6 Day Carols In The Jenolan Caves
Departs: Tour Completed
SUPER SAVER FARE: $1399 pp twin share
Book early to be a part of this special event that combines sightseeing in the Blue Mountains, Mudgee and Gulgong and the magic of the Jenolan Caves. Hop aboard for a journey down the historic Zig Zag Railway Line and be taken back to the time of coal fires, steam engines and compartment carriages when travel was at a more relaxed and leisurely pace. Watch clogs being made at the Clog Barn at Coff’s Harbour. Admire our beautiful coastline as we travel the Pacific Highway journeying through places such as Nambucca Heads, Kempsey, the picturesque McLeay Valley and Gosford.
Not to be missed is the breathtaking scenery from Govett’s Leap Lookout and Echo Point. Enjoy a delicious lunch at the Jenolan Caves Resort before making our way to the caves for the highlight of our tour —’Carols in the Cave’, with a magnificent ensemble of performers, singers, soloists and fabulous choirs; the sounds all combining to reverberate in the giant cavern of the Grand Arch. A glorious treasured memory of a spellbinding holiday!
DAY 1 HERVEY BAY — COFFS HARBOUR (D)
Thursday 11th December: An early start for passengers between Hervey Bay and Brisbane. Depart Brisbane Roma Street Station at 9.30am. Travel through the popular Gold Coast beaches and follow the sweeping New South Wales coastline through the seaside resort town of Brunswick Heads to Ballina for lunch (own expense). Continue southward crossing the Clarence River near Maclean, later driving alongside this mighty river towards Grafton, famous for its many Jacarandas. Endless banana plantations lead to Coffs Harbour overnight at the Sanctuary Resort Motor Inn.
DAY 2 COFFS HARBOUR — GOSFORD (BD)
Friday 12th December: Enjoy time this morning in Coffs Harbour with a visit to The Clog Barn - a Dutch Village in miniature complete with operating windmills and model trains. After morning tea, join the Pacific Highway to travel through Nambucca Heads, Kempsey and the picturesque Macleay Valley to Taree and Raymond Terrace. Arrive in Gosford with time to settle in to the Galaxy Motel before enjoying dinner at the adjoining Gosford RSL Club.
DAY 3 GOSFORD — KATOOMBA (BLD)
Saturday 13th December: From Gosford it is a short run through Parramatta to Penrith. Cross the Nepean River at the foot of the Great Dividing Range and ascend through the towns of Blaxland, Lawson and Wentworth toward the renowned Blue Mountains. Arrive at the Jenolan Caves for an afternoon of spellbinding entertainment. Enjoy a light Buffet Lunch at the famous Caves House before we make our way to our seats in the Grand Arch for a Christmas Concert Spectacular.
Performers are spotlighted high up in the cavern walls and the triumphant music fills the Grand Arch to make this afternoon one of “life’s treasured memories”. After the show we wind our way back to Katoomba with the sounds and sights of ‘Carols in the Cave’ in our hearts and minds. At Katoomba take in the inspiring views along the scenic Cliff Drive and at Echo Point stop to view the Three Sisters. Our stay in the Blue Mountains is at Katoomba surrounded by superb mountain scenery. Enjoy a two night stay at the Echo Point Motor Inn.
DAY 4 BLUE MOUNTAIN SIGHTSEEING (BD)
Sunday 14th December: More beautiful sights today of the Blue Mountains and the Jamison Valley as well as a chance to enjoy the thrill of the World’s steepest railway or perhaps the Skyway Cable Car (own expense). Next make our way to Govett’s Leap Lookout for views over the Grose Valley where green and blue hues stretch for miles. At Mount Victoria the quaint tea rooms provide an inviting morning tea stop with time to browse the many arts and craft shops.
On to Mt Tomah to discover the cool beauty of the areas temperate botanic garden; appreciate the depth and beauty of the variety of the plantings that are bursting with summertime colour. Buy lunch at the cafe and then retrace our steps to Lithgow to board the Zig Zag vintage steam train for a thrilling cliff hugging ride that offers beautiful views of the surrounding wilderness. Late afternoon return to Katoomba to experience another mood of the Blue Mountains as the sun’s fading light brings new life to the breathtaking cliffs and forests of this special place.
DAY 5 KATOOMBA — ARMIDALE (BLD)
Monday 15th December: Up early to farewell the Blue Mountains. Our journey now heads north through a ‘land of wine and honey’; the thriving township of Mudgee. Discover the many attractions unique to the area including the towns buildings and the boyhood home of Henry Lawson. More intriguing history is ours to enjoy a little further up the track at Gulgong - a town whose charm and character has ensured its survival after the gold rush days. The towns unique narrow streets featuring clapboard, verandahs and iron lace ARE revealed on a tour of the village highlights.
One can almost imagine the hustle and bustle of the gold mining town! Conclude our stay at Gulgong with a visit to the award winning Poineer Museum and a light lunch at “The Pantry”. From Gulgong admire the pastoral countryside through the small country towns of Coolah and Tambar Springs. Join the Oxley Highway near the important pastoral and agricultural centre of Gunnedah then head east for a town tour of Armidale, renowned for its prestigious parks, gardens and churches. Stay at the Country Comfort Armidale.
DAY 6 ARMIDALE—HERVEY BAY (B)
Tuesday 16th December: Departing Armidale pause at Guyra, the highest town on the plateau then head to Glen Innes to view the Celtic ‘Standing Stones’. Continue to Tenterfield to see the handsome civic buildings and the Tenterfield Saddlery. See Thunderbolt’s Hideout on the way north to Stanthorpe. After six wonderful days filled with pre-Christmas cheer and memories the final leg of our homeward journey is via the ‘Rose and Rodeo City’ of Warwick arriving in Brisbane at 5.00pm. Passengers north stay on board the coach.