Sydney’s best kept secret isn’t in Sydney. Just north lies a corner of NSW most itineraries miss: Newcastle, an undiscovered beach town with soul, with the vines of the Hunter Valley on one side and the sparkling waters of Port Stephens on the other. Over four unhurried days, the award winning local team at Newy Tour Co will show you all three on a fully private journey, shaped around you.

Your journey begins with a private transfer from Sydney, pausing on the banks of the Hawkesbury River for a hands on oyster experience. You’ll spend an hour learning the craft of shucking with the farmers themselves, enjoy a behind the scenes tour and leave with a goodie bag that includes a fresh dozen. After checking in to your Newcastle hotel, your guide will walk you through the city’s vibrant East End on a private 3 hour Food and Street Art Tour, with five curated food and beverage tastings among the murals.

Day two is Hunter Valley wine country. We’ve hand selected the region’s finest vineyards, from international labels with ancient vines to charming family run estates, for three premium sit down tastings, a glittering vodka, gin and liqueur tasting, a paired cheese or chocolate tasting, and a leisurely à la carte vineyard lunch, included, with the option to elevate to a fine dining experience. Tell us your favourite wines in advance and we’ll tailor the day around them.

Day three showcases the very best of Port Stephens: a guided hike up Tomaree Mountain for sweeping coastal views (a flat walk is also available), a 1.5 hour cruise in search of bottlenose dolphins, a freshly caught seafood picnic on the beach, an optional swim in calm, sparkling waters, and a craft brewery beer and honey tasting to finish. On day four, a private transfer delivers you to Newcastle Airport at whatever time suits your flight.

Throughout, you’ll travel in a comfortable eight seat Mercedes Benz with leather seats and sunroofs, accompanied by your own passionate, professionally trained local guide. Born and raised in the region, our guides are consistently described by guests as knowledgeable, safety conscious and deeply personable, and with no strangers on board, every stop, tasting and photo break happens on your schedule.

Inclusions: private touring and transfers on all four days, the Hawkesbury oyster experience, the Newcastle food and street art walking tour with five tastings, a full day private Hunter Valley wine tour with all tastings and lunch, a full day private Port Stephens tour with dolphin cruise, seafood picnic lunch and brewery tasting, water bottles, and your airport transfer.

Good to know: this is a land only package and accommodation is not included, though we’re happy to recommend Newcastle’s newest 5 star and 4 star hotels. The Hawkesbury oyster experience runs Thursday to Sunday (shucking class on Thursday and Friday), and on other departure days we’ll arrange an alternative stop. Larger vehicles, larger groups and fully bespoke itineraries are available on request.