10 DAY FULLY INCLUSIVE TOUR
30TH MAY TO 8TH JUNE 2021
Welcome to this tour of two of Australia's premier regions. The Hunter Valley, better known as wine country has more cellar doors than any other wine region in Australia. You can taste wines with an incredible breadth of flavour and character from these world-famous wineries.
The blue water paradise of Port Stephens has majestic sand dunes which are the back drop for many exhilarating experiences. Picture perfect beaches, wild dolphins and humpback whales and warm friendly locals. Smell the salt in the air in this beautiful location where the extraordinary is ordinary.
30TH MAY TO 8TH JUNE 2021
Welcome to this tour of two of Australia's premier regions. The Hunter Valley, better known as wine country has more cellar doors than any other wine region in Australia. You can taste wines with an incredible breadth of flavour and character from these world-famous wineries.
The blue water paradise of Port Stephens has majestic sand dunes which are the back drop for many exhilarating experiences. Picture perfect beaches, wild dolphins and humpback whales and warm friendly locals. Smell the salt in the air in this beautiful location where the extraordinary is ordinary.
TOUR MAP
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Nelson Bay, Fingal Bay, Shoal Bay, Salamander Bay, Soldiers Point, Port Stephens Wines, Stockton Bight Sand Dunes, Hunter Valley Gardens, Hunter Valley Cheese Factory, Newcastle Talking Tram, RAAF Williamtown Fighter World, National Motorcycle Museum of Australia, Koala Hospital, Sea Acres Rainforest Park, Cassegrain Winery, Trial Bay Goal, Pub With No Beer, Baba Lila Handmade Chocolates and Bago Vineyards and Maze.
CRUISES
Port Stephens Waterways Cruise, Wallis Lake Luncheon Cruise and River Hastings Cruise
MULTIPLE NIGHT STAYS
4 nights in Port Stephens
5 nights in Port Macquarie
PRICE
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Twin Share Room First Tour: Twin Share Room Repeat Traveller 2 - 10 Tours: Twin Share Room Repeat Traveller 11 - 20 Tours: Twin Share Room Repeat Traveller 21+ Tours: Single Room Supplement: Deposit: |
$TBA per person $TBA per person $TBA per person $TBA per person $TBA per person $200 per person upon booking |
O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours will match single travellers who wish to twin share, with another single traveller of the same gender.
However, if this is not possible, you shall be provided with single accommodation at the twin share fare (no additional cost).
However, if this is not possible, you shall be provided with single accommodation at the twin share fare (no additional cost).
TOUR MAP
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ITINERARY
DAY 1: saturday 30th may, 2021
HOME TO PORT STEPHENS
Welcome to our 10 Day tour to the North Coast of New South Wales – and two delightful “Ports” - Port Stephens and Port Macquarie. After our complimentary home pick up service, we head off to Melbourne Airport for our mid-day flight to Newcastle. We’ll be met on arrival by our O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours crew and Touring Coach for the short transfer to our accommodation, the Marina Resort, nestled amongst tropical gardens, in Nelson Bay. Nearby is Port Stephens, with its magnificent volcanic headlands and spectacular bay. This will be our base for the next 4 nights as we explore the local area including Newcastle and the Hunter Valley.
OVERNIGHT: Marina Resort, PORT STEPHENS (NELSON BAY)
Welcome to our 10 Day tour to the North Coast of New South Wales – and two delightful “Ports” - Port Stephens and Port Macquarie. After our complimentary home pick up service, we head off to Melbourne Airport for our mid-day flight to Newcastle. We’ll be met on arrival by our O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours crew and Touring Coach for the short transfer to our accommodation, the Marina Resort, nestled amongst tropical gardens, in Nelson Bay. Nearby is Port Stephens, with its magnificent volcanic headlands and spectacular bay. This will be our base for the next 4 nights as we explore the local area including Newcastle and the Hunter Valley.
OVERNIGHT: Marina Resort, PORT STEPHENS (NELSON BAY)
day 2: sunday 31st may, 2021
PORT STEPHENS
We take in the sights of Nelson Bay and the Tomaree Peninsula. It’s easy to see why the area is referred to as the “Blue Water Paradise”! We’ll see all the major attractions including Fingal Bay, Shoal Bay, Salamander Bay and Soldiers Point. Mid-morning, we board our cruise boat for a morning tea cruise on the spectacular waterways of Port Stephens - with any luck, we may meet some of the long-time locals - the friendly dolphins! Lunch today is at nearby Port Stephens Wines. Established in 1984, this winery is nestled in the shade of beautiful Australian gums surrounded by the vineyard. Mid-afternoon, we head to the Stockton Bight Sand Dunes. Covering an area of over 2,500 hectares along a 32km stretch of Stockton Beach, the brilliant white sand dunes climb up to 30 metres high with slopes up to 60 degrees. We’ll take a drive through the dunes and along the beach aboard a specially designed 4WD vehicle. We’ll see “Tin City”, a small makeshift fishing village emerging from the dunes like a mirage and enjoy afternoon tea in a unique setting!
OVERNIGHT: Marina Resort, PORT STEPHENS (NELSON BAY)
We take in the sights of Nelson Bay and the Tomaree Peninsula. It’s easy to see why the area is referred to as the “Blue Water Paradise”! We’ll see all the major attractions including Fingal Bay, Shoal Bay, Salamander Bay and Soldiers Point. Mid-morning, we board our cruise boat for a morning tea cruise on the spectacular waterways of Port Stephens - with any luck, we may meet some of the long-time locals - the friendly dolphins! Lunch today is at nearby Port Stephens Wines. Established in 1984, this winery is nestled in the shade of beautiful Australian gums surrounded by the vineyard. Mid-afternoon, we head to the Stockton Bight Sand Dunes. Covering an area of over 2,500 hectares along a 32km stretch of Stockton Beach, the brilliant white sand dunes climb up to 30 metres high with slopes up to 60 degrees. We’ll take a drive through the dunes and along the beach aboard a specially designed 4WD vehicle. We’ll see “Tin City”, a small makeshift fishing village emerging from the dunes like a mirage and enjoy afternoon tea in a unique setting!
OVERNIGHT: Marina Resort, PORT STEPHENS (NELSON BAY)
DAY 3: monday 1st june, 2021
THE HUNTER VALLEY
We spend today in the nearby Hunter Valley – our first stop is the Hunter Valley Gardens, 25 hectares of stunning feature gardens nestled in the heart of the Hunter vineyards, at the foothills of the Brokenback Ranges. Glory in the lavish array of colour and scent of more than eight thousand roses on display in the Rose Garden; laze above the 10 metre waterfall and take in the superb views from the lookout or step back in time with all your favourite fairytale characters in the Storybook Garden; enjoy a tractor train ride through the gardens. We have all morning and lunch here, so there’s plenty of time to enjoy! Early afternoon we visit the Hunter Valley Cheese Factory to taste their range of fine handmade and preservative-free cheeses, all available for purchase, as are their delicious preserves.
OVERNIGHT: Marina Resort, PORT STEPHENS (NELSON BAY)
We spend today in the nearby Hunter Valley – our first stop is the Hunter Valley Gardens, 25 hectares of stunning feature gardens nestled in the heart of the Hunter vineyards, at the foothills of the Brokenback Ranges. Glory in the lavish array of colour and scent of more than eight thousand roses on display in the Rose Garden; laze above the 10 metre waterfall and take in the superb views from the lookout or step back in time with all your favourite fairytale characters in the Storybook Garden; enjoy a tractor train ride through the gardens. We have all morning and lunch here, so there’s plenty of time to enjoy! Early afternoon we visit the Hunter Valley Cheese Factory to taste their range of fine handmade and preservative-free cheeses, all available for purchase, as are their delicious preserves.
OVERNIGHT: Marina Resort, PORT STEPHENS (NELSON BAY)
DAY 4: tuesday 2nd june, 2021
NEWCASTLE
We head south this morning to take in some of the local sights of Newcastle, the state’s second largest city and one of Australia’s largest ports. Newcastle is a city of industry as well as history with its terraced houses, a majestic cathedral and ancient fort. A mixture of old and new! We take in both as we join the famous Talking Tram. The 45-minute ride through Newcastle’s streets, takes us past the sites of our convict past, fort and gaol, Australia’s oldest school, oldest restaurant and many other places of interest. After some free time for a wander and to purchase lunch we head to RAAF Williamtown for our visit to Fighter World, the world’s first fighter aircraft display centre. It’s here we see the history of the Australian Air Force close up.
Lunch own expense arrangement today
OVERNIGHT: Marina Resort, PORT STEPHENS (NELSON BAY)
We head south this morning to take in some of the local sights of Newcastle, the state’s second largest city and one of Australia’s largest ports. Newcastle is a city of industry as well as history with its terraced houses, a majestic cathedral and ancient fort. A mixture of old and new! We take in both as we join the famous Talking Tram. The 45-minute ride through Newcastle’s streets, takes us past the sites of our convict past, fort and gaol, Australia’s oldest school, oldest restaurant and many other places of interest. After some free time for a wander and to purchase lunch we head to RAAF Williamtown for our visit to Fighter World, the world’s first fighter aircraft display centre. It’s here we see the history of the Australian Air Force close up.
Lunch own expense arrangement today
OVERNIGHT: Marina Resort, PORT STEPHENS (NELSON BAY)
DAY 5: wednesday 3rd june 2021
FORSTER/TUNCURRY AND NABIAC
We depart Port Stephens this morning and head to Forster Tuncurry where we have the opportunity to see one of Australia’s cleanest lakes - Wallis Lake. The lake stretches for 25 kilometres between Walling at State Forest and a sliver of land separating the lake from the sea. Our luncheon cruise will take us on a tour of these crystal clear, pristine waters, home to a rich seafood harvest including the famous Wallis Lake oyster. After disembarking we head across to the nearby town of Nabiac to visit the National Motorcycle Museum of Australia. This is a purpose-built complex housing some 800 motorcycles together with an enormous array of motorcycle memorabilia, toys, an extensive private library and a motorcycle orientated gift shop. Among the favourite machines on display are a Kenilworth scooter (1919), a twin cylinder water-cooled 2 stroke Scott, and a Vincent Black Knight. There is an excellent range of vintage bikes from the early nineteen hundred and of course many interesting later machines. From here we continue north towards Port Macquarie – our base for the next 5 nights.
OVERNIGHT: Waters Edge, PORT MACQUARIE
We depart Port Stephens this morning and head to Forster Tuncurry where we have the opportunity to see one of Australia’s cleanest lakes - Wallis Lake. The lake stretches for 25 kilometres between Walling at State Forest and a sliver of land separating the lake from the sea. Our luncheon cruise will take us on a tour of these crystal clear, pristine waters, home to a rich seafood harvest including the famous Wallis Lake oyster. After disembarking we head across to the nearby town of Nabiac to visit the National Motorcycle Museum of Australia. This is a purpose-built complex housing some 800 motorcycles together with an enormous array of motorcycle memorabilia, toys, an extensive private library and a motorcycle orientated gift shop. Among the favourite machines on display are a Kenilworth scooter (1919), a twin cylinder water-cooled 2 stroke Scott, and a Vincent Black Knight. There is an excellent range of vintage bikes from the early nineteen hundred and of course many interesting later machines. From here we continue north towards Port Macquarie – our base for the next 5 nights.
OVERNIGHT: Waters Edge, PORT MACQUARIE
DAY 6: thursday 4th June, 2021
PORT MACQUARIE AND THE BEST OF THE HASTINGS
From our hotel, we take a sightseeing tour of the historical sites of “Port” including its oldest building, St Thomas’ Anglican Church built by convicts in 1826. We view the old Court House, Allman Hill, The Garrison building and historic town green. We then visit Roto House, built in 1890 for John Edmund Flynn, a land surveyor who settled in Port Macquarie in 1885. The house, built of red mahogany, has been restored and is classified by National Trust. Right next door is the Koala Hospital and view the great work done by volunteers. (You can make a gold coin donation if you wish.) We have our morning tea here amongst the gum trees. Next is a visit and lunch stop at Ricardoes Tomatoes & Strawberries farm. The greenhouses boast five varieties of hydroponic strawberries and eight varieties of tomatoes. Our final visit for the day is to Sea Acres Rainforest Park, 72 hectares of rare coastal rainforest. We take a tour in the company of a local expert through this magnificent area and visit the Enviro-Theatre and the Ecology display.
OVERNIGHT: Waters Edge, PORT MACQUARIE
From our hotel, we take a sightseeing tour of the historical sites of “Port” including its oldest building, St Thomas’ Anglican Church built by convicts in 1826. We view the old Court House, Allman Hill, The Garrison building and historic town green. We then visit Roto House, built in 1890 for John Edmund Flynn, a land surveyor who settled in Port Macquarie in 1885. The house, built of red mahogany, has been restored and is classified by National Trust. Right next door is the Koala Hospital and view the great work done by volunteers. (You can make a gold coin donation if you wish.) We have our morning tea here amongst the gum trees. Next is a visit and lunch stop at Ricardoes Tomatoes & Strawberries farm. The greenhouses boast five varieties of hydroponic strawberries and eight varieties of tomatoes. Our final visit for the day is to Sea Acres Rainforest Park, 72 hectares of rare coastal rainforest. We take a tour in the company of a local expert through this magnificent area and visit the Enviro-Theatre and the Ecology display.
OVERNIGHT: Waters Edge, PORT MACQUARIE
DAY 7: friday 5th june, 2021
THE HINTERLAND
We head off for a cruise on the River Hastings through the everglade rainforest, navigating through 3 river systems seeing water lilies, pristine rainforest, huge elk horns, bird and wildlife in this fascinating environment. We’ll enjoy morning tea underway. Back on dry land, we head down the coast to Lake Cathie then onto Laurieton taking in the spectacular scenery of this coastline. After lunch in Laurieton we travel up North Brother Mountain for a magnificent view of the Camden Haven area. As we’re returning to the Port, we’ll stop in at Cassegrain Winery for a tasting.
OVERNIGHT: Waters Edge, PORT MACQUARIE
We head off for a cruise on the River Hastings through the everglade rainforest, navigating through 3 river systems seeing water lilies, pristine rainforest, huge elk horns, bird and wildlife in this fascinating environment. We’ll enjoy morning tea underway. Back on dry land, we head down the coast to Lake Cathie then onto Laurieton taking in the spectacular scenery of this coastline. After lunch in Laurieton we travel up North Brother Mountain for a magnificent view of the Camden Haven area. As we’re returning to the Port, we’ll stop in at Cassegrain Winery for a tasting.
OVERNIGHT: Waters Edge, PORT MACQUARIE
DAY 8: saturday 6th june, 2021
THE NORTH COAST AND THE PUB WITH NO BEER!
We make our way north to South West Rocks where we take a sightseeing tour of the area and visit the Trial Bay Goal and the Arakoon National Park. Work on the Trial Bay Gaol commenced in 1877 as an experiment in penal reform. Following our guided visit of the museum, we drive out to Taylors Arm and the Pub With No Beer, an Australian icon immortalised by Slim Dusty in the biggest selling single of 1958. We’ll enjoy lunch here (and maybe taste a growing range of onsite-brewed beer), plus time to view an array of artefacts and memorabilia, adorning the pub walls!
OVERNIGHT: Waters Edge, PORT MACQUARIE
We make our way north to South West Rocks where we take a sightseeing tour of the area and visit the Trial Bay Goal and the Arakoon National Park. Work on the Trial Bay Gaol commenced in 1877 as an experiment in penal reform. Following our guided visit of the museum, we drive out to Taylors Arm and the Pub With No Beer, an Australian icon immortalised by Slim Dusty in the biggest selling single of 1958. We’ll enjoy lunch here (and maybe taste a growing range of onsite-brewed beer), plus time to view an array of artefacts and memorabilia, adorning the pub walls!
OVERNIGHT: Waters Edge, PORT MACQUARIE
DAY 9:sunday 7th june, 2021
WAUCHOPE
This morning we make our way to Wauchope and Timbertown, an authentically re-created timber-getters village showcasing life as it was over 100 years ago. They were the days when man worked with his hands - the smithy, shingle splitter, sleeper cutter and wood turner. This is also our lunch venue. Our last visit in the area is for an indulgent chocolate tasting at Baba Lila Handmade Chocolates located at Bago Vineyards and Maze – mmm, lovely!
OVERNIGHT: Waters Edge, PORT MACQUARIE
This morning we make our way to Wauchope and Timbertown, an authentically re-created timber-getters village showcasing life as it was over 100 years ago. They were the days when man worked with his hands - the smithy, shingle splitter, sleeper cutter and wood turner. This is also our lunch venue. Our last visit in the area is for an indulgent chocolate tasting at Baba Lila Handmade Chocolates located at Bago Vineyards and Maze – mmm, lovely!
OVERNIGHT: Waters Edge, PORT MACQUARIE
DAY 10:monday 8th june, 2021
PORT MACQUARIE TO HOME
After breakfast this morning we transfer back to Newcastle Airport for our afternoon flight back to Melbourne. On arrival late-afternoon, we complete our holiday with O’Shannessy’s famous home drop off service.
After breakfast this morning we transfer back to Newcastle Airport for our afternoon flight back to Melbourne. On arrival late-afternoon, we complete our holiday with O’Shannessy’s famous home drop off service.
TOUR INCLUSIONS
Complimentary chauffeur driven transfers
Victorian passengers from Greater Melbourne, Bendigo, Torquay, Ballarat, Geelong, the Bellarine and Mornington Peninsulas, Phillip Island and selected areas of Gippsland will be picked up from home in a private chauffeured vehicle by one of our professional drivers.
For Victorian passengers not within this pick up zone, or our interstate passengers a quote can be provided for home pickup in extended areas. At the end of your tour, you will be safely returned home with memories of a sensational tour.
O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours Touring Coach
Features include comfy reclining seats for a maximum of 36 passengers with plenty of leg room to stretch out.
Arm and foot rests, seat belts, panoramic windows with blinds, refrigerator for passenger use, Road Cam screens which display the road ahead in real time and an onboard rest room. A second door for easier entry and exit,
a hands-free hand sanitizer dispenser onboard and full air suspension for a smooth, quiet ride.
Tour Director
Dedicated O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours coach crew (tour directors) on board to ensure
your travel experience is memorable.
Best Available Quality Accommodation
Ensuite motel accommodation each night.
Attractions
All tours and interest venues as per itinerary.
Meals
Full cooked breakfasts, morning tea, most lunches and two course restaurant dinners daily.
3 lunches at own arrangement and cost.
No Hidden Extras
O'Shannessy's Quality Tours are fully inclusive.
“... Whether it’s a sneaky weekender or a full-on fortnight, the Hunter Valley is a fabulous holiday destination. Make a getaway, here’s to the good life ...”
winecountry.com.au
PAYMENT AND CANCELLATION POLICY
Balance due on invoice approximately 45 days prior to departure.
Deposit is fully refundable until 46 days prior to departure date.
Prices include GST and all taxes.
Cancellation 45 to 8 days before tour departure date, 20% Refund of Tour Cost
Cancellation within 7 days of tour departure date, No Refund
On or after tour date departure, No Refund
Travel Insurance is not compulsory, however we highly recommended you take out comprehensive travel insurance with a reputable insurer at the time you pay for your tour.