Out & About Day Tours offers a range of tours to residents of Sydney, Canberra and the Central Coast www.outandaboutdaytours.com
30/05/2024
We still have a few seats available on our next Tour!
******* The 6-Day New England Region Explorer *******
Departing from Canberra, Queanbeyan, the Southern Highlands, Sydney and the Central Coast on Sunday the 18th of August 2024.
To read the detailed brochure for this tour, please click on the photo below, and when you arrive at our website, click on the tour brochure applicable to where you reside.
Out & About Day Tours offer residents living in Sydney, the Central Coast region, Goulburn, Canberra, Queanbeyan, and the Southern Highlands, the opportunity to travel on a range of enchanting day tours and short holidays.
04/05/2024
The 7-Day Victorian Adventure
Day No.7 - Saturday 4 May 2024 - Part D
After departing from Gundagai at around 1.00pm, the coach headed to Yass Service Centre, where our three Canberra-based Passengers said "goodbye" to the Sydney and Central Coast-based Passengers, and boarded a waiting chauffeur driven vehicle, to be convened back to their homes. After departing from the Yass Service Centre, our Passengers headed to Trappers Bakery in South Goulburn, where they had their final rest and refreshment stop. The coach then headed to Glenfield, Seven Hills and Chatswood, where our Passengers boarded one of eight waiting luxury chauffeur-driven vehicles, to be conveyed back to their homes. All our Passengers were home safe and sound by 9.00pm. They all reported that they'd had a great time, and thoroughly enjoyed the tour.
These photos are courtesy of Trapper's Bakery's page.
04/05/2024
The 7-Day Victorian Adventure
Day No.7 - Saturday 4 May 2024 - Part C
During their visit to the town of Gundagai at lunchtime today, a number of our Passengers explored the town's old wooden railway bridge, that came into use in 1902. This bridge is now in a state of disrepair and fenced off from the public, but is still admired by rail enthusiasts and visitors to the town. It was also interesting to view the flood level indicator that records some of the great floods in the town's history, and the memorial plaque to Yarri - an Aboriginal man who rescued 49 people from the flooded Murrumbidgee River on the night of the 24th of June, 1852.
04/05/2024
The 7-Day Victorian Adventure
Day No.7 - Saturday 4 May 2024 - Part B
After departing from the little town of Culcairn at around 10.15am, the luxury coach headed to the busy town of Gundagai. Upon arrival, our Passengers had over an hour to explore the town centre, and to enjoy an early lunch in one of the town's eating establishments.
04/05/2024
The 7-Day Victorian Adventure
Day No.7 - Saturday 4 May 2024 - Part A
This morning, after enjoying a delicious hot and cold breakfast in the Atrium Restaurant at the Quality Hotel Wangaratta Gateway, our Passengers boarded the coach at around 8.00am and said "goodbye" to the Hotel and Wangaratta, to complete their journey home. First stop, at around 9.25am, was the little town of Culcairn, where most of them headed to the Culcairn Bakery to grab a coffee. They then had time to explore the tiny town centre, and pop into a couple of the arts and crafts shops, before they reboarded the coach and departed from the town at around 10.15am.
03/05/2024
The 7-Day Victorian Adventure
Day No.6 - Friday 3 May 2024 - Part G
After concluding their visit to the painted silos in Tungamah, our Passengers arrived at the Quality Hotel Wangaratta Gateway at around 5.00pm. We have used this beautiful hotel many times for accommodation during our tours over the years. The staff is always welcoming and friendly, the rooms are always up to date and well appointed, and the food in the Hotel’s Atrium Restaurant is always delicious and excellent quality.
These photos are courtesy of the Hotel’s website.
03/05/2024
The 7-Day Victorian Adventure
Day No.6 - Friday 3 May 2024 - Part F
After departing from the painted silos near Katamatite, the coach headed to the tiny village of Tungamah, where our Passengers viewed another striking display of silo art. After departing from Tungamah, they headed to the Quality Hotel Wangaratta Gateway, where they are staying this evening.
03/05/2024
The 7-Day Victorian Adventure
Day No.6 - Friday 3 May 2024 - Part E
After departing from Tatura, the coach headed to the painted silos at Katamatite. Upon arrival, our Passengers disembarked from the coach and had time to take in the scene and grab a few photos.
03/05/2024
The 7-Day Victorian Adventure
Day No.6 - Friday 3 May 2024 - Part D
After departing from the painted silos in Colbinabbin, the coach headed to the bustling rural town of Tatura. Upon arrival, our Passengers had over an hour to explore the town, and enjoy lunch in one of the town’s many eating establishments. Once again, many of our clients came back to the coach laden with shopping bags. It’s great to see them spending money in these rural towns. I’m sure the local businesses appreciate the extra sales.
03/05/2024
The 7-Day Victorian Adventure
Day No.6 - Friday 3 May 2024 - Part C
After departing from the town of Heathcote, the coach headed to the tiny town of Colbinabbin, where our Passengers visited some excellent examples of silo art. Painted by talented artist Tim Bowtell, the scenes are of aspects of life in the past of this tiny town.
03/05/2024
The 7-Day Victorian Adventure
Day No.6 - Friday 3 May 2024 - Part B
During their visit to the little town of Heathcote, a number of our Passengers called into the amazing Gaffney's Bakery. This huge backery is one of the best bakeries we’ve ever visited on our tours! If you ever find yourself in the town of Heathcote in Victoria, you must call in to this backery! The range of pastries and cakes available is very impressive!
03/05/2024
The 7-Day Victorian Adventure
Day No.6 - Friday 3 May 2024 - Part A
After enjoying a full hot and cold buffet breakfast at the Novotel Melbourne Preston this morning, our Passengers boarded the luxury coach and said “goodbye” to the Hotel and Melbourne to commence the journey to Wangaratta, for the last night of the tour. First stop this morning was in the lovely little town of Heathcote, where they had time to explore the town centre, and enjoy a refreshment or two in one of the town’s bakeries or cafes.
02/05/2024
The 7-Day Victorian Adventure
Day No.5 - Thursday 2 May 2024 - Part D
After departing from Sassafrass, the coach headed to SkyHigh Lookout & Gardens at the top of Mount Dandenong. Upon arrival, our Passengers had time to enjoy the stunning scene of the city of Melbourne and Port Phillip Bay. Unfortunately, it was quite hazy today, however the skyline of the CBD was visible in the distance. A number of our Passengers also used the time at the Lookout to stroll through the nearby gardens.
After departing from the Lookout, the Coach returned to the Novotel Melbourne Preston in time for our Passengers to enjoy a delicious two-course buffet dinner.
02/05/2024
The 7-Day Victorian Adventure
Day No.5 - Thursday 2 May 2024 - Part C
After the Puffing Billy Railway Steam Train returned to Belgrave, our Passengers had time to browse in the gift shop, prior to reboarding the coach to head to the nearby picturesque little town of Sassafras. Upon arrival, they had over an hour to explore the town centre, and browse in a number of the interesting fashion boutiques, book shops, art and craft shops and more! Many of the ladies in the group came back to the coach with one or more shopping bags, indicating that they enjoyed their shopping time in the town!
02/05/2024
The 7-Day Victorian Adventure
Day No.5 - Thursday 2 May 2024 - Part B
Upon arrival at Lakeside Railway Station, our Passengers disembarked from the Puffing Billy Railway steam train and made their way along the pathway into the impressive new Lakeside Visitor Centre and Cafe. After arriving in the Centre, they were served a delicious two-course lunch in a private room at the facility, prior to having time to browse in the gift shop. At 12.30pm, they reboarded the steam train for the one-hour journey back to Belgrave.
02/05/2024
The 7-Day Victorian Adventure
Day No.5 - Thursday 2May 2024 - Part B
After enjoying breakfast at the Novotel Melbourne Preston this morning, our Passengers boarded the luxury coach at around 8.15am, to head to the outer Melbourne suburb of Belgrave, where they boarded the steam train at the Puffing Billy Railway Station, for the one-hour journey to Lakeside Railway Station.
02/05/2024
The 7-Day Victorian Adventure
Day No.5 - Thursday 2 May 2024 - Part A
After enjoying breakfast at the Novotel Melbourne Preston this morning, our Tour Group Clients boarded the luxury coach at around 8.15am, to head to the outer Melbourne suburb of Belgrave, where they boarded the steam train at the Puffing Billy Railway Station, for the one-hour journey to Lakeside Railway Station.
01/05/2024
The 7-Day Victorian Adventure
Day No.4 - Wednesday 1 May 2024 - Part C
Following their visit to Healesville, our Passengers headed to the nearby Yarra Valley Chocolaterie, where they were given an informative talk about the chocolate making process. They got to sample a number of the chocolates made on the premises, before having time to shop in the huge chocolate shop. This place really has to be seen to believed! It is a chocolate lover's paradise!
After departing from the complex at around 4.30pm, our Passengers returned to the Novotel Melbourne Preston in time for a delicious two-course buffet dinner. Then they headed to bed for an early night, so they're well rested and prepared for another packed itinerary tomorrow.
01/05/2024
The 7-Day Victorian Adventure
Day No.4 - Wednesday 1 May 2024 - Part B
After departing from Melbourne CBD, the coach headed to the picturesque town of Healesville, where our Passengers had around 90 minutes to explore the town centre, and browse in the some of the town's interesting shops. Once again, the Autumn colours were beautiful in and around the town.
01/05/2024
The 7-Day Victorian Adventure
Day No.4 - Wednesday 1 May 2024 - Part A
After enjoying a delicious full hot and cold buffet breakfast at the Novotel Melbourne Preston, our Passengers boarded the luxury coach to travel into Federation Square in Melbourne’s CBD. Upon arrival, they boarded the free City circle Tram (No.35) to enjoy a one-hour informative tour of the CBD and Docklands. After returning to Federation Square, they had over an hour to explore the city centre, and enjoy lunch in one of the many eating establishments in the area.
30/04/2024
The 7-Day Victorian Adventure
Day No.3 - Tuesday 30 April 2024 - Part E
After taking in the stunning scenery of the coastline at the Nobbies Centre on Phillip Island, the Passengers arrived at the Penguin Parade Visitor Centre at around 5.15pm. Once they were issued their tickets, they made their way straight to the Underground Viewing area. This fairly recent addition (2016) to the viewing options at the Centre, offers the closest and most exciting view of the nightly parade by the Penguins, as they make their way from the beach to their nests on the adjacent hills. The Underground Viewing area is limited to 70 people, and costs $90.00 per person. With the view of the Penguins that we had tonight, it was worth every cent of this amount!
After the Parade concluded, they made their way into the Centre's Shearwater Restaurant & Cafe, where they sat down to a two-course dinner. Following dinner, they had time to browse in the Centre, and visit the Gift Shop. They departed from the Centre at around 8.00pm, and returned to the Novotel Melbourne Preston at around 10.30am.
Unfortunately photography of the Penguins is forbidden, so I used a photo that I found on the net of these beautiful little creatures.
30/04/2024
The 7-Day Victorian Adventure
Day No.3 - Tuesday 30 April 2024 - Part D
After departing from Caldermeade Farm & Cafe at around 3.30pm, the coach headed to the Nobbies Centre complex on Phillip Island. Upon arrival, our Passengers had the opportunity to stroll along the boardwalk behind the Centre. The boardwalk allows visitors to safely enjoy the view of the surrounding rugged coastline. Along the way they saw many Cape Barren Geese, Swamp Wallabies, and other native wildlife. They also saw a few Little Penguins hiding under the boardwalk.
30/04/2024
The 7-Day Victorian Adventure
Day No.3 - Tuesday 30 April 2024 - Part C
After enjoying a delicious lunch at the Pink Hill Hotel, our Passengers then travelled onto Caldermeade Farm And Cafe en-route to Phillip Island. Upon arrival they were given an informative talk about this modern working dairy, before having the opportunity to watch the cows being milked. Before departing from this popular tourist attraction, they had time to browse in the farm shop, and enjoy one of the Cafe’s famous milkshakes.
30/04/2024
The 7-Day Victorian Adventure
Day No.3 - Tuesday 30 April 2024 - Part B
After departing from Bellevue Farm Gate Orchard, our Passengers arrived at the Pink Hill Hotel on the outskirts of Melbourne, where they enjoyed a two-course, choice of the menu lunch.
30/04/2024
The 7-Day Victorian Adventure
Day No.3 - Tuesday 30 April 2024 - Part A
This morning, after enjoying a full hot and cold buffet breakfast at the Novotel Melbourne Preston, our Passengers boarded the luxury coach and headed to Bellevue Farm Gate Orchard, on the outskirts of Melbourne. Upon arrival they were given an informative talk about the orchard, and the apple growing and cider making process. Prior to reboarding the coach, they had time to shop in the Orchard’s Farm Shop.
29/04/2024
The 7-Day Victorian Adventure
Day No.2 - Monday 29 April 2024 - Part E
After departing from Mansfield, our Passengers headed to the beautiful town of Alexandra. Upon arrival, they had around an hour to explore the town, and browse in some of the interesting shops. Once again, the autumn colours were absolutely stunning!
From Alexandra, the Coach travelled onto the town of Whittlesea, where they had another opportunity to stretch their legs, and explore yet another interesting shopping centre.
After departing from Whittlesea they headed to the Novotel Melbourne Preston, where they will stay for the next four nights.
29/04/2024
The 7-Day Victorian Adventure
Day No.2 - Monday 29 April 2024 - Part D
During our visit to the picturesque town of Mansfield today, we called into the Mansfield Visitor Information Centre. The Centre houses some very interesting displays, including a range of Aboriginal Art, a 'People of the High Country' display, and the stunning 'Womansfield Felt Mural'. Created in 1985 as a part of Victoria's 150 Years Celebration by local artist Jean Atkins, working with over 100 local women, the Womansfield Felt Mural celebrates the history of women in Mansfield. The handmade felt mural was made from wool donated by local farmers, is 14 metres in length, and shows the changing roles of women through decades and seasons.
29/04/2024
The 7-Day Victorian Adventure
Day No.2 - Monday 29 April 2024 - Part C
After departing from the little town of Whitefield, the Coach conveyed our Passengers through some stunning mountain scenery to the town of Mansfield. Upon arrival in the town they had around 90 minutes to enjoy lunch in one of the town's many eating establishments and browse in some of the town's interesting shops.
The autumn colours in the town centre were absolutely stunning!
29/04/2024
The 7-Day Victorian Adventure
Day No.2 - Monday 29 April 2024 - Part B
During their visit to the tiny town of Whitfield this morning, our Passengers visited King Valley Fine Foods. This tiny shop stocks a wide range of delicious products made in the adjacent factory, including sauces, tapenade, peanut butter, chutneys, relishes, mayonnaises, dips, dressings, pestos, pates, pasta sauces and much more!
29/04/2024
The 7-Day Victorian Adventure
Day No.2 - Monday 29 April 2024 - Part A
After enjoying a delicious hot breakfast in the Atrium Restaurant at the Quality Hotel Wangaratta Gateway this morning, our Passengers boarded the Luxury Coach and headed to the tiny town of Whitfield. Upon arrival, many of them visited Hobbledehoy Cafe and Distillery, where they viewed the distillery, and enjoyed a hot drink and something tempting from the cake and slice cabinet. The Cafe stocks a range of local wines, and other products such as jams, sauces, chutneys and sauces.
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Videos
The 7-Day Victorian Adventure Day No.5 - Thursday 2 May 2024 - Part AA
The 7-Day Victorian Adventure
Day No.5 - Thursday 2May 2024 - Part B
After enjoying breakfast at the Novotel Melbourne Preston this morning, our Passengers boarded the luxury coach at around 8.15am, to head to the outer Melbourne suburb of Belgrave, where they boarded the steam train at the Puffing Billy Railway Station, for the one-hour journey to Lakeside Railway Station.
The Pre-Christmas 4-Day Break
Day No.2 - Sunday 3 December - Part B
After arriving in Nelson Bay this morning, our Passengers boarded the large Hinchenbrook Explorer catamaran operated by Moonshadow - TQC Cruises for a 90-Minute Dolphin Watch Cruise on Port Stephens Harbour. They saw lots of dolphins during the cruise, with some coming very close to the boat. Unfortunately I was unable to capture any close-up shots of the dolphins on my iPhone.
Following the cruise, our Passengers had around 90 minutes of free time to stroll around the picturesque resort, browse in the interesting shops and boutiques, and to enjoy lunch in one of the resort’s cafes or eating establishments.
At 2.15pm our Passengers returned to the Mercure Newcastle Airport to relax and rest for a couple of hours in preparation to head out to the Hunter Valley for dinner and a visit to Hunter Valley Gardens to view the amazing Christmas Lights display later this evening.
The 4-Day Spring Escape Coach Tour
Day No.3 - Tuesday 24 October 2023 - Part B
After departing from The Lolly Bug - Little Hartley, our Passengers headed to Scenic World Blue Mountains at Katoomba, where they sat down to a delicious Morning Tea.
Following Morning Tea, they had the choice or going for a ride on the Scenic Railway (the world's steepest railway) and Cableway, or visiting Katoomba Shopping Centre. About half the passengersdecided to do the rides, so Karen and I joined them on this experience.
We have experienced these rides many times before, when we've taken our passengers to Scenic World during our 28 years in business, however, we've never had the opportunity to sit in the front seats on the Scenic Railway before. It was pretty exciting!
The Wagga Wagga & Region 4-Day Tour
Day No.3 - Anzac Day - 25 April 2023 - Part B
After departing from the Wagga Wagga Botanic Garden, our Passengers attended the Anzac Day March in the city centre.
The Albury Region 5-Day Adventure
Day No.3 - Part F
The final stop on today's tour was the Hume Dam Wall. When full, as it nearly is at the moment, this huge body of water covers an area of 202 square kilometres, boasts a shoreline of over 400kms, and holds a volume of water six times the size of Sydney Harbour.
Today, our Passengers witnessed a rare spectacle - a huge release of floodwaters from the dam wall, into the Murray River below. It truly was a sight to behold!
The Christmas in July 4-Day Tour
Day Four - Part A
After enjoying a delicious buffet breakfast at Rydges Mount Panorama Bathurst our passengers boarded the coach to commence their journey home.
After saying “goodbye” to the Hotel and Bathurst, they headed to Chifley Dam. Upon arrival, although it was a chilly 4C, most of them disembarked and strolled along the wall of the Dam. It was well-worth the ten-minute walk, as there was a good display of water running over the spillway.
The Christmas in July 4-Day Tour
Day Three - Part C
After departing from Mudgee, our Passengers headed to the historic little town of Hill End. After travelling through some absolutely stunning scenery, the coach approached the town, and as it did, the snow started. It snowed quite heavily for around 10 minutes, and then the blue sky appeared. There was a stiff breeze blowing, so it felt very cold. Quite a few of the passengers headed straight to the pub, where they were warmed by the crackling log fires. At over 900 metres above sea level, Hill End often receives snow during the winter months.
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Our Story
At Out & About Day Tours, we offer residents living in Sydney, the Central Coast, the Southern Highlands, Goulburn & Surrounds, Canberra and Queanbeyan, the opportunity to travel on a range of unique and enchanting day tours. We also operate three or four exciting extended tours each year, that offer our clients the opportunity to visit interesting attractions and venues, many of which create impressive and memorable experiences, whilst staying at some of the best accommodation venues, and enjoying a wide range of delicious food.
The owners, Phillip & Karen Minnis, who operate the business from their base in the beautiful Southern Highlands of New South Wales, have been successfully operating day and extended tours for nearly 25 years. In that time, they have established a strong customer base, with many of their original clients still travelling on their tours some fifteen to twenty years down the track.
Currently, Out & About Day Tours operate around 10 different tour itineraries each year. All of these tours are offered to residents living in the Sydney area. A number of these tours are also offered to residents living in the Central Coast area, and in the Canberra and Queanbeyan region.
Many of the day tours visit well-known craft and produce markets, factory outlets, fairs, award-winning gardens, festivals and events. A number of the tours include lovely lunches, river cruises, steam train rides, wine-tastings, as well as visits to well-known business outlets and tourist attractions.
At Out & About Day Tours, we take pride in the fact that passengers travel in luxury and comfort, by utilising only coaches owned by reputable tour companies and operators. All of the coaches we charter are seat-belted, air-conditioned, video equipped, and most contain a toilet. The coach drivers have been carefully selected for their professional manner, and the friendly and caring attitude they show to the passengers.
The tours are often packed with many things to see and do. Departure times depend on the departure point, the distance to be travelled, and the number of venues to be visited during the tour. Most of the tours have departure times between 6.30am and 7.30am and return times between 6.30pm and 7.30pm.
Nearly all of the day tours operated by Out & About Day Tours include a delicious Morning Tea, which is served prior to arrival at the first venue or attraction to be visited. These Morning Teas are served in coffee shops, club bistros or tea-rooms. Prior to each tour, Phillip & Karen liaise with the staff at these venues to ensure that the passengers are treated to quality food, service and attention.
Out & About Day Tours offers many residents the unique service of a departure point in the suburb in which they live. If this is not possible, then there is usually one in a nearby suburb. There are over 50 different departure points available to residents living in the Sydney region. There are around 15 departure points available for residents wishing to join a tour in the Central Coast region. For Canberra and Queanbeyan residents, there are usually seven departure points on offer. Passengers travelling in groups of 10 or more, who wish to join a tour at one central point, are welcome to request a preferred departure point. Passengers travelling on our extended tours, who reside in Sydney, the Central Coast, and in Canberra and Queanbeyan, are usually collected and dropped off either outside their home, or at a convenient point nearby.
If you have any questions relating to our tours, or queries about the departure and drop-off points available for each tour, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are usually contactable between 9.00am and 9.00pm each day. If we are on tour, taking another enquiry, or temporarily unavailable, we ask you to leave your name and contact details on our answering service, and we will call you back at our earliest convenience.
We very much look forward to seeing you soon on one of the exciting tours organised by us, at Out & About Day Tours.
PLEASE TAKE NOTE: From August 2019, we will be offering a small selection of both our day tours and extended tours to residents living in the Southern Highlands. On the day tours, we are planning to have a passenger collection point in Bundanoon, Exeter, Moss Vale, Bowral and Mittagong. On the extended tours, we are planning for passengers who live in Bundanoon, Exeter, Moss Vale, Bowral and Mittagong to be collected and dropped off either outside or close to their homes. Please read the Booking Terms & Conditions on the last page of each tour brochure for more details and conditions relating to the departure and drop-off points for each tour.
