Travel Talk Winter Edition 2017 — Issue 27

TRAVEL TALK WINTER EDITION 2017 — ISSUE 27

Welcome to our Winter Newsletter. SAVE THE DATE We are very pleased to welcome Alex Grimes, who joined Potter Travel in February this year. Alex has a Bachelor of Tourism Management and is Details and costs for the following tours will already providing great service to our Travel Club members, both in the be in the Spring Newsletter. office and on tour. We welcome Alex to our Potter family!

It has been a great start to the year with very successful trips to the Opera END OF YEAR EVENT In The Alps, Lakes Entrance and Tasmania. We will be repeating the Fri 01 to Mon 04 Dec 2017 Opera In The Alps in January 2018 (page 6) and due to popular demand Lakes Entrance in February 2018. Instead of a coach trip back to We will be celebrating a great year of Tasmania we have a fabulous 7 night cruise aboard the Coral touring with a 4 day ‘End Of Year’ Mystery Discoverer, departing Hobart at the end of January 2018 (page 7). The tour. We will be running 2 coaches and Mystery tours have again been popular in the first half of this year. There have 46 rooms booked so there will be will be a September Mystery tour (page 5) and a 4 day end of year plenty of availability. It’s fun, great touring Mystery tour in December. Thank you again for your continued support of and entertainment for all. Call the office our very popular Mystery tours. NOW to book so you don’t miss this great end of year Mystery tour. The demand for our tours this year has been fantastic, with limited seats left on many of them. Thank you for your support and apologies to those that have missed out on a particular tour you were interested in. We can only CHRISTMAS LUNCH reiterate that if you are interested in a tour to ring and book sooner rather Wednesday 13 Dec 2017 than leaving it closer to the departure date, and risk being disappointed. We will be running our very popular annual Travel Club Members Christmas Lunch We have quite a few new day and extended tours in this newsletter. My day tour again this year. The venue, the Fair Lady, Carole King, Muriel’s Wedding and The Wizard Of Oz are the entertainment and the cost will be in the 4 musicals on offer. Day tours to the Irish Woolfest and the Jacaranda Spring Newsletter. So please save the Cruise are on again due to popular demand. There is a short break to the date by noting it in your calendar. We will Hunter Valley in November focusing on Flowers, Chocolates and Wine be taking bookings from September. plus the Christmas Lights display at the Hunter Valley Gardens. Our Christmas trip this year is to beautiful Nagambie in Victoria and in March 2018 we are heading back to the Melbourne International Flower Show.

We have confirmed our Canada and Alaska departure, 05 May 2018, with Scenic Tours (page 7) and are seeking interest for a tour to the United Kingdom in August 2018 (page 7). We have also started planning some of the longer 2018 tours (page 8) and are seeking Expressions of Interest on a number of tours that are outlined on the back page of this newsletter.

Happy travelling – from Bob, Karen, Kel, Alex & David.

ANNUAL MORNING TEA

Our mid year Morning Tea is on Wednesday 21 June at the Queanbeyan Bicentennial Hall Community Centre, starting at 10.00am. There will be a presentation from Scenic Tours on our Canada and Alaska tour in May 2018, as well as information on other 2017/2018 tours. Coach pickups are available and bookings are essential, so please call the office if you would like to attend. You will be able to make a gold coin donation to the Cancer Council at this event as part of Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea. Please help this worthy cause we support.

POTTER TRAVEL CLUB PO Box 37, Queanbeyan, NSW, 2620 152 Monaro Street, Queanbeyan NSW 2620 Email: [email protected] Website: www.pottertravel.com.au Phone: 02 6297 8585 Friends in Travel Pty Ltd is trading . as Potter Travel ABN 96 639 726 295

TOURS

DAY EXTENDED

5 Jul Kinky Boots: The Musical Waitlist 14 Jun 3 Day Sydney’s Vivid Festival Waitlist

11 Jul Xmas In July at Binalong Hotel Waitlist 26 Jun 7 Day Port Macquarie Winter Getaway On Appl.

12 Jul Kinky Boots: The Musical Waitlist 22 Jul 9 Day Cairns and Tropical North Queensland On Appl.

19 Jul Kinky Boots: The Musical Waitlist 25 Jul 3 Day Xmas in July at Wisemans Ferry Waitlist

21 Jul Xmas In July at Binalong Hotel pg 3 01 Aug 12 Day Outback South Aust. and Red Centre Waitlist

31 Jul Xmas In July at Carrington Inn Waitlist 14 Aug 6 Day Lightning Ridge pg 5

02 Aug Kinky Boots: The Musical pg 3 16 Aug 19 Day West Coast Explorer: Darwin to Perth pg 5

22 Aug Nepean Belle pg 3 07 Sep 8 Day Murray River / Murray Princess Cruise Waitlist

30 Aug My Fair Lady: The Musical pg 3 18 Sep 3 Day Lithgow Tour pg 5

23 Sep My Fair Lady: The Musical pg 3 22 Sep 3 Day Mystery Tour pg 5

26 Sep Tiptoe Through The Tulips pg 3 10 Oct 4 Day Orange and NSW Central West pg 6

01 Oct Irish Woolfest at Boorowa pg 4 02 Nov 5 Day Bright Spring Festival pg 6

25 Oct Beautiful: Carole King Musical pg 4 13 Nov 4 Days Flowers, Chocolates and Wine pg 6

8 Nov Jacaranda Cruise in Sydney pg 4 22 Dec 6 Days Christmas In Nagambie pg 6

18 Nov Beautiful: Carole King Musical pg 4 19 Jan 3 Days Opera In The Alps pg 6

28 Nov Cherries at Young pg 4 29 Jan 8 Days Coral Discoverer Tasmanian Cruise pg 7

10 Jan Muriel’s Wedding: The Musical pg 4 19 Feb 4 Days Lakes Entrance pg 6

17 Jan The Wizard Of Oz Musical pg 4 19 Mar 5 Days Melbourne Flower Show pg 7

27 Jan The Wizard Of Oz Musical pg 4 Apr ‘18 9 Day Riverland and Kangaroo Island—EOI pg 8

Jul ‘18 12 Day Outback Queensland — EOI pg 8

OVERSEAS Aug ‘18 8 Day Noosa Winter Getaway — EOI pg 8

25 Aug Cook Islands: Pacific Paradise On Appl. Sep ‘18 9 Day Flinders Ranges and Broken Hill — EOI pg 8

05 May Canada and Alaskan Cruise pg 7 Congratulations to Diana Bell Aug ‘18 United Kingdom — EOI pg 7 for consuming her 10,000th cup of tea whilst travelling on a Potter Travel tour. Diana received a Certificate of Achievement while on our March Mystery Tour. Well done Diana, we look forward to seeing you, plus many others, at our Potter Travel Morning Tea on Wednesday 21 June where you can all enjoy a couple more!

DAY TOURS

KINKY BOOTS: THE MUSICAL NEPEAN BELLE Wednesday 02 August 2017 Tuesday 22 August 2017 NEW

There is nothing quite like the Kinky Boots is the hilarious and nostalgia of the paddlewheels heart-warming new musical at churning, the water lapping against Sydney’s Capitol Theatre. Kinky the hulls, reliving the romance and Boots is inspired by a true story excitement of the paddlewheel era. of a young man’s struggle to Join us on the old-world style save his family shoe business paddlewheeler, the Nepean Belle, with an outrageous idea and as she cruises the wilderness thanks to a fabulous new friend! areas of the Blue Mountains With Tony and Grammy winning National Park and the Nepean songs by pop icon Cyndi Lauper, Gorge. The headwaters of the book by Broadway royalty Harvey Fierstein (La Cage aux Folles) Nepean River rise near Robertson, south of Sydney and flows and direction and choreography by Tony-Award Winner Jerry north in an unpopulated water catchment area into Nepean Mitchell (Legally Blonde, Hairspray). Kinky Boots is a celebration Dam. North of the dam, the river flows past the towns of of love, friendship and the power of believing in yourself. This Camden and Penrith, and through the Nepean Gorge. Sunlit by musical is currently receiving rave reviews from Melbourne day, the sandstone peaks of the Nepean Gorge tower up to 150 audiences, don’t miss out, book now! metres above the water and are a striking backdrop to your cruise while enjoying a sumptuous hot buffet lunch. Member Cost: $195.00 pp Non-member: $215.00 pp Member Cost: $125.00 pp Non-member: $145.00 pp

XMAS IN JULY AT BINALONG MY FAIR LADY NEW Friday 21 July 2017 Wednesday 30 August 2017

Our first departure is fully booked. Built around a village My Fair Lady is returning to Sydney, this time to the Capitol Theatre. The square the historic heritage village beloved story of Eliza Doolittle of Binalong is nestled in wooded and Henry Higgins is being delivered hills north-west of Yass. It was to a new generation of theatre home to AB 'Banjo' Paterson audiences. The story about the who was raised just outside the Cockney flower girl Eliza Doolittle and town. Australian bushranger, the arrogant phoneticist, Professor Johnny (Flash) Gilbert, lies buried near Binalong. Once a Higgins, is an endearing tale with its major stopping place for Cobb & Co Coaches, Binalong is warmth and vivid characters. An now home to some outstanding examples of colonial unforgettable score with 'Wouldn't It Be Loverly?', 'On the Street Where architecture. The Black Swan Inn (1847) is now a gallery, You Live', 'I Could Have Danced All Night', and 'Get Me to the the original Paterson Pub (1840s) is a private residence, Church on Time'. Returning to Sydney for another season in as is the old railway station (1876). Today we enjoy a 2 2017 back by popular demand. If you missed out last year, book course Christmas luncheon at the Binalong Hotel. early to avoid disappointment.

Member Cost: $105.00 pp Non-member: $125.00 pp Member Cost: $195.00 pp Non-member: $215.00 pp

MY FAIR LADY TIPTOE THROUGH THE TULIPS NEW NEW Saturday 23 September 2017 Tuesday 26 September 2017

My Fair Lady is returning to Sydney, A leisurely start to a day of local this time to the Capitol Theatre. The touring that includes visits to beloved story of Eliza Doolittle Bungendore and the spectacular and Henry Higgins is being delivered Tulip Tops near Lake George. Tulip to a new generation of theatre Tops is a 10 acre garden of audiences. The story about the magnificent tulips and other spring Cockney flower girl Eliza Doolittle and flowers which creates a spectacular the arrogant phoneticist, Professor display. Hundreds of blossom trees Higgins, is an endearing tale with its nestle between the flowers and warmth and vivid characters. An provide a magic pathway to the unforgettable score with 'Wouldn't It cascading waterfall and watercourse Be Loverly?', 'On the Street Where with classical music wafting through the air in the hidden valley. You Live', 'I Could Have Danced All Night', and 'Get Me to the Take the popular pathway past the rosemary field framed by Church on Time'. Returning to Sydney for another season in unique blossom trees to our 70 metre high viewing platform for 2017 back by popular demand. If you missed out last year, the perfect photo. We enjoy lunch at Tulip Tops today as well book early to avoid disappointment. as plenty of time to enjoy the gardens.

Member Cost: $240.00 pp Non-member: $260.00 pp Member Cost: $90.00 pp Non-member: $100.00 pp

DAY TOURS

IRISH WOOLFEST BOOROWA BEAUTIFUL: CAROLE KING MUSICAL NEW NEW SUNDAY 01 October 2017 Wed 25 Oct & Sat 18 Nov 2017

The ‘Running of the Sheep’ has been Long before she was a music legend, linked to the Running of the Bulls in Carole King was an ordinary girl with Pamplona and is Boorowa’s special extraordinary talent. Her music would woolly version. It is not dangerous like become the soundtrack to a the bulls as the sheep are cute and generation. She fought her way into cuddly, but it is visually exciting with the record industry as a teenager and the sheep dogs leaping on and off the sold her first hit, Will You Love Me sheep’s back! The sheep lead a merry Tomorrow. By the time she was dance with a colourful street parade twenty, she was writing number ones meandering along behind. Other activities on the day include: for the biggest acts in rock ‘n’ roll, Irish bands, pipe bands, Celtic choirs, The Blessing of the including The Drifters, The Shirelles, Fleece, Flyball, the fabulous Icarus Performance Troupe, The Aretha Franklin and The Monkees. ‘Beautiful’ is the inspiring Shearing Shack, The Growers Market, various food items, crafts true story of her journey from school girl to superstar; from her and non-stop entertainment! Irish bands and dancers create the relationship with husband and song-writing partner Gerry Goffin, Irish spirit whilst top Irish performers appear on the main their close friendship and playful rivalry with song-writing duo stage. This unique, true country experience shows Boorowa’s Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil, to her remarkable rise to stardom. charm and its continuing Irish connections. It is sure to be a day out to remember! Wed: Member Cost: $195.00 pp Non-member: $215.00 pp Member Cost: $90.00 pp Non-member: $110.00 pp Sat: Member Cost: $235.00 pp Non-member: $255.00 pp

SYDNEY JACARANDA CRUISE CHERRIES AT YOUNG NEW NEW Wednesday 08 November 2017 Tuesday 28 November 2017

A day trip to Sydney which includes a We head to Young, the ‘Cherry fantastic Sydney Harbour Jacaranda Capital of Australia’, and an area that Cruise. See the most beautiful harbour boasts many cherry and stone fruit in the world with breathtaking orchards. Our first stop today is at Jacarandas in full flower. Hear the Poppa’s Fudge Factory. Here we will stories about Sydney’s early days on the have morning tea served from the waterfront from renowned gardener coach with the added bonus of scones and TV personality, Graham Ross. and cherry jam supplied by Poppa’s Graham’s passion for Sydney Harbour Fudge Factory! Inside Poppa’s store has seen him escort over 60 Jacaranda there will be a sample bar of fudges cruises since 1988. Graham is a and jams for you to taste and lots of horticulturist, plantsman and garden goodies to purchase. A local guide media presenter. He started the Garden Clinic Radio Show on will also show us the sights of Young. After our tour we head to 2GB in 1980, and has been gardening presenter on Better Allambie Orchard where we enjoy lunch including cherry pie and Homes and Gardens TV since 1995. He’s only the 4th a tour and talk on cherries. Here you can also pick your own Australian to receive the Veitch Memorial Medal from the Royal cherries, or there will be pre-packed cherries for sale. Horticultural Society in London.

Member Cost: $175.00 pp Non-member: $195.00 pp Member Cost: $110.00 pp Non-member: $130.00 pp

MURIEL’S WEDDING, THE MUSICAL THE WIZARD OF OZ NEW NEW Wednesday 10 January 2018 Wed 17 & Sat 27 January 2018

Muriel Heslop is back! In this world Performing in Sydney in January, this premiere, the iconic Australian film is new stage adaptation of The Wizard set to become an equally iconic of Oz is an enchanting revision of the musical. Stuck in Porpoise Spit, Muriel all-time classic. Developed from the dreams of the perfect wedding, but ever-popular MGM screenplay, it there’s one thing missing. A groom! contains the beloved songs from the Following her dreams to Sydney, Oscar®-winning movie score, all the Muriel ends up with everything she favourite characters and iconic ever wanted but then things start to go moments, plus a few surprises along wrong. The film’s original writer- the way, including new songs by Tim director PJ Hogan has updated his screenplay into a dazzling Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber. new stage show, bringing the story into the present but keeping Leading the company of 40 performers all the irreverence and naughtiness of the film along with its dark will be Australian musical theatre legend Anthony Warlow as edge. There will of course, be many ABBA hits that so the Wizard and Professor Marvel, and leading ladies Lucy beautifully embody Muriel’s hopes and dreams, as well as an Durack as Glinda and Jemma Rix as Miss Gulch and The incredible soundtrack of addictive new songs. Bookings close Wicked Witch of the West. early so be quick if you don’t want to miss this great show. Wed: Member Cost: $185.00 pp Non-member: $205.00 pp Member Cost: $185.00 pp Non-member: $205.00 pp Sat: Member Cost: $225.00 pp Non-member: $245.00 pp

EXTENDED TOURS

7 DAY WINTER GETAWAY 9 DAY CAIRNS AND TROPICAL Monday 26 June 2017 NORTH QUEENSLAND

Our Winter Getaway has some seats Saturday 22 July 2017

left on the coach but rooms are on There are seats and rooms available but application. Founded in 1821, Port unfortunately airfares are on application Macquarie is one of the oldest towns for our Tropical North Queensland tour. in the state and was a convict We stay 3 nights at Airlie Beach and enjoy settlement until 1840. ‘Port’ has both a a day cruising the beautiful Whitsundays. river frontage (the Hastings River Visit the Whitsunday Coffee Plantation enters the sea here) and a series of and a private property not often visited ocean beaches. The local sights called Earlando. From Airlie Beach we including the historic St Thomas head north, visiting Bowen, Ayr and Townsville. We continue Church, the unique Koala Hospital, Ricardoes Tomatoes and up the coast through Ingham and past Hinchinbrook Island to Strawberries farm and Sea Acres Rainforest Park are on our Tully, visit the very unusual and historic Paronella Park, then itinerary. Enjoy a scenic coastal drive via Lake Cathie and travel through Innisfail to Cairns for 5 nights. Ride the Skyrail Bonny Hills to Laurieton, and visit North Brother Mountain for to Kuranda Village and the Scenic Railway back. We take a a magnificent view of the Camden Haven area. Visit Wauchope cruise on the Daintree River, and visit Mossman Gorge & Port and Timbertown and enjoy the MV Port Venture Cruises on Douglas. Enjoy a day in the Atherton Tablelands including a the Hastings River as well as a tasting at Cassegrain Winery. cruise on Lake Barrine and a visit to the Curtain Fig Tree.

Member Cost: $1455.00 pp twin share $1900.00 sole use Member Cost: $3595.00 pp twin share $4235.00 sole use

6 DAY LIGHTNING RIDGE 19 DAY WEST COAST: DARWIN TO PERTH Monday 14 August 2017 Wednesday 16 August 2017

Be quick to join us on this epic journey Lightning Ridge abounds with down the West Coast of Australia, it’s a colourful characters, barrels of ‘bucket list’ destination. We fly to Darwin dreams and experiences! then visit the spectacular Katherine Gorge Famous for the elusive Black before heading into Western Australia and Opal, which is unique to the area, to Kununurra and the Ord River. We then it is also famous as a thriving continue across the Kimberley's, cruise frontier town full of the iconic through Geikie Gorge and spend 2 nights Australian characters that remind in Broome. We continue down the coast to the traveller that the Australian Port Hedland then head inland into spirit is not a thing of folklore, but Hammersley National Park and view the huge Mount Tom the exact qualities that makes the 'Ridge' so unique is as elusive Price mine. From here it’s back to the coast and Karratha and as the Black Opal itself. You can experience sculptures Dampier before heading onto the Northwest Cape and underground, cactus farms, castles, astronomy monuments and Exmouth. We continue south visiting Coral Bay, Carnarvon, visit hills named 'Lunatic', 'Pig' and Bald'. And how do you find Monkey Mia and Geraldton and take in the wildflower country all these things? It’s easy, just look for coloured car doors! around Moora. We also visit the monastery town of New Norcia While this may not make immediate sense, it will when you before completing our tour with 2 nights at the Rendezvous come out and experience Lightning Ridge. Hotel in Scarborough.

Member Cost: $1165.00 pp twin share $1350.00 sole use Member Cost: $7695.00 pp twin share $9290.00 sole use

3 DAY LITHGOW TOUR 3 DAY MYSTERY TOUR NEW Monday 18 September 2017 Friday 22 September 2017 NEW

On our way to Lithgow enjoy a Our May Mystery tour had such a unique visit to the Newington long waitlist that we are offering Armoury for an exclusive guided another Mystery tour in September. tour followed by lunch in the There are still a few rooms available Armoury Wharf Café. We stay 2 so don’t delay, book your place on nights in Lithgow and make a visit to this fabulous tour now! Mystery is the Small Arms Museum, one of one of the great joys of travel. If you Australia’s most comprehensive are intrigued, you love discovering collections including Australian new places and are easily delighted, designed experimental weapons. We a Potter Mystery tour might be right also visit Bathurst where we stop at up your alley. Everyone has a great Miss Traill’s House followed by a time on our Mystery tours, with plenty visit to Mount Panorama National Motor Racing Museum to of laughs along the way. Where will it view the collection of vintage racing cars before we take a drive be? It’s a mystery! The tour includes 2 nights accommodation, around the Mount Panorama Racing Circuit. Our journey all day touring, meals and exclusive, not to be missed, Potter home is via the Bells Line of Road including a stop at Mount Travel entertainment! Tomah Botanical Gardens. Member Cost: $640.00 pp twin share $765.00 sole use Member Cost: $595.00 pp twin share $765.00 sole use ***Limited Rooms Available***

EXTENDED TOURS

4 DAY ORANGE AND CENTRAL WEST 5 DAY BRIGHT SPRING FESTIVAL Tuesday 10 October 2017 Thursday 02 November 2017

Only a few seats left. The beautiful Be quick if you want to see the Bright Orange region enjoys an outstanding Spring Festival which showcases the reputation for fresh produce and special attractions of the Great Alpine excellent cool-climate wines, thanks to Valleys. An opportunity to enjoy the Mount Canobolas’ volcanic soils and fabulous scenery and spectacular altitude. There is also a rich heritage, wildflowers of the Ovens Valley and with impressive colonial buildings Victorian High Country. Spend 4 streetscapes, tales of gold and nights in Bright and enjoy the local bushrangers, museums and galleries. sights and Spring Festival activities. Enjoy the lovely public gardens, visit Take a scenic drive to Mount Hotham, places such as Fourjay Farm which travelling along the Great Alpine Rd grows hazelnuts. Enjoy a guided walk at Hillside Harvest and a to Dinner Plain for lunch. Visit the quaint subalpine village of wine tasting at Orange Mountain Wines. We visit some of the Harrietville and the Lavender Hue Farm. Travel to the historic surrounding villages such as Molong and Manildra. We also township of Beechworth, an almost perfectly preserved and visit Huntley Berry Farm for a tour and the opportunity to maintained historic gold mining town. Make a stop in Milawa - purchase some jam. We then finish our tour with a visit to the the gourmet food area of North East Victoria and visit Milawa spectacular Mayfield Gardens. Mustards and Brown Bros Winery for a tasting.

Member Cost: $845.00 pp twin share $1045.00 sole use Member Cost: $1095.00 pp twin share $1295.00 sole use

4 DAY FLOWERS, CHOCOLATES AND WINE 6 DAY CHRISTMAS IN NAGAMBIE Monday 13 November 2017 Friday 22 December 2017 NEW NEW This new tour might sounds like it’s The historic Mitchell Shire is ‘date night’ but we are heading back to nestled in the scenic plains, the Potters Resort in the Hunter valleys and mountains of the Valley for a 3 night stay. It’s food, Goulburn River and Ranges. flowers, wine and lights that are on our This ‘geographical heart’ of agenda. We have a daytime visit to Victoria surrounds the Campaspe the amazing Hunter Valley Gardens and Goulburn Rivers and contains plus enjoy Monarchs in the Hunter, many hidden treasures. With one of the largest private collections of some delightful accommodation in British Royal memorabilia. There is a Nagambie, our touring each day great lunch at Peterson Champagne will ‘crisscross’ the Mitchell Shire – House as part of this tour and a sample of some local wines at famous for its picturesque valleys, flowing rivers and another winery in the valley, as well as cheese and chocolate breathtaking backdrops. Our base for 5 nights is the Nagambie tastings as part of the Hunter experience. We then finish our Waterfront Motel, right on the foreshore of Lake Nagambie. We stay in this beautiful & bountiful area with a visit to the amazing also visit Strath Creek Village Green and Pavilion, Kerrisdale Christmas Lights display at the Hunter Valley Gardens. Mountain Railway and Museum, the beautiful Yea Wetlands, Don’t miss this because it is a fabulous 4 day tour. Shepparton and historic Castlemaine.

Member Cost: $935.00 pp twin share $1085.00 sole use Member Cost: $1395.00 pp twin share $1675.00 sole use

3 DAY OPERA IN THE ALPS 4 DAY LAKES ENTRANCE NEW NEW Friday 19 January 2018 Monday 19 February 2018

Due to popular demand we are This tour was such a great success heading to the Opera in the Alps this year that we are running it again again in 2018 – this time staying in next February. It’s an easy drive to nearby Wangaratta. It will be a night to Lakes Entrance and a great spot for a remember, sitting under the stars at the getaway treat after the grandkids are picturesque grounds of Baarmutha back at school. On Day 1 we have Park, Beechworth. The program will lunch at Cann River Hotel, then take feature light popular classics with in the spectacular coastal scenery of favourites from opera and musicals Cape Conran and Marlo as we head performed by leading soloists. The to Lakes Entrance. Once there we orchestra will be led by one of unpack our bags for 3 nights. Lunch is Australia’s most exciting conductors. at Wyanga Park Winery and we visit Our itinerary will be a little different to the previous tour. Enjoy the historic Nymerlang Park on Day 2. We take in the towns of the sights of Northeast Victoria, take a cruise on Lake Mulwala Bairnsdale and Paynesville plus enjoy a fabulous cruise and visit a winery in the Rutherglen region before our evening across the Gippsland Lakes on Day 3. Heading home we stop at the Opera. Our journey home will take us across the rooftop to visit Orbost and the Orbost Exhibition Centre and the of Australia travelling from Corryong via the Alpine Way past National Collection of Wood Design. Thredbo to Jindabyne then home. Member Cost: $775.00 pp twin share $890.00 sole use Member Cost: $695.00 pp twin share $825.00 sole use

FEATURED TOURS

8 DAY PRISTINE TASMANIA ABOARD THE CORAL DISCOVERER—Mon 29 January 2018 NEW

This 7 night cruise is a rare adventure into the wilderness, showcasing the rugged coastal beauty and World Heritage Listed National Parks of Tasmania, aboard the fabulous Coral Discoverer. Become immersed in Tasmania’s breathtaking beauty, from the perfect circular formation of Wineglass Bay, to the dramatic peaks of pink granite at Freycinet, and the otherworldly remoteness of Maria Island National Park. At Tasman National Park, seals, dolphins and albatross await to greet you, backed by intimidating 300 metre high cliffs. We are guided by an expert expedition team and a guest Parks and Wildlife ranger who knows the area inside out.

Main Deck Category ‘A’: $5895.00 ppts. Promenade Deck Category ‘A’: $6495 ppts. Bridge Deck Balcony: $7395.00 ppts. Promenade Deck Category ‘B’: $7495.00 sole use

5 DAY MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL FLOWER SHOW—Monday 19 March 2018 NEW The Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show, at the World Heritage listed Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens, is set to return with an explosion of colour and design. After 20 years it still remains the biggest annual flower and garden show in the Southern Hemisphere! At the show we’ll see the creativity and passion of Australia's top floral and landscape designers delivered in stunning displays, as well as a strong environmental message for gardening in the climate we live in. With an extensive array of garden and floral retail, tools and products, outdoor furniture, water tanks and floral art, there are also many new and innovative ideas for the garden, as well as great food. Werribee Zoo and Mansion, Puffing Billy and the Dandenong's are other highlights of this tour.

Member Cost: $1185.00 pp twin share $1420.00 sole use

OVERSEAS

24 DAY SPECTACULAR ROCKIES AND ALASKAN CRUISE—Saturday 05 May 2018

Today we use the word ‘awesome’ to convey things that are often quite ordinary. That’s why, in describing Canada and Alaska, from soaring mountains to striking glaciers and floating icebergs, we simply have to use words like ‘wondrous’ or ‘awe-inspiring’. There’s simply no other way to convey the wonders of a region that is home to both the magnificent Icefield’s Parkway and Inside Passage. It’s a region that harbours the grizzly bear, perhaps planet Earth’s greatest predator, as well as the mild-mannered moose. On one extreme you can look forward to the charming English-influenced Victoria, on the other there are towns so remote that they can only be accessed by air or sea. This itinerary showcases all that and more – beautiful scenery, fascinating towns, a friendly and inviting culture, and glorious national parks. It’s so much more than just ‘awesome’. You have to book and deposit by 30 June 2017 to ensure you pay this tour cost. After 30 June 2017 airfare and tour costs may increase.

Member Cost: $14,730.00 pp twin share $18,890.00 sole use

ENGLAND, WALES AND SCOTLAND TOUR—Expression of Interest for August 2018 NEW Our diverse tour takes in some of the finest cities and natural sites that the United Kingdom has to offer. Visit the capital cities of England, Wales and Scotland, as well as quaint towns and villages, to get a real taste of the history and culture of these proud people! We spend about 18 days exploring many of the key attractions of Great Britain along the way! We visit London, Bristol, the West Country, Cardiff and Wales. We also visit Liverpool and Beatles Country before making our way through the Lakes District and Yorkshire. Visit Hadrian’s Wall before leaving England for Scotland. Glasgow, Edinburgh Castle and Inverness (including Loch Ness) are part of our tour of Scotland before we head back to London. Our journey to and from London will include stopovers to break up our journey. Our stopover destinations are still in the planning stages as flights cannot be booked until later in the year. We are currently accepting Expressions Of Interest for this fabulous trip so give us a call if you would like to receive a brochure once the tour is in place.

2018 TOURS

9 DAY RIVERLAND AND KANGAROO ISLAND NEW Expression of Interest. Departing 04 April 2018

Enjoy multiple night stays in the beautiful South Australian Riverland and the unique Kangaroo Island. Spend 3 nights in Barmera with local touring each day including a cruise on the river at Berri, lunch at the Overland Corner Hotel and a visit to the award winning Banrock Station. From here travel via Victor Harbor to Kangaroo Island and spend 3 days exploring this amazing island visiting some unique Kangaroo Island ventures; the pure Ligurian Bee Honey Farm, the Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery, the Sheep Milking Dairy and Cheese factory, and Andermel Marron Farm where we sample the delectable Kangaroo Island marron (freshwater crayfish). We also visit Flinders Chase National Park, Admirals Arch, Remarkable Rocks and the world famous Seal Bay, where we walk on the beach amongst the colony of Australian Sea Lions. After a memorable tour we fly home from Adelaide.

12 DAY OUTBACK QLD, LONGREACH AND CARNARVON GORGE NEW Expression of Interest. Departing 23 July 2018

Our tour to Outback Queensland and Longreach takes us via the Matilda Way through Bourke, Charleville, Blackall and Barcaldine. Longreach is situated on the Tropic of Capricorn with main industries of cattle, sheep and tourism. We stay here 4 nights and our sightseeing includes the Qantas Museum and the Stockman's Hall of Fame. This area abounds with early Australian folklore, Banjo Paterson wrote his famous poem Waltzing Matilda here. We experience the days of the Cobb and Co Stage coach and ‘Captain Starlight’! Enjoy a sunset cruise on the Thomson River aboard a historic Riverboat and afterwards delight in dinner, bush poetry and entertainment at the wharf around a blazing campfire. We then head for home via Emerald and Carnarvon Gorge. Carnarvon National Park was primarily created by water erosion resulting in dramatic gorge scenery and sandstone cliffs. There is an abundance of animal and birdlife, moss gardens, deep pools, rare palms and ferns, and many aboriginal rock carvings and paintings. We fly home from Brisbane.

8 DAY NOOSA / SUNSHINE COAST WINTER GETAWAY NEW Expression of Interest. Departing 06 August 2018

Due to the success of this tour, we are doing it again in 2018. We fly north to meet our Potter coach and settle into RACV Resort at Noosa on the Sunshine Coast for a 5 night stay. Visit the Eumundi Markets and the Ginger Factory at Nambour. Tour through the Blackall Ranges. Visit the pretty towns of Maleny and Montville and view the Glasshouse Mountains. Tour part of the spectacular Great Sandy National Park aboard ‘Warrior’ - a 4WD vehicle specifically designed to explore the famous Coloured Sands in comfort. Join Caloundra Cruises for a cruise with superb vistas across Bribie Island National Park, pristine sandy bays and abundant bird life. We head home down the NSW north coast with stops at Ballina and Raymond Terrace.

9 DAY FLINDERS RANGES AND BROKEN HILL NEW Expression of Interest. Departing 18 September 2018

A trip to South Australia's Flinders Ranges is something every Australian should experience. A few days in this beautifully rugged, 540 million year old landscape will stay with you forever and change the way you look at the world. The land is a country of thick, gnarled gum trees, growing alongside stony creeks. There are ruins of farms left by pioneers, beaten back by the harsh landscape. The Flinders Ranges is an ancient and unique part of the world. Our journey takes us via the Riverland and the historic town of Burra before a 2 night stay at Wilpena Pound, right in the middle of the amazing Flinders Ranges. After exploring this magnificent area we travel to Broken Hill, where we will spend another 3 nights. Immerse yourselves in the outback landscapes that have attracted artists and movie makers alike. A local guide will point out the Line of Lode a 7km strip of what was the biggest deposit of silver, lead and zinc in the world.