R Marine Crawley embarked on an relaxing Grafton Experience, sharing the adventure with a flotilla of 10 Riviera boats, including SUVs, Sport Yachts, and Flybridges, eager to explore the picturesque waterways of the Clarence River, NSW – Destination: Grafton.
The adventure began with a scenic cruise from the Gold Coast Seaway to Iluka, where participants enjoyed a delightful Chinese dinner at the charming Fig Tree Restaurant. Before indulging in the delicious Chinese dinner, the participants had the opportunity to unwind and engage in a friendly game of barefoot bowls at the Iluka Bowls Club. The barefoot bowls session provided a welcome break from the day’s boating activities, allowing everyone to socialise and enjoy some lighthearted competition in a relaxed and picturesque setting. The laughter and camaraderie on the greens added another layer of enjoyment to the already memorable Grafton Experience.
The following day, the fleet continued its voyage to Grafton, navigating through picturesque landscapes and passing under iconic bridges. In Grafton, attendees met in town for dinner at the historic Clocktower Hotel, a short stroll from where they left their tenders on the jetty. As the evening unfolded, a lively gathering materialized on the back of “Boatman,” the Riviera 5400 Sport Yacht Platinum. Laughter and conversation flowed as Riviera owners enjoyed each other’s company, sharing stories and forging new friendships.
A free day on Saturday allowed for individual exploration, with opportunities to discover experience the unique charm of Grafton and that evening, some members ventured back into enjoy the elements and some moments from the Grafton Jacaranda Festivities which were forming.
The return journey on Sunday included a stopover at Ulmurra, where participants enjoyed lunch at the Ulmarra Hotel before cruising back to Iluka for sundowners. While most of the Riviera fleet cruised back to the Gold Coast the final day, marking the end of an unforgettable adventure, three vessels remained behind, making the passage a few days later to enjoy more time exploring relaxing on the Clarence River stealing some more beautiful sunsets from the back of their boats.
The Grafton Experience proved to be another fantastic opportunity for Riviera owners to come together and explore new destinations, comfortably and confidently. New friendships were formed, and the camaraderie among participants was evident throughout the journey. These trips not only showcase the beauty of Australia’s waterways but also highlight the supportive community within the Riviera family, where experienced boaters are always ready to offer guidance and assistance.