Our Northern Rivers adventure begins with a morning flight from Sydney to Ballina. On arrival, we head to nearby Lennox Head, where we enjoy lunch at The Lennox Hotel before taking in some of the beautiful coastal scenery around this popular seaside village.

We continue to Ballina, taking a drive around the area before visiting the Ballina Naval & Maritime Museum. The museum provides a fascinating introduction to the region’s maritime heritage and its connections with Australia’s naval history.

There is then some free time to enjoy Ballina at your own pace before checking into the Ballina Beach Resort, our comfortable base for the next few nights. This evening we come together for dinner.

Accommodation: Ballina Beach Resort
Meals: Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast we travel to The Farm Byron Bay, beginning with morning tea featuring a selection of pastries, fruit platters, orange juice, coffee and tea. We then join a guided tour of the property and learn more about this well known working farm and its approach to food and agriculture.

Our next experience is aboard the Byron Solar Train, which takes us into Byron Bay. There is free time to choose your own lunch, browse the shops and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of this famous coastal town.

Later in the afternoon we regroup and travel to Cape Byron, where we enjoy the spectacular surroundings and views from Australia’s easternmost mainland point before returning to Ballina.

Tonight we enjoy dinner together at the resort.

Accommodation: Ballina Beach Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Morning Tea, Dinner
Lunch: Own choice

Following breakfast, we depart for Tropical Fruit World at Duranbah. Set amongst the fertile countryside of the Tweed region, this popular attraction introduces us to an extraordinary variety of tropical and exotic fruits.

Our visit includes a tour and lunch, giving us an opportunity to discover some of the unusual produce grown in this remarkable part of northern New South Wales.

This afternoon we make our way to Mullumbimby, where there is time to wander through the town and enjoy its distinctive Northern Rivers character before returning to Ballina.

Tonight we head out to a local restaurant for dinner together.

Accommodation: Ballina Beach Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast we travel to beautiful Killen Falls, where we pause for morning tea and enjoy the peaceful natural surroundings.

We then continue to Duck Creek Macadamias for a guided tour and tasting. Learn more about one of Australia’s best known native foods and discover the journey of the macadamia from orchard to finished product.

Our day continues at the spectacular Crystal Castle & Shambhala Gardens. Enjoy time exploring the gardens and remarkable displays at your own pace before sitting down for lunch.

We return to the Ballina Beach Resort during the afternoon, leaving some free time to relax before dinner.

Accommodation: Ballina Beach Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Morning Tea, Lunch, Dinner

Following breakfast, we check out and farewell Ballina as we continue our journey south.

Arriving in Yamba, we collect our lunch before boarding the Clarence River Ferry. Enjoy lunch aboard as we travel across the river to Iluka and return, taking in the scenery and relaxed atmosphere of this beautiful coastal waterway.

Back on dry land, we continue south towards Coffs Harbour, arriving during the afternoon and checking into our accommodation.

This evening we gather for dinner and reflect on another enjoyable day exploring the New South Wales North Coast.

Accommodation: Opal Cove Coffs Harbour
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, we depart Coffs Harbour for the charming riverside town of Bellingen. Surrounded by lush countryside, Bellingen is known for its historic streetscape, boutique shops, galleries and relaxed country atmosphere. There is free time to wander through town, browse the local stores and perhaps enjoy a coffee before we make our way back towards Coffs Harbour.

On arrival, we take a short sightseeing tour of Coffs Harbour before heading to the beautiful Coffs Harbour Botanic Gardens. Here we enjoy a relaxed picnic lunch surrounded by the gardens and subtropical vegetation.

This afternoon we visit the Solitary Islands Aquarium for a guided tour. The aquarium provides a fascinating insight into the diverse marine life found within the Solitary Islands Marine Park and along this remarkable stretch of the New South Wales coastline.

We then return to Opal Cove Resort, where there is time to relax before a fun afternoon happy hour. Enjoy live music from Jules along with drinks and nibbles as we celebrate our final evening on the North Coast.

Tonight, we come together for dinner at the resort, bringing another enjoyable day of sightseeing, nature and good company to a close.

Accommodation: Opal Cove Resort, Coffs Harbour
Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, we check out and begin our journey south.

Our first major visit is Ricardoes Tomatoes, where we enjoy a tour and have time for morning tea at the café. It is another opportunity to discover the fresh produce and agricultural character that has been such an important part of our journey.

We continue south to The Artisan Farmer at Nabiac, where we sit down for lunch before beginning the final leg of our journey.

There will be a comfortable stop along the way before arriving back in Sydney during the late afternoon, bringing our seven day Northern Rivers Food & Nature Trail to a close.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Home