Hunter Valley Lights & Newcastle
Days:
4 Days
Activity:
2. Moderate
Transport:
Drive
$1,495.00
Tour description
Tour Dates: November 22nd – November 25, 2026
Experience the magic of the festive season on this delightful four day Hunter Valley and Newcastle escape, combining coastal scenery, fascinating history, gourmet experiences and the spectacular Hunter Valley Gardens Christmas Lights Spectacular. Travelling north from Sydney, the journey begins with a relaxing stop at the Wyong Milk Factory before arriving in Newcastle for a scenic harbour lunch cruise and guided city tour showcasing the city’s beautiful beaches, historic landmarks and vibrant foreshore.
Guests will explore the stunning Port Stephens region, enjoying Devonshire tea at the Inner Light Tea Rooms with sweeping coastal views over Nelson Bay. A visit to Medowie Macadamias offers fascinating insight into local production and regional flavours, while Fort Scratchley provides a memorable glimpse into Australia’s coastal defence history.
The tour continues inland to the charming riverside town of Morpeth before heading into the renowned Hunter Valley wine region. Highlights include wine tasting at a local vineyard, a sweet stop at the Hunter Valley Chocolate Company and the unforgettable Christmas Lights Spectacular, where millions of dazzling lights transform the gardens into a festive wonderland.
With quality accommodation, delicious meals and luxury coach travel included, this relaxing getaway offers the perfect blend of food, wine, history and festive cheer.
Itinerary
We begin our journey north with a relaxing stop at the Wyong Milk Factory, where we enjoy morning tea in a peaceful riverside setting. Continuing to Newcastle, we step aboard a leisurely lunch cruise, gliding through the harbour and taking in the city’s waterfront views.
After returning to shore, we enjoy a city tour by coach, exploring Newcastle’s beaches and landmarks. The afternoon offers some free time to relax or explore the foreshore before we gather for dinner at our harbourside hotel.
Overnight: Rydges Newcastle Meals Included: Morning Tea, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, we travel north to Nelson Bay, where we enjoy Devonshire tea at the Inner Light Tea Rooms, overlooking the sparkling waters of Port Stephens. We take time to visit the small museum and soak up the panoramic coastal views before continuing with a tour of the Port Stephens region.
We then visit Medowie Macadamias for a fascinating insight into macadamia growing and production, followed by a delicious lunch. Returning to Newcastle in the afternoon, we explore Fort Scratchley, touring its historic tunnels and hearing stories of its role in defending Australia’s coastline. Dinner is enjoyed together back at our hotel.
Overnight: Rydges Newcastle Meals Included: Breakfast, Morning Tea, Lunch, Dinner
Today we journey inland to the charming riverside town of Morpeth, where a local guide leads us on a short walking tour through its historic streets. There’s time to browse the museum and enjoy lunch at our own pace before we continue to the Hunter Valley.
In the afternoon, we stop at the Hunter Valley Chocolate Company for a sweet treat before visiting a local vineyard to enjoy wine tasting in one of Australia’s best-loved wine regions.
After dinner, we experience the magic of the Hunter Valley Gardens Christmas Lights Spectacular, where millions of twinkling lights transform the gardens into a wonderland of festive colour and cheer.
Overnight: Mercure Hunter Valley Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning, we return to the Hunter Valley Gardens to enjoy them in daylight, with time to explore the beautifully landscaped grounds. After departing, we travel south to The Entrance, where we enjoy lunch and free time to stroll the waterfront or browse the shops. In the afternoon we make our way back to Sydney, reflecting on a wonderful few days of food, history, and festive lights. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Activity Levels
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1. Easy
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2. Moderate
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3. Active Moderate
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4. Adventurous
Testimonials
Debbie and staff, home two days from our “Gold West Explorer Trip”. We enjoyed everything about the trip, always so good to get out to the country, although we wish could send them some Rain. Peter did an excellent job, very pleasant organised and with so much information to give. Things went very smoothly. The motels were chosen well, meals varied and very good indeed. So bouquet to On Course and Peter for a great trip. We have been with you before and no doubt will do so again.
Regards, Ian
Just a note of thanks for the excellent job Hans did yesterday. All of our group had a wonderful day and the Camden Valley Inn was a great venue. The staff there were very efficient and the meal portions just right for all. A most enjoyable day and thanks again. We did have one poor soul sleep in and so we numbered 37. Looking forward to our next tour with On Course in July.
