Cost $660.00 per person twin share. Single supplement $30 per night

Set on the banks of the Richmond River, Ballina is the commercial and cultural heart of the shire. Its unique blend of tranquil seaside retreat and vibrant holiday resort.

Tuesday 27 March: Your journey to the Coffs Coast. Depart from Epping RSL (time to be advised) for the north coast of NSW for your overnight stay. The coach will provide a cup of tea of coffee and a biscuit for morning tea. Lunch will be provided at a convenient location as your journey continues north. Quality overnight accommodation will be provided in the Coffs Harbour region with a delicious dinner and breakfast included.

Wednesday 28 March: Coffs Coast, Woolgolga and Richmond River Cruise at Ballina. This morning travel the scenic circuit through Coffs Harbour, before morning tea at Woolgolga on the beachfront. Continue north with a further brief comfort stop at the interesting New Italy Museum near Woodburn late morning. A great introduction to Ballina on arrival is your own lunch-time cruise on board the MV Richmond Princess. Lunch is provided as you relax and cruise past the cane fields, mangroves and the canal estates of Ballina. After the cruise its time to settle in to the four star Best Western Ballina Island Motor Inn. Set in lush tropical gardens the Ballina Island Motor Inn provides quality, all ground floor, en suite accommodation, with reverse cycle air-conditioning, satellite TV and fine dining in the award winning Garden Restaurant with adjoining Bar, complimented by a superb solar heated salt-water pool and spa.

Thursday 29 March: Lennox Head, Byron Bay, Thursday Tea Tree Plantation and Ballina’s Naval and Maritime Museum. This morning travel along the stunning coast road through Lennox Head to Byron Bay’s famous Lighthouse, on Australia’s easterly point. This region provides some of the most picturesque coastal scenery on the east coast. Some free time in fascinating Bryon Bay before returning for lunch at the Thursday Tea Tree Plantation, where some of Australia’s premium tea tree oil is grown, processed and exported to 28 different countries. View the video and sample some of the amazing products and maybe pick up a bargain from a range of great factory specials. There is also a native Australian rainforest walk and tree maze. Visit the Ballina Naval and Maritime Museum which is home to the incredible Las Balas Raft of the 1973 Trans Pacific Expedition along with an impressive array of other Maritime collections from all over the world. Enjoy some entertainment tonight at the Motel with Dinner

Friday 30 March: The Northern Rivers Hinterland. Depart at 9.00 am for the countryside and Alstonville with first stop at the Cutana Hat Company where you will be fascinated by their hat making process. Onto Father Macs Heavenly Plum Puddings with complementary tasting for morning tea. Their story is amazing and the puddings are superb. You may like to take some home with you for Christmas. Just a few kilometres from Alstonville enjoy lunch in the tranquil surroundings of Summerland House (House With No Steps) along with a brief tour of this wonderful facility founded as a training ground for people with disabilities. After lunch continue through Lismore and then back via the Bangalow Road through the rolling green foothills to Bexhill, Clunes and Bangalow with time to browse in the interesting art and craft stores. Join the Pacific Highway with a stop at the Macadamia Castle at Knockrow where they not only have a variety of tasty macadamias but also a range of delicious ice creams

Saturday 31 March: Mount Tamborine and the Gold Coast. Tamborine Mountain in the Gold Coast hinterland is you destination today. A plateau, 550 metres above sea level, it is a flora and fauna sanctuary. With its subtropical climate, clean mountain air and unbelievable views from the NSW border, past Morton Bay to the Glass House Mountains and beyond. Antique shops, art galleries, tapestry and handcraft shops, along with home made preserves and gifts made from mountain macadamias and avocados abound Gallery walk, at Eagle Heights has become renowned for the creativity of it’s residents. Take the time to explore before lunch provide at one of the colourful Cafes. From Mount Tamborine travel down to the Gold Coast and travel back along the coast road through Labrador, Southport, Surfers Paradise and Burleigh Heads. Break at the famous Humble Pie Company near Brunswick Heads for and ice cream or a tempting freshly baked pie before returning to the Ballina Island Motor Inn in time for Happy Hour . It is a sightseeing paradise of mountains and coastline and sure to be a memorable day.

Sunday 1 April: Homeward Bound. Start early today as you travel home. Morning tea and lunch will be provided at convenient locations. As your journey continues we hope you take some wonderful memories of your experiences of the Northern Rivers and your stay at the Ballina Island Motor Inn

On occasions some changes to the published itinerary may be necessary

 Tour organiser Wal Cooper phone 9876 4001