Hunter Valley Wine Tours from Pokolbin, the Central Coast, Newcastle & Lake Macquarie
Skippy Down Under Tours & Transport specialises in custom Hunter Valley wine tours departing from Pokolbin, the Central Coast, greater Newcastle, Hunter Valley area and Lake Macquarie. We are the leading luxury tour company in the Hunter Valley Region. If you are looking for an economical & flexible customised Hunter Valley wine tour for 2 – 30 people please contact us! We have packages to suit everyone. Whether you are looking for Hunter Valley wine tasting or a Hunter Valley day trip for a hens day, bucks party, special celebration, or just looking to take a tour with family or friends we can organise the perfect day out. All our tours are private and exclusive to your group only. Individuals and couples cannot be added to existing tours.
Watch this video to experience our wine tours
Custom Hunter Valley Group Wine Tour
Our group Hunter Valley wine tours can be tailored to your specific needs. Plan your own day or let us know what you are looking to experience and leave it to us to put together the perfect itinerary.
Pricing for a planned tour with a customised itinerary:
From $150 per person (minimum five people on a private tour – note our tours are not open for individual bookings, you must book the entire tour) for pick up from the Hunter Pokolbin region. $200 per person for groups of four on a private tour.
$180 per person for pick up from the Central Coast or Newcastle (minimum 6 people on a private tour – you must book the entire tour). Please contact us for pricing for groups of less than 6 people.
All rates include wine tasting fees. Deposit and booking conditions apply.
Lunch Options
Lunch at Twine Restaurant: $40 per person (in addition to our tour group prices above). This includes choices from the Coaches Menu plus a glass of wine or beer. Alternatively select from the full Twine Restaurant menu at your own cost OR opt to have lunch at a venue of your choice at your own cost.
The Sunset Tour
Enjoy drinks, dinner and Hunter Valley views on this fun filled evening tour.
Your private sunset tour begins at 2pm following pick up from your door by our luxury transfer vehicles. Visit two boutique wineries followed by a stopover at a Vodka Distillery to try some amazing locally made gins, vodka, and liquors.
Next, stopover for a cocktail or a beer paddle at 4 Pines Brewhouse.
Capture gorgeous sunset pics in the vineyards as you take in the scenic sunset views of the Hunter Valley.
The tour concludes with a two course meal at one of our selected local restaurants before being dropped back to your accommodation. Click to view a sample menu.
Pricing:
Couples from $650.
Groups of 3 or more from $220 per person with pickup in Pokolbin and surrounding areas.
From $250 per person for pickup in the Central Coast, Lake Macquarie or Newcastle areas.
Note our tours are not open for individual bookings, you must book the entire tour.
Prices include all tasting fees and your two course dinner at a selected restaurant.
Wine, Cheese & Chocolate Lovers
A luxurious day out that includes paired wine, cheese and chocolate tastings and multiple cellar door experiences.
Travel in luxury on one of our private tours with pickup at your front door. Visit a selected cellar door for a delicious premium wine and paired chocolate tasting.
Enjoy enjoy a private wine, cheese and chocolate experience at a selected cellar door specialising in cheese and chocolate & wine pairing.
Choose a restaurant venue of your choice (lunch at own cost). We can recommend local restaurants or you may want to grab a bite to eat at Hunter Valley Gardens.
We then explore two further wineries (or a Vodka Distillery and winery depending on your preferences). Your day will conclude at 5pm.
Pricing:
Couples start at $750 which includes all tastings and cheese and chocolate pairings, travelling in a luxurious LDV, with local pickup in Pokolbin or surrounding areas. $800 per couple pickup from the Central Coast, Lake Macquarie or Newcastle Region. Groups (minimum 5 people per group booking): $170 per person for pickup in Pokolbin and surrounding areas or $200 per person with pickup from the Central Coast, Lake Macquarie or Newcastle (note in each case you are booking the entire private tour, individuals cannot book to go on existing tours). To book enquire here.
Wine, Lunch & Dessert Bar Value Tour
A great value, full-day, private tour. Travel in style in one of our luxurious transfer vehicles with pick up from your designated address. Included in your day are wine/liquor tastings at three boutique venues, lunch at Twine Restaurant, a stopover for chocolate and cheese tasting at the Smelly Cheese Shop & a decadent dessert at Sabor Dessert Bar.
Your customised itinerary includes three tastings at your choice of boutique wineries, a Vodka Distillary, Cider house and/or Brewhouse.
Indulge in desserts at Sabor Dessert Bar, with over fifty exquisite desserts to choose from. Treat yourself while taking in breathtaking views of the vineyard below and Brokenback Mountain Range (dessert included, drinks at additional cost).
Enjoy a relaxed lunch at Twine Restaurant at the beautiful Wynwood Estate, dining from the coach menu (or selections can be made from the a la carte menu at own cost)
Finally, smell your way to the famous Smelly Cheese Shop for a divine chocolate and cheese tasting experience.
Pricing:
Total cost $195 per person (minimum of five people on a private tour) with local pickup in Pokolbin or surrounding areas. Note individuals and couples cannot join a tour – each tour is exclusive to the booked group.
$225 per person (minimum of five people) with pickup from the Central Coast, Lake Macquarie or Newcastle areas. All tours are private, with tours and transfers completely exclusive to your group.
Prices include lunch and all tasting fees. For bookings, contact us here.
Champagne breakfast and epic degustation experience
Located within the beautiful sandstone walls of Peterson house at the “gateway ” to the Hunter Valley vineyards, Restaurant Cuvee has spectacular views overlooking the beautiful vineyards. Here you will enjoy a champagne breakfast (at own cost). Renowned for its breakfast menu and speciality bubbly breakfast, Restaurant Cuvee is the perfect spot to start your day.
After breakfast you will explore Oakvale Premuim Wines. Enjoy a premium tasting outside (subject to weather permitting) under the Oakvale tree overlooking the vineyards and watching the kangaroos hop on by.
Following Oakvale, we pop into the Hunter Spirit Distillery for a tasting. Here you will try a range of top shelf spirits, including gin, vodkas, liqueurs (alternatively you may exclude the Distillary and choose an additional winery stop).
After 1pm we head to Hungerford Hill winery for a epic degustation experience. It is designed for the discerning palate. It brings together the best of wine and food in perfect harmony. It’s a moment you never forget. A mini degustation of Hungerford Hill wines are matched to bite size dishes created by award winning two hatted Muse Restaurant.
To end the day we then take you to a award winning winery: Lisa Mcguigan VAMP cellar door. Vamp won winery of the year in 2021 and their renowned semillon won gold in Paris. The perfect cellar door to end your wine experience on.
Pricing:
2 pax: $680 for 2 pax local pickup Pokolbin, Rothbury Cessnock. Travelling in a luxurious LDV private transfer. Includes wine tastings and mini gustation. $730 for pickup in the Central Coast, Lake Macquarie or Newcastle area.
Private groups of 4-5 pax: $960 travelling in a luxurious LDV with local pickup in the Pokolbin, Rothbury, Cessnock areas. Pickup in Lake Macquarie, Central Coast, Newcastle region is $1010.
Private groups of 6-11 pax: $190 per person travelling in luxurious Renault bus with local pickup Cessnock, Rothbury and Pokolbin. For pick up in the Central Coast, Lake Macquarie or Newcastle region: $230 per person.
Deposit and booking conditions apply.
The Outback Wine Tour
Here we discover the hidden gems of the outskirts of Pokolbin, exploring family heritage wineries in Broke and the historic township of Wollombi, and spotting kangaroos along the way.
Included are private luxury transfers with pick up directly from your accommodation.
Visit three unique wineries from choices including Krinklewood, 1813 Winery, Stonehurst Cedar Creek Vineyard. Grab a quick bite to eat or enjoy a relaxed lunch at a local restaurant (at own cost) – ask us for recommendations.
Explore the beautiful Wollombi village on your private tour. Check out the convict trail, quaint museums, galleries and heritage buildings of the town before you sit back and sample the famous Dr Jurd Jungle Juice at the iconic Wollombi Pub.
Pricing:
All tours are private and can be booked by your group only (individuals and couples cannot join existing tours). $600 per couple on a private tour. $730 for a group of 4. For 5 people or more: $150 per person with pickup in Pokolbin and surrounding areas.
For 5 people or more: $180 per person for pickup in the Central Coast, Lake Macquarie or Newcastle areas. Minimum numbers required. All tasting fees are included. To book enquire here.
Classic Convent High Tea Tour
Join us for a luxurious day in the Hunter Valley, sampling wines and experiencing high tea in the beautiful Convent. This tour is perfect for bridal showers, baby showers, corporate events, anniversary celebrations or simply a day out with friends.
We begin our tour by visiting Peppertree Winery, adjacent to the convent. This is followed by your elegant London High Tea in The Convent. The Convent was once home to the Brigidine Order of Nuns in Coonamble and was crowned “Best Luxury Country Hotel in the World.” Full of character, with gorgeous traditional architecture, the acclaimed retreat has also staged the series “Farmer Wants a Wife”.
High Tea at The Convent includes a range of delicacies such as sandwiches, sweets, scones and a glass of sparkling wine. Special dietary requirements such as gluten free, allergies and vegan can be accommodated for.
Following lunch we visit another selected five star winery to sample premium whites and reds before being dropped back to your accommodation.
Pricing:
$190 per person for pickup in Pokolbin or surrounding areas (minimum numbers apply).
$220 per person for pickup in the Central Coast, Newcastle or Lake Macquarie (minimum numbers apply).
Pricing includes high tea and all tasting fees and private access to the tour for your group only (individuals and couples cannot join an existing tour).
Lisa McGuigan VAMP Exclusive Tour
Book your private Lisa McGuigan Vamp tasting tour, exclusive to Skippy Down Under.
Enjoy a private tasting one on one with enigmatic Hunter Valley Winemaker Lisa McGuigan at her Vamp Cellar Door. Edgy and cool, a visit to Lisa’s award winning winery makes for a truly unique Hunter Valley experience. Sample Lisa’s award winning Semillon for which she won Gold on the world stage at the Paris Wine Cup.
Also included in your exclusive tour are wine tastings at Tempus Two and McGuigans Wineries, a cheese tasting at Hunter Belle Cheese, a tempting chocolate factory stopover and lunch or dinner stopover at the restaurant of your choice (lunch or dinner at own cost – we can provide recommendations).
The tour is available on Saturdays only with a flexible afternoon start time.
Pricing:
$660 per couple with pickup in Pokolbin and surrounding areas (the tour is exclusive to the two of you).
$700 for three or four people with pickup in Pokolbin and surrounding areas. Add an additional $175 per person for groups over four people.
$690 per couple with pickup in the Central Coast, Lake Macquarie or Newcastle areas.
$730 for three or four people with pickup in the Central Coast, Lake Macquarie or Newcastle areas. Add an additional $205 per person for groups of more than four people.
All tasting fees are included and all tours are exclusive to your group – individuals cannot join existing tours. To book enquire here.
Romance Package
Whisk your partner away on a romantic tour just for two in the beautiful Hunter Valley.
Travel in our luxurious LDV with pick at at your accommodation. We will discuss with you your choice of complementary wine on board to make your occasion special. Sit back in style and relax whilst soaking up the views of the Broken Back Ranges.
Your private tour includes a fully customised itinerary. We can recommend selected local cellar doors and assist you to book the perfect lunch or take you to destinations of your choice. Take romantic photos in the vineyards, sample delicious wine and enjoy the romance that a couples day in the Hunter Valley can offer.
Pricing:
$600 per couple for an exclusive private tour with pickup from Pokolbin or surrounding areas.
$630 for pick up from the Central Coast, Lake Macquarie or Newcastle area.
Pricing excludes lunch. Deposit and booking conditions apply.
Skippy VIP Tour
At $200 per person for groups of 5 on a private tour, this luxurious day package is sure to be the ultimate day of wine, laughter and relaxation!
Included in the day is four visits to wineries or a distillery (based on your preference), a chocolate and cheese stopover and lunch at a local selected restaurant.
The package includes a personal driver all day (we even have wine and ice buckets in our spacious, luxury van for you to enjoy!)
Pricing:
$200 per person with pickup in Pokolbin or surrounding areas (minimum 5 people).
$230 per person for pick up from the Central Coast, Lake Macquarie or Newcastle areas.
All tours are private with a minimum group number of 5 required to book (your must book the entire tour – singles and couples cannot join an existing tour).
Prices include tasting fees and lunch. To book your Skippy VIP Tour please contact us.
The Ultimate Wine Enthusiast Experience
Indulge in an exclusive behind the scenes tour and tasting at the well-established winery Brokenwood. After a guided food and wine flight in their private tasting room, your personal host will take you on a tour to view the Famous Brokenwood graveyard, ending with a pre-release wine tasting straight from the barrel in their barrel room. What a special way to experience premium wines first-hand!
Meet the locals from the Hunter Wine Lab – a place where tradition meets innovation. Here we enjoy a chocolate and wine tasting. Your tour also includes a stopover at the Hunter Valley Gardens for lunch (lunch at own cost) or alternative restaurant venue of your choice. Speak to us about recommendations for lunch in the valley. After lunch we explore a third boutique winery where we enjoy a premium tasting of local wines.
Pricing:
Groups of 4 people: $980 travelling on a private tour, travelling in luxurious style with local pickup in Pokolbin or surrounding areas. Add another party member for $245 per person (maximum 11 people). Add $30 per person for pick up in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie or the Central Coast.
Couples: $790 for two people on a private tour travelling VIP style with local pickup in Pokolbin or surrounding areas. $850 for pickup in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie or the Central Coast.
Prices include all tasting fees. For bookings, contact us here.
Transport Only Tour (plan your own itinerary!)
With our “Transport Only Tours’ you get the benefit of a full day of wine tasting on a private group tour, without the hassle of driving yourself around!
This option allows for your group to organise, pay for and direct the tour, we just provide the transport within the Hunter Valley Pokolbin area! A surcharge applies for transport outside the Pokolbin area e.g. Broke
Pricing:
Our private group tours start from $100 pp (pick up location within the Pokolbin region) or $130 pp (pick up Central Coast/ Lake Macquarie or Newcastle area). To book your private group tour please contact us here. Minimum numbers apply.
Hens Day Out from $230 per person
Book a fantastic hens day with Skippy Tours – let us take care of everything so you can have an amazing time and celebrate in style.
We offer full day private hens tours for groups of 6 to 30 people.
The day commences with adventure in the Wine Escape Room at Sutton Estate. Your mission is to find the immortal wine and escape!
Your customised itinerary to suit your group will include tastings at two wineries and a vodka distillery, plus a stopover at a cheese and chocolate factory. We stop to take beautiful photos in the vineyards, capturing the day and creating lifelong memories.
Lunch is included, with choices from the Coaches Menu at Twine Restaurant at Wynwood Estate and a glass of wine or beer (or select from the full restaurant menu at your own cost). Finish the day with a complementary Skippy gift for the bride to be.
Pricing:
$230 per person with pickup in Pokolbin or surrounding areas.
$260 per person for pick up from the Central Coast, Lake Macquarie or Newcastle areas.
Minimum 6 people. Prices include a full day of wine tasting, tours and lunch. To book your hens day out in the beautiful Hunter Valley please contact us.
Adrenaline Tour
Our adrenaline tour is perfect for bucks parties, hens days, corporate team building days or simply for groups that enjoy action and adventure!
Travel in our luxurious buses, each accommodating up to 11 people.
Get your day off to a roaring start as you race your group at the action packed Go Karts Go. Alternatively, perfect your swing at Hunter Valley Aqua Golf.
Your action packed morning continues with tastings of top shelf spirits at Hunter Vodka Distillery.
Enjoy lunch in the heart of the Hunter at Harrigan’s Pub (lunch at own cost) before heading to Hope Estate to taste your choice of premium Australian grain spirits, award winning craft beer paddles, or estate grown wines.
Finally we head to the laid back 4 pines at the Farm and take in the scenery while enjoying a beer paddle tasting or cocktail.
Pricing:
Pick up Cessnock or surrounding areas: $1200 for up to 6 people. Add $200 per person for groups over 6.
Pick up Central Coast, Lake Macquarie or Newcastle: $1380 for up to 6 people, add $230 per person for groups over 6. Pricing includes all tastings, and Go Cart or Aqua Golf fees. Deposit and booking conditions apply.
Note that Go Karts Go requires enclosed footwear, no lose clothing and zero alcohol (Vodka and wine tasting to follow!)
Why choose Skippy Down Under for your Hunter Valley Wine Tour?
- Relaxation starts with luxurious transport. We provide a comfortable, luxury curtain draw back vans with air conditioning.
- Great rates for Hunter Valley Wine Tours departing the Central Coast, Newcastle & Lake Macquarie Areas. Our pricing is very competitive.
- Private tours with flexible group sizes up to 30 people
- We are local guides. We know where to go for the most unique places, complete with atmosphere & personalised service.
- Our guides also have up to date training in first aid.
- Phone USB charge points are available in every seat
- We have EFTPOS facilities on board our vehicles for your convenience on the day
- We are child and dog friendly – we have a comprehensive knowledge of the region and can help select the most child and pet friendly cellar doors and exciting places to explore.
- No extra charge for child car seats (or welcome to bring your own) – children are welcome, with activities on board to keep kids busy throughout the day
- We are flexible to your needs – if you have particular requirements please ask us.
Terms and Conditions:
Pickup and drop off is at a single location of your choice. A surcharge applies for additional pick up and drop off points.
A deposit is required to secure your booking ($50 to $100 per person depending on the tour).
If a cancellation occurs a credit will be issued to re-use for a Skippy Tour or Transfer (subject to availability)
All passengers are required to wear a seat belt in our vehicles at all times (in line with NSW law).
How to book
Please contact us here to make a booking or phone 0425 816 251.
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