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                                Stanthorpe Tour 2022

Day 1: On arrival at Warwick, we visit the Warwick & District Historical Society.  It includes a collection of buildings that features furniture and household items representing more than 130 years of family life in the region.

We enjoy a guided tour of the town with a local guide with time afterwards to purchase lunch.

Stopping at Glengallan Homestead and Heritage Centre, we are greeted by our guide who will lead us on an intriguing tour of the homestead.  Uninhabited for more than half its lifetime, it remains frozen in time and is one of the few remaining examples of a 19th century house in Queensland.

We head to Stanthorpe, set in the middle of a mixed farming area where industries range from wineries and orchards to sheep and cattle grazing.

Unpack and relax,we will be staying here for the next 4 nights.

Day 2:  We explore the Truffle Discovery Centre, home to the rare and highly valuable Fresh Perigord Truffle.  Unearth all that is truffle with a tour and gourmet food tastings.

Next, we head to Stanthorpe Cheese where a selection of cheeses, at their peak of perfection, are awaiting us.

For lunch, we travel to Granite Belt Brewery and Retreat.  Set in 30 acres of natural bushland, the country estate boasts a rustic atmosphere with delicious food and handcrafted beers.

Dinner is at the award winning Varias Restaurant, located at the Queensland College of Wine Tourism, the restaurant offers a world class dining experience with a focus on the best local produce, prepared and served by hospitality students.

Day 3: We enjoy another day of local touring beginning at the Granite Belt Christmas farm.  Nenowned for bringing the 'Christmas Spirit' alive all year round, we are welcomed by our wonderful host and give a short talk explaining how the farm works and the uniqueness of this magical industry.  Mrs Claus may even have some of her festive sweet treats on hand for us to sample.

Next we visit the Stanthorpe Regional Art Gallery which houses a collection of almost 900 pieces representing the diversity of Australian art practice through a range of mediums.  From painting, ceramics, works on paper and sculpture, the gallery displays quality exhibitions of both national and local importance.

We have a chance to visit a genuine working apple orchid, growing both dessert and cider apples.  From small beginnings, Sutton's Farm has gradually evolved into the shop and cafe we see today.  A delicious lunch, including fruit and herbs grown in the garden and orchids adds to the freshness of the experience.

Day 4: We head out of town, stopping in Glen Aplin at Jamworks.  Here we can try a wide range of jams and chutneys all made using only the freshest and best quality ingredients.  

Arriving in Ballandean to uncover the natural handmade products of the Sashoop Farm Soaperie.  Choose from sweet, playful, luxurious and downright practical - there is something in the range to suit all needs and desires.

Next we arrive at Queensland's oldist family owned and operated winery, Ballandean Estate.  The Puglisi family have made wine on this estate for over 80 years.  Sit back and relax as we enjoy a wine tasting and lunch amongst the rustic wine barrels with views over the rolling vineyards.

Day 5: We retrace our steps back to Warwick where we visit the must-see atttraction in town, the Abbey of the Roses.  Formally an Our Lady of the Assumption Convent, built for the Sisters of Mercy.  Here we enjoy an educational tour telling us about the beautiful old building which is steeped in local history.

Located in the beautiful Lockyer Valley, the Awassi Queensland property is a hidden gem.  We enjoy lunch followed by a guided talk and tour of the farm to learn about sheep and cheese making.  The bespoke cheesery makes all the cheese on the farm from 100% sheep milk.  

We continue home arriving mid-afternoon from a fantastic tour.

5 Day Bellingen Valley & Coffs Harbour Discovery October 2024

Day 1: Brisbane - South Grafton - Coffs Harbour

After our early morning coach pick up, we commence our 5 day adventure down to the beautiful Bellingen Valley and Coffs coast region.  Our first stop is the Byron Shire and the town of Mullumbimby, where we enjoy morning tea from the coach.

We continue south, travelling along the Northern NSW coastline, arriving at the Crown Hotel in the picturesque Clarence Valley in time for lunch.

Refreshed and refuelled, we travel down to the coastal haven of Coffs Harbour and enjoy a tour by coach around Coffs Harbour before our check-in at the Best Western Zebra Motel.  We have time to refresh, before gathering to enjoy dinner tonight at the motel.

Day 2: Bellingen Valley - Dorrigo - Bellingen Village

This morning we make our way to the Bellingen Valley and along the beautiful Waterfall Way "rated the best scenic drive in NSW" to Dorrigo.

We stop en-route at the Griffith Lookout which offers some of the most superb views of the Coffs Coast. We enjoy breathtaking wilderness views of the Great Dividing Range unfolding to the south whilst to the east, we see the Pacific Ocean and, on a clear days, right down to Kempsey some 100 kilometers away. 

We visit picturesque Dangar Falls and enjoy the views from the platform or take the 20 minute return walk to the bottom of the falls.  Our next stop is the Dorrigo National Parks Skywalk and Interpretive Centre, offering unforgettable views over the Dorrigo National Park, from Bellingen Valley to the coast.

We enjoy lunch at the Canopy Cafe, and view the Skywalk Lookout, a 70m boardwalk that soars over the edge of the escarpment, some 21m above the rainforest.  After free time in Dorrigo, we begin our journey via Waterall Way to Bellingen Village, where we have time to take in some of the unique specialty shops and purchase any wares that take our fancy.

We then travel back to accommodation and enjoy dinner and conversation after a wonderful day of touring.

Day 3: Coffs Harbour

This morning we make our way the the Coffs Habour Marina Precinct and visit the Solitary Islands Aquarium, a marine treasure! This acquarium is operated by the NSW Government Marine Parks Authority and allows us to dive in and explore the unique marine environment without even getting wet!

Following our time at the aquarium, we enjoy some free time exploring the Coffs Harbour Marina.

For all those sweet tooths, our next stop is the Carobana Confectionery Factory.  This iconic and long standing local business was started here in Coffs in 1982 by the Hamey family, combining its beginnings as a banana farm and the preference for carob over cocoa to create "Carobana". Welcoming all with an amazing selection of sweet treats, Corobana will have our mouths watering.

We continue our day's touring with our next stop, at the Clog Barn and Miniature Dutch Village.  Here we enjoy a little piece of Holland in Coffs Harbour, enjoying a Dutch Tasting Plate for lunch and exploring the gift shop and model village. 

Our final stop for the day is the Forest Sky Pier which is located at Sealy Lookout, within the Bruxer Park Flora Reserve.  The pier extends 21 metres out from the lookout and stands 15 metres above the forest floor, offering amazing panoramic views.

Day 4: Kempsey- Taylors Arm - King Tide Brewery

Our first stop this morning is the town of Urunga at the Honey Place for an informative insight into the mystrious world of the honey bee.  A glass display hive lets us get up close and personal while they work their magic.  We admire the friendly Australian Native bee (non-stinging), view a a very informative video and taste the many varieties of honey available.

We continue our days touring, travelling south, to Kempsey, where we enjoy a tour and morning tea at the Slim Dusty Centre and museum featuring objects and images from the Kirkpatrick family's own etensive archive as well as contributions from fans and friends from all over the world.

We move away from the coast now, travelling inland through Macksville en-route to Taylors Arm and the famous Pub With No Beer for lunch.  After lucnh we make our way to Nambucca Heads, Captain Cook Lookout.  Set on a high bluff, Captain Cook Lookout has show stopping views and is a fantastic vantage point to view the whales during migration season. 

After taking in the majestic views, we travel north, back to Coffs Harour, to visit one of the region's most popular exports, King Tide Brewing. We relax in the family atmosphere of the popular brewpub, that features a European inspired kitchen, two bars and expansive beer garden and taste the locally brewed beer.

After a fun and relaxing afternoon, we return to the motel for dinner.

Day 5: Woolgoolga Beach - Casino - Grafton - Lismore - Brisbane

Today we farewell our hosts at Best Western Zebra Motel, we travel north to Woolgoolga Beach and enjoy a tour by coach, visiting the Woolgoolga Headland which features panoramic coastal views that stretch to Yuraygir National Park and the dunes and rolling hills of the Coffs Coast and hinerland. A great location to spot migrating whates from May to October.

Continuing our journey home, we make our way to Casino, travelling via Summerland Way and enjoy a delicious lunch at Casino.

We tavel home to Brisbane via Lismore where we see the devastion of floods.  We stop at Grafton to view the wonderful Jacandra trees in bloom and just in time for their festival and enjoy afternoon tea.  

On our final leg of the trip, we reflect upon the wonderful time in the Belligen Valley and Coffs Harbour

         Tenterfield & Glen Innes October 2025

Day 1: Glen Innes was settled by Scots and regards itself as the Celtic capital of New England and is also known fondly as the “Land of the Beardies”. It is renowned for its gemstones and minerals and is the centre of a large sapphire industry. After meeting our fellow travellers, we begin our picturesque drive to charming country town of Kyogle. As we drive through Kyogle, it becomes clear that cattle grazing, dairy farming and forestry are the primary industries here. We stop for lunch in Casino before continuing to Glen Innes, our home for the next four nights.

Day 2: Today we discover Tenterfield. Explore the township through the eyes of our local tour guide, as they lead us on a sightseeing tour from the coach. The town was first made famous by Sir Henry Parkes and his 1889 speech which set in motion the popular movement resulting in the Australian Federation. We also drive past the Tenterfield Saddler which was made famous by Peter Allen’s tribute to his past and grandfather George Woolnough in the song ‘Tenterfield Saddler’. After our tour, we’ll have free time in town. Next, we visit the enchanting Bungalow & Ivy Leaf Chapel garden where we’ll enjoy afternoon tea and a tour of the garden. Through the seasons, Kim has planted, nurtured and watched life bloom all around her in her garden. She says the connection between the soil, her garden and her health is undeniable. The Ivy Leaf Chapel garden has become a structure symbolising a place of contemplation and tranquillity, and has become a popular spot for weddings.

Day 3: Our tour today will see us remain in Glen Innes. We begin this morning’s activities with a local guide who will help us explore this charming town and uncover the great cultural significance of the Australian Standing Stones, a tribute to the Celtic heritage of the early European settlers. We’ll then have free time to wander around Glen Innes at leisure before visiting Garagenalia. Prepare to step back in time at Garagenalia as John and Josie Ellis display more than 100 vintage petrol bowsers from around the world in an incredible collection. We’ll stop for lunch at the Railway Tavern before then heading on to the Glen
Gowrie Distillery located in the outskirts of town. Taste handcrafted spirits made from scratch using traditional techniques in a peaceful farm setting. They boast an impressive range of contemporary gins and Italian-style liqueurs. After an interesting day, we make our way back to our accommodation.

Day 4: We farewell Glenn Innes this morning and retrace our steps to the town of Tenterfield where we visit the spectacular Behind the Hedge for a guided tour. Behind the Hedge is a hidden retreat surrounded by nature. After our garden tour, we’ll progress to Stanthorpe for Jamworks, where we’ll try a wide range of jams and chutneys all made using only the freshest and best quality ingredients. We’ll also stop for lunch before we continue our journey home.

                   4 Day Dalby-Jondaryan Trip (October 2026)

Day 1: Depart Brisbane for Japanese Garden, Toowoomba followed by lunch at the City Golf Club.  On our way to Drovers Motel, Dalby, stop at the Australian Arm Flying Museum, Oakey.  Dinner at the Dalby Leagues Club.

Day 2: Dalby Saleyards followed by a brief visit to the Dalby Arts Centre and Dalby World Shopping Centre for lunch.  Spend the afternoon at Jimbour House with afternoon tea on the veranda.  Dinner at the Russell Tavern.

Day 3: Jondaryan Woolshed followed by a lunch and a walk down Dalby main street looking at the historic buildings.  In the afternooon, depart for Loake Broadwater Conservation Park with pre-dinner nibbles and champagne.  Dinner at the Dalby Hotel.

Day 4: Depart for a brief stop at Kaimkillenbun, then Bell for morning coffee and site seeing.  Depart for Dandabah with brief stops at viewing points.  Lunch at the Bunya Mountains Tavernand then depart for Brisbane.