EXCURSIONES EN TIERRA

You’ll first be treated to a brief tour of Brisbane's highlights before leaving the city behind and traveling along winding roads to the base of Lamington National Park and the beautiful surroundings of the Gold Coast.

You’ll visit the Rainforest Skywalk and Eco Discovery Centre and upon arrival you’ll have free time to explore the center and choose from a variety of walks through the rainforest. You can begin on the spectacular elevated walkway through the middle and upper canopies of the rainforest. The walkway is a stable, steel structure allowing you to explore the canopies safely. As you descend into the lower canopy, there are points of interest that include rock pools and waterfalls, a butterfly lookout and local history enclosure.

Enjoy lunch at an authentic Aussie pub offering an incredible view over the valley. Travel a short distance to Gallery Walk at Eagle Heights, an artistic center that boasts a variety of craft shops and galleries, as well as numerous cafés. Whether you are looking for a special gift or something unique to take home as a memento, you'll no doubt find it here. From here, your coach will next make its way to a local winery for a wine tasting. As you travel through this magnificent National Parks region, you will be afforded spectacular panoramic views of the Gold Coast and brilliant blue Pacific Ocean.

Travel by coach for a delightful tour of Brisbane and its surrounding areas, beneath its country-like charm, there is a big city vitality. The Capital of Queensland, Brisbane is also the state's historic and cultural capital, seat of government, a major seaport and the third largest city in Australia. Your tour will take you past the Parliament House, the Treasury Building, the old Customs House, the Cultural Centre, the Botanical Gardens and many other sites. The meandering Brisbane River, the lush inner city parks and the unusual blend of historic and modern architecture make this a truly unforgettable city.

Making your way beyond the metropolitan and urban areas, your coach will climb nearly 755 feet above sea level for an unparalleled panoramic view over the city from the Mt. Coot-tha lookout. A brief stop will be made here, giving you the opportunity to capture some memorable photos of the sleek skyscrapers and picturesque suburbs that comprise Brisbane today. Leaving the lookout, your coach will return you to the pier.

Brisbane is the capital city of the Australian state of Queensland and is the country's third largest city. The original settlement began as a penal colony, and during World War II, served as the South West Pacific Headquarters for General Douglas MacArthur. It was only after the war that it gained prominence as an important urban center. Your tour will give you a glimpse of this relaxed, friendly city and all it has to offer.

As you travel alongside the curving banks of the Brisbane River, you'll see sights such as the Parliament House, the Treasury Building, City Hall and the Old Customs House. Your route also takes you past the impressive South Bank Parklands and Cultural Centre. This is adjacent to the location where the 1988 World Expo was held. Today, the center houses the State's Art Gallery, Performing Arts Complex, a Museum and library, bearing witness to Brisbane's vibrant cultural community.

You’ll next travel to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary for a visit. This is the world's largest koala sanctuary, and allows you the opportunity to get close to over 130 free roaming koalas. The sanctuary is also home to kangaroos, wallabies, sheep dogs and other animals such as the Emu, Tasmanian Devil, Wombat, Dingo and Kookaburra. Following a brief tour, you’ll have some free time to explore further on your own.

What better way to gain the most from your Brisbane visit than to see an exciting crocodile show! Boarding your coach, you will travel approximately one hour from Brisbane for a visit at Australia Zoo, home to TV's late Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin, and often referred to as the ultimate zoo experience. As you arrive, friendly staff from Australia Zoo will greet you and escort you to the star attraction and highlight of the Zoo, the famous crocodile show. This show will entertain as well as educate you to the ways of the crocodile, all in a manner that will be sure to have you laughing, clapping and hollering "Crikey!"

Plenty of free time will be provided to further explore the zoo and its inhabitants at your own pace. Perhaps you'll want to hand feed the red and grey kangaroos in their open range encounter or spend time at the koala enclosure getting to know these adorable creatures up-close. Kangaroo feeding and photos with Koala are optional and not included in the tour price.

Take a walk on the wild side at the Australia Zoo, founded by the late Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin’s parents and was owned and operated by Steve Irwin and his wife. Upon arrival, friendly staff from the zoo will greet you and escort you to the star attraction - the famous Croc Show. This show will entertain as well as educate you to the ways of the Crocodile, in a manner that will be sure to have you laughing and clapping.

You’ll have free time here to explore the zoo and its inhabitants at your own pace. Perhaps you'll want to hand feed the red and grey kangaroos, or spend time at the koala enclosure getting to know these creatures up-close. A photo taken with an adorable koala will no doubt serve as a lifelong memento of your visit. Kangaroo feed and Koala photo are available for purchase.

Drive further north past the Glass House Mountains to Montville – a charming village with a unique blend of quaint cottages and chalets. You’ll have free time to explore the art galleries, pottery studios, craft cottages, gift and antique shops. You may also wish to purchase lunch at one the many restaurants, tea rooms or cafés.

OVERVIEW

Zip over to Stradbroke Island on a RIB, a rigid inflatable boat known for its speed and stability. It will be an exhilarating, adrenaline-charged ride as you race through the water to this large idyllic island, which the locals simply call Straddie. After disembarking in the heritage town of Dunwich, you will head straight to Amity Point on the island’s northern tip, where you will likely spot native koalas in the eucalyptus trees. More extraordinary views of the local wildlife and natural beauty await as you meander along the North Gorge Walk. Be sure to scan the water for dolphins, which are often spotted frolicking in the surf. Not far away at Cylinder Beach, you will enjoy a leisurely lunch and free time on this gorgeous stretch of sand. Feel free to take a refreshing swim in the sea, watch the surfers that usually gather just off shore and stroll along the water’s edge.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Cruise to gorgeous Stradbroke Island in a high-speed rigid inflatable boat known as a RIB.
• Take walks through naturally beautiful areas where you will likely see koalas and dolphins.
• Relax and enjoy lunch on popular Cylinder Beach, which rims the island’s north shore.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Cruise the lower reaches of the Brisbane River as it snakes through the city and stop along the way at attractions that reveal the laid-back character of the city. The waterway is so iconic that Brisbane is nicknamed the River City. While cruising upstream, the guide will point out and describe landmarks such as the Newstead House. Built in 1846, the heritage homestead is the city’s oldest colonial residence and as you will discover its past is fascinating. You will enjoy an entirely different perspective of the river while pausing for a drink at the waterfront restaurant Mary Mae’s. A bit farther up the river at Kangaroo Point, you will stop for pizza and beer at Sea Legs Brewing Co., which features a variety of beers made with locally sourced ingredients. The brewery stands in the shadow of Story Bridge, the longest cantilever bridge in Australia. It makes for a great photo.

HIGHLIGHTS

• See Brisbane from a revealing water perspective while cruising the Brisbane River.
• Admire the urban landscape while pausing for a drink at a waterfront restaurant.
• Pause for a beer and pizza at Sea Legs Brewing Co.
• Snap photos of Story Bridge, one of the most iconic structures in Brisbane.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.