Rum, Gin, Beer & Brews on the Southern Reef
Explore Bundaberg, Gladstone, Agnes Water and Town of 1770 with new over-60 friends!
Join a group of like-minded travellers for seven days of easy, ready-made fun.
Swap routine for a week of sunshine, seaside charm and great company along Queensland’s Southern Great Barrier Reef. Explore the best of Bundaberg, Gladstone, Agnes Water and the historic village of Seventeen Seventy. Think easy days, plenty of laughs, and just the right mix of discovery and downtime as you make new friends and share memorable experiences along the way.
Sit back and enjoy the journey aboard the Tilt Train, with comfortable stays in Bundaberg and Gladstone. Your days are filled with flavour and fun - from a behind-the-scenes look (and taste!) at the iconic Bundaberg Rum Distillery to a sweet stop at a local strawberry farm and visits to regional ginger and gin producers. Cruise the Gladstone harbour, enjoy a brewery tour and discover the region’s fascinating aquaculture at Lake Awoonga. With daily breakfast included and everything taken care of, all that’s left to do is relax, indulge a little, and enjoy the ride.
Adding a personal touch to your journey, your host Darryl is a much-loved local of over 40 years and a Citizen of the Year recipient in 2020. With his deep knowledge of the region and warm, down-to-earth style, each destination is brought to life through his passion for the area and genuine love of hosting.
Tour includes
- Economy seat on the Tilt Train from Brisbane to Bundaberg
- Economy seat on the Tilt Train from Gladstone to Brisbane
- (optional upgrade to Business seats on most departures)
- Return transfers from Rail Station to accommodation
- 2 nights' accommodation at Burnett Riverside Hotel, Bundaberg
- 4 nights’ accommodation at Mantra Gladstone
- 6 x Breakfast + 6 x Dinner + 3 x Lunch
- Daily itinerary with experienced tour guide
Highlights include:
- Guided tours of Bundaberg Rum, Bundaberg Barrel, Kalki Moon Gin & Wards Brewery
- The LARC+Lunch Experience
- Tondoon Botanical Gardens
- Lake Awoonga Aqua Culture facility
- Gladstone Harbour Cruise
Your fare excludes:
- Travel Insurance
Please note the following itinerary is subject to change without notice.
Day 1 – Friday – Arrive Bundaberg
This afternoon you'll meet your fellow travellers at Brisbane's Roma Street Station before boarding the Train for your journey to Bundaberg. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your accommodation to check-in and stay for the next two nights.
- Included Meals: Dinner
Day 2 – Saturday - Bundaberg
This morning we’ll visit The Bundaberg Barrel, home of Bundaberg Brewed Drinks. Enjoy a guided tour and discover the craft behind their famous beverages, including the much-loved ginger beer. Continue to Kalki Moon Distilling & Brewing Company, where you’ll step behind the scenes of this family-owned distillery. Enjoy a guided tour and tastings of their premium small-batch gin and rum. We then visit Tinaberries Strawberry Farm for a guided farm tour and talk, offering insight into local strawberry production. Lunch today is at Alloway Farm Market. Meet the owners and learn about their farm, including their locally grown produce such as figs available year-round. Arrive at Bundaberg Rum Distillery for a guided tour and tasting experience. Dinner tonight is at Grunskes by the River restaurant, overlooking the Burnett River, for a delicious seafood dinner (non-seafood / vegetarian options are available).
- Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3 – Sunday - Discovery Coast
Around 90 mins north of Bundaberg lies the Discovery Coast where Agnes Water and the historical Town of 1770 is situated. 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. Travel to Gladstone late afternoon to check in with time to freshen up prior to dinner at Encore Restaurant.
- Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 – Monday – City Sights
Today we take a tour of Gladstone, visiting local industries and an oil refinery including morning tea. Lunch today is at Auckland House overlooking the harbour (own cost). After lunch we’ll explore the beautiful Gladstone Tondoon Botanic Gardens, a lush 83 hectare sanctuary showcasing over 3,000 plant species with many native to the region. Wander through diverse rainforest collections, scenic walking trails and tranquil garden settings featuring unique highlights such as the Japanese gardens and bonsai displays. Enjoy some free time this afternoon before dinner at Yachties.
- Included Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 5 – Tuesday – Local Industry
After breakfast, depart on the Beach to Barra Tour, visiting Aquaculture Gladstone at Lake Awoonga, a state-of-the-art hatchery breeding barramundi and other native fish. Learn about sustainable aquaculture through interactive displays and live fish exhibits. A fascinating stop for insights into innovative fisheries and marine conservation. Lunch today is at Tannum Sands Hotel (own cost). Next, we visit Ocean Breeze Art Gallery, a welcoming community art space in Tannum Sands. Browse ever changing artworks and crafts by local artists — from paintings and jewellery to ceramics and sculptures. It’s a charming stop to discover regional creativity and take home a unique keepsake. Return to the hotel and enjoy some free time this afternoon before buffet dinner at Encore.
- Included Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 6 – Wednesday – Gladstone
Relaxing start to the day, enjoy a leisurely breakfast. This morning you have some free time. Have a look around the shops, explore the waterfront East Shores Parklands, visit the HMAS Gladstone II maritime museum, stroll through Spinnaker Park or simply relax by the pool with a book. Visit Ward's Brewery for a tour and lunch. This boutique craft brewery situated in a 100-year-old factory is known for its handcrafted beers and relaxed taproom atmosphere. Ward’s Brewery has made a serious splash on the award circuit with 23 industry medals awarded in their first 3 years. Then depart on a gentle Harbour Cruise on the vehicle barge around Curtis Island. There are tea, coffee and bar services on board. Enjoy some free time this afternoon before a buffet dinner tonight at Encore.
- Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 - Thursday - Farewell
Enjoy full buffet breakfast at the hotel before checking out and boarding the coach for a 7:15am transfer to Gladstone Railway Station. Depart on the Tilt Train to head back to Brisbane after this fun filled getaway on Queensland's Southern Great Barrier Reef. .
- Included Meals: Breakfast
** Departure Dates **
- 12 - 18 June 2026
- 21 - 27 August 2026
** Prices **
See below for information on Concession Card Holder discounts & entitlements
Queensland Pensioner Card Holder + Rail Travel Entitlements
- incl. Economy Rail: $2,279 pp twin share | $2,983 solo traveller
- incl. Business Rail: $2,329 pp twin share | $3,033 solo traveller
Australian Senior Card Holder
- incl. Economy Rail: $2,337 pp twin share | $3,041 solo traveller
- incl. Business Rail: $2,374 pp twin share | $3,078 solo traveller
Adult
- incl. Economy Rail: $2,391 pp twin share | $3.095 solo traveller
- incl. Business Rail: $2,474 pp twin share | $3,178 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.
Perched on the banks of the Burnett River, in downtown Bundaberg, Burnett Riverside Hotel is able to offer what others can’t – views out over the water from the restaurant, bar and many rooms. Take in the sunset and relax in style. Rooms have complimentary WIFI, amazingly comfortable beds and space.
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.
- Queensland Rail Track Maintenance: Queensland Rail periodically conducts planned and unplanned track maintenance throughout the 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.
- Business Class Seating: seat allocations are automated by Queensland Rail Travel.
- Queensland Rail, will attempt to allocate seat nearby for those travelling together, however this is not guaranteed due to existing bookings, safety, security, or operational reasons
Supplier Fees
- Minimum numbers is required for tour to proceed.
- Non-Refundable deposit of $300 per person is required to secure booking.
- Final payment due no later than 45 days prior to travel.
- Cancellations advised 30 days prior to travel will incur full cancellation fees (no refund).
- Amendments made inside 30 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.
Business Class 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.