Frequently Asked Questions

For PUBLIC DEPARTURES we avoid going to every hotel as this means spending more time in the bus and we’d rather you spend more time at the cellar doors! Please click here to see all our departure locations and times.

For PRIVATE CHARTERS we pick you up from a location that suits you and your friends. We specify a maximum of two preferred pick up locations to reduce travelling and waiting time. On the return journey we can drop you off at the same places or alternative locations if they fit within the quoted itinerary.

We recommend you bring a bottle of water, camera, hat, sunscreen, a jacket in cooler months and money to buy any extras such as a bottle of that delicious Shiraz you tasted or a bag of chocolates from the chocolate shop to eat on the journey home.

Please call us to let us know and we will do our best to make sure you don’t miss the bus. However, like a train or plane, we do have a timetable and other passengers to consider (everyone is itching to get to the first cellar door and taste their first glass of wine!) Refunds will not be given if you miss the bus.

Our tours will operate in all kinds of weather – rain, hail or shine! You’re mainly indoors in the warmth and comfort of a winery in the cooler months. In the warmer months, you may have the opportunity to have your wine tasting provided outdoors in the fresh air.

There is no need to wear your best threads, unless you want to dress to impress! We suggest you dress comfortably for the season you are visiting. There is no dress code but please respect the establishments you are visiting and dress appropriately like you would for any other licensed venue.

Additional glasses of wine with lunch or any purchases from the venues we visit. For the PRIVATE CHARTERS Gold Package, the lunch option needs to be agreed on prior to travel.

Simply book online, call, text, or email us
+61 406757295 (mobile) / +61 2 8311 3240 (landline)
bookings@zephertours.com

For PUBLIC TOURS and PRIVATE TOURS please see our T&Cs

Yes, we look after lots of groups and we have a great range of packages to suit your budget and style. For groups of 2-6 we suggest joining our PUBLIC TOUR however we can accommodate any group size on a PRIVATE TOUR. Please click here for more information about our private charters.

Only on PRIVATE CHARTERS can you bring children, however they will be charged at the same price as an adult. We’re responsible for their safety and they must be allocated a seat on the bus.

On arrival back in Sydney there is only one drop-off location which is near Central Station.

For lunch, we can provide a vegan meal.

However, wine is generally not vegan as animal products can be used in the fining of the wine. Whilst there are wineries producing vegan wine, we cannot guarantee we will visit them on any given tour. The cheese and chocolate options that we pair with wine on tour are also not vegan.

Please contact us before booking to check if we can provide an itinerary that can cater for a vegan guest.

We generally spend 45 minutes to 1 hour at each cellar door and up to 1.5 hours at a lunch venue.

For both PUBLIC and PRIVATE TOURS we have excellent, collaborative relationships with many wineries within the Hunter Valley region. All of them offer an excellent, wine tasting experience so we select cellar doors depending on their availability and the group sizes. You will have an awesome day!

Only with our PRIVATE CHARTER Custom Package can you select a winery or lunch venue different from those we usually visit, so let us know so we can create a unique experience just for your group.

Only for PRIVATE CHARTERS. Please be aware that the majority of Hunter Valley wineries open from 10am – 4pm with the last groups accepted at 3pm.

For both PUBLIC and PRIVATE tours the return times are:

• Sydney is approximate 7.00pm
• Newcastle approximately 5.00pm
• Hunter Valley approximately 4.00pm

Please note the time may vary due to traffic conditions and variables out of our control.

For PUBLIC TOURS we have a maximum of 22 people and with PRIVATE TOURS there is no maximum. The more the merrier!

We don’t have toilets on the bus, but don’t worry we make plenty of comfort stops during the day.

We don’t have USB ports on the bus so we suggest you charge your phone before coming on tour. You will be taking lots of insta-worthy pics, so make sure your phone is charged!

No hot food, hot drinks or dairy can be consumed on the bus. This includes your skinny latte! You can eat light snacks on board the bus.

Yes, you can purchase wine from the wineries we visit, and we set aside space on the bus for this.

While drinking throughout the day is pretty much a given on our tours, we cannot allow any alcohol to be consumed onboard our buses. Government regulations prohibit the consumption of alcohol inside tourist coaches within Australia.

We can cater for most dietary requirements such as lactose intolerant, vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, nut / shellfish allergies. We will advise the café/restaurant who will create a suitable meal option. Please advise us at time of booking.

Vegans should note that wine is generally not vegan as animal products can be used in the fining of the wine. Whilst there are wineries producing vegan wine, we cannot guarantee we will visit them on any given tour. The cheese and chocolate options that we pair with wine on tour are also not vegan.

Please contact us before booking to check if we can provide an itinerary that can cater for a vegan guest.

Customers travelling in the lead vehicle will be picked up at one central location in the city. Travellers in their own car will meet the lead vehicle at a designated location where there is easy parking and amenities.

Any visits to cellar doors, breweries or distilleries are done only after reaching our destination for that night’s accommodation. On arrival all private vehicles are safely parked, and you then jump in the lead vehicle driven by our tour guide who becomes your designated driver!

Yes, no problem, given we have extra seats.

It’s mandatory that you have roadside assistance membership for the vehicle you’re driving. Our Tour Guide is not a mechanic and we cannot make everyone wait for the broken-down car to be fixed or towed away. But that’s OK because we can take some of the people travelling in that vehicle in our own lead vehicle and of course you’ll know where we’ll be later in the itinerary so you can catch up. In worst case scenario where your car is not fixable, then we can help organise another vehicle for you.

Yes. While there may be some driving on dirt roads, we do not take routes that require a 4WD. We can also help you hire a vehicle from luxury models to convertibles to people movers to camper vans!

We try not to travel more than 250 – 300kms each day. We usually discuss the day’s events at our morning briefing sessions before departure and are normally on the road by 9.00am each morning. We stop at our selected venues/experiences/points of interest throughout the day and check into our accommodation before it’s dark. In some cases, a lot earlier if there is an afternoon activity planned at the destination for the afternoon.

It’s mandatory when joining the tag along tour that you download our selected “Radio over Cellular” app that enables every vehicle to have group chats or one to one / vehicle to vehicle. By using this ‘two way’ technology, we ensure we can communicate clearly, stay together and reduce any potential delays. Of course, we can also facilitate car karaoke competitions!

We like to stop in quiet, off the road picnic areas surrounded by nature. Having these stops also allows us to better stay together while traveling between destinations.

Most definitely. Please consider if the itinerary is suitable for under 18s. We include active experiences on some itineraries and children can learn a great deal about the environment, flora and fauna, as well as a bit of history. All children are given a travel pack for the trip.