​Ontrack Hunter Valley
​​Horse & Wine 'Stallion' Tour
2026 SPRING

Sunday 11 - Thursday 15 October, 2026 (4 nights)
This tour was first conducted in 2003
  • Features
  • Hotel
  • Prices
  • Itinerary
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TOUR FEATURES

  • Accommodation: Mercure Hunter Valley Gardens Resort (Pokolbin Valley)​ 4 nights bed & breakfast
  • Personalised private tours and stallion parades at leading thoroughbred studs
  • Air conditioned/luxury road coach during tour
  • Expert guides throughout. ​
  • STUD TOURS & STALLION PARADES
  • Arrowfield Stud 
  • Coolmore Stud 
  • Darley Stud (Kelvinside)
  • Darley Stud (Woodlands) 
  • Vinery Stud 
  • Newgate Farm 
  • Kia Ora Stud
  • GOURMET FOOD & WINE TASTING
  • Welcome Dinner: Brokenwood Wines (inc Beverage package)
  • Farewell Dinner: The Conservatory, Mercure Hunter Valley (inc Beverage package)
  • Wine Tasting: Two Rivers Wines, Deman
  • Lunch: Commerical Hotel, Scone
  • Lunch: The Thoroughbred, Scone
  • Lunch & Wine Tasting: Vines @ Hollydene Estate Wines, Jerry's Plains 
  • Full Buffet Breakfast daily 
  • Group Airport Transfers (subject to conditions)

Arrowfield Stud

Arrowfield Stud is located in the centre of breeding country near scone. Home former champion stallions Redoute's Choice and Snitzel. The Arrowfield racing colours have been carried to glory by a host of top class gallopers, the most notable in recent times being the brilliant Autumn Glow. Arrowfield is headed by the influential John Messara, together with son Paul Messara.

COOLMORE STUD

The Irish owned Coolmore Stud has been a dominant force in stallions throughout the world. Coolmore Stud is located in Jerry's Plains. Whilst many of it's stallions shuttle from the Northern Hemisphere, the Coolmore Australia roster is strong mix of local and international flavour. Coolmore star stallions of the past include the great Danehill. 

GODOLPHIN DARLEY (KELVINSIDE)

Woodlands Stud is one of the most historic and iconic thoroughbred properties in the Hunter Valley. Woodlands was famously acquired by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in 2008 from the Ingham family as part of a record $460m deal. Whilst not currently standing stallions, Woodlands remains an integral part of rearing future members of the Godolphin racing team.

GODOLPHIN DARLEY (WOODLANDS)

Owned by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Kelvinside is home to the Darley Hunter Valley stallions. The first property purchased by Darley in the Hunter Valley, the historic Kelvinside property was formerly owned by champion jockey Hilton Cope who sold to Darley in 2003, signaling the significant entrance to Australia of one of the worlds racing and breeding forces. 

NEWGATE FARM

The new force in the Hunter Valley, Newgate farm was founded by the dynamic Henry Field (ex Coolmore & Darley Flying Start) in 2010. At that point Newgate Farm consisted of a leased property and a handful of mares. Field and his team have developed Newgate Farm into one of the most powerful stallion rosters in the Southern Hemisphere.

VINERY STUD

Vinery Stud is one of the most historic farms in the Hunter Valley. With its roots dating back to the 1820's, the property has long been a nurturing ground for the very best stallions. The property and the entire Segenhoe Valley was originally formed by Thomas "Potter" McQueen. Vinery Stud is currently owned in partnership headed by Gerry Harvey.  

KIA ORA STUD

​Kia Ora Stud boasts a rich heritage in the Hunter Valley and in recent years been reborn. First established in 1914, the property was originally run by the three Miller brothers. The Kia Ora brand still pays homage to the Millers today. Kia Ora re-entered the stallion business in 2020, whilst it set about developing a showpiece stallion farm across from the original property.

BROKENWOOD WINES

Private Gourmet Dinner + Beverage Package - The Wood Restaurant
The Wood Restaurant, by renowned local hospitality duo Andrew and Janet Wright, offers a contemporary fine dining experience with a strong focus on seafood. The Wood is located in the new Brokenwood cellar door. Established in 1970, Brokenwood Wines is one of the most reputable premium wine labels and a must visit in the Hunter Valley. Consistently listed as a 5 star winery, Brokenwood is home to the famous Graveyard Vineyard Shiraz, the highly acclaimed ILR Reserve Semillon & the popular Cricket Pitch Range.

TWO RIVERS WINES

Wine Tasting + Cheese & charcuterie platters
Two Rivers is situated in the upper reaches of the Hunter Valley on the banks of the region’s two dominant waterways, the Hunter and Goulburn rivers which flow on the eastern and southern boundaries of the vineyard. The Two Rivers range is made from classic varietals, producing wines that are fresh, aromatic and full of flavour.

HOLYDENE ESTATE WINES

Wine Tasting + Lunch
Holydene Estate Wines is perched above neighbouring Coolmore Stud in Jerrys Plains. With firm roots to the thoroughbred industry, the Holydene property was once home to Arrowfield Wines. Within Holydene is the beautiful Vines Restaurant, which runs on the "paddock to the plate" ethos.

THE THOROUGHBRED HOTEL

Bistro Lunch
The Thoroughbred Hotel is an award winning hotel in the heart of the Scone township. Featuring a popular bistro, bakery and full service bar, the property was decorated with historic items from the rich local thoroughbred racing and breeding archives.

COMMERICAL HOTEL

Bistro Lunch
Aberdeen plays an integral role in the Hunter Valley Thoroughbred industry, and is the 'local' for many nearby farms and their staff. A true country pub with cold beer, Pub TAB and a very popular bistro with delicious country style fare.

THE CONSERVATORY

Private Dinner + Beverage Package 
The Conservatory offers a rich country ambience through its character filled fireplace and decor. Our group will enjoy a fabulous private dinner and beverage package within our Hunter Valley home, The Mercure Hunter Valley Gardens. 

MERCURE HUNTER VALLEY

FOUR POINT FIVE STAR 
Address: Corner Broke Rd & Macdonald Rd, Pokolbin, New South Wales 2320
The Mercure Hunter Valley is situated in the heart of Hunter Valley Wine country and is located on the most prominent corner within the Hunter Valley. Comprising of 72 guest rooms. Each room is beautifully appointed and opens out to a private balcony or courtyard, taking in the wonderful valley views and magnificent gardens surrounding the property. Guests can avail themselves of tennis courts, pool, sauna, spa, the Lodge library and many other facilities the Hunter Valley Gardens Village and the spectacular display gardens located next door.​
Superior Rooms
The tour package offers accommodation in Superior Rooms. Beautifully appointed and spacious, the Superior room boasts contemporary design with natural, muted colour tones. Superior Studio rooms are available in king or twin bedding configuration and feature a balcony and or courtyard. Each room has reverse cycle air conditioning, refrigerator, mini bar, tea and coffee making facilities, remote control TV, Wi Fi access and room service.

PRICES

  • Double Room (1 bed, 2 people) $2,465 per person
  • Twin Room (2 beds, 2 people) $2,465 per person
  • ​Single Room (1 bed, 1 person) $2,915 per person

PAYMENT TERMS

  • Deposit: $1,250 per person on booking.
  • Balance Due: 90 days prior to first day of tour.
  • Credit Card Accepted: American Express, Visa Card or Mastercard.
  • Credit Card Payments: Please note there is NO ADDITIONAL MERCHANT FEE for all credit card payments.

INCLUSIONS

  • Accommodation: Mercure Hunter Valley Gardens Resort (Pokolbin Valley)​ 4 nights bed & breakfast
  • Personalised private tours and stallion parades at leading thoroughbred studs
  • Air conditioned/luxury road coach during tour
  • Expert guides throughout. ​
  • STUD TOURS & STALLION PARADES
  • Arrowfield Stud 
  • Coolmore Stud 
  • Darley Stud (Kelvinside)
  • Darley Stud (Woodlands) 
  • Vinery Stud 
  • Newgate Farm 
  • Kia Ora Stud
  • GOURMET FOOD & WINE TASTING
  • Welcome Dinner: Brokenwood Wines (inc Beverage package)
  • Farewell Dinner: The Conservatory, Mercure Hunter Valley (inc Beverage package)
  • Wine Tasting: Two Rivers Wines, Deman
  • Lunch: Commerical Hotel, Scone
  • Lunch: The Thoroughbred, Scone
  • Lunch & Wine Tasting: Vines @ Hollydene Estate Wines, Jerry's Plains 
  • Full Buffet Breakfast daily 
  • Group Airport Arrival Transfers (subject to flight arrival times, conditions & availability - see itinerary)
  • Group Airport Departure Transfers (subject to flight departure times conditions & availability - see itinerary)

EXCLUSIONS

  • Airport Transfers (if you are unable to meet the included Group Airport Arrival & Departure transfers)
  • International & Domestic Flights
  • Travel Insurance (please consult your agent - strongly recommended)
  • Additional personal items 

Day 1 - Sunday 11 oCT, 2026

Afternoon: Arrive Mercure Hunter Valley 
​Dinner: The Wood, Brokenwood Wines
​
Group Airport Arrival Transfers - Newcastle Airport to Mercure Hunter Valley Gardens

Group Transfer 1
Departs Newcastle Airport to Mercure Hunter Valley Gardens at 12 Noon 

Group Transfer 2
Departs Newcastle Airport to Mercure Hunter Valley Gardens at 5:00pm 

# Transfer times due to final confirmation after compiling full guest arrival/departure flights.

Day 2 - monday 12 oCT, 2026

Breakfast: Mercure Hunter Valley 
Morning: Darley Woodlands
Lunch: Commercial Hotel, Aberdeen
Afternoon: Arrowfield Stud
Afternoon: Two Rivers Wines
Evening/Dinner: Free Time - Own Arrangements

Day 3 - tUESDAY 13 oCT, 2026

Breakfast: Mercure Hunter Valley 
Morning: Kia Ora Stud
Morning: Vinery Stud
Lunch: The Thoroughbred Hotel
Afternoon: Darley Kelvinside
​Evening/Dinner: Free Time - Own Arrangements

Day 4 - wednesday 14 oCT, 2026

Breakfast: Mercure Hunter Valley 
Morning: Newgate Farm
Lunch: Vines at Holydene Estate Wines
Afternoon: Coolmore Stud
​Evening/Dinner: The Conservatory, Mercure Hunter Valley Gardens

dAY 5 - tHURSDAY 15 oCT, 2026

Breakfast: Mercure Hunter Valley
​Morning: Guests to check out by 10am
​
Group Airport Departure Transfers - Newcastle Airport to Mercure Hunter Valley Gardens

Group Transfer 1
​Departs Mercure Hunter Valley Gardens to Newcastle Airport 10:30am

Group Transfer 2
Departs Mercure Hunter Valley Gardens to Newcastle Airport 12 noon

# Transfer times due to final confirmation after compiling full guest arrival/departure flights.