Australia’s East offers an ever-changing landscape. This Inland Wanderer holiday travels through our three eastern states on a wonderful journey through Victoria’s Wine & High Country, the Riverina, Western & New England Regions of NSW, Queensland’s Darling Downs and our final destination, the Sunshine Coast. A true trip of diverse landscapes, scenic vistas and unique Australian experiences.

Day 1 (L,D) HOME, EUROA, WANGARATTA

Following Melbourne metropolitan home/hotel or airport pick up (passengers from other states arrive day prior) we travel through the Yarra Valley to Yea; morning cuppa time. Along the Melba Highway to Merton, then across the Strathbogie Ranges to Euroa, our luncheon destination. An easy run along the Hume Freeway to Benalla. Enjoy a stroll in the beautiful Benalla Rose Garden or visit the Regional Art Gallery. Afternoon cuppa before the last leg of our journey to Wangaratta. Home tonight is The Quality Gateway Inn.

Day 2 (B,L,D) WANGARATTA, RUTHERGLEN, CULCAIRN, WAGGA WAGGA

This morning we travel to Rutherglen for a morning cuppa and time to browse along the historic main street. We visit All Saints Estate for a tour of the historic castle and grounds, then to St Leonards Winery to enjoy a light lunch overlooking the beautiful winery grounds and the banks of the Murray River. After lunch we head across the Murray River at Corowa, travelling to Culcairn before arriving mid-afternoon in Wagga Wagga. On arrival view the National Art Glass Collection and the Carnegie Print Collection. Our home for tonight is the Charles Sturt Motor Inn.

Day 3 (B,L,D) WAGGA WAGGA, JUNEE, COOTAMUNDRA, COWRA, ORANGE

Today we journey to Junee where we visit the Railway Roundhouse Museum. We continue north along the Olympic Highway to Cootamundra, birthplace of Sir Donald Bradman. We view his cottage prior to continuing to Cowra for lunch. Visit the Japanese Garden and Cultural Centre and Australia’s World Peace Bell. We continue to Orange via Canowindra where we visit the Ages of Fishes Museum. View the collection of amazing fish fossils found around the area that pre-date the dinosaurs. Our home for two nights is the Country Comfort Inn, Orange.

Day 4 (B,L,D) ORANGE

Take a stroll in the Botanic Gardens, visit the Information Centre and the outstanding Regional Art Gallery. This afternoon we drive to nearby Carcoar. Nestled in the Belabula River valley, this historic village is classified by the National Trust.

Day 5 (B,L,D) ORANGE, PARKES, DUBBO

Heading inland we join the Newell Highway at Parkes. Morning tea here before a visit to the CSIRO Parkes Radio Telescope and Discovery Centre. Following lunch we view the Peak Hill Open Cut Mine, located just 400 metres from the main street of Peak Hill. On to our home for tonight, the Cattlemen’s Country Motor Inn, Dubbo.

Day 6 (B,L,D) DUBBO, TAMWORTH

This morning we enter the New England region. We start out along the Newell Highway passing through Gilgandra to Coonabarabran located adjacent to the Warrumbungles mountain range. We continue to Gunnedah, our luncheon destination. On arrival early afternoon in Tamworth, the Country Music Capital of Australia, view the giant Golden Guitar and visit the Country Music Museum. Our home for tonight, Best Western All Settlers Motel.

Day 7 (B,L,D) TAMWORTH, ARMIDALE

A short drive today prior to arriving in Armidale, home to elegant cathedrals, churches and pastoral homesteads, historic monuments and heritage buildings. Today we explore several of these historical sites then enjoy lunch at Booloominbah Homestead, located within the grounds of the University of New England. This afternoon we visit the Aboriginal Cultural Centre and Keeping Place, a community-based gallery showcasing the diversity of indigenous arts and culture. Home tonight is the Armidale Regency Motel.

Day 8 (B,L,D) ARMIDALE, GLEN INNES, TENTERFIELD, TOOWOOMBA

Departing Armidale we view the “Balancing Rock” on route to Glen Innes and Tenterfield, home to Sir Henry Parkes and the location of his Federation Speech in 1889. Following lunch we visit the historic Tenterfield Saddler before continuing to Warwick and Toowoomba. Our home for two nights is the Burke & Wills Hotel, Toowoomba.

Day 9 (B,L,D) TOOWOOMBA

An enjoyable day today as we visit Laurel Bank Park and the Japanese Gardens, set in the grounds of the University of Southern Queensland, a breathtaking massed display of Cymbidium, Exotic and Native Orchids. During the afternoon we visit the Cobb & Co Museum, which is the custodian of the Cobb & Co story and includes the National Carriage Collection.

Day 10 (B,L,D) TOOWOOMBA, SOMERSET DAM, GLASSHOUSE MOUNTAINS, MAROOCHYDORE

Our journey this morning turns east as we cross the slopes of the Great Dividing Range and head towards the Sunshine Coast. We visit Bellevue Homestead, a living reminder of Queensland’s early settlement days. Continue through the “Valley of the Lakes” past Somerset Dam, a popular weekend destination for outdoor enthusiasts. At Kilcoy, view the statue of the infamous “Yowie”, Australia’s own Bigfoot, rumoured to live in the area. A highlight of the day, we travel through the picturesque Glasshouse Mountains National Park before arriving at the Sebel Maroochydore, our resort-style home for the next two nights.

Day 11 (B,L,D) MAROOCHY RIVER CRUISE, MAROOCHY REGIONAL BUSHLAND BOTANIC GARDENS

This morning we cruise the smooth waters of the Maroochy River on the MV Blue Laguna. Our journey takes us through the river islands, Bli Bli, rainforest regions, Coolum Creek ecosystem and wetland sanctuary regions. Enjoy a BBQ lunch before visiting the Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Gardens, set in 82 hectares of eucalypt and riparian forest. A delight to visit with a surprise around every corner!

Day 12 (B,L) MAROOCHYDORE, HOME

Today we visit Laguna lookout with spectacular views of Laguna Bay and the surrounding area. We transfer to the Sunshine Coast Airport for our direct flight back to Melbourne. Early lunch at the airport. On arrival in Melbourne, home or hotel transfers are available. Passengers from other states may fly via Melbourne or direct to their home port, depending on airline schedules. So concludes a most enjoyable inland journey to Queensland.