Journey into history and see the landmarks that define New South Wales on an
adventurous 11-day tour to the Central Coast, Hunter Valley and the famous Blue
Mountains.
Deliver post along the lower Hawkesbury, visit the only pearl farm in NSW, explore
pioneering homesteads and see the famous Christmas Lights Spectacular at the Hunter
Valley Gardens on a trip that brings together magnificent scenery and national heritage.
areas with day trips, we will be based for three nights at both Forresters Beach on the
Central Coast and BlackHeath in the Blue Mountains.”
First night is in Coffs Harbour before heading on to Port Macquarie and Bulahdelah and
crossing the range to the Hunter Valley.
The Hunter Valley Gardens’ remarkable annual display of Christmas lights in the largest light
event in the southern hemisphere. Explore the gardens during the day then return for an
evening filled with light, white-topped trees and snow caves.
In Cessnock, gateway to the country’s oldest wine region, the Marthaville Arts and Cultural
Centre is based at an old sawn-timber house, and is now home to an extensive range of
locally handcrafted arts and crafts.
Rural Wyong has Alison Homestead, set on two hectares of land where, in 1825, it became the
nation’s first land grant.
Norah Head Lighthouse, built in 1903, was the last manned lighthouse in the State and the
last major colonial light station constructed in NSW before control of coastal lights was
passed to the commonwealth.
Bound by water on three sides, The Entrance is the main marine mouth connecting
Tuggerah Lake to surrounding beaches and Forresters Beach is the perfect base for day
trips.
Cruise to Broken Bay Pearls, the only pearl farm on Australia’s East Coast, and its oyster
leases on the scenic lower Hawkesbury River. Follow the story of the Australian pearl from
ancient beginnings to modern farming and see an immersive pearl grading session.
A sweet stopover is lunch and a tour of the chocolate and nougat factory of Confectionary
producers Nougat Limar, Bon Bon Fine Chocolate and the Sydney Marshmallow Company.
Set in peaceful surroundings at West Gosford, the Henry Kendall Cottage and Historical
Museum was once the home of the pioneer poet, while Mount Penang Gardens has 12
themed garden rooms set on and around a sculptural plateau.
Firescreek Botanical Winery is a lush farm and garden producing award-winning wines from
a variety of fruit and botanicals. It offers a wine tasting with a twist – four Firescreek Botanic
Wines are paired with handmade chocolates.
Join the Riverboat Postman cruising the magnificent scenery of the lower Hawkesbury,
delivering mail to isolated settlements along the waterways while hearing entertaining
anecdotes of river life.
Get an overview of the magnificent scenery of the Blue Mountains from Govetts Leap
and Echo Point lookouts, before riding the Scenic World Railway, and then taking the
cableway to the forest floor and the Skyway high over the canyon for first-class views of the
famous Three Sisters.
The Carrington Hotel in Katoomba is Australia’s oldest remaining resort-style hotel and a
perfect setting for high tea before heading on to Leura to visit Bygone Beautys Treasured
Teapot Museum, the largest private emporium of antiques and collectibles in the Blue
Mountains.
A day in Lithgow begins with a visit to Eskbank House. Built in 1842, it was one of the first
house museums in NSW when it opened in 1966.
A museum on the site of the original Commonwealth small arms factory tells the story of
British influence and houses a comprehensive collection of experimental weapons. In later
years, the factory made sewing machines, sheep shearing handsets, handcuffs and other
commercial items.
The historic settlement of Hartley with its well-preserved sandstone buildings, is a snapshot
of life in the early 19th century.
The Bylong Valley Way, part of the Greater Blue Mountains Touring Route, has an engaging
mix of stunning scenery and sleepy towns on the way to Muswellbrook.
Head home through Tamworth, Armidale and Glen Innes, and the scenic Washpool Park to
Grafton and Ballina to tick off some more NSW regions.
A fantastic tour to finish the year with.
Visit cttravel.com.au or call 5391 1648.
