson and visit the Matilda Centre and the North Gregory Hotel where Waltzing Matilda was first performed. Winton has also become famous for the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum.

Getting to Longreach is easy, even though it might seem remote. There are regular flights from Brisbane and Townsville or take the Spirit of the Outback train from Brisbane or Rockhampton.

Alternatively, take a drive on the Outback highways – no 4WD necessary.

For the ultimate relaxed experience, Outback Pioneers offers holiday packages from available April-October. Visit outbackpioneers.com.au

Door-to-Door shuttle bus transfers!

NOOSA TO CALOUNDRA

• Brisbane Airport • Brisbane Cruise Terminals • Sunshine Coast Airport p

Use promo-code: YOURTIME to receive 10% discount off your next shuttle!

BOOK NOW! - Safe, Reliable, comfortable and affordable way to travel! email: bookings@cxn.com.au web: www.con-x-ion.com.au TEL: 1300 266 946 OR 07 5556 9888

WAY DOWN UPON THE MURRAY RIVER

MANNUM, a little town packed with heritage-listings 80km east of Adelaide, has a big claim to fame – it was here that William Randell launched the first paddleboat on the Murray River.

The Mary Ann made its maiden voyage in 1853 and has now been faithfully restored. She remains at Mannum beside another legendary paddlewheeler, the Murray Princess.

The difference is that the Murray Princess, the southern hemisphere’s largest inland paddlewheeler, shares all the character and charm of yesteryear with visitors to travel the great outback river highway. Guests can sit in the lounge watching its massive stern wheel in action through a two-storey window.

A four-night cruise on the Murray Princess, is just one stage of an adventurous 11-day tour departing February 19, that also includes a trip to Kangaroo Island.

“By flying in and out of Adelaide we can pack a lot in and really see some of the out-of-the-way places,” says Paul Brockhurst of CT Travel.

The adventure begins with a tour of the city’s highlights before heading to the hills and Hahndorf, Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement. Along the way is the famous Beerenberg farm, chocolate and cheese, then it’s all aboard the Murray Princess at Mannum.

Revel in spectacular scenery, from towering cliffs to expansive farmlands, and an abundance of wildlife – 350 bird species inhabit the riverlands. Outside cabins provide a ring-side seat.

Onshore, taste the wine at a vineyard, visit a woolshed and step back tens of thousands of years at Ngaut Ngaut conservation park, one of Australia’s most significant archaeological sites.

At Victor Harbour, ride the historic Clydesdale-drawn tram before boarding the ferry at Cape Jervis for the 40-minute crossing to Kangaroo Island.

Three nights allows time to visit see it all, from two major wildlife areas to Cape Willoughby lighthouse, the Ligurian bees and Emu Ridge eucalyptus distillery.

Stop at McLaren Vale, the birthplace of the South Australian wine industry, before heading back to Adelaide for the flight home.

If you’re keen to get moving before then, head to the Hunter Valley Gardens for the Christmas Lights Spectacular.

The seven-day luxury coach journey leaves on November 25, and covers the sights of Warwick, Glen Innes, Armidale, and Tamworth before heading on to Scone and Singleton in the Hunter Valley.

Highlight is the Hunter Valley Gardens at Pokolobin, where 10 themed gardens showcase gardens around the world using native and exotic plants.

By the numbers, it has 8km of walking paths through 14ha of gardens with more than 6000 trees, 600,000 shrubs and over 1 million ground covers as well as waterfalls, statues, and murals.

Return at night for the annual Christmas Lights Spectacular, which last year won silver in the prestigious NSW Tourism Awards. More three million Christmas lights illuminate the gardens.

The round-trip returns over the beautiful Comboyne Plateau to Coffs Harbour and back up the east coast.

King Island, with a population of just under 1600, in the middle of Bass Strait calls for four days from February 6. A comprehensive tour covers its rugged coastline, fascinating history and famous dairy produce. Call 5391 1648 or visit cttravel.com.au

SINCLAIR TOUR & TRAVEL Ph: 5494 5083

Day Tours - with Pick ups

15 Oct 8 Nov 9 Nov 11 Nov 13 Nov 16 Nov 19/30 Nov 27 Nov 29 Nov 31 Dec 26 Jan Kalbar’s Country Day & Hay Bale Fest Bremer River Cruise Mousetrap – QPAC Bribie Island Cruise Singing in the Rain – QPAC Mt Mee/Birches Lunch Mary Poppins – QPAC Outback Spectacular Sinclair Christmas Party New Year’s Eve Dinner Cruise Aust Day Dinner Cruise Extended Tours - Small Groups!

8 Nov 15 Nov 20 Feb 23 Mar 4 Mar 6 Apr 13 April 13 April 2 May 15 Jun 30 Jun Moffatdale Ridge Winery & Gayndah Tweed River Cruise/Ballina – 2 days Lord Howe Island Lady Elliott and Fraser Islands Norfolk Island Foundation Day Tour Easter Tamworth, Nundle Festival Longreach, Winton, Barcaldine Hawaiian Island Cruise Ballarat, Bright, Tumut & Canberra Outback Stations Experience Kununurra and NT Adventure

Hooray for cruise holidays from Brisbane

Queensland Coastal

5-night cruise onboard Quantum of the Seas® Itinerary Brisbane • Airlie Beach • Brisbane Departs 26 February 2023 Interior from $599* pp | Balcony from $699* pp

South Paci ic Sunrises

-night cruise onboard Quantum of the Seas® Itinerary Brisbane • Noumea • Mystery Island • Port Vila • Brisbane Departs 15 February 2023 Interior from $999* pp | Balcony from $1,149* pp

South Pacific Explorer

8-night cruise onboard Quantum of the Seas® Itinerary Brisbane • Port Vila • Mystery Island • Noumea • Brisbane Departs 27 March 2023 Interior from $1,099* pp | Balcony from $1,299* pp

BOOK WITH YOUR LOCAL TRAVELLERS CHOICE AGENT

CALOUNDRA - Ucango Travel & Cruise Centre - 5437 4000 • GYMPIE - Easy Travel and Cruise - 5482 8388 KAWANA WATERS - Kawana Waters Travel - 5444 6500 • MAROOCHYDORE - Ucango Travel & Cruise Centre - 5451 8600 NAMBOUR - Easy Travel and Cruise - 5313 4980 • TEWANTIN - Tewantin Travel - 5447 1011

*Conditions apply: Health & safety protocols, guest conduct rules & regional travel restrictions vary by ship & destination & are subject to change without notice. Imagery & messaging may not accurately reflect onboard & destination experiences, offerings, features or itineraries. These may not be available during your voyage, may vary by ship & destination & may be subject to change without notice. Prices are per person twin share cruise only in AUD unless otherwise specified. Prices correct as at 20 Sep 22 & subject to availability at time of booking. Queensland Coastal based on 26 Feb 23 departure. South Pacific Sunrises based on 15 Feb 23 departure. South Pacific Explorer based on 27 Mar 23 departure. Offers valid for new bookings only made by 31 Oct 22 for local & international sailings departing from 01 Sep 22 excluding Ultimate World Cruise & Expeditions departing 10 Dec 23. Balcony Upgrade is a Balcony stateroom (category XB) at the price of an Overview stateroom (equal to YO). A limited number of staterooms are available & the exact stateroom grade, number & location on the ship will be allocated at the discretion of Royal Caribbean International. No stateroom requests permitted. XB is a guarantee category with non-refundable deposit option only. Up to 30% off is a discount of up to 30% off the passengers’ cruise fare. Taxes, fees & port expenses are additional & apply to all guests. Changes to the booking may result in removal of the offer. Prices & offers are subject to availability & change without notice, capacity controlled & may be withdrawn at any time. Royal Caribbean International reserves the right to correct any errors, inaccuracies or omissions & to change or update fares, fees & surcharges at any time without prior notice. Refer to www.royalcaribbean.com/aus for complete terms & conditions. ©2022 Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Ships’ registry: Bahamas. Further conditions may apply. Booking, cancellation & credit card service fees may apply. ATAS No. A10430

THE biggest and boldest ship ever to come to Australia Quantum of the Seas will be the star of Royal Caribbean’s Brisbane debut.

With the new Pinkenba cruise terminal as its home port, it will be sailing from next month and giving Queensland a new gateway to the South Pacific.

Sister ship, Ovation of the Seas, is also making its return and is ready to make up lost time for family cruise get-togethers.

Royal Caribbean is ready to launch summer 2022 sailing, with more than 15 dining venues, showstopping entertainment and, on Quantum class ships only, an abundance of at-sea innovations such as skydiving in the middle of the ocean.

Holder of the Guinness world record for the tallest viewing deck on a cruise ship at 100m above sea level, North Star towers above the ship for unrivalled 360-degree views. Beginners and experienced surfers can try boogie boarding and stand-up surfing on the FlowRider.

Heading inside from the pool deck, sit back to watch Broadway Style shows, made multi-dimensional so that audiences can immerse themselves in live performances with aerialists and video and digital scenery.

It’s all against a backdrop of 270-degree sea views through vast floor-to-ceiling glass walls spanning almost three decks at the ship’s stern.

For the grandkids, SeaPlex, the largest indoor active space at sea, is a distinctive and flexible sporting and entertainment venue that includes a full-size regulation basketball court and the first-ever bumper car and roller skating at sea.

Mixology meets technology at Royal’s Bionic Bar, where you can have your favourite cocktail mixed by a robot in a ballet-like performance. The robot arms can produce two drinks a minute for a total of 1000 drinks per day.

Sailings are from two to 13 nights, from Australia to the South Pacific islands and New Zealand. Bookings are now open for a Royal Caribbean summer cruise out of Brisbane. Visit travellerschoice.com.au to find your local ATAS-accredited Travellers Choice travel agent.

Experience Wilderness Wonderland

BOOK NOW FOR 2023!

Wind your way through Western Canada and the heart of the Canadian Rockies onboard Rocky Mountaineer – where the call of the wild meets sublime luxury, gourmet cuisine and impeccable service against a backdrop of breathtaking natural beauty. As your local Canadian experts, let us design and book the trip of your dreams. Talk to us today!

5447 1011 | www.tewantintravel.com

TRIPLE CHOICE FOR CANADIAN ROCKIES ADVENTURE

WHETHER it’s history or wildlife – the route of 19th century gold-seekers or a soaring eagle – Canada’s luxury train company, Rocky Mountaineer, has three distinctive rail routes connecting the Pacific city of Vancouver with the Canadian Rockies.

The two-day First Passage to the West route rolls along the historic tracks of the country’s first coast-to-coast railway between Vancouver and either Banff or Lake Louise in the Rockies.

Journey through the Clouds travels between Vancouver and Jasper, with two days spent traversing some of the most remote landscapes in Canada, where the scenery and wildlife has been left largely untouched by humans.

For those wanting to delve into western Canada’s history and diverse landscapes, the three-day Rainforest to Gold Rush route takes a northerly path between Vancouver and Jasper, uncovering the stories of those seeking their fortune as it goes.

If it’s hard to choose, the friendly and knowledgeable crew at Tewantin Travel can explain the options for a memorable trip in 2023.

The train journey can be travelled in either direction or combine two rail routes for a round trip. Add a cruise or land tour to really make the most of your time in Canada.

Tewantin Travel has moved to a new location at The Atrium, 91 Poinciana Ave, Tewantin, at the opposite end of Tewantin’s main street. Call Tewantin Travel 5447 1011 or head to Poinciana Ave, Tewantin

CT TRAVEL

Coolum Tours & Travel

2022/2023 Tour Program

November 2022 Hunter Valley Xmas Lights (6 Days)

February 2023 King Island (4 Days) Murray Princess & Kangaroo Island (11 Days)

March 2023 O’Reillys Escape (4 Days) Fraser Island Explorer (4 Days)

April 2023 Autumn > Canberra (9 Days) High Country to the Murray Delta (11 Days)

May 2023 Norfolk Island (9 Days)