~~ 01-Apr-2024 to 31-Mar-2025~~Valid for 01APR24-31MAR25:
The Town of 1770 is the birthplace of Queensland - explore this picturesque area of the Southern Great Barrier Reef coastline in an ex-military Lighter Amphibious Resupply Cargo (L.A.R.C) vessel, fondly known as the LARC! Take a journey into history, over vast sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, to experience the beauty and wildlife in the surrounds of the Town of 1770. You will cross four tidal creeks before the LARC four wheel drives you up the headland to the historic Bustard Head Light station. Enjoy an interpretive tour inside the lighthouse tower, through the head light-keeper's cottage and wander 100m to the light station cemetery. Morning tea and lunch, including Billy tea and coffee, are included in the 7-hour day tour. Plus, all ages experience of Sandboarding down the dunes of Middle Island, in Eurimbula National Park. This fully guided day tour is suitable for all ages, with wildlife spotting and informative commentary for the enjoyment and entertainment of guests.~~~~
~~ 01-Apr-2025 to 31-Mar-2026~~Valid for 01APR25-31MAR26:
The LARC Paradise Tour travels to Bustard Head Light station along Bustard Bay, with National Parks to the left and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park to the right.
We cross four tidal creeks in our amphibian and arrive at a scenic picnic area for a morning tea of cake, biscuits, fresh fruit, and refreshments.
The tour continues up Bustard Headland in a picturesque 4WD journey to reach the Light station of Queensland's first coastal lighthouse, standing 19 meters tall.
The cast iron lighthouse tower was built in 1868, automated in 1986, and in 2013 became Queensland's only operating lighthouse open for public entry, which is for our LARC Paradise Tours.
Guests use the original staircase to the balcony of the lighthouse where the 360-degree vista amazes.
Absorb the history as our experienced guides take you through the restored head light-keepers cottage while sharing an interpretative dialogue about the large collection of lighthouse artefacts within.
Just beyond the lighthouse is a short winding path leading to a quaint and well-tended graveyard, peacefully nestled in beautiful bush surroundings.
While reading the headstones, our guide will share the fascinating facts that earned this majestic station it's title of “Lighthouse of Tragedy"! You will then return to the LARC and enjoy a panoramic view of the Bay as we journey down the headland to the picnic area to sit and soak in the peaceful beauty of the coast while enjoying a picnic lunch, cold drinks and Billy tea or coffee brewed over a campfire.
Following lunch, the LARC ventures to 35metre sand dunes for some sandboarding fun! Our guides will give you a quick lesson and then set you free - you can choose to stay dry or if you're feeling a little more adventurous why not skim right off the dunes splashing and skipping across the water.
If you would prefer not to participate, sandboarding is a great spectator sport, or you might take a dip, depending on the tide.
The LARC then transports you back to 1770 Marina in true beach buggy style.
You can soak up the picturesque colors of the sky as the sun begins to lower, signaling the end of another day in Paradise! This fully guided day tour is suitable for all ages, with wildlife spotting and informative commentary for the enjoyment and entertainment of guests.~~~~ |
