itinerary
Day 1. Depart Brisbane for Byron Bay & Yamba
Departing from Brisbane we head south, stopping just north of Byron Bay to board the Byron Bay Solar Train, a restored heritage train that operates on energy from the sun. We have lunch at the Sun Bistro following our return train journey, then visit the Byron Bay Lighthouse and make our way to Yamba for the next two nights. Our welcome dinner tonight is at the Yamba Shores Tavern overlooking the water. Stay: Aston Yamba Motel 2 nights (L,D)
Day 2. Clarence River Cruise
This morning we explore Yamba with a local expert, before visiting the award-winning Yamba Museum, uncovering the towns rich and diverse history. Wander through the school room display depicting the historical record of public education and access the ‘Old Kirk’, the adjoining church and view the current exhibition. We enjoy morning tea here before embarking on a luncheon cruise on the scenic Clarence River. We have free time this afternoon to explore the town and dinner tonight is your own arrangements. (B,L)
Day 3. Maclean & Coffs Harbour
Leaving Yamba, we now head to Maclean for a little sightseeing around this town. There is a wonderful lookout here which we will stop at, along with an interesting collection of shops and galleries including the MacLean Scottish Shop that specialises in the Scottish heritage of the area. Lunch today is at the historic Ulmarra Hotel overlooking the Clarence River. This afternoon we head to Coffs Harbour and arrive at the Forest Sky Pier Lookout. The Forest Sky Pier is located on an escarpment 310 metres above Coffs Harbour offering views out to the coast, on a clear day you can see 100km to the south! Our hotel tonight is located right next door to the famous Coffs Harbour Big Banana, so we have some free time before dinner to take a look around. Stay: Country 2 Coast Motor Inn (B,MT,D)
Day 4. Bellingen & Armidale
Following breakfast, we depart Coffs Harbour and head to Bellingen and stop at the The Old Butter Factory which houses a number of shops and galleries. Next, we are off to the Dorrigo National Park to visit the Rainforest Centre and Skywalk lookout which offers superb views over the National Park. We have lunch (passengers’ own expense) before we make our way to the Ebor Waterfalls lookout. For many years hand tinted photographs of these picturesque falls featured in the carriages of New South Wales Railways. Arriving into Armidale we check into our accommodation for the next 2 nights and enjoy dinner together. Stay: 2 nights Armidale Country Comfort (B,D)
Day 5. Discover Historical Armidale
As an introduction to Armidale, we have arranged a local guide to tell us the history of the town and show us the heritage buildings, cultural places, special gardens and schools. Some of the places we will see include Hanna’s Department Store, the Courthouse, Post Office, St Peter’s Hall, St Paul’s Church, Central Park, and the Racecourse. Free time for lunch is next, then we head out beyond the regional airfield to visit Saumarez Homestead. Set on one of the largest grazing properties in the area, this Edwardian mansion is now included on the National Trust register. Embarking on a guided tour we’ll see original furnishings and take a stroll through the old-fashioned garden. Afternoon tea rounds out our day. (B,D)
Day 6. Celtic Festival at Glen Innes
Our day is spent immersed in the Australian Celtic Festival at Glen Innes. Located at the Australian Standing Stones, an array of granite monoliths, often cloaked in autumn mists, we’ll be captivated by traditional Celtic dancers, pipe bands and dazzling entertainment. There will be events throughout the day including jousting, flag raising ceremonies, market stalls and of course, the Street Parade*. Here we will also visit the Land of the Beardies History House and Museum. Essentially a folk museum, the collection comes almost exclusively from the town and district. At a designated time, we’ll meet up with the coach to transfer us to Tenterfield for our final night on tour. Stay: Tenterfield Best Western (B,D)
Day 7. Discover Tenterfield / Sutton’s Juice Factory / Arrive Brisbane
Before leaving Tenterfield, we take a look at the Sir Henry Parkes Memorial School of the Arts. Stories of Australia’s history are told through exciting and innovative displays and the museum features the Banquet Hall, where Henry Parkes delivered his famous Federation speech in 1889. A display of memorabilia from Parkes’ personal life, including a compelling portrait by Julian Ashton, ivory carvings and journals are situated in the Parkes Gallery. Our lunch stop today is just north of Stanthorpe at Sutton’s Juice Factory, Cider and Shed Café for lunch. Finally our tour arrives back into Brisbane late afternoon. (B,L)
Meals: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
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