Hunter Valley Christmas Lights

Day 1 – Thursday 5th December 2024

This morning we travel north from Sydney, pausing for a brief morning tea stop along the way to Pokolbin, situated in the heart of the Hunter Valley region. We visit the awarding-winning Hunter Valley Gardens where we enjoy a delicious lunch followed by free time to explore the gardens which span over 25 hectares at your own pace.
Soak up nature at its most stunning at Hunter Valley Gardens, built by Bill and Imelda Roche over four years with a dedicated team of over 40 landscape gardeners, architects and engineers. The ten individually themed gardens, showcase the artistry of gardens around the world and use both native and exotic varieties of plants.
Enjoy an exciting journey as you explore the gardens, with an air of discovery at every turn. Bask in a lavish array of colour and scent found in the Rose Garden, with more than 8 thousand roses on display or step back in time with all your favourite fairytale characters in the Storybook Garden.
This afternoon we check in to our motel in Cessnock with time to freshen up before returning to the Hunter Valley Gardens this evening for a delicious festive dinner at Terraces Restaurant.
Once the sun has set for the day the garden’s come to life with Christmas cheer. With over 4 million Christmas lights on show throughout designated areas of the gardens, this is truly a spectacular sight. There will also be entertainment along with food & beverage stalls if you wish to purchase a snack or drink.
The coach will return you to your motel at the end of the night.

Day 2 – Friday 6th December 2024

Following a light breakfast at the motel we farewell the Hunter and travel to the popular coastal region of Port Stephens.
We could not travel to the region that claims to be the “Dolphin Capitol of Australia”, without taking a Dolphin watch cruise.
Board the Moonshadow Cruise’s Supercat with its 360 degree viewing decks, open sundeck, huge boom nets, hydrophones and licensed bars. Sit back and enjoy a 1½ hour cruise on the ‘Blue Water Paradise’ with a 99% success rate in sighting Dolphins (as claimed by Moonshadow).
After a tasty lunch, it’s time to start the journey back home. With a comfort stop along the way, expect to be back in Sydney at around 6pm, depending on traffic.

* NOTE: The Hunter Valley Gardens reserves the right to cancel the lights display in cases of heavy rain, storms or if it deems it unsafe to go ahead. Unfortunately this decision is outside of our control and we are unable to issue any refunds in the event of the lights being cancelled.