BUS TRIPS Sept 08 Report

• September 4, 2008
• General
• Editor

MOUNT MEE COMMUNITY BUS GROUP

Sabra & Kevin Austin            Ph: 07 5498 2282

18 – 21 November  

STANTHORPE GETAWAY  (See itinerary below.)

“Pack up Your Troubles in Your Old Kit Bag” and join Kevin and Sabra for days of enjoyment that we have planned over this next year.  The BIG bus will be used again – so to go on the trips we do need 30 or more people on this bus.

We take this opportunity to say that, although we take all reasonable care, we do not take responsibility for accidents or incidents that may occur.  The responsibility lies with each individual who chooses to join us and participate in our trips.

Due to more and more venues requesting pre-payment and not refunding for late or last minute cancellations, Kevin and I have to ask for 10 days pre-payment on all tours.  We are sorry to have to do this, but have no option.  Please make cheques payable to Sabra Austin.

Thursday 30 October

MAJESTIC THEATRE AND THE APOLLONIAN HOTEL

Let’s go back in time to the days of the old time theatres – the Majestic Theatre – the world’s only surviving silent movie theatre.  Leave the rat rice to slow down and enjoy morning tea and a couple of hours of theatre that will give you a laugh and possibly shed a tear for times gone by.  Enjoy a stroll around the town of Pomona – a small part of time going by.

Next onto the Apollonian Hotel.  This old pub was built in Gympie in 1868 during the Gold Rush era.  It has since been moved to Boreen Point and will be enjoyed for many years to come.

Departs:  Mt Mee 8.00am

Price Includes:  Coach travel;  Majestic Theatre;  morning tea;  lunch at the Apollonian.

Cost:  $50.00pp

Payment:  Required by October 23.

18 – 21 November

STANTHORPE GETAWAY

Package includes:  3 night’s accommodation at The Vines Motel., Stanthorpe including a full breakfast each morning;  Dinner each night at Anna’s Restaurant with varied menus;  morning teas and lunches;  tours and attractions as per itinerary.

Not included:  Meals not specified in itinerary;  Travel Insurance;  Items of a personal nature. 

Payment:  Required by 19 September 2008 (along with full passenger list, rooming list and special needs requirements.)

Cost:  $572.00pp ($158.00 single supplement)

Inquiries: to Sabra and Kevin

Cancellations:  Penalties may apply after final monies have been paid.

To honour our commitment to the hotels and attractions involved, the following schedule needs to be adhered to.

THE ITINERARY:

Day 1.  Mount Mee – Stanthorpe – 18 Nov

Meals:  M/t, L, D.

We begin our tour from Mount Mee early this morning, heading west via Cunningham’s Gap to Stanthorpe with morning tea supplied by the coach on the way.  Our first stop is at Warwick for a guided tour of the Abbey of the Roses Heritage House and lunch. 

The Abbey of The Roses is renowned as the grandest Heritage sandstone building on the Southern Downs.  This former convent saw its last border leave in 1972.  Following an extensive repair and restorative effort, the building was brought back to as close to original as possible, and opened in 1995 as a function centre.  It was awarded the National Trust John Herbert Award in 1998. 

From here we continue on to Stanthorpe where we check in to The Vines Motel where we will spend the next 3 nights.  We have time to freshen up before we head off to enjoy a great meal an Anna’s Restaurant.

Day 2.  Touring Stanthorpe – 19 Nov

Meals:  B, M/t, L, D.

After breakfast we head off and our first stop is at Eagles Produce where we board the old bus for the Eagles Produce Seed to Salad Tour.  We will see nature at its best in the peaceful serenity of the water storages that attract an abundance of wildlife and the nursery where seedlings are seeded and propagated.  We enjoy a cuppa after our tour.  Next, a quick stop at Donnelly’s Castle which is a rock formation that you can walk between, around and over.  There are great views from the lookout. 

Then we visit Suttons Juice Factory who produce a unique range of gourmet apple juices, with varieties such as Summerdel, Royal Gala, Jonathan, Granny Smith and Pink Lady.  Also there is a  range of berry jams, toppings and vinegar which are available for purchase.  Across the road we find Vincenzo’s at the Big Apple, which showcases the regions prime produce and liqueurs and offers a friendly atmosphere for you to relax. 

Our next stop is for a tour, lunch and wine tasting at Ballandean Estate Wines.  They are Queensland’s most awarded winery for both tourism and wines, but still retain the personal approach of being a family owned and managed vineyard and winery.  Embark on a tour of this working winery, sample some of their wines and then enjoy a delicious lunch. 

On the way back to our accommodation we stop at the Granite Gardens.  For the connoisseur, the dominance of David Austin roses (2,000 roses in all) throughout the garden is evidence of its diversity and beauty.  Borders of Catmint and other plantings such as Agapanthus, Camellias, Magnolias, Geranium, Succulents, Perennials and hundreds of Bulbs compliment this informal botanical marvel.  The Fairy Garden, wishing well, little bridges, pathways and water features are another attraction for young and old to discover. 

Then it’s back to The Vines Motel to get ready for our dinner at Anna’s Restaurant.

Day 3.  Giraween National Park – 20 Nov

Meals:  B, M/t, L, D.

This morning we begin our day with a stop at Heavenly Chocolates where we find yummy, hand crafted chocolates at the only chocolate-only shop in the Granite Belt.  Then we make our way to Giraween National Park, stopping for morning tea supplied by the coach.  Girraween, meaning place of flowers, is a park of massive granite outcrops, balancing boulders, clear streams and tumbling cascades.  Spectacular wildflower displays are a feature in spring and an exceptionally wide variety of wildlife can be found.  High on the northern end of the New England Tableland, the 11,700ha park has an average elevation of 900m and is cold in winter, hot in summer.  Not far from the Queensland-New South Wales border, it has more in common with cooler southern climes than with most of the Sunshine State. 

After spending time enjoying the surroundings we find a good spot to sit and have our packed lunches.  On our way back to Stanthorpe we call in at the Bramble Patch Berry Gardens.  Here we have the opportunity to taste and purchase their yummy jams, toppings, relishes and wines, and enjoy an ice cream.  Then we visit Mt Stirling Olives.  They offer a multitude of products with some available for tasting.  Next we head back to The Vines before meeting at Anna’s Restaurant for dinner.

Day 4.  Stanthorpe – Mount Mee – 21 Nov

Meals:  B, M/t, L.

We have breakfast this morning before packing up and boarding the coach to make our way to Old Caves Winery – where they specialize in producing “everyday” wines, non-vintage styles that are inexpensive enough for people to enjoy on a regular basis.  Here we are given a tasting at their cellar door. 

Then we stop in at Aloomba Lavender Farm where our host will tell you all about her love of lavender.  You have a chance to buy some of her products from the gift shop on site.  Main flowering is mid to late November, and we can enjoy the spectacular sight whilst having morning tea. 

We begin our journey home via Killarney, stopping for lunch at Queen Mary Falls, which are located in Main Range National Park.  In the Condamine River headwaters, Spring Creek cascades over a waterfall into a rain-forested gorge.  Here we can have lunch in a lovely shady spot before re boarding the coach and heading back home after a wonderful 4-day break.