7 Day Northern Rivers & Tweed Tropical Delights

Departing: Monday 24th June 2024

Download itinerary

Fitness Level: M – Easy / Moderate

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

DAY 1 - HERVEY BAY to SOUTHPORT     (D)

Monday 24th June:  Welcome to our Northern Rivers and Tweed Valley getaway. It’s an early start for passengers joining between Hervey Bay and Caboolture. Brisbane passengers will join at the Brisbane Coach Terminal. It’s now time to sit back, relax and catch up with old and new friends. Break for lunch (own expense) along the way before reaching Southport on the Gold Coast, Queensland’s holiday playground. We’re here for six nights so unpack and settle in! 

Stay: Mantra at Sharks, Southport

DAY 2 - EXPLORING THE GOLD COAST    (BLD)

Tuesday 25th June:  Our breakfast this morning is a little unusual as we head out early to the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary to enjoy "Breakfast with the Birds". We have the morning to immerse ourselves in the sanctuary experience, like feeding the wild lorikeets or perhaps riding the miniature vintage steam train stopping at stations to feed kangaroos, hold a koala or enjoy the free-flight bird show. Late morning, head back up the coast to Main Beach for a very special High Tea at the Imperial Hotel Gold Coast. Set in an exclusive waterfront locale, every aspect of architecture, furnishings and ornamentation reflects an ambiance of pure glamour. Our next stop is SkyPoint, the tallest building on the Gold Coast. Here ride one of the fastest elevators in the world to the 77^th floor to take in the stunning views from the observation deck. After a fabulous day exploring, we return to the hotel for dinner.

Stay: Mantra at Sharks, Southport

DAY 3 - EXPLORING THE TWEED     (BLD)

Wednesday 26th June:  We’re off to Murwillumbah this morning to visit the Tweed Regional Gallery and Margaret Olley Arts Centre. Surrounded by beautiful gardens and lawns and offering panoramic views of the Tweed River the gallery’s world class collection of portraits represents Australians from all walks of life. The Margaret Olley Arts Centre celebrates the career, life and legacy of its namesake, Margaret Olley – Australia’s most celebrated painter of still life and interiors. Enjoy morning tea at the gallery café before making our way to gorgeous Byron Bay for lunch at the North Byron Hotel and a unique and enjoyable train journey. The Solar Train is a restored heritage train that operates on energy from the sun. Meander back up the coast to the hotel with time to relax before dinner. 

Stay: Mantra at Sharks, Southport

DAY 4 - MORE OF THE TWEED    (BLD)

Thursday 27th June:  This morning board Tweed Eco Cruises for a journey along the Tweed River – take in the beauty of the landscape as we cruise through sugar cane fields, tangled mangroves, farmed hills, forested mountains and sub-tropical rainforest. Enjoy historical commentary from our Captain and the amazing bird of prey feeding on our River and Rainforest Cruise. Take the opportunity to relax while taking in the abundant nature that the regions river and mangrove system hold whilst enjoying a morning tea, locally sourced tea/coffee and a grazing board for lunch. What a day! 

Stay: Mantra at Sharks, Southport

DAY 5 - EXPLORING THE HINTERLAND     (BLD)

Friday 28th June:  Today drive to scenic Tamborine Mountain, which sits on the edge of the escarpment behind the Gold Coast. Enjoy the spectacular views which exist on both sides of the ranges.  There’s free time to wander along Gallery Walk browsing the shops and galleries. We then continue up into the Lamington National Park to visit the famous O’Reilly’s property. The O’Reilly’s have been welcoming people to their mountain home for over 80 years and have introduced three generations of Australians to the rainforests, waterfalls and wildlife of the famous Lamington National Park. Enjoy a light lunch at O’Reilly’s and if you are feeling adventurous try the Tree Top Walk through the canopy to see flowering and fruiting trees and vines, the epiphytic orchids and ferns, and the birds and animals that inhabit the tree tops. This evening we are in for a treat! There is no place on earth like the Australian outback... and no show on earth like the Australian Outback Spectacular – Heartland. Enjoy the story with true Australian characters, Reg and Marge, who are battling a severe drought on their farm. Prepare to embark on a vivid, spectacular and emotional ride into the heart of the Australian bush under the iconic red roof with a delicious three course dinner. Australia’s favourite dinner and show is more than a night out – it’s an experience steeped in courage, tradition and daring Australian spirit. What a fabulous night!

Stay: Mantra at Sharks, Southport

DAY 6 - CARRARA MARKETS     (BLD)

Saturday 29th June:  We are lucky enough to be in town for the Carrara Markets today - the biggest permanent marketplace in Australia with over 300 market stalls and today you’re free to spend some time to explore. Leaving here make our way to Tropical Fruit World, home to 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. On arrival we enjoy a delicious lunch and fruit tasting before jumping on board the tractor train for a journey through the orchards. What a lovely way to finish our day! Check into our accommodation where we have time at leisure before dinner.

Stay: Mantra at Sharks, Southport

DAY 7 - HOMEWARD BOUND     (B)

Sunday 30th June:  Unfortunately, our holiday is coming to an end. We say farewell to our hosts but before leaving the Gold Coast we call in to the Gold Coast Motor Museum. Built by Carl and Grant Amor as a tribute to their late father, the museum showcases the sibling’s impressive private collection of 75 vintage cars and motor bikes spanning the years 1900 to 1988. Next door is Stanley’s Barn built from century old recycled materials and overlooking stunning views of the picturesque Coomera Valley. Enjoy a delicious morning tea here then sit back and relax – all too soon we are back in familiar territory with arrival in Brisbane early-afternoon and Hervey 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.