NSW Coastal Highlights

Day 1

Brisbane - Sydney - Forresters Beach
This morning transfer to Brisbane Airport for your flight to Sydney. On arrival, you will be welcomed onboard by your Coach Captain and Hostess before travelling to the Central Coast. Visit the Australian Reptile Park, named Australia's Best Tourist Attraction in 2023. The park gives visitors the chance to interact with native animals and has one of the largest reptile collections in Australia. Next visit Ken Duncan Gallery before settling into our accommodation before dinner.

Day 2

Forresters Beach - Port Stephens
After breakfast, travel the scenic Pacific Highway through the Central Coast to Newcastle. Newcastle Memorial Walk is a breathtaking 450m coastal walkway, offering unparalleled views of Newcastle's coastline, the city, and the expansive Hunter Valley. This impressive structure was built to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the ANZAC landing at Gallipoli and the commencement of steelmaking in Newcastle, serving as both a tribute and a historical monument to the service men and women of the Hunter. Christ Church Cathedral, standing 77.5m above sea level and 38.5m above ground, is a dominate feature of the Newcastle skyline. A guided tour of the cathedral provides some history of the stunning building. Take time to purchase your own lunch in Newcastle before continuing on to Port Stephens, a holiday hot spot. This afternoon we will board our cruise vessel in search of some of the bottlenose dolphins calling Port Stephens home.

Day 3

Port Stephens - Harrington
Today we farewell Port Stephens and take one of the oldest tourist routes in New South Wales. This scenic loop off the Pacific Highway takes you through pretty towns and villages to dramatic mountain ranges, breathtaking views, beautiful valleys and platypus-filled rivers. Stop in the historic town of Stroud, Australia's original company town, and take in the view from Silo Hill. Mid-morning arrive at Riverwood Downs, situated on the banks of the Karuah River in the foothills of Barrington Tops. Step back in time to a bygone era, being greeted with billy tea and damper before a guided tour of the resort and gardens. Enjoy lunch before continuing on Buckets Way through the stunning countryside. Visit Crowy Head and take in the stunning vista of the coast north and south before settling into our accommodation situated beside the Manning River.

Day 4

Harrington - Coffs Harbour
After a hearty breakfast, travel to Bago Maze where adventure awaits. This stunning, architecturally designed, native Lilly Pilly hedge maze is a magical place for all to seek out hidden walkways, sunken pathways and musical instruments. We then make our way to Kempsey, in the Macleay Valley, home to the iconic Akubra hat factory and where Slim Dusty was born and raised. Visit the Slim Dusty Centre where you will learn more about his life and music legacy. This afternoon, visit South West Rocks and step back in time during a guided tour of Trial Bay Gaol, soaking up the history and the amazing coastal views that surround it. Continue on to Coffs Harbour, arriving at our accommodation with time to freshen up before dinner.

Day 5

Coffs Harbour - Ballina
Following breakfast, take in the view of Coffs Harbour and the magnificent coastline to the north and south from the Forest Sky Pier. Travel into the Clarence Valley, known for epic beaches and native forest, stopping in the seaside town of Yamba. After morning tea, board the local ferry across the Clarence River to the little seaside fishing village of Illuka. Reboard our coach before making our way to the New Italy Museum in the Richmond Valley. The museum honours the spiritual legacy of Italian pioneer families who, through courage and community, established "New Italy". Enjoy lunch in the café and some time in the village following. Our journey then takes us via Evans Head, the quintessential Australian beachside town, where the Evans River meets the Pacific Ocean, before arriving in Ballina for our overnight stay.

Day 6

Ballina - Brisbane
Today we travel the costal route through Lennox Heads to Byron Bay for a visit to the lighthouse. Built at the turn of the 19th century to protect ships passing along the coast, Cape Byron Lighthouse stands resolute on the most easterly point of the Australian mainland. Operated by resident keepers until 1989, it's now an automated light and clearly visible from Byron Bay township. Next, ride the world's first solar train to North Beach, then visit the Tweed Regional Art Gallery and The Margaret Olley Art Centre at Murwillumbah which celebrates the career, life and legacy of it's namesake. Browse through exhibitions of paintings and objects, and see the recreation of Olley's famous home studio, principally the Hat Factory and the Yellow Room. This afternoon, sit back and relax as we make our way back to Brisbane, where your transfers will be all arranged.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner