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    Owing to recent flight price increases this package is scheduled for repricing. Submit a booking enquiry to receive up-to-date pricing for your travel plan without obligation.

    Taste the Hunter Valley on this 3-day short break to Sydney's most famed region.

    Just 4 hours out of Sydney lays the magical Hunter Valley region. Famously known as Australia's oldest wine region, spend 3 days celebrating the region's award-winning wines, sampling delicious food, wondering the lush vineyards, and simply unwinding in a place like no other. The spectacular Central Coast paves your return back to Sydney; with its crystal clear waters and white sand, it is the perfect addition to your unforgettable trip.

    Embark on a Hunter Valley food and wine tour
    Embark on a Hunter Valley food and wine tour
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    YOU PAY FROM AFTER GCASH TRAVEL CREDITS

    DESTINATION
    AUSTRALIA
    THEME
    HIGHLIGHTS
    PRICE FROM
    AUD $459
    FLIGHTS INC.
    TOUR ONLY
    PACKAGE TYPES
    SELF-GUIDED
    PHYSICAL LEVEL
    2/10
    Member offer

    3 months free membership

    Not yet a member? We will include 3 months' free membership with enough travel credits to get the maximum discount on this holiday.

    Trip Highlights

     

    There are so many fantastic opportunities on this trip, but the highlight is the progressive food & wine tour. Uncover the art of food and drink pairing as you progressively taste and dine your way around the scenic Hunter Region.

    Sapphire Self-guided

    A marvellous, self-guided car trip for independent travellers!

    This suits singles, couples and groups of up to 8 people. We organise everything for you saving you a lot of time and money. You drive and follow the great itinerary we organise for you to make the absolute most of your holiday.

    READ MORE

    Sapphire self-guided package

    AUD $459pp twin-share [+ $226 GCash credits]

    Our base package class includes all of the essential trip elements including activities and allows you the option to choose from a range of other daily inclusions. Very high quality Bronze or Silver standard accommodation applies.

    SHARE TYPES

    • Nature
    • Adventure
    • Beach-side
    • Hinterland towns
    • Special interest
    • Markets
    • Shopping

    Dine at award-winning Baume

    Award-winning Baume Restaurant offers a Mediterranean style feast. Enjoy fresh local ingredients, made for sharing with friends.

    Embark on a Progressive Food & Wine tour through the Hunter Valley

    Uncover the art of food and drink as you progressively taste and dine your way around the scenic Hunter Region, indulging in a selection of chef and wine-maker designed tasting experiences that celebrates beautiful local produce paired with premium Hunter Valley wines, aged whiskies or craft beers.

    More trip highlights:

    local_activity
    Explore the magical Hunter Valley Gardens

    Hunter Valley Gardens is an all year round oasis of colour on a scale not seen before in other areas of Australia. Exploring over 8 kilometres of walking paths, visitors are able to experience each of the ten individual feature gardens with a range of statuary and superb feature gardens, all of a standard you won’t see elsewhere in Australia.

    local_activity
    Tour the historic Fort Scratchley

    Embark on a full-site tour of Fort Scratchley, a former coastal defence installation that now stands as an interactive museum.

    local_activity
    Visit Avoca Beach and enjoy a seaside lunch

    Put your feet in the sand and enjoy the warmth of the sun as you have lunch at Avoca Beach Seafoods.


    View the itinerary for a comprehensive view of the trip highlights.

    Member Pricing

    Sapphire self-guided package
    Sapphire Self-guided
    A marvellous, self-guided car trip for independent travellers!
    AUD $459pp twin-share [+ $226 GCash credits]
    • 3 days of touring and sight-seeing
    • 4 towns and other places of interest visited
    • 2 nights' top-class accommodation
    • 3 excellent excursions and activities

    See full inclusions

    FAQ: Single, twin-share and more

    What is twin-share, triple-share and quad-share?

    The share-basis is about accommodation pricing. It does not mean that you share a room with a stranger.

    "Twin-share" is where two people occupy a hotel room (open-plan style) or other accommodation such as an apartment, usually a couple or two friends. This is the normal way accommodation is priced. The price is shared between two people. Most accommodation properties (eg. hotels) offer rooms with king, queen or double beds. Most offer the option of "twin" beds as well which actually means two single beds to accommodate singles sharing, couples wanting space and so-on.

    "Triple share" is where three people occupy the accommodation and share the price. "Quad-share" is where four people occupy the accommodation and share the price. Family apartments and hotel rooms usually include a king, queen or double bed and one or more single beds to handle triple and quad-share arrangements. Sometimes other bedding configurations are available as well.

    What is a seasonal adjustment?

    Some accommodation providers, especially in very popular holiday locations, have higher room rates for busy holiday periods (usually spring and summer holidays). We must make an allowance for those price variations if applicable.

    What is a single supplement?

    A "single supplement" applies to single travellers who want a room to themselves. Because the price is not shared, a "single supplement" applies. This additional amount is based on the single covering the entire accommodation component of the trip that would normally be split between two or more people.

    FULL RETAIL VALUE

    SAVINGS APPLIED

    -

    YOU PAY FROM*

    SAVING OFF FULL RETAIL VALUE (UP TO):

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    Not yet a member? Submit a booking enquiry and we'll automatically register you for a 90-day free trial account. No obligation to book a trip or to remain as a member. There are no scams and no catches. This is a genuine travel club and you'll quicky discover how professional we are.

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    USE FREE FLIGHTS VOUCHERS TO SAVE AN EXTRA PER PERSON* (YOU PAY )

    * Limits may apply to group bookings. Details will be provided at the time of final pricing.

    Member offer

    3 months free membership

    Not yet a member? We will include 3 months' free membership with enough travel credits to get the maximum discount on this holiday.

    * All prices are per-person on a twin-share basis and bookings are subject to availability. The final price and deposit amount varies according to travel date. All prices are estimates only. A firm quote (travel plan) with payment terms will be submitted for consideration prior to agreement to proceed. Full booking terms and conditions are available HERE....

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    Inclusions

     

    Our aim with this trip is to give you and your group a taste of the Hunter Valley and Central Coast's highlights and provide exceptional value while keeping the dollars as low as possible. Ideally this might be a trip you could do more than once a year.

    Sapphire Self-guided

    A marvellous, self-guided car trip for independent travellers!

    This suits singles, couples and groups of up to 8 people. We organise everything for you saving you a lot of time and money. You drive and follow the great itinerary we organise for you to make the absolute most of your holiday.

    READ MORE

    Sapphire self-guided package

    AUD $459pp twin-share [+ $226 GCash credits]

    Our base package class includes all of the essential trip elements including activities and allows you the option to choose from a range of other daily inclusions. Very high quality Bronze or Silver standard accommodation applies.

    SHARE TYPES

    "A filigree of picturesque roads criss-crosses this verdant valley, but a pleasant country drive isn't the main motivator for visitors - sheer decadence is. The Hunter is one big gorge fest: fine wine, gourmet restaurants, boutique beer, chocolate, cheese, olives, you name it. "

    This is a first-class itinerary that's fully flexible. Want more or fewer days or you want to include a special destination or activity? No problem, we’ll customise a travel plan for you.

    Inclusions list:

    hotel
    2-nights accommodation in Pokolbin

    With relaxing views of the surrounds

    Situated on the cusp of the gorgeous Hunter Valley gardens, this luxurious resort is the perfect place to sit back and relax, while taking in everything the Valley has to offer.

    Suite rated Silver standard or above; Ave. guest rating 4.2+.
    local_activity
    Hunter Valley Progressive Food & Wine tour

    Embark on a Hunter Valley food and wine tour

    Uncover the art of food and drink as you progressively taste and dine your way around the scenic Hunter Region, indulging in a selection of chef and wine-maker designed tasting experiences that celebrates beautiful local produce paired with premium Hunter Valley wines, aged whiskies or craft beers.

    local_activity
    Fort Scratchley tour

    Fort Scratchley

    Embark on a full-site tour of Fort Scratchley, a former coastal defence installation that now stands as an interactive museum.

    local_activity
    Explore the magical Hunter Valley Gardens

    Stroll through the stunning Hunter Valley Gardens

    Hunter Valley Gardens is an all year round oasis of colour on a scale not seen before in other areas of Australia. Exploring over 8 kilometres of walking paths, visitors are able to experience each of the ten individual feature gardens with a range of statuary and superb feature gardens, all of a standard you won’t see elsewhere in Australia.

    Exclusions and options:

    • Flights can also be arranged including transfers to and from the airport

    Other:

    • Add extra nights wherever you want and pay the lowest member rates
    • Hand-picked, top-rated hotels, all tried and trusted
    • Variety of optional excursions and tours
    • Tour director notes supplied for great organisation and more fun
    • Flexible group size (6 or more)
    • Self-drive package available for couples

    All packages include:

    • No fees to alter the itinerary (you just pay for the adjusted itinerary)
    • Extra nights at industry wholesale price (using GCash travel credits)
    • Google Drive folder with soft copies of all travel documents
    • Personal travel consultant to help plan and customize your holiday
    • Comprehensive, printed itinerary and travel documents

    Other information:

    This tour package is entirely flexible and can be customised to suit your group's interests and number of participants. Flights can be arranged from almost anywhere to Brisbane and you pay the lowest possible price.


    * All prices are per-person on a twin-share basis and bookings are subject to availability. Price and deposit amount varies according to travel date. If flights are shown as included then a flight cost provision (allowance) applies and is based on travel from Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane. Travel can be arranged from any other major centre and for any number of people. All prices shown are estimates only. A firm quote (travel plan) with payment terms will be submitted for consideration prior to agreement to proceed. Total price after member discount (using Getaway Cash travel credits and Australian Escapes Free Flights Vouchers if applicable) is generally payable as follows: Deposit on booking, balance 120 days prior to departure. Packages can be priced for families and groups on request. Standard price and full retail value comparisons are with similar packages offered elsewhere or what we estimate would be payable by a non-member for the same or similar package and may include a value we define for specialty travel agency services. Travel insurance if included is a provision only and may be declined on requestTravel insurance pricing if stated is based on comprehensive travel insurance for two travellers aged 69 years or less as at the date of departure from Australia. No recommendations or advice are given in regard to travel insurance suitability. Travel Directions Pty Ltd (t/as Australian Escapes Holiday & Travel Club) standard booking terms and conditions apply to all booking enquiries and bookings and are available here to view (or visit our website and go to either the "Booking Enquiry" or "About Us" menu item.)

    Your Itinerary

     

    Taste local wines and enjoy the relaxing ambience of the lovely Hunter Valley region before putting your feet in the sand and strolling the cosmopolitan streets of the Central Coast.

    "Blessed are the curious for they shall have adventures." - Lovelle Drachman

    Your day-to-day itinerary:

    Sapphire Self-guided

    A marvellous, self-guided car trip for independent travellers!

    This suits singles, couples and groups of up to 8 people. We organise everything for you saving you a lot of time and money. You drive and follow the great itinerary we organise for you to make the absolute most of your holiday.

    READ MORE

    Sapphire self-guided package

    AUD $459pp twin-share [+ $226 GCash credits]

    Our base package class includes all of the essential trip elements including activities and allows you the option to choose from a range of other daily inclusions. Very high quality Bronze or Silver standard accommodation applies.

    SHARE TYPES

    172 108 2 false 0 97
    DAY 1
    SYDNEY - AVOCA BEACH - HUNTER VALLEY (2 NIGHTS)

    Surrounded by magnificent natural beauty, and only two hours from Sydney, the Hunter Valley is an unrivalled destination that has delighted since vines first thrived in the 1820s.

    About today:

    Dip your feet in the water at Avoca Beach

    Dip your toes in the waters of Avoca Beach before entering the Hunter Valley

    The gorgeous Hunter Valley region awaits; leaving Sydney in the morning, you will begin your journey with a stop at Avoca Beach. Dip your toes in the water and soak up the sun while enjoying a fish and chips lunch. You'll then visit the popular Avoca Beach markets before returning to the road and continuing north-west through stunning wine country to Pokolbin.

    Upon arrival, check-in to the accommodation and enjoy some free time to explore. An optional pasta making class is available at Our Italian Table; learn how to cook authentic Italian pasta by hand and then have the opportunity to sit down and eat as a group.

    In the evening, enjoy an elegant dinner at Hunters Quarter.

    Show More...
    Set in a gorgeous location
    With relaxing views of the surrounds
    hotel
    2-nights accommodation in Pokolbin

    Situated on the cusp of the gorgeous Hunter Valley gardens, this luxurious resort is the perfect place to sit back and relax, while taking in everything the Valley has to offer.

    local_activity
    Pasta making course

    Get your hands all floury in this hands on 3-hour pasta class where you will learn the art of traditional hand rolled pasta. After the class enjoy lunch around A long table of everything made during the class concluding with coffee and biscotti.

    (Optional AUD $145 Adult price)
    173 111 0 false 0 97
    DAY 2
    HUNTER VALLEY

    About today:

    The Hunter Valley region is famed for it's delicious food and wine

    Sample the region's finest wines and produce

    Today you have the opportunity to experience some of the finest wines and produce the Hunter Valley region has to offer. Embark on a progressive food and wine tour, taking you to some of the Hunter Valley's most famed cellars.

    In the afternoon, enjoy some shopping or tee off and challenge your skills at the champion Hunter Valley golf course. We recommend you enjoy tonight's dinner is at delicious Mediterranean restaurant, Baume.

    Show More...

    Activities:

    local_activity
    Hunter Valley Progressive Food & Wine tour

    Uncover the art of food and drink as you progressively taste and dine your way around the scenic Hunter Region, indulging in a selection of chef and wine-maker designed tasting experiences that celebrates beautiful local produce paired with premium Hunter Valley wines, aged whiskies or craft beers.

    (Included)
    174 112 0 false 0 97
    DAY 3
    HUNTER VALLEY - NEWCASTLE - RETURN HOME

    About today:

    Visit the gorgeous Newcastle on NSW's central coast

    Relax in Newcastle on your way home

    After breakfast, be transported through a world of gorgeous colours and spectacular flora at Hunter Valley Gardens. Spend some time exploring before hitting the road and heading to the coastal town of Newcastle.

    Upon arrival, stop and enjoy a hearty lunch and a cold beverege at The Happy Wombat then proceed to the historical Fort Scratchley museum for a guided tour. You will begin our journey back to Sydney in the late afternoon.

    Show More...

    Activities:

    local_activity
    Fort Scratchley tour

    Embark on a full-site tour of Fort Scratchley, a former coastal defence installation that now stands as an interactive museum.

    (Included)
    local_activity
    Explore the magical Hunter Valley Gardens

    Hunter Valley Gardens is an all year round oasis of colour on a scale not seen before in other areas of Australia. Exploring over 8 kilometres of walking paths, visitors are able to experience each of the ten individual feature gardens with a range of statuary and superb feature gardens, all of a standard you won’t see elsewhere in Australia.

    (Included)

    Accommodation

     

    All accommodation is carefully selected to meet the high standards defined by our accreditation system. Read about our accommodation rating standards and the methods used to assess quality.

    Sapphire Self-guided

    A marvellous, self-guided car trip for independent travellers!

    This suits singles, couples and groups of up to 8 people. We organise everything for you saving you a lot of time and money. You drive and follow the great itinerary we organise for you to make the absolute most of your holiday.

    READ MORE

    Sapphire self-guided package

    AUD $459pp twin-share [+ $226 GCash credits]

    Our base package class includes all of the essential trip elements including activities and allows you the option to choose from a range of other daily inclusions. Very high quality Bronze or Silver standard accommodation applies.

    SHARE TYPES

    Accommodation standards applied:

    Pokolbin

    Set in a gorgeous location

    With relaxing views of the surrounds

    Situated on the cusp of the gorgeous Hunter Valley gardens, this luxurious resort is the perfect place to sit back and relax, while taking in everything the Valley has to offer.

    Example Property Type:
    Resort
    Minimum Standard:
    Silver standard

    About this

    Silver standard: Self/externally rated as 3.5 to 4.5 stars. Average guest rating 4.0 or higher with 70 to 80% 4 to 5-star recent reviews. High to very high standard of accommodation including quality king or queen-sized bedding, quality room decor, views from some or most rooms where available, very good range and quality of facilities. Praise for staff or host(s) is mentioned in some reviews. The hotel is in a safe, central location, near to the main places of interest and offers above-average design. Is very good, to exceptional value for money.

    About Hotel Standards

    Typical Guest Rating:
    4.2 out of 5
    Example Room Type:
    Suite

    Carefully selected accommodation:

    Hotel Standards

    Read about our accommodation rating standards and the methods used to assess quality.


    Shown above are examples of the type and quality of accommodation to be supplied. When ready to proceed, we will confirm available accommodation at that time including any examples given here where possible. Any changes to accommodation will be approved by you prior to bookings being placed. Actual accommodation might need to be changed subject to availability and with the aim of working within the package price.

    FAQ's for This Package

    Flights are not included in this package. If required, we'll happily price flights for you to suit your requirements along with transfers to and from the airport once the number of travelers is known. If you have accumulated Australian Escapes Free Flights vouchers, these can be used to reduce the overall price (limits will apply).

    All of our travel and tour packages are fully flexible. Each is a TEMPLATE to be used as a framework around which you can customise an itinerary to suit. The minimum numbers are flexible as well and groups can be as small as two people for a self-guided holiday. After discussion, we'll go away and prepare a tour plan (including best value pricing) to suit your ideas and preferences.

    Accommodation is supplied in Pokolbin for 2 nights. It will be resort style rated Silver Standard or above. This means, very high quality accommodation. Bedding is arranged to suit the number of persons staying. All accommodation is subject to change subject according to availability however it will be as central as possible and very high quality.

    We try to include as much as possible to avoid any surprises however some optional activities might be offered. Included activities are shown on each listing. Also shown are exclusions.

    General Tour Package FAQ's

    All tours can be operated on a "Group-guided" basis. A complete "Tour Manager Notes & Guide" manual is supplied to the group leader (trip organizer). Included is a comprehensive daily itinerary, driver instructions and information about each part of your tour to enable you to provide entertaining commentary. Also included are checklists and reminders about daily tasks. The end-result is easy-flowing trip organisation, fewer issues and very happy tour participants. Overall it means less stress and a lot more fun for everyone.

    If a tour director is supplied in an example tour package it will be shown as an inclusion. But this is very flexible and if not included as standard, can be arranged if preferred. If you are part of a social group such as Probus, the trip organiser will often enjoy taking on this role. We provide comprehensive information and guidance for "hands-on" trip organisers. This includes a "how-to" guide and starter information about the places visited on the tour.

    Yes, definitely. All charter tour packages are simply "templates" as a starting point for customising a tour to suit. We then we apply the discounts available to you, your club or corporate group.

    All tour packages are flexible. Various options are already published. (See the Pricing section for the tour you are interested in.) "Join departure" tour types are tours where you can join a tour group leaving on various departure dates. This suit couples and singles. If you represent a club or other group, please click the "Enquiry" button to request pricing for an exclusive charter to suit your group.

    See a list of standard inclusions on the package details page. Some packages have two or three different package classes with different inclusions. Select the optional package class to see included activities. Optional activities are shown separately. Your travel consultant will discuss optional activities with you so you can decide what to include or leave out of your itinerary. You can also swap and change activities. A price variance might apply.

    "Self-guided" (self-drive) is a trip designed for singles, couples and groups of up to 8 people (such as two to four couples) traveling together using a single car or 7 to 12-seater van depending on group size. It means that you drive yourself on the trip. "Group-guided" means the tour is for a larger group on a bus with a professional driver and the group leader (trip organizer) as tour director. A professional tour director can be supplied if required. A "fully-guided" bus tour is operated by a driver-guide or tour director. There are usually preset departures that you can join. Fully-guided tours can also be arranged exclusively for a group and this is called a "group charter".

    We will recommend accommodation to meet your preferences. All accommodation is selected using our exclusive hotel rating system. You can then change the accommodation if preferred. Often you will also have a choice of accommodation types at the recommended accommodation properties. We'll find out your preferences in the early stages of planning your trip.

    Top

    FAQ: Tour package types and flexibility

    What is a "Self-guided" tour?

    This means you are in full control of your trip including driving. You will have a rental car (uncluded in the package) to get you around. The vehicle size varies according to preference and/or group size. Self-guided is aimed at singles, couples and groups of up to 8 people.

    Our job is to organise most things for you in advance saving you a lot of time, stress and money. You'll receive a complete daily itinerary with lots of helpful information plus a FREE Lonely Planet guide to fill in the gaps. There is usually considerable flexible time at each destination enabling you to relax and enjoy the location and to do things spontaneously.

    What is a "Group-guided" tour?

    Group-guided is aimed at groups of 12 or more people. "Group-guided" means you or another person runs the tour as would a tour director. A tour coach and professional driver is supplied.

    The included "Tour Manager Notes & Guide" helps you run the tour, plus you receive a FREE Lonely Planet guide. Included is a complete daily itinerary with lots of helpful information as a well as a driver itinerary.

    We organise all aspects of the trip in advance saving you a lot of time and money and ensuring a smooth travel experience. There is usually considerable flexible time at each destination enabling you to relax and enjoy the location and do things spontaneously.

    What is a "Fully-guided" tour?

    Fully-guided tours are aimed at larger groups on a charter basis, the same as "Group-guided", except that the tour is run by a professional tour director.

    Transport is a tour coach and professional driver. We organise all aspects of the trip in advance saving you a lot of time and money and ensuring a smooth travel experience. There is usually considerable flexible time at each destination enabling you to relax and enjoy the location and do things spontaneously. A fully-guided tour means everyone can relax including the trip organiser.

    What is a "Join departure" tour?

    You join a fully-guided tour that starts on an available departure date. Small and large groups can join a departure, however the tour is focused on the interests of the broader group. You can appoint a leader specifically for your group if preferred to focus on separate interests.

    The tour is run by a professional tour director. Transport can vary from a 8 to 12-seater commuter bus, driven by the tour director, up to a 54-seat luxury coach with professional driver. We organise all aspects of the trip in advance and there is usually considerable flexible time at each destination enabling you to relax and enjoy the location and do things spontaneously.

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