Bellingen Valley Beauty

We depart Brisbane aboard our opulent 'Diamond Class’ Coach, and travel responsibly knowing all coach emissions are 100% offset. We journey through the picturesque Tweed Valley and enjoy a refreshing stop at Tropical Fruit World for morning tea and an informative farm tractor tour. We then continue along the coast, pausing at New Italy for a delectable lunch. As we make our way past Coffs Harbour, our final destination, the beautiful and tranquil Lookout Mountain Retreat, beckons with its seven hectares of landscaped gardens and breathtaking mountain views.

Our day begins at the historic Mary Boulton Pioneer Cottage, where you’ll find yourself sipping on morning tea surrounded by the aura of yester years, you’ll be enthralled by a captivating collection of 20th-century antiques. Next, we head to South West Rocks to explore the haunting ruins of Trial Bay Gaol. Here, the past whispers through the wind-swept ruins, merging the tales of bygone eras with the breath taking coastal scenery. As you wander amidst the remnants of this historical prison, you’ll be transported to a time when convicts roamed these very grounds, their stories etched into the very stones beneath your feet. Next we venture to Taylors Arm, home to the quirky ‘Pub with no Beer’ for a nostalgic BBQ experience with warm hospitality. Finally, we visit the Honey Place in Urunga to savour honey and watch busy bees in action.

This morning our journey to Coffs Harbour takes us through winding mountain roads, offering picturesque rainforest vistas and a change in scenery as you descend from the Dorrigo Plateau to the coastal town of Coffs Harbour. Upon arrival, visit the Solitary Islands Aquarium for an interesting, guided tour with a marine biologist. Afterward, explore the Butterfly House which is located amidst lush tropical gardens and blooming flowers. Wander through the winding pathways, you’ll find yourself surrounded by a kaleidoscope of colours as thousands of butterflies of various species gracefully dance in the air. From here we take a short trip to visit the iconic Big Banana and indulge in banana-themed treats before taking a guided Banana Plantation Tour to learn about the banana-growing process and discover how bananas are cultivated, harvested, and packed for distribution.

Today we explore majestic waterfalls and visit the Dorrigo National Park Rainforest Centre, enjoying a guided rainforest walk with a birdwatching opportunity. The renowned Skywalk at Dorrigo offers panoramic rainforest views. In the afternoon, we visit the Dutton Trout Hatchery on a serene 10-acre property along the Serpentine River, with a guided tour of the fish breeding procedures. Our journey ends with a scenic trip to Armidale, making the most of the beautiful landscape.

This morning a knowledgeable local guide will join our coach to take us on a tour through Armidale’s picturesque streets. We then embark on a cultural journey at New England Regional Art Museum. Be immersed in a world of creativity and expression, as the museum showcases a diverse collection of regional and contemporary artworks. After indulging our artistic senses, we venture to Petersons Armidale Winery for lunch. Savour the flavours of locally crafted wines while taking in the serene surroundings of the picturesque countryside.

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We hit the road and say farewell to Armidale and travel via Warwick to Bestbrook Mountain Farmstay for lunch, enjoying old fashioned hospitality and magnificent mountain views before returning to Brisbane late afternoon.