QLD Bus Trip | Plantation Hardwood Growers Tour

Dates: Monday 19 October to Saturday 24 October 2026

The Forestry Australia QLD Branch is pleased to invite you to our upcoming six-day field trip bus tour, exploring plantation hardwoods, agroforestry, sawmilling, tree breeding, carbon, biodiversity, and land management across Queensland. This field trip is organised and led by Neil Halpin and Kevin Harding.

The program will include visits to a range of forestry and farming sites across the South Burnett, Gayndah and Hervey Bay regions. Participants will hear from growers, researchers, land managers, industry representatives and guest speakers, with site inspections covering plantation establishment, mixed species plantings, hardwood sawmilling, bio-solids, effluent-irrigated plantations, regenerative farming, and future opportunities for plantation hardwoods in Queensland.

The registration fee includes bus hire and all meals, including breakfast, lunch, morning tea and dinners.

Registration (Incl. GST)
Shared accommodation (double or shared room) :$1,485 (Sold Out)
Single room accommodation: $1,585 (Only one left)
CPD RFP Points: 23.5

Please note:

  • Only 28 places are available.
  • Registrations close on 19 August 2026, unless sold out earlier.
  • Early registration is strongly encouraged to secure your place.

Accommodation
Accommodation is included in the registration fee and will be arranged as part of the field trip. Participants may choose either shared accommodation or single room accommodation.

If selecting shared accommodation, please either:

  • register with the person you would like to share with by purchasing two shared accommodation tickets; or
  • nominate the person you would like to share with during the registration process.

If you do not nominate someone to share with, we will contact you to arrange a suitable match where possible.

Accommodation will be provided at selected motels and hotels along the tour route, including Wondai, Gayndah and Hervey Bay. Further details will be confirmed closer to the event.

Meals
All meals, including dinner, breakfast, lunch and morning teas, will be provided. Participants are encouraged to bring a water bottle and any preferred snacks.

Transport
The registration fee includes bus hire for the duration of the field trip.

Equipment & Safety
Participants should wear comfortable outdoor clothing suitable for Queensland conditions, including closed-in outdoor footwear and a hat.
Please bring your own PPE and field essentials, including sunscreen, insect repellent, a water bottle, wet weather clothing, hi-vis clothing, and a hard hat / safety helmet if available.

Accessibility
The field trip includes visits to outdoor forestry, farming and sawmilling sites, which may involve walking on uneven ground, sandy tracks, and areas with limited accessibility.

Participants with accessibility requirements, health considerations, or those who would like to discuss alternative participation arrangements are encouraged to contact the organisers prior to the event.

Forestry Australia Code of Conduct
As part of the registration process, all participants must acknowledge and agree to the Forestry Australia Code of Conduct.

Forestry Australia Risk & Safety Acknowledgement
As part of the registration process, all participants must acknowledge and agree to the Forestry Australia Risk & Safety Acknowledgement.

Please Note

  • The registration fees for this tour reflect grant funding received from the Forestry Australia Growers Reserve Fund, which we gratefully acknowledge.
  • A minimum of 22 registrations is required for this event to be financially viable. If the minimum registration number is not reached, Forestry Australia reserves the right to cancel or postpone the tour and refund registration payments.
  • A maximum of 28 registrations will be accepted, as larger numbers are not practical due to accommodation availability and meal arrangements.