Northern Rivers, Ballina And Byron Bay

Day 1

Brisbane - Ballina
This morning we commence our journey with a stop at Hinze Dam located in the Gold Coast Hinterland for a cuppa. Continue on through the very scenic Numinbah Valley before crossing the border into New South Wales. Visit Tropical Fruit World where we will take a Safari tractor train ride around the plantation and enjoy tasting the fresh fruit grown here. Closed in shoes and a hat are recommended for today. Next we stop at Madura Tea, Australia's only owned and operated tea estate. Learn about the history of the company and the tea growing process from the staff in their retail shop where you may like to purchase your favourite blend of tea or perhaps try something new. Continue on to Ballina where we will settle in for the next three nights.

Day 2

Macadamias - Whale Watching Cruise - Byron Bay
After breakfast, visit the Macadamia Castle where there'll be opportunity to pick up some delicious gifts before taking in the view from Australia's most easterly point at the Byron Bay Lighthouse. Take time to purchase your own lunch while wandering the main street of Byron Bay. Next, we travel back to Ballina for a cruise to experience whale encounters within Cape Byron Marine Park. A sight to see with the coastal scenery and the Humpback Whales in their natural habitat.

Day 3

Seabird Rescue Centre and Summerland Farm
Today begins with an informative morning at the Australian Seabird Rescue Centre. Here they specialise in the rehabilitation and care of sick and injured sea turtles, pelicans, shorebirds and seabird species. Continue on to Alstonville for lunch at Summerland Farm. Next, visit the Victoria Park and Tucki Tucki Nature Reserves where the local residents have been able to preserve the Koala populations.

Day 4

Maritime Museum and Aviation Museum - Coffs Harbour
This morning we farewell our hosts before visiting the Ballina Naval and Maritime Museum, home to the famous Las Balsas Raft which sailed from South America to Ballina in 1973. Next, we take time to wander the main street of Ballina to browse the shops and purchase your own morning tea if you choose. After reboarding our coach, travel via Woodburn to Evans Head stopping for lunch along the way. See the many displays at the Evans Head Memorial Aerodrome and Aviation Museum, featuring military and civilian aircraft and artefacts collected from across Australia. Late afternoon arrive in Coffs Harbour for our overnight stay.

Day 5

Coffs Harbour - Newcastle - Brisbane
After breakfast, head south to Kempsey for a visit to the "must see" Slim Dusty Centre. This multi-purpose facility has a gift shop, gallery and the Slim Dusty Museum. The museum features objects and images from the Kirkpatrick family's own extensive archive, as well as contributions from fans and friends from all over the world. Continue on to Karuah for lunch, before arriving at Newcastle Airport for your flight back to Brisbane.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner