A group of 40 Grafton senior citizens recently completed a seven day coach tour of the Lake Macquarie area.
Day 1 began with a drive to Glen Innes, with a picnic morning tea at Standing Stones, then on to Inverell for lunch, then through Delungra and after a stop at the Myall Massacre memorial site, continued through Bingara to Barraba for afternoon refreshments with a chance to view the local museum, before continuing to Manilla, then Tamworth for short tour of city and overnight stay.
Day 2 first stop was Wallabadah First Fleet Memorial Park for picnic morning tea. Then through Willow Tree, Murrurundi, to Scone for a short stop. Then to Muswellbrook; afternoon included a drive through Cessnock, and afternoon refreshments near Maitland, before continuing to Argenton, for the next five nights at the Lake Macquarie Inn.
Day 3 we drove around part of the lake to Toronto for a short stop to take in the view, then to Rathmines, and the former RAAF base for flying boats, where the group enjoyed organised morning tea, talk, tour of site, and lunch. Next stop was Dobell House, the historic home of artist William Dobell, before a drive through Wyee, Swansea, Belmont and free time at Charlestown Shopping Square for afternoon refreshments, then back to the motel.
Day 4 drove west to Pokolbin and Hunter Valley Gardens for picnic morning tea, then free time to view the venue, followed by lunch. This was followed by free time at Gardens Village, a visit to Hunter Valley Cheese for tastings, followed by wine tasting at Garden Cellars, before returning to the motel.
Day 5 a stop at Kilaben Bay to view a flying boat being restored, followed by picnic morning tea then to Booragul to board a boat for a luncheon cruise on lake. We boarded the boat near historic Awaba House, a restaurant and convention centre, which was sadly destroyed by fire about two hours later. We then travelled to Swansea to visit the tourist centre for afternoon refreshments, before a drive around Munmorah, Tuggerah and Budgewoi Lakes, before returning to motel.
Day 6 travelled west again to Kurri Kurri, and Richmond Vale Trains, with picnic morning tea, followed by a steam train ride. We had time to view a mine museum, before free time at Kurri Kurri. We then drove to Cooranbong to view South Sea Island Museum and nearby Sunnyside historic house, before returning to the motel.
The final day we travelled north to Taree for picnic morning tea, then to Slim Dusty Centre at Kempsey for lunch, and time to view the venue. Then to Coffs Harbour for afternoon refreshments, before the final journey home.
Sincere thanks to coach captain Alan R, for a great tour, to the committee for serving morning teas, to all who helped in various ways with organising and running the tour, and to all passengers for their support.
The next day trip is to Yamba, for a luncheon boat trip to Harwood Bridge and return on Friday October 18. This is full, but reserves will be noted.
Members please note that due to a race meeting, September barbecue has been changed to Monday September 30.
All enquiries for seniors trips, other activities, and memberships can be made with publicity officer, Sandra on 6642 7720.
Sandra Connelly