there's lotS to see and do in the HUNTER region
|
|
Our featured businesses are used to catering for visitors. Why not get a group together on a coach (see below), or travel convoy-style with friends? We can tailor a tour to include the sort of activities your group would like - farm visits, wineries, restaurants, shopping, or history.
We're happy to hear from coach companies or groups who'd like to see what the Hunter Region has to offer. See below for an example of places we visit on an Essentially Barrington Tour, and see our sample Tours below. |
Some of the wonderful places we visit on our Tours...
FREE SPIRIT CRUISE
You are made very welcome aboard to experience the beautiful pristine waters of Wallis Lake. The perfect way to relax as you explore the waterways and wildlife. Dolphins are usually seen playing in the lake. Lunch is on board and you can also buy a drink from the fully licensed bar. 
ARTISANS ON THE HILL
This is an exciting small gallery of paintings, jewellery and hand made crafts. You will visit the large workshop and see demonstrations of wood turning and other interesting crafts. 
MOUNTAIN MAID GOLD MINE
Timber cutters in 1875 first discovered gold and the town of Copeland flourished for 60 years. Little now remains of that town but there is a lot to see at the old mine. NPWS rangers will give a tour and talk with a slide show indoors. Morning tea served here in the shade of the rainforest. 
STROUD VILLAGE
A drive around this historic village with commentary and a short stop at Silo Hill. 
NANNA'S HOMEWARES & ANTIQUES
Stroll around this amazing country store full of interesting clothing, jewellery, decorations, wall art, paintings and much more. Enjoy morning tea in their café with great coffee and tea and home-made cakes. 
FORSTER CRAFT CENTRE
This is the largest working Arts and Crafts centre in NSW. The centre has two floors full of beautiful hand-made artworks, gifts and home décor. Demonstration of pottery making. Home made Devonshire tea. 
GLOUCESTER MUSEUM
One of the best country museums with a history of the Gloucester area, and an archive centre. |
GREAT LAKES MUSEUM
This museum was opened in 1987 and is full of the history of Forster and Tuncurry. It houses the first Tuncurry school, police lock up, pioneer cottage, maritime history, working windmill, shipping artefacts, blacksmiths forge and much more. 
MONDROOK GARDENS
Lunch today is at this hidden treasure. Relax in these beautiful surroundings or go for a short walk along paved pathways to the small lake. The gardens are full of birdlife and you may spot one of the resident koalas in the trees. 
MEDOWIE MACADAMIAS
A small family owned business that prides itself in providing friendly service and quality produce. A short tour demonstrates the growing and processing of the macadamia nuts. The plantation was established 13 years ago on 12 acres with 5 varieties of trees. Morning tea, with a macadamia theme, is served in their restaurant. Beautiful produce is available to purchase. 
COUNTRY LODGE MOTEL
Situated on the edge of Gloucester township and nestled at the foot of the Bucketts Mountains. Spacious air-conditioned rooms with views of the mountains and Golf Course. Breakfast served in facilities in the motel. Complimented by the adjacent Golf Club and restaurant. 
HILLVIEW HERB FARM
Small business run by Karen and her family. She will inspire you with her knowledge and enthusiasm. See demonstrations of culinary and medicinal uses for herbs. Home made lunch with herb theme. 
SMITHS LAKE
We will have morning tea on the shore of this beautiful lake. It is not large, with a catchment area of 28 square kilometres. Part of the lake shore is a sandbar that separates the lake from the Tasman Sea. The southern part forms the Northern boundary of he Myall Lakes National Park. 
GREAT LAKES PADDOCKS
A friendly destination offering delicious wines and grass fed angus beef. Nestled in the stunning hinterland of the Great Lakes region. Sample their home grown beef for your lunch. |
WINGHAM BRUSH NATURE RESERVE
Situated on the Manning River, Wingham Brush is one of the few remnants of subtropical rainforest in the Manning Valley. Those who wish to can take a short wander along the boardwalk which is wheelchair friendly and view special species of large trees, birds and wildlife. Or you can relax on the waters edge. Morning tea with home-made slices served here from the coach. 
WOKO STATION
Thirty minutes along the interesting Thunderbolts Way we will arrive at Woko Station. Woko is managed by Bridget and Ross and they will keep you interested while telling you all about the running of Angus cattle on the property. There is a stand of old fruit trees in the orchard and 100 year old Bunya Pines. The owner of Woko owns 4 other large properties in the area. You will enjoy a homecooked lunch or dinner. Entertainment in the evening. There is also a beautiful collection of craft work on sale made by Bridget and Ross's mothers. 
BARRAMUNDI FARM
Visit this environmentally responsible fish and vegetable production system, producing year-round premium barramundi and vegetables. Fish grown indoors in tanks and the hydroponic vegetables utilises the excess water. Lunch at the Cookaburra Restaurant at the farm. Sample he delicious barra or chicken alternative. 
LOCAL VINEYARD
We visit either Tugwood Wines or Gloucester River Wines. Both are small boutique vineyards making hand made wines in a beautiful setting. Tasting and nibbles. Wines can be bought to take to restaurants for dinner. 
TOPI OPEN RANGE FARM
A family farm nestled in the hinterland of Seal Rocks. Free range chickens live in their own mobile homes that move with the from paddock to paddock, gaining advantage of the lush green grass. You will also meet some friendly alpacas. 
GLOUCESTER FARMERS MARKET
Time your tour to coincide with Gloucester Farmers Market on the 2nd Saturday of the month. |
GOURMET farmgate tour
Our tours are customised for your groups from 20-50 persons. Accommodation at the Country Lodge Motel (or a suitable alternative if unavailable). Transport can be your favourite coach company or we can organise a coach for you. All the work is done for you, and the trip is free for the Coach Captain. The Tour Leader's trip is also free of charge for groups of 30 or more. Smaller groups, individuals and families may be added to existing tours. Contact us for future tour dates.
All tours can be extended from 1-6 days to include many other interesting venues in the area (i.e. Panning for gold, dolphin cruise etc - see above)
We invite you to experience the Gourmet Farmgate Tour and savour the freshest produce that the Gloucester, Stroud, Barrington and Great Lakes districts have to offer. A unique opportunity to visit the farms of our members and to hear their fascinating stories. You will not be able to help feel the passion that they reveal about their lives. Enjoy the country hospitality and culinary delights crafted from our local harvest. The accolades from previous tours have been overwhelming.
All tours can be extended from 1-6 days to include many other interesting venues in the area (i.e. Panning for gold, dolphin cruise etc - see above)
We invite you to experience the Gourmet Farmgate Tour and savour the freshest produce that the Gloucester, Stroud, Barrington and Great Lakes districts have to offer. A unique opportunity to visit the farms of our members and to hear their fascinating stories. You will not be able to help feel the passion that they reveal about their lives. Enjoy the country hospitality and culinary delights crafted from our local harvest. The accolades from previous tours have been overwhelming.
Sample 3 Day Tour
Your Hostess for the 3 days joins you on arrival
Day 1
Nanna's Homewares - morning tea and shop
Hillview Herb Farm - tour and lunch
John Maslin Talk about Bees and Honey
Vineyard Tour and tasting
Chris Stanton Talk about cattle
Motel book-in Country Lodge Motel
Dinner showcasing local produce
Day 2
Breakfast in motel breakfast room
Goldmine Tour and morning tea
Woko Station Tour and Lunch
Museum
Town Tour
Dinner - Raffle of local produce - prize for everyone
Day 3
Forster and Smiths Lake - morning tea
Topi Farm Tour and local produce from neighbouring farms
Great Lakes Paddocks Tour and lunch
Individual itineraries can be arranged for your group from 1 to 6 days. Minimum of 20 persons. Coach can be arranged or you can use your regular transport.
This includes
• 10 venues
• 2 nights bed and full breakfast
• 2 dinners including entertainment and raffle
• 3 lunches
• 3 morning teas
• Hostess for 3 days
Total per person $425
Single supplement $100
Your Hostess for the 3 days joins you on arrival
Day 1
Nanna's Homewares - morning tea and shop
Hillview Herb Farm - tour and lunch
John Maslin Talk about Bees and Honey
Vineyard Tour and tasting
Chris Stanton Talk about cattle
Motel book-in Country Lodge Motel
Dinner showcasing local produce
Day 2
Breakfast in motel breakfast room
Goldmine Tour and morning tea
Woko Station Tour and Lunch
Museum
Town Tour
Dinner - Raffle of local produce - prize for everyone
Day 3
Forster and Smiths Lake - morning tea
Topi Farm Tour and local produce from neighbouring farms
Great Lakes Paddocks Tour and lunch
Individual itineraries can be arranged for your group from 1 to 6 days. Minimum of 20 persons. Coach can be arranged or you can use your regular transport.
This includes
• 10 venues
• 2 nights bed and full breakfast
• 2 dinners including entertainment and raffle
• 3 lunches
• 3 morning teas
• Hostess for 3 days
Total per person $425
Single supplement $100
