Itinerary in Brief:
- 1 night Brisbane
- 2 nights Sunshine Coast Hinterland
- 2 nights Lockyer Valley
- 3 nights Scenic Rim
- 2 nights Gold Coast
- 4 nights Hamilton Island
Day 1: Depart UK
Depart the UK from your chosen airport. We work with all the major carriers and can also arrange a stopover (or two!) if you’d like to break your journey.
Included: International flight
Day 2: Arrive Brisbane
Your journey begins in the riverside city of Brisbane, Queensland. Your private transfer will take you to Spicers Balfour Hotel in the inner city suburb of New Farm for your one night stay. Explore New Farm Park, wander along the Riverwalk towards the city centre and return in time for your complimentary pre-dinner canapés at the rooftop bar this evening, overlooking the picturesque Story Bridge.
(If you prefer to skip this night in Brisbane, you could head straight to the Sunshine Coast and enjoy an extra night instead - speak to your consultant.)
Included: Private arrival transfer & hotel
Days 3 & 4: Sunshine Coast Hinterland
In the morning, pay a visit to The Balfour Kitchen and enjoy its renowned breakfast before setting off towards the stunning Sunshine Coast hinterland. Collect your rental car and begin your self-drive up the coast today – journey time is around 90 minutes with plenty of interesting places to stop en-route. Check into the luxury, boutique Spicers Clovelly Estate for two nights.
From the moment you enter the stately 22 acres of grounds filled with grand figs, shaded jacarandas and groves of magnolias and gardenias you'll feel like you're in the heart of Provence in France.
Beyond the property, there are some fascinating places to explore including Mapleton Falls, the Glass House Mountains and the country villages of Maleny and Montville.
Included: Breakfast, car hire & hotel
Days 5 & 6: Lockyer Valley
After breakfast, make the scenic drive inland to Spicers Hidden Vale in the Lockyer Valley. We recommend a midday stop at the Old Fernvale Bakery Café (Fernvale) for lunch and try their excellent bread, pastries and pies - a true representation of Queensland Country, before arriving at your next hotel, Spicers Hidden Vale.
Here, you’ll experience the uniquely revitalising effect of spending time on 12,000 acres of Australian Bush, complete with working cattle farm and abundant wildlife. Spicers Hidden Vale is a hidden gem that combines the style and comfort of a boutique, luxury retreat with a warmest of country welcomes.
A wide range of nature-based activities will give you the opportunity to explore the countryside on foot, horseback, by mountain bike or luxury 4WD. There’s also an excellent spa facility here.
Included: Breakfast, car hire & hotel
Days 7-9: Scenic Rim
This morning, see the sunrise over the valley before returning to the homestead for a hearty breakfast. Why not take a walk around the property to spot the kangaroos before departing for Spicers Peak Lodge.
It’s around a 90-minute drive as you ascend towards Spicers Peak Lodge. Enjoy the fresh mountain air as you arrive at Australia’s highest non-alpine lodge, set amidst 8000 acres, the lodge is surrounded by the Main Range National Park.
Spicers Peak Lodge offers luxury accommodation and fine food and wine experience. Lunch is served al fresco as you take in the views of the stunning ‘Scenic Rim’, before setting off on a self-guided discovery tour to spot the local flora and fauna. Dinner will be served at The Peak where you can choose from a range of modern Australian cuisine from the three course a la carte menu.
By day enjoy bushwalking, mountain bikes and four-wheel drive tours of the area, or be pampered with a massage, followed by a dip in the pool or a game of tennis. By night sample gourmet food and wine, relax by the fire or take in the brilliance of stars in clear mountain skies from your private balcony.
Included: All meals & hotel
Days 10 & 11: Gold Coast
After a hearty breakfast, bid farewell to the Scenic Rim and head back to the coast. Your destination is the fabulous Palazzo Versace, just over a 2-hour drive away, where you’ll stay for two nights.
Nestled between the sparkling Pacific Ocean and the shimmering still waters of the Gold Coast Harbour, the rooms are stylish with the signature Versace design elements evident on walls and furnishings. Three award-winning restaurants offer dining options from relaxed bistro style to a truly fine-dining experience. The day spa, Salus per Aquum, offers pampering and health facilities that include a gym, spa, steam room, sauna, indoor pool and a full range of body treatments to soothe tired muscles.
The Gold Coast radiates a holiday glow, with one of the world’s best coastlines and magical weather all year round. Plenty of opportunities await in this premier playground; blue water yachting, great fishing and diving, surfing, world class golfing, tennis or lazing on the golden beaches – that’s if you decide to leave the comfort of your hotel of course!
Included: Breakfast, car hire & hotel
Days 12-16: Gold Coast to Hamilton Island
Today you’ll drive back to Brisbane airport (about 1 hour) and return your car. Board a flight to Hamilton Island, from where you’ll transfer to your hotel where you will check in for a 4-night stay.
Over the next 5 days, you can enjoy spectacular dining experiences, opt for a relaxing massage, explore private beaches or immerse yourself in captivating underwater adventures as you explore the reef.
Based on Hamilton Island, you’ll enjoy direct access to the Great Barrier Reef and world-famous Whitehaven Beach, with opportunities for exhilarating helicopter and seaplane tours, diving, snorkelling and fishing.
Included: Breakfast & hotel
Day 17: Depart Hamilton Island
After breakfast, you’ll take the transfer back to Hamilton Island for your onward connections home.
Included: Breakfast, transfers & international flight
Day 18: Return UK
