Christmas in July + Aberdeen Games

Escape to the Hunter Valley where world famous vineyards, delicious local produce and magnificent scenery collide. The Aberdeen Highland Games have gone from strength to strength, celebrating the Scottish heritage in NSW. Why not come and see what makes the event so special for the people of Aberdeen.

Day 1 (LD): HOME TO MUSWELLBROOK                                                                                             Thursday 03 July 2025

Greeted with a smile as you board the Port Bus touring coach to Muswellbrook in the Upper Hunter region. This morning, we load the coach and complete our pickup service ready for departure. We make our way to Ashmar Farmstay, just outside of Gloucester for a unique visit. Set on a 500-acre Hereford Cattle stud farm with spectacular views across the property and beyond, it is the perfect place to enjoy lunch after a tour. Later today we arrive in Muswellbrook where we can check in as this will be home for the next 4 nights.

Lunch at Ashmar Farmstay and dinner in motel

Noahs Mid City Motor Inn, Muswellbrook | 4 nights

Day 2 (BLD) HISTORY AND INDULGENCE                                                                                                 Friday 04 July 2025

We will be stepping back in time today as we travel via Denman to Martindale Homestead for morning tea and a tour through the Homestead. Historically Martindale is one of the most significant properties in the Hunter region, having been owned and developed by the eminent Bettington family of the early colony and then in the mid-19th century, passing into the hands of the Hunter’s best-known family, the Whites, where it remained for almost a century. Lunch today is in Denman at the historic Denman Royal Hotel and this afternoon we visit the picturesque hillside property, Camel Milk NSW. Here we enjoy an up close and personal meeting with the camels and star stud bull, Huey. We also hear about the history of the property and homestead circa 1800s. Returning to Muswellbrook we have some free time before dinner.

Breakfast in motel | lunch at Denman Royal Hotel | dinner at RSL Club

Day 3 (B) ABERDEEN HIGHLAND GAMES                                                                              Saturday 05 July 2025

Today we enjoy the festivities at The Aberdeen Highland Games. If you have any tartan, today is the day to wear it! The first Games stemmed from the observance of National Tartan Day. Incorporating a street parade the Games have become one of the pre-eminent celebrations of Scottish heritage in NSW.  The Games begin with a parade of bands, clan representatives and others that leads into the Massed Band Salute and Chieftain's Address that officially opens the day. Throughout the day there will be Highland and Country Dancing, Pipe Band displays, Strong Man events with the Tartan Warriors to enjoy as well as tug-of-war, egg tosses, three-legged races, and the famed Kilted Dash to participate in.  A multitude of stores and stands will surround the area selling all manner of Scottish heirlooms and souvenirs, clothing and garb, and food and drink.  A fun day to be a part of. We make a time to meet up to return to the motel.

Breakfast in motel | lunch and dinner own arrangements and cost

Day 4 (BLD) HISTORY AND INDULGENCE                                                                                                Sunday 06 July 2025

We are joined by a local expert as we tour through the horse capital of Australia - Scone. Our sightseeing takes us to a thoroughbred stud farm, where we are introduced to the world of champion thoroughbreds. Our day will also include a visit to Pay’s Warbirds, Glenbawn Dam and Hunter Belle . An interesting day full of unique experiences.

Breakfast in motel | lunch included | dinner at RSL Club

Day 5 (BL): CHRISTMAS IN JULY                                                                                                                   Monday 07 July 2025

Today promises a delightful finale to our holiday as we head to a charming Christmas in July luncheon before we arrive a warm welcome awaits us at Hunter Valley Chocolate Company. On arrival we are met by friendly staff for a talk and samples of their famous chocolate and fudges. We may even see some being made through the windows! Our destination is the Marthaville Arts and Cultural Centre, renowned for its picturesque setting in Cessnock’s oldest sawn timber home. The ambiance and historical charm of the venue will surely enhance our festive experience. After savouring the luncheon with all the traditional trimmings, we’ll have the opportunity to explore an extensive range of locally handcrafted arts and crafts on display. The unique creations will be a perfect memento of our visit. As we depart, we’ll journey home with a treasure trove of wonderful memories, enriched by the company of friends made along the way.

Breakfast in motel | lunch at Marthaville Arts and Cultural Centre

Tour Inclusions

•              4 night’s hotel accommodation

•              4 cooked breakfasts

•              1 motel dinner, 2 dinners out Muswellbrook RSL and 1 own arrangements and costs

•              4 included lunches – see below

•              Farm tour and lunch at Ashmar Farmstay

•              Tour and Morning Tea at Martindale Homestead

•              Lunch at the Denman Hotel

•              Tour including history of property and camels at Camel Milk NSW

•              Full day at Aberdeen Highland Games – Own arrangements

•              Full day Scone area tour including lunch with Upper Hunter Tours

•              Visit including tasting at the Hunter Valley Chocolate Company

•              2-course Christmas lunch with Christmas themed décor at Marthaville Arts and Cultural Centre

Please Note:

•              Price is based on a minimum of 25 paying passengers. If numbers fall below 25 passengers, this tour may need to be recosted.

•              Morning teas or afternoon teas are not included unless specified.

$1,829 pp twin share | $2,468 pp single total | $400 pp deposit

For more information or to book;

Phone:              02 6583 3330

Email:               admin@portbus.com.au

Website:           https://www.portbus.com.au

Book Online:     https://events.humanitix.com/cij-25

Cancellation fees will be levied relative to the amount of notice given:

42 days or more—loss of deposit

29-41 days:  50% of fare plus deposit

30 days before and the Day of departure: 100% of the fare.

In the case of concert or sporting tours, where admission tickets are purchased in advance, a minimum cancellation fee equivalent to the cost of admission ticket fees will apply.

Some accommodations require prepayment and refunds will be subject to their conditions.

The itinerary may be subject to change without notice. Whilst every effort is made to adhere to the itinerary as provided, Port Bus reserves the right to alter the touring and attractions as dictated by circumstances and conditions outside the company’s control. Alterations may be made to ensure the smooth running of the tour. Every attempt will be made to ensure alterations do not adversely affect the operation of the tour. Port Bus will not be held responsible for weather-based cancellations, or those closures made at the venue’s discretion.