Heron Island & Central QLD: Rail, Stay & Tour Package
Explore Heron Island (plus Gladstone, Agnes Water and Town of 1770) with new over-60 friends!
Your next perfect holiday is closer than you think! Join a group of like-minded travellers for 7 days of easy, ready-made fun.
This exclusive Travel at 60 package includes return rail journey from Brisbane-Gladstone, three days on Heron Island, four nights of 4.5-star accommodation in Gladstone, daily breakfast and a great itinerary of activities. Call 1300 414 198 to secure your place, or read on to learn more...
Your host in Gladstone will be Darryl, a beloved local of 40 years (and winner of Citizen of the Year in 2020), who will share his vast knowledge of the region, take you to some truly hidden gems, and offer a hugely entertaining experience every step of the way.
Our August departure coincides with whale season, where you can spot the magnificent humpbacks on their annual migration. Our October departure falls within turtle nesting season on Heron Island, where you could be among the lucky first to see the turtles lay their eggs!
Tour includes
- One-way economy seat on the Spirit of Queensland from Brisbane to Gladstone
- One-way economy seat on the Tilt Train from Gladstone to Brisbane
- 4 nights’ accommodation at Mantra Gladstone
- 2 nights’ accommodation at Heron Island
- 6 x Breakfast + 5 x Dinner + 1 x Lunch
- Daily itinerary with experienced tour guide whilst in Gladstone
- Transfers to and from Gladstone railway station to accommodation
- Ferry Transfers to and from Heron Island
Highlights include:
- Twin towns of Boyne Island and Tannum Sands
- Visit the Barramundi Hatchery
- The LARC+Lunch Experience
- 3 days on Heron Island to do as much (or as little) as want
Your fare excludes:
- 1 x lunch on mainland & 3 x lunch on Heron Island
- Alcohol
- Travel Insurance
Please note the following itinerary is subject to change without notice.
Day 1 – Friday – Arrive Gladstone
Travel between Brisbane and Gladstone, sit back, enjoy a smooth and comfortable ride, and avoid the traffic onboard the Spirit of Queensland Train. On arrival in Gladstone (approx 8:30pm) be transferred from the train station to the Mantra Gladstone your home for the next 3 nights.
Day 2 – Saturday - City Sights and Industry
Today we take a good look at what makes up this city, travelling down to the twin towns of Boyne Island and Tannum Sands swinging past Boyne Smelter Millennium Esplanade with lunch at Tannum Sands Hotel (own expense) and on the way back to Gladstone we visit a Barramundi hatchery which breeds and releases around 200,000 fingerlings per annum into Lake Awoonga. You might even get to feed one of these metre long fish from the brood stock.
- Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 – Sunday - Discovery Coast
Around 90 mins south of Gladstone lies the Discovery Coast where Agnes Water and the historical Town of 1770 is situated. The Larc and Lunch experience gives you a taste of the scenery and experiences this region has with its connection to Captain James Cook’s visit, the indigenous history and nature. Return to Gladstone mid afternoon with time to freshen up prior to dinner at a local restaurant.
- Recommend wearing light resort wear with a hat and sunscreen
- Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 – Monday – Heron Island
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel prior to check out. This morning you will be transported to Gladstone Marina to check in for your ferry to Heron Island. Around midday arrive on Heron Island, the next two nights are yours to enjoy on the island. There are a range of activities such as snorkelling, reef walks, turtle nesting tours, dive trips, beauty spa treats, or semi-submersible for those who don’t want to get too wet. Enjoy dinner this evening at Shearwater Restaurant.
- Recommend wearing light resort wear with a hat and sunscreen
- Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5 – Tuesday – Heron Island
The day is yours to enjoy at leisure why not take a snorkelling trip, reef walk, or maybe visit the UQ Research Station. Enjoy dinner this evening at Shearwater Restaurant
- Recommend wearing light resort wear with a hat and sunscreen
- Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6 – Wednesday – Gladstone
Enjoy breakfast prior to check out of Heron Island at 10am. Time to farewell this Island paradise and head back to Gladstone for your final night at the Mantra Gladstone. Check in mid afternoon with time to freshen up prior to your farewell dinner at Pacinos within the Mantra Hotel complex.
- Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7 - Thursday - Farewell
Enjoy breakfast prior to an 7.30am pick up for transport to the Tilt Train to head back to Brisbane after this fun filled getaway in Qld’s Central Coast.
- Included Meals: Breakfast
- 25 - 31 August 2023 (whale season) - SOLD OUT
- 27 October – 2 November 2023 (turtle season) - double/twin room left
- 24 - 30 November 2023 (turtle season) - SOLD OUT
Are you a Queensland Pensioner? Queensland Pension Concession Card holders are eligible to receive four Queensland Pension rail travel entitlements each calendar year. Utilise these benefits on our great valued package!
- Pricing land only
- QLD Pensioner - Twin share $2,280 per person / Solo $2,726
- Senior - Twin share $2,349 per person / Solo $2,795
- Adult - Twin share $2,409 per person / Solo $2,855
Call us today on 1300 414 198!
The award-winning Mantra Gladstone is a stylish and modern 4.5 star hotel within minutes of the Gladstone 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.
Experience nature at its best on Heron Island, 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 all of Heron Island accommodation, ranging from rooms set amongst an ancient Pisonia Forest to beachside rooms steps from the water, offer 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.
We have secured experienced local guides to show you the best of Queenslands Central Coast.
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.
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.
(Please note: this option is subject to availability of another traveller of the same gender willing to share. We require all guests sharing to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19. Please call for more information on 1300 414 198.)
Travel at 60 and supplier booking conditions apply.
Minimum numbers is required for tour to proceed.
Non-Refundable deposit of $500 per person is required to secure booking.
Final payment due no later than 45 days prior to travel.
This holiday deal has expired.
Want to find an alternative? Search for another holiday here or contact us.