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Day 1
(Meals - L D)
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Arrive in BRISBANE (to SUNSHINE COAST) Wednesday 17 May 2006
Arrive in Brisbane on flight QF176 LAX/BNE at 0605AM, this is the sub-tropical capital city of the state of Queensland. On completion of Customs and Immigration formalities you are met by your AgTour director and transferred northwards to the Sunshine Coast; on the way visit Australia Zoo (owned by the Steve Irwin family), where you will meet some unique Australian animals, and be able to `Cuddle a Koala' and of course there are kangaroos, wallabies and crocodiles. Lunch included at the Zoo and afterwards travel only a short distance to the nearby holiday resort area where you settle in to your accommodation for a two night stay. Some of the world’s best surfing beaches are located nearby, so maybe you will wish to check them out!
Beach Motor Inn
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Day 2
(B L D)
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On the SUNSHINE COAST Thursday 18 May 2006
This morning visit a horticulture enterprise to obtain an insight into the growing and processing of sub-tropical fruits (or temperate fruits growing here during wintertime). A barbecue lunch is provided at Rainbow Beach or in the rainforest nearby. This afternoon spend a spectacular morning touring miles of unspoilt beaches in 4 wheel drive mini-coaches; this is the renowned Cooloola National Park, a wilderness area of world standing, where magnificent coloured sands will be among the many features that will fascinate you. Later in the day you return to your accommodation on the Sunshine Coast.
Beach Motor Inn
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Day 3
(B L D)
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SUNSHINE COAST to BUNDABERG Friday 19 May 2006
This morning you visit a dairy farm to inspect production techniques based on grazing of sub-tropical pastures. You continue to the Gympie district to visit a Brahman cattle stud for lunch with the owner and his family. Later you travel north to the city of Bundaberg located in the Burnett River Valley, arriving in time to inspect the latest technology in small crop production. 2 night stay in Bundaberg.
Kelly’s Beach Resort
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Day 4
(B L D)
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The GREAT BARRIER REEF Saturday 20 May 2006
A spectacular day cruise aboard the `M.V. Lady Musgrave' to Lady Musgrave Island and the world renowned Great Barrier Reef. Opportunities for underwater coral viewing and snorkeling, and time for swimming. An opportunity for Scuba diving for those who are suitably qualified (scuba diving at own cost); morning and afternoon tea/coffee and a smorgasbord lunch will be served on board; return to Bundaberg for the late afternoon.
Kelly’s Beach Resort
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Day 5
(B L D)
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BUNDABERG to the DARLING DOWNS Sunday 21 May 2006
travel south-west today, firstly through beef cattle country, then continue into the South Burnett district, noted for the production of peanuts, maize and navy beans; a highly productive farm unit will be visited for lunch. Later you continue south to the `Garden City' of Toowoomba, where you will meet your Farm Hosts, and accompany them to their respective grain, cattle or sheep properties, which are situated on the Darling Downs.
Farm Hosts
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Day 6
(B L D)
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On the DARLING DOWNS Monday 22 May 2006
Morning on farm with your hosts to look at and discuss management practices. Regather late morning at the historic Jondaryan Woolshed for an insight into how the early pioneers lived and worked; following an `Aussie Pie & Peas' lunch and a sheep shearing or sheep dog trial. There will be a tour of this most productive farming area. The first visit will be to an intensive feedlot operation where selected cattle are fed high grain rations for the lucrative Japanese market. You then visit an irrigation farm, employing unique water harvesting technology and growing cotton, soy beans, winter cereals, maize and sorghum. Also visit an enterprise building farm machinery and explain the Australian machinery requirements. You later return to your Host Farm for another night with your new friends 'Down Under'.
Farm Hosts
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Day 7
(B L D)
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DARLING DOWNS to MOREE Tuesday 23 May 2006
Regroup in Toowoomba, to continue your journey southwards and in Cecil Plains are visit merino stud. You then continue across the border into the state of New South Wales, and the highly regarded grazing and farming lands of the New England tablelands. Lunch with the Uniting Church community in Tenterfield. You continue south to Guyra, and visit a prominent Angus stud.
Moree Motor Inn
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Day 8
(B L D)
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At MOREE Wednesday 24 May 2006
Visit today to Weebollabolla, stock, pastures, management, etc. It is aprominent Shorthorn Stud and owned and managed by the Munro family. Will endeavor to have lunch with the family.
The day will also include inspecting Merino sheep and cotton/grain (especially wheat is important here) and/or pecan nuts.
Moree Motor Inn
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Day 9
(B L D)
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ARMIDALE to ORANGE Thursday 25 May 2006
Depart south today through some picturesque Australian countryside; Visit large machinery dealership. Also discussions on the important “Landcare” movement in this country (sustainable farming in balance with production realities). Lunch then depart southwards for an express run through to Orange. Settle in to the Orange Agricultural College campus for a 2 night stay.
Orange Hotel Motel
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Day 10
(B L D)
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At ORANGE Friday 26 May 2006
(B L D) A day of visits in temperate horticulture, viticulture and cereal farming, also value adding concepts, which could include pone fruit, vineyards and canola operations. Orange is the headquarters of the N.S.W. Department of Agriculture, and arrangements will be included for briefing and interaction with senior staff. Subjects could also include topics like GMO’s in Australia, the non subsidized farming scene in Australia and others. Also visit Hereford stud today.
Orange Hotel / Motel
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Day 11
(B L D)
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ORANGE to SYDNEY Saturday 27 May 2006
(B L D) Drive eastwards this-morning into the majestic Blue Mountains, for leisurely sightseeing and garden visits (the temperate section of the Sydney Botanical Gardens is located here at Mt Tomah). This-afternoon you drive down off the mountains, to arrive in the sprawling metropolis of Sydney, for your city accommodation.
Pacific International Hotel
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Day 12
(B L D)
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In SYDNEY Sunday 28 May 2006
A city and beaches tour this morning, taking in the historic `Rocks' area at the southern end of the Harbour Bridge, the fashionable Eastern Suburbs, and famous Bondi Beach. On returning to the city you are taken for a luncheon cruise on the magnificent Sydney Harbour, terminating at Darling Harbour. The afternoon is free for shopping or personal sightseeing. Enjoy your farewell in the rotating restaurant more than 300 yards off the ground (Sydney tower) with great views over the City, and the Harbour.
Pacific International Hotel
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Day 13
(B - -)
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SYDNEY to USA Monday 29 May 2006
Depending on timing of flight leaving Australia, free morning for last minute shopping or sightseeing; mid morning transfer to Sydney International Airport Terminal to check-in for your flights home to the USA.
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