Islander Resort

Located at the northern end of the Sunshine Coast, Noosa is a major Queensland coastal holiday destination. We stay at the centrally located Islander Resort. The many facilities include three swimming pools, one heated all year. Across Gympie Court is the Noosa River foreshore, perfect for a relaxing stroll.

Our units are ground floor two-bedroom apartments, with one bathroom, mostly with walk-in showers. The apartments are fully self-contained, air conditioned, with ceiling fans, full kitchen, laundry with washing machine and dryer, direct dial phone and internet connection. The apartments are fully serviced mid-way through our stay. A supermarket and bottle shop are located nearby.

Full breakfast daily in the resort dining area.

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 in the heated facilities, or simply relaxing.

Day 1 (L,D) HOME, NOOSA HEADS
Following metropolitan home/hotel pick up we transfer to Melbourne Airport for the direct flight to Sunshine Coast Airport, arriving early afternoon. Lunch on arrival. Passengers from other states may fly direct to the Sunshine Coast. We join our Young at Heart coach for the short journey north to Noosa Heads and the Islander Resort, home for nine nights. Relax and enjoy the atmosphere or take a walk along the Noosa River. Later, we meet together for drinks and dinner.

Day 2 (B,L,D) NOOSA
This morning a relaxing morning as we explore the local area, stroll along the famous Hastings Street. Later catch the Noosa Ferry to Tewantin. Following lunch explore Tewantin, visit the Noosa Regional Gallery, retrace our steps, again by ferry back to Noosa.

Day 3 (B,L,D) BLACKALL RANGE
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.

Day 4 (B,L,D) MARY VALLEY RATTLER
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, Amamoor and Kandanga to Imbil. At Imbil we join our Young at Heart coach and travel to Kenilworth for lunch and a tour of the Kenilworth Museum.

Day 5 (B,D) NOOSA HEADS
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) MOOLOOLABA
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 enjoy lunch at nearby Maroochydore. During the afternoon explore the coastal scenic road as we return to Noosa.

Day 7 (B,L,D) EUMUNDI MARKET, NOOSA RIVER CRUISE
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 mid afternoon to our apartment for some free time at your leisure.

Day 8 (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.

Day 9 (B,L,D) MONTVILLE
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 Montville, the picturesque artistic centre of the Blackall Range. We join together tonight for a special farewell dinner.

Day 10 (B,L) NOOSA, HOME
Sadly our stayput holiday comes to an end and we transfer to the Sunshine Coast Airport for our direct flight back to Melbourne. An early lunch today. 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.