Day 1 (L,D) HOME, ROSEDALE, SALE, LAKES ENTRANCE

Following Melbourne metropolitan home/hotel pick up (interstate passengers arrive day prior) we travel east along the Princes Highway through West Gippsland. Morning cuppa at Yarragon. View the rolling Strzelecki’s as we divert at Trafalgar via Thorpdale to central Gippsland and Morwell, centre of brown coal electricity generation. Lunch at Rosedale. During the afternoon we continue to Sale, once an important inland river port and today the largest city in Gippsland. We continue to Bairnsdale and Metung before arriving at Lakes Entrance and our home for tonight, the Banjo Paterson Resort.

Day 2 (B,L,D) LAKES ENTRANCE, CANN RIVER, EDEN, MERIMBULA, BATEMANS BAY

This morning we continue along the Princes Highway to Orbost, Cann River and Genoa. Crossing the border, we reach Eden and Merimbula. Lunch today is in this delightful seaside town. Following lunch we travel up the beautiful coast to Bega, a National Trust-classified Central Tilba township, home to many art and craft shops, Narooma and Batemans Bay. Home for tonight, the Sunseeker Motor Inn.

Day 3 (B,L,D) BATEMANS BAY, KIAMA, PORT KEMBLA, SYDNEY, GOSFORD

Travel to Ulladulla, morning cuppa at Nowra, and Kiama where we view the spectacular blowhole and lighthouse. Light lunch at Port Kembla before continuing to Wollongong and Bulli Pass with spectacular views of the coast. Journey along the new coastal highway to Sydney, also spectacular views. We cross the Sydney Harbour Bridge, exit the city and travel north, crossing the Hawkesbury, arriving in the Gosford region and our home for two nights, Treetops Resort, Avoca Beach or similar.

Day 4 (B,L,D) GOSFORD, RIVERBOAT POSTMAN, TERRIGAL

A short drive this morning to Brooklyn and the Hawkesbury River system. Join Australia’s last Riverboat Postman as he delivers mail to some of the river residents. Smorgasbord luncheon as we cruise. A very relaxing morning in picturesque surroundings. During the afternoon visit nearby Terrigal on the coast.

Day 5 (B,L,D) GOSFORD, SWANSEA, NEWCASTLE, TAREE, PORT MACQUARIE

Today we travel via The Entrance and Swansea to the mining centre of Newcastle and then further north to Taree, situated on the Manning River, for lunch. Following lunch we continue via Laurieton and Camden Haven, with great views from Big Brother Mountain before arriving in Port Macquarie and our home for two nights, Quality Sails Resort.

Day 6 (B,L,D) PORT MACQUARIE

Relax in Port Macquarie today. Enjoy coastal views as we visit Gaol Point and Tacking Point Lighthouse lookout, the Koala Hospital, Sea Acres Rainforest Centre and St Thomas’ Church, convict-built around 1824. Time also to enjoy a walk along the beach, browse in the shops, or stroll along the waterfront.

Day 7 (B,L,D) PORT MACQUARIE, ARAKOON, NAMBUCCA HEADS, COFFS HARBOUR

This morning we travel north, diverting to Crescent Head prior to visiting the Kempsey Pioneer Museum. Then to picturesque South West Rocks for lunch, followed by a visit to nearby Arakoon, with its now disused Trial Bay Gaol. During the afternoon we continue to Nambucca Heads and Coffs Harbour. Our home for tonight is the Quality Inn City Centre.

Day 8 (B,L,D) COFFS HARBOUR, GRAFTON, ULMARRA, BALLINA

Our journey north continues to Grafton then to Ulmarra, a National Trust-classified 19th Century river port village, for a morning cuppa on the banks of the Clarence River with time also for a stroll. On to Maclean and Woodburn before arriving in Ballina for lunch. Relax in the afternoon with a tour of the township, river front and ocean beaches. Home for tonight, Ballina Beach Resort.

Day 9 (B,L,D) BALLINA, BYRON BAY, MURWILLUMBAH, COOLANGATTA, SURFERS PARADISE

Continuing north, we visit Lennox Head, Byron Bay, with its beautiful seafront walk and Byron Lighthouse. Continue to Murwillumbah where we visit the Tweed River Art Gallery. Following lunch we travel to Tweed Heads and Coolangatta prior to arriving in Surfers Paradise where we visit Q-Deck on levels 77 & 78 of the Q1 Tower for breathtaking views of the Gold Coast, Canals and Hinterland. Afternoon tea whilst enjoying the views. Home for tonight the Vibe Hotel Surfers Paradise.

Day 10 (B,L,D) SURFERS PARADISE, CALOUNDRA

Today we travel to Beenleigh Village before crossing the Brisbane River on Gateway Bridge, close to Brisbane Airport. We continue north to Caloundra, arriving in time for lunch. Home for two nights is Rydges Oasis Resort, set in acres of tropical grounds, a hop, step and jump from the beach. Time to relax and enjoy the resort prior to dinner together.

Day 11 (B,L,D) NOOSA HEADS

Today we travel along the coast to a favourite holiday destination, Noosa Heads, with a great luncheon cruise on the Noosa River on the MV Noosa Queen. Time to stroll along the famous Hastings Street, or perhaps you would prefer a walk along the beach.

Day 12 (B,L,D) CALOUNDRA, MAROOCHYDORE, HOME

Sadly our holiday comes to an end as we transfer to Maroochydore and the Sunshine Coast Airport for our direct flight back to Melbourne. Lunch in flight. On arrival in Melbourne, home or hotel transfers are available. Passengers from other states may fly via Melbourne or direct to their home port, depending on airline schedules. So concludes a most enjoyable East Coast holiday.