Jacaranda Journey

This morning, after a leisurely breakfast at a local cafe and checking out, we’ll transfer to the Railway Station to board the XPT to continue our journey north. This full day scenic trip takes you through the heart of regional Australia, showcasing lush valleys, historic towns, and coastal hinterlands as the train passes through farmland, rivers, eucalypt forests, and historic country towns such as Taree, Kempsey, and Coffs Harbour. You’ll be able to buy tea, coffee, snacks, and lunch at leisure from the onboard Buffet Car.

Upon arrival in Grafton, we’ll transfer directly to our hotel in the heart of Grafton for some time to freshen up before enjoying dinner together at the nearby historic Crown Hotel.  

Overnight: Abbey Motor Inn, Grafton (B, D)

Today is Festival Day! We’ll start with breakfast at a local cafe close to our accommodation before visiting Schaeffer House, a beautifully preserved Federation-style residence that now serves as the headquarters of the Clarence River Historical Society—the oldest country historical society in New South Wales. The Museum here offers visitors a rich glimpse into the Clarence Valley’s past through its extensive collections, including a significant Wedgewood collection of over 170 pieces, considered one of the largest on public display in NSW; historical artefacts such as an iron lung, a portable X-ray machine, and a 1909 wedding dress; a flogging horse and cat-o’-nine-tails from early settler days; and a 6-foot scale model of the Pulganbar, a vessel from the North Coast Steam Navigation Company. After exploring the museum, our knowledgeable guide will join us aboard the coach for a captivating tour of Grafton’s heritage highlights. Discover the stories behind iconic landmarks such as the historic Post Office, Court House, Cathedral, and Gaol. We’ll also take in the natural beauty of Fig Tree Avenue and cross the famed Bendy Bridge—an architectural gem in its own right.

You’ll then be free for the rest of the day to enjoy the Jacaranda Festival and all its offerings at your leisure.  The Grafton Jacaranda Festival is Australia’s oldest floral celebration, with origins tracing back to the 1880s when Grafton seed merchant Henry Volkers began planting jacaranda trees throughout the town. These trees have since become a defining feature of Grafton’s landscape.  Formally established in 1935, the festival honors the city’s iconic jacaranda trees, which transform the streets into a sea of purple blossoms each spring. A public Hop On-Hop Off Bus will ensure you get to see all the spectacular locations! 

Both lunch and dinner are at leisure today to maximise everything the Festival has to offer.

Overnight: Abbey Motor Inn, Grafton (B)

This morning after breakfast and check out, we’ll make our way to the Grafton Railway Station for the journey to our next stop on this little regional escape – Wauchope. We’ll be met by our private coach on arrival and transferred to Timbertown, an authentic recreation of a colonial-era sawmilling village, complete with over 40 buildings, including a blacksmith’s forge, a schoolhouse, and a general store. The park’s centerpiece is the Timbertown Heritage Railway, a narrow-gauge railway featuring the historic “Ruby” steam locomotive, built in 1928, which you’ll enjoy a ride on. Upon arrival, we’ll enjoy lunch in the Whistlestop Café before exploring the park.

In the mid-afternoon, we’ll board our coach and transfer the short distance to Port Macquarie and check into our centrally-located hotel, before enjoying dinner and drinks on a sunset cruise on the lake.

Overnight: Mercure Centro, Port Macquarie (B, L, D)

This morning after breakfast and check out, we’ll set off to explore the Sea Acres Rainforest Centre, a premier eco-tourism destination nestled within the lush Sea Acres National Park. The highlight of the centre is an easily accessible and gentle 1.3-kilometre elevated boardwalk that meanders through the rainforest canopy, enabling you to explore the diverse flora and fauna, including towering Bangalow palms, strangler figs, and an array of bird species. 

We’ll then move on to Roto House, a beautifully preserved late-Victorian weatherboard home, for lunch together. Built in 1891 by surveyor John Flynn using local red mahogany, this 11-room residence showcases classic Victorian Georgian architecture, featuring a bull-nosed verandah, ruby leadlight windows, and cast iron lamps in its grand hallway. The interior is adorned with period furnishings, providing visitors with an authentic experience of affluent life in the late 1800s, and the few remaining 19th-century buildings in the area.

After lunch, we’ll transfer to the Wauchope Railway Station for the train back to Sydney. 

(B, L)