Daily Tour Itinerary:
Please note that some variation may occur due to inclement weather or unforeseen circumstance.

Day 1
Tuesday, July 25
Depart 9:00 a.m.

Our exciting four-day, four-night Quota Friendship excursion begins promptly at 9:00 a.m. when we depart Conrad Jupiters Hotel on the Gold Coast and head northwest to Nerang. Sit back, relax, and enjoy spectacular Hinterland views as we pass by the Nerang State Forest towards Mount Tamborine, which towers 1,837 feet (560 meters) above the Hinterland. The mountain hosts a myriad of galleries and displays of art and craft and is littered with local wineries.

After the first short stop of our trip, we continue on to Canungra Valley Vineyards where we will be joined by local Quotarians for a delicious picnic lunch and a wine tasting. Our hosts will provide a commentary on the emerging wine industry in this region. After lunch we travel south to the picturesque Lamington National Park, the largest subtropical rain forest in Australia, towards Mount Wanungara and O'Reilly's Rain Forest Retreat, where we will enjoy our wonderful overnight accommodations with spectacular views and amenities like the heated plunge pool, sauna, and hot tub. Afternoon tea on arrival has been arranged, and our hosts will give us a short briefing on the area, which is a nature lover's paradise. Plenty of daylight remains to take in the famous Tree Top Walk, which is just a few minutes from the resort.

We will dine this evening in O'Reilly's Guest House Dining Room, after which we are invited to the theatrette for a viewing of the "Miracle of the Mountains," an outstanding docu-drama that relives the true story of Bernard O'Reilly, a humble Australian bushman who sets out to solve the mystery of a missing Stinson airliner…and succeeds.

Day 2
Wednesday, July 26
Depart 8:30 a.m.

Our day begins with an optional early morning bird walk for interested guests, and it commences at 6:45 a.m. Lamington National Park is home to a number of interesting and exotic birds such as king parrots, crimson rosellas, regent and satin bower birds, lyre birds, honeyeaters, logrunners, scrub turkeys, eastern yellow robins, and tawny frogmouths. Breakfast will be served at 7:00 a.m., and departure from O'Reilly's will be at 8:30 a.m. Our coach will weave its way down the mountain towards the coastline, taking us to the ferry terminal for our short ride to the beautiful South Stradbroke Island and the Couran Cove Island Resort, which boasts first-class facilities, award-winning accommodations, and unsurpassed service.

We will arrive on the island around 11:30 a.m., which will allow time to check in before we are transported across the island for an Aussie fish fry lunch. Prepare yourself for some breathtaking views.

After lunch, enjoy the afternoon on your own. You may like to explore some of the facilities on the island. Couran Cove boasts sporting facilities unlike any other in the Southern Hemisphere, and it was very popular with athletes from around the world during the lead up to the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Or, perhaps you would like to pamper yourself at the resort's day spa—a complete rejuvenation center. We'll dine together this evening at the poolside deck bar. Soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the evening.

Day 3
Thursday, July 27
Depart at 8:30 a.m. for ferry departure off island at 9:00 a.m.

After breakfast we leave promptly at 8:30 a.m. to rejoin the ferry departing at 9:00 a.m. sharp. We return to Southport where our escorted motor coach will be waiting to take us north to the Sunshine Coast. We bid farewell to the Gold Coast as we travel toward Brisbane. Our trip takes us through urban areas, including Logan City, one of the fastest growing regions in Southeast Queensland.

The Sunshine Coast is approximately 68 miles (110 kilometers) from Brisbane. Our journey takes us via Beerwah and Buderim past the Glasshouse Mountains. These spectacular trachyte peaks were named by Captain Cook as he sailed up the Coast in 1770, and they are quite dramatic.

En route, we shall make a short stop at "Quota Park" on the beach of Moreton Bay, where we will be joined by Redcliffe Quotarians for morning tea. Moreton Bay is known as a tropical playground with beaches that rival the world's most exotic beach destinations. After our break, we will continue on to Noosa, where our accommodations have been arranged for the next two nights at the Sheraton Noosa Resort and Spa—the perfect getaway! The resort town of Noosa is the most northerly of the Sunshine Coast resorts, and it's the combination of the Noosa National Park, a protected main beach facing north, the Noosa River, the lake system, and Queensland sunshine that makes it one of the most spectacular resorts to visit in Australia. The afternoon and evening are yours to explore, wine, dine, shop, or relax as you wish. Lunch and dinner are on your own.

Our hotel is located in the center of Hasting Street, which is less than one mile (1.6 kilometers) long and lined with stylish boutiques, galleries, al fresco dining, and Noosa's Laguna Bay—all just steps away.

Day 4
Friday, July 28
Day on your own!

This morning a delicious buffet breakfast awaits you after you have awakened. You may like to take an early morning walk along Laguna Bay or enjoy a swim in the luxury pool at the Hotel. A must during your stay is a walk around Noosa National Park to Granite Bay and perhaps a boat ride through the famous Noosa Everglades. After your activities are done for the day, treat yourself to total relaxation at the hotel's award-winning day spa or enjoy your favorite cocktail at the hotel's swim-up pool bar. Lunch and dinner are on your own.

Day 5
Saturday, July 29
Depart 7:00 a.m.

All good things come to an end, as the saying goes, and sadly so does our tour. After an early breakfast at the Sheraton breakfast buffet, we depart for Brisbane Airport promptly at 7:00 a.m., arriving at approximately 9.30 a.m. for flights out of Australia or to other domestic destinations. After saying our last goodbyes, we'll leave with wonderful memories of Quota friendship, Australian hospitality, and exotic sites that will live in our memories (and our photo albums) forever.

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