Tourers Travel Club Inc.

President: Bob Gray 02 6555 4487 Secretary: Pam Murray 0409 464 804 Treasurer: Karen Nicholas 0452 471 276 Bookings [email protected] Adam’s Mobile 0412 647 790 Lisa’s Mobile 0431 204 488 Julie’s Mobile (Tour planner & guide) 0416 248 373

Newsletter No. 257 July 2020 IMPORTANT NOTICE: Payment Reminders for upcoming trips Xmas in July- Nova Cruise – Due now September Overnight Mystery Trip – Due now Billabong Zoo – Due now W.A Wildflowers - 16th July Warrumbungle’s – Due now Next meeting is on Tuesday Aug 11th 10.00am Note: at Memorial Hall, Wharf Street, Tuncurry All 2020- 21 overnight trips will require a $300 Dates for 2020 Travel Club Day Trip non-refundable deposit on booking with final Thurs 23rd July 2020 payment being due 2 months out from travel. Tues 18th Aug 2020 *Money can not be transferred to other trips * Tues 22nd Sept 2020 All cheques should be made payable to Tuncurry Thurs 29th Oct 2020 Coach Tours. EFTPOS, Bank deposit and Tues 17th Nov 2020 payments over the phone are now available. If wanting to make payment by any of these methods Tuncurry Coach Tours Bank Details please call… Name: Tuncurry Coach Tours Adam on 0412 647 790 or Lisa on 0431 204 488 BSB: 062603 ACC: 10646027 ( Reference your name and trip)

What’s been happening since we last held a meeting..?

We boarded the coach on March 18, 2020 to celebrate St Patricks Day at Buttai Barn. Little did we realise that this would be the last day of touring for Tuncurry Coach Tours and WLTTC for the near future. COVID -19 was the newest topic of discussion world wide! On the 20th March, Australian borders were closed to all non-residents. Social distancing rules were imposed on 21st March and state governments started to close 'non-essential' services. "Non-essential services" included social gathering venues such as pubs and clubs but unlike many other countries did not include most business operations such as construction, manufacturing and many retail categories (like Bunnings?) As each week passed the ability to buy toilet paper, tissues, serviettes and hand sanitiser became our newest hurdle and if that wasn’t bad enough, we couldn’t even sit on the beach, a park bench or visit our family! But let’s not forget the joys of ‘Home Schooling’. The months flew by and COVID -19 continued to take over our TV screens and radios as we heard the devastating amount of new cases being reported in and the rest of world. Covid -19, became one of the greatest health, social and economic challenges in history. But because of our good behaviour, Australia started to get back on track. On the 25th May, Students were allowed to go back to face to face teaching and the norm of over-crowded bus trips would continue because somehow children have ‘special powers’ that protect them from the virus. (well they thought so for a while). On the 1st May restrictions began to ease further which saw some businesses starting to operate again and positive signs were ahead. In June, we had the pleasure of visiting our favourite restaurants and cafes again. On the 1st July 2020, it was announced by BUS NSW that all coach tour operators were exempt from the COVID 19 restrictions while traveling on board the coach. So we are excited to share that we are back and ready to start traveling again. As always we must remain open to the fact that things can change very quickly and be flexible knowing that borders are still opening and closing. While we are happy to know that we can get back on the road we are still very cautious of the safe planning we must put in place to keep everyone safe. Tuncurry Coach Tours is registered as a Covid Safe business and are looking forward to getting back on the road for our first day trip for Christmas in July. Happy reading xx

Date Changes * Lemon Myrtle Farm Day Trip * Billabong Zoo Day Trip * Dolly Parton 9-5 * Murray River Cruise * Lightning Ridge & Moree * Brisbane and the Scenic Rim * Outback Qld * Central Coast Escape * Frozen the musical

2020 DAY TRIPS

All Day Trips require a 50% non-refundable deposit at the time of booking and must be paid in full the month before. *Money can not be transferred to other trips*

Thursday 23rd July 2020 - Christmas in July - Nova Cruise This year we celebrate Christmas in July on the water with Nova Cruise’s. Come and experience all the fun and joy of Christmas. There will be a scrumptious Christmas themed lunch with all the trimmings, live entertainment, Christmas carols, bon bons and more!

Departure Times Cost $ 100 per person

H.P C’van Park 6:40am Club Forster 7:00am Polynesian Village 7:05am Golden Ponds 7:10 am Forster Keys 7:15am Evermore 7:20 am Tuncurry Coach Stop 7:30am Nabiac 7:45am

Thursday 13th August 2020 - Billabong Zoo

Join us for a memorable day out visiting this remarkable zoo located so close to home. The zoo is home to over 80 species of mammals, reptiles and birds. You can pat, stroke, feed, hold, hear and see an array of animals. Throughout the day there will be 16 zoo talks and keeper presentations. A later departure time and home before dark makes this a perfect winter day out.

Departure Times Inc: M. tea, Lunch & Zoo entry Cost $75 per person

H.P C’van Park 7:40am Club Forster 8:00am Polynesian Village 8:05am Golden Ponds 8:10 am Forster Keys 8:15am Evermore 8:20 am Tuncurry Coach Stop 8:30am Service Centre 9:00am

Monday 7th Sept 2020 – Lemon Myrtle Farm & Pub with No Beer (Waiting List)

Join us for a day trip north where our first stop will be Perry’s Lemon Myrtle Farm. Here we will enjoy a tour of the farm and a lovely morning tea consisting of a variety of delicious lemon delights including lemon myrtle tea. Our next stop will begin with look at the Historic Talarm Church which is full of interesting memorabilia and has one of the Southern Hemisphere’s largest beer can collections before we enjoy a BBQ lunch at The Pub with No Beer. To end our day, we stop for Devonshire tea at Abundance Lifestyle & Garden Nursery with time to walk around this beautiful nursery before making our way home. Departure Times M.Tea, Lunch & afternoon tea included Cost $70.00 per person

H.P C’van Park 6:40am Club Forster 7:00am Polynesian Village 7:05am Golden Ponds 7:10 am Forster Keys 7:15am Evermore 7:20 am Tuncurry Coach Stop 7:30am Taree Service Centre 8:00am

Tuesday 22nd September 2020 - Riverboat Postman Run (waiting list) Join us for a fantastic day out on the Hawkesbury River with the famous Riverboat Postman. Sit back and enjoy the magnificent scenery as we are entertained by stories of the river. Mail is delivered to water access settlements of Dangar Island, Kangaroo Point, Milson’s Island, Bar Point, Marlow Creek, Fisherman’s Point and Milson’s Passage. Morning tea is served on arrival, with percolated coffee, hot tea and their famous ANZAC biscuits. Lunch, which is served around midday is a very Aussie Ploughman’s-style plate.

Departure Times Cost $ 100 per person

H.P C’van Park 5:40am Club Forster 6:00am Polynesian Village 6:05am Golden Ponds 6:10 am Forster Keys 6:15am Evermore 6:20 am Tuncurry Coach Stop 6:30am Nabiac 6:45am

Thursday 29th October 2020 - Gloucester Delights Our first stop is for morning tea at Gloucester. We then head over to Hillview Herb Farm where we meet a local bee keeper who will share with us his knowledge about bee keeping and honey. We take a farm gate tour of the beautiful herb farm before sitting down to a delicious BBQ lunch including dessert. Following lunch, we make our way to Gloucester River Wines for a tour of the winery, wine tasting and an informative talk from a local cattle farmer. This will be a very special trip and one not to be missed! Departure Times Cost $ 80 per person

Club Forster 8:15am Polynesian Village 8:20am Golden Ponds 8:25am Forster Keys 8:30am Evermore 8:35am Tuncurry Coach Stop 8:45am Nabiac 9:00am

th Tuesday 17 November 2020 - Stockton Beach 4WD Adventure Join us for the perfect adventure for everyone. Travelling in the comfort of a 4WD bus we explore Stockton Beach which is the largest moving coastal sand mass in the Southern Hemisphere. With a knowledgeable guide we learn about Stockton Beach, it’s history, traditional owners and ecosystem. We will have a picnic lunch prior to our tour. Departure Times Cost $ 85 per person

Club Forster 9:50am Polynesian Village 9:55am Golden Ponds 10:00am Forster Keys 10:05am Evermore 10:10am Tuncurry Coach Stop 10:20am Nabiac 10:35am

th Friday 27 November 2020 - ‘Black Friday’ Newcastle Shopping Day Trip Get your last minute Christmas Shopping done at two of Newcastle’s biggest shopping complexes Westfields Kotara and Charlestown Square. We will be sure to get ourselves some great shopping deals as today is the first day of the ‘Black Friday Sales’. We will stop for an early dinner on way home (all included). Departure Times Cost $ 70 per person

Club Forster 7:00am Polynesian Village 7:05am Golden Ponds 7:10am Forster Keys 7:15am Evermore 7:20am Tuncurry Coach Stop 7:30am Nabiac 7:45am

SHOWS - $100 Non- Refundable Deposit required at time of booking.

New Date to be Advised Soon !!! Dolly Parton’s 9 to 5 (Waiting List) 1pm show at the Lyric Theatre Sydney. Includes Dinner Cost $140 per person Club Forster 6:30am Polynesian Village 6:35am Golden Ponds 6:45 am Forster Keys 6:50am Evermore 6:55 am Tuncurry Coach Stop 7:05am Nabiac 7:20am

Wednesday 2nd December 2020 Frozen the Musical An inspiring tale of sisterhood and true love, it features the songs you know and love from the original film plus an expanded score with a dozen new numbers. With gorgeous sets and costumes as well as sensational special effects, Frozen is everything a Broadway musical should be – moving, spectacular and pure joy. ( Dinner own expense) Cost $140 per person Club Forster 6:30am Polynesian Village 6:35am Golden Ponds 6:45 am Forster Keys 6:50am Evermore 6:55 am Tuncurry Coach Stop 7:05am Nabiac 7:20am

OVERNIGHT TRIPS

Warrumbungle’s 24th to 29th August 2020 6 Days & 5 Nights If the Warrumbungle’s have been on your bucket list of places to see, now is the time to do it. Our trip includes a town tour of Coonabarabran plus a stop at the Crystal Kingdom and Mega Fauna Museum. We spend a day also exploring the Warrumbungle National Park and Siding Springs Observatory. Our journey continues as we head to the small country towns of Gilgandra and Baradine to enjoy a tour of Pilliga Pottery, Rural museum and Coo-ee Heritage centre, plus much more. Cost $1170 / Single Room extra $200

Overnight Mystery Tour 9th to 10th September 2020 2 day & 1 night We can’t tell you where we are heading, but we guarantee it will be great! Cost $410 / Single Room extra $80

Best of the West & Wildflowers 16th to 30th September 2020 15 days & 14 nights Cost $6180 / Single Room extra $1090

Murray River Cruise 3rd - 12th Oct 2020 10 days & 9 Nights (4 spots left) Our journey begins as we make our way to Bendigo stopping at Bendigo Pottery, the oldest working pottery in Australia. Our trip continues as we pass through Bordertown and Tailem Bend. We spend time looking around Mannum before we get ready to board the Murray Princess for an unforgettable 4 nights. We take a guided tour of Burk Salter Wines and visit the Swan Reach Museum – a must for every visitor. When we arrive at Sunnydale, it’s all ashore for the Woolshed Show as we recreate typical Australian woolshed history. We also enjoy an Aussie Barbecue – cooked and served in a bush setting on the banks of the mighty Murray River and visit the beautiful Ngaut Ngaut Aboriginal Reserve. Cost $3100 / Single Room extra $850

Breathtaking Blue Mountains 14th to 16th October 2020 3 Days & 2 Nights Over the 3 days you will be truly captivated by the one million hectares of tall forests that appear to stretch forever, sandstone cliffs, canyons and waterfalls that make up the magnificent Blue Mountains World Heritage area. We will be staying in the elegance, luxury & charm of yesteryear at the Carrington Hotel in Katoomba and touring highlights such as, The Norman Lindsay Gallery, Leuralla Toy and Rail museum, Leura, The 3 sisters, Scenic world just to name a few and to top it all off High Tea at the Hydro Majestic. Cost $740/ Single Room add $ 180

Coffs Harbour & the Jacaranda Festival 6th to 8th November 2020 3 Days & 2 Nights If you have ever wanted to see the delightful purple carpet that covers the streets of Grafton, then this is a trip not to be missed! We will base ourselves in the coastal town of , staying at the beautiful Opal Cove Resort. We will make stops at Ricardo’s Tomatoes, the Butterfly House and the Coffs Botanical Gardens, immersing ourselves in all things beautiful. The second day is all yours to enjoy the festivities of the Grafton Jacaranda festival and on the way home we take in the Harbourside Markets and enjoy lunch, wine tasting and a tour at Historic Homestead Douglas Vale Wines. What better way to end a few beautiful days. Cost $550 / Single Room extra $160

Central Coast Escape 11th to 13th November 2020 3 Days & 2 Nights Escape with us for a few days as we travel to the Scenic Central Coast. This tour will combine history, art and relaxation as we include highlights such as a Norah Head Lighthouse Tour, Ken Duncan Gallery, Henry Kendall Museum, Firescreek Winery and a Brisbane Waters History Ferry Tour. Plenty of free time will also be enjoyed at Terrigal and the Entrance. Our accommodation will be at the beautiful 4 ½ * Kooindah Waters Resort. Cost $640 / Single Room extra $160

Norfolk Island 15th to 24th November 2020 10 Days & 9 Nights (Waiting List) Come with us as we discover the beautiful Norfolk Island and its fascinating history. This trip would not be complete without tours of its famous convict buildings and cemeteries, historic Kingston, Cascade and Longridge. Plenty of time will also be spent exploring the Island itself including, the Queen Victoria gardens and homesteads, Anson Bay, Pitcairn Settlers Village and of course the 10 acres of magical Norfolk pines. A highlight will be sharing dinner in an Island home where we will be entertained by descendants of Bounty Mutineers. Cost $3820 / Single Room extra $770

QL D and the Scenic Rim 10 th - 16th December 2020 7 Days & 6 Nights Our first night is at the beautiful sea side town of Yamba. We take a scenic cruise on the Clarence River, before we make our way to the city of Brisbane and have some free time for that last minute Christmas shopping. We also include highlights such as, , Old Boggo Rd Gaol, Tamborine Rainforest Sky Walk, Towri Sheep Farm, Summerland Camel Farm & the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. This is one not to be missed. Cost $1720 / Single Room extra $540

-2021- Treasures of Tasmania 28th Jan to 9th Feb 2021 13 days & 12 Nights Arriving in Launceston on our very first day, we settle in to our hotel and share our excitement as we prepare for an unforgettable summer Tour of Tassie for the next 12 days. Some of the highlights of this beautiful trip will include, exploring Cataract Gorge and Tamar Island, Refresh at James Boag Brewery, tour the Bridestowe Lavender Farm, Beaconsville Gold Mine and Grindelwald a village inspired by the alpine architecture of Switzerland. Heading to Wynyard, we visit the pretty town of Deloraine to witness a light and sound show at Yarns, Artwork in silk. We will then spoil ourselves with a tour at Truffles of Australia and Ashgrove Cheese factory. A trip to Cradle Mountain National Park and Hells Gates is a must, before experiencing the play “The ship that never was” We are lucky to be visiting Tassie during the Wooden Boat Festival in Hobart where we will join the Parade of Sail, and Salamanca markets. We will also head to Port Arthur to experience the humbling history endured by our earliest European inhabitants. There is just too much to name them all. This will be a wonderful trip! Includes- Return Flights Dep Sydney Cost $5520 / Single Room extra $990

Lightning Ridge & Moree 4th May to 10th May 2021 7 Days & 6 Nights Heading out west, we will experience Opal mining at its finest. We will join an underground walk in a mine, where we will witness an opal cutting demo and have a chance to fossick for opals. We will also stop in at Amigos Castle, the Bottle House and the John Murray Art Gallery. Moree will showcase its cotton farms and we will see how it is picked and packed ready for transporting to the Cotton Gin as well as its Artesian Baths, where we will have the opportunity to experience the healing qualities. Our trip to Moree wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Trawalla Pecan Nut Farm. Cost $1620 / Single Room extra $300

Outback Queensland 13th June to 24th June 2021 12 days & 11 Nights We journey into the Queensland Outback visiting the Blackall Wool Scour, Barcaldine Workers Heritage Centre, The Jondaryn Woolshed, The Stockman’s Hall of Fame and QANTAS Museum at Longreach, which will be celebrating their 100th birthday. We stop in Winton to explore the Waltzing Matilda Centre and Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum. A highlight will also be fossicking for sapphires and enjoying a sunset cruise on the Thomson River as well as dinner and show at the Outback Spectacular Cost $3180 / Single Room extra $760

Sneak-peak at trips we are planning for 2021

TASMANIA MELBOURNE & the INTERNATIONAL FLOWER SHOW HANDA OPERA on the Harbour VIVID W.A part 2- (BROOME) GREAT OCEAN ROAD ULURU & the RED CENTRE