Robertson Gardens - Your Detailed Schedule

Transcription

1 Sunday 6:30am - Touch Down: Welcome to Brisbane! - A coach will pick you up from the airport. 8:30am - Welcome to Robertson Gardens! 10:30am - 12:30pm - Barefoot Bowls Welcome to your home away from home - Robertson Gardens. On your arrival, we will have prepared for you some complimentary coffee and pastries. After a long flight, take in the tranquil atmosphere, freshen up and relax for a little while before your adventure kick-starts. Comfort Inn & Suites Robertson Gardens is a gorgeous 10 acre property located in the heart of Brisbane s southern suburbs. On the property, you ll find yourself surrounded by beautifully landscaped native Australian gardens in an authentic Aussie backyard atmosphere. Staying with us at Robertson Gardens, you ll experience a truly unique slice of the Australian way of life. Come home after a long, exciting day to a relaxing, welcoming, safe and secure environment. Stroll the grounds at your own leisure, shoot a hoop or two on the half court (basketballs available at reception), or recline in the comfort of your room as you rest and recharge for the next action packed day of your unique Australian trip. Phone: (07) or Toll-Free Address: 281 Kessels Road, Nathan QLD :30am - A coach will take you to a local Bowls Club. On your way to Barefoot Bowls at Sunnybank, you ll be shown some great nearby restaurants and an Asian supermarket that is within walking distance of the hotel. Once you re more familiar with the area, it s off to Barefoot Bowls at Sunnybank. A popular sport for the over 60s in Australia, Barefoot Bowls is fun, relaxing and therapeutic. You ll learn some history of the sport and its benefits to the local aged community, and also have a few games yourself. Afterwards, you ll be treated to a lovely BBQ lunch. After a long flight, it s a fun and educational activity that ll ease you into your Aussie adventure. 12:30pm - A coach will take you to Sunnybank Plaza.

2 Sunday 12:30pm - 2:00pm - Sunnybank Plaza Known locally as Brisbane s Little Asia or New China Town, Sunnybank is a melting pot of cultures - which is shown through its exquisite cuisine and shopping options. Here you ll get the chance to explore Sunnybank and learn the history of the area as it progressed from Brisbane s Fruit Bowl growing and farming region to the multicultural suburb it is today. There are many local Asian storefronts, shops, and dining venues around, providing you with a slice of what local life is like in Sunnybank. You ll also have the chance to browse the retail outlets - a good opportunity for some souvenir hunting. With a majority of business owners in the area being bilingual, your transactions, learning experience, and general transition into a foreign culture will be smooth and enjoyable! 2:00pm - A coach will take you back to Robertson Gardens to rest and refresh. 5:30pm - Aussie BBQ Dinner at Robertson Gardens After an exciting day exploring the local scene, head back to Robertson Gardens where we ll put on for you an authentic Aussie BBQ Dinner. An iconic Aussie Barbie experience is a unique aspect of Australian culture. It s a great chance to rest and refresh by our pool and BBQ area and spend some time socialising with your group. Cooked by our chefs, enjoy Hong Kong Chinese noodles, Aussie steak, BBQ chicken, fish, salad and much more. Eat up - you ll need the energy for tomorrow!

3 Monday 7:00am - Breakfast and Birds 9:00am - A coach will take you to Kelvin Grove. 9:00am - 1:30pm - QUT Kelvin Grove Rise and shine early Monday morning to come feed the birds on the property. The rainbow lorikeets love visitors, and may just be eating out of your hands. You can spot a wide variety of native Australian birdlife in and around Robertson Gardens - including minor birds, magpies, kookaburras and more. The birds congregate near the laundry block every morning! Afterwards, it s time to feed yourself - head up to the restaurant at 7:30am and enjoy our full hot n cold buffet breakfast for a hearty start to a big day. The Queensland University of Technology at Kelvin Grove is a fantastic local campus that encompasses a wide range of study areas. These include health, exercise and nutrition sciences, the school of nursing, and many other unique study facilities. Touring the campus, you ll enjoy an incredible learning experience at one of the most reputable universities in the area. Be sure to bring along some cash, as you will also have the time to partake in a nice lunchtime meal at one of the many cafes and eateries across the sprawling urban-living style campus. 1:30pm - A coach will take you to a local coffee factory.

4 Monday 2:00pm - 5:30pm - Coffee Factory Tour, Kangaroo Point Cliffs and South Bank From Kelvin Grove, you ll be taken by coach to a local coffee factory for an informative tour of the facilities and manufacturing processes. Sourcing coffee beans from all over the world, you ll learn about all aspects of coffee, from how coffee is sourced all the way through to producing the perfect cup of coffee. The adventure continues as you then travel to Kangaroo Point Cliffs. Here you ll be in one Brisbane s best spots, able to take in sweeping views of the city s skyline right on the edge of the Brisbane river. Kangaroo Point Cliffs is an extremely popular spot for thrill-seekers for abseiling, and is also home to the native Aboriginal Nunukul Yuggera Tribe, whose members gather at the base of the cliffs and tell stories of the Dreamtime through song and dance. Afterwards, the coach will take you to the oasis in the city that is South Bank. A marvellous location highlighting a huge range of landmarks and an iconic location for rest and relaxation close to the city, here you ll have the chance to explore the rehabilitation pool and epicure gardens. From South Bank, hop on the Brisbane River City-Hopper Ferry (4:50pm) and ride along the river to meet your coach at Eagle Street in Brisbane City. It s dinner time! 5:30pm - A coach will take you to Old China Town in Fortitude Valley. 6:00pm - 8:00pm - Dinner in Old China Town After your ferry lands in Eagle Street, a coach will take you to Old China Town in Fortitude Valley. A cultural landmark of Brisbane, Old China Town has a great range of Asian cuisine options and is a visually inviting place to have your dinner. Learn about the history of the area as you indulge in a succulent meal. Renowned for their great food options, the restaurants here will prepare for you lovely meals from selections such as steamed fish, Peking duck, rice, noodles, vegetables, soup and much more. 8:00pm - A coach will take you back to Robertson Gardens.

5 Tuesday 7:30am - Breakfast at Robertson Gardens Head up to our restaurant in the morning and take advantage of the full hot and cold buffet breakfast. A good opportunity to socialise with the group before heading out on the day s adventure. Be sure to fill yourself with energy for another action-packed day. Fresh fruit, yoghurt, coffee and tea, along with sausages, bacon, eggs, toast, and pastries. All of the breakfast food is prepared fresh every morning by our chefs here at Robertson Gardens. Everything you need and all you can eat - there is no better way to start an exciting day than with a fresh, hearty, social meal that everyone can enjoy. 9:00am - 12:30pm - Retirement Village Tour Today we start off on a more serious note with an indepth, personalised tour of a local retirement village. Here you ll see common facilities used in caring for the retired demographic within Australia. Take in the village s building developments, self-contained living facilities, the nursing home personalised service facilities, as well as all the auxiliary facilities and leisure activities they have on offer for their residents. A tranquil village built upon unique lifestyle fundamentals of companionship, security, convenience, and community, the retirement village provides you with the perfect educational demonstration of Australian aged care practices. The group will be accompanied on the tour by experienced professionals in the industry, and will be taken around the grounds mostly on golf carts. Retirement villages in Australia are generally very large, sprawling properties, so be sure to wear some comfortable walking shoes, too. Afterwards, enjoy a special picnic lunch of teriyaki and salad wraps, muffins, and juice prepared for you by our Robertson Gardens chefs. 12:30pm - 1:30pm - Picnic Lunch.

6 Tuesday 1:30pm - 5:00pm - Koala Sanctuary You can t visit Australia without experiencing the iconic native animals that inhabit the land. After lunch, you ll be taken to a nearby koala sanctuary. Here, you'll get to hold a koala and have your photos taken. The koala sanctuary is also home to other native Australian wildlife, and you ll have the chance to experience and learn about them all. The large variety of Australian wildlife includes koalas, kangaroos, platypi, rainbow lorikeets, and more. Remember to have you camera on hand to take plenty of snapshots! Not only will you see and meet these animals, but your trip to the koala sanctuary is an excellent learning opportunity. The facilities are designed to educate you on native Australian flora and fauna as you patrol the property in beautiful, natural settings. You can take your time exploring the tranquil sanctuary and its luscious grounds all afternoon. Come evening, the coach will pick you up and head to your next stop - Mount Coot-tha. 5:00pm - A coach will take you to Mt. Coot-tha Lookout. 5:00pm - 6:30pm - Mt. Coot-tha Lookout Arrive at Brisbane s iconic Mt. Coot-tha right on sunset as you take in the magnificent views of Brisbane City at night. Brisbane Lookout at scenic Mt. Coot-tha has been a favourite destination for locals and visitors for more than a century, and has the highest peak in Brisbane, Australia at 287 metres above sea level. Learn about the Mountain s history and make sure you take some photos for those lasting memories of its spectacular views. Remember to take some warm clothes too; it can get pretty chilly up there! 6:30pm - A coach will take you back to the restaurants near Robertson Gardens for dinner. 6:30pm - 8:30pm - Dinner at a Local Asian Restaurant Head back down the mountain towards the hotel for dinner at a local Asian restaurant just down the road. A range of cuisine options will be on offer as you replenish your energy after a long adventurous day. These include traditional Chinese entrees and main courses - a delicious banquet will be prepared with a huge range of delicious and fresh local produce. Easily within short walking distance of Robertson Gardens, you can enjoy a comfortable stroll back to the hotel after a satisfying meal.

7 Wednesday 7:30am - Breakfast at Robertson Gardens. 9:00am - 11:30am - Local Hospital Rehabilitation Tour You ll learn about a wide range of rehabilitation focuses, including orthopaedic, neurological and reconditioning programs, as well as spinal surgery and chronic condition therapies. Suited to the needs of the individual, the programs on offer are designed to provide for the patients the optimal treatment options available. Start the day with an educational and insightful tour of the rehabilitation sector of a local private hospital. View all of the facilities they have available and be granted an insight into how an Australian private hospital rehabilitation sector in Brisbane operates and takes care of its patients. The tour will cover information on all the fundamentals of rehabilitation in Australia, such as the dedicated rehabilitation teams. These include specialist clinicians, rehabilitation nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, dieticians and more. 12:00pm - 2:00pm - Roma Street Parklands After an in-depth and highly educational tour, you ll be escorted to the iconic Roma Street Parklands. Here you will enjoy a packed picnic lunch prepared by our chefs at Robertson Gardens. A hearty meal of rolls, fruit, muffins, juice and water will fill you up as you take in the wondrous public parklands. Following lunch, tour through the herb gardens and witness dense living surrounding 5 hectares of gorgeous flora. The comfortable, tranquil environment is commonly used by local residents for relaxation purposes, as well as by patients in nearby hospitals seeking comfortable respite. Afterwards, you ll be picked up by the coach and head out at 2pm to the sports and athletics facilities closer to the hotel. 2:00pm - A coach will take you to Griffith University at Mount Gravatt and Nathan.

8 Wednesday 2:00pm - 4:00pm - University Sports and Athletics Facilities The coach will drop you between multiple reputable university sporting facilities, including aquatic and fitness centres at a range of nearby suburbs, from Mount Gravatt to Nathan. Here you ll learn about the different fitness regimes and programs these universities offer to the public and to their students. With attending students studying a range of health and exercise related courses, these fitness centres are designed to be state of the art, adhering to optimal health and fitness standards within Australia. Afterwards, you ll head just down the road to explore a massive local sports and athletics stadium. Hosting a number of sporting and entertainment events, you will learn and see first-hand the netball and basketball centres, as well as the athletics and beach volleyball facilities - all in the one place. 4:00pm - A coach will take you to Westfield Garden City. 4:00pm - 8:00pm - Westfield Garden City and Dinner Following your tour of the local fitness centres, sporting facilities, and stadium, you ll be escorted down the road to the renowned Westfield Garden City. Only 5 minutes down the road from Robertson Gardens, Westfield Garden City has all the fine dining and shopping you could want. You re sure to find something that puts a sparkle in your eye, so if you have some souvenir money, grab yourself something nice from some of the biggest brand name stores, including Australian Geographic, Bardot, Bonds, Candy Time, City Beach, Cocobliss, Country Road, David Jones, and heaps more. After some brief shopping, enjoy a beautifully prepared Thai dinner at a nearby restaurant. There are a range of delectable cuisine options located in and around the Garden City Shopping Centre area, so you re sure to have something that ll keep you full and satisfied after an action-packed and educational day. 8:00pm - A coach will take you back to Robertson Gardens

9 Thursday 7:30am - Breakfast at Robertson Gardens. 9:00am - 12:30pm - QUT Gardens Point 12:30pm - 3:30pm - Brisbane Science Museums and Galleries Just across the river at South Bank is Brisbane s art, science and cultural hub, home to a number of museums and art galleries. The science museums, along with the surrounding exhibit venues, will provide you with a ton of knowledge in interesting and fun ways. A number of galleries and exhibitions will be free for you to explore at your own whim, and at the science museum you ll witness wacky and wondrous demonstrations of the world of science. To keep you sustained on your educational adventure, you ll be treated to a prepared lunch to enjoy in the nearby parklands. After your hearty buffet breakfast at the hotel, you ll be taken by coach to the Queensland University of Technology s other big city campus - Gardens Point. It will leave you intrigued and educated as you tour their facilities and learn about the history of the campus and surrounding area. Witness the student lifestyle and the different study options available on campus, and explore the nearby botanical gardens and parklands. Afterwards, the coach will take you just across the river to the Brisbane Science Museums and Art Galleries for more educational fun. 4:00pm - A coach will take you to Gowan Road Park

10 Thursday 4:00pm - 4:45pm - Gowan Road Park Once you re all science d out, we ll take you for 45 minutes to Gowan Road Park to relax and unwind. With plenty of space to stretch out and explore, you can try to spot any native wildlife lurking around. A little slice of authentic Australian bushland, your time at Gowan Park is sure to be a memorable experience. Be sure to take plenty of photos to show your adventurous side or just recline in the comfort of the picnic areas. Afterwards, the coach will take you out to dinner at a local resident s home. 4:45pm - A coach will take you to a local resident s house for dinner. 5:00pm - 8:00pm - Local Resident Dinner 8:00pm - A coach will take you back to Robertson Gardens A truly unique experience that you won t hear of or obtain anywhere else - for dinner this evening, you will be taken into the home a local Aussie. This kind of dinner is a rare and privileged occasion that you ll be able to tell your friends and family about back home, as you witness first-hand the true Aussie way of life in Brisbane. Enjoy before dinner a taste testing and demonstration of locally manufactured and distributed healthy organic food products from an Australian gourmet company. You will also have the chance to meet the 90 year old mother and the family of your host, and partake in an authentic Australian family conversation along with true blue dinner traditions. For dinner, a delicious meal of spring rolls, dim sims, chicken cacciatore, beef stroganoff, mild curry prawns, rice, salad, and platters of fruit will leave you satisfied after a fun day of adventure, learning, and exploration.

11 Friday 7:30am - Breakfast at Robertson Gardens. 9:00am - 8:00pm - Mount Tamborine, Surfers Paradise and The Gold Coast Be sure to have a hearty breakfast at the Robertson Gardens buffet, because today is a big day! First off, you ll be heading south to Mount Tamborine by coach, stopping at all the best scenic views of the mountains and Gold Coast region. Stop at and enjoy tours of the local organic farm, factory, essential oil distillation, fruit orchards and park like gardens surrounded by subtropical rainforest and native flora and fauna. Containing no chemicals, no synthetic ingredients, no artificial colours or fragrance, not tested on animals and containing a minimum of 95 per cent organic base, you can observe the delicate processing and production of the organic ingredients used in the manufacturers wide range of organic skin products. Gain unique insight into this special distributor s manufacturing processes and the resulting products. Deep in Australia s native environment, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife as you experience first-hand the beautiful Gold Coast Hinterland region. Buy yourself lunch at a local eatery at Tamborine before heading down to the coast.

12 Friday 9:00am - 8:00pm - Mount Tamborine, Surfers Paradise and The Gold Coast Once at the Gold Coast, you can experience the golden beaches and crystal waters and waves on our doorstep. Known as The Jewel of the Gold Coast, see first-hand where the famous Surfers Paradise gets its name and reputation as you discover some of the best beaches and tourist spots Australia has to offer. There s no shortage of attractions and things to do at Surfers! Remember to take a stroll along the waterfront and explore the huge variety of shops and storefronts showcasing an amazing range of items and wares. It s the perfect place to grab a souvenir or two for back home. Surfers Paradise offers some of the Gold Coast s best shopping opportunities, everything from women s fashion to unique gifts and stylish home wares. After a full, fun day in the mountains, sand and sun, shout yourself a nicely prepared dinner at one of the many outstanding restaurants that can be found all around the area, before heading back to Robertson Gardens - enjoy yourself a rest on the coach, exhausted and satisfied of course! 8:00pm - A coach will take you back to Robertson Gardens

13 Saturday 7:00am - 8:30am - A final farewell to Robertson Gardens (until next time!) It s all over far too quickly! Take a final stroll through our 10 acres of beautifully landscaped native Australian gardens, feed the rainbow lorikeets and birds, and enjoy one final full breakfast buffet before we have to say goodbye. Don t forget your souvenirs, and have a nice flight! Phone: or Toll-Free Address: 281 Kessels Road, Nathan QLD :30am - 9:00am - Check Out - A coach will take you to Brisbane International Airport. We hope you enjoyed your time in Australia. We wish you safe travels and farewell!