Bundaberg, Tilt Train & Turtles - Over 60s Social Getaway (2026)
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 & 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
- Guided tour of The Bundaberg Barrel
- Guided tour of Tinaberries with Ice Cream Tastings
- Guided tour of Macadamias Auatralia
- Tour of Monsoon Aquatics Coral
- 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
This morning you'll meet your fellow travellers at Brisbane's Roma Street Station before boarding the Tilt Train for your journey to Bundaberg. On arrival in Bundaberg, you'll be transferred to Villa Mirasol, your accommodation for the next three nights.
Day 2 (Friday): Mon Repos Turtle Experience
Relax over breakfast, served in your room, before exploring some of the sights of Bundaberg.
Visit Hinkler Hall of Aviation for the guided Cockpit Tour, later arriving at Cafe 1928 for lunch (own expense). In the afternoon, arrive at The Bundaberg Barrel for the tasting and tour. Followed by Tinaberries for a guided farm tour and talk with ice cream tasting.
Enjoy an early dinner at the hotel restaurant, before tonight's highlight tour to Mon Repos Turtle Centre for a ranger-guided tour of the beach to watch the baby turtles emerge from the sand and make their way to the ocean to start their journey.
Day 3 (Saturday): Bundaberg Attractions & Sightseeing
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast, in your room before departing on the coach to visit Monsoon Aquatics Coral Centre for a guided tour.
This afternoon, arrive at Macadamias Farm for a guided tour and lunch. Travel along the Bargara Esplanade and down to Nelsons Park for passengers for drive-by sightseeing. Later, visit the Bundaberg Rum Distillery for a tour and tasting.
Dinner tonight will be at Villa Mirasol restaurant.
Day 4 (Sunday): Bundaberg to Brisbane
After breakfast in your room, you will be transferred to Bundaberg's railway station to board the Tilt Train for your journey back to Brisbane. Say farewell to new found friends as your holiday comes to an end..
TRAVEL DATES
We have four departures to choose from during February's peak hatching season:
- 5 - 8 Feb 2026
- 12 - 15 Feb 2026
- 19 - 22 Feb 2026
- 26 Feb - 1 Mar 2026
PRICES*
QLD PENSIONER PRICES
- Economy: from $1,519 pp twin share | $1,819 solo traveller*
- Business: from $1,569 pp twin share | $1,869 solo traveller*
SENIOR PRICES
- Economy: from $1,559 pp twin share | $1,859 solo traveller*
- Business: from $1,589 pp twin share | $1,889 solo traveller
ADULT PRICES
- Economy: from $1,629 pp twin share | $1,929 solo traveller*
- Business: from $1,669 pp twin share | $1,969 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.
- Travel at 60 and supplier booking conditions apply
- 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.
- 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.
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.