Brisbane

Brisbane has the look of a city that has recently grown-up. Much of the old and unsightly has been bulldozed and replaced with glittering glass and concrete towers, hotels and paved shopping malls.

On this leisurely drive around the cosmopolitan and lively City of Brisbane, you will have the opportunity to see many sights including the historical buildings of Parliament House, the Treasury Building, Customs House and the City Hall.

There will be a photo stop at Kangaroo Point cliffs for a view of the city skyline before continuing onto Mount Coot-tha where you will be able to enjoy an unequalled panoramic view over the city’s modern, sleek skyscrapers and picturesque suburb. On a clear day you can see as far as the Glass House Mountains to the North, the Gold Coast Hinterland to the South and Moreton and Stradbroke Islands to the East.

On your return to the ship pass South Bank Parklands, a 42-acre sub-tropical park built on the site of the 1988 World Expo.

The meandering Brisbane River, lush inner city parks and the unusual blend of historic and modern architecture make this a city not to be missed.

Explore the Gold Coast beyond Brisbane. Soak up the beautiful landscape as you travel on the winding roads towards Lamington National Park and the Mount Tamborine volcanic plateau. This region is home to lush rainforests, stunning waterfalls, pretty vineyards and charming orchards.

At Gallery Walk there are a variety of art and craft shops selling craftwork, cuckoo clocks, tasty homemade treats and other hand-made goods. You’ll have around 45 minutes free time here to look for unusual souvenirs and gifts or just browse the colourful shop fronts, cafés and stalls.

There will be a visit to a local winery for your first wine tasting of the day accompanied by a talk about the thriving viticulture industry.

A 2-course lunch will then be served at an authentic Aussie Pub which boasts dramatic views over the valley. This historic pub is full of old-world charm and you will have the opportunity to experience its friendly hospitality whilst you relax in its casual atmosphere and get to know some of the locals.

Following lunch, the tour continues to the renowned Sirromet Winery (or similar) for another wine tasting session. The picturesque property boasts natural beauty, with lagoons set in native bushland and an abundance of wildlife including wallabies, koalas, goannas and a myriad of bird life.

On the short drive to the pier you will pass by the mansions on Hamilton Hill, the historic Breakfast Creek Hotel and Newstead House.

At the pier, you will board the grand timber Mississippi style paddle steamer for a cruise along Brisbane River, through the heart of Brisbane and the Wharf Area. Listen to the informative commentary that will introduce you to the city’s landmarks, its culture and people. View the multimillion-dollar mansions on the river at Norman Park, the historic building of Shafston House at Kangaroo Point and the Story Bridge. Marvel at the eclectic mix of historic and modern architecture, and travel past the extensive South Bank Parklands, developed on the site of 1988 World Expo. Savour a light afternoon tea as you experience the ambience and atmosphere aboard this majestic paddle steamer.

Before returning to the ship, a brief coach tour of Brisbane’s in-land sights will complete your overview of this fascinating city.

Take a leisurely drive through the city, where you will pass the Botanical Gardens, the historic Parliament House, the Treasury Building, City Hall and Old Customs House. See the South Bank Parklands and Cultural Centre, which combine the State’s Art Gallery, Performing Arts Complex, Museum and Library in a splendid riverside setting. Before arriving at the koala sanctuary, stop at Mt Coot-tha Lookout to enjoy panoramic views of the city.

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, founded in 1927, is the world's oldest and largest Koala Sanctuary and contains over 130 koalas. Set in beautiful, natural surroundings, the sanctuary is also home to many other species of native Australian wildlife including Kangaroos, Tasmanian Devils, Wombats, Echidnas, Kookaburras, Emus, Cassowarys, various species of Reptiles and a Platypus.

You may wish to hold and have your photo taken cuddling a Koala (additional expense payable locally), or hand feed the kangaroos and wallabies that roam freely around the grounds. There are daily talks, shows and presentations given throughout the visit to teach you more about these unusual animals.

On the short drive to the pier you will pass by the mansions on Hamilton Hill, the historic Breakfast Creek Hotel and Newstead House.

At the pier, you will board the grand timber Mississippi style paddle steamer for a cruise along Brisbane River, through the heart of Brisbane and the Wharf Area. Listen to the informative commentary that will introduce you to the city’s landmarks, its culture and people. View the multimillion-dollar mansions on the river at Norman Park, the historic building of Shafston House at Kangaroo Point and the Story Bridge. Marvel at the eclectic mix of historic and modern architecture, and travel past the extensive South Bank Parklands, developed on the site of 1988 World Expo. Savour a light afternoon tea as you experience the ambience and atmosphere aboard this majestic paddle steamer.

Before returning to the ship, a brief coach tour of Brisbane’s in-land sights will complete your overview of this fascinating city.

Take a leisurely drive through the city, where you will pass the Botanical Gardens, the historic Parliament House, the Treasury Building, City Hall and Old Customs House. See the South Bank Parklands and Cultural Centre, which combine the State’s Art Gallery, Performing Arts Complex, Museum and Library in a splendid riverside setting. Before arriving at the koala sanctuary, stop at Mt Coot-tha Lookout to enjoy panoramic views of the city.

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, founded in 1927, is the world's oldest and largest Koala Sanctuary and contains over 130 koalas. Set in beautiful, natural surroundings, the sanctuary is also home to many other species of native Australian wildlife including Kangaroos, Tasmanian Devils, Wombats, Echidnas, Kookaburras, Emus, Cassowarys, various species of Reptiles and a Platypus.

You may wish to hold and have your photo taken cuddling a Koala (additional expense payable locally), or hand feed the kangaroos and wallabies that roam freely around the grounds. There are daily talks, shows and presentations given throughout the visit to teach you more about these unusual animals.

Australia Zoo was established by the late ‘Crocodile Hunter’, Steve Irwin and is still run by his enthusiastic family. It is one of Australia’s leading environmental organisations, committed to the preservation of Australian wildlife and their habitat.

You will have around 3½ hours to explore the many enclosures at your own leisure. Discover the large numbers of native animals including freshwater and saltwater crocodiles, kangaroos, elephants and wombats. You will have the chance to meet the cuddly koalas, view majestic birds of prey and feed kangaroos, elephants or camels (food at your own expense).

The Zoo’s latest addition is their most adventurous enclosure, the Tiger Temple. Home to 5 majestic tigers and 4 cheetah cubs, the Tiger Temple provides an amazing opportunity for you to get up close to these endangered animals.

There will be daily animal presentations. The highlight is the live crocodile show, where the crocodiles launch a strike from the water’s edge in the purpose built ‘Crocoseum’. A truly unforgettable day out.

Board your River Cruiser for a relaxing cruise along the sunny shores and canals of the Gold Coast.

Enjoy refreshments of a delicious Devonshire tea as you pass the beautiful sites of the Gold Coast Waterway canal system and broadwater. You will see Marina Mirage, Seaworld and Palazzo Versace, Australia’s only 6 star hotel. View some of the world's most beautiful high-rise apartments and the ever-changing Surfers Paradise skyline from the comfort of an air-conditioned canal cruiser.

On arrival at Surfers Paradise there will be approximately 1½ hours of free time to enable you to discover the famous resort your own leisure. There is plenty to see and do, you may wish to browse through the many shops and designer arcades, take a dip in the refreshing sea or relax and soak up the sun at this premier beach location.

The Gold Coast is a major tourist destination with its sunny subtropical climate, surfing beaches, canal and waterway systems, its high-rise dominated skyline and rainforest hinterland.

You will have approximately 5 hours at your leisure to discover the Gold Coast district of Surfers Paradise. Browse through the many shops and designer arcades, enjoy a lunch of Aussie fish and chips or sit in one of the many chic beachside restaurants. Soak up the sun’s rays as you relax on the famous dazzling beach and enjoy a refreshing swim in the sea.

After a day of discovering the magic of the Gold Coast the coach will be waiting to bring you back to the ship.

Brisbane has the look of a city that has recently grown-up. Much of the old and unsightly has been bulldozed and replaced with glittering glass and concrete towers, hotels and paved shopping malls.

On this leisurely drive around the cosmopolitan and lively City of Brisbane, you will have the opportunity to see many sights including the historical buildings of Parliament House, the Treasury Building, Customs House and the City Hall.

There will be a photo stop at Kangaroo Point cliffs for a view of the city skyline before continuing onto Mount Coot-tha where you will be able to enjoy an unequalled panoramic view over the city’s modern, sleek skyscrapers and picturesque suburb. On a clear day you can see as far as the Glass House Mountains to the North, the Gold Coast Hinterland to the South and Moreton and Stradbroke Islands to the East.

On your return to the ship pass South Bank Parklands, a 42-acre sub-tropical park built on the site of the 1988 World Expo.

The meandering Brisbane River, lush inner city parks and the unusual blend of historic and modern architecture make this a city not to be missed.