Our late Autumn Tour this year is to Southern NSW where we will spend 3 nights in Griffith - a major regional city in the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area, located in the north-western part of the Riverina Region. To get there we will travel via Swan Hill and then across the Hay Plain – a vast and beautiful part of Southern NSW that has become world-renowned as the flattest place in the southern hemisphere. The vast plains rise just 17 meters from the highest to lowest point and provide a spectacular backdrop for photographers, astronomers, and nature lovers.
DAY 1 (D) HEADING TO HAY: Sunday 21 May 2023
Our late Autumn Tour this year is to Southern NSW where we will spend 3 nights in Griffith - a major regional city in the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area, located in the north-western part of the Riverina Region. To get there we will travel via Swan Hill and then across the Hay Plain – a vast and beautiful part of Southern NSW that has become world-renowned as the flattest place in the southern hemisphere. The vast plains rise just 17 meters from the highest to lowest point and provide a spectacular backdrop for photographers, astronomers, and nature lovers. (Meal inclusions: Dinner in the motel) Bishops Lodge Hay – 1 night (PH: 02 6993 3003)
DAY 2 (BLD) HAY VIA LEETON TO GRIFFITH:
Monday 22 May 2023
First thing this morning we take the opportunity to visit Shear Outback, an innovative and exciting interpretative centre devoted to the Shearers - those colourful characters of the bush! The Centre follows the technology of “getting the wool off” - past, present, and future. There will be time to explore the Museum and The Hall of Fame. From here we follow the Sturt Highway to Leeton in the Southern Riverina. Lunch is at the Leeton Soldiers Club before we meet our local guide. Our Taste of Leeton Tour provides the opportunity to sample the local produce. Mid afternoon we take the short drive north to Griffith – our base for the next 3 nights. (Meal inclusions: Breakfast & dinner in the motel/Light lunch) Econolodge Griffith Motor Inn – 3 nights (PH: 02 6962 1800)
DAY 3 (BLD) EXPLORING GRIFFITH: Tuesday 23 May 2023
First stop is the Griffith Visitors Centre to view a short presentation on the town and the local rice industry. Then our local guide joins us on the coach for an introduction to Griffith. Described by John Oxley in 1817 as "A barren, desolate wasteland", Griffith is today an outstanding example of the miracle of irrigation. Since the introduction of the Murrumbidgee Irrigation scheme in 1912, the rich soils of the region have been put to good use.60% of NSW grapes are grown here, most of Australia’s rice is produced here and 70% of the total NSW citrus product also comes from this Region. It will be an interesting morning! Late morning we head to Rosewood Park on Stokes Garden for a visit and a light lunch. This afternoon we have planned a short drive to Murrami – 30 ks east of Griffith. Local identity, Libby Bailey of Rocking Horse Restorations will meet us for a tour of her unusual work. During a drought Libby took up rocking horse restoration to ward off depression when all on the farm had dried up. A true example of country ingenuity! The Bailey’s have also amassed quite a collection of other things such as hand tools and antique items amongst the lovingly restored rocking horses themselves. It will be a fascinating visit! (Meal inclusions: Breakfast & dinner in the motel/Light lunch at Rosewood Park)
DAY 4 (BD) MORE OF GRIFFITH: Wednesday 24 May 2023
This morning we have an appointment at at Pioneer Park where a round of activities awaits us. Stepping back in time, we explore some 40 historic buildings showing the development of Griffith. Included is entry to the Wine & Irrigation Centre, the Knitted Garden and a train ride through the Park. After some free time for lunch we stop at the Catania Fruit Salad Farm. The family owned business, produces a variety of fruits and nuts which we can sample on our tour. During our visit we’ll learn about the life and times of the pioneers, see how the irrigation system delivers water to the farms and how crops are grown and harvested. We complete the day with a local wine tasting. (Meal Inclusions: Breakfast & dinner in the motel)
DAY 5 (BLD) GRIFFITH TO BENDIGO: Thursday 25 May 2023
Travelling south this morning through Darlington Point we make our way to Deniliquin. At one time Deniliquin was the southern depot for the “Sunbeam” - the original Cobb & Co. coach that travelled between Deniliquin and Wilcannia on the Darling River. Today it is a town of around 8000 people that lies in the centre of the largest area in Australia under irrigation. Rice in particular but dairy, wool and seed processing all contribute to the local economy. Our lunch time stop is at the Peppin Heritage Centre with its story of the wool industry. In the Centre, we will find displays, exhibitions, shops and the original Wanganella lock-up which features a Headless Horseman sound and light show. This is also our lunch venue at Crossing Café. From here we push through to Bendigo for our final night on tour (Meal inclusions: Breakfast & dinner in the motel/Light lunch in Deniliquin)
Quality Lakeside Bendigo—1 night (PH: 03 5445 5300)
DAY 6 (B) HEADING HOME: Friday 26 May 2023
Its been a great 6 days. We have a leisurely trip back home today via St Arnaud and Horsham, arriving back early afternoon. (Meal inclusions: Breakfast in the motel)
$1760.00 per person (twin, or double share)
$380.00 single supplement needed for single room
Deposit of $200.00 payable on booking to reserve your place.
Balance due 30 days prior to departure.
PLEASE MAKE CHEQUES PAYABLE TO
“NARACOORTE CHARTERS”
Cancellation insurance is not included but strongly recommended.
Cancellation Policy: More than 30 days, loss of deposit, 29-14 days, 50% of payment, less than 14 days, 100% of payment.
All itineraries are subject to change due to occasional restrictions in opening times/days of some attractions. Whilst every effort is made to adhere to the itinerary as provided, Naracoorte Charters reserves the right to alter the touring and attractions as dictated by circumstances and conditions outside the company’s control. Every attempt will be made to ensure alterations do not adversely affect the operation of the tour. The Company will not be held responsible for weather based cancellations or those closures made at the venue’s discretion. Naracoorte Charters arrange tours on the condition that they are not liable for injury, damage or loss which may occur due to accident, delay, irregularity or defect of any vehicle or accommodation. Naracoorte Charters reserves the right to cancel tours due to lack of numbers.
TESTIMONY
Alan and Lin Moss of Naracoorte Charters have 28 years of experience with Coach Tours. Having travelled all over Australia we cater all of our tours to include the most that Australia has to offer. All of our tours make travelling the most enjoyable for all with senior groups a speciality. We can custom make tours for large or small groups. Ask us today what we can do for you .
