Bundaberg, Tilt Train & Turtles - Over 60s Social Getaway (2027)
Want to escape for a few days with a truly unforgettable moment? Love to travel with fellow over-60s?
Journey by Tilt Train from Brisbane to Bundaberg, located at the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef. Sit back, relax and meet your fellow travellers as you take in the scenery of the Glasshouse Mountains, Sunshine Coast hinterland, Nambour and Gympie.
During this 4 day / 3 night getaway, you will experience one of nature’s most heart-warming spectacles - baby turtles emerging from the sand and taking their very first steps toward the sea.
This short escape delivers a rare and heart-touching wildlife experience you’ll remember forever.
Tour Highlights
- Scenic rail journey from Brisbane to Bundaberg and return
- Evening visit to Mon Repos Turtle Centre with expert ranger guides
- Learn about turtle conservation and the incredible lifecycle of these marine icons
- Visit Bundaberg Rum Distillery, Kalki Moon & Hinkler Hall of Aviation for a taste of local heritage
- Meet friendly local growers at Tinaberries and Macadamias Australia with delicious tastings included
- Easy pace with time to explore Bundaberg’s coastal charm at your leisure
- Travel with a friendly over-60s group for a social and relaxed holiday
Mon Repos & Turtle Centre
Located only 15 minutes from Bundaberg, Mon Repos supports the largest concentration of nesting marine turtles on the eastern Australian mainland and has the most significant loggerhead turtle nesting population in the South Pacific region. The success of nesting and hatching turtles at Mon Repos is critical for the survival of the endangered loggerhead turtle. At this globally significant site, you can learn all about these extraordinary animals and the conservation and research programs that are protecting them. The Mon Repos Turtle Centre is dedicated to marine turtle research, protection and education. Discover the details, the big picture and the people protecting these ancient mariners. Your Turtle Encounter tickets include access to the Turtle Centre including Turtle Tales Immersive Experience, Milbi Café and gift shop on the night of your visit.
- Return economy or business class train travel between Brisbane and Bundaberg
- Return transfers from railway station to accommodation
- 3 nights accommodation at Villa Mirasol
- Breakfast daily served in room
- 2 x dinners at Villa Mirasol
- Guided Turtle Experience at Mon Repos Turtle Centre
- Guided tour at Hinkler Hall of Aviation
- Guided tour of Bundaberg Rum Distillery
- Kalki Moon Distillery & tasting tour
- Guided tour of The Bundaberg Barrel
- Guided tour of Tinaberries with Ice Cream Tastings
- Guided tour of Macadamias Australia with lunch
- Guided Monsoon Aquatics tour
- Local sightseeing
Your fare excludes:
- Airfares
- Travel insurance
Please note the following itinerary is subject to change without notice.
Day 1 (Thursday): Brisbane to Bundaberg
Today you'll board the Tilt Train for your journey to Bundaberg. On arrival, meet your transfer driver and travel to Villa Mirasol Motor Inn, your home for the next three nights. The remainder of the day is at leisure to settle in and explore the local area.
Meals: Dinner
Day 2 (Friday): Bundaberg Flavours & Mon Repos Turtle Experience
After breakfast, discover the story of one of Australia's aviation pioneers with a self-guided visit to Hinkler Hall of Aviation. Continue to Macadamias Australia for an orchard tour and lunch, before visiting Tinaberries for a delicious ice cream tasting and a talk from the owners.
Later this afternoon, enjoy a tour and tasting at Kalki Moon Distillery. After some time to relax & dinner at hotel, depart for the Mon Repos Turtle Centre where you'll join a guided Turtle Encounter experience for the chance to witness turtles nesting on the beach.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3 (Saturday): Bundaberg Attractions & Distillery Experiences
This morning, visit Monsoon Aquatics Coral Centre for a guided tour and learn about the fascinating world of coral aquaculture. Stop at The Hummock Lookout for panoramic views over the Bundaberg region before continuing to The Bundaberg Barrel for a self-guided tour, tastings, and the opportunity to create your own six-pack to take home.
After lunch at the East Bundaberg Sports Club (own expense), visit the iconic Bundaberg Rum Distillery for a guided tour and tasting before returning to your accommodation.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 (Sunday): Bundaberg to Brisbane
Following breakfast, transfer to Bundaberg Railway Station to board the Tilt Train for your journey home. Say farewell to your fellow travellers as your Bundaberg escape comes to an end.
Meals: Breakfast
TRAVEL DATES
- 28–31 January 2027
- 04–07 February 2027
- 11–14 February 2027
- 18–21 February 2027
- 25–28 February 2027
PRICES*
QLD PENSIONER PRICES
- Economy: from $1,578 pp twin share | $1,878 solo traveller*
- Business: from $1,628 pp twin share | $1,928 solo traveller*
SENIOR PRICES
- Economy: from $1,620 pp twin share | $1,920 solo traveller*
- Business: from $1,647 pp twin share | $1,947 solo traveller
ADULT PRICES
- Economy: from $1,666 pp twin share | $1,966 solo traveller*
- Business: from $1,730 pp twin share | $2,030 solo traveller*
* Departures and prices are subject to change. See T&Cs for applicable pensioner & senior cards.
Villa Mirasol is centrally located, within walking distance to the Central Business District and the Bundaberg Train Station. The hotel features include a inground saltwater pool, free Wi-Fi and on-site restaurant.
Rooms are spacious with ensuite bathrooms, air-conditioning, tea & coffee making facilities and Foxtel.
TRAVELLING SOLO? Willing to share with another single traveller?
One of the advantages of travelling on a dedicated group departure is that we have the ability to match solo travellers of the same gender to avoid paying a single supplement (subject to availability of another traveller of the same gender willing to share). Otherwise the solo traveller price applies.
MON REPOS TURTLE ENCOUNTER TOUR
- A turtle’s arrival can’t be predicted - some nights hatchlings will appear after midnight.
- Total visit time can be up to six hours so pack a favourite book or activity that is easy to carry.
- Tours are on a soft, sandy beach at night and up onto the foredunes where turtles nest.
- Groups will be guided to the beach by Park Rangers and Turtle Guides - each group must stay together during the event.
- Occasionally turtles do not hatch on the night - while this is unusual, we can’t guarantee you will see hatchlings.
- A moderate level of fitness is required for the Turtle Encounters tour.
Visitors need to be able to:
- Walk up to 1.6km at night in natural light or with limited light in some sections.
- Stand on uneven surfaces for approximately one hour.
- Traverse sandy surfaces including short steep sections on vegetated dunes and boardwalks.
Mobility Aids
- Conventional wheelchairs are usually not suitable for this tour.
- Some all-terrain wheelchair users may be able to access this tour with assistance.
- Please contact us for further information about access for people with mobility disabilities.
To ensure you have an enjoyable visit:
- Wear footwear suitable for walking along a sandy beach.
- Pack rain jackets as shelter is limited and umbrellas are not allowed on the beach.
- Bring a jumper or a wind cheater as it can be cold on the beach at night.
- Bring your own drinking water (a water bottle refill station is provided at the Turtle Centre), snacks and insect repellent.
- Know the light restrictions - it is essential to minimise artificial light impacts on turtles.
- Light up shoes and glow sticks are not permitted.
- When permitted, only torches of 100 lumens or less can be used.
- Photography and filming are only permitted during designated periods announced by your tour guide.
- Always listen to Park Rangers and turtle guides on the beach and follow their instructions.
QUEENSLAND RAIL TRAVEL - DISCOUNTED FARES
To qualify for discounted rail fares, passengers must hold one of the following cards (valid card numbers must be quoted at time of booking):
PENSIONER FARES
- Queensland Pensioner Card (PCC) issued by Services Australia or Dept of Veteran Affairs (DVA)
- Australian Government DVA Health Card (endorsed as War Widow/Widower (QLD Residents only)
- Spouse / Partner of a Totally and Permanently Incapacitated (TPI) or
- Extreme Disability (EDA) Veteran travel pass holder with a letter stating they are a QLD Resident.
SENIOR FARES
- Australian state OR territory Government Seniors Card
- Go Card Senior version (only issued in Queensland)
Note: all other passengers are charged at the adult rate.
EOFY Sale Offer (book by 30 June)
- Under the EOFY Sale offer, a reduced initial deposit of $99 per person is payable within 7 days of booking. The remainder of the standard deposit amount is payable within 30 days of the booking date.
T&C's
- All prices are indicative only and subject to change at any time without notice.
- A non-refundable deposit of $300 per person is payable within 7 days of booking.
- Finals are due before 60 days of travel date
- This tour is not a guaranteed departure - minimum numbers must be reached for the tour to go ahead.
- A full refund will only be provided only if minimum travel numbers have not been reached and the tour cannot go ahead.
- Any specific rooming, seating or dietary requests are welcomed, however not guaranteed.
- While every effort is made to provide correct information at the time of publication, the itinerary is subject to change for unforeseen circumstances at any time.
- Conditions, amendment and cancellation fees apply. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Supplier Fees
- Cancellations advised 45 days prior to travel will incur full cancellation fees (no refund).
- Amendments made inside 45 days prior to travel such as (but not limited to) name changes, pick up and drop off location changes will incur a $25 per person fee.
Queensland Rail Track Maintenance: Queensland Rail periodically conducts planned and unplanned track maintenance throughout the Queensland Rail network. Trackwork and disruptions are beyond Travel at 60's control, however we will endeavour to advise you of the situation as soon as possible with alternative travel options.
Seating: seat allocations are automated by Queensland Rail Travel. Queensland Rail Travel will attempt to seat couples together however this is not guaranteed due to existing bookings, safety, security, or operational reasons.
Terms and conditions apply. Click here for more details.