Day One: To Bellingen

Depart from your designated location aboard your luxury coach for the journey of approximately 550 kilometres to the beautiful Coffs Coast. The route is now an excellent dual highway for the entire trip. For Sydney passengers, a morning break will usually be provided at the M1 Service Centre near Newcastle, where you’ll have the opportunity to purchase coffee and snacks. Lunch will be provided at Nabiac, followed by an afternoon comfort stop at a highway service centre. On arrival in Bellingen, check in to The Lodge Bellingen, unpack, relax, and enjoy the stunning views before dinner is served in the restaurant. During your stay, your contact number will be: 02 6655 1599. (L, D)

Day Two: Welcome to O’Reilly’s

After breakfast, depart Bellingen and travel north toward Queensland, enjoying the changing scenery as you journey along the coast. A morning tea stop will be made in Maclean, providing time to stretch your legs and purchase refreshments. Continue on to the iconic seaside town of Byron Bay, where lunch will be included and there will be time to soak up the relaxed atmosphere of this famous coastal destination. This afternoon, cross into Queensland and make your way into the spectacular Gold Coast Hinterland, travelling through rolling farmland before beginning the climb into the breathtaking Lamington National Park. As you wind your way up the mountain roads, the scenery changes dramatically, with towering eucalypt forests, lush subtropical rainforest, and pockets of ancient Antarctic beech trees—some of the oldest surviving tree species in the world. Along the drive, you may also spot impressive hoop pines, giant fig trees, and dense stands of rainforest palms, all forming part of this World Heritage-listed wilderness. Lamington National Park is renowned for its rich biodiversity, dramatic escarpments, and misty rainforest canopy, and is home to an extraordinary variety of birdlife and native wildlife. Late afternoon you’ll arrive at the famous O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat for the next 2 nights, nestled high in the rainforest. On arrival you will be greeted with a glass of sparkling wine at the Manager’s welcome before an audio-visual presentation before dinner. After check-in, unpack, relax, and soak in the peaceful surroundings before enjoying dinner in the resort restaurant and then a glow worms tour before retiring for the evening. Your contact during your stay here will be 07 5502 4911 (B,L,D)

Day Three: Lamington National Park

You may wish to greet the day with an early morning bird walk, when the rainforest is at its most magical. As the mist lingers in the treetops and the forest slowly awakens, the calls of whipbirds, bowerbirds and king parrots echo through the canopy. It’s a peaceful and invigorating way to begin the day, offering wonderful opportunities to observe Lamington’s remarkable birdlife in its natural habitat. After your walk, return to enjoy a full buffet breakfast, featuring a generous selection of hot and cold dishes to suit every taste. Relax with a freshly brewed coffee and take in the serene surrounds before the morning’s adventure begins. Late morning, you’ll join a fascinating 4WD Billy Tea and history tour. Travelling through rugged tracks and spectacular rainforest scenery, your guide will share stories of the region’s Indigenous heritage, early settlers and the pioneering families who helped shape the area. Along the way, pause to enjoy traditional billy tea and damper, adding an authentic Australian touch to the experience. The tour continues through to lunchtime, giving you a deeper appreciation of this extraordinary landscape. Following lunch, take your seat for the engaging Birds of Prey show. Watch in awe as majestic raptors demonstrate their speed, agility and intelligence in an up-close and educational presentation. Afterwards, there’s time to feed some of the friendly resident birds, creating memorable photo opportunities and delightful encounters. The afternoon is yours to explore at a relaxed pace. You may choose to unwind at Lost World Spas, browse for souvenirs and local treasures in the gift shop, or simply soak up the tranquil rainforest atmosphere. Later, enjoy a delightful afternoon tea before setting out on the self-guided Tree Top Walk. Suspended high above the forest floor, the walkway offers a unique perspective of the ancient canopy and sweeping views across the lush landscape — a truly unforgettable experience. By now, you’ll have worked up an appetite and be ready to indulge in a sumptuous dinner, the perfect way to conclude a rewarding day immersed in the natural beauty of Lamington National Park. (B,L,D)

Day Four: O’Reilly’s to Surfers Paradise via Natural Bridge

After breakfast, depart O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat and farewell the peaceful surrounds of Lamington National Park as you descend through the spectacular mountain ranges of the Gold Coast Hinterland. Travel through scenic countryside to Mountview Alpaca Farm, where you’ll enjoy a delightful visit and the chance to meet these friendly animals up close. Learn about alpacas and their soft fleece, enjoy the relaxed farm setting, and don’t forget your camera—this is a wonderful photo opportunity. Continue on to the stunning Natural Bridge in Springbrook National Park, a unique natural wonder where a waterfall has carved a cave through ancient volcanic rock. Take a gentle walk through the lush subtropical rainforest, surrounded by towering trees, ferns, and vines, and enjoy time to admire the spectacular rock formation and cascading waterfall. After your visit, travel on to the charming town of Murwillumbah, where lunch will be provided. This afternoon continue north toward the Gold Coast, arriving in Surfers Paradise where you will check in to your accommodation and have time to freshen up. Tonight, enjoy a memorable evening of entertainment with dinner and show at the Australian Outback Spectacular. Experience an incredible production featuring Australian storytelling, horsemanship, music, and special effects, all while enjoying a delicious themed meal. Return to your hotel later this evening. (B,L,D)

Day Five: Surfers Paradise to Bellingen

Enjoy a relaxed start to the day with a well-earned sleep in and a leisurely breakfast. As we won’t be departing until late morning, you will have the morning free to enjoy Surfers Paradise at your own pace. Take a stroll along the famous beachfront, explore the local shops and cafés, or simply relax and soak up the Gold Coast atmosphere. Late morning, depart Surfers Paradise and begin your journey south, travelling along the scenic coastal highway back into New South Wales. Arrive in Ballina where lunch will be provided, before continuing the journey along the beautiful Northern Rivers coastline. Later this afternoon, enjoy a stop at the charming coastal town of Yamba, where there will be time for afternoon tea at your own expense, and the opportunity to take in the relaxed riverside atmosphere. Continue on to Bellingen, arriving later this afternoon back at The Lodge where we staying on the northbound journey. Check in to your accommodation, unpack, relax, and enjoy dinner this evening. (B,L,D)

Day Six: Homeward bound

This morning after breakfast depart & travel home, hopefully taking with you some wonderful memories of your time on this tour. A morning tea break will be provided at the Service Centre mid-morning where you can purchase a coffee followed by lunch provided at a convenient location mid-way during the day before returning home. Thank you for choosing this tour. (B,L)

Please note there is the option to fly return to OOL on Day 2 and back on Day 5 and reduce the tour to 4 days – you will have this option during the booking process.