DESCRIPTION
DAY 1 FRIDAY SYDNEY – DUNGOG – GLOUCESTER (LD)
9.00AM Meet AEA Luxury Tours at Central Station Pickup.
9.15AM We depart Sydney we travel directly to Dungog where on arrival we will have tea/coffee refreshments and meet our Private National Parks Discovery Ranger who will escort us on our walk. A medium length walk, Blue Gum loop trail passes outstanding rainforest and blue gums and is a soothing riverside walk through patches of untouched forest in the lower regions of the Barrington Tops National Park. The trail crosses the magnificent Williams River, winding past cascades, eucalypts, and rainforest before joining the southern end of Rocky Crossing walk. While crossing a high steel span bridge, stop to take in the beautiful views of the river. Further on, a short detour leads to scenic Fern Creek cascades, where we will enjoy our picnic lunch. Back across the river, the track enters an enchanting patch of ancient rainforest. Be sure to look high in the moss-covered branches for bird nest ferns and orchids. Mid afternoon we return to the vehicle for the leisurely drive to the country town of Gloucester. Depending on time and interests, perhaps time to visit the small historic town of Stroud, visit a local winery or time to relax at our accommodation.This evening we have a unique dining experience. Head out for an early evening tour of the Hill View Herb Farm – a farm gate property offering a wide range of fresh culinary and medicinal herbs to smell, taste and touch. Your host will take you for a walk through the gardens before we enjoy a delightful dinner in
this picturesque setting. Dishes will feature home grown herbs and produce, accompanied by Beer or Wine and local musicians.
Accommodation; Gloucester Country Lodge x 2 Nights
DAY 2 SATURDAY BARRINGTON TOPS & THE AUSSIE ARK (BL)
After an early breakfast we head out of Gloucester and ascend the stunning Barrington Tops to our destination – the Aussie Ark. Established in 2011 this incredibly unique property is located high in the beautiful Barrington Tops and is dedicated to saving the iconic Tasmanian Devil from extinction as well as creating a long term future for a range of threatened Australian Species. Our experience starts off with an introduction of the project and the Tasmanian devil over morning tea at the Interpretation centre. The tour will then take you on a journey where you will see the devils in free-range enclosures. You will be privy to enter a huge enclosure and experience a rare opportunity to really get up close and personal to witness a communal feed to encourage wild behaviour. Finally, depending on the time of year you visit, you will even get the chance to hold and interact with our newest devil joeys. Departing from the Ark we will enjoy a picnic lunch beside the Manning River and then a series of short walks and lookout stops designed to immerse you in the ancient Antarctic Beech forest. The Barrington Tops National Park is part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area, where volcanic flows shaped the incredible wilderness millions of years ago. The magnificent wilderness and mountain ranges near Gloucester were used by the colonial bushranger Captain Thunderbolt to hide, and Thunderbolts lookout is named after the outlaw. Late afternoon we return to our accommodation with dinner this evening at a local restaurant – Dinner is based on 2 course. Beverages are not included/own expense.
DAY 3 SUNDAY GLOUCESTER – HUNTER VALLEY – SYDNEY (BL)
After breakfast, depart Gloucester and travel to Pokolbin, the heart of Australia’s oldest and best-known wine region, the Hunter Valley. Known as a dynamic region that brims with over 150 top class wineries, 65 indulgent restaurants, gourmet produce and boutique breweries. We will enjoy visits to 2 wineries for tasting and enjoy a local produce Charcuterie Board lunch with selection of wines matched to taste. Departing from the Hunter Valley approximately 3.30pm, we commence our journey back to Sydney to arrive at approximately 6.00pm.
Inclusions
- Travel in bespoke 14 passenger Seat tour Vehicle with reclining
leather coach seats & air conditioning - Expert Driver Guide
- Twin-share accommodation with ensuite @ Gloucester Country Lodge
- Meals as advised (B= Breakfast / L = Lunch/ D= Dinner)
- Private 2.5 Hour Devils Tour at the Aussie Ark
- All Admissions & National Park fees
- Sustainable Water bottles on board.
- GST @ 10%
EXCLUSIONS:
- Beverages with Meals (unless otherwise specified)
- Travel Insurance
Level of Fitness Required – Medium
Whilst this tour is not physically demanding it does include nature walks in National Parks. There will be times where you will be required to navigate uneven tracks, inclines/descents on walks and all participants are required to be able to walk unaided and will not need any foreseen assistance throughout the journey. For all clients to fully enjoy this travel experience, excellent health and mobility is required by all.
