8 Days National Cherry Festival with Hunter Valley Christmas Lights Spectacular 2018/2019

itinerary

DAY 1 – Brisbane to Goondiwindi (L,D)

Board our luxury ‘Gold Class’ coach at Brisbane Transit Centre where we make our way via the rich fertile crop growing region of the Lockyer Valley. On arrival at Warwick we take a brief tour of this pretty country town before breaking at the historic Abbey of the Roses ex convent. Enjoy a guided tour followed by lunch, then we are back on the road where our afternoon travels take us to Goondiwindi. We take time at Goondiwindi Cotton, a fashion house icon, before checking into our hotel in time to take a refreshing dip in the pool before meeting for dinner. 1 Night Stay: Best Western Ascot Lodge, Goondiwindi

DAY 2 – Coonabarabran, Dubbo (B,MT,L,D)

This morning we venture though Moree and Narrabri, breaking for a cuppa along the way. We head to the township of Coonabarabran in time for lunch before a sneak peak at the Crystal Kingdom to learn about crystals, mineral and fossil specimens, as well as taking time to browse the gift shop to purchase quality jewellery and crystals. From here we continue on to Dubbo where we bed down for the night. 1 Night Stay: Quality Hotel, Dubbo

DAY 3 – Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Cowra (B,L,D)

First up while it’s cooler spend the morning at Taronga Western Plains Zoo experiencing a guided wildlife zoofari. The zoo is an open-range design, with walls and fences replaced by concealed moats which divide the animals from the visitors. This creates the impression of actually being with the animals in the wild. This afternoon following lunch at the zoo, we are back on the road making our way to Cowra. 2 Night Stay: Cowra Services Club Motel

DAY 4 – Cherry Festival (B,D)

Today the Cherry Festival in Young presents a fabulous full day of quirky and colourful festivities including farmers markets, car show, busking competitions and dog trials. We also visit Poppa’s Fudge and Jam Factory then finish up our day at the Cherry Festival Street Parade, one of the largest in regional Australia. **Lunch is at own expense today.

DAY 5 – Bathurst, Hunter Valley (B,L,D)

We begin our day heading to Bathurst where we take our coach on a spin of the Mt Panorama Circuit (events depending). We continue on from here travelling into the Goulburn River National Park, finishing our day checking into our hotel in the Hunter Valley. 2 Night Stay: Mercure Resort, Hunter Valley

DAY 6 – Newcastle, Christmas Lights Spectacular (B,L,D)

Travelling to Newcastle we board the famous tram for a 1- hour tour detailing the city, beaches and historical sites before visiting Fort Scratchley Historic Site to learn the fascinating history of this national treasure. Returning to the Hunter Valley, we take in the Hunter Valley Gardens by day. Tonight we return to the gardens for the annual Christmas Lights Spectacular when the gardens are transformed with over 2 million lights on display. Our evening includes a sumptuous Christmas dinner on the Garden Terrace.

DAY 7 – Port Macquarie, South West Rocks (B,L,D)

Today we pass the Great Lakes region then take in the stunning scenery of the Mid North Coast as we travel via Laurieton to Port Macquarie before arriving in South West Rocks. 1 Night Stay: Rockpool Motor Inn, South West Rocks

DAY 8 – Coffs Harbour, New Italy, Brisbane (B,L)

Heading for home today, we travel through picturesque Coffs Harbour and enjoy lunch at New Italy before our return to Brisbane Transit Centre.

*Itinerary shown is for 2019.

B = Hot & Continental Breakfast; MT = M/Tea; L=Lunch; AT = A/Tea; D = Two Course Dinner

dates & pricing