12 Day Vivid Sydney & the Central Coast

Departing: Monday 27th May 2024

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Fitness Level: M – Easy / Moderate

Meals: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

DAY 1 - HERVEY BAY to GLEN INNES     (LD)

Monday 27th May:  Welcome to our fantastic tour taking in the spectacular Vivid Sydney and New South Wales Coast. With our Brisbane pickups complete make our way south before heading inland where our travels take us through the spectacular Southern Downs and Granite Belt region. Stop for morning tea, then continue on to Warwick where lunch has been arranged for us at Abbey Boutique Hotel, formally Our Lady Assumption Convert, built for the Sisters of Mercy. Our journey takes us through Stanthorpe, Tenterfield and historic Deepwater before reaching Glen Innes – land of the beardies as it is fondly known and home to Australia's annual Celtic-themed festival. This Celtic connection is honoured at the Australian Standing Stones monument. The Stones acknowledge the contribution to Australian culture made by people from the Celtic nations. Take some time to admire their significance before checking in to our overnight accommodation.

Stay: New England Motor Lodge, Glen Innes

DAY 2 - GLEN INNES to SYDNEY     (BLD)

Tuesday 28th May:  Our destination today is Sydney. With an early morning start we head south making a brief stop at the Stonehenge Recreation Reserve, for the perfect photo opportunity. Just down the road we find the iconic Balancing Rock. We then travel via Armidale, a picture-postcard University town and the main hub of the wildly beautiful New England High Country and the charming historic village of Uralla. Here we join Thunderbolts Way for some spectacular scenery. We break for our picnic lunches at a suitable spot then settle into the afternoon drive on to Sydney, home for the next three nights. Following dinner at the hotel you may wish to head out and explore the sights and Vivid attractions or have an early night in readiness for an exciting day of exploration tomorrow – the choice is yours. 

Stay: Parkroyal Darling Harbour, Sydney

DAY 3 - UNCOVERING SYDNEY     (BD)

Wednesday 29th May:  Uncover the sights of Sydney today as we make our way to the Harbour foreshore and Mrs Macquarie’s Chair. The chair, carved out of the sandstone by convicts for Governor Lachlan Macquarie’s wife to watch the activity on the Harbour offers great views of the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge and Fort Denison. Afterwards there will be time to wander along Circular Quay and feel the ambiance that only Sydney can exude with plenty of eating choices for lunch (own expense). This afternoon visit the Sydney Opera House for a guided tour. See the theatres, discover the stories, history and magic of the House and learn how architect Jorn Utzon’s heritage listed masterpiece came to life. Then get ready for an enchanting evening. Dinner tonight will be served 82 floors above the CBD, in the iconic Sydney Tower Restaurant. SkyFeast offers spectacular, 360-degree revolving views of the harbour and city below showcasing all the brilliant lights that the Sydney Vivid Lights have to offer.

Stay: Parkroyal Darling Harbour, Sydney

DAY 4 - VIVID SYDNEY    (BLD)

Thursday 30th May:  This morning we head across the Sydney Harbour Bridge and onto Manly for some time at leisure before taking a tour of the Quarantine Station at North Head. For many, this historical site was the beginning of a new life in Australia and today you’ll hear the personal stories of the passengers quarantined and the dedicated staff who lived and worked on site. After a catered lunch we return to the hotel with time to relax before a fantastic farewell dinner. As darkness falls, Sydney is transformed into a spectacular canvas of light, filled with creativity and inspiration. Transfer to our vessel to commence our dazzling Vivid Lights Cruise! Enjoy dinner while witnessing the city come to life with immersive light installations and projections. What a magical way to end our stay in Sydney.

Stay: Parkroyal Darling Harbour, Sydney

DAY 5 - SYDNEY to CENTRAL COAST     (BLD)

Friday 31st May:  An early start to join the mail run! Hop on board the Riverboat Postman, to cruise along the Hawkesbury River. Known as one of Australia’s greatest scenic waterways, with its historical isolated communities, the Last Riverboat Postman has been servicing the region for over a century. Sit back and enjoy the tranquil scenery of sandy beach coves and fiord like inlets while listening to the lively commentary from the Skipper as we make our all-important deliveries. Back on dry land, we head to Mt Penang Gardens. Considered as an enduring and radical contribution to public garden design in Australia, enjoy an afternoon exploring the beautiful grounds unveiling its creative design: from themed garden rooms to its clever use of water. There’s a treat or two instore as we head to the Chocolate and Nougat Factory, home of the renowned Australian confectionary producers Nougat Limar, Bon Bon Fine Chocolate and The Sydney Marshmallow Co. Enjoy a fascinating guided tour of the factory floor then take the opportunity to stock up on their wonderful products. With a fabulous day on the Central Coast complete check-in to our accommodation, located in the lovely beachside suburb, Forresters Beach. Unpack and relax as this will be our home for the next two nights.

Stay: The Quarters Forresters Beach, Forresters Beach

DAY 6 - EXPLORING THE CENTRAL COAST     (BLD)

Saturday 1st June:  We have another wonderful day of exploration ahead. Our morning starts with a short but scenic drive to Nora Head Lighthouse where we embark on a fascinating guided tour (96 steps to navigate). Built in 1903, it was the last manned lighthouse built in the State and the last major colonial light station constructed in NSW before ownership and control of the Australian coastal lights was passed to the Commonwealth. Back on board meander our way through to Alison Homestead where we enjoy a guided tour followed by a delicious lunch. In the Homestead and other buildings on site there are displays of memorabilia, photos, furniture, toys and other household items, equipment, machinery and tools all relating to the early settling of Wyong and surrounds. Set on a lush farm and garden we find Firescreek Botanical Winery, home to award winning wines from a wide variety of fruits and botanicals. Enjoy a wine tasting with a twist as we try four Firescreek Botanic Wines paired perfectly with four exquisite handmade chocolates. After a fantastic experience there’s time to wander the beautiful property. Our final stop today is the spectacular Ken Duncan Gallery. Spend time wandering the spacious viewing rooms and enjoy a spectacular audio-visual presentation in the intimate theatre. Make our way back to the hotel in time to relax a little before our evening meal together.

Stay: The Quarters Forresters Beach, Forresters Beach

DAY 7 - CENTRAL COAST to PORT MACQUARIE     (BLD)

Sunday 2nd June:  It’s time to farewell the Central Coast and make our way towards Newcastle, a city of industry as well as history with its terraced houses, majestic cathedrals and a 19^th century Fort. Perched above Newcastle’s Harbour, we visit Fort Scratchley for a self-guided tour and learn that the fort was constructed during the Crimean War to protect the city from invasion. At the height of World War II the fort returned fire on a Japanese Submarine making it the only fort in Australia to have engaged the enemy in a maritime attack. After our stop we have lunch overlooking the water at the Queens Wharf Hotel. We complete our day traversing the coast with a visit to Forster Arts and Crafts Centre. This is the largest working Craft Centre in NSW, providing an exciting and fascinating collection of locally made handcrafted pieces. We continue north, crossing the Manning River and arrive in Port Macquarie – our home for the next 2 nights. 

Stay: El Paso Motor Inn, Port Macquarie

DAY 8 - EXPLORING PORT MACQUARIE     (BLD)

Monday 3rd June:  This morning a local guide joins us for a sightseeing tour of Port Macquarie. View the Old Court House, Allman Hill, the Garrison building and historic town green. With our history lesson of Port complete make our way to the unique Koala Hospital, a dedicated care, rescue, rehabilitation and research centre for Koalas. Some 200-250 koalas are admitted through here annually and we can observe their recovery. Next door is Roto House which is set in a tranquil natural environment and is a beautiful example of Victorian architecture and craftsmanship. After a fantastic morning, our next stop is Ricardoes Tomatoes & Strawberries Farm. We have arranged a delicious lunch here before a guided tour of the farm. After time to stock up with many goodies from their shop, it’s time for a wine-tasting at Cassegrain Winery where the owners have created an oasis, surrounding the winery with natural beauty and wildlife for the enjoyment of all who visit. What a fabulous way to end our day!

Stay: El Paso Motor Inn, Port Macquarie

DAY 9 - PORT MACQUARIE to YAMBA     (BLD)

Tuesday 4th June:  Bid farewell to our hosts and travel to Kempsey for a stop at the Slim Dusty Centre. Opened in 2015, the Slim Dusty Museum exhibition features objects and images from the Kirkpatrick family’s own extensive archive, as well as contributions from fans and friends from all over the world. Spend time looking through the museum and enjoy morning tea before departing for Coffs Harbour. Our lunch stop today is the Coffs Harbour Butterfly House. The Butterfly House is a fully enclosed glasshouse, home to 350-400 live Australian butterflies. As we stroll amongst these beautiful creatures, learn of the life-cycle of the butterfly from our guide. The most iconic location in Coffs Harbour is the famous Big Banana. Stop to take a group photo before leaving Coffs Harbour. Our afternoon drive follows the Clarence River to Ulmarra, then into Yamba late afternoon. Dinner tonight is at the Yamba Shores Tavern overlooking the water. 

Stay: Yamba Motor Inn, Yamba

DAY 10 - EXPLORING YAMBA    (BLD)

Wednesday 5th June:  Take in the sights of this quiet seaside town on the southern side of the Clarence River estuary with a local expert including a visit to the historic Yamba Lighthouse and the award-winning Yamba Museum. Wander through the school room display depicting the historical record of public education and access the ‘Old Kirk’ the adjoining church and view the current exhibition. Enjoy morning tea here before joining the Clarence River Ferry to Iluka – a beautiful coastal town surrounded by kilometres of pristine empty beaches and UNESCO World Heritage-Listed rainforest. Lunch will be served at the Sedgers Reef Bistro then there’s free time to explore the town before returning to Yamba for dinner at the Yamba Shores Tavern. 

Stay: Yamba Motor Inn, Yamba

DAY 11 - YAMBA TO GOLD COAST     (BLD)

Thursday 6th June:  Today, take the coastal road through Ballina and Lennox Head onto Byron Bay, located at Cape Byron - Australia's most Easterly point. Make a stop for morning tea on arrival and the chance to stretch the legs in this popular coastal town before inspecting the Cape Byron Lighthouse precinct and the wonderful views along the coast. Next up is Tropical Fruit World for lunch and a tour. Boasting the largest range of tropical and rare fruit in the world, the plantation is situated on the rim of the largest extinct volcano in the Southern Hemisphere and offers breathtaking views of the Tweed Valley and McPherson Ranges. Enjoy a fully guided tour of the farm by tractor train. It's a journey through orchards where more than 500 of the world’s weird and wonderful fruit varieties are grown. Back on board our journey this afternoon sees us travel through Tweed Heads and over the border where we check in to our hotel.

Stay: Mermaid Waters Hotel by Nightcap, Gold Coast

DAY 12 - GOLD COAST to HOME     (B)

Friday 7th June:  Sadly, our amazing getaway is coming to an end. Today is mostly a travel day but we take the long way home via the Scenic Rim with a stop in at the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk, a spectacular elevated static steel walkway that winds through the canopies of the rainforest. Enjoy morning tea, before exploring the walkway which gradually descends to the lower canopy. The path follows points of interest including rock pools and waterfalls, a butterfly lookout and local history enclosure, with plenty of sheltered rest areas along the way. There is also an amazing cantilever, a 40 metre long span soaring 30 metres above the valley with breathtaking views over the creek and the rainforest canopies below. Finally, the walk returns along the rainforest floor to the centre. All  too soon we are heading home with arrival in Brisbane mid-afternoon and Wide Bay early evening. 

* All itineraries are subject to change due to occasional restrictions in opening times / days of some attractions.  We cannot be held responsible for changes due to closures or inclement weather.