Reg Poole (OAM) is a much loved & popular Australian country music singer/songwriter. A three times Tamworth Golden Guitar winner, he is one of the great storytellers of Australian country music. In 2006 he was inducted into the prestigious Tamworth Roll of Renown. On Australia Day 2006 Reg was presented with an Order of Australia Medal, for services to the music & entertainment industry and the community. For many years Reg has toured Australia, with Terry Gordon and Owen Blundell, as part of the popular group, The Gunbarrel Highwaymen.
The tour manager will be John Howie. John was a secondary school music teacher for 23 years (he taught Kylie Minogue). He and his twin brother, Graeme, perform as The Howie Brothers. John has been leading successful music tours for 26 years. John Howie is passionate about his Music Tours and every tour is the result of a huge amount of thought and ‘attention to detail’. He has been organising Music Tours since 1995, and his tours are full of travel/sightseeing ‘gems’ and unforgettable music highlights. John knows the best music venues to visit and the best performers to see.
The assistant tour manager will be Gill Delaney. Gill (accordion/piano/ ukulele/mouth organ player from Wangaratta) has played in dance bands most of her life, and knows a million tunes! She will be coming on the tour as assistant tour manager, as long as we get a reasonable number of bookings on the tour. She will be involved in lots of fun-filled informal music sessions with Reg, John, & the tour group.
This experience is highly recommended! Those wishing to go on the 45 minute Stagecoach ride, in Longreach, on Friday afternoon April 12th, please tick the relevant box on the booking form. Price, per person, as @ 20/3/23, $93.60. Price may increase a little, for 2024. We have 2 Cobb & Co coaches booked, with Outback Pioneers (they run the Cobb & Co rides). Each coach takes 12 people, so we might be limited to the first 24 people that book on our tour (indicating they wish to go on the Cobb & Co ride).
If you would prefer to visit the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum, instead of the Waltzing Matilda Centre, in Winton, on Sunday morning April 14th, please indicate this by ticking the relevant box on the tour booking form. Cost of entrance to both attractions is almost the same, and ‘included’ in the tour; i.e., this is not an ‘optional’ activity; you don’t have to pay.
There are 2 or 3 operators, in Karumba, that take people out fishing (fishing charters), and they also provide the equipment (i.e., fishing gear & bait). John Howie will help organise a half-day fishing excursion for those tour group members interested, making sure you’re back in time for the Sunset Cruise. Cost (of fishing charter): approx. $195 per person. Please tick the relevant tick box on the booking form if you’d like to go fishing (instead of the visit to the Barramundi Discovery Centre). The money we would have spent on your admission to the Barramundi Discovery Centre (approx. $23 - $25 p/p) can go towards your fishing charter. Please book on our tour early, as the fishing charter spots need to be booked early (there being only 2 or 3 operators in Karumba).
The optional excursion we are offering (Day 15 of our tour) is the Green Island Eco Adventure, with cruise company Great Adventures. Green Island is a beautiful 6000 year-old coral cay located in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Aboard Great Adventures’ fast catamaran from Cairns, your journey to the Great Barrier Reef takes 45 minutes. Once at Green Island you have a choice of seeing the reef coral, and the diverse marine life, by going snorkelling or via a glass bottom boat. You can also go on a self-guided walk through Green Island’s unique rainforest environment. You have up to 7 hours at Green Island. Cost: approx. $120 p/p (approx. $108 p/p if we have 15 or more people choosing to go on this optional cruise). Includes morning tea/coffee. Lunch can be purchased at Green Island. If you would like to go on the optional cruise to the Great Barrier Reef, please indicate this by ticking the relevant tick box on the tour booking form.
VIEW ITINERARYPre-Tour Day Monday 8 April 2024 Pre tour in Brisbane
Because the tour departs Brisbane early April 9th, tour group members, except for
Brisbane area residents, will need to travel to Brisbane 8th April. We will suggest a
suitable hotel in central Brisbane for tour group members to stay.
Day 1 Tuesday 9 April 2024 Roma
Morning: Depart Brisbane. In Toowoomba visit the outstanding Cobb & Co
Museum. See Australia’s finest collection of horse-drawn vehicles. Also in
Toowoomba we pay tribute to Steele Rudd, the locally born author who created
Dad & Dave. Continue on to Roma, where we see the town’s famous bottle trees.
Also see the impressive heritage-listed Roma Courthouse (on site of courthouse
where Harry Redford was tried, for cattle-stealing, in 1872). Evening: Dinner at the
White Bull Tavern. Reg Poole will sing a few songs. Overnight: Mandalay Motel &
Starlight Motor Inn, Roma. (D)
Day 2 Wednesday 10 April 2024 Charleville
Morning: Travel to Charleville. On arrival, sightseeing tour with local guide. See
the School of Arts Hotel, mentioned in the song Charleville, recorded by Slim
Dusty. Reg Poole will sing the song for us. Visit the Charleville Historic House
and Museum, a beautiful historic building (1881). We will be entertained by the
president of the Charleville Historical Society, George Balsillie, who plays the
autoharp. Afternoon: Attend the Charleville Bilby Experience. See the rare and
endangered bilby, a cute local marsupial. Evening: Dinner at Charleville RSL. After
dinner enjoy a fun-filled singalong session with John Howie, Gill Delaney and Reg
Poole. Overnight: Waltzing Matilda Motor Inn & Charleville Motel. (B,AfternoonTea)
Day 3 Thursday 11 April 2024 Barcaldine
Morning: Morning tea in the town of Tambo. Then proceed to the town of
Blackall, home of Jackie Howe, famous ‘gun’ shearer. Visit the Jack Howe Display
(optional…approx. $4 p/p) Afternoon: Visit Blackall Woolscour, the last remaining
steam operated wool washing plant in Australia. On arrival in Barcaldine learn
about the historic Tree of Knowledge (tree under which shearers met during
Great Shearers’ Strike of 1891). Evening: Dinner at our motel. A local bush poet
will entertain us with Aussie yarns & bush poetry. Overnight: Landsborough Lodge
Motel, Barcaldine. (B,AfternoonTea,D)
Day 4 Friday 12 April 2024 Longreach
Morning: Travel to Longreach. Spend some time in historic town of Ilfracombe. See
Langenbaker House….former teamster’s cottage that remained in the one family
for a century. It’s a fascinating ‘time capsule’. Afternoon: Free time in Longreach’s
town centre. Make sure you visit The Station Store (lots of excellent outback
leather goods, souvenirs, etc.). Also enjoy a 45 minute ride in a Cobb & Co stage
coach (optional). See back of brochure for details. Evening: Dinner at Woolshed
Restaurant, including performance by Reg Poole. Overnight: Cabins, Longreach
Tourist Park. (B)
Day 5 Saturday 13 April 2024 Longreach
Morning: : Visit the outstanding Stockman’s Hall of Fame & Outback Heritage
Centre (pays tribute to Australia’s outback heroes). You may wish to attend the
Stockman’s Hall of Fame’s Live Stockman’s Show (excellent arena show, with stock
horses, sheep dogs, etc., starring musician/horse breaker/cowboy, Lachie Cossor).
The Stockman’s Live Show is optional.Afternoon: Visit Qantas Founders Outback
Museum (tells story of QANTAS & the impact it has had on outback life). Evening:
Enjoy Smithy’s Outback Dinner & Show (table service dinner & show under the
stars, on the banks of the Thomson River). (B,D)
Day 6 Sunday 14 April 2024 Winton
Morning: Travel to Winton. Visit the outstanding Waltzing Matilda Centre, which
tells the intriguing story of Waltzing Matilda, written by ‘Banjo’ Paterson in the
Winton area in 1895. Note: If you’d prefer to visit Winton’s Australian Age of
Dinosaurs Museum, instead of the Waltzing Matilda Centre, we can organise this
(see back of brochure.) Afternoon: Visit (1) Winton’s Musical Fence; (2) the Willie
Mar Heritage Site (Willie was a much-loved Chinese market gardener, in Winton;
he and his son ran the business for 90 years); (3) Arno’s Wall (long stone wall
embedded with all kinds of junk – lawnmower parts, typewriters, motorbikes,
etc.). Also visit The Crackup Sisters house, including their excellent Museum of
Outback Entertainers and a special performance by the girls (yarns, hilarity, dogs,
whip-cracking, etc.). Overnight: Matilda Motel, Winton. (B)
Day 7 Monday 15 April 2024 Mount Isa
Travel to Mount Isa, via Combo Waterhole, a billabong that has important links
with the Waltzing Matilda story. ‘Banjo’ Paterson visited Combo Waterhole for a
picnic prior to writing the song. Did his visit provide some of the inspiration for
the song? We will have morning tea there, and Reg Poole will lead us in singing
the great song! Then visit the Blue Heeler Hotel, in the town of Kynuna. This pub
also has links to the Waltzing Matilda story. Continue on to the town of McKinlay.
We’ll stop at the Walkabout Creek Hotel, location for the pub scenes in the movie
Crocodile Dundee. Then continue on to Mount Isa, travelling through the beautiful ochre-red Selwyn Ranges. Mount Isa is outback Queensland’s largest town,
built around a vast silver, copper, zinc & lead mine. Evening: Enjoy dinner at the
excellent Buffs Club. Overnight: Burke & Wills Motel, Mount Isa (B,MorningTea,L)
Day 8 Tuesday 16 April 2024 Camooweal/Mount Isa
Enjoy day trip to Camooweal, a remote town 14 km from the QLD/Northern
Territory border. After morning tea travel to the NT border. On returning to
Camooweal, visit Camooweal Billabong, on the outskirts of town. Then visit the
Camooweal Drovers Camp, a heritage centre devoted to the era when cattle were
moved over vast distances by drovers on horseback. Evening: Visit Mount Isa Irish
Club for dinner & performance by Reg Poole. (B,L)
Day 9 Wednesday 17 April 2024 Cloncurry
Morning: Sightseeing coach tour of Mount Isa, with local guide, including a visit
to Mount Isa’s fascinating World War 2 Underground Hospital. Then travel to
Cloncurry. Afternoon: Visit Cloncurry’s excellent Mary Kathleen Memorial Park &
Museum. Learn about Cloncurry and the nearby Mary Kathleen uranium mine.
A prize exhibit is Burke’s leather water bottle, from the 1860-61 Burke & Wills
Expedition. Also visit Chinaman Creek Lookout, for superb views of the district.
Evening: Enjoy a relaxing evening in Cloncurry. Overnight: Gidgee Inn Motel,
Cloncurry. (B)
Day 10 Thursday 18 April 2024 Karumba
Travel to Karumba, on the Gulf of Carpentaria. On the way visit the town of
Normanton, 30 kms south of the Gulf. See Krys the Crocodile (life size replica
of a huge saltwater crocodile that was captured in the area) and visit the Visitor
Information Centre (housed in Normanton’s heritage-listed Burns Philp Building
[1884]). Afternoon tea/drinks at Normanton’s famous Purple Pub. Evening:
Relaxing evening in Karumba. You may wish to sample the excellent Gulf seafood
at Ash’s @ the Point Café, or the bistro meals at the Sunset Tavern. Overnight: End
of the Road Motel & Gee-Dee’s Family Cabins, Karumba. (B)
Day 11 Friday 19 April 2024 Karumba
Morning: Visit Karumba’s Barramundi Discovery Centre (only hatchery in world to
breed the Southern Gulf strain of this iconic fish). Enjoy their Feed-A-Barra Tour.
Afternoon: Free time. Late afternoon/early evening: Enjoy a Sunset Cruise on the
Norman River (to where the river enters the Gulf). Drinks & snacks (including local
prawns) are included. Evening: Relax at the Sunset Tavern, right next to our motel.
Note: Karumba is a famous fishing destination. If you would prefer to spend the
day fishing (optional….local fishing charter boats are available), instead of visiting Barramundi Discovery Centre, that will be possible (details on back of brochure).
(B,Drinks & SnacksOnSunsetCruise)
Day 12 Saturday 20 April 2024 Cobbold Gorge
Morning: Today we travel to Cobbold Gorge. Stop along the way in the towns
of Croydon and Georgetown. Afternoon: Arrive at spectacular Cobbold Gorge,
located on Robin Hood Station. Cobbold Gorge is quite narrow, with steep,
rugged walls. Cruise the crystal clear waters of the gorge in flat bottomed boats.
See lots of fish and maybe some fresh water crocodiles. Evening: Dinner & informal
music ‘session’, at our high quality outback accommodation. Overnight: Cobbold
Gorge Village. (B,D)
Day 13 Sunday 21 April 2024 Atherton (Atherton Tablelands)
Travel to the town of Atherton, in the beautiful Atherton Tablelands. Morning: Visit
the Georgetown Visitor Centre, where you may wish to view the Ted Elliott Mineral
Collection & the Unearth Etheridge Exhibit (history of Georgetown/Etheridge
area) (both optional). Afternoon: Stop in town of Ravenshoe for afternoon tea.
Then visit the Mount Hypipamee Crater, near Atherton. Evening: After dinner
enjoy a fun-filled Aussie singalong session with John Howie, Gill Delaney and Reg
Poole. Please bring your instruments & voices and join in. Overnight: Atherton
Motel. (B)
Day 14 Monday 22 April 2024 Cairns
Morning: Visit the Platypus Viewing Platform near Atherton. Hopefully see some
of these amazing creatures. Also visit Coffee Works, in Mareeba, for morning tea.
Afternoon: Visit colourful Kuranda Market. You then have the opportunity to go
on the Kuranda Scenic Rail trip or the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway (both optional).
Proceed to Cairns. Evening: Explore the restaurants, bars, & colourful waterfront
precinct of Cairns. Overnight: Cairns Plaza Hotel. (B)
Day 15 Tuesday 23 April 2024 Cairns
Today you have a choice: (1) free day in Cairns or (2) optional cruise to the Great
Barrier Reef…one of the natural wonders of the world. Those on the cruise will
travel to Green Island, in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, where they will be
able to view the fish, turtles, and coral, via a glass bottom boat, or they can go
snorkelling (to see the marine life & coral). See information on back of brochure.
Evening: Back in Cairns, celebrate the conclusion of our tour with special End-of-
Tour Dinner. Reg Poole will sing a few songs. (B,D)
Day 16 Wednesday 24 April 2024 Depart Cairns
Late morning you will be transferred to Cairns Airport for your flights home. (B)
| TWIN FARE PER PERSON | SINGLE FARE |
|---|---|
| $6,195 | $7,590 |
Holiday Inn Express Brisbane Central The price per room $220
International touring can involve a considerable amount of walking and stair climbing in the places visited and it is important that all tour participants have a level of physical fitness that allows them to take part in this activity without the need of assistance from others.
Tour Operator
Travelrite International Pty Ltd. A.C.N. 005 817 0781
(Travelrite International) is the tour operator.
Tour Costs
The tours costs are based on transport, accommodation costs
and entrance costs at 1 March 2023. Travelrite reserves the right to alter the
costs if any of these factors change, giving any passenger that has booked the
right to withdraw with full refund of monies paid or modify arrangements. No
alterations to costings will be made within 60 days of departure.
Deposit and Payment
A deposit of $500 per passenger is required at the
time of booking. Full payment will be required 60 days prior to departure. A
1.5% administration charge will be added to payment by credit card.
Cancellations
Deposits are non-refundable up to 60 days prior to
departure. Cancellations within 60 days prior to departure will result in the
loss of all monies paid. Travel insurance is recommended to cover the costs of
cancellation fees due to illness, death in family, etc.
Minimum Tour Numbers
The tour has been costed on the basis of a
minimum number of passengers having booked 60 days prior to departure.
Travelrite reserves the right to cancel the tour, giving a full refund of all
monies paid or offer arrangements to proceed with the tour at a modified cost
if the minimum number is not achieved.
Refunds
The tour is based on arrangements which do not allow for any
refunds in respect to sightseeing, accommodation, meals or other services not
utilised after the tour has commenced.
Tour Participation
Children under 5 years of age are ineligible on coach & cruise tours. Children under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. Passengers with disabilities are welcome on Travelrite & Cruise Offers tours provided they are accompanied by a companion capable of providing all necessary assistance, and do not require special assistance from Travelrite & Cruise Offers personnel. Travelrite and Cruise Offers reserves the right to refuse to carry anyone if it is felt the individual cannot cope with the requirements of coach & cruise tour travel and who may require services and facilities that Travelrite & Cruise Offers cannot guarantee will be available. You agree to not hold the Travelrite & Cruise Offers responsible for any decision made by any of them or any service provider to refuse to carry you, provide any facilities or accommodation to you or to provide any service to you.
Responsibility
Travelrite International Pty Ltd. is the tour organiser.
Travelrite International acts only as agents for passengers in making of
arrangements with carriers, hoteliers and others for the tour. As a result we
cannot accept liability for any act or omission whatsoever, whether negligent
or otherwise of those carriers, hoteliers or other persons providing services in connection with the tour over whom we have no direct or exclusive control.
We do not accept responsibility for any injury, damage, loss, delay, change
of schedule or any other events which are beyond our direct control, such
as, but not limited to, war, flood, fire, civil disturbance, acts of God, acts of
government, or any other authorities, terrorism, accidents to or failure of
machinery or equipment, or industrial action. The passage contract in use
by the carriers concerned, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract
between the transportation companies or firms and the purchasers of these
tours and the passengers. Baggage is at own risk throughout the tour. The
contract shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Victoria
and any legal action must be undertaken in the State of Victoria.
Delays and Unforeseen Events
You engage Travelrite International to book this tour on your behalf and you acknowledge that Travelrite International acts as your agent for the purpose of making contracts between you and the various providers of accommodation, transportation and other services that comprise the tour. Travelrite International may without reference to you provide or make available to you, or may as your agent engage any third party to provide or make available to you, any good or service which Travelrite International reasonably believes is necessary for your benefit to maintain the tour itinerary, repatriate you or otherwise accommodate, transport or sustain you in circumstances in which the tour itinerary fails wholly or partly for any reason. You appoint Travelrite International your attorney for this purpose. You agree to pay Travelrite International any cost thereof and you indemnify Travelrite International in respect of any cost it incurs in this regard. Travelrite International advises you to obtain travel insurance generally including in respect of the risk that any such good or service may become required.
How to Book:
Bookings can be made by completing a booking form and
sending it with a deposit of $500 per person to:
Travelrite International Pty. Ltd.
423 Whitehorse Road
Balwyn, Victoria 3135
Further information can be obtained by telephoning
Toll Free 1800 630 343
Phone: (03) 9836 2522
Email: sales@travelrite.com.au
ABOUT TRAVELRITE INTERNATIONAL:
Travelrite International Pty Ltd (ABN 64 005 817 078) is a wellestablished
travel company which has been operating in the
eastern suburbs of Melbourne for more than 40 years. It is fully
ATAS accredited: A10538 and is fully credited with IATA. As such,
it directly represents the major airlines of the world and all
major domestic and international tour and transport operators.
Travelrite International has been operating special interest
tours for 35 years, and now runs over 120 tours a year. Travelrite
International Pty Ltd is a full member of the Australian Federation
of Travel Agents – AFTA.
“One of the best tours we have ever done. Great program and lovely people.”
“Well organised tour that ran smoothly. Very impressed with Wayne Horsburgh, intelligent, talented and caring.”
