Hawkesbury River and Richmond

Day 1

Brisbane - Armidale
Travel west along the Cunningham Highway through Warwick before visiting Ballandean Estate in Stanthorpe. Ballandean is Queensland’s oldest family owned and operated winery and the Puglisi family have been making wine on the estate since 1931. Continue across the border into NSW stopping at Tenterfield for lunch. This afternoon our journey takes us via Glen Innes and on to Armidale for our overnight stay.

Day 2

Armidale - Richmond
Our journey continues south through the New England countryside via Tamworth and on to the heart of coal mining and horse breeding country. Stop for lunch in Muswellbrook before travelling the very scenic Putty Road through the Wollemi National Park. Settle in for the next five nights in Richmond.

Day 3

Richmond - Riverboat Cruise
Travel to Brooklyn this morning and board Hawkesbury Cruises for the Seven Islands of the Hawkesbury cruise. Learn the history of the islands of the river - Lion, Dangar, Spectacle, Long, Peat, Milson and Bar Islands. Cruise past the water-access-only settlements of the lower Hawkesbury and see the wreck of the HMAS Parramatta (Australia's first warship) and find out how it ended up lying at the bottom of the cliff! The views to the ocean behind Lion Island make for some spectacular photos, as will the close-up view of some ancient Aboriginal rock carvings at Eagle Rock near Broken Bay. As you travel this waterway, enjoy morning tea and lunch and the commentary from our skipper who has spent the past 25 years cruising these magnificent waters. This afternoon take a trip into Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park and view the Mouth of the Hawkesbury before returning to Richmond.

Day 4

Richmond - Australiana Pioneer Village
Today we visit The Australiana Pioneer Village for a guided tour and lunch. Experience an authentic 1810 village streetscape including bank, police station, shearing shed and more. Sit in a Prisoner Holding Pen, attend a school class from the 1800s and see a Blacksmith at work. With thousands of antiques, artefacts, machinery and vehicles on display, you can explore life as it used to be. This afternoon return to Richmond with time to freshen up before dinner.

Day 5

Hawkesbury Paddlewheeler and Regional Museum
Late morning, board the Hawkesbury Paddlewheeler, meandering along the tranquil Hawkesbury River as you lunch on board. Take in an unforgettable journey recreating the cruises of the 1800s on a genuine Paddlewheeler before returning to our accommodation.

Day 6

Tobruk Sheep Station
Visit Tobruk Sheep Station, an authentic working farm showcasing the history of shearing and the life of the shearer. Enjoy billy tea and damper for morning tea and see the sheep being mustered and moved to the stockyards. Following a BBQ lunch, travel alongside the Hawkesbury River to return to our accommdation.

Day 7

Richmond - Brisbane
After breakfast, we make our way to Rouse Hill House and Farm for a guided tour. Next we will travel to the outskirts of Sydney for lunch before transferring to the airport for your flight back to Brisbane. On arrival, you will be met by our staff who will have your transfers arranged.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner