The Extra Mile

An Evening At Velvet Waters

AN EVENING AT VELVET WATERS
Great Music, Great Food & Accommodation

Saturday March 24 - Sunday March 25

Welcome to Velvet Waters. Located in the main street of Caloundra on Queensland's beautiful Sunshine Coast, Velvet Waters offers a unique dining, dancing and live entertainment experience. Show nights are on every Saturday from 7 pm, with a delicious Dinner Show and live entertainment.

Join the Velvettes and the Velvet Waters Live Band and re-live the good old days of “Rock ‘n’Roll” with all the hits of the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s with the songs of Buddy Holly, Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, Bobby Darin, The Beatles, Johnny Cash, June Carter, J.O.K and many more of your favourites.

Next morning take a relaxing stroll through the Caloundra Markets or along the beach before returning home.

Departs 2:00pm Depot - 78 Warwick St , 2:10pm Interchange - Neil St,  2:20pm Range - James St  

Cost: $245 pp Includes coach travel, dinner show, accommodation and breakfast. 
Phone 4687 5555 for bookings and enquiries.

Stonestreet's Destinations 2012

STONESTREET'S DESTINATIONS 2012 TOURING CATALOGUE 
The new catalogue is chock full of exciting tours and 4x4 adventures - From Tip to Toe, East to West and lots of great places in between. 

Whether it's the Queensland Coast, Cape York, the Red Centre, Top End, North West, WA's South West, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, Canberra and New South Wales there's a tour to get you 'out and about' Australia.

Browse Destinations to discover where we're heading in 2012

Australia Day at Australia Zoo Thursday 26 January 2012      Crikey! It as wild as life gets at Australia Zoo's new open-range exhibit - Africa! Step on board the Africa Safari Shuttle to experience giraffes and zebras, and keep your eyes peeled for the brand new baby rhino! Afterwards take a stroll through the zoo from the Tiger Temple and Asian Elephants to the Billabong and Outback. Be sure to check out all of the animal action in the Crocoseum and watch a crocodile launch from the waters edge. Australia Zoo is the ultimate wildlife adventure with so much to see you may want to plan ahead. Price pp: $95 Ad $84 Con $74 Ch (3-14)  Includes return coach travel and entry. Departs: 7:00am Depot - 78 Warwick St, 7:10am Interchange - Neil St, 7:20am Range - James St   For bookings & enquiries phone 4687 5555..

Lost City River Cruise Thursday 2 February Enjoy a relaxing smooth water morning tea cruise in the precincts of the Coomera River, followed by lunch and dessert at the imaginatively themed Lost City Tavern. Promises to be a great day out! Price pp: $90 Includes coach travel, morning tea cruise and lunch

St Valentine’s at St Bernard’s Tuesday 14 February St Bernard's Hotel sits on the edge of an ancient volcanic escarpment overlooking Guanaba Gorge, Moreton Bay, the Gold Coast skyline and the Pacific Ocean.Come and enjoy some country hospitality, with spectacular sea views and the invigorating air of Mt Tamborine. Oh! And while you’re there you may just bump into Leo and baby Molly. Price pp  $75 Includes coach travel, morning tea and lunch at St Bernard’s.

Chasing The Queen - Evening Dinner Cruise Thursday 16 February We'll board the MV Calypso to follow the Queen Mary 2, one of the most magnificent ocean liners ever built,as it sails up the Brisbane River. Witnessing the arrival of the QM2 from onboard the MV Calypso should make for a memorable trip. Price pp $125 includes coach travel and BBQ dinner cruise.

Green, Green Grass of the Gabba Thursday 23 February In 1895 a small patch of land was set aside as the location for what is now one of the world’s most famous sporting arenas. Since then the iconic Brisbane Cricket Ground has been affectionately known as the Gabba. Join us on this fantastic tour for a guided tour of this ground where many Australian sporting legends have made their mark on history. Price pp $69  includes coach travel, morning tea, tour and lunch.

Get in the Spirit with Stonestreet's

Christmas is just around the corner...we're only one month away from the last shopping day, Christmas Eve. Are you looking for gift ideas? A Stonestreet's Coaches Gift Certificate is a unique and practical idea that lets you give something special - the experience of travel. Or maybe you'd like to give someone a big hint and get something you'll love! Certificates are available in numerous denominations and are easily redeemed. To learn more phone 4687 5555 or drop by the office at 78 Warwick Street, Toowoomba. BRAND NEW ANNUAL TRAVEL CLUB NEWS OUT SOON After 14 years of publication the Travel Club news is changing to an annual publication that will provide you with a full list of Extended Tours and Day Trips for 2012.  And we have lots of exciting new tours and trips instore for you. We'll also be sending out regular communications with all sorts of specials, additional tours and information throughout the year so you will be kept well up to date.   Watch your inbox... it's coming soon.

Morning Melodies at Boonah Trevor Knight sings John Denver Friday 9 December 2011  $55 From the opening chords of ‘Rocky Mountain High’ to the soaring grandeur of ‘The Eagle and the Hawk’ and on to the deep romance of ‘For You’ and ‘Lady’ the songs just keep on coming. ′I closed my eyes and it was John Denver on stage.’ ‘He made me laugh, he made me cry, a wonderful experience’. ‘I just loved his stories.’‘Beautiful songs and so much fun’. Includes return coach and show entry. For bookings & enquiries phone 4687 5555..

Travel Club Christmas Party At Lone Pine Sanctuary Thursday 15 December 2011         $99 It’s that time of the year again when we’ll all gather together to share our memories with our Travel Club friends from the year just gone by. Enjoy a delicious lunch and maybe a drink or two at a fabulous location. This time we’ll be heading Lone Pine Sanctuary. Enjoy a great day out. Tickets are selling fast - book now for the party of the year. Includes lunch and entry. For bookings & enquiries phone 4687 5555.

The Colour of Christmas - Christmas Lights Toowoomba Each Evening, 12 - 16 December 2011 $15 Adults $10 Child Family - Adults at children's prices Every year more and more people are dressing up their homes with colourful Christmas Lights. This year is looking like it may be better than ever. Come along on our special Christmas lights bus and see the beautiful lights for yourself. It’s much more fun and relaxing than trying to drive around looking for them and having to contend with parking. For bookings & enquiries phone 4687 5555.

Beautiful Brisbane Christmas Lights Wednesday 21 December 2011        $65 You thought the Toowoomba Christmas lights were fantastic, didn’t you? Well, you should see the lights in Brisbane - magnificent! Let us take you to the best of the Christmas Lights in Brisbane. Last Year whole streets were decorated. This year should be equally spectacular. Limited places. Book now! Includes light dinner. For bookings & enquiries phone 4687 5555.

Garden Tour Seat Sale

Sunday is the final day of Toowoomba's Carnival of Flowers and it's also your last chance to visit the prize winning gardens with Stonestreet's.

If you haven't taken in the gardens yet we have a great deal for you. We're offering all Travel Club members a choice of one of two tours on Sunday 25 September for just $25pp. Regularly $40 Adult or $36 for Seniors so it's a great savings.

You can choose Tour 1 - Garden Lover's departing at 10am or Tour 2 – Afternoon of Colour departing at 12:30pm from the Information Centre.  

For bookings and enquiries phone 4687 5555 or drop by the office at 78 Warwick Street, Toowoomba.

Opera at Jimbour 2011

Opera makes its triumphant return to Jimbour this year, returning to the true essence of the 'Jimbour Experience'.

You are in for an afternoon of song and fine food with a trio of opera stars singing the world's best loved arias and the masterpiece that is Carmina Burana.

Australian opera greats – leading soprano Sara Macliver, outstanding bass baritone James Clayton and award-winning counter tenor Tobias Cole – perform a selection of popular arias as chosen by the public.

More information on this not-to-be-missed afternoon at Jimbour is here. Stonestreets are running a number of buses from various locations to attend this prestigious event. Go here to find out more.

Carnival of Flowers Free Bus

To make it easier to get around to all the shows and festivals about town, Stonestreets is supplying a free bus service in Toowoomba during the Carnival of Flowers. It's available to everyone from the 16th to the 20th of September 2011 inclusive.

For details of timetables and directions to the other shows and festivals, you need to go here.

Prize Winning Gardens Bus Tours

You want to see this year's Carnival of Flowers prize winning gardens, but don't have much time to dedicate to it? Well then, there are some shorter tours that should appeal.

Stonestreet's Coaches have three hour Prize Winning Gardens Tours, five hour History and Gardens Tours and some five hour Parks and Gardens Tours.

For all the details of where you can go and when, have a look here.

Queensland on Tour

The "Queensland on Tour" roadshow hit the road on Tuesday May 3 and we were proud to be one of the supporters of this unique tourism event.

The roadshow spread the word that "Nothing Beats Queensland". It crossed the borders into New South Wales and Victoria, stopping at familiar places and encouraging the southerners to head on up for a visit.

Four coaches carried 200 passionate Queensland tourism ambassadors on a five day mission. Their mission, and they chose to accept it, was to make it loud and clear that Queensland is open for business.

That's tourism with a capital "T".

It was (a hundred and) twenty years ago today

One of the very first Labour Day marches occurred in Queensland back on the 1st of May 1891. Over 1000 people marched, banners were carried and important people wore blue sashes. Cheers were raised for the eight hour day and even the Eureka flag was flown. 

Seems a lot of fuss for just another long weekend in the land of the long weekends. It's a day off from work, where we can relax, get together with family and friends, go fishing or camping or do whatever we like. 

Well it wasn't like that back in the 1800s in this country. Many people could be expected to work up to 12 hours a day, six days a week - that's a 72 hour week.

In about the 1850s, a strong push came to better working conditions by way of an eight hour working day. These new work regulations were put into place, firstly in NSW in 1856, with Queensland following suit in 1858. It was the Victorian government that proclaimed the first paid public holiday, Labour Day or May Day, in 1879.

So take a moment, raise your glass, stubby or preferred drinking implement to those from long ago who made this day possible.

ANZAC Day - It still matters today

April 25th 1915.

Such along time ago - ninety-six years for those of us who count. No-one from that era is left. We mere mortals only live so long.

The photos, the diaries, the published interviews, the grainy low resolution silent films. They still remain.

Lone Pine, The Nek, Suvla Bay and Anzac Cove. Places significantly historic and historically significant.

What happened at Gallipoli on the fateful day and the days that followed matter. It mattered very much to those who served there. It still matters today.

 
LEST WE FORGET.

To find an ANZAC Day commemorative service near you visit the RSL website.

 

Concert Connection Club

Stonestreet's Coaches travel from Toowoomba to many of the popular concerts and shows in the Brisbane region. Quite often, these trips to concerts and shows sell out in just a few hours leaving many people frustrated because they didn't find out early enough. For this reason, Stonestreet's have introduced the Concert Connection Club.

If you like music concerts, arts & theatre or sports you'll want to be a part of the club as members receive by email, advanced notification of upcoming shows,  concerts, sporting events and special offers as they become available.

It's easy to join and it's FREE. And at no time are you under any obligation to travel. To join, simply visit the Concert Connection and fill your the details.

UPCOMING SHOWS

AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK SPECTACULAR
Sunday 29 May Matinee Show
A great attraction for the whole family to enjoy. 'Heroes of the Light Horse' is an exciting show filled with outback music, drama and action celebrating the heroes of the legendary Australian Light Horse.  Price includes luxury return travel from Toowoomba to the Gold Coast show and tickets to enjoy the show, where you'll be provided lunch and drinks (soft drinks for kids) along with the entertainment. Adult $135pp Concession $129pp  For bookings call us on 4696 9825. 

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL - SALTIMBANCO
Sunday 10 July
Saltimbanco (from the Italian "saltare in banco", which literally means "to jump on a bench") is a Cirque du Soleil show with an abundance of joyful and colourful acrobatics.  The show's eclectic cast  draws spectators into a fanciful, dreamlike world! Tickets Now Selling - Coach Travel & Tickets in one easy deal. Adults $160pp Children $125pp Phone 4696 9825

My Country

I love a sunburnt country,

A land of sweeping plains,

Of ragged mountain ranges,

Of droughts and flooding rains.

I love her far horizons,

I love her jewel-sea,

Her beauty and her terror -

The wide brown land for me!

This is the complete second verse taken from the poem 'My Country' by Dorothea McKellar, which can be found in full on her official website.

Message from Stonestreet's Coaches

Over the last couple of days the tragedy of the floods in our region have made the news all over the world. Like most residents in this area we'd never expected an event like this to take place here.

At Stonestreet's Coaches, we've had some inconvenience with buses stranded and adverse affects on schedules and tours.  We appreciate your understanding at this time. Our passenger safety is always of our utmost concern.

Some of our staff and their families are suffering with the consequences of this event, and even while we soldier on, are hearts are deeply saddened.

Our thoughts go out to all those affected by these devastating floods. We hope and pray that all our Stonestreet's travel family and friends will come through this ordeal okay.

If you have any questions about our services and tours please call us on 4687 5555.

We also want to let you know that Toowoomba area residents can visit the council website  at http://disaster.toowoombarc.qld.gov.au/ for regional information that may affect you. You may also want to check out the Queensland government website for additional news.

For assistance on matters related to the flood call 1 300 655 833.

On behalf of Phil, Bev, Rob and the Stonestreet family and team

Official Carrier for Toowoomba Carnival Of Flowers Bus Tours

Toowoomba Carnival Of Flowers - 17th to 26th September 2010

As the Official Carrier, Stonestreet's Coaches have eight tour options to the Prize Winning Gardens during this years Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers.

Travel to Toowoomba from Brisbane with Stonestreet's Toowoomba Transit Coaches to join any of these tours. Our service will drop you at the Toowoomba Visitors Information Centre to connect with these tours.

Tour 1 - A Morning Stroll Through The Gardens
2 Hour Tour visiting 4 Prize Winning Gardens
10:30AM Departures 17th, 18th & 19th Sep
Toowoomba Visitor Information Centre, James Street
$29 Adults $23 Concession $14 Child (4 - 12)

Tour 2 - The Garden Lovers Tour
3 Hour Tours visiting 6 Prize Winning Gardens
Option to combine with Tour 3
10:00AM Departures Daily from 18th to 27th Sep
Toowoomba Visitor Information Centre, James Street
$35 Adults $29 Concession $18 Child (4 - 12)

Tour 3 - An Afternoon Filled With Colour
2 Hour Tours visiting 4 Prize Winning Gardens
1:30PM Departures Daily from 18th to 27th Sep
Toowoomba Visitor Information Centre, James Street
$29 Adults $23 Concession $14 Child (4 - 12)

Tour 4 - The Grand Parade Tour
BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL
5 Hour Tour visiting 5 Prize Winning Gardens
plus packed lunch & undercover seating for Parade
10:30AM Departure 18th Sep
Toowoomba Visitor Information Centre, James Street
$81 Adults $75 Concession $58 Child (4 - 12)

Tour 5 - Historic and Colourful Toowoomba
BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL
5 Hour Tours Visiting Historic Sights & 6 Prize Winning Gardens Includes a packed lunch
10:30AM Departures 17th, 19th & 20th Sep
Toowoomba Visitor Information Centre, James Street
$69 Adults $64 Concession $46 Child (4 - 12)   

Tour 6 - Toowoomba Parks and Gardens Tours
BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL
5 Hour Tours visiting 6 Prize Winning Gardens
Laurel Bank & Queens Park and the Japanese Garden
Includes a packed lunch
10:00AM Departures 22nd, 23rd & 24th Sep
Toowoomba Visitor Information Centre, James Street
$69 Adults $64 Concession $46 Child (4 - 12)

Tour 7 - Twilight Gardens Tours
BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL
Meet the owners during an Exclusive After Hours visit of 2 Prize Winning Gardens includes 2 course dinner at La Porchetta
5:00PM Departures Daily 17 - 26 Sep
Toowoomba Visitor Information Centre, James Street
Maximum of 20 per trip
$99 Per Person
   
Tour 8 - Exclusive Twilight Gardens Tours
BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL
Sip Champagne with the owners during an Exclusive After Hours visit of 2 Prize Winning Gardens includes seafood buffet dinner at Weis’s Restaurant
5:00PM Departures Daily 17 - 26 Sep
Toowoomba Visitor Information Centre, James Street
Maximum of 6 per trip
$198 Per Person

For Bookings or Further Enquiries, Call Stonestreet's Coaches on 07 4687 5555

Getaway to Toowoomba's Carnival of Flowers

Now in its 61st year, the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers has been growing bigger, brighter and more colourful each year. It's Australia's longest-running annual horticultural event - a celebration of all things spring. The carnival highlights the best the Garden City has to offer in flowers, food, wine, entertainment and culture.  

Gold Coast Tours to Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers

There are two - 2 Day Tours to choose from:
19th - 20th September and 20th - 21st September

Day 1
Depart from the Gold Coast at 7:00am to travel to Toowoomba. On arrival enjoy a delicious morning tea and breathtaking views from Picnic Point. Then visit prize winning gardens and nurseries before an overnight stay in the Garden City.

Day 2
Take a historic and most enjoyable look around Toowoomba with Roberto, a local guide and historian. Visit more prize winning gardens and enjoy a picnic in colourful Queens Park, the piece de resistance of Toowoomba's parks and gardens. Then complete your visit to the Garden City with a stroll through the Grand Champion's first prize garden.

Price per person $299 Twin or double share
Single Supplement $88 (as this is a premium time to visit Toowoomba requested sole occupancy of rooms is very limited)

Price includes:
All Coach travel
Entry to prize winning gardens
Entry to Brindabella Nursery
All lunches
Accomodation (twin or double share)
3 course dinner
Full breakfast

For bookings call Stonestreet's Coaches on the Gold Coast at 5594 9314.

 

Toowoomba Transit Coaches

Do you travel from Toowoomba to Brisbane (or the other way around) for school, work or fun? You can get specially priced fares from as little as $9.95 when you book online.  For more information on services visit Toowoomba Transit Coaches or phone 4699 4700.

What a Small World It Is

Just the other day someone asked if Flat Stanley was still around.

Unfortunately his vacation has come to an end and he's on his way home to Canada and Ms Mooney's Grade 3 Social Studies Class at Meadowview Public School in Addison, Ontario.

Before he left he met up with someone he had a lot in common with! It turns out that young Master Stonestreet made a very similar fella last year, and that little guy known as Flat Tommy visited Canada.

It really is a small world.

Thank you to all the travel club members and staff at Stonestreet's who helped make Stanley's visit fun.

Stonie the Careflight Bear

Corinne Ross, Community Relation Manager at the Coolangatta Careflight Centre presented travel club member Glee Young with a pilot bear in recognition of Glee's support over the years.

The darling fella, nicknamed Stonie (short for Stonestreet's of course) is number 54 in Glee's collection of Careflight teddy bears. Glee "belted him up on the bus". After all... Having just toured the Careflight facilty she was very safety conscious.

Day Trips - Sightseeing & Fun Excursions

Day touring with Stonestreet's Coaches offers something for everyone.

With a wide variety of guided day trips in Southeast Queensland and Northern New South Wales - venturing into Brisbane City, the Moreton Bay Region, Darling Downs, Sunshine Coast & Hinterland and more - it's the best way to get out and explore our backyard.

Our day tours incorporate scenic drives with an enjoyable activity or visit  to a popular tourist attraction.

You can discover some local history, savour local produce, get up close with nature, have fun at a festival or browse the markets. Morning tea and lunch are included in many of our day trips providing a chance to socialise.

Train trips and boat cruises are always favourite excursions, along with our 4WD adventure tours which take you off the beaten track.

Stonestreet's Coaches also offers transportation to shows and concerts, sporting events, markets and clubs, extended group tours, charter services and a transit service between Toowoomba and Brisbane.

Need a day out?

Find a fun, affordable day trip… our program is full of great ideas!

Check out our selection of day trips from Toowoomba. Call 07 4687 5555 for more information or to book your seat.

Browse our wide range of day trips from the Gold Coast. Call 07 5594 9314 for more information or to book a seat.

A Canadian Visitor

If you're on any Stonestreet's tours in the next week or two you just might meet a friendly fella that's just arrived in Toowoomba from Canada.

His name is Stanley and he's here checking out how Australian's live, work and play for Ms Mooney's Third Grade Social Studies Class from Meadowview Public School in Addison, Ontario.

Coming from winter in the northern hemisphere he was excited about the warm weather here in Queensland, but needed a bit of Sun Smart education. Now that he has a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen he's ready to go exploring.

One of the first things Stanley asked us was, "Where are the kangaroos?" He said the children will want to see photos of the wildlife here. Well we're sure we can show Stanley some great sights here in Australia. Maybe even a kangaroo!

Stanley will be a passenger on the February 4 Day Mystery Tour. Where will he go and what will he see? 

New Service - Toowoomba Transit Coaches

With the recent take over of Toowoomba Transit Service, Stonestreets have added a commuter service, expanding the range of services the coach company offers.

There are many plans to improve the service which provides a bus link from Toowoomba to Brisbane. A new timetable is in the making that will better meet the needs of a wider range of people.

Making the Most of Time
Along with catering to commuters with earlier runs, Stonestreet's wants to make the service the best alternative for business people heading into Brisbane. A special Business Package will be offered with access to wireless internet and two seats for that extra working room. Busy business people will be able to get a head start on their day, instead of wasting valuable time behind the wheel negotiating traffic into the city.

More Alternatives for More People
With increased services Stonestreet's Coaches intends to supply an affordable option for those who require transport to Brisbane. The company is aiming to serve not only commuters but those who require transport to Brisbane - whether travelling to one of the hospitals, the airport, or to attend an event.

The vision for the transit service also includes expansion to provide residents of Dalby with a bus link to Brisbane. 

Watch here to get the updates on the new Stonestreet's Toowoomba Transit Service.

You can book a seat online or phone the Transit Office from 7am-4pm Monday to Friday on (07) 4699 4700.

Toowoomba Christmas Lights Sightseeing Bus Tour

Some people go right over the top when it comes to decorating... but if you're like us you love it!

Young and young at heart all enjoy the displays of  lights and there's no better way to experience the special magic of these Christmas sights, then on our festively decorated tour bus.

You won't be disappointed. You may even see ole Santa Claus during the tour.

Toowoomba Christmas Lights Bus Tours run for five nights, from  Monday 14 December to Friday 18 December 2009.    

Price of tour: $15 Adults / $10 Children
Families - adults at childrens price  

Phone (07) 4687 5555 for more information or to book your seat.

New Zealand Garden Tour with Brian Sams – November 2010

Stonestreets organized a great tour to the land of the long white cloud!

Our intrepid tour group of 24 locals (including a few from down the range) journeyed to the south island of New Zealand on 10th November for 14 days of touring some of the famous gardens and landmarks of our near neighbor. The idea for the tour started nearly 18 months ago with a little research revealing some world class gardens and lovely scenery that might be worth closer inspection.

This certainly proved to be the case with a number of the gardens visited being truly world class. Gardens with interesting sounding names like Ohinetahi, Maple Glen, Trott’s garden and Larnach Castle. Interesting names and interesting gardens. The combination of a cool climate and more or less unlimited water provide the perfect conditions for thriving Rhododendrons, cool climate perennials, roses and the most magnificent deciduous trees.

The natural beauty of the south island is world renowned for good reason. We visited Milford sound on our only rainy day. What a place to visit in the rain. Waterfalls cascaded from mountainous peaks throughout the entire voyage with an other worldly feel being created by the fog and scudding rain.

We (read Vivien) took thousands of photos of snow covered mountains and fat wooly sheep. The scenery from Akaroa Harbour, from the entire coast line, the Glaciers in the Fjord Land of the west coast was spectacular.

We rode jet boats, jet planes, trains, coaches, steam boats, catamarans, trams and cable cars. We walked to Glaciers, waterfalls, in national parks and to experience amazing gardens. We saw killer whales, dolphins, seals, albatross, kiwis and curious keas. We ate and drank the local produce. Very tasty!

Larnoch Castle	Akaroa Harbour

The tour was great fun. Our tour captain Wayne Turner from Leisure time tours gave us a great run down on all things New Zealand. He made plenty of, good, and plenty of bad jokes. His New Zealand accent was cause for celebration, confusion and laughter. I would like to thank our entire tour group for making the trip a wonderful success and a memorable one.

Thank you also to Stonestreets!

Images by Vivien McNamara. Story by Brian Sams.

Garden tours for garden lovers. Brian Sams will lead garden tours in 2010 to Italy/France/England, Canada and Alaska and to China. If you would like more information please email briansams@netspace.net.au or phone 07 46381584.

Farewell to the Relaxa Club

The Relaxa Club was a community group that helped keep seniors in the Lockyer Valley active. With over 230 members from across the region the club will be missed. Unfortunately pleas for new members to take over committee roles failed resulting in the clubs closure. 

After having held office for 12 years, Relaxa Club president Lloyd Tetzlaff was saddened to see the club close. He said the club committee members were getting older and wanted to retire.  “After 17 years, the club’s demise will be a great loss to retirees in the Lockyer Valley".

The club served residents in the Laidley and Ipswich regions of Southeast Queensland. With regular day trips and shopping days the group provided a means of socialising for seniors.

It was a tough decision for the committee, but Lloyd and his wife Shirley who held the office of treasurer, deserve much praise for the positive contribution they've made to the lives of others with their generosity and hard work over the past 12 years. 

We've Got the Perfect Vehicle for Farm Tours

What would be the perfect vehicle to take a load of agriculture engineers on a farm tour? Our 4 wheel drive coach of course! It's tough enough to traverse any terrain, while transporting passengers in safety and comfort.

Our 4x4 certainly looked right at home waiting by the paddock while the attendees checked on an irrigation unit at a farm out at Dalby. A visit was also made to the Felton Valley where the rich farming land in under threat from mining. 

It seems that our off road bus can go more places then we ever imagined. Well maybe not... we're very imaginative at Stonestreet's.

Where will the bus turn up next? Watch here to discover the answer.

The Best Tour Operator Has The Best Coach Captains

As tour operators, Stonestreet’s Coaches aim is to provide you with the best tour experience possible. Our Toowoomba and Gold Coast teams are comprised of a lot of different people but travellers are most likely to see those out there on the front line, driving the coaches.

The Best Drivers
If you’ve been on a Stonestreet’s tour or day trip, chances are you’ve met at least one of our many coach captains. They’re all consummate professionals. So when you're on holiday with us (or even just a day outing) you don't have to worry about traffic, or parking... or anything really. They bring much more than just their capable driving skills to the job though.  Which is why we don't call them bus drivers. 

The Best Coach Captains
Our coach captains take great pride in looking after their passengers to ensure they have the best trip possible. You’ll discover amongst these gentleman... a few comedians and entertainers, a historian or two, some handy photographers, and even a couple of walking encyclopaedias (well nearly!).

Our Customers Say So!
We’re proud to say our coach captains are some of the best found anywhere. And it’s not just us that think so...our customers are always telling us how great they are too!

After a charter tour to Armidale: “The trip was made extremely memorable and enjoyable by the expertise and professionalism exhibited by the coach captain, Bryan. He was well presented, well spoken, courteous, patient, competent driver and possessed an in-depth knowledge of the area which made the trip all that more interesting. Many thanks for making my  weekend so enjoyable and rewarding. ”  Dianne

After the Tasmanian Tour in October: “Hi Derek. It was a really wonderful trip and my feet are itching to go again. Thank you once again for being so helpful and obliging. I hope I see you on another trip." Heather Watch the video of Tasmania  and you'll see some wonderful photographs of the trip taken by Derek.

Makes Us the Best Tour Operator

Bryan and Derek are only two of our many best coach captains who go the extra mile and help make us one of the best tour operators in South East Queensland.

We'll be introducing you to more of our great coach captains and other team members in the future.

Treemendous Christmas Festival & Brisbane City Lights Tour

Tis the season to be jolly, so join us for a bus trip to the Treemendous Christmas Festival in Manly, on the outskirts of Brisbane.

International in theme and flavour “Treemendous” Christmas Festival reflects the customs and traditions of Christmas around the world.  With over 100 decorated trees, including the four metre high festival tree, and nativity scenes on display, you're sure to find the Christmas spirit. We'll visit the festival in the afternoon.

After an enjoyable dinner and before heading home, we'll take a tour of the festive Brisbane Christmas lights.

This unique afternoon-evening trip on Tuesday 15 December 2009 costs $55.00 and includes deluxe coach travel, sightseeing and dinner.

Phone Stonestreets Coaches in Toowoomba on 07 4687 5555 for more information or to book your seat on this bus trip.

On the Road Again

Follow Us & Discover Where We're Going

Come the early morning of Monday 9th November another 4 day Mystery Tour will be departing from Stonestreet's Coaches depot in Toowoomba.

On the trip will be coach captain Derek, hostess Narelle and forty travel club members. And we've also sent Jane, our 'roving reporter' to get the scoop on the tour.

For a bit of fun, tour co-ordinator Rob has challenged her to blog about the trip... while on the trip.

So Jane has agreed that at the end of each day she'll post some photos and news, so that you can join in on the trip as it happens, discovering where they are and what they've been doing.

For those of you who can't wait until the end of each day you can follow our travels on Twitter. We'll be doing regular updates on twitter that you can read right here by checking the twitter box to the located in the right hand column of the blog.

Mt Isa Quilters

Gerry from Quilters World sends a big thank you out to Stonestreet's Coaches and driver Hammond for helping to make the recent shop hop with the Mt Isa Quilters such a success.

The ladies all wondered what sort of trip they were in for when a 4wd bus pulled up in front of the hotel. Where exactly were the quilting shops situated?  However they needn't have worried as they weren't actually going 'off road'. The bus was a big hit, especially after the ladies discovered how very comfortable it was.

We Want You

The "Singin Coach Captain" Brian entertained the troops on Stonestreet's October Mystery Tour. Travelling from Toowoomba the Travel Club had a fabulous four days of sightseeing and socialising, with plenty of good food (the only complaint heard was "they feed us too much").

Covering some 1200km of Queensland, with visits to Childers, Gladstone, Rockhampton, Emu Park, Yeppon, Mt Morgan, Biloela and Kingaroy the tour covered a region of diverse landscapes. Highlights included visits to the Capricorn Caves, Archer Park and the Rockhampton Botanic Gardens.

The group was accompanied by hostess Narelle, who was caught 'kicking up her heels' on the coast. With the crew having such a good time... just imagine how much fun the travellers had!

Burglar Beware

Sergeant Gav Williams, Superintendent Andy Morrow and representatives from the local operators were on hand to launch the Burglar Beware campaign.

Burglars have been put on notice with the launch of the Burglar Beware campaign in Toowoomba. Buses and cabs in the community will feature signs that encourage the public to play its part in improving home security, and reducing crime by working with their neighbours and the police to deter burglars. The signs also send a clear message to the offenders, that the police as well as the community are watching them.

Stonestreet's Coaches is proud to be a part of this community initiative, which also includes Hubbard's Coaches, Go Transit through Bus Queensland, Garden City Cabs and Signs on Time.

Phil Stonestreet is on the lookout!

For hints on what you can do to keep your property safe visit the Queensland Police website. You can also find tips in the Burglar Beware Brochure.

Discover Toowoomba Bus Tour

 

Perched atop the Great Dividing Range, some 700 metres above sea level, Toowoomba is home to nearly 100,000 people.

Nicknamed the Garden City, it covers an area of approximately 117 square kilometres, boasting beautiful parklands and heritage architecture.

From iconic Picnic Point, with magnificent views of Tabletop Mountain and the Lockyer Valley, to the historic Royal Bull's Head Inn in Drayton,the best way to learn about the beauty and history of this city is a two hour tour with a local on Stonestreet's Coaches.

Discover Toowoomba With a Local
For just $35pp the tour includes, the Mort Estate, the City Precinct, University of Southern Queensland, Royal Bull's Head Inn, Picnic Point and the Japanese Gardens.

Bookings are essential. The tour departs daily from the Neil Street Bus interchange at 10:00 am and from the Toowoomba Information Centre at 10:10am Motel pickups can be arranged. Phone 07 4687 5555.

Travelling Solo

Many people are reluctant or nervous to travel alone. They see a trip that interests them and think "If only I  had someone to go with".  This can be especially true, of women.

You might have travelled in the past but now in your senior years have found yourself alone through loss. Getting out and staying active, is more important now then ever. Travel affords you the chance to make new friends. 

Maybe you have retired early and your friends don't have the free time that you do. There’s really no need to sit around and wait for them. It could be that your significant other just doesn't care to travel. They’ll be surprised when you return from a day away with all the things you’ll have to share. It might even change their attitude about travelling.

Many ladies who  venture out alone, discover that it's their favourite way to travel. They love the freedom of doing exactly what they want, as opposed to what’s expected by a travelling companion.

Travelling on one's own can be liberating. Go ahead, have dessert and linger over your coffee if that's what you enjoy. Or you may prefer to use the time to stretch your legs. Since you didn't come with a companion you don't have to consider what they want, but instead you get to really enjoy yourself.

A meaningful part of travel is meeting new people. Group tours offer the perfect opportunity to do just that but  when travelling with friends or family, you’re much less likely to strike up a conversation with others.

If you still have the desire to get out and see the world around you, consider a Stonestreet’s tour. Whether it’s a day trip or an extended tour it’s the no-hassle way to go.  And when you go solo on a coach trip you’re never really alone—you'll be surrounded by other travellers, while you broaden your horizons and visit interesting places. Imagine the exciting destinations, good food and interesting companions just waiting to be discovered.

So the next time you see a trip that interests you, remember you’re not... And you won’t be alone... on a Stonestreet's Coaches tour.

Fun on Group Tours - Meeting Friends

With the addition of the Gold Coast Travel Club to Stonestreet’s Coaches, we knew we would be able to offer a broader range of tours.  We also thought it would be nice to get the two groups together on occasion so there would be new faces to mix with since meeting new friends is part of the fun of travelling.

 

The Newstead trip was the first time a bus from both clubs visited the same venue at the same time. 

 

It gave Diana from the Gold Coast and Shirley from Toowoomba a chance to meet up. But not for the first time! Diana and Shirley have been friends for over thirty years. 

 

Walk for Parkinson's

On Sunday 6th September, a group of 53 students and staff from The Glennie School in Toowoomba travelled to Manly in Brisbane to participate in Queensland’s inaugural ‘Walk for Parkinson’s’. The aim of the walk was to raise awareness of Parkinson’s disease, as well as much needed funds for research and support services. It was a great day and a special joy to see Mr and Mrs Ian Findlay (ex-Glennie Staff), and to have Mr Findlay speak to the girls about what it means to be diagnosed with the disease.

The trip was made possible by the generosity of Stonestreet’s Coaches. Glennie were immensely grateful to Mr Phil Stonestreet for not only providing the coach but also driving it!

Seniors Health & Lifestyle Expo

Phil, Jan and Rob were at Broadbeach on the Gold Coast for the Health & Lifestyle Expo, providing information on Stonestreet's Coaches many tours throughout South East Queensland and Australia.

With an ever expanding program of fun day trips and extended tours they're dedicated to providing a service that adds to the quality of life for seniors.

Stonestreet's will be exhibiting at the Coolangatta Expo in October.  

Travel is Good for You

At Stonestreet's Coaches we know the importance that travel can play in a healthy lifestyle, so we were thrilled to have Dr James Wright visit with Jan at the recent seniors expo on the Gold Coast.

Perfect Partners in Travel

When long standing coach tour operator Aries Tours needed someone to take care of their loyal Travel Club Members, they had a dilemma. Who could they find to keep supplying quality coaches and exciting tour destinations for their day trips and extended tours? Who would continue to provide the exceptional service their Travel Club Members had come to enjoy?

We're Excited!
We knew we at Stonestreet's Coaches could and would, and were thrilled that Aries thought so too.  Having been in the bus and coach industry for over 30 years the Stonestreet family already have a wonderful group of Travel Club members based throughout South-East Queensland. With the merger of the two travel clubs, we will be able to introduce a greater variety of extended tours for travellers to choose from.

Similar But Better!
The Gold Coast Travel Club will continue to see the familiar faces of Jan Emerson from Aries Tours as travel club manager, and husband Wally and son Paul as coach drivers and Jan's assistants.

Working closely with Jan will be her counterpart Rob Brown from Stonestreet’s head office in Toowoomba. As Manager of Stonestreet's Travel Club for over 10 years, Rob has arranged an extensive array of tours from entertaining day trips and long weekend escapes, to week-long coach vacations and amazing three week adventures.

More Trips, More Fun!
Jan and Rob will continue to provide fun day tours for Gold Coast and Toowoomba Travel Club Members. And along with a wider selection of extended tours, members will also have the option of boarding at pickup points in Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Toowoomba.

With tour packages scheduled for The Flinders Ranges in June, following the path of the mighty Murray River - from the Mouth to the Mountains in July, and a Red Centre Safari in September there's plenty of good reasons to get out there and see Australia.

If you have a desire to travel, experience the world around you and meet new friends along the way, you're invited to join the new Aries Tours/Stonestreet’s Travel Club. Give Jan a call today on 5594 9314 or sign-up online.