Bellingen Gourmet Adventure
Days:
7 Days
Activity:
3. Active Moderate
$2,795.00
Tour description
Enjoy a flavoursome journey through two of New South Wales’ most captivating regions, where fine wines, artisan produce and lush landscapes come together beautifully. Beginning in the Hunter Valley, guests will savour award-winning wines, handcrafted cheeses and boutique chocolate before travelling through the scenic highlands to Dorrigo. With comfortable stays at Mercure Resort Hunter Valley, Lookout Mountain Retreat and Opal Cove Resort, each day offers the perfect blend of gourmet indulgence and picturesque touring. From cascading waterfalls at Wollomombi and Ebor Falls to sweeping views from the Dorrigo Skywalk, the natural highlights are just as memorable as the culinary delights.
The journey continues into Bellingen — a vibrant, creative village known for its strong sustainable food culture and welcoming atmosphere. Wander through lively artisan markets, enjoy a gourmet lunch in town, visit local breweries and explore Levenvale Farm to learn about sustainable farming practices firsthand. Coastal touring rounds out the experience with visits to Coffs Harbour’s Botanic Gardens, Solitary Islands Aquarium, the Butterfly House and peaceful Urunga. The tour concludes in Port Macquarie, where rainforest walks and a final wine tasting at Cassegrain Vineyard bring the journey to a delightful close. With all meals, admissions and luxury coach travel included, this itinerary offers a wonderful mix of flavour, scenery and relaxed country charm.
Itinerary
We depart Sydney and journey into the Hunter Valley, a region renowned for its world-class wines and gourmet produce. Along the way, we’ll stop for a break at Mangrove Creek dam before arriving for a delightful lunch. The afternoon is spent indulging in chocolate tasting, a visit to a cheese factory, and a wine tasting at one of the region’s celebrated wineries. We settle in at the Mercure Resort Hunter Valley and enjoy our welcome dinner on site.
Overnight: Mercure Hunter Valley
Meals Included: Morning Tea, Lunch, Dinner
Today, we travel inland via the rolling hills and historic townships of the Upper Hunter and New England regions. After a morning tea break in Scone and lunch in Tamworth, we continue the scenic route through Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. Visit two spectacular natural landmarks—Wollomombi Falls and Ebor Falls—before arriving at our mountain retreat in Dorrigo. We’ll enjoy a peaceful evening with dinner at the lodge.
Overnight: Lookout Mountain Retreat
Meals Included: Breakfast, Morning Tea, Lunch, Dinner
Spend the morning discovering the Bellingen Community Markets, famous for their vibrant atmosphere, local crafts, and fresh produce. Enjoy free time to shop and explore the town’s boutique stores. We meet for lunch before continuing on to admire the picturesque Dangar Falls, where the water cascades into a tranquil pool surrounded by lush countryside. This afternoon we return to our retreat for a relaxed program of entertainment—cheese and wine, friendly games, and good company—before dinner together.
Overnight: Lookout Mountain Retreat
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Explore the World Heritage-listed Dorrigo National Park with a walk through the rainforest and across the elevated Skywalk with breathtaking views. Then, enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of Levenvale Farm, a sustainable working property. Nestled in the rolling green hills just outside Bellingen, Levenvale Farm is a picturesque, family-run property dedicated to sustainable and ethical farming practices. This working farm is known for its free-range pork, pasture-raised eggs, and regenerative land management techniques.
During our visit, we’ll enjoy a guided tour of the farm, gaining insights into how the animals are raised in harmony with the land and how traditional farming values are blended with modern, eco-conscious methods. The day continues with a special Sunday lunch at the acclaimed Three Blue Ducks, surrounded by lush countryside.
After lunch, we travel towards the coast and arrive in Coffs Harbour. Our beachfront resort invites an easy walk, a swim, or simply time to unwind before dinner.
Overnight: Opal Cove Resort, Coffs Harbour
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A relaxed morning sets the tone before a gentle town tour. We wander the Coffs Harbour Botanic Gardens for morning tea among lush plantings, then visit the Solitary Islands Aquarium to learn about local marine life. Butterflies take centre stage at the Butterfly House, where we enjoy lunch, before returning to the resort for free time and dinner this evening.
Overnight: Opal Cove Resort, Coffs Harbour
Meals Included: Breakfast, Morning Tea, Lunch, Dinner
We trace the coast south, stopping at the Urunga Boardwalk for morning tea and sweeping estuary views. A sweet visit to the Honey Place follows before we continue to a renowned winery estate for a leisurely lunch and guided tasting. We reach Port Macquarie and settle into our riverside hotel for a relaxed evening and a two-course dinner.
Overnight: Rydges Port Macquarie
Meals Included: Breakfast, Morning Tea, Lunch, Dinner
Meals Included: Breakfast, Morning Tea, Lunch
Testimonials
Dear On Course Tours Thank you so much for the wonderful 3 day trip to Oberon. It was great to go to Mt Tomah Botanic Gardens and “Bebeah” at Mt Wilson on the first day. Mayfield Gardens (the full gardens) did not disappoint and the weather was so kind to us. The rhododendrons and the crab apples were certainly on display for us. Jimmy did a great job looking after us all. The accommodation was great as well all the good food! Going to Everglades on the day we came home was an added bonus and some time in Leura was great as well. I was even home in time to plant out a replacement Daphne that I had got. l am now looking forward to the Yamba and Grafton trip – here’s hoping the weather will be kind to us. I would love next year’s program when it has been completed. I hear it is nearly finished.
Yours sincerely, RP
Hooray for our great On Course tours We are old and grey With John to drive us all around On our 5 days away The zoo was great The stars shon bright We’ve really had a ball We ate and drank, enjoyed ourselves We think we’ve seen it all And so until we meet again Thanks John, you are a Gem.
