Queensland Rail Tours

Transcription

1 FEATURING AN UPDATED TROPICAL RAIL TOUR ITINERARY 2009 Queensland Rail Tours FULLY ESCORTED BRISBANE TO CAIRNS OUTBACK QUEENSLAND

2 QUEENSLAND RAIL TOURS There is no better way to experience the ever changing landscape of Queensland than on a rail holiday. Discover a different point of view as you sit back and relax on one of our escorted Queensland rail tours. From the lush, green coastline to the rugged landscape of the Outback, you ll soon discover the journey is as memorable as the places you visit. Our escorted rail tours to Tropical North Queensland and the Queensland Outback have been designed to offer the ultimate value for money Queensland rail holiday. They combine rail travel aboard the innovative Tilt Train, The Sunlander, The Westlander or Spirit of the Outback with quality accommodation, transfers, day tours and most meals. You will certainly make new friends and lasting memories as you explore a variety of Queensland destinations, including the Fraser Coast, Whitsundays, Tropical North Queensland and the Outback. No matter which tour you choose, you re sure to have the experience of a lifetime! Airlie Beach Your Tour Manager Each Rail Tour is escorted by a professional and experienced tour manager, selected for their enthusiasm for rail travel and extensive knowledge of Queensland. So sit back and enjoy a hassle-free holiday. Friendship Rail travel allows you the freedom to move about the carriage making it easy to meet fellow travellers. There s plenty of time to chat and swap stories. Great friends and memories last forever, and by the end of your Rail Tour our past passengers attest, you ll have plenty of both. Solo Travellers If you are travelling alone and would like to share a room with another traveller (of the same sex), we ll find someone to share with you. And if we can t then you will receive a single room at the twin share price. Of course if you would prefer a single room this can be guaranteed by paying the single supplement. Concession Fares Discounted fares are available to all Australian Pensioners and Australian Senior government issued card holders. Please refer to the prices at the end of each tour itinerary. Tours are not recommended for children. Optional Touring Sunlover Holidays offers a great selection of optional tours to add on to the end of your Tropical Rail Tour. Reef cruises, rainforest tours and dinner cruises are just a few of the activities available. Luggage When packing for your holiday please remember luggage restrictions apply. Each passenger is allowed one suitcase no heavier than 20kg and one small cabin/travel bag. We recommend you take a separate small bag for the overnight journey on both The Westlander and Spirit of the Outback. Boulia Birdsville Winton LONGREACH On Board Accommodation Sleeping compartments are only required for the Outback Rail Tour. Each sleeper compartment contains towels, wardrobes, bedding, wash basin, full length mirror, power point and reading lights. Toilets and showers are located at the end of each carriage car. Twinette In the evening the on board staff will convert your daytime sofa to a double bunk. CAIRNS Tropical Rail Tour Quilpie MAP NOT TO SCALE Roomette In the evening the on board staff will convert your daytime seat to a single bed. Airlie Beach Proserpine Daydream Island Outback Rail Tour CHARLEVILLE Outback Rail Tour Day Day ROCKHAMPTON Fraser Island Hervey Bay BRISBANE Night Night

3 11 DAY TROPICAL RAIL TOUR Kuranda Scenic Railway Journey along Queensland s coastline travelling aboard the Tilt Train and The Sunlander and discover the many attractions Queensland has to offer, including Fraser Island, the Whitsundays and Cairns. DAY 1 FRIDAY: Brisbane to Hervey Bay (LD) Check-in with your tour manager at Platform 10, Roma Street Station, Brisbane by 10am for your 11am departure on the Tilt Train. This modern rail service features on board video and audio entertainment. At Maryborough, transfer to Hervey Bay Marina to meet your launch to Kingfisher Bay Resort, home for the next two nights. DAY 2 SATURDAY: Fraser Island (BD) The morning is free to relax and enjoy the resort s facilities. In the afternoon take a ranger guided tour of the world s largest sand island, World Heritage Listed Fraser Island. Fraser Island has an amazing array of natural wonders including ancient rainforest around Central Station and crystal clear water at Lake McKenzie. DAY 2 OPTIONAL TOURING WHALE WATCHING Experience two natural wonders in one Fraser Island and the Humpback Whales. Spend the morning aboard a 20m fastcat and watch the whales from the all round viewing decks. Available for tours between August and September. $96 per person DAY 3 SUNDAY: Hervey Bay to Rockhampton (BLD) Depart Kingfisher Bay Resort on the 10:30am launch to Hervey Bay. Enjoy a scenic tour of Maryborough before boarding the Tilt Train for your journey to Rockhampton. On arrival you will be transferred to Rockhampton Plaza Hotel for dinner and overnight accommodation. DAY 4 MONDAY: Rockhampton to Daydream Island (BD) This morning enjoy a city sights tour of Rockhampton before travelling north to Shute Harbour. Travel by air-conditioned coach through the cattle country of Central Queensland to the lush cane fields of the Queensland coast. Enjoy lunch at leisure and some shopping time in Mackay before completing the journey to Shute Harbour. Transfer to Daydream Island Resort & Spa, home for the next two nights. DAY 5 TUESDAY: Daydream Island (BD) With the whole day free, you can relax, explore or enjoy a range of resort activities on offer. From a premier 19 hole themed mini-golf course to the world class Rejuvenation Spa, Daydream is sure to indulge your senses. Then in the afternoon watch the sunset over the Whitsundays. DAY 6 WEDNESDAY: Airlie Beach (BD) Enjoy a leisurely start to the day with a late checkout from Daydream Island. On arrival in Airlie Beach, check in to Comfort Resort Club Crocodile for the next two nights. This afternoon is at your leisure. Take a stroll along The Esplanade, browse the local shops or visit the Airlie Beach Lagoon. DAY 7 THURSDAY: The Whitsundays (BL) Considered one of the most beautiful and safest boating areas in the world, the Whitsunday passage is home to some of Queensland s finest resort and uninhabited islands. Today you cruise to two of the best: Hamilton Island Resort and Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island. Return to Comfort Resort Club Crocodile around 5:30pm. DAY 8 FRIDAY: Airlie Beach to Cairns (BLD) After breakfast, board The Sunlander for the final leg of the journey to Cairns. Today you will travel through lush cane growing regions and natural rainforest. Arrive in Cairns early evening and transfer to Mercure Hotel Harbourside, home for the next three nights. Ranger guided tour Kingfisher Bay Resort DAY 9 SATURDAY: Kuranda (BL) This morning board the famous Kuranda Scenic Railway for a memorable journey on one of the world s most scenic rail routes. Explore the village of Kuranda before boarding the remarkable Skyrail for a breathtaking journey gliding above the tropical rainforest. Visit Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park and experience ancient Aboriginal culture. Return to Mercure Hotel Harbourside around 5:30pm.

4 Cairns Esplanade DAY 10 SUNDAY: Low Isles (BLD) Today the Great Barrier Reef is waiting for you. Take in the scenery as you travel to Port Douglas for your cruise to Low Isles on Wavedancer, a luxury 30 metre sailing catamaran. Mooring in the calm waters of the lagoon, you can view the reef through a glass bottom boat, explore the island with a marine biologist, snorkel or just relax on the beach. Return to Cairns at 6pm. DAY 11 MONDAY: Cairns (B) Your Tropical Rail Tour concludes this morning on check-out from your hotel. Alternatively, if you would like to see more of the Tropical North, you can add extra nights and take advantage of our fantastic Optional Tours. See below for prices. STAY AN EXTRA NIGHT IN CAIRNS Mercure Hotel Harbourside Cairns from $80 per person twin share STAY 2 NIGHTS IN PORT DOUGLAS Rydges Sabaya Resort from $249 per person twin share includes full breakfast daily. OPTIONAL TOURING CAPE TRIBULATION & DAINTREE Full day 4WD tour of Cape Tribulation, Daintree River cruise and lunch. MAMU RAINFOREST CANOPY WALK Full day tour to MaMu Rainforest Canopy Walk including a picnic lunch. $167 per person DOWCNS $130 per person TRHCNS HARTLEYʼS CROCODILE ADVENTURES Half day tour Hartley s Crocodile Adventures featuring $98 per person Croc Attack show and lunch. DOWCNS OCEAN SPIRIT DINNER CRUISE Evening cruise with a four course buffet dinner including seafood and live entertainment. $89 per person OCECNS 11 DAY TROPICAL RAIL TOUR INCLUDES: Economy Class seating aboard the Tilt Train from Brisbane to Rockhampton Economy Class seating aboard The Sunlander from Proserpine to Cairns Air-conditioned coach transfer from Rockhampton to Shute Harbour Two nights on Fraser Island Half Day Ranger guided tour of Fraser Island One night in Rockhampton Two nights on Daydream Island Two nights in Airlie Beach Full day cruise to Hamilton Island and Whitehaven Beach Three nights in Cairns Full day Kuranda and Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park tour Full day Low Isles cruise 10 breakfasts (B), 6 lunches (L), 8 dinners (D) Departs from Brisbane: 2009 May 15 June 5, 19 July 10, 31 August 14, 28 September 4 PRICE PER PERSON Twin Share Sole Use Adult $3155 $3955 Interstate Pensioners and Senior Card Holders $3069 $3875 Queensland Senior Card Holders $2999 $3795 Queensland Pension Card Holders from $2889* $3679* *Price includes use of one voucher. Triple share price available. RETURN TO BRISBANE BY RAIL TRTQLD Return to Brisbane on The Sunlander in Queenslander Class. This memorable first class journey is the perfect ending to your tour. PRICE PER PERSON Twin Share Sole Use Adult $762 $914 Interstate Pensioners and Senior Card Holders $686 $838 Queensland Senior Card Holders $609 $762 Queensland Pension Card Holders from $482* $634* Daydream Island *Price varies depending on number of vouchers being used. QRLQLD

5 11 DAY OUTBACK RAIL TOUR Embark on an epic journey to the Outback following in the footsteps of some of Australia s earliest explorers. Visit diverse towns and meet bush characters that make the Queensland Outback so unique. Stockman s Hall of Fame DAY 1 TUESDAY: The Westlander Check-in with your tour manager at Platform 10, Roma Street Station, Brisbane by 6pm for your 7:15pm departure on The Westlander. Tonight you will travel west through the rich farmlands of the Darling Downs and across the Great Dividing Range. DAY 2 WEDNESDAY: Charleville (BLD) On arrival in Charleville around midday you will be met and taken to Historic Corones Hotel for a welcome lunch. After lunch visit the Royal Flying Doctor Service Visitors Centre. Later enjoy an early dinner at the motel before experiencing a spectacular night show. Overnight: Mulga Country Motor Inn, Charleville. DAY 3 THURSDAY: Quilpie (BLD) This morning take a guided walk through Graham Andrews Parklands before lunch at the historic Myendetta Station. Travel west and arrive at Quilpie mid afternoon. Following a Quilpie Discovery Tour visit the unique Opal Alter and Interactive Museum. Overnight: Quilpie Motor Inn/Channel Country Cabins, Quilpie. DAY 4 FRIDAY: Birdsville (BLD) Today journey further west into the Kings in Grass Castles country and follow the footprints of the famous pioneering Durack family. Enjoy lunch at Deon s Lookout and take in the views of the Diamantina Shire and Betoota. Arrive at Birdsville in the late afternoon. Overnight: Birdsville Hotel, Birdsville. DAY 5 SATURDAY: Birdsville (BLD) Today is spent discovering the icons of Birdsville. Take in the Birdsville Billabong, the Birdsville Working Museum and spend time at the Wirrari Centre. In the afternoon head to the edge of the Simpson Desert National Park and experience the sunset over the heart of the Outback. After dinner take part in a Flying Doctor Auction. Overnight: Birdsville Hotel, Birdsville. DAY 6 SUNDAY: Boulia (BLD) Departing Birdsville for Boulia you will travel to the wetland area of Cuttaburra Crossing and onto Bedourie for lunch. Moving north of Eyre Creek, where the channel country meets the desert, arrive in Boulia mid afternoon. Discover the Min Min Encounter, learning the story surrounding the myth of the mysterious Min Min Light. Overnight: Desert Sands Motel/Australian Hotel, Boulia. DAY 7 MONDAY: Winton (BLD) This morning travel to Winton via the vast landscape of the majestic Mesas set amongst open plains. Stop for morning tea at Middleton Hotel. Arrive into Winton, enjoy lunch and spend the afternoon exploring the award winning Waltzing Matilda Centre. Witness an outback sunset with drinks overlooking the Rangeland Scenic Rift Valley. Overnight: Boulder Opal Motel, Winton. DAY 8 TUESDAY: Longreach (BLD) On arrival in Longreach visit the Qantas Founders Outback Museum and take part in the 747 Secret s Tour. Overnight: Albert Park Motor Inn, Longreach. DAY 9 WEDNESDAY: Longreach (BLD) After breakfast, visit the Stockman s Hall of Fame and learn of the legends and unsung heroes of the Outback. The afternoon is free to explore down town Longreach. Finish your day with a Drover s Extravaganza dinner. Overnight: Albert Park Motor Inn, Longreach. DAY 10 THURSDAY: Spirit of the Outback (BLD) Time to farewell Longreach and get ready for one of Australia s great Outback rail journeys on board the Spirit of the Outback. DAY 11 FRIDAY: Brisbane Arrive at Brisbane s Roma Street Station at 7am. 11 DAY OUTBACK RAIL TOUR INCLUDES: First Class Sleeper aboard The Westlander from Brisbane to Charleville First Class Sleeper aboard the Spirit of The Outback from Longreach to Brisbane Eight days of air-conditioned coach touring One night in Charleville Entry to Cosmos Centre One night in Quilpie Two nights in Birdsville Entry to Birdsville Working Museum One night in Boulia One night in Winton Entry to Waltzing Matilda Centre Two nights in Longreach Entry to Qantas Founders Outback Museum Entry to Australian Stockman s Hall of Fame 9 breakfasts (B), 9 lunches (L), 9 dinners (D) Departs from Brisbane: 2009 May 19 June 2 July 7 August 25 PRICE PER PERSON Twin Share Sole Use Adult $3825 $4220 Interstate Pensioners and Senior Card Holders $3699 $4099 Queensland Senior Card Holders $3589 $3985 Queensland Pension Card Holders from $3415* $3810* *Price varies depending on number of vouchers being used. ORTQLD

6 IMPORTANT BOOKING CONDITIONS Please read these Important Booking Conditions carefully as they apply to all bookings accepted by Sunlover Holidays. HOW TO BOOK Call into or phone your Licensed / AFTA / TAANZ / Bonded travel agent. We recommend booking as far in advance as possible especially for school holidays and other peak periods. In order to avoid delays and possible disappointment, it is a good idea to select alternative dates in case your first choice is unavailable. PRICES AND CONDITIONS The prices featured in this brochure are valid for tours departing in Prices are provided as a guide only and may vary due to peak demand periods, changes in surcharges, fees, taxes or currency fluctuations. You should check all prices, conditions and information with your travel agent before making a booking. Any verbal quote given is an estimate only of the price, which will be subject to change until written confirmation of the reservation. The price of your holiday may change at any time up to 60 days before your departure if any new surcharges, fees or taxes are introduced or if any existing surcharges, fees or taxes are varied, even after you have paid all or part of the quoted price of your holiday. If we have to change any part of your booking for reasons beyond our control, for example, an Accommodation Supplier overbooks accommodation, we will notify you. If any such changes result in your holiday costing more or otherwise being materially different from that originally booked, then you may cancel the holiday and we will refund any monies already paid less any charges levied by Suppliers. Prices are in Australian Dollars and include GST where applicable, but do not include transport from your home port to holiday destination and return, items of a personal nature, meals, transfers and existing or proposed taxes and government charges, unless otherwise indicated. Prices shown in this brochure are for payments made by cash. An additional credit card service fee will be applied to the dollar amount paid by credit or charge card. You should ask your travel agent to advise you of this fee at the time of booking. Some Suppliers may impose conditions that vary from the conditions stated in this brochure. You should ask your travel agent at the time of booking if different conditions apply. MAPS AND PHOTOGRAPHS Maps, photographs and diagrams are included for general information. RESPONSIBILITY In producing this brochure, Sunlover Holidays has used information supplied by the people and organisations (Suppliers) providing the various goods and/or services (Products). In supplying this information to you, Sunlover Holidays is acting as the agent of such Suppliers. Irrespective of any measures taken by Sunlover Holidays to ensure the information contained in this brochure is accurate at the time of printing, Sunlover Holidays disclaims and will be exempt from liability in respect of anything misleading, false, incomplete or inaccurate and any errors, misdescription and all associated disappointment, loss, expense, damage, inconvenience, delay, death, shock, illness or injury, however caused. Sunlover Holidays does not control the manner in which Products featured within this brochure are provided. Sunlover Holidays disclaims and will be exempt from liability for anything to do with the supply of such Products. This includes liability (whether as a matter of contract, tort, statute, restitution, or otherwise) for any direct, indirect or consequential loss, liability, claim, cost, expense, proceeding, demand, penalty, disappointment, death, injury, illness, shock, inconvenience or delay. This limitation of liability also applies irrespective of the cause, including negligence of us or a Supplier, withdrawal, cancellation or failure to provide a Product, delay, any variation in the Product, the provision of substitute Products or a change in the Supplier. Without limitation, we will not be responsible if the Product is not available due to inclement weather conditions or other Acts of God, civil disturbances, fire, floods, acts of Government or any other authorities, accident to or failure of machinery or equipment or industrial action. DEPOSITS AND FINAL PAYMENT A non-refundable deposit of $220 per person is required within 7 days of confirmation of your booking. A deposit holds services but does not guarantee prices. FINAL PAYMENT Full payment of your holiday cost must be made no later than 60 days prior to travel. For bookings made less than 60 days but more than 30 days prior to travel, full payment of holiday cost must be made within 24 hours of confirmation of your booking. If the booking is made 30 days or less prior to travel, full payment of holiday cost is required at the time your booking is confirmed. Please ensure payments are made within the specified time limits. If this does not happen, our computer system automatically cancels the booking without notice or liability to you. Only upon payment of the full cost of your holiday do you have a final booking with the Supplier of the relevant good and/or service. In arranging your booking, Sunlover Holidays is acting as the agent of the Supplier of the relevant Product and at no time do you have a contract with Sunlover Holidays. AMENDMENT FEES Any amendment to your booking is subject to the approval of the relevant Supplier. Any approved change to your booking prior to, at or after making final payment will incur an amendment fee of $27 in addition to any fees imposed by the Supplier. LATE BOOKINGS A fee of $20 will be charged for any late booking which necessitates documents being forwarded by Registered Post, Express Post or Courier. CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS Prior to final payment: There will be no refund of your deposit. After final payment: Any cancellation after final payment has been made will incur a cancellation fee of 100%, unless the seat is resold. If the seat is resold, payment will be refunded less your non-refundable deposit. AIRFARES A number of airfares can be used in conjunction with your holiday package. All airfares are subject to availability and many have special conditions that apply. In most instances full payment of the airfare will be required at the time of booking. TRAVEL INSURANCE Sunlover Holidays strongly recommends travel insurance as it may protect you if you cancel your holiday due to unforeseen circumstances. Ask your travel agent for details. CHANGES TO THE ITINERARY Sunlover Holidays reserves the right to amend, change or delete portions of the tour itinerary without notice or liability to you. We also reserve the right to change the mode of transport utilised on the tour. IMPORTANT NOTE Tours require a minimum number of passengers to operate. If minimum numbers are not achieved, tours may be cancelled at short notice. Additionally, some Suppliers reserve the right to cancel departures for other reasons. Sunlover Holidays will not be held liable for a service variation, cancellation, delay or withdrawal, or a Supplier s failure to notify you.