Clarence Valley and District – March 2019
As reported in the last newsletter our amazing Probus travellers had a wonderful time exploring the numerous delights of northern N.S.W. Starting with a breeze cooled lunch at Coolangatta Surf Club we were treated to dream week of eating, sightseeing and exploring in the best company possible, our Probus Club friends.
Byron Bay Lighthouse and The Point at Tweed Heads gave a marvellous overview of the coast, the ocean and its vastness, whilst the Regional Gallery and Margaret Ollie Art Centre at Murwillumbah allowed us to focus on the Tweed Valley up to Mount Warning.
We were treated to several museums, each very different from the others. The Ross Mcleod Bell collection at Lawrence was most extensive and the number of uses for the different bells, mostly from Australia, and how they were used to track horses, notify workers in a large area and how they were made from so many different media proved an interesting visit topped off with a Devonshire Tea for morning tea.
Yamba Museum, ‘The Story house’ explored the marvellous history of the vast Clarence River and its use as a transport hub, whilst Schaeffer House in Grafton shared the vision and architectural knowledge that created this amazing city. As well as the Jacaranda trees which make a wonderful display in late October/November other trees were also planted to create a colourful display during most seasons.
Researching the coffee industry in this area was at The boutique Botero Roastery, a most entertaining visit which was followed by coffee (or tea) and a beautiful cake. Another passionate host was at the Aranyani Bison Farm, one of only four in Australia. The interesting American animals are farmed for every part of their body except a small quantity of offal. We were treated to bison burgers for lunch, no fat and no cholesterol, but very tasty.
Another interesting couple were the folk at Lanbruk Gunyah Olive Farm. This couple had got together later in life and pooled their many ‘Objet D’art’ to create an entertaining museum as well as organic farming venture. We were privileged to meet a 3 day old Alpaca calf, purchase olive based products and, eat yet another beautifully prepared, home cooked meal.
Lots of beautiful, green scenery abounded everywhere we went and there was always wonderful food showcasing local produce. A standout of great food was the visit to Tropical Fruit World where our entertaining ride around the venue included many fresh fruit tastings, a boat ride to explore the river setting and, of course, another lovely, fresh lunch.
Yamba, our home base for the week, provided amazing accommodation, large, comfortable villas and apartments set in the rainforest, with a pool, gym, walking tracks, and yes, yet more wonderful food. The staff was always helpful and, having arrived in the dark, it was fun to explore more thoroughly in the daylight. It would be a great place to go ‘to get away from it all’.
Our driver, Jeff, was available to us all the time and managed to make the never ending road works seem less disruptive and more comfortable.
Special thanks to Trade Travel for the attention to detail in the tour content, and to all our travellers for being such great travellers, promoting the Probus ideal of fun, frivolity and FRIENDSHIP as we were treated to the most passionate, friendly and knowledgeable guides at each venue, and we did thoroughly explore the fresh, food options and culinary skills and delights of this extraordinary area of Australia.
Thank you everyone
Sue & Mervyn
