Port Stephens Coastal & Hunter Valley Explorer
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Port Stephens Paradise with Hunter Valley Highlights
Absorb the laid-back lifestyle of this idyllic coastal town and witness its fabulous scenery, typified by volcanic peaks and crystal clear bays. Explore the flourishing country of the neighbouring Hunter Valley, uncovering delicious delights and welcoming communities!
DAY 1 (MTLD) HOME TO PORT STEPHENS
Monday 12 October 2026
Welcome aboard, sit back and relax as our journey to Port Stephens begins. Heading towards Port Stephens, we stop at Tailor Made Fish Farm and Cookabarra Restaurant. This is the premier Barramundi farm in NSW; we are met by a staff member for a guided tour of the farm, followed by lunch. This afternoon we will visit the Koala Sanctuary, supporting the long-term rehabilitation, preservation and conservation of koalas in a natural and idyllic bushland setting. A rewarding sanctuary that helps wildlife. Making our way to our resort, we explore Port Stephens and the Tomaree Peninsula, unveiling why the area is referred to as the Blue Water Paradise. Settling into our accommodation, anticipating the holiday ahead, filled with sparkling blue bays, resident bottlenose dolphins and village charm.
5 nights | Oaks Port Stephens Pacific Blue Resort
Lunch at Tailor Made Fish Farm | Dinner at Hotel
DAY 2 (BLD) FROM THE SEA TO THE DUNES
Tuesday 13 October 2026
After a relaxing morning, we board our cruise boat for a cruise, followed by a light lunch, on the spectacular waterways of Port Stephens - with any luck, we may meet some of the long-time locals - the friendly dolphins! This afternoon, we head to the Stockton Beach 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!
Breakfast and Dinner at the hotel | lunch cruise
DAY 3 (BMTLD) HUNTER VALLEY GARDENS
Wednesday 14 October 2026
Today we spend our day in the splendid Hunter Valley. Stopping in Kurri Kurri, we are taken on a pictorial journey to view the outdoor public artworks on display. The town’s many murals showcase the area’s history, heritage and uniqueness. Arriving at the Hunter Valley Gardens, we have time to explore the garden’s sensational sights, colours and fragrances dominating the twelve stunning feature gardens. We stay for lunch before treating ourselves to a visit at the Hunter Valley Chocolate Company. There are lots of goodies to see and indulge in. We return to Port Stephens to relax before dinner.
Breakfast and dinner at the hotel | lunch at Hunter Valley Gardens
DAY 4 (BMTD) NEWCASTLE
Thursday 15 October 2026
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 an ancient fort. A mixture of old and new! We take in both as we join our local expert for a guided tour through Newcastle’s streets, past the sites of our convict history, 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 that we see the history of the Australian Air Force close up.
Breakfast and dinner in the Resort | Lunch on your own arrangements and cost
DAY 5 (BLD) UPPER HUNTER VALLEY
Friday 16 October 2026
A local guide joins us today for some Upper Hunter sightseeing. Our first stop, Darley Stud, is a magnificent operation with animals and scenery that will be remembered. Darley (Woodlands) is owned by Sheikh Mohammed from Dubai, the largest breeder of thoroughbreds in the world. We stop for lunch in Denman before visiting some local enterprises and enjoying a wine tasting.
Breakfast and dinner in the Resort | Lunch in Denman
DAY 6 (BMT) HEADING HOME
Saturday 17 October 2026
What a great time we have had exploring the areas close to home. However, it is now time to pack our bags and say farewell to our hosts. Boarding the coach, we head to Forster Tuncurry, where we have the opportunity to see one of Australia's cleanest lakes. Wallis Lake is the sparkling jewel in the crown of the Great Lakes region on the Barrington Coast. The lake stretches for 25 kilometres between Walling at State Forest and a sliver of land separating the lake from the sea. On arrival, we visit the Forster Arts and Crafts Centre, where we enjoy morning tea. We arrive home later today with many wonderful memories of our holiday away with friends.
Breakfast in the resort
Tour Inclusions
• 5 nights’ motel accommodation
• 5 cooked breakfasts
• 5 dinners
• 4 included lunches – see below
• 4 morning teas from the coach
• Tour of Barramundi and hydroponic vegetable production facilities and lunch at Tailor Made Fish Farms and Cookabarra Restaurant
• Entry including guided walk and talk at Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary
• Dolphin Discovery Cruise and lunch with Moonshadow - TQC Cruises, Port Stephens
• 4wd Tour Stockton Bight Sand Dunes with Port Stephens 4WD Tours
• History of the Gardens with Hunter Valley Gardens
• Lunch at The Garden Terrace Restaurant at the Hunter Valley Gardens
• Visit and tasting at the Hunter Valley Chocolate Company (2320)
• Locally guided tour of Newcastle
• Entry to Fighter World
• Full day tour including lunch with Upper Hunter Tours
• Visit and morning tea at Forster Arts & Craft Centre
Confirmed Accommodation
• Oaks Port Stephens Pacific Blue Resort (5 nights)
$3,060 pp twin | + $723 pp single sup (limited) | $650 pp deposit
For more information or to book;
Phone 02 6583 3330
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.portbus.com.au
Please Note
• Price is based on a minimum of 20 paying passengers. If the number of paying passengers falls below 20, this price may need to be recosted.
• Price is valid for the above tour dates only
• It is highly recommended that you have travel insurance in the event of travel disruptions.
• Accommodation is subject to availability. If alternative accommodation needs to be sourced, the price could change.
• Morning teas or afternoon teas are not included unless specified.
The itinerary may be subject to change without notice. Whilst every effort is made to adhere to the itinerary as provided. Port Bus reserves the right to alter the touring and attractions as dictated by circumstances and conditions outside the company’s control. Alterations may be made to ensure the smooth running of the tour. Every attempt will be made to ensure alterations do not adversely affect the operation of the tour. Port Bus will not be held responsible for weather-based cancellations or those closures made at the venue’s discretion.
Cancellation fees will be levied relative to the amount of notice given:
42 days or more—loss of deposit
29-41 days: 50% of fare plus deposit
30 days before and the Day of departure: 100% of the fare.
Absorb the laid-back lifestyle of this idyllic coastal town and witness its fabulous scenery, typified by volcanic peaks and crystal clear bays. Explore the flourishing country of the neighbouring Hunter Valley, uncovering delicious delights and welcoming communities!
DAY 1 (MTLD) HOME TO PORT STEPHENS
Monday 12 October 2026
Welcome aboard, sit back and relax as our journey to Port Stephens begins. Heading towards Port Stephens, we stop at Tailor Made Fish Farm and Cookabarra Restaurant. This is the premier Barramundi farm in NSW; we are met by a staff member for a guided tour of the farm, followed by lunch. This afternoon we will visit the Koala Sanctuary, supporting the long-term rehabilitation, preservation and conservation of koalas in a natural and idyllic bushland setting. A rewarding sanctuary that helps wildlife. Making our way to our resort, we explore Port Stephens and the Tomaree Peninsula, unveiling why the area is referred to as the Blue Water Paradise. Settling into our accommodation, anticipating the holiday ahead, filled with sparkling blue bays, resident bottlenose dolphins and village charm.
5 nights | Oaks Port Stephens Pacific Blue Resort
Lunch at Tailor Made Fish Farm | Dinner at Hotel
DAY 2 (BLD) FROM THE SEA TO THE DUNES
Tuesday 13 October 2026
After a relaxing morning, we board our cruise boat for a cruise, followed by a light lunch, on the spectacular waterways of Port Stephens - with any luck, we may meet some of the long-time locals - the friendly dolphins! This afternoon, we head to the Stockton Beach 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!
Breakfast and Dinner at the hotel | lunch cruise
DAY 3 (BMTLD) HUNTER VALLEY GARDENS
Wednesday 14 October 2026
Today we spend our day in the splendid Hunter Valley. Stopping in Kurri Kurri, we are taken on a pictorial journey to view the outdoor public artworks on display. The town’s many murals showcase the area’s history, heritage and uniqueness. Arriving at the Hunter Valley Gardens, we have time to explore the garden’s sensational sights, colours and fragrances dominating the twelve stunning feature gardens. We stay for lunch before treating ourselves to a visit at the Hunter Valley Chocolate Company. There are lots of goodies to see and indulge in. We return to Port Stephens to relax before dinner.
Breakfast and dinner at the hotel | lunch at Hunter Valley Gardens
DAY 4 (BMTD) NEWCASTLE
Thursday 15 October 2026
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 an ancient fort. A mixture of old and new! We take in both as we join our local expert for a guided tour through Newcastle’s streets, past the sites of our convict history, 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 that we see the history of the Australian Air Force close up.
Breakfast and dinner in the Resort | Lunch on your own arrangements and cost
DAY 5 (BLD) UPPER HUNTER VALLEY
Friday 16 October 2026
A local guide joins us today for some Upper Hunter sightseeing. Our first stop, Darley Stud, is a magnificent operation with animals and scenery that will be remembered. Darley (Woodlands) is owned by Sheikh Mohammed from Dubai, the largest breeder of thoroughbreds in the world. We stop for lunch in Denman before visiting some local enterprises and enjoying a wine tasting.
Breakfast and dinner in the Resort | Lunch in Denman
DAY 6 (BMT) HEADING HOME
Saturday 17 October 2026
What a great time we have had exploring the areas close to home. However, it is now time to pack our bags and say farewell to our hosts. Boarding the coach, we head to Forster Tuncurry, where we have the opportunity to see one of Australia's cleanest lakes. Wallis Lake is the sparkling jewel in the crown of the Great Lakes region on the Barrington Coast. The lake stretches for 25 kilometres between Walling at State Forest and a sliver of land separating the lake from the sea. On arrival, we visit the Forster Arts and Crafts Centre, where we enjoy morning tea. We arrive home later today with many wonderful memories of our holiday away with friends.
Breakfast in the resort
Tour Inclusions
• 5 nights’ motel accommodation
• 5 cooked breakfasts
• 5 dinners
• 4 included lunches – see below
• 4 morning teas from the coach
• Tour of Barramundi and hydroponic vegetable production facilities and lunch at Tailor Made Fish Farms and Cookabarra Restaurant
• Entry including guided walk and talk at Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary
• Dolphin Discovery Cruise and lunch with Moonshadow - TQC Cruises, Port Stephens
• 4wd Tour Stockton Bight Sand Dunes with Port Stephens 4WD Tours
• History of the Gardens with Hunter Valley Gardens
• Lunch at The Garden Terrace Restaurant at the Hunter Valley Gardens
• Visit and tasting at the Hunter Valley Chocolate Company (2320)
• Locally guided tour of Newcastle
• Entry to Fighter World
• Full day tour including lunch with Upper Hunter Tours
• Visit and morning tea at Forster Arts & Craft Centre
Confirmed Accommodation
• Oaks Port Stephens Pacific Blue Resort (5 nights)
$3,060 pp twin | + $723 pp single sup (limited) | $650 pp deposit
For more information or to book;
Phone 02 6583 3330
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.portbus.com.au
Please Note
• Price is based on a minimum of 20 paying passengers. If the number of paying passengers falls below 20, this price may need to be recosted.
• Price is valid for the above tour dates only
• It is highly recommended that you have travel insurance in the event of travel disruptions.
• Accommodation is subject to availability. If alternative accommodation needs to be sourced, the price could change.
• Morning teas or afternoon teas are not included unless specified.
The itinerary may be subject to change without notice. Whilst every effort is made to adhere to the itinerary as provided. Port Bus reserves the right to alter the touring and attractions as dictated by circumstances and conditions outside the company’s control. Alterations may be made to ensure the smooth running of the tour. Every attempt will be made to ensure alterations do not adversely affect the operation of the tour. Port Bus will not be held responsible for weather-based cancellations or those closures made at the venue’s discretion.
Cancellation fees will be levied relative to the amount of notice given:
42 days or more—loss of deposit
29-41 days: 50% of fare plus deposit
30 days before and the Day of departure: 100% of the fare.
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Where is it happening?
19 Orontes Close, Sancrox, NSW, Australia, New South Wales 2446, 19 Orontes Clos, Sancrox NSW 2446, Australia, Port Macquarie
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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Host or PublisherPort Bus Charters, Tours & Rentals Pty Ltd
