Highland Hearts & Coastal Charms

Maclean’s Scottish Easter Escape

DAY 1 (MTLD) 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 along the coast, enjoying the changing scenery as the excitement builds for the days ahead.

Our first featured stop is Taylors Arm, a peaceful rural area surrounded by rolling countryside, lush farmland and state forests. Here we visit Perry’s Lemon Myrtle, where we will learn more about this distinctive Australian native plant and the many ways it is grown and used. Lemon myrtle is prized for its wonderfully fresh citrus aroma and flavour, and during our visit we’ll enjoy a talk along with morning tea and the chance to sample some of the locally made products.

From here, we continue on to beautiful Bellingen, a charming riverside town with a rich history and plenty of character. Once an important centre for the timber industry, Bellingen is now known for its heritage streetscape, creative community and relaxed country atmosphere. We’ll enjoy a brief sightseeing drive through town, taking in some of its historic buildings, including the impressive Hammond and Wheatley Emporium, before making our way to the Old Butter Factory Café for an included lunch.

After lunch, we continue our journey north towards Yamba, one of the Clarence Valley’s much-loved coastal destinations. Arriving later this afternoon, we check into the Yamba Motor Inn, our comfortable home for the next three nights. There will be time to settle into your room, unpack and relax before coming together again for dinner and the first evening of our Highland Gathering getaway.

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 full day immersed in the atmosphere of the annual Maclean Highland Gathering. With its strong Scottish heritage, Maclean truly comes alive for this much-loved event, as tartan, kilts, bagpipes and traditional festivities fill the town with colour, sound and celebration.

Throughout the day, we’ll have the opportunity to enjoy the stirring sounds of the pipes and drums, with a variety of solo piping and drumming competitions taking place. The skill, precision and tradition behind each performance are wonderful to watch, and the atmosphere builds as performers and visitors from near and far gather to celebrate all things Scottish.

There will be plenty of time to soak up the festival atmosphere at your own pace, browse around the town, enjoy the entertainment and perhaps stop for lunch or a coffee along the way. With the town’s population swelling over the Gathering weekend, there is always something happening and plenty of people enjoying the celebrations.

As evening approaches, the festivities continue with the lively “= This fun-filled Scottish-style celebration brings together live bands, entertainment, music and dancing, creating a wonderful community atmosphere right in the heart of Maclean. It’s a great chance to enjoy the spirit of the Gathering, tap your toes to the music and perhaps even join in the dancing before we return to Yamba later in the evening.

Breakfast at the motel | lunch and dinner own arrangements and cost

DAY 3 (B) THE MACLEAN HIGHLAND GATHERING                                                         Saturday 27 March 2027

This morning we return to Maclean for another wonderful day at the Maclean Highland Gathering, with the main festivities now in full swing. The town will once again be alive with tartan, music and the unmistakable sound of the pipes as competitors, performers and visitors come together to celebrate Maclean’s proud Scottish heritage.

Throughout the day we can enjoy the spectacle of the Pipe Bands, along with solo piping and drumming competitions, showcasing the skill and tradition that make this event so special. There will also be plenty of action on the field with traditional Highland sports, including caber tossing, log wrestling and tossing the hammer — impressive displays of strength that are always crowd favourites.

With plenty happening throughout the grounds, everyone will have time to explore at their own pace, enjoy the entertainment, browse the stalls and soak up the wonderful festival atmosphere.

Later this afternoon, we’ll meet at our designated time and place before boarding the coach for the return journey to Yamba, where we can relax back at our motel after a colourful and entertaining day celebrating all things Scottish.

Breakfast at the motel | lunch and dinner own arrangements and cost 

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 plenty of great memories from our Highland Gathering getaway.

DAY 4 (BL) YAMBA TO HOME                                            continued                                  Sunday 28 March 2027

Our final stop is in Coffs Harbour at The Clog Barn, where we enjoy lunch at Big Oma’s Coffee House before taking some time to experience the colour and charm of this much-loved Dutch-themed attraction. With its traditional touches, colourful displays and a little taste of Holland, it’s a lovely way to finish our tour.

After lunch, we continue south for the final leg of our journey, arriving home later this afternoon. It has been a wonderful few days filled with Scottish tradition, music, colour, good company and memorable experiences, and we hope everyone returns home with plenty of stories to share from the Maclean Highland Gathering.

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:              admin@portbus.com.au

Website:          https://www.portbus.com.au

$3,140 pp twin | + $ 668 pp single sup | $800 deposit pp

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.