This July, we're heading to the coolest town in QLD for a White Christmas Getaway ....There'll be plenty of exploring, relaxation, food, wine, walks & wonderful food!
We've created this adventure for all the women wanting to have a white Christmas! Yes, you could do this self-drive but why would you bother - so much more enjoyable when someone else is driving!
Join your leaders Kat and Caron on a fully escorted Christmas in July bus trip to Stanthorpe and Girraween National Park, stopping at the spectacular Queen Mary Falls along the way.
By day pull on your walking boots to enjoy the daily bush walks through amazing landscapes, then by night, put on your Santa hats and wear your worst Christmas sweaters to our Christmas dinner feast at a local winery.
Our AW Christmas in July adventure departs this morning from Brisbane. Leave your car in a secure location and enjoy a private bus tour firstly to the beautiful Queen Mary Falls, 2 hours up the road.
Morning tea, then a 40-minute walk exploring the Queen Mary Falls circuit. The 2km circuit trail isn’t hard, but it is spectacular. The track takes you from the lookouts at the top of the falls to the creek below. This Gondwana Rainforest is internationally recognised by UNESCO for having provided refuge to rare species of fauna and flora for millions of years.
After your walk, enjoy your picnic lunch in the park (not included), keeping an eye out for the local king parrots and crimson rosellas who might try to share your food. We then continue our journey to Stanthorpe!
In Stanthorpe we first visit Suttons Farm, a family-run apple orchard, to taste their cider/juices and the leaders will purchase some fresh juice and one of their famous apple pies for dessert tonight. Next we call into the Truffle Discovery Centre to discover all things Truffles. Afternoon tea options (not included) include a visit to Foxy's Bakery - known for its pies and jam-filled cream buns dusted with icing sugar, or Brinx Deli and Cafe - the choice is yours. Your leaders will also use this opportunity to select some cheeses, charcuterie, olives & antipasto for our evening grazing platter.
We then travel an hour down the road to our accommodation for the weekend. Take the afternoon to unpack and explore the natural bushlands surrounding your chalet - bushwalks start from your Chalet taking you through open fields with quiet kangaroos, meander through woodlands and forests, cross creeks gullies, and pass by extraordinary rock formations, scenery, waterfall and rock pools.
Relax on the verandah over a glass of wine (BYO) and a grazing plate, followed by shared dinner prepared by your leaders.
Head out to the heated spa after dinner for some star-gazing if your game.
Meals: Snack, Dinner
An early start today with a continental breakfast, before selecting a variety of snacks, fruit and lunch options for the walk ahead.
Todays walk is a 11.5km return walk to Girraween's highest peak - Mt Norman. Allow 4-5 hours for this walk that travels through eucalypt forests, past massive granite outcrops and alongside colourful rock slabs.
This trail offers side trips along a ridge top to the ancient granite pinnacle and large balancing tor of Turtle Rock and The Sphinx; and witness the panoramic views from Castle Rock - one of the park's signature peaks.
The afternoon is at leisure, maybe even attempting to build a snowman if we are lucky enough to have had snow!
Time to put on our best/ugliest Christmas sweaters and hats ready for dinner! Crank up the carols on the bus as we make our way to one of the local wineries for a traditional Christmas dinner with all the trimmings!
Back to the chalets for a night cap and late night snack of Gingerbread men and fruit mince pies and find out what Secret Santa has brought for us!
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Snack, Dinner
Wake up slowly this morning with a cooked breakfast in the main chalet hosted by your leaders, using locally supplied produce.
After packing our bags we head back to Girraween National Park.
Today's walk is to The Pyramid and Granite Arch in Girraween NP. This walk is around 4km and takes around 2 hours of walking time. Marvel at Girraween's natural stone archway created by massive balancing boulders before challenging yourself with a strenuous walk to the top of the massive giant dome of the Pyramids for breathtaking views over the park.
A well earned lunch at another of the many wineries nearby before heading home.
Enjoy a sleepy afternoon road trip while one of our leader's drives you back to Brisbane. Estimated arrival time is 5:00pm.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Snack
Two Adventurous Women Leaders
Transport in comfortable 12 seater mini bus with luggage trailer
All meals indicated on the itinerary
Twin Share Accommodation in Cabins at Girrawheen Environmental Lodge
Queensland Commercial Operator's Licence / Permits
20 Million Public Liability Insurance
Photo's of your experience
3 Snacks
2 Dinners
2 Breakfasts
2 Lunches
Items of a personal nature
Alcoholic Beverages
Meals not indicated in the itinerary
Experience the tranquility of the Australian bush in one of three spacious self-contained luxury cabins at Girrawheen Environmental Lodge that we've booked for our group's "winter escape". Made from recycled timber, the architecturally designed cabins ooze elegant luxury, complete with all the comforts of home including wood fired heaters and spa bath.
Our group will be spread across 3 two bedroom cabins, accommodating 4 ladies in each. If you are travelling with a friend, please let us know at the time of book and we'll ensure you share a room with them. If not and you're travelling solo, we'll team you up with another lady in the group (many of our travellers come along solo) The main cabin where the leaders will be is where the group will meet for dinner and socialising.
- Closer to departure information on what to bring will be provided
Notice of cancellation must be in writing, with an email as an acceptable form of communication, directly to Adventurous Women with the following conditions:
No refund is available after departure of a tour has commenced.
