Hunter Valley – Port Stephens Christmas Light Spectacular Escorted Tour

FLIGHT DETAILS:

Homeport - Sydney (flight details to be advised)

Today we fly from our homeport to Sydney before travelling north to the picturesque Hunter Valley. After a comfort stop en route, arrive in Pokolbin and settle into Mercure Hunter Valley Gardens for five relaxing nights. Famous for vineyards and gourmet produce, the region offers a warm welcome. Tonight, enjoy dinner with fellow travellers before tomorrow’s adventures begin.

Daily: Dinner

This morning we visit the magnificent Hunter Valley Gardens, one of Australia’s most spectacular display gardens. Spanning more than fourteen hectares, the gardens feature themed landscapes, waterfalls, sculptures, manicured lawns, and colourful seasonal blooms. Following an informative introduction from a local guide, there is time to explore the gardens at leisure. We then enjoy free time at the adjacent Hunter Valley Gardens Shopping Village where boutique shops and cafés offer excellent lunch opportunities. During the afternoon we experience a delightful wine tasting at Greenway Wines, a family-owned vineyard set within a charming red barn.

Display: Breakfast & Dinner

Today we journey to the beautiful Port Stephens region and Nelson Bay Marina where we board the popular Moonshadow Dolphin Watch Cruise. Cruising across the sparkling harbour, we search for resident bottlenose dolphins while admiring the spectacular coastline and headlands. After free time for lunch at the marina precinct, we continue to Anna Bay and the incredible Stockton Beach Sand Dunes. Joining expert guides aboard specialised four-wheel-drive vehicles, we travel across the rolling dunes, visit historic Tin City, and discover fascinating wartime sites. There is also an opportunity for sand boarding for those feeling adventurous.

Daily: Breakfast & Dinner

This morning we travel north to historic Tocal Homestead, home to one of Australia’s finest collections of colonial farm buildings dating back to the 1830s. Our guided tour includes the beautifully preserved homestead, Tocal Chapel, EA Hunt Hall, and the surrounding working farm areas. We enjoy a delicious farm-style lunch before visiting the dairy to observe the afternoon milking demonstration. Later we continue to Fighter World Museum beside the Williamtown RAAF Base. This fascinating museum showcases Australian aviation history with military aircraft displays, memorabilia, and interactive exhibits. Guests even have the opportunity to sit inside selected fighter jet cockpits. We return to Pokolbin this afternoon for dinner and a relaxing evening.

Daily: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

A festive day awaits as we travel to Newcastle Harbour to board the “Princess” for a special Christmas lunch cruise. During our three-hour harbour journey we enjoy close-up views of the bustling working port, giant cargo ships, tug boats, and coal loading facilities while savouring a delicious Christmas-themed lunch complete with entertainment, carols, and festive cheer. Returning to the Hunter Valley, we have time to relax before tonight’s magical Christmas Lights Spectacular. After dinner at the Garden Terrace Restaurant, we wander through the dazzling display featuring more than three million sparkling lights, making it the largest Christmas lights display in the Southern Hemisphere. This unforgettable evening is a true festive highlight of our tour.

Daily: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast and check-out, we travel south to Brooklyn on the Hawkesbury River, the setting that inspired Kate Grenville’s renowned novel The Secret River. Here we board Australia’s last operating Riverboat Postman for a memorable cruise through peaceful waterways and remote river settlements accessible only by boat. As mail and supplies are delivered to isolated communities, we enjoy entertaining commentary about the river’s fascinating history and colourful residents. Morning tea and lunch are served during our relaxing cruise through this spectacular waterway. Following our cruise, we disembark at Brooklyn Wharf before continuing our journey to Sydney Airport for our return flight home after a wonderful festive holiday.

FLIGHT DETAILS:

Sydney - Homeport (flight details to be advised)