The Hunter Valley is a beautiful part of Australia, blessed with lovely rural landscapes yet easily accessible from Sydney – a great location for our CFT Christmas holiday.
We journey north to Maitland, with a refreshment break along the way, where we will enjoy a delicious buffet lunch before a tour of the historic village of Morpeth. Located on the river, Morpeth was once a busy port township that declined when it became faster to transport goods by road. Today Morpeth is thriving once again as visitors come to admire the quaint, historic buildings that house the various boutique shops & cafes (including the Historic Arnott’s Bakehouse) After time to stroll around the village it is then just a short drive to our selected accommodation – The Mercure Hunter Valley Gardens Resort – for check in and time for fellowship before dinner.

It is Christmas Eve and you are in for a treat; after a delicious breakfast, we will visit the glorious Hunter Valley Gardens that span over 60 acres. We will enjoy a 40-minute train ride with commentary, to introduce us to the sensational sights, colours and fragrances of the ten stunning feature / themed gardens. Afterwards you will have time to wander at your own pace and explore your beautiful surrounding (lunch today is at your own choice and cost.) We will then enjoy some free time to browse the Hunter Valley Gardens Village shops before returning to the Resort.

After dinner we’ll visit the Gardens once again to be amazed by the one million lights that make up the Christmas Lights Spectacular. Marvel at the beauty of the many themed displays including a Nativity display, Present Tree, Twelve Days of Christmas, Santa’s workshop, Christmas around the world (see the World’s landmarks illuminated – Eiffel Tower, Colosseum etc) as well as much, much more. What a glorious way to celebrate Christmas Eve !

Christmas Morning and a time to rejoice in Christ’s Birth; this morning we will visit a local church to enjoy a Christmas Day Service together.
Following worship, we will return to the Resort where a delightful Christmas Day lunch awaits.

Enjoy being part of the CFT Family celebrating this blessed time together – fellowship, friendship & fun is what it is all about.

Afterwards you may wish to enjoy time by the pool (or in the pool!). After a big Christmas Lunch, we will enjoy a light dinner together at the Resort.

This morning we will share in our own short form of Sunday worship in place of our usual devotions. We have been blessed to share this very special Christmas celebration with new friends and can return home with full hearts and many wonderful memories.