Heron Island & Central QLD: Over-60s Social Getaway (2026)

Your fare excludes:

Day 1 Friday: Arrive Gladstone

Travel between Brisbane and Gladstone aboard the comfortable Tilt Train, enjoying a smooth journey north and avoiding the traffic. On arrival into Gladstone at approximately 5:30pm, you will be met and transferred to Mantra Gladstone – your home for the next three nights. After time to settle in, enjoy dinner in-house at Encore Restaurant. Included Meals: dinner

Day 2 Saturday: City Sights & Art Trail

After breakfast at the hotel, we set off to explore what makes Gladstone such an important regional hub. This morning’s tour showcases the city and its industries before travelling to Lake Awoonga Aquaculture. We continue to the coastal twin towns of Boyne Island and Tannum Sands, with lunch at Tannum Sands Hotel (own expense). In the afternoon, visit Ocean Breeze Art Gallery – a community collective featuring works by talented local artists. Return to Gladstone mid-afternoon with time to relax before dinner at Yacht Club Gladstone (“Yachties”). Included Meals: breakfast, dinner

Day 3 Sunday: Discovery Coast Experience

Today we journey south to the beautiful Discovery Coast, home to Agnes Water and the historic Town of 1770. Board the iconic LARC amphibious vessel for the LARC & Lunch experience, discovering the region’s stunning scenery, Indigenous heritage and the significance of Captain James Cook’s landing. Return to Gladstone mid-afternoon with time to freshen up before dinner in-house at Encore Restaurant. Included Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 4 Monday: Heron Island Escape

Enjoy an early breakfast before checking out of the hotel. This morning you will be transferred to Gladstone Marina to check in for your ferry to Heron Island. Arriving around midday, you’ll be welcomed to this pristine Great Barrier Reef paradise. After lunch (Own Coast), join an exclusive guided island tour. The remainder of the afternoon is free to arrange optional activities such as snorkelling, reef walks, dive trips, spa treatments or a semi-submersible experience for those who prefer to stay dry. Dinner this evening is at Shearwater Restaurant. Included Meals: breakfast & dinner

Day 5 Tuesday: Reef Discovery

Following breakfast at the resort restaurant, enjoy a guided reef tour (tide dependent), offering an incredible opportunity to experience the reef up close. The rest of the day is at leisure to further explore the island or participate in optional activities. Dinner will be served at Shearwater Restaurant. Included Meals: breakfast & dinner

Day 6 Wednesday: Return to Gladstone

After breakfast, check out of Heron Island by 10:00am. Late morning, depart by ferry back to Gladstone, arriving approximately 3:00pm. Transfer to Mantra Gladstone for your final night. This evening, celebrate a wonderful getaway with a farewell dinner and drinks at Yaralla Sports Club. Included Meals: breakfast, dinner

Day 7 Thursday: Farewell

Enjoy an early breakfast and check out by 7:15am. Transfer to Gladstone Railway Station to board the Tilt Train for your return journey to Brisbane, arriving mid-afternoon after a memorable six-night escape to Queensland’s Central Coast and the Southern Great Barrier Reef. Included Meals: breakfast

Please note: This itinerary is subject to change without notice due to weather, tidal conditions, operational requirements or unforeseen circumstances.

** 2026 T​ravel Dates **

• 3-9 July 2026
• 11-17 Sep 2026
• 2-8 Oct 2026
• 30 Oct-5 Nov 2026
• 13-19 Nov 2026

** Prices **

Are you a Queensland Pensioner?

Queensland Pension Card holders are eligible to receive four Queensland Pension rail travel entitlements each calendar year. Utilise these benefits on our great value package!

See below for information on Concession Card Holder discounts & entitlements

Queensland Pensioner Card Holder + Rail Travel Entitlements

• incl. Economy Rail: $2,655 pp twin share | $3,488 solo traveller
• incl. Business Rail: $2,705 pp twin share | $3,538 solo traveller

Australian Senior Card Holder

• incl. Economy Rail: $2,728 pp twin share | $3,561 solo traveller
• incl. Business Rail: $2,776 pp twin share | $3,609 solo traveller

Adult

• incl. Economy Rail: $2,790 pp twin share | $3,622 solo traveller
• incl. Business Rail: $2,892 pp twin share | $3,724 solo traveller

** Concession Card Holder Discounts & Entitlements **

The following Concession Card holders are eligible to four (4) rail entitlements each calendar year to travel on long-distance services across Queensland.

• Queensland Pensioner Card (PCC) issued by Services Australia or Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA)
• Australian Government DVA Health Card endorsed as WAR WIDOW / WIDOWER (Queensland residents only)
• Spouse / Partner of a Totally and Permanently Incapacitated (TPI) or Extreme Disability Adjustment (EDA) Veteran travel pass holder with a confirmation letter stating they are a Queensland resident.

Note: eligible passengers must have a valid physical or digital Concession Card or letter at the time of ticketing and during travel. A non-refundable administration fee of $25 applies per entitlement utilised.

Call us today on 1300 414 198!

Mantra Gladstone

The award-winning Mantra Gladstone is a stylish and modern 4.5 star hotel within minutes of the city centre. The hotel features 60 premium accommodation rooms, secure undercover parking and complimentary internet access. The Superior Rooms feature either two queen beds or a single queen bed, and balcony. Beautifully furnished with modern decor these spacious rooms offer all the comforts a traveller requires. Includes complimentary access to the Yaralla Fitness Centre, internet and movies within the room.

Heron Island

Experience nature at its best. World-famous for its spectacular coral reef and a sanctuary for an extraordinary variety of marine life, this natural coral cay provides a genuine eco-experience and the unique opportunity to witness the magic of the world’s largest coral reef. 

At Heron Island, you are not simply a hotel guest, you are a guest of nature – sleeping, playing and exploring a protected sanctuary overlooking the Great Barrier Reef. As a self-rated 3.5* property, accommodation features relaxed, low-key comfort and immediate access to crystal clear waters teeming with colourful fish, turtles, rays, reef sharks and more.

Heron Island caters to all levels of marine enthusiasts with 20 dive sites easily accessible by boat within minutes of the jetty. The most popular activity is snorkeling straight off one of the stunning beaches onto the Great Barrier Reef. Join a guided nature walk or star gazing tour, be pampered with a signature therapy at Aqua Soul Spa or head to Baillie’s Bar, the ideal location to enjoy the panoramic reef views.

HERON ISLAND

As a keyless property guests do not need to worry about carrying a key with them while snorkelling, diving or undertaking any of the other many activities available at Heron Island. Rooms can be locked from inside the room and a safe is available at reception if needed.

W​hat is a LARC?

LARC stands for Lighter Amphibious Resupply Cargo vehicle. An ideal all-terrain vehicle, its design allows for the transition from water to land, or reverse, to be done on a range of shorelines. 1770 Larc! Tours vessels are well equipped for accessing the 27kms of picturesque coastline along the Southern Great Barrier Reef. Climbing headlands, 4WDing over sand dunes, traversing tidal creeks and riding surf, even with heavy loads, prove to be a piece of cake for these bright pink mean machines.

Willing to Share?

One of the advantages of taking a dedicated Travel at 60 group is that we have the ability to match solo travellers who wish to avoid the single supplement. Please let us know if you would prefer to share.

NOTE: this option is subject to availability of another traveller of the same gender willing to share. Please call for more information on 1300 414 198.