Swell Sculptures and Toowoomba Flowers

2

Days: 8 Days

Activity: 2. Moderate

Transport: Airplane

$3,490.00

Tour description

Celebrate creativity, colour, and coastal charm on this 8-day journey through Queensland’s stunning gardens and world-class outdoor art. From the vibrant Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers to the awe-inspiring Swell Sculpture Festival on the Gold Coast, this tour combines nature, culture, and relaxed exploration.


We begin with Brisbane’s city sights before travelling to Toowoomba, where a floral wonderland awaits. Over several days we’ll wander through exquisite private gardens, the famous Queens Park and Laurel Bank Park, and the serene Japanese Gardens. Along the way, we’ll enjoy local art, welcoming hospitality, and leisurely meals in this garden city.


From the high country we travel through rainforest-clad Tamborine Mountain, strolling its Skywalk before arriving on the Gold Coast. Here, the Swell Sculpture Festival transforms Currumbin Beach into an open-air gallery, where dramatic contemporary artworks rise from the sand. We continue to coastal towns like Yamba and Coffs Harbour, exploring tropical gardens, a butterfly house, and the Solitary Islands Aquarium, with plenty of time to relax and savour local flavours.

Itinerary

We arrive in Brisbane and begin with a city sights tour, passing landmarks such as City Hall, Treasury Buildings, Botanic Gardens, Kangaroo Point, the GABBA, Story Bridge and Suncorp Stadium. After lunch and some free time, we journey through the Lockyer Valley, travelling via Gatton and Helidon before reaching Toowoomba. On arrival, we check in to our hotel and enjoy dinner together.

Overnight: Eastgate on the Range, Toowoomba
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, we begin the day with a visit to the tranquil Boyce Gardens, a heritage-listed botanic garden showcasing the region’s diverse plant life. Next, enjoy a guided tour of selected private gardens, where passionate local volunteers share their knowledge and love of horticulture.

Following the morning’s explorations, take time to enjoy lunch and free time in Toowoomba at your own expense — perhaps stroll along Ruthven Street or discover one of the charming local cafés.

In the afternoon, we visit the Newtown Park State Rose Garden, home to over 2,000 rose bushes in a vibrant display of colour and fragrance. The day continues with a stop at the Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery, one of Queensland’s oldest public art spaces and a true cultural highlight of the city.

This evening, return to the hotel for a relaxed in-house dinner, reflecting on the day’s scenic and cultural experiences.

Overnight:

Eastgate on the Range, Toowoomba

Meals Included:

Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, we continue our exploration of Toowoomba’s celebrated gardens, beginning with a visit to Laurel Bank Park, renowned for its sweeping floral displays and beautifully landscaped grounds. We then continue to the heritage-listed Queens Park Gardens, where vibrant flowerbeds and grand avenues of trees reflect the city’s proud horticultural heritage.

After enjoying lunch together, we visit the Ju Raku En Japanese Garden, a tranquil haven on the University of Southern Queensland campus. With its serene lakes, curved bridges, and delicate seasonal colour, this exquisite garden offers a glimpse into traditional Japanese design and a fitting conclusion to our garden tour of Toowoomba.

We return to the hotel late afternoon to refresh before gathering for another relaxed in-house dinner.

Overnight: Eastgate on the Range, Toowoomba
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, we check out of our hotel and journey through the scenic hinterland, where rolling countryside gives way to subtropical rainforest. We pause at Tamborine Mountain for morning tea and a leisurely rainforest walk, surrounded by towering trees and native birdlife. Our next stop is the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk, where a network of elevated walkways and bridges offers a unique perspective of the lush canopy and tranquil creek below. After enjoying lunch together, we travel onwards towards the coast, passing through charming mountain villages and enjoying views of the Pacific Ocean as we descend.

Before arriving in Coolangatta, we catch a glimpse of the Swell Sculpture Festival, where striking outdoor artworks line the beachfront. Upon arrival, we check in to our accommodation and later gather for dinner, marking a relaxing evening by the sea.

Overnight: Sebel Twin Towns Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Morning Tea, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, we take a leisurely stroll along Currumbin Beach, where the Swell Sculpture Festival transforms the shoreline into a captivating open-air gallery. Wander among the imaginative installations and enjoy the creativity that defines this iconic coastal event.

After morning tea, we journey north along the Gold Coast, taking in sweeping ocean views before stopping to enjoy lunch together. Our afternoon continues with a visit to Chevron Island, home to a vibrant display of contemporary artworks, followed by time at the Broadwater and Helensvale, where further sculptures and creative installations await.

As the day draws to a close, we return to Coolangatta, where we gather once again for dinner, reflecting on a day filled with art, coastal beauty, and inspiration.

Overnight: Sebel Twin Towns Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Morning Tea, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, we check out of our hotel and begin the day with a visit to Tropical Fruit World, an award-winning plantation showcasing an extraordinary variety of exotic fruits. Learn about their cultivation and enjoy tastings of seasonal produce before we continue our journey south.

Following lunch, we travel to the charming coastal town of Yamba, where there is time to relax and explore at leisure. Stroll along the waterfront, browse the local boutiques, or simply enjoy the laid-back seaside atmosphere that makes this destination a Northern Rivers favourite.

Later in the afternoon, we travel onwards to Coffs Harbour, arriving in time to check in to our accommodation before gathering for dinner together this evening.

Overnight: Opal Cove Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning is at leisure, allowing time to relax and enjoy the coastal atmosphere before the day’s discoveries begin. Mid morning, we visit the Coffs Harbour Regional Botanic Gardens, a tranquil haven featuring diverse native and exotic plant collections. Here we pause for morning tea amidst the serene surroundings before continuing our exploration.

We then visit the Butterfly House, where a tropical enclosure alive with colourful butterflies creates an enchanting experience. Enjoy lunch on-site before we continue to the Solitary Islands Aquarium for a guided visit. This engaging experience reveals the fascinating marine life of the region’s unique coastal environment, showcasing vibrant coral, fish, and ecosystems found just offshore.

We return to the hotel this evening for our final dinner together, celebrating the natural beauty and memorable experiences of our journey.

Overnight: Opal Cove Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Morning Tea, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, we check out of our hotel and begin the journey south. Our first stop is Ricardoes Tomatoes and Strawberry Farm, where we enjoy the chance to sample fresh local produce and perhaps pick a few strawberries to take home. We then continue our journey home , through Bulahdelah and Karuah with lunch along the way and comfort stops to stretch and refresh.

As we arrive back in Sydney, we bid farewell to newfound friends and reflect on the wonderful memories and experiences shared.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Morning Tea, Lunch

Testimonials

Re Lord Howe Island Tour. Dear Kerry, we would like to thank everyone in your office, and particularly you for your guidance around getting us safely to and back home from the island. The itinerary covered just about all that anyone in our age group could reasonably do, and everything was marvelous, including of course, your nibbles and drinks overlooking in the lagoon. We consider this to be our best short tour and have already recommended it to some of our friends, that, if they want to go to the island, they should contact Oncourse about the time you will have future tours. With best wishes, and many thanks.

sincerely Bill and Mary

Thank you so much to Indigo for delivering my backpack, containing my computer, to me at home in Willoughby. I thoroughly enjoyed my two day trip to the Hunter Valley Gardens. Our driver, Peter was delightful, patient, knowledgeable and a most competent driver. The drivers that picked us up and delivered us to Hornsby in smaller vehicles were also kind and patient. I was quite distressed at having left such a valuable piece of equipment behind and am so grateful to Indigo for going out of her way to deliver it to me. You have wonderful staff and I am looking forward to my next excursion with you soon in 2026. Happiness, good health and all good wishes to you all . Sincerely, Gabrielle Dec – 2026

Gabrielle, Hunter Valley Gardens Tour