Gympie Gold, Timber & Red Claw

Follow the Bruce Highway south crossing the Gunalda Range and passing through lush farms to the city of Gympie, best known as the town that saved Queensland from bankrapcy with the discovery of gold in 1867. Upon arrival, enjoy morning tea (included) and a visit to the Woodworks Forestry and Timber Museum and step back in time with working displays of days gone by.

The history of Queensland's forestry and timber industry is brought to life by working displays, traditional hand tool demonstrations and quality exhibits, including a steam driven sawmill. (sawmill does not operate everyday.) Learn techniques used long before chainsaws and technology took over, with this fascinating joint venture between the Queensland Museum and the Department of Primary Industries.

Travel on to Gympie's city heart, with its traditional shopfronts as well as excellent examples of nineteenth century architecture. Relax and enjoy a tasty lunch (included) at the cafe overlooking Lake Alford Parklands, with time to wander down to the lake and feed the ducks. Gympie's heritage wouldn't be complete without a visit to the Gold Mining Museum, experience an excellent combination of local gold rush artifacts with displays of cultural significance. See the stamping batteries, poppet head, gantry and steam winding engine - all standing on orginal footings at the Great Eastern Mine, which operated in the early 1900's.

Winding our way through picturesque rolling hills and a patchwork of rich dairying farms, macadamia nut farms and rural valley's, arrive at Cherax Park Aquaculture Farm for afternoon tea (included). Enjoy the taste of fresh red claw* and witness the day to day running of this working red claw farm, nestled amongst beautiful rolling countryside, affording some spectacular views.

Return to Hervey Bay, skirting the Mount Bauple National Park, rich in Aboriginal cultural lore, in spring, the variety of wildflowers in bloom makes a breathtaking sight.

Departs: WEDNESDAYS 8.30am

Returns: 5.00pm