Canberra Balloon Spectacular & East Coast Highlights

We depart Brisbane on our luxurious ‘Gold Class’ coach, ensuring responsible travel with 100% offset coach emissions. We journey along the scenic Tweed River, pausing in Kingscliff for morning tea. Continuing through the Northern Rivers region, we stop in Yamba for lunch before heading to Port Macquarie.

We leave Port Macquarie and follow the scenic coastal route through Lake Cathie to Forster. Here, we pause for a relaxing tea break before exploring Wallis Lake. Delight in a 2.5-hour eco-friendly lunch cruise featuring a freshly prepared two-course meal, accompanied by insightful commentary about the local ecosystem.

Start your day with a relaxed breakfast before taking a charming clip-clop carriage ride through the picturesque vineyards with Hunter Valley Classic Carriages, complete with wine tasting along the way. Savour a delightful Hunter Valley long lunch before continuing to the coast, where you’ll settle in for an overnight stay at Toukley.

This morning we visit Broken Bay Pearl Farm and enjoy a Shellar Door tour, a cruise to a pearl oyster lease, oyster tasting and grading session. In the afternoon, we head to the Southern Highlands.

This morning, we enjoy an exclusive visit and tour of The Australian Wildlife Sanctuary in Bargo, a dedicated refuge for native Australian wildlife. During our visit, we experience private, up-close encounters with iconic species and support their crucial wildlife rescue and rehabilitation efforts through a Purposeful Travel Promise donation. Following this enriching experience, we head to Centennial Vineyards for a delightful lunch before continuing to the Bradman Museum & International Cricket Hall of Fame to explore the history and legacy of cricket.

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Enjoy a leisurely start before heading to Canberra, pausing at Mount Ainslie Lookout for sweeping city views. Next we explore the National Portrait Gallery on a guided tour, where Australia’s most influential figures and their stories are brought to life. Later, we check in to our Canberra accommodation.

Rise before dawn for the unforgettable Canberra Balloon Spectacular, watching a sky filled with vibrant hot air balloons drift gracefully over the city at sunrise. Return to the hotel for a relaxed late breakfast and some time to refresh, before a guided tour of the impressive Parliament House, Australia’s seat of democracy. This afternoon, we visit the Australian War Memorial, with time to explore the museum before pausing for the moving Last Post Ceremony — a poignant tribute to those who served.

This morning, rise early once more to witness the magic of the Balloon Spectacular. Watch the skies fill with colour and creativity as balloons of all shapes and sizes take flight. With endless photo opportunities, this is a truly unforgettable farewell to Canberra. Take time to enjoy the festival atmosphere, explore the activities, and savour breakfast at the event. Afterwards, we return to the hotel to check out before transferring to the airport for our carbon neutral flights home.

‍**Breakfast is at your own expense at the festival this morning