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Private Gardens of the NSW Central Coast  & Hunter Valley

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 Trip Length
8 Days
 Trip Starts
Sydney
 Trip Finishes
Sydney
8 Day Private Gardens of the NSW Central Coast  & Hunter Valley Itinerary (APT)
Countries Explored: Australia
Trip Operator
Trip Style
Botanica World Discovery
Accommodation
4 - 4.5 Star
Max. Group Size
25
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
BTCC8

Overview

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on APT's 8 Day Private Gardens of the NSW Central Coast  & Hunter Valley. Led by our expert Botanical Guide, spend 8 days visiting the exquisite gardens of the NSW central coast. Spend time in Terrigal and explore private hinterland gardens, before making your way to Newcastle. Tour the beautiful Hunter Valley wine regions, and Hunter Valley Gardens with its display of Christmas lights.

Itinerary

Depart Sydney to the Hawkesbury River, where we join the iconic Riverboat Postman to enjoy the magnificent scenery of the lower Hawkesbury River and deliver the mail to the river access-only settlements on the Hawkesbury. Enjoy morning tea and lunch onboard as we view stunning riverbank flora and fauna left virtually untouched, providing a glimpse into the early days of the colony as it was described in Kate Grenville's The Secret River.

Disembark to visit peaceful Mt Penang Gardens, considered one of the most enduring and radical contributions to public garden design in Australia, designed by Anton James. Visit a private suburban garden of succulents and be amazed by their colour and texture, and the garden's creative design. Continue on to the beautiful seaside village of Terrigal and enjoy a Welcome Dinner. Stay Two Nights: Terrigal, Crowne Plaza Hotel or similar (L/D)

This morning we'll explore the gardens and towns nestled in the picturesque valleys of the Central Coast Hinterland. Visit the private garden of leading garden designer Michael Cooke. Michael's garden is a real plant lover's garden, described as a ‘botanical garden lab'. Next we will visit a garden filled with unusual trees and shrubs that flourish in the rich hinterland climate. Next visit the garden of renowned garden writer and designer Paul Urquhart in Yarramalong. See how he has used imaginative plantings of perennials, shrubs and rainforest trees to create an acclaimed landscape. Finally we visit the private garden of Jumjum, owned by Jill Wran, the wife of former NSW Labor premier Neville Wran, to see the beautiful garden they created from a bare paddock. (B)

Today we depart Terrigal for Newcastle. On the way we visit Edogawa Gardens, based on a traditional Japanese strolling-style garden. The meandering pathways lead to traditional a Japanese teahouse, raked dry stone garden, stone lanterns and a pond filled with koi fish. We then travel to the private garden of garden designer Peter Nixon. After visiting another private garden we continue on to Newcastle, with its working harbour and urban architecture. Stay Three Nights: Newcastle, Rydges Hotel or similar (B/D)

Explore the National Trust property of Tomago House, which was established in the 1840s and was the heart of a vast agricultural estate and the country residence of one of the nation's leading politico-legal figures. We also visit the Hunter Region Botanic Gardens, with gardens designed predominantly of Australian flora of the Hunter Valley region. Next we visit the Hunter Wetlands National Park, a wildlife sanctuary that is a haven for nature lovers. Take an easy walk through the wetlands and rainforest to see the endemic flora of the region before taking a tour around Newcastle with a visit to King Edward Park. Stay: Horsham, Horsham International or similar (B/D)

This morning visit the National Trust property Miss Porter's House, a rare example of a modest Edwardian town garden, with its endearing features. Explore the carefully curated house and garden before we visit a beautiful private garden in Newcastle. Malanbil is a two-hectare garden that provides a space-filled contrast to the surrounding suburbia. With a spring-fed pond, rose garden and rainforest, this garden will be sure to delight. This afternoon explore Newcastle at your leisure. Perhaps visit the intriguing Newcastle Museum or take a walk along the Memorial Coastal Walk with exquisite sea views. (B)

Depart Newcastle for the Hunter Valley wine region. On the way visit Heritage Garden Nursery before arriving at Albion Farm, Gracemere and Albion Way. These are three adjoining farms with 15 acres of gardens that are shared, developed and maintained by family. They seamlessly merge to form a large and beautiful garden. Enjoy time to purchase lunch in the historic township of Morpeth, home to the original Arnott's bakehouse, before visiting Maitland Regional Art Gallery to view their fine collection of Australian art, including works by Lionel Lindsay and Charles Blackman. Our final stop will be The Bath House Garden, a peaceful country garden full of rustic charm, with its climbing roses, stone walls and fruitful green spaces. Stay Two Nights: Hunter Valley, Mercure Resort Hunter Valley Gardens or similar (B/D)

This morning we explore the beauty of the Hunter Valley wine region including a visit to the gardens and winery at Constable Estate. The gardens have been lovingly created over the past 32 years. We will enjoy a delectable cheese tasting at the Hunter Valley Cheese Company before having time to visit the quaint shops at the village. This afternoon we explore the renowned Hunter Valley Gardens, with its 10 themed gardens covering more than 14 hectares. Tour the gardens, then have time to discover more at your leisure. This evening you will have the chance to see their spectacular Christmas light display at the gardens, featuring thousands of twinkling lights. (B/D)

Depart the Hunter Valley to Kurri Kurri to take a tour of the town's murals before visiting Broken Bay Pearl Farm. Here we will take a boat ride out to their pearl longlines to learn more about the Australian pearl industry. On our way back to Sydney we make a stop at Eden Gardens, to visit their award-winning display garden. We will arrive back to Sydney at approximately 5pm. (B)

Trip Inclusions

  • Travel on the scenic Hawkesbury River aboard the Riverboat Postman.
  • Visit private gardens around the Central Coast with Botanical Guide, Judy Horton.
  • See the magnificent Christmas light display at Hunter Valley Garden.

  • 8 days with Botanical Guide Judy Horton
  • Airport transfers on first and last day
  • Visit private gardens in a small group
  • Travel on the iconic Riverboat Postman on the Hawkesbury River
  • Enjoy art and gourmet experiences
  • See the famous Christmas lights at Hunter Valley Gardens
  • Learn first-hand the art of pearl production

  • 13 included meals over the course of your trip.

  • Stay 2 nights in Terrigal and Hunter Valley and 3 nights in Newcastle

  • Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
  • Group size 15-25 guests
  • Fitness Level: Low
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Tasmania

APT Tasmania (2023-24)

At the edge of the world, Tasmania is every bit as extraordinary as it is natural. A place of wild beauty and World Heritage-listed wonders, shaped by geology and refined by its weather, Tasmania is a world apart from mainland Australia. With a relaxed island lifestyle and a haunting history, the Apple Isle is a peaceful haven brimming with unique experiences....more Whether you want to explore tranquil rainforests, make time for yourself and feel a sense of well-being, visit beautiful colonial-era landscape designs, or get deeply immersed in art, culture, food and history, APT is for you.

Prices & Dates

There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and will no longer continue. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view the general release dates for all destinations.

Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by APT. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from APT. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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