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DAY 1 (LD) HOME TO YAMBA
Thursday 25 March 2027
Welcome aboard for the start of our wonderful 4-day Maclean Highland Gathering tour travelling with Port Bus! Once everyone is comfortably settled, we leave Port Macquarie behind and make our way north, looking forward to a few days of Scottish tradition, coastal scenery, great company and memorable experiences.
Our first stop is the beautiful seaside town of South West Rocks, where we visit Heritage Beachside Café for morning tea. With its relaxed coastal atmosphere and lovely seaside surrounds, South West Rocks is a wonderful place to pause, enjoy a cuppa and stretch the legs before continuing our journey.
From here, we travel on to Bellingen, a charming town nestled beside the beautiful Bellinger River. Once an important centre of the region’s thriving timber industry, Bellingen is now known for its heritage buildings, creative community, boutique shops and welcoming country atmosphere. Its traditional-style main street is a delight to explore, with the beautifully restored Hammond and Wheatley Emporium standing as one of the town’s most impressive historic landmarks.
We’ll enjoy a brief sightseeing drive through town before arriving at the Old Butter Factory Café for our included lunch. Set within the historic butter factory precinct, this popular destination offers a lovely setting to relax and enjoy a meal, with time to appreciate the character and charm of the surrounding buildings.
After lunch, we continue north through the picturesque countryside and coastal landscapes towards Yamba, our home for the next three nights. On arrival, we check into the Yamba Motor Inn, where there will be time to unpack, settle into your room and relax after our day on the road.
This evening, we come together for dinner at the Yamba Golf Club, a lovely opportunity to enjoy a meal, get to know our fellow travellers and look forward to the colour, music and excitement of the Maclean Highland Gathering over the coming days.
Lunch at Old Butter Factory Cafe | dinner at the Yamba Golf Club
Yamba Motor Inn | 3 nights
DAY 2 (B) MACLEAN HIGHLAND GATHERING | GOOD FRIDAY
Friday 26 March 2027
Following breakfast, we make our way to Maclean, proudly known as “The Scottish Town”, for our first day immersed in the colour, music and excitement of the annual Maclean Highland Gathering. With its strong Scottish heritage, Maclean truly comes alive over the Easter weekend as kilts, tartan, bagpipes and traditional festivities fill the town, welcoming visitors from near and far.
Today we have the opportunity to soak up the wonderful festival atmosphere and enjoy the stirring sounds of the pipes and drums as talented competitors take part in a variety of solo piping and drumming events. The skill, precision and tradition behind these performances are fascinating to watch, and there is nothing quite like the sound of the bagpipes echoing through the town.
There will be plenty of time to explore at your own pace, browse the stalls, enjoy the entertainment and perhaps stop for lunch or a coffee along the way. Whether you have Scottish heritage or simply enjoy a lively cultural celebration, the Gathering offers a wonderful opportunity to experience the warmth and community spirit for which Maclean is so well known.
As evening approaches, the festivities continue with the much-loved “Ceilidh in the Park”. This lively Scottish-style celebration brings together bands, entertainment, music and dancing, creating a fantastic atmosphere in the heart of town. Enjoy the sounds, watch the dancing or perhaps even join in yourself as Maclean celebrates its Scottish roots in true Highland style.
After a wonderful day and evening of festivities, we return to Yamba for a well-earned rest, ready for another exciting day at the Gathering tomorrow.
Breakfast at the motel | lunch and dinner own arrangements and cost
DAY 3 (BLD) YAMBA
Saturday 27 March 2027
After breakfast, we enjoy a change of pace as we spend the morning discovering the beautiful coastal town of Yamba. A local expert will join us aboard the coach for a guided tour, sharing stories about the town’s history, its maritime heritage and the people who have helped shape this much-loved destination. Along the way, we’ll take in some of Yamba’s scenic highlights and gain a greater appreciation of its relaxed coastal character.
Our next stop is the Yamba Museum, where we’ll have time to explore the fascinating displays and discover more about the region’s past. Wander through the schoolroom exhibition, which traces the history of public education, and visit the adjoining Old Kirk, a historic church that now forms part of the museum precinct. We’ll also have the opportunity to view the current exhibition before enjoying morning tea.
From here, we make our way to Iluka, where we board our Clarence River luncheon cruise. Sit back, relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery as we cruise along this magnificent waterway, taking in the peaceful riverbanks, coastal landscapes and charming riverside communities.
With lunch included on board, there’s nothing more to do than enjoy the meal, the company and the ever-changing views. Keep an eye out for birdlife and other wildlife along the way, or simply settle in and appreciate the tranquillity of the river from the comfort of the vessel.
After our cruise, we return to Yamba, having enjoyed a wonderful day of local history, coastal scenery and relaxed touring on the beautiful Clarence River.
Breakfast at the motel | luncheon cruise | dinner at the Yamba Gold Club
DAY 4 (BL) YAMBA TO HOME
Sunday 28 March 2027
Happy Easter! After a leisurely breakfast, we farewell Yamba and begin our journey home, taking with us wonderful memories of our Highland Gathering getaway. From the stirring sounds of the bagpipes and the colourful Scottish festivities to the beautiful coastal scenery and our relaxing Clarence River cruise, it has been a memorable few day together.
Travelling south, we make our way to Coffs Harbour, where we visit The Clog Barn for our final featured stop. Here, we’ll enjoy lunch at Big Oma’s Coffee House before taking some time to experience the colour and charm of Holland. With its traditional Dutch atmosphere, fascinating displays and delightful miniature village, The Clog Barn offers a lovely opportunity to discover a little European culture right here on the Mid North Coast.
After lunch, we continue our journey south, with comfort stops along the way as required. Sit back, relax and enjoy the final stretch of our tour, perhaps sharing a few favourite moments and stories with your fellow travellers.
Arriving home later this afternoon, we bring our 4-day Maclean Highland Gathering tour to a close. Thank you for joining Port Bus for this wonderful Easter escape — we hope you return home with happy memories, new friendships and plenty of stories to share.
Breakfast at the motel | lunch at the Clog Barn
TOUR INCLUSIONS
• 3 night’s motel accommodation
• 3 motel breakfasts
• 2 motel dinners Yamba Golf & Country Club
• 3 included lunch – see below
• Morning Tea at Heritage Beachside Café, South West Rocks
• Lunch at Old Butter Factory Café, Bellingen
• Entry to the Maclean Highland Gathering
• One way crossing Yamba to Iluka with Clarence River Ferries
• Visit Iluka Emporium
• Locally guided tour of Yamba
• Lunch at Yamba Shores Tavern
• Entry to the museum including visit to "Old Kirk" at Yamba Museum
• Visit and lunch at The Clog Barn, Coffs Harbour
ACCOMMODATION
• Yamba Motor Inn (3 nights)
FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO BOOK;
Phone: 02 6583 3330
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.portbus.com.au
Book online: https://events.humanitix.com/australian-yarn-show-27
PLEASE NOTE
• Price is based on a minimum of 20 paying passengers. If numbers fall below 20 paying passengers, this tour may need to be recosted.
• Price is valid for above tour dates only and
• includes GST.
• Morning teas or afternoon teas are not included unless specified.
• The itinerary may be subject to change without notice. Whilst every effort is made to adhere to the itinerary as provided, Port Bus reserves the right to alter the touring and attractions as dictated by circumstances and conditions that may arise. Alterations may be made to ensure the smooth running of the tour. Every attempt will be made to ensure alterations do not adversely affect the operation of the tour. Port Bus will not be held responsible for weather-based cancellations, or those closures made at the venue’s discretion.
• Cancellation fees will be levied relative to the amount of notice given:
52 days or more—loss of deposit
39-51 days: 50% of fare plus deposit
40 days before and the Day of departure: 100% of the fare.
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Event venue
Maclean Highland Gathering, Australia,Maclean,NSW,Australia, Grafton
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Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.
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