Parkes Elvis Festival

Day 1

Brisbane - Coffs Harbour
Today we travel via Kingscliff and on to New Italy for lunch. This afternoon we make our way to Coffs Harbour for a visit to one of the original big icons of Australia - The Big Banana, before settling into our overnight accommodation.

Day 2

Coffs Harbour - Newcastle
After breakfast, our journey will take us along what is affectionately known as the 'the holiday coast' of New South Wales, stopping at Forster, in the heart of the Great Lakes. Enjoy lunch on board an eco cruise around the pristine waters of Wallis Lake before continuing on to Newcastle for our overnight stay. This afternoon you may choose to take a walk along the waterfront before dinner if you choose.

Day 3

Newcastle - Forbes
After breakfast, our New South Wales passengers will join us, as we make our way to Wentworth Falls. Enjoy a picnic lunch before travelling on to Forbes, where we will settle in for the next four nights.

Day 4

Our day starts with a visit to the famous Parkes 'Dish', the CSIRO Radio Telescope Discovery Centre, for a presentation about the telescope, radio astronomy and some of the achievements of the astronomers who use the facility. Continue on to the Henry Parkes Centre where there'll be time to browse the Henry Parkes Museum, Kings Castle and the Motor Museum while enjoying a picnic lunch. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to explore at the Elvis Festival. Take time to purchase your own dinner tonight while enjoying the entertainment. We recommend bringing a compact folding chair for your comfort if you choose.

Day 5

Elvis Festival and Street Parade
Today we return to Parkes for the Elvis Festival Street Parade before another day at the festival. You may choose to pre-book at some of the entertainment venues or perhaps just sit and enjoy the outdoor entertainment happening on the main stage in the park. A later return to our motel, with morning tea, lunch and dinner being at your own expense.

Day 6

Forbes
We recommend you bring your folding chair today if you have one, as we'll be attending the special interdenominational Elvis Gospel Church Service in the park. Enjoy the remainder of the day at the festival where the main stage entertainment will include the Elvis winners concert and an Elvis tribute artist guest performance. There will also be the opportunity to see the mass renewal of wedding vows with Elvis at the Altar.

Day 7

Forbes - Maitland
This morning we farewell our hosts and make our way to Mumbil for a visit to Burrendong Botanic Gardens and Arboretum. Dedicated to the preservation and conservation of Australia's unique and incredibly diverse flora, the garden houses one of the largest collections of Australian plants in cultivation. Continue on to Gulgong for lunch before traversing the Bylong Valley Way to Maitland. After farewelling our New South Wales passengers, check in for our overnight stay.

Day 8

Maitland - Armidale
After breakfast, we make our way to Riverwood Downs, set in the foothills of the stunning Barrington Tops. Enjoy a catered morning tea before a guided tour of the resort and stunning gardens. This afternoon, continue on to Gloucester for lunch before our journey takes us through towns such as Nowendoc, Walcha and Uralla, arriving in Armidale.

Day 9

Armidale - Brisbane
Today our journey takes us via Glen Innes, Stanthorpe and Warwick, stopping for lunch along the way. This afternoon, on arrival back into Brisbane, your crew will have your transfers arranged.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner