9 Day Christmas in July, Hawkesbury Valley

Departing: Friday 3rd July 2026

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Fitness Level: please contact one of our consultants if you have any questions.

Meals: B = Breakfast / L = Lunch / PL = Picnic Lunch / D = Dinner / FD = Feature Dinner

TRAVEL ITINERARY

DAY 1 - HOME to BALLINA    (D)

Friday 3rd July 2026:  Welcome to our 9 day tour of the Hawkesbury Valley. Once settled, sit back, relax and meet fellow travellers as we journey south to Ballina for the evening. We’ll make convenience stops and pause for lunch en-route. On arrival, we visit the Ballina Naval Maritime Museum with displays on the Port, local history, women in the navy, interactive exhibits and a working triple-expansion steam engine. 

Stay: Ballina Byron Islander Resort

DAY 2 - BALLINA to MAITLAND     (BLD)

Saturday 4th July:  We settle in for today’s journey with a morning stop in Grafton, then rejoin the coast at Coffs Harbour before enjoying lunch in Urunga. This afternoon, we continue south, arriving in Maitland for our overnight stay. 

Stay: Mercure Maitland Monte Pio

DAY 3 - MAITLAND to HAWKESBURY VALLEY     (BLD)

Sunday 5th July:  This morning we visit Broken Bay Pearls, the only pearl farm on Australia’s East Coast. Our discovery tour includes a cruise to the oyster leases on the scenic Hawkesbury River and an exclusive pearl grading session inside the restricted-access Pearl Room. Returning, we learn the seven virtues that define pearl value before browsing the collection. Lunch is arranged at Berowra RSL Club, followed by a visit to the Museums Discovery Centre, a collaboration of Sydney’s leading museums. Later, we arrive at Crowne Plaza Hawkesbury Valley, our base for the next four nights. 

Stay: Crowne Plaza Hawkesbury Valley

DAY 4 - WILBERFOCE AND EBENEZER    (BLD)

Monday 6th July:  We journey into Australia's colourful past at the Australiana Pioneer Village in Wilberforce. Step back in time, explore the grounds, see the blacksmith at work, and hear bush musicians play colonial tunes. Enjoy damper with cocky's joy and billy tea at Damper Camp, or browse speciality shops for unique gifts and souvenirs. Next, we visit Ebenezer’s Tizzana Winery. Here we enjoy a tasting, lunch, and a relaxing end to the day. Tonight, we celebrate Christmas with a festive resort dinner. 

Stay: Crowne Plaza Hawkesbury Valley

DAY 5 - RIVERBOAT POSTMAN CRUISE    (BLD)

Tuesday 7th July:  After an early breakfast, we head to Brooklyn Wharf for Australia’s Last Riverboat Postman Cruise. Operating since 1910, it has long served river communities, and today we share the experience. Lunch is included. After a memorable day, we return to the resort. 

Stay: Crowne Plaza Hawkesbury Valley

DAY 6 - ZIG ZAG RAILWAY & BOTANICAL GARDENS     (BD)

Wednesday 8th July:  Today we visit the popular Zig Zag Railway, built 1866–1869 and hailed as a major engineering feat. Highlights include magnificent scenery and the sight, sound, and smell of a hard-working steam locomotive, sure to spark nostalgia for the steam era. After our trip, we travel the scenic Bells Line of Road to Mount Tomah for lunch and a visit to the Blue Mountains Botanic Gardens, home to 48,000+ plant specimens including the Formal Garden, Explorers' Walk, and Brunet Meadow. We return to our resort for a relaxing dinner. 

Stay: Crowne Plaza Hawkesbury Valley

DAY 7 - HAWKESBURY VALLEY to TAMWORTH     (BLD)

Thursday 9th July:  We farewell our hosts, and travel to Muswellbrook through the scenic Hunter Valley, with its rolling hills and countryside. After a morning stop in historic Singleton, we continue to Scone for lunch. We then visit the Hunter Warbirds Museum for a talk and tour, showcasing key fighter and trainer aircraft from the Australian Flying Corp and RAAF. Back onboard, we head to Tamworth for our overnight stay. 

Stay: Econo Lodge Gateway

DAY 8 - TAMWORTH to TOOWOOMBA     (BLD)

Friday 10th July:  This morning we travel through Bingara and Texas before lunch at The Shed, Goat Rock. The Croft Family serves a home-style country lunch, enjoyed amid Goat Rock’s scenery. We arrive in Toowoomba late afternoon. 

Stay: James Street Motor Inn

DAY 9 - TOOWOOMBA to HOME     (B)

Saturday 11th July:  After breakfast, we visit Toowoomba’s Japanese Garden, Ju Raku En, for a self-guided tour of Japanese and native trees and plants. Next is the Empire Theatre, magnificently restored to its 1933 origin, where we enjoy a historical tour with amusing stories. With bags full of memories, we journey home, arriving late afternoon. 

* All itineraries are subject to change due to occasional restrictions in opening times / days and public holidays of some attractions.  We cannot be held responsible for changes due to closures or inclement weather.