Hawkesbury River

Discover the Hunter Valley on this tasting trip from Sydney, lunch included. Travel over Sydney Harbor Bridge through Sydney's leafy north shore, over the beautiful Hawkesbury River, and onto Australia's oldest wine production region, the Hunter Valley. The day starts at a locally owned winery and winner of Hunter Valley Winemaker of the Year. Staff will guide you through the tastings of their wine and answer your questions. Head to another cellar for more wine tastings, followed by a 1-course restaurant lunch with a wide choice of meals including options for vegetarians, vegans, and gluten-free diets. Enjoy a complimentary glass of wine or craft beer with your meal and take in the beautiful views overlooking the vineyards. Three's also the option of buying a craft beer tasting paddle. After lunch, give your taste buds a jolt with a visit to a local distillery for tastings of locally produced spirits including vodka, gin, and schnapps. The third cellar door is next for final wine tastings and a chance to relax, buy a glass of wine, and take in the serenity. Throughout the day, you'll also get to enjoy tastings of cheese and chocolate to get the most from your flavorful day and to help support local businesses. Keep an eye out for wild kangaroos and get the chance to take photos. This tour is also carbon-neutral, with all vehicle emissions offset, so when you travel you can make a choice to take positive action to help address climate change.

Be immersed in nature up close as you join a dolphin watching cruise, see wild Koalas in their natural habitat and take part in a 4WD and sandboarding adventure on the largest mobile sand dune system in the Southern Hemisphere. After a perfect day mixing nature in the wild with incredible adventure you will return knowing you have witnessed something truly unique. 7:00am – Travel across the Sydney Harbour Bridge for a scenic drive along the spectacular NSW Central Coast. Short comfort stop en route. 10:30am –Arrive on the traditional lands of the Worimi people in the tranquil coastal village of Nelson Bay. Depart on 90-minute Dolphin Discovery Cruise with Moonshadow Cruises on the turquoise blue waters of Port Stephens, a veritable marine wonderland. This extraordinary natural harbour is home to some 140 bottle nose dolphins who will entrance you by their playful and intelligent nature as they frolic around the boat or surf the bow waves. Be mindful to also look out for other wildlife including pelicans, sea eagles, the occasional seal. 12:00pm - Enjoy an Aussie lunch, in the natural surroundings. Vegetarian option available. 1:00pm - Visit the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary which supports the long-term rehabilitation, preservation and conservation of koala in the wild. This $ 13 million project has been jointly funded by the NSW State Government and the Port Stephens council to provide care for sick, injured or orphaned Koalas with the aim of releasing them back into the wild. Brighton Tours proudly supports the conservation and preservation efforts of the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary having adopted several wild koalas in their care. Our visit here today will make a direct contribution to the preservation of wild Koalas in Port Stephens. Enjoy the Sanctuary Story Walk, a flat 250m pathway with large Koala sculptures that educate about Koala and its natural habitat. Take a look into Koala Hospital which is making a direct contribution to the long-term survivability of the wild Koala population in the Port Stephens region. The final attraction is the Sanctuary SKYwalk a 225mtr elevated pathway with viewing platforms in the tree top canopy where you have the rare opportunity of seeing one of Australia’s most iconic marsupials in the wild. 2:00pm – Depart the Koala Sanctuary for the sand dunes and Port Stephens 4WD Tour Sandboarding adventure. 2:15pm – Our final stop is at the world-renowned Stockton sand dunes, a coastal desert that is 32km long and the largest mobile sand dune system in the southern hemisphere. Meet your friendly drivers from Port Stephens 4WD Tours, and board a 21-seater 4WD red bus for the 2km drive to “The Dunes”. Now it’s time for Adventure as you sand board down the huge sand dunes that make up this idyllic setting. 3:30pm – Depart for Sydney 7:00pm – Arrive back in Sydney

HUNTER VALLEY WINE COUNTRY DAY TOUR. DEPARTING DAILY at 7 am Sydney Central Station. With a maximum group size of 30 happy people, this is a fun-filled day exploring a variety of top-quality venues and activities in the Hunter Valley. Did someone say Chocolate, Cheese, and award-winning wines?!! This is a day tour departing daily from Sydney that you don't want to miss. The tour includes some of the oldest and newest wineries in the Hunter Valley. The Tour INCLUDES an extensive LUNCH Menu from 4 Pines Brewery at Hunter Farm. After lunch, we move on to the next generations of winemakers and their cellar doors. You can't leave the Hunter Valley without visiting the famous Hunter Valley Chocolate Company, where we have a delicious chocolate tasting. Our last experience is with the Cheese factory, where you can taste that perfect cheese made by local company. Then, we will head back to the magic metropolis of Sydney, which is very happy and content, full of Hunter Valley Happiness, and arrive back at Sydney Central Station at approximately 6 pm.

Begin your Hunter Valley Wine Tour with breathtaking views of Sydney Harbour as you cross the iconic Harbour Bridge, en route to one of Australia’s premier wine regions, the Hunter Valley. Our tour offers a remarkable showcase of the region, featuring a carefully curated selection of food and wine experiences designed to delight your senses—there’s something for everyone! The c is renowned for its Semillon, but it also boasts award-winning varieties like Shiraz, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Verdelho. Stroll through picturesque vineyards and visit boutique cellar doors for an immersive wine-tasting experience. Each cellar door has been handpicked for its commitment to exceptional customer service and the quality of its wines, offering two tastings before lunch and one in the afternoon. For lunch, enjoy a delicious café-style meal at Cypress Lakes, set against the stunning backdrop of Hunter Valley Village. After your meal, take some time to explore the unique boutique shops and galleries, and indulge in local produce with an educational cheese-making session at the Hunter Valley Cheese Factory. If time allows, consider visiting the Hunter Valley Chocolate Company, The British Lolly Shop, Kissofire Hunter Valley Liqueurs, or The Garden Cellars; any additional tastings will be at your own expense. Conclude your day at our favourite boutique cellar door, saving the best for last. Enjoy a structured tasting led by a vineyard representative, showcasing their exquisite range of wines. After a day filled with memorable experiences and camaraderie among fellow wine lovers, we’ll begin our journey back to Sydney. Rest assured, we’ll provide comfort stops along the way, ensuring you can relax after a day of indulgence. You’ll return to the city with ample time to grab a meal or catch a show. Driving distance: 360 km Walking distance: less than 1 km *The tour operator reserves the right to alter the itinerary route and winery stops due to unforeseen circumstances, such as group sizes, special events and cellar-door closures in the Hunter Valley and Pokolbin area. With more than 80 different wineries in the region, here’s a list of wineries we frequently rotate between: Ernest Hill Wines, Hanging Tree Wines, Irongate Estate, Savannah Estate, Constable, Tempus Two/Roche, Mount View Estate, Tintilla Estate, and Mistletoe

Enjoy a full-day gourmet food and wine tour of the Hunter Valley. The guide is also a chef, who will pair wines with regional dishes, prepared on location. Sample delicious local fare from breakfast through lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy stops at wineries and taste fine local wines with favorite regional foods. Private tours for larger groups can also be accommodated. The trip from Sydney includes: Cook's tour of the Sydney Fish Market Cooked breakfast by the picturesque Hawkesbury River Scenic countryside drive and wildlife spotting on the way to wine country Chef-prepared degustation paired with local wines at wineries visited Something sweet to complete the gourmet experience

Cruise the scenic waters of the Hawkesbury River to Broken Bay Pearl & Oyster Farm's saltwater paddocks. Take in the beauty of the region and discover why this environment is ideal for growing oysters of all varieties and, in turn, how oysters give back to people and place. Your farm skipper shares the farming lifecycle from oyster spawning through to selection for seafood or pearl production. Follow the journey of the oyster from farm to plate or the pearl from shell to showroom by adding on to your Farm Cruise. Recommended to combine tour with: - Pearl Farming - Pearl Grading - Oyster Tasting

##How to Redeem Big Bus ticket The tour date on the voucher is Port Stephens Departure date, and this combo voucher is valid for 7 days before or after the Port Stephens departure date. To redeem it, find any Big Bus Staff at their stops, show the Getyourguide voucher in English to the staff. If you find trouble to redeem, call Brighton for help. Big Bus Tours Discover Big Bus meeting point: any of the 34 Big Bus stops, please download the Big Bus Tours app or visit the bigbustours.com website for more details ##How to Redeem Port Stephens tour Come to designated meeting point on time, find the bus with "Brighton Coach & Tours". Embark on a day trip from Sydney to Port Stephens. Enjoy a dolphin cruise, a 4WD sand dune and sandboarding adventure, and a visit to Port Stephens Winery. As you depart the Sydney CBD, be stunned by views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Sydney Opera House, and the world’s most beautiful harbor, the one and only Sydney Harbour. Travel north along the M1 highway into the rugged Hawkesbury River region, a true bushland wilderness and one of Australia’s great rivers only 1 hour from the Sydney CDB. Stop briefly at what the locals refer to as ‘The Twin Servo’s’ for coffee and a comfort stop. As you leave the M1, you will be in the Port Stephens local government area and the lands of the traditional indigenous Worimi people. Arrive at the Stockton Bight sand dunes, a coastal desert 32 kilometers long and the largest mobile sand dune system in the Southern Hemisphere. Be warmly greeted by friendly 4WD drivers and guides from Port Stephens 4WD Tours, who will help you onto their 19-seater 4WD red coaches for the 2-kilometer drive to “The Dunes”. Sandboard down the dunes with safety instructions and tips on techniques from your guide. Sandboarding is suitable for toddlers to grandparents and very safe. Shake off the sand and head to the tranquil coastal village of Nelson Bay, the heart of Port Stephens and home to Delbora Marina, the departure point for your Dolphin Discovery Cruise. Board your boat to see a marine wonderland with Moonshadow TQC Cruises, the largest dolphin cruise company in New South Wales. Port Stephens is home to 160 bottle nose dolphins, one of the most beautiful marine mammals on the planet. At times the dolphins love to surf the bow waves of Moonshadow’s boats and if you’re lucky they may give you a wink of their eye or you can just wink at them. There is heaps of other wildlife to see on the cruise from pelicans, sea eagles, and even the odd seal. Experience 90 minutes of cruising the blue waters of Port Stephens with expert commentary provided by Moonshadow’s experienced skippers. In the warmer months, you can even take a plunge in the boom net at the rear of the boat but make sure you have a change of clothes.

Designed for the intrepid souls seeking a personalized and immersive experience, this tour is the epitome of awe-inspiring natural beauty and captivating wildlife encounters. Get ready to escape the tourist crowds, uncover hidden gems, and support conservation efforts while creating memories to last a lifetime. Indulge in the tranquility of lush rainforests, hike along magical forest trails, and bask in the serenity of pristine, uncrowded beaches and coastlines. Explore hidden lookouts boasting vistas that rival the renowned Blue Mountains, capturing breathtaking moments that will leave you in awe. Marvel at nature's artwork in the form of ancient Aboriginal carvings at hidden Aboriginal sites, delving into the rich cultural heritage of Australia's first people. Of course, no visit to Sydney would be complete without capturing iconic landmarks. Get your camera ready as you seize the opportunity to snap incredible photos of the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge from the coveted vantage point of Lady Macquarie's Chair. Your Instagram feed will thank you. As the day progresses, satisfy your taste buds with a delectable Aussie lunch, relishing the ambiance of a beachfroint cafe. The tantalizing aromas of authentic Australian cuisine will entice your senses, while the refreshing sea breeze carries whispers of adventure and exploration. For those seeking even more enchantment, there are a range of optional experiences that cater to your unique preferences. Discover a hidden flying fox (fruit bat) colony tucked away in a suburban rainforest, or immerse yourself in the captivating world of Aboriginal art and culture by meeting an acclaimed Indigenous artist. Engage in thought-provoking conversations, delve into fascinating stories, and perhaps acquire a genuine artwork as a cherished memento. Wine connoisseurs and gourmet enthusiasts can delight in options such as complimentary wine tastings at the Firescreek Botanical Winery, where regenerative organic farming practices produce award-winning wines from an array of botanicals. Alternatively, embark on a culinary adventure at the Hawkesbury River Oyster Shed, where you can savor the freshest oysters and prawns while witnessing the sun's gentle descent over the tranquil waterways. And for those who appreciate the rarest of treasures, a visit to the Broken Bay Pearl Farm offers an opportunity to admire and acquire exceptional Akoya pearls. Throughout your journey, you'll be accompanied by an experienced bushman driver guide who possess a wealth of knowledge about the Australian landscapes and conservation efforts. His insights and anecdotes will enrich your understanding and appreciation of Australia's natural wonders, ensuring an educational and immersive experience.

Explore the hidden gem of Broken Bay Pearl Farm with our immersive half-day experience. Our knowledgeable guides will introduce you to the secrets of New South Wales' only pearl farm, showcasing the renowned Australian Akoya pearl and sharing the pioneering family story behind our operation. Embark on a scenic cruise along the mighty Hawkesbury River, where you'll visit an oyster lease and gain insight into the art of farming pearl and rock oysters. Learn how this pristine environment contributes to the cultivation of premium seafood and pearls, and discover the environmental benefits oysters provide. Step into our exclusive pearl grading room to understand what makes Australian pearls exceptionally rare and valuable. Conclude your experience with a guided oyster tasting and a shucking demonstration, savoring the unique flavors of our local oysters and supporting local farmers.

Embark on a delightful private tour of the Hunter Valley, where your itinerary is crafted just for you! As we arrive in this renowned wine region, you’ll have the chance to explore award-winning vineyards in the scenic Mount View area, with breathtaking views and a wealth of options. Whether you prefer iconic spots like Pepper Tree Winery and Tyrells Wines or want to discover hidden gems, the choice is yours—or leave it to our expert recommendations! Indulge in exquisite cheese tastings, gourmet chocolates, and even local distilleries or craft beers. When it's time for lunch, enjoy a diverse array of options, from fine dining at Bistro Molines to casual wood-fired pizza and salads at charming eateries. Please note that wine tasting fees and lunch are not included. However, you’ll enjoy a private and relaxing vehicle, plenty of water, and a fabulous tour guide to ensure your day is seamless and enjoyable. Book your adventure today and let us take care of the rest! // HIGHLIGHTS Travel in Style: Enjoy the journey in our premium vehicles, designed for your comfort and relaxation. Your Soundtrack: Play your favorite playlist as you explore the beautiful Hunter Valley. Scenic Wine Tastings: Indulge in exquisite wine tastings at stunning locations of your choice or recommended by us, surrounded by breathtaking views. Capture the Moments: Our guides are happy to take photos of you throughout the day, ensuring you have memories to cherish. Convenient Pick-Up & Drop-Off: Enjoy a hassle-free day tour from Sydney with personalize pick-up and drop-off at your preferred location in the city of Sydney, surrounding CBD suburbs and the North Shore. Expert Guidance: Let our knowledgeable guides recommend the best wineries and assist with bookings, or feel free to choose your own! Craft Your Perfect Day: We’ll work with you to tailor an unforgettable experience that matches your preferences. Stay as Long as You Like: Enjoy the freedom to stop and linger at any destination for as long as you wish within the 10 – 11 hour tour. Flexible Itinerary: Your day, your way—experience the ultimate flexibility in planning your tour. Support Local: By booking with us, you’re supporting a local tour business dedicated to providing exceptional experiences. Knowledgeable Guides: Benefit from the wealth of knowledge our guides bring, ensuring a rich and informative experience throughout your tour. Not feeling the wine: We can take you to the local distillery and breweries to break up your day