Gardens of Stone, Ancient Trees & Whispering Waters

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DAY 1 - Sunday 06 April

Heading west from Sydney our first walks (and morning tea) will include the basalt capped peaks along Bells Line of Road. The nutrient rich, water holding soils of these peaks produces a vegetation association which contrasts with that of the surrounding Hawkesbury and Narrabeen sandstones. More walks and spectacular views as we continue through Lithgow and then north through the historic towns of Cullen Bullen and Ben Bullen. Into Capertee Valley with views of Pantoreys Crown as we head to Glen Davis - then it's on to beautiful Dunns Swamp for more walking among the pagodas and tranquil waters (overnight Franks Breakaway Farm Stay - to be confirmed - 250km; easy walking)

DAY 2 - Monday 07 April

This morning finds us travelling through historic Rylstone and down the spectacular Growee Gulf road into the Bylong Valley. Walks and morning tea exploring Goulburn River National Park before heading north through farming country around Merriwa and continuing on to Scone through Ovens Gap (overnight Middlebrook Station, Scone - 260km; easy walking)

DAY 3 - Tuesday 08 April

A visit to the White family's Belltrees property on our way to the Barrington Tops. We travel through Moonan Flat and climb the western flanks of the Tops - stopping at the Dingo Gate for views over the Mount Royal Ranges. Lunch at Pol Blue and walks among the snow gums and alpine herbfields. More walking among the ancient beech forests before descending through Copeland and Barrington to our overnight stay overlooking "the Bucketts" (overnight Gloucester Country Lodge - 150km; easy walking)

DAY 4 - Wednesday 09 April

From Gloucester our journey takes us South East through Wang Wauk and Bulahdelah State Forests stopping for morning tea and a walk alongside the Wang Wauk River and an old trestle bridge. Lunch and more walking at Alum Mountain (historic mine site) with great views over the Myall River and coastal lakes. Our route then follows the Myall River to our overnight stay at Bombah Point in the heart of the Myall Lakes system (overnight Myall Shores Eco Resort - 150km; easy walks)

DAY 5 - Thursday 10 April

A late morning departure from Myall Shores will give the opportunity to enjoy the tranquillity of the Myalls but still give us time to explore some interesting areas on the way home, including a stop at Mungo Brush for a short walk and morning tea. We then continue through Hawks Nest, Tea Gardens and Raymond Terrace. We lunch in Newcastle's Botanical Gardens then we head south with our afternoon tea stop at a bush retreat in the Watagans before moving on to Sydney (250km, some short, easy walks)

Includes travel, twin share accommodation with en-suite facilities, all meals and comprehensive notes