The Sebel Maroochydore is luxury, modern apartment-style accommodation. Situated on Maroochydore Beach, this hotel is a perfect holiday venue with views of the beach, river and hinterland. The Hotel’s recreational facilities include a 25 metre podium pool and steam room as well as the rooftop spa, ideal for soaking up the views.

Both one and two bedroom apartments each have a private furnished balcony with ocean views. The apartments include a fully equipped kitchen, separate lounge and dining areas and laundry. All apartments feature a spa bath with walk-in shower. Two bedroom apartments have two bathrooms.

This is a “stayput” holiday, perfect for those who love the coast, ocean views, walking along the beach, and the coastal hinterland. With the provision of two-bedroom two-bathroom apartments, passengers who would not normally consider sharing may be inclined to invite a friend to join them in the two-bedroom apartment.

Day trips will mostly be shorter than normal, departing 9:45 to 10:00 a.m. and returning by 4:00 p.m. or a little earlier. This allows plenty of time for beach strolls, lattés in the nearby cafés, and if you wish, a swim or spa in the heated facilities.

Breakfasts are in our apartments and full breakfast provisions will be supplied for you to prepare at your leisure.

Due to departures on different days of the week, for some departures this program will operate a different schedule of days to that printed here. If you are meeting friends you may wish to check this with Young at Heart before making these arrangements.

Day 1 (L,D) HOME,  MAROOCHYDORE

Following Melbourne metropolitan home/hotel pick up we transfer to Melbourne Airport for the direct flight to Sunshine Coast Airport, arriving late morning. Lunch on arrival. Passengers from other states may fly direct to the Sunshine Coast. We join our Young at Heart coach for the short trip to The Sebel Maroochydore, our home for nine nights. Relax and enjoy the view or take a walk along the beach if you wish. Later, we meet together for dinner.

Day 2 (B,L,D) MALENY

Today we journey into the stunning scenery of the Sunshine Coast hinterland and Blackall Range. In this area, every road is a “scenic route”. We travel to Maleny via Mooloolah and enjoy a picnic morning tea at Baroon Pocket Dam before spending time at the Mary Cairncross Park where we experience one of the world’s great panoramas and an enchanting, untouched rainforest. After a light lunch we enjoy free time in Maleny. This craft village is nestled in rolling green hills with a magnificent backdrop of the Glasshouse Mountains and the Sunshine Coast. We return to Maroochydore via Peachester.

Day 3 (B,L,D) EUMUNDI, NOOSA

It’s market day! The Eumundi market is situated in the heart of the historic town of Eumundi. The iconic and towering heritage-listed fig trees rise above the more than 500 market stalls and the wide shady walkways make strolling among the stalls a pleasure. We journey to Noosa and visit Hastings Street and the Laguna Lookout before an enjoyable luncheon cruise aboard the Noosa Queen. We return to Maroochydore along the coast road, travelling through Sunshine Beach, Peregian Beach and Coolum.

Day 4 (B,L,D) UNDERWATER WORLD

UnderWater World at Mooloolaba is Queensland’s largest Oceanarium and Aquarium and is our destination today. Here we surround ourselves with the beauty of thousands of coral fish in the 2.5 million litre oceanarium. We encounter crocodiles, playful otters, a giant crab and weedy sea dragons. A truly magical place to spend the morning. After the entertaining seal show we return to Maroochydore for lunch and a free afternoon.

Day 5 (B,D) MAROOCHYDORE

Today is a day at leisure. The choice of activity (or lack of activity) is yours. You may choose to do a lot or a little. The day is yours to enjoy. Please note that lunch today is not included in your fare.

Day 6 (B,L,D) MAROOCHY RIVER CRUISE, MAROOCHY REGIONAL BUSHLAND BOTANIC GARDENS

This morning we cruise the smooth waters of the Maroochy River on a specially-designed riverboat, 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. We continue our nature theme as we visit the Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Gardens. These gardens, set in 82 hectares of eucalypt and riparian forest, showcase plants native to east coast subtropical Australia. A delight to visit with a surprise around every corner!

Day 7 (B,L,D) GYMPIE, KANDANGA, KENILWORTH

Today we ride the Mary Valley “Rattler” on one of Queensland’s most scenic railway lines. This historic rail journey commences at Gympie and, after crossing the Mary River, negotiates an abundance of curves, gradients and bridges to pass through the small country villages of Dagun and Amamoor to Kandanga. At Kandanga we join our Young at Heart coach and travel to Kenilworth for lunch and a tour of the Kenilworth Museum. We return to Maroochydore via Nambour.

Day 8 (B,L,D) GINGER FACTORY, NUTWORKS, MONTVILLE

Our short drive today takes us to the Ginger Factory where we board the Ginger Train, an authentic Queensland cane train, which takes us through the rainforest and tropical gardens to learn about the history of ginger. We also visit Nutworks where we find information on the harvesting and packing of Macadamias. Picnic lunch at Wappa Dam. The afternoon is spent visiting Mapleton Falls, Montville, the picturesque artistic centre of the Blackall Range and the Ettamogah Pub before returning to Maroochydore.

Day 9 (B,L,D) AUSTRALIA ZOO

A day at the zoo! The famous Australia Zoo holds animal shows throughout the day so we have plenty of opportunity to catch a show or two and encounter some wildlife action before lunch at the “Feeding Frenzy” Foodcourt. We join together tonight for a special farewell dinner.

Day 10 (B,L) MAROOCHYDORE, HOME

Sadly our stayput holiday comes to an end and following lunch we transfer to Sunshine Coast Airport for our direct flight back to Melbourne. 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 and relaxing holiday in the warm Queensland winter.