.

SUMMER/AUTUMN EDITION 2017 — ISSUE 26

TRAVEL TALK

POTTER TRAVEL CLUB PO Box 37, Queanbeyan, NSW, 2620

152 Monaro Street, Queanbeyan NSW 2620 Email: tours@pottertravel.com.au Website: www.pottertravel.com.au

Phone: 02 6297 8585 Friends in Travel Pty Ltd is trading as Potter Travel ABN 96 639 726 295

Welcome to our Summer/Autumn Newsletter.

Happy New Year and welcome to our first Newsletter for 2017. We have a fantastic year of touring and travel for you to enjoy. Our tours to Lakes Entrance and Tasmania in February are fully booked. But there are seats available for a 2 day getaway in March to get up close and personal to Sydney’s new Barangaroo on a fantastic cruise with TV personality Graeme Ross as your host to tell you all about it and the magnificent landscaping plants and foreshore restoration. His Jacaranda Cruise we did on Sydney Harbour last Spring was a huge success. If Begonia’s are more your style, the Ballarat Begonia Festival tour still has seats available. If Chinese Dragons and a festival is what you want then the Bendigo Easter Festival might be for you. There is also still availability on the Moree & Tenterfield tour at the end of April.

Our main tours through the Winter months are all going to operate on current bookings. The West Coast is filling fast with only limited seats/rooms left. Cairns & Tropical North Queensland and Outback SA & Red Centre tours have enough bookings to operate and there are limited seats available if you are keen to go and see these amazing places. Call the office now if you are interested in any of these tours.

There are quite a few NEW day tours for you to consider in this Newsletter. New musicals The Bodyguard and Kinkyboots are now on sale. My Fair Lady is returning to Sydney later in the year, showing at The Capitol Theatre, we have dates available if you missed out last year. A visit to the historic Glenalvon is one we have not done as a day tour before. The very popular Camelot (A Place To Call Home) is also on offer late February, but bookings will close very shortly, so be quick.

NEW Extended Tours include a return to Sydney’s Vivid Festival in June, Christmas In July at Wisemans Ferry including the Guide Dogs, Lightning Ridge in August, plus fabulous Spring tours to Orange & NSW Central West in October and the Bright Spring Festival in early November.

To escape the Canberra winter we have a wonderful 9 Day Tour to the Cook Islands in August 2017. We will have a 21 day tour to Canada & Alaska in 2018. See the back page for further information on both of these wonderful international tours.

Happy travelling from Bob, Karen, Kel & David.

BOOKINGS CLOSING SOON

Call the office and make a booking if you are interested in one of these tours:

2 DAY SYDNEY BARANGAROO

Price: $470 ppts. Dept: 07 Mar 2017

6 DAY BALLARAT BEGONIA FESTIVAL Price: $1265 ppts. Dept: 09 Mar 2017

5 DAY BENDIGO EASTER FESTIVAL Price: $1145 ppts. Dept: 14 Apr 2017

8 DAY MOREE & TENTERFIELD TOUR

Price: $1850 ppts. Dept: 28 Apr 2017

4 DAY MUDGEE GULGONG TOUR Price: $910 ppts. Dept: 29 May 2017

2 DAY ELVIS PRESLEY SHOW

Price: $495 ppts. Dept: 02 Jun 2017

ANNUAL MORNING TEA

Our mid year Annual Morning Tea for Travel Club Members & friends will be held on Wednesday 21 June at the Queanbeyan Bicentennial Hall Community Centre, starting at 10.00am. Come along to receive exciting information on our 2017 & 2018 touring. Coach pickups are available and bookings are essential, so please call the office if you would like to attend. A gold coin donation at the door will be collected for the Cancer Council as part of ‘Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea’.

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28 Feb Camelot @ Camden pg 3 06 Feb 4 Day Lakes Entrance & Gippsland Lakes Full

16 Mar Archibald Prize Regional Tour pg 3 18 Feb 14 Day Tasmanian Spectacular Full

29 Mar Apples & Violets pg 3 07 Mar 2 Day Sydney Barangaroo Cruise pg 5

01 Apr Bundanoon is Brigadoon pg 3 09 Mar 6 Day Ballarat Begonia Festival pg 5

26 Apr The Bodyguard, the Musical pg 3 31 Mar 3 Day Mystery Tour Waitlist

16 May Historic Glenalvon pg 3 14 Apr 5 Day Bendigo Easter Festival pg 5

27 May The Bodyguard, the Musical pg 4 28 Apr 8 Day NSW Far North, Moree & Tenterfield pg 5

05 Jul Kinkyboots, the Musical pg 4 19 May 3 Day Mystery Tour pg 5

11 Jul Xmas In July @ Binalong Hotel pg 4 29 May 4 Day Mudgee & Gulgong pg 5

19 Jul Kinkyboots, the Musical pg 4 02 Jun 2 Day Elvis Presley Show pg 6

31 Jul Carrington Inn Xmas In July pg 4 14 Jun 3 Day Sydney’s Vivid Festival pg 6

30 Aug My Fair Lady, the Musical pg 4 26 Jun 7 Day Port Macquarie Winter Getaway pg 6

22 Jul 9 Day Tropical North Queensland pg 7

25 Jul 3 Day Wisemans Ferry Christmas in July pg 6

25 Aug Cook Islands, Pacific Paradise pg 8 01 Aug 12 Day Outback Sth Australia & Red Centre pg 7

2018 Canada & Alaskan Cruise pg 8 14 Aug 6 Day Lightning Ridge pg 6

16 Aug 19 Day West Coast Explorer, Darwin to Perth pg 7

07 Sep 8 Day Murray River & Murray Princess Cruise Waitlist

10 Oct 4 Day Orange & NSW Central West pg 6

02 Nov 5 Day Bright Spring Festival pg 7

TOURS

DAY EXTENDED

Once again 100 Travel Club members enjoyed a great Christmas Lunch day out to the Southern Highlands and Mittagong RSL. Mr Shane Tapper was there to entertain us again. Lots of singing & dancing plus a lovely Christmas lunch made for a most enjoyable day and a great way to finish off what had been a fantastic touring year for the Potter Travel Club.

OVERSEAS

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CAMELOT— A PLACE TO CALL HOME

Tuesday 28 February 2017 Back by popular demand! Camelot is often associated with King Arthur and the legend of the Knights of the Round Table. However located near the picturesque town of Camden, is another beautiful and cultured Camelot. It is a grand heritage-listed mansion built in 1888. The house has striking chimneys, turrets and balconies that overlook its stunning gardens. This wonderful majestic mansion was renamed Ash Park, the Bligh family home, in the

award winning TV series called A Place To Call Home. Don’t miss out on seeing this private residence now re-opened to the public.

Member Cost: $125.00 pp Non-member: $145.00 pp

APPLES & VIOLETS Wednesday 29 March 2017

Fully booked in March 2016 so we are running it again. Batlow & Tumut’s history dates back to the heyday of the 19th century Goldrush. This led to the establishment of orchards, farms & subsequently the town of Batlow. Fruit growing became a major industry, and in 1923 the first cool stores in NSW was constructed at Batlow. Wilgro Orchards grows mainly apples with some cherries & berries. Some varieties planted are Pink Lady, Royal Alvina Gala, Fuji, Jonathon and Granny Smith. Tumut

Valley Violets, set in the grounds of the 120 year old Tumut Plains School House amid cottage gardens and two acres of beautiful trees, has become a major tourist attraction in the area. It boasts over 800 different named varieties of African violets.

Member Cost: $105.00 pp Non-member: $125.00 pp

THE BODYGUARD, THE MUSICAL Wednesday 26 April 2017

Based on the Warner Bros. film, this extraordinary production has dazzled audiences throughout the UK, Ireland, Europe and the US. Former Secret Service agent turned bodyguard, Frank Farmer, is hired to protect superstar Rachel Marron from an unknown stalker. Each expects to be in charge – what they don't expect is to fall in love. A brilliant, breathtakingly romantic thriller, THE BODYGUARD features a whole host of Whitney Houston's

greatest hits including Queen of the Night, One Moment in Time, Saving All My Love, Run to You, I Have Nothing, Greatest Love Of All, Million Dollar Bill, I Wanna Dance With Somebody and one of the greatest hit songs of all time – I Will Always Love You.

Member Cost: $195.00 pp Non-member: $215.00 pp

BUNDANOON IS BRIGADOON Saturday 01 April 2017

Our members have asked for it, so its back to Bundanoon in 2017. After the mists have risen at dawn, the town of Bundanoon becomes Brigadoon for a day. There is a bustle of activity as people prepare for the big parade. Visitors from all over Australia make their way to Brigadoon. Thousands line the streets as hundreds of pipes and drums, colourful floats & displays, marchers, vintage cars, & service & community vehicles make their way to the grounds for the games. Up to 300 pipers and drummers regularly perform every year. The feature event is The Tartan Warriors introducing ‘The Australian Highland Heavy Events Championship’, plus the Bundanoon Stones of Manhood. Chieftain of the day is Author & Rock Idol Mr Jimmy Barnes!

Member Cost: $95.00 pp Non-member: $115.00 pp

ARCHIBALD PRIZE AT COWRA Thursday 16 March 2017

The annual Archibald Prize is eagerly anticipated by artists and audiences alike. First awarded in 1921, it is one of Australia’s oldest and most prestigious art awards. Judged by the trustees of the Art Gallery of NSW and awarded to the best portrait painting, the Archibald Prize exhibition is a who’s who of Australian culture – from politicians to celebrities, sporting heroes to artists. This touring exhibition is an opportunity to see all the finalists in the Archibald Prize 2016. The Regional tour includes the Cowra Regional Art Gallery in March 2017 which is where we travel today.

Member Cost: $105.00 pp Non-member: $125.00 pp

HISTORIC GLENALVON Tuesday 16 May 2017

Glenalvon has been described as ‘An exceptional two-storied sandstone home of colonial Georgian design’ (National Trust), and ‘A rare example of a residence & garden of its period, size, diversity, integrity, and quality’ (Otto Cserhalmi and Partners, Heritage Architects). Glenalvon is circa 1841 and consists of the two storey main house, the earlier Servants Quarters, and a Victorian Coach House and Stables. A custom built slab shed was constructed in 1995 to protect the Society’s collection of historical agricultural equipment and what is probably Australia’s most important gravestone - that of pioneer farmer, James Ruse. Historic Glenalvon is not only beautiful, it is classic in its architecture and construction.

Member Cost: $95.00 pp Non-member: $115.00 pp

DAY TOURS

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THE BODYGUARD, THE MUSICAL Saturday 27 May 2017

Based on the Warner Bros. film, this extraordinary production has dazzled audiences throughout the UK, Ireland, Europe and the US. Former Secret Service agent turned bodyguard, Frank Farmer, is hired to protect superstar Rachel Marron from an unknown stalker. Each expects to be in charge – what they don't expect is to fall in love. A brilliant, breathtakingly romantic thriller, THE BODYGUARD features a whole host of Whitney Houston's greatest hits including Queen of the

Night, One Moment in Time, Saving All My Love, Run to You, I Have Nothing, Greatest Love Of All, Million Dollar Bill, I Wanna Dance With Somebody and one of the greatest hit songs of all time – I Will Always Love You.

Member Cost: $225.00 pp Non-member: $245.00 pp

BINALONG XMAS IN JULY Tuesday 11 July 2017

Built around a village square the historic heritage village of Binalong is nestled in wooded hills north-west of Yass. In 1821 Hamilton Hume was the first known European in the area. It was also home to AB 'Banjo' Paterson who

was raised just outside the town. Australian bushranger, Johnny (Flash) Gilbert, lies buried near Binalong. Once a major stopping place for Cobb & Co Coaches, Binalong is now home to some outstanding examples of colonial architecture. The Black Swan Inn (1847) is now a Gallery, the original Paterson Pub (1840s), is a private residence, as is the old railway station (1876). Today we enjoy a 2-course Christmas luncheon at the Binalong Hotel.

Member Cost: $105.00 pp Non-member: $125.00 pp

CARRINGTON INN XMAS IN JULY Monday 31 July 2017

This Christmas In July day out has been very popular the past few years so we are running it again in 2017. We start the day with morning tea and a visit to the House of The Alpaca in Goulburn where we learn about this historical 1880's Inn, the back story of the business and what goes into making their products. Watch the weaving loom in action, busily weaving throw rugs. Listen to the amazing history of this loom. From

here we make our way via Tarago to Bungendore for a traditional Christmas in July lunch at the historic Carrington Inn, before heading back to Canberra mid-afternoon.

Member Cost: $140.00 pp Non-member: $160.00 pp

KINKYBOOTS, THE MUSICAL Wednesday 19 July 2017

KINKYBOOTS is the hilarious and heart-warming new musical coming to Sydney’s Capitol Theatre. Kinkyboots is inspired by a true story of a young man’s struggle to save his family shoe business with an outrageous idea and thanks to a fabulous new friend! With Tony and Grammy winning songs by pop icon Cyndi Lauper, book by Broadway royalty Harvey Fierstein (La Cage aux Folles) and direction and choreography by Tony-Award Winner Jerry Mitchell (Legally Blonde, Hairspray), Kinkyboots is a celebration of love, friendship and the power of believing in yourself. This musical is currently receiving rave reviews from Melbourne audiences, don’t miss out, book now!

Member Cost: $195.00 pp Non-member: $215.00 pp

KINKYBOOTS, THE MUSICAL Wednesday 05 July 2017

KINKYBOOTS is the hilarious and heart-warming new musical coming to Sydney’s Capitol Theatre. Kinkyboots is inspired by a true story of a young man’s struggle to save his family shoe business with an outrageous idea and thanks to a fabulous new friend! With Tony and Grammy winning songs by pop icon Cyndi Lauper, book by Broadway royalty Harvey Fierstein (La Cage aux Folles) and direction and choreography by Tony-Award Winner Jerry Mitchell (Legally Blonde, Hairspray), Kinkyboots is a celebration of love, friendship and the power of believing in yourself. This musical is currently receiving rave reviews from Melbourne audiences, don’t miss out, book now!

Member Cost: $195.00 pp Non-member: $215.00 pp

MY FAIR LADY Wednesday 30 August 2017

My Fair Lady is returning to Sydney, this time to The Capitol Theatre. The beloved story of Eliza Doolittle & Henry Higgins is being delivered to a new generation of theatre audiences. The story about the Cockney flower girl Eliza Doolittle and the arrogant phoneticist, Professor Higgins, is an endearing tale with its warmth and vivid characters. An unforgettable score with 'Wouldn't It Be Loverly?', 'On the Street Where You Live', 'I Could Have Danced All Night', and 'Get Me to the Church on Time'. Returning to Sydney for another season in 2017 back by popular demand. If you missed out last year, book early to avoid disappointment.

Member Cost: $195.00 pp Non-member: $215.00 pp

DAY TOURS

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2 DAY SYDNEY & BARANGAROO Tuesday 07 March 2017

The highlight of our 2 day trip to Sydney is a cruise on Sydney Harbour to view the new Barangaroo Reserve and to experience the concept plan linking Barangaroo with other harbour headlands of Balls Head, Goat Island, Ballast Point and McMahons Point. Graham Ross (Better Homes and Gardens) is our host onboard to provide expert insight into the landscape design and horticultural information on the native trees, shrubs and plants specifically grown for Barangaroo

Reserve. A light lunch with tea & coffee is included. After the cruise, you will have time to explore Barangaroo Reserve on foot.

Member Cost: $470.00 pp twin share $560.00 sole use

5 DAY BENDIGO EASTER FESTIVAL Friday 14 April 2017

The first Bendigo Easter Fair started in 1870 to raise funds for the Sandhurst Benevolent Asylum & Hospital. It was such a success that it has been held every year since, making this Australia's longest ongoing festival. The festival was a time for sharing, goodwill and charity & today it continues this tradition, showcasing Bendigo’s diverse community & cultural heritage. We ride the Bendigo Talking Tram and visit the Central Deborah Goldmine & Golden Dragon Museum. Enjoy the Easter Gala Parade

which is bursting with colour, action and sounds & see the ‘Sun Loong’ Dragon weave his way through the historic streets. Enjoy a day trip to the historic township of Castlemaine including a visit to the Buda Historic Home and Garden.

Member Cost: $1145.00 pp twin share $1500.00 sole use

3 DAY MYSTERY TOUR Friday 19 May 2017

This is again a tour to somewhere that we know the destination but you don’t! So check with the office to se if there are seats available because it’s always popular. Mystery is one of the great joys of travel. It keeps us surprised, delighted, and just unsettled enough to heighten every experience. If you are intrigued, you love discovering new places and are easily delighted, a Potter Mystery Tour might be right up your alley. Everyone has a great time on our

Mystery tours, with plenty of laughs along the way, where will it be? The tour includes two nights accommodation, all day touring, meals and exclusive, not to be missed, Potter Travel entertainment!

Member Cost: $625.00 pp twin share $700.00 sole use

8 DAY MOREE TENTERFIELD TOUR Friday 28 April 2017

In April on the Moree Plains it’s cotton harvesting time so there is plenty to see. We visit a working cotton gin, find out the differences between irrigated and dry cotton crops and how cotton is picked and packed, ready for transportation to the gins for processing. Moree is also renowned for its hot mineral spas. Travelling from Moree to Tenterfield we visit the border towns of Goondiwindi and Texas. Tenterfield’s famous son is entertainer Peter Allen. It is also a renowned historical district and enjoys blazing red autumns with stunning tree lined roads, surrounded by a wide variety of National Parks. We visit historic Stannum House, the Tenterfield Saddlery, the School of Arts where Sir Henry Parkes famously made his federation speech and explore the Stanthorpe area.

Member Cost: $1850.00 pp twin share $2265.00 sole use

6 DAY BALLARAT BEGONIA FESTIVAL Thursday 09 March 2017

The Ballarat Begonia Festival is a carnival and community cultural festival held annually since 1953. Themed around the begonia flower which blooms in the temperate Ballarat climate, traditional features of the festival program include floral displays and plantings on the main city streets, a centrepiece parade that includes floats constructed by local community groups. Our tour takes us through Central Victoria with its historic goldmining towns of Bendigo and Castlemaine. Ballarat is also an historic gold mining town and our tour includes visits to the Eureka Museum plus Sovereign Hill and its fantastic Blood On The Southern Cross Light & Sound Show.

Member Cost: $1265.00 pp twin share $1590.00 sole use

4 DAY MUDGEE GULGONG TOUR Monday 29 May 2017

Early Australian architectural facades and historic buildings line the wide streets of Mudgee, many dating to the 1850s. The Mudgee area is also renowned for its local produce and we visit the Honey Haven, the Hazelnut Farm, and the Brewering Co where we enjoy lunch followed by a tour of the distillery and a tasting. We also visit the historic town of Gulgong, once described as ‘the hub of the world!’ It was the boyhood home of Henry Lawson who was inspired by the Gulgong goldrush to write his poem ‘the Roaring Days’. Visit the Henry Lawson Centre and be entertained at the Prince of Wales Opera House with a stage presentation based on Henry Lawson’s works, with traditional music and an Australiana theme.

Member Cost: $910.00 pp twin share $1100.00 sole use

EXTENDED TOURS

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2 DAY ELVIS PRESLEY SHOW Friday 02 June 2017

Elvis is in the building! Direct from Graceland, Elvis fans will have a chance that many have never had before – to experience the man who changed the course of popular music – the biggest selling solo artist in history (having sold an astonishing one billion records world wide), live on screen, with a 40 piece Orchestra live on stage performing the King of Rock and Roll’s most well-known

songs. We will be overnighting in Sydney and the Vivid Festival will be on at this time, so hopefully we will get a chance to see some of the lights around the city before or after the show.

Member Cost: $495.00 pp twin share $595.00 sole use

7 DAY WINTER GETAWAY Monday 26 June 2017

Don’t miss our Winter Getaway tour to Port Macquarie. Founded in 1821, Port Macquarie is one of the oldest towns in the state and was a convict settlement until 1840. ‘Port’ has both a river frontage (the Hastings River enters the sea here) and a series of ocean beaches. The local sights including the historic St Thomas Church, the unique Koala Hospital, Ricardoes

Tomatoes & Strawberries farm and Sea Acres Rainforest Park are on our itinerary. Enjoy a scenic coastal drive via Lake Cathie and Bonny Hills to Laurieton, and visit North Brother Mountain for a magnificent view of the Camden Haven area. Visit Wauchope and Timbertown and enjoy the MV Port Venture Cruises on the Hastings River as well as a tasting at Cassegrain Winery.

Member Cost: $1455.00 pp twin share $1900.00 sole use

6 DAY LIGHTNING RIDGE Monday 14 August 2017

Lightning Ridge abounds with colourful characters, barrels of dreams, and experiences! Famous for the elusive Black Opal, which is unique to the area, it is also famous as a thriving frontier town full of the iconic Australian characters that remind the traveller that the Australian spirit is not a thing of

folklore, but the exact qualities that makes the 'Ridge' so unique is as elusive as the Black Opal itself. You can experience sculptures underground, cactus farms, castles, astronomy monuments and visit hills named 'Lunatic', 'Pig' and Bald'. And how do you find all these things? It’s easy, just look for coloured Car Doors! While this may not make immediate sense, it will when you come out and experience Lightning Ridge.

Member Cost: $1165.00 pp twin share $1350.00 sole use

3 DAY WISEMANS XMAS IN JULY Tuesday 25 July 2017

This year’s Christmas in July tour is to Wisemans Ferry. We start with a visit to the Newington Armory before heading to the Retreat at Wisemans, nestled on the banks of the Hawkesbury River. We visit the Guide Dogs Centre near Windsor. It’s a fascinating place and a very popular tour! Enjoy a guided tour of Windsor & surrounds. The settlement of Windsor was first established in 1791, near the head of navigation on the Hawkesbury River, taking advantage of the fertile river flats for agriculture. We join a fascinating cruise on the Hawkesbury River aboard our Meet the Locals cruise that follows the route of the original River Postman. Make several stops as the crew delivers the daily necessities to residents and holiday makers of the water-access-only settlements.

Member Cost: $685.00 pp twin share $820.00 sole use

3 DAY SYDNEY VIVID FESTIVAL Wednesday 14 June 2017

Enjoy a 3 day tour to Sydney that includes the annual Vivid Light Festival. Vivid Light transforms Sydney into a wonderland of 'light art' sculptures, innovative light installations and grand-scale projections for all to enjoy. It is a magical celebration of light-design excellence and the world's largest outdoor 'art-gallery', a unique Vivid Sydney experience. Lighting artists, designers and manufacturers from around the world illuminate, interpret and transform Sydney’s urban spaces through their creative vision. We have a birds eye view from a Captain Cook Vivid Light Dinner Cruise. Our itinerary also includes a tour of the Sydney Cricket Ground, a visit to the Quarantine Station at Manly and a tour of Bare Island.

Member Cost: $770.00 pp twin share $960.00 sole use

4 DAY ORANGE & CENTRAL WEST Tuesday 10 October 2017

The beautiful Orange region enjoys an outstanding reputation for fresh produce and excellent cool-climate wines, thanks to Mount Canobolas’ volcanic soils and altitude. There is also a rich heritage, with impressive colonial buildings streetscapes, tales of gold and bushrangers, museums and galleries. Enjoy the lovely public gardens, visit places such as Fourjay Farm which grows Hazelnuts. Enjoy a guided walk at Hillside Harvest and a wine tasting at Orange Mountain Wines. We also visit some of the surrounding villages such as Molong and Manildra. Visit Ammerdown Historic Homestead a perfect country residence that exudes quality from every quarter and finish our tour with a visit to the spectacular Mayfield Gardens.

Member Cost: $845.00 pp twin share $1045.00 sole use

EXTENDED TOURS

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FEATURED TOURS

9 DAY TROPICAL NORTH QUEENSLAND: Saturday 22 July 2017

Escape with us to Tropical North Queensland, a remarkable pristine World Heritage preserved part of the world. We start with 3 nights at Airlie Beach and a fantastic day cruising the beautiful Whitsundays. We also visit the Whitsunday Coffee Plantation and a private property not often visited called Earlando, boasting 6,000 acres of private Whitsunday coastal land, a paradise all to yourselves for the day. From Airlie Beach we head north, visiting Bowen and Ayr as we travel to Townsville. Head up the coast through Ingham and past Hinchinbrook Island to Tully. Enjoy a visit to the very unusual and historic Paronella Park. Then travel through Innisfail to Cairns for 5 nights. Take in the sights of Cairns and ride the Skyrail to Kuranda Village & the Scenic Railway back. We take a cruise on the Daintree River before a visit to Mossman Gorge & Port Douglas. Enjoy a day in the Atherton Tablelands including cruising at Yungaburra on Lake Barrine and a visit to the Curtain Fig Tree.

Member Cost: $3595.00 pp twin share $4235.00 sole use

12 DAY OUTBACK SA & RED CENTRE: Tuesday 01 August 2017

Our journey takes us through western NSW and the SA Riverland to Port Augusta on the top of Spencer Gulf. Then we head into Outback South Australia & Central Australia, along the Stuart Highway, named in honour of the famous explorer John McDougall Stuart, the first European to successfully traverse this vast continent from south to north. In northern South Australia we visit the famous rocket range town of Woomera and the very different opal town of Coober Pedy. We also visit the very unusual Breakaway Country near Coober Pedy. It is part of a region known as South Australia’s Painted Desert, which is an area of coloured clays with white, orange, yellow and pink predominating. Crossing the border into the Northern Territory we visit Uluru & Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) as well as Kings Canyon. A highlight of this tour is The Sounds of Silence Dinner at Uluru. Returning to the highway we cross the Fink River & travel to Alice Springs. We make this famous central Australian town our base for 3 nights, staying at Lasseters Hotel Casino, as we explore the town and the surrounding country including the MacDonnell Ranges. We enjoy visits to The School of the Air and the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Return flight from Alice Springs to Canberra is included in cost.

Member Cost: $4355.00 pp twin share $5280.00 sole use

19 DAY WEST COAST, DARWIN TO PERTH: Wed 16 August 2017 Join us on this epic journey down the West Coast of Australia, it’s a ‘bucket list’ destination. We begin our journey in Darwin then visit the spectacular Katherine Gorge before heading into Western Australia and to Kununurra and the Ord River. From here we continue across the Kimberley's, experience the wonder of Geikie Gorge and spend 2 nights in Broome. Watch the sunset over the Indian Ocean as we enjoy this frontier town. We continue down the coast to Port Hedland then head inland into Hammersley National Park and view the huge Mt Tom Price mine. From here it’s back to the coast and Karratha and Dampier before heading onto the Northwest Cape and Exmouth. We continue south visiting Coral Bay, Carnarvon, Monkey Mia and Geraldton and take in the wildflower country around Moora. We also visit the monastery town of New Norcia before completing our tour with 2 nights at the Rendezvous Hotel in Scarborough. Flights Canberra to Darwin and Perth to Canberra are included in the cost.

Member Cost: $7695.00 pp twin share $9290.00 sole use

5 DAY BRIGHT SPRING FESTIVAL: Thur 02 November 2017 The Bright Spring Festival showcases the special attractions of the Great Alpine Valleys; great cafes and restaurants, access to wine regions, street and river markets, art exhibitions and a natural beauty not found elsewhere in Victoria. Open Gardens are a key attraction and the district abounds with keen and dedicated gardeners who proudly offer their properties for public viewing. As always the fireworks night is a highlight during the Bright Spring Festival – the night has something for everyone. A visit to Bright is always an opportunity to enjoy the fabulous scenery and the spectacular wildflowers of the Ovens Valley and the Victorian High Country. We will spend 4 nights in Bright and enjoy the local sights as well as the Spring Festival activities. Enjoy a scenic drive to Mount Hotham travelling along the Great Alpine Road to Dinner Plain for lunch. Visit the quaint sub alpine village of Harrietville to visit the Lavender Hue Farm. Travel to the historic township of Beechworth, an almost perfectly preserved and maintained historic gold mining town. Make a stop in Milawa - the gourmet food area of North East Victoria and visit is Milawa Mustards and Brown Bros Winery for a tasting.

Member Cost: $1095.00 pp twin share $1295.00 sole use

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OVERSEAS

9 DAY COOK ISLANDS ‘PACIFIC PARADISE’: Friday 25 August 2017

Escape to the wonderful Cook Islands! Fall in love with this pristine paradise, people of heartwarming hospitality and colourful culture. This tour represents a fantastic travel experience offering breathtaking scenery, accommodation at the superbly located Edgewater Resort & Spa, all meals (except for one lunch on free day), touring & true Pacific hospitality! Enjoy a Circle Island Discovery Tour, Cultural Entertainment evening, Koka Lagoon Cruise, and a local Primary School visit are some of the included attractions. The 15 islands in the Cooks are located in the heart of the Pacific, halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand. An oasis of freedom with crystal blue waters, white sandy beaches, warm weather all year round and authentic, friendly locals. It’s so easy to do as much or as little as you like in the Cook Islands. Come share our Kia Orana spirit and discover why everyone loves a little paradise. The largest island, Rarotonga, is where we will be staying and is home to rugged mountains and Avarua, the national capital. Return flights with Air New Zealand are included.

Member Cost: $3925.00 pp twin share $4595.00 sole use

21 DAY SPECTACULAR ROCKIES & ALASKAN CRUISE: May 2018

After speaking with our Scenic Tours Consultant, we have decided to travel to Canada in May 2018. Scenic Tours is offering a special groups pre-registration offer to travel in 2018 and pay 2017 prices. This is available for guests who pre-register for our group departure only, prior to the pre-release brochure launch. A $250 per person refundable deposit will guarantee you a spot on our preferred departure, first preference of suites & best offers or monies are refunded. Today we use the word ‘awesome’ to convey things that are often quite ordinary. That’s why, in describing Canada & Alaska, from soaring mountains to striking glaciers and floating icebergs, we simply have to use words like ‘wondrous’ or ‘awe-inspiring’. There’s simply no other way to convey the wonders of a region that is home to both the magnificent Icefield’s Parkway & Inside Passage. It’s a region that harbours the grizzly bear, perhaps planet Earth’s greatest predator, as well as the mild-mannered moose. On one extreme you can look forward to the charming English-influenced Victoria, on the other there are towns so remote that they can only be accessed by air or sea. This itinerary showcases all that and more – beautiful scenery, fascinating towns, a friendly and inviting culture, and glorious national parks. It’s so much more than just ‘awesome’.

Call us to request the Expression Of Interest Flyer. It provides additional information on the

‘Travel in 2018 and pay 2017 prices’ offer

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