When it comes to world-class wine and charming landscapes, your first thought may be the South Australian wineries and cellar door experiences. But Hunter Valley in NSW should be at the top of your list if you consider yourself a wine connoisseur. Famed as the birthplace of Australian wines and the oldest wine region in the country, the epicurean hotspot has long delighted visitors with its delicious pours, beautiful views, and eclectic range of experiences. There are plenty of buzzy things to do in the Hunter Valley for those with a penchant for viticulture, here are some of our top picks for incredible tastings, gorgeous views, and relaxing times on a weekend getaway from Sydney.
Hunter Valley, NSW
First cultivated in the early 19th century, there are plenty of vineyards and wineries dotted around wine country along with dreamy little towns, soothing spas for rejuvenation, and outdoor adventures in the form of hot air balloon rides, sprawling gardens, top-notch golf courses, and horse rides. Its mild climate, characterised by four distinct seasons, is ideal for grapes to thrive and grow, making it a go-to spot for both passionate winemakers and wine lovers.
As a favoured weekend destination for many NSW residents looking for a sun-soaked time filled with great sights and even better wine.
Things to do in the Hunter Valley
1. Go wine tasting
The Hunter region has been producing wine for nearly 200 years so there is a wealth of experiences on offer for those interested in viticulture. The area is well known for producing wines such as Shiraz, Chardonnay, and Verdelho and famously some of the world’s best Semillons wines. With more than 150 wineries in the area, each offering something unique, you could spend the day tasting the region’s wines or exploring the scenic vineyards. Some of the most acclaimed places in the region can be found in the Pokolbin sub-region of the Hunter Valley with must-visit spots including Brokenwood Wines, Audrey Wilkinson, and Scarborough Wine Co.
As for vineyards, Krinklewood, just 15 minutes from Polkolbin offers excellent views and a wide variety of wines. With a modern cellar door and delicious wine and dining options, Bimbadgen is another striking winery and vineyard worth checking out. Family-run Tyrrell’s Wines is a longstanding institution offering tours, tastings, and master classes for a more holistic day out and the stunning Tulloch Cellar Door is another storied winery that is a must-visit.
2. Take a sunrise hot air balloon flight
Beyond wine tasting, the Hunter region offers plenty of recreational opportunities to suit all tastes and interests. One of the best ways to enjoy a bird’s eye view of the vineyards is to hop on a hot air balloon and experience the views at sunrise along with picturesque sights of farmland and tiny cottages along the way. Book your balloon ride with Balloon Aloft or Hunter Valley Ballooning for a dreamy aerial adventure in the area.
3. Visit the picturesque Hunter Valley Gardens
With 14 hectares of garden space, featuring many picture-perfect elements like waterfalls, murals, and more, the Hunter Valley Gardens are a must-visit if you’re in the area. Visitors will find 10 themed gardens here including a fragrant Rose Garden, a gorgeous Italian grotto, and even an Oriental Garden. Plan your trip to overlap with their massive Christmas spectacular which features the biggest light display in all of the Southern Hemisphere.
4. Visit the local towns
Aside from vineyards, the Hunter Valley is also home to a number of charming small towns and villages. Pokolbin is the main town of the historic grape-growing region and a popular getaway for its vineyards along with excellent pubs and shopping. It’s also home to the Hope Estate amphitheatre, Australia’s largest purpose-built outdoor winery concert which has hosted the likes of the Rolling Stones and more.
For something quieter and even more laidback, head to Broke, a small and beautiful village known for its organic wines, alpaca farms, excellent dining, and Aboriginal rock art. If you’re taking public transport, consider visiting Maitland, which has a direct train service from Sydney. Located on the banks of the Hunter River, the small town also boasts a blossoming food scene and charming boutique accomodation. Other towns to explore include Lovedale, the historic Wollombi, and Rothbury, also home to award-winning wineries.
5. Go horse riding in the Hunter Valley
Did you know you can explore the oldest wine region in Australia and traverse its vineyards and bushland on horseback? Hunter Valley Horse Riding and Adventures covers 300 acres on the Molly Morgan Range with lovely views of wine country and plenty of local wildlife like wombats, kangaroos and possums. Hunter Valley Horses is another provider that offers vineyard and bush trail rides for beginners and groups.
6. Discover the local food and dining scene
The Hunter Valley is a haven for food lovers making it a great attraction for both wine lovers and non-alcoholics. The abundance of hatted restaurants, casual eateries, and lively brunch spots in the area further solidifies the Hunter’s reputation as a world-class destination.
Notable spots to discover include The Deck Cafe in Lovedale which features a breezy outdoor deck and verandah with views of the surrounding bush and a menu that includes wholesome Australian fare. Tuscan-inspired Cafe Enzo has been whisking visitors to the Meditteranean since 1996 with an enchanting courtyard that comes complete with an Italianate fountain. Other alfresco dining spots worth checking out include Amanda’s on the Edge in Pokolbin which overlooks the vineyards and Bistro Molines for traditional French/European fare and sweeping views of the region, perfect for a toast between lovers. Discover more stellar eateries in the area here.
7. Go on a scenic hike
Beyond the vineyards visitors will find some lush national parks and stunning bushland. As part of your weekend, visit the Watagans National Park for beautiful rainforest scenery, hiking, lookouts, and serene camping, or head to the Yengo National Park in the Lower Hunter Region and discover Aboriginal cultural heritage sites and winding mountain bike trails. Also in the Hunter region is Mount Royal National Park, a protected site in the World Heritage-listed Gondwana rainforest offering excellent walking trails ideal for a long and picturesque hike. Read more about Hunter Valley here.
Getting there
Hunter Valley is approximately 2-3 hours from Sydney depending on where you’re travelling from. The easiest and fastest way from Sydney is via the M1 motorway. Head north out of the city then continue following the Cessnock and Hunter Valley Vineyards exit sign to Cessnock, this drive would take around 2 hours. You could also opt to take the meandering Tourist Drive 33 through the towns of Wollombi and Pokolbin for the more scenic route, Visit NSW advises.
Regular train services also run between Sydney and Maitland, with regular buses to Cessnock which would take around 4.5 to 5 hours, but if you want to cover the most ground on your trip, consider driving.