8 Day Coffs Harbour & Grafton

Following breakfast, we depart Dubbo and make our way into the New England region, enjoying the rural scenery along the way. Our first break is in Coonabarabran, a country town set near the spectacular Warrumbungle Ranges and renowned for its clear night skies and strong connection with astronomy. There will be time here to enjoy morning tea before continuing our journey. We then travel to Gunnedah, where impressive large-scale silo murals provide a colourful insight into the people, history and character of the local area. Take some time to admire the artwork and capture a few photographs before we continue east. This afternoon we arrive in Tamworth, a city synonymous with Australian country music. A visit to the Golden Guitar Wax Museum offers the chance to discover an entertaining collection of figures celebrating well-known performers from Australia and overseas. After an enjoyable day exploring the heart of country New South Wales, we make our way to our accommodation and settle in for the evening.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today we experience the spectacular scenery of Waterfall Way, travelling through a landscape of dramatic waterfalls, rainforest and welcoming country towns. Our first stop is Wollomombi Falls, where we take in views across the impressive gorge and surrounding wilderness. We then continue to Dangar Falls for another opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of the region. Our journey takes us on to Dorrigo National Park and the Dorrigo Rainforest Centre. Surrounded by ancient rainforest, towering trees and abundant birdlife, we have time to appreciate this remarkable World Heritage-listed environment and learn more about the area. This afternoon we make our way to Grafton, a historic riverside city well known for its magnificent jacaranda trees. Enjoy a guided look around the city followed by afternoon tea before we continue towards the coast. Later today we arrive in Coffs Harbour and check into Opal Cove Resort, our home for the next three nights. Settle in and enjoy some time to relax after a wonderful day exploring the natural highlights of northern New South Wales.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today is dedicated to discovering some of the Coffs Coast’s favourite attractions. We begin in the relaxed seaside village of Sawtell, where there is time to wander along the main street, browse the local shops and enjoy the laid-back coastal atmosphere. From here, we visit the Coffs Harbour Butterfly House. Step into the tropical enclosure and see colourful butterflies amongst the lush surroundings, before discovering the fascinating dinosaur displays. We enjoy lunch here before continuing our afternoon sightseeing. No visit to Coffs Harbour would be complete without stopping at the famous Big Banana. There will be time for a photograph at this much-loved local landmark and to learn a little about the banana-growing history that helped shape the region. Our final visit is Carobana Confectionery, a local producer creating a tempting selection of carob and chocolate treats. Enjoy the chance to sample some of their creations before we return to our accommodation after an enjoyable day exploring the Coffs Coast.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Another wonderful day on the Coffs Coast begins at the Coffs Harbour Marina, where we board our whale-watching cruise. Journey out onto the Pacific Ocean in search of magnificent Humpback whales as they travel along Australia’s east coast, with the possibility of seeing these impressive animals in their natural environment. Back on land, we continue to the Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary for a closer look at some of Australia’s native wildlife. Meet kangaroos, koalas and other animals while discovering more about the sanctuary and its conservation work. Later today, we visit The Clog Barn, where a little piece of the Netherlands can be found in Coffs Harbour. Wander through the delightful Dutch-inspired setting, complete with miniature buildings, windmills and attractive gardens. After a varied day combining the ocean, Australian wildlife and a taste of Dutch heritage, we return to our accommodation for our final evening on the Coffs Coast.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning we farewell the Coffs Coast and begin our journey south, stopping along the way for morning tea from the coach. We then arrive in Kempsey for a visit to the Slim Dusty Centre, where we discover the remarkable story, career and lasting legacy of one of Australia’s most celebrated country music performers. Continuing south, we travel through Port Macquarie and Taree before reaching Coolongolook, where we stop for a relaxed lunch break. Our afternoon journey takes us through Bulahdelah as we make our way towards the Lake Macquarie region. We arrive at Macquarie 4 Star in Argenton with time to settle into our rooms and relax before heading out for dinner. Tonight, we dine at Belmont 16’s Sailing Club, beautifully positioned on the shores of Lake Macquarie. Sit back, enjoy your evening meal and take in the wonderful waterfront views to finish our day.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Following breakfast, we leave the Lake Macquarie region behind and travel to the Australian Reptile Park. Spend the morning discovering an impressive variety of Australian wildlife, with reptiles and native animals among the many fascinating exhibits found throughout the park. After our visit, there will be time to purchase lunch before we rejoin the coach and continue south. Sit back and enjoy the changing scenery as our journey takes us towards the Southern Tablelands and the historic city of Goulburn. Later this afternoon, we arrive at the Mercure Goulburn, where we check in and have time to relax before coming together for dinner at the hotel this evening.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast, we begin the day with a guided drive through Goulburn, taking in some of the sights and heritage of this historic regional city before continuing south. Our morning stop is Gundagai, where we visit the local Visitor Information Centre and enjoy morning tea. While here, take the opportunity to see Rusconi’s Marble Masterpiece, an extraordinary hand-crafted creation featuring intricate marble work. With our packed lunches supplied by the accommodation, we continue to Holbrook, a town famous for its remarkable connection to Australian submarine history. We stop here for lunch and some time to stretch our legs before beginning the final part of our journey. This afternoon we travel through Albury, cross the Murray River and arrive in Wodonga. As our tour comes to an end, we take home many wonderful memories of our journey through regional New South Wales, from spectacular scenery and native wildlife to fascinating attractions and welcoming country towns.

Meals Included: Breakfast