7 Day Hunter Valley Christmas Lights Tour
Embrace the Christmas spirit and experience a fairytale wonderland! Hunter Valley Gardens will dazzle with sparkling lights, immersive displays and delightful entertainment at the Christmas Lights Spectacular.
Thursday 25 November - Wednesday 1 December 2021
Day 1
Brisbane to Coffs Harbour
Thu 25 Nov 21 (LD)
Welcome to our tour to the stunning Hunter Valley region with an abundance of world-famous wineries, magnificent natural beauty and home to the wonderful Hunter Valley Christmas Lights. We begin our fabulous holiday heading to Ballina to discover the Australian Seabird Rescue. Originally focusing on injured pelicans, the centre is also dedicated to rescuing sick and injured sea turtles. Get up close and personal to the incredible animals with a trained volunteer as we are guided through the centre. Continuing our journey, we arrive in Coffs Harbour and settle into our accommodation for our welcome dinner (lunch at Australian Seabird Rescue / dinner in hotel).
Day 2
Coffs Harbour to Hunter Valley
Fri 26 Nov 21 (BLD)
Today we make our way the coastal town of Port Macquarie. Our first stop is to the Koala Hospital, a dedicated care, rescue, rehabilitation and research centre for Koalas. At Sea Acres Nature Reserve, we have a chance to explore the pristine subtropical rainforest. After an enjoyable lunch, appreciate the views from above, on an elevated rainforest boardwalk. We continue to Maitland where we can unpack and relax as this will be our home for the next four nights (breakfast & dinner in hotel / lunch at Sea Acres).
Day 3
Hunter Valley Gardens
Sat 27 Nov 21 (BLD)
Discover the sensational sights, colours and fragrances of the stunning Hunter Valley Gardens. Explore over 25 hectares of spectacular flowers, trees and shrubs. Take in the views from the lookout, rest above the waterfall in the Sunken Garden or step back in time with your favourite characters in the Storybook Garden. Our lovely lunch is served at the Garden Terrace Restaurant before a visit to the Hunter Valley Cheese Company to taste some delightful samples. Of course, no visit to the Hunter Valley would be complete without a wine tasting, which we enjoy at McGuigan’s. We have dinner at Harrigans Irish Pub before our evening out at the magical Christmas Lights Spectacular. Wind your way through the remarkable displays including a White Christmas scene complete with snow cave and white topped trees or stroll through the sparkling Christmas bauble. The lights spectacular is bound to capture the spirit of Christmas! (breakfast at hotel / lunch at Hunter Valley Gardens / dinner at Harrigans Irish Pub).
Day 4
Upper Hunter
Sun 28 Nov 21 (BLD)
Our sightseeing today takes us to the Upper Hunter region where we meet our wonderful local guide. Our first stop, Darley Stud is a magnificent operation with animals and scenery that will be long remembered. Darley (Woodlands) is owned by Sheik Mohammed from Dubai, the largest breeder of thoroughbreds in the world. We stop for lunch in Denman, before visiting some local enterprises and a delightful wine tasting (breakfast & dinner in hotel / lunch included)
Day 5
Newcastle
Mon 29 Nov 21 (BLD)
Today, we travel to the seaside city, Newcastle. The city has an interesting blend of industry and history with its terraced houses, majestic cathedrals and a 19th century fort. At the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service Base, our guide will unveil what it takes to be part of a rescue while enjoying a lovely morning tea. Then, it’s all aboard The Famous Talking Tram, as we travel the streets taking in the beautiful beach, historic sites and city lifestyle. After lunch overlooking the water, we stop at nearby Fort Scratchley. Perched above the harbour, the fort was constructed during the Crimean War to protect the city from invasion. We have time to explore here before heading back to our hotel for dinner (breakfast & dinner at hotel / lunch at Queens Wharf Hotel).
Day 6
Hunter Valley to Armidale
Tue 30 Nov 21 (BLD)
This morning we farewell our wonderful hosts in Maitland and arrive at Hillview Herb Farm. Overlooking the Bucket Mountains on the left and Mograni Range on the right, sit back and marvel at the spectacular views as we enjoy our delicious lunch. Our afternoon drive takes us through Gloucester and Walcha before arriving in Armidale for our final night on tour together (breakfast & dinner at hotel / lunch at Hillview Herb Farm).
Day 7
Armidale to Brisbane
Wed 1 Dec 21 (B)
With our bags packed full of memories, we begin our journey back to Brisbane. We have time for convenience breaks and time to purchase lunch before arriving home from a wonderful holiday to the Hunter Valley (breakfast in hotel / lunch at own expense).