Day 1 GYMPIE TO STANTHORPE
Wednesday 19 December, 2012
Welcome to our 10 day Christmas tour to the North Coast of New South Wales. We use today to travel, stopping along the way for meal breaks. We arrive in Stanthorpe late afternoon for our first overnight stay. We have time to freshen up before dinner at Anna's Italian restaurant. (L D)
Day 2 STANTHORPE TO ARMIDALE
Thursday 20 December, 2012
After breakfast we meet a local guide who will join our coach to give us some insight into Stanthorpe. We pay a visit to the Stanthorpe Regional Art Gallery before we arrive at Ballandean Estate Winery for a tour and tasting followed by a delicious lunch. This afternoon we pass through Dundee, Glen Innes and Guyra as we approach Armidale, our next overnight stop. (B L D)
Stay: City Centre Motor Inn, Armidale
Day 3 ARMIDALE TO GLOUCESTER
Friday 21 December, 2012
A short time after leaving Armidale we stop to view the amazing private memorial at Dangarsleigh. Next stop is at Oxley Wild Rivers National Park to see Dangar Falls and Gorge. We then arrive at the nearby town of Uralla, a village containing historic buildings and residences, and the resting place of the infamous bushranger Captain Thunderbolt. We visit the McCrossins Mill Museum to discover the history of Thunderbolt as well as the gold mining that went on in the area in early days.
Afterward we head a little further south for a visit to the Banalasta Visitor Centre where we have lunch. We then have time to see their eucalyptus and lavender farms and perhaps have a wine tasting at their cellar door. Our final destination today is Gloucester where we spend the next two nights. (B L D)
2 Night Stay: Gloucester Country Lodge
Day 4 BARRINGTON TOPS & GLOUCESTER
Saturday 22 December, 2012
We spend this morning in the Barrington Tops National Park, an unspoilt wilderness with walking trails that take you through subtropical rainforest, ancient beech forests and subalpine woodlands. Afterwards we make our way to Trudgalong Farm, a 130 acre working farm nestled on the banks of the Gloucester River. We enjoy lunch followed by a tour before heading back to Gloucester. At the Hillview Herb Farm, overlooking the majestic Bucketts Mountains and Mograni Range, is home to a wide range of organically grown herbs. Here we are taken for a tour, talk and a tasting. After another fabulous day, we have arranged dinner at the Gloucester Pantry. (B L D)
Day 5 GLOUCESTER TO NEWCASTLE
Sunday 23 December, 2012
After a relaxed start to the day we move on to Port Stephens. We arrive in Raymond Terrace where we take a stroll through the Hunter Region Botanic Gardens. We meet a guide who will take us on an informative tour of the gardens. We then stay for a light lunch. Our accommodation for the next three nights is the stunning 4.5 star Sebel, a brand new property located on Newcastle Beach. The hotel is in close proximity to the city centre and the beachside precinct, and a perfect base for our Christmas celebrations. We have some time to relax and familiarise ourselves with the hotel before dinner at Aunt Mollys Old Bakehouse Restaurant. (B L D)
3 Night Stay: Sebel, Newcastle
Day 6 EXPLORING PORT STEPHENS
Monday 24 December, 2012
Mid-morning we board our cruise boat for a morning tea cruise on the spectacular waterways of Port Stephens. Relax, enjoy a commentary on the area and with any luck, we may meet some of the friendly dolphins. Next we take in the sights of Nelson Bay and the Tomaree Peninsula with the aid of a local guide. We then transfer to Port Stephens Wines, nestled in the shade of beautiful Australian gums that are surrounded by the vineyard. We have arranged a BBQ lunch as well as a wine tasting. Finally this afternoon, we head to the Stockton Bight Sand Dunes where we board a 4WD and take a drive through the dune. (B L D)
Day 7 CHRISTMAS DAY
Tuesday 25 December, 2012
Merry Christmas! Today is a day of relaxation and reflection. There will be time to attend church services for those who wish. A perfect morning for a stroll along the beach before a wonderful Christmas lunch with all the trimmings. The afternoon is free to chat to our fellow travellers or simply read a good book and have a nap! After a day full of wonderful food we have a light supper planned to finish the day perfectly. (B HL S)
Day 8 NEWCASTLE TO PORT MACQUARIE
Wednesday 26 December, 2012
We leave this lovely area this morning and make our way north through Bulahdelah. Our morning tea stop is at the unique Green Cathedral on the shores of Wallis Lake. Upon arrival in Forster a local guide will board the coach and show us the sights of the town. After our touring, lunch is ready for us at Danny's Restaurant at the Bowling Club. Our afternoon touring takes in North Brother and a visit to St Peters church in Laurieton. Once we arrive in Port Macquarie we check in and meet together in the restaurant for dinner. (B L D)
Stay: Country Comfort Inn, Port Macquarie
Day 9 PORT MACQUARIE TO COFFS HARBOUR
Thursday 27 Dec, 2012
Our first visit today is Sea Acres Rainforest Centre where we take a guided tour and enjoy morning tea. We continue north to South West Rocks where we visit the Trial Bay Gaol, located in the Arakoon National Park. Following our visit to the gaol’s museum, we drive out to Taylors Arm for lunch at the Pub With No Beer, an Australian icon. Today we'll enjoy lunch (and maybe taste a growing range of onsite-brewed beer) then take a guided tour of the brewery, with time to view the array of artefacts and memorabilia that adorn the pub walls. Back to the coast for our final overnight destination this tour, in Coffs Harbour. (B L D)
Stay: Country Comfort, Coffs Harbour
Day 10 COFFS HARBOUR TO GYMPIE
Friday 28 December, 2012
We set off after breakfast heading north along the coast. Travelling through Maclean we arrive in Byron Bay for our lunch stop. We have just enough time before lunch to visit Farrell Glass Design where we can watch a glass blowing demonstration and look into their shop display of beautiful glassware. This afternoon we express home after a fantastic 10 days away and a Christmas to remember. (B L)
