North Coast NSW & Jacaranda Festival

DAY 1

ALBURY / WODONGA – GOLD COAST FRIDAY 24TH OCTOBER, 2025
Welcome to a wonderful experience with Martins Travel Albury for our 9 Day Tour to explore the North Coast of NSW and celebrate the fantastic Jacaranda Festival at Grafton. Group to assemble at Albury Airport at 12.35pm for departure at 1.40pm on Flight QF1970 to Brisbane arriving 2.35pm. Upon arriving in Brisbane, we head to Ormiston House – one of the best remaining examples of colonial architecture in Queensland.  We enjoy afternoon tea on the verandah and a self-guided tour before heading to the Gold Coast where we arrive at our accommodation in time for dinner.
Accommodation: Mantra at Sharks, Southport Ph: (07) 5603 3200

DAY 2

GOLD COAST – YAMBA SATURDAY 25TH OCTOBER
Leaving the Gold Coast this morning we make our way to Tropical Fruit World – home to the world’s largest variety of tropical fruit. 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. Whilst here we have morning tea, a fruit tasting and a train ride through the orchards. Commencing our journey south, we board Byron Bay Solar Train, a restored heritage train that operates on energy from the sun. Solar panels on the train and storage shed generate enough energy to not only run the train daily but also have enough power for 13 homes for a year.  Following our return train journey, we have lunch at the North Byron Hotel. This afternoon we make our way to Summerland House Farm. This beautiful macadamia and avocado farm is set high on the hills of the Alstonville plateau and in the centre of a volcano that erupted 20 million years ago! After a wonderful visit, we continue to Yamba, the hidden Jewel of the North Coast. We are in for a treat, as we will be staying at the Angourie Resort, surrounded by a lush subtropical rainforest.
Accommodation: Angourie Resort (2 Nights) Yamba Ph: 1800 343 107

DAY 3

GRAFTON & THE JACARANDA FESTIVAL SUNDAY 26TH OCTOBER
This morning we travel to Maclean. There is a wonderful lookout here which we will stop at, along with an interesting collection of shops and galleries including the Maclean Scottish Shop that specialises in the Scottish heritage of the area. Afterwards we head to nearby Grafton to join in the fun and colourful celebration of the Jacaranda Festival, where the town is enveloped in vibrant purple blossom. On arrival we are joined by a local guide who will show us around town before some leisure to enjoy the festival. Wander through the markets and view the many stalls, enjoy the entertainment of Market Square, experience the Grafton gardens or simply take in all the festival fun – the choice is yours! This afternoon we meet up again and return to our resort in Angourie.
*The program for the 2025 Jacaranda Festival has not been released, events are subject change *

DAY 4

YAMBA – COFFS HARBOUR MONDAY 27TH OCTOBER
This morning, we get to know this seaside town a little better starting at the Yamba Lighthouse to take in the fine views of this coastline. Then joining us will be a local expert to tell the tales and workings of Yamba. Afterwards we visit the Yamba Museum to uncover more of the towns rich and diverse history. Enjoy morning tea here before spending time wandering through the school rooms displays that illustrate the history behind the public education. You’ll also have access to the ‘Old Kirk’, an adjoining church to view the current exhibition. We then take a short ferry ride to Iluka – a beautiful coastal town close to one of Australia’s rarest and most accessible rainforest remnants. After lunch in Iluka, travel down the coast to Coffs Harbour.
Accommodation: Pacific Bay Resort (2 Nights) Coffs Harbour Ph: (02) 6659 7000

DAY 5

COFFS HARBOUR TUESDAY 28TH OCTOBER
We drive to Bruxner Park, passing banana plantations and avocado groves to Forest Sky Pier. On a clear day the lookout offers magnificent coastal views over the city of Coffs Harbour and up and down the coastline. Our next stop is quite magical, the Coffs Harbour Butterfly House, home to 350-400 live Australian butterflies. Enjoy strolling amongst these beautiful creatures with an informative guide, experiencing the life cycle of the butterfly and much more. We’ll enjoy morning tea before visiting the Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary, home to many marine animals including the Indo-Pacific bottle nose dolphins, Australian sea lions and a colony of little blue penguins. This afternoon we experience the colour and charm of Holland at the unique and quirky Clog Barn. See a clog making demonstration and take a stroll through the miniature Dutch village, handmade by owner Thomas Hartsuyker.  After an interesting day, we return to our motel.

DAY 6

COFFS HARBOUR – PORT MACQUARIE WEDNESDAY 29TH OCTOBER
We are back on the road this morning, heading down the coast we arrive just outside of Kempsey for a visit to the Slim Dusty Centre. David Gordon Kirkpatrick, famously known as Slim Dusty, was born and bred in Kempsey. The centre 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. Continuing our journey we stop at Ricardoes Tomatoes & Strawberries, which boasts five varieties of hydroponic strawberries with over 30,000 plants growing in their greenhouse. We have arranged lunch here before a guided tour of the farm. After time to stock up with many goodies from their shop, we head to Port Macquarie. Here we visit the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital for a fascinating talk and the possibility to meet some of the cuddly patients before checking into our accommodation.
Accommodation: Waters Edge Port Macquarie (2 Nights) Port Macquarie Ph: (02) 6583 2955

DAY 7

PORT MACQUARIE THURSDAY 30TH OCTOBER
Board the Port Jet Cruise for a cruise on the Hastings River with all its glory. Nature will entertain us with dolphins, turtles, osprey and sea eagles often spotted. Our vessel can access the nature reserves and wetland areas for a serene morning tea cruise. Once back on dry land, we are then off to visit the small community of Wauchope to uncover what life was like 100 years ago at Timbertown. Explore the authentically re-created timber-getters village and displays of a sawmill, church and school house and ride on a horse and carriage. Go gold panning and watch a blacksmith demonstration. Returning to Port Macquarie, we stop for a delicious visit at Vickers Fudge for a tasting of their locally made fudge, yum! 

DAY 8

PORT MACQUARIE – CENTRAL COAST FRIDAY 31ST OCTOBER
Leaving Port Macquarie, we travel to Alison Homestead where we enjoy a delicious lunch followed by a guided tour. The homestead is set on two hectares in a rural setting on Wyong’s first land grant dating back to 1825. 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 is Firescreek Botanical Winery who make award winning wines from a wide variety of fruits and botanicals. Here we 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 we have time to wander the beautiful property. We make our way to our accommodation.
Accommodation: Mercure Kooindah Waters, Wyong Ph: (02) 4355 5777

DAY 9

CENTRAL COAST – SYDNEY – ALBURY SATURDAY 1ST NOVEMBER
Today marks the last day of our holiday. However we make the most of it. Today we travel to Brooklyn Wharf where we board our special Seven Islands of the Hawkesbury Cruise. Onboard we’ll learn the history of the islands of the river – Lion, Dangar, Spectacle, Long, Peat, Milson and Bar Islands. Cruise past the water access only settlements of the Lower Hawkesbury and see the wreck of the HMAS Parramatta, Australia’s first warship and find out how it ended up lying at the bottom of the cliff! The views to the ocean behind Lion Island make for some spectacular photos, and we also get a close-up view of some ancient Aboriginal rock carvings at Eagle Rock. Our cruise also includes a delicious Ploughman’s lunch served on board. After spending the best part of the week exploring and discovering what the North Coast has to offer, we head to the Sydney Airport for Flight QF2207 departing at 3.00pm to Albury arriving 4.15pm.

TOUR COST

$5750.00 Per Person Twin / Double Share
$6765.00 Single Supplement

INCLUDES

Economy Flights: Albury - Brisbane Sydney - Albury
Coach Travel for duration of tour
Accommodation on basis as booked
Meals as indicated on itinerary
Entrances to attractions and cruises as per itinerary

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner