Highland Horizons – Armidale & Dorrigo Discovery
Days:
7 Days
Activity:
2. Moderate
$2,995.00
Tour description
Experience the breathtaking contrasts of New South Wales on this scenic journey through Armidale, Dorrigo and the beautiful Mid North Coast. From the moment we fly into the Gold Coast and begin our coastal-to-highlands ascent, the views unfold in a spectacular parade of beaches, rivers, rolling farmland and rugged ranges. Armidale, our first base, is a city of rich heritage and seasonal beauty, where autumn colours transform its parks and gardens into a warm tapestry of gold and crimson. With fine cathedrals, elegant heritage buildings, the celebrated New England Regional Art Museum and a proud university history, the city blends culture, learning and country charm. This is a region shaped by pastoral prosperity and surrounded by national parks that offer sweeping vistas, peaceful wilderness and deep sense of history.
Travelling along the iconic Waterfall Way, we make our way to Dorrigo — a region renowned for its lush rainforests, fertile valleys and spectacular escarpment views. Here, towering World Heritage–listed forests, tranquil walking trails and panoramic skywalks offer a true immersion in nature. Nearby Bellingen adds its own charm with boutique shops, creative culture and a picturesque river valley framed by the Dorrigo ranges. The journey concludes with a relaxing final night in Port Macquarie, where coastal breezes and vineyard visits round out a delightful week of discovery. Thoughtfully paced with comfortable accommodation and a rich variety of experiences, this tour showcases the beauty, culture and heart of inland and coastal New South Wales.
Tour Departure Location = Sydney
Travelling from somewhere else? Return flight quotes are available on request. Please contact our team to join the tour.
Itinerary
Our adventure begins with a flight from Sydney to the Gold Coast, where we meet our coach and begin travelling south along the scenic coastline. We pause in Yamba to enjoy lunch, taking in the relaxed seaside atmosphere before continuing inland through rolling countryside. As we climb into the New England Highlands, we’re greeted by the last of the autumn colours—golden trees and soft light painting the landscape. We arrive in Armidale, ready to share dinner and settle in for the night.
Overnight: Cotswold Gardens, Armidale
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Today we explore Armidale’s blend of history and culture. We begin with a guided town tour, discovering grand cathedrals and elegant streetscapes. At McCrossin’s Mill Museum, we uncover tales of bushrangers and pioneers, then visit the New England Regional Art Museum, home to outstanding Australian works. After lunch, we tour Saumarez Homestead, (opening h urs pending) a beautifully preserved pastoral estate, and wander through the Armidale Arboretum. Tonight, we gather for a hearty meal, reflecting on the region’s rich heritage.
Overnight: Cotswold Gardens, Armidale
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We set out to explore the stunning Waterfall Way, stopping first at the majestic Wollomombi Falls, where the cascades tumble dramatically into the gorge below. We enjoy morning tea in the fresh mountain air before continuing to Dutton Trout Farm, a peaceful property nestled amid rolling hills and crystal-clear streams. Here we learn about sustainable trout farming and the region’s cool-climate aquaculture, with time to explore the ponds and scenic surrounds. Later, we visit the spectacular Ebor Falls and pause for a hearty country pub lunch before arriving at our tranquil mountain retreat for dinner and relaxation.
Overnight: Lookout Mountain Retreat Dorrigo
Meals Included: Breakfast, Morning Tea, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we breathe in the cool mountain air at the Dorrigo Rainforest Centre, taking in spectacular views from the Skywalk above the canopy. After morning tea and a gentle walk at The Glade, we continue to the charming town of Bellingen, exploring its boutiques and the historic Old Butter Factory. Over lunch, we enjoy the town’s welcoming atmosphere before returning to our retreat for an afternoon of relaxed games on the lawn and another delicious dinner together.
Overnight: Lookout Mountain Retreat Dorrigo
Meals Included: Breakfast, Morning Tea, Lunch, Dinner
Today we descend from the highlands to the sparkling coast, beginning with morning tea in the lush Coffs Harbour Botanic Gardens. We visit the Solitary Islands Aquarium to learn about the region’s marine life, then enjoy lunch in town. In the afternoon, we explore the delightful Butterfly House, where hundreds of colourful species flutter through the tropical enclosure. We return to our retreat to relax, surrounded by the serenity of the mountain backdrop.
Overnight: Lookout Mountain Retreat Dorrigo
Meals Included: Breakfast, Morning Tea, Lunch, Dinner
We farewell the mountains and head south along the scenic coastline. A stroll along the Urunga Boardwalk offers panoramic ocean views, followed by morning tea and a visit to the Honey Place, where we taste delicious local honey. After lunch at South West Rocks, we enjoy a wine tasting at Cassegrain Vineyard, set among rolling vines. Arriving in Port Macquarie, we settle into our riverside hotel and share dinner overlooking the water.
Overnight: Rydges Port Macquarie
Meals Included: Breakfast, Morning Tea, Lunch, Dinner
Our final day begins with morning tea in Bulahdelah, before we step aboard a Lake Macquarie lunch cruise, gliding across calm waters as we savour our last shared meal. It’s a peaceful finale to a week filled with natural wonders, heritage stories, and warm hospitality. After disembarking, we continue our journey back to Sydney, carrying with us treasured memories of the highlands and coast.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Morning Tea, Lunch
Activity Levels
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1. Easy
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2. Moderate
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3. Active Moderate
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4. Adventurous
Testimonials
I have had many trips with you and have enjoyed them very much.
Sincerely, Janet.
Re: Batemans Bay Hi Debbie, We have just returned from a 4-day trip to Bateman’s Bay with with Jimmy as our driver. I wanted to email to tell you how good he was. He was so friendly and pleasant, nothing was too much trouble, and his help / support of our older Ex-Servicemen and their wives was outstanding. He was also very interested in out stories which was lovely. I know we always get that level of service from OnCourse, and wanted you to know that it continued with Jimmy. He was so articulate on the microphone and always had some interesting bits of information about where we were or where we were near. The weather on our trip could have been better, but he did his best, moved things around, found places for us to stop in the rain, and always with a smile on his face and made the trip so enjoyable. His handling of the coach was also something we all commented on. Once again, another lovely trip away, and I wouldn’t hesitate to go on any trip Jimmy was involved in.
