Moree, Lightning Ridge - Roaming Country NSW

DAY 1

ALBURY - DUBBO MONDAY 26TH APRIL, 2027
Welcome aboard Martins touring coach for departure from Wodonga Plaza Smythe Street 6.45am, Albury Railway Station 7.00am and Lavington Shopping Centre Griffith Road Bus Stop at 7.15am for our eight day tour Roaming Country NSW including Moree, Lightning Ridge, Tamworth and Lithgow.Travel via Narrandera before arriving in Barellan to view the Big Tennis Racquet erected to commemorate tennis player Evonne Goolagong-Cawley. From here, travel to the small town of Ungarie, home to the impressive Big Football Monument, a heartfelt tribute to AFL legends, the Daniher family. Neale Daniher in particular had become an inspirational Australian figure through his courageous battle with motor neurone disease and was also named Australian of the Year in 2025. We have some time for lunch here before continuing to Dubbo arriving late afternoon checking into our overnight accommodation
Accommodation: Matilda Motor Inn Dubbo Ph: (02) 6882 3944

DAY 2

DUBBO - MOREE TUESDAY 27TH APRIL
Following breakfast, we make our way to the Old Dubbo Gaol for an experience that brings history to life. Listen to our guide as we discover the stories behind the prison walls. Departing Dubbo, we head north to Moree, stopping for lunch on the way. Moree is a regional town in northern NSW known for its artesian hot springs, agriculture and large cotton industry and its bore baths that are used far and wide to relieve rheumatic and other muscular complaints. Upon arrival, we check-in and meet again over dinner. Perhaps enjoy the on-site hot artesian thermal pools before or after dinner.
Accommodation: The Phoenix (3 Nights) Moree Ph: 02 6752 5555

DAY 3

DISCOVERING MOREE WEDNESDAY 28TH APRIL
This morning, we meet our local guide who will introduce us to their quaint country town including the impressive historical buildings and rich history of the town. We then uncover one of the regions agricultural successes, Cotton. We will be guided around one of the many cotton farms where the cotton is picked and packed ready for transporting to the Cotton Gin. After time in town to purchase lunch, we spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing at the Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre.

DAY 4

LIGHTNING RIDGE THURSDAY 29TH APRIL
Our touring today takes us to Lightning Ridge. With its stark and scarred landscape, this town holds a peculiar fascination for visitors. Famous for magnificent opals, the town is home to the unique black opal, a rare and luminous gem mined from the surrounding plains. It is the only place in Australia (and one of the few places in the world) where the precious and highly prized black opal is found. On arrival we meet our local guide for a town tour which will include the Bore Baths and Coopers Cottage - an authentic miners camp. Enjoy lunch at the Lightning Ridge Bowling Club before a visit to Chambers of the Black Hand, where we'll be captivated by local artist, Ron Canlin, who has created the most amazing paintings and sculptures 11.2 metres underground. There is the Last Supper, the Chinese Terracotta Warriors and the Egyptian Chamber including a replica of a tomb. The second level is a mine that has been worked for over 100 years, and all the old shafts and drivers that were used by the old miners are still there.
Time permitting, we finish the day at John Murray Art Gallery. Wandering around the gallery, John's artistic talent becomes apparent with his pieces filled with light and humour. It's clear he likes to make people smile with his creations!

DAY 5

MOREE - TAMWORTH via INVERELL FRIDAY 30TH APRIL
We have a morning at leisure to enjoy the hotels on-site hot artesian thermal pools before we take a scenic drive from the soothing artesian spas of Moree to the cool-climate elegance of Armidale. Mid-morning we travel to Inverell, a historic town by the Macintyre River. Rich diamond and gem quality sapphire deposits were discovered in the 19th century, giving Inverell the title of Australia's Sapphire City. We visit the Information Centre and take a stroll through history at the Inverell Pioneer Village - a unique village as all the buildings featured have been collected from Inverell and the surrounding districts and represent the lifestyle and pioneering spirit of bygone days. Leaving Inverell this afternoon, we make our way to Tamworth for our overnight stay. We arrive at our motel with time to freshen up before our dinner in the onsite restaurant.
Accommodation: Best Western Sanctuary Inn Tamworth Ph: 02 6766 2903

DAY 6

TAMWORTH - LITHGOW SATURDAY 1ST MAY
Leaving Tamworth today we travel to Gooree Park located between Mudgee and Gulgong. This is one of the most historic and picturesque properties in the area and has the enviable reputation of being one of the country's leading thoroughbred stud. Experience a behind-the-scenes tour with lunch and wine tasting before we continue to our accommodation in Lithgow. On arrival we check in and settle into our rooms.
Accommodation: Lithgow Workies Club Motel Lithgow Ph: 02 6350 7777

DAY 7

THE ZIG ZAG RAILWAY SUNDAY 2ND MAY
Today's travel takes us to the very popular Zig Zag Railway. Constructed between 1866 and 1869 it was acclaimed as a major engineering feat of its time, becoming the first rail link to the western regions of NSW. Destroyed by bushfires in 2013 & 2019, volunteers have worked tirelessly to bring this unique attraction back to life. The highlight of the Zig Zag Railway trip, apart from the magnificent scenery, is the sight, sound and smell of a hard-working steam locomotive which is sure to bring a touch of nostalgia to those who can remember when the nation travelled behind steam. Following our train trip, we travel to Bathurst and visit Abercrombie House. Built in the 1870's, the home contains some 40 rooms, and the beautiful gardens are listed as part of the National Estate. With its mixture of Gothic and Scottish baronial styles Abercrombie House has been acknowledged as one of the finest historical mansions in Australia. We enjoy lunch followed by a tour. This afternoon we make our way to Orange and check into our overnight accommodation.
Accommodation: The Remington, Orange Ph: (02) 6361 6362

DAY 8

ORANGE - ALBURY MONDAY 3RD MAY
After breakfast we head to the Duntryleague Golf Club to enjoy a guided tour of the mansion followed by morning tea. The mansion was built in 1876 by prominent businessman James Dalton and is one of Orange's most treasured heritage landmarks. It showcases grand architecture and offers a fascinating glimpse into the region's prosperous colonial past. We farewell Orange and stop in Cootamundra for lunch at the Cootamundra Ex Serviceman's Memorial Club. Arrive home late afternoon after a fantastic tour with many fond memories and newfound friends made along the way.

TOUR COST

$3910.00 Per Person Twin/Double Share
$4760.00 Single Supplement

INCLUDES

Luxury touring coach for duration of tour
Accommodation as per itinerary
Meals as indicated on itinerary
Entrances to attractions as per itinerary
Goods and services tax

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner