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1 Guide to the Hunter Valley

Guide to the Hunter Valley

The beautiful countryside of the Hunter Valley attracts visitors from afar to discover its wildlife-filled valleys, national parks and picturesque villages. In addition, the nearby towns offer visitors a wealth of activities outside the vineyards. In Maitland alone, the art galleries, old prison, Levy Square, shops, restaurants, and the local market will keep you busy all weekend.

There’s so much to see and do in the Hunter Valley; it’s worth considering a trip out of town this year! Find accommodation in the Hunter Valley, take a weekend getaway from Sydney to New South Wales and explore every corner of arguably the best wine region in New South Wales!

Hunter Valley in a nutshell

As Australia’s oldest wine-growing region, the Hunter Valley has a rich culture and heritage stemming from its vineyards. The history of viticulture in the valley dates back to the early 1800s, making it the birthplace of Australian wine. In 1832, James Busby left the UK with around 20,000 cuttings of European grape kinds.

James Busby is credited with introducing viticulture to Australia and the Hunter Valley in New South Wales by planting his first vines on the region’s soil, earning him the title of “father” of Australian wine.

Since 1832, the Hunter Valley has remained a significant player in the Australian (and international) wine scene. Over the years, many world-renowned brands and small family-owned wineries have appeared on the green slopes of the valley. Just a two-hour drive from Sydney, the Hunter Valley is now home to countless vintage wineries and vineyards and well-known restaurants that thrive on excellent local produce.

Hunter Valley Experiences

Tasting wines from the Hunter Valley

If you visit the Hunter Valley, you’ll likely taste some of Australia’s finest wines. As Australia’s oldest wine region with more than 150 wineries, you won’t be disappointed. Visit some impressive wineries – large, small, old and new – and get a taste of the Hunter Valley as you walk.

Brokenwood Wines

You can sample the finest Shiraz and Semillon wines at Brokenwood Wines, one of Australia’s most famous wineries. Established in 1970, Brokenwood Wines has grown from a hobby winery to a well-known brand. Visit for a tasting through the cellar door or go behind the scenes to tour the beautiful cellar and see where the magic happens.

Audrey Wilkinson

It would be a crime not to visit Audrey Wilkinson during your holiday in the Hunter Valley. Audrey took over the family vineyard at the age of 15 when her father died, and her heritage lives on today, producing some of Australia’s finest wines. Visit the Audrey Wilkinson Cellar Door and enjoy 360-degree views from the luxurious colonial-style building.

Pepper Tree

Pepper Tree is a well-known winery in the Hunter Valley region. Established in 1991, it produces premium wines and offers visitors an award-winning experience at the Cellar Door. Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the Halls Road Cellar Door and choose your favourite tasting menu, accompanied by succulent olives and local cheeses.

Krinklewood biodynamic wines

Visit a biodynamic winery on a tasting day in the Hunter Valley and sample certified organic wines produced sustainably. Krinklewood Biodynamic Wines proudly produces organic wines from its holistic vineyard, and during your tasting, you will contemplate the French Provencal gardens as you sip a glass of wine.

Take a guided vineyard tour

Of course, vineyard tours are encouraged in the Hunter Valley, and there’s no shortage of choices here either. Relax and travel through the countryside without worrying about driving – you’ll be dropped off at the best vineyards in the valley. You’ll be picked up from your hotel in Newcastle, Pocolbin, Maitland or Rutherford and driven around the Hunter Valley if you use Hunter Valley Wine Tours.

Explore the beautiful Hunter Valley countryside on foot

When you go on holiday to the Hunter Valley, you’re already in the heart of New South Wales’ natural landscapes. But venture beyond the wine country, and you’ll find even more beautiful scenery. New South Wales has easy access to walking routes of all lengths and conditions.

Werakata National Park, for example, is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with birds of all colours flying through the trees in the park. Many bicycle and hiking trails lead visitors through different parts of the area. You can try the hiking trail to the Currie Sand Marsh, an ideal route for those interested in exploring nature.

Explore Yengo National Park

The undeniably gorgeous Yengo National Park, located between Sydney and the Hunter Valley, is another excellent option for hiking. Rocky ranges, steep gorges and Aboriginal cultural sites are all within this World Heritage-listed park. Try walking the 6 km Yango Walking Track within the National Park and exploring the rainforest and unspoilt wilderness. Finally, the vast Great Northern Trail offers a stunning space leading to the Bimbadeen Lookout. You can choose from various easy and professional options for this walk.

Take to the skies with Hunter Valley Helicopters

Experience the Hunter Valley like never before with local company Hunter Valley Helicopters, based at Cessnock Airfield. Take to the skies for a scenic helicopter flight over the beautiful wine country, offering breathtaking views of vineyards, rolling hills and historic landmarks. Enjoy a unique picnic, breakfast or gourmet lunch amidst the stunning scenery.

Planning a wedding or special event? Hunter Valley Helicopters offers helicopter services to add a luxurious touch. Hunter Valley Helicopters provides an unforgettable experience in this beautiful region, from airport transfers and coastal flights to corporate events.

Discover the Swimmer's Way

Newcastle’s beaches, from Merewether Ocean Baths to Nobby Beach, are bordered by the Bathers’ Way, a 6 km trail ideal for morning walks or bike rides. Head towards Newcastle and discover the coastline. Panoramic views are easy to find from the trail, and there are plenty of viewpoints for great photos.

Visit The Levee in Maitland

The Levee is a great place to spend a morning in Maitland, right on the border of the Hunter Valley wine region. Running parallel to the Hunter River, this lively street entertains visitors and locals with its restaurants, shops and cafes.

The Maitland Slow Food Earth Market is the first one in Australia. It takes place on the third Thursday of every month and offers meals focusing on fresh, seasonal produce. At each stall, visitors will find a poster about the farmer, the product and its origin.

Admire the vineyards on an electric bike

Discover the wonders of the Hunter Valley by renting a bike from Sutton Estate. Explore the region on motorised bikes that will make your journey fun and accessible. Travel at your own pace, or let the bike help you up the hills! It is ideal for corporate events, families or large groups to enjoy the surroundings. You can reach restaurants on the ‘Around the Hermitage’ gastronomic and wine route, with a bike path. Immerse yourself in the serenity of the vineyards and taste the region’s finest produce! Your journey to the Hunter Valley will be unforgettable if you rent a bike from Sutton Estate!

Horse riding in the Hunter Valley

In the Hunter Valley and wine region, Hunter Valley Horses offers a range of entertainment, including pony rides and guided tours. These rides cater to riders of all levels, making them suitable for the entire family. Embark on an action-packed route and enjoy spectacular views while riding the Molly Moran Range. Rides run to Barrington Tops.

Discover Maitland Prison

Welcoming its first prisoners in 1848 and closing in 1998, Maitland Prison is a landmark in the heart of New South Wales. The prison was built of sandstone and has remained in excellent condition since its construction in the mid-1800s. Over the years, the most notorious Australian criminals have been imprisoned within its walls and then transferred to other prisons around the country. Visit Maitland Prison today and take a trip back in time to discover life behind bars.

Take a walk in the Hunter Valley National Park

Discover the natural beauty and biodiversity of the Hunter Valley National Park, a wildlife lover’s paradise. Located in the heart of Newcastle, this vast area offers various habitats, including marshes, lakes and grasslands. Explore the extensive network of walking trails, bird shelters and viewpoints where you can spot over 200 species of birds, as well as reptiles, mammals and amphibians. Immerse yourself in the tranquillity of this unique ecosystem as you learn about the park’s conservation efforts and the importance of wetland habitats.

Visit the indoor trampoline park with the kids

Given its focus on wine, you might not think it’s worth taking the whole family to the Hunter Valley. But there is plenty to do with children in the Hunter Valley, starting with the trampoline park in Rutherford. New attractions are designed for kids, adults and experienced jumpers.

Visit the Maitland Art Gallery

The Maitland Regional Art Gallery (MRAG) is in a historic building in the centre of Maitland, New South Wales. Showcasing thousands of works of art and holding around 25 exhibitions a year, the gallery is worth a visit. The gallery is open from Tuesday to Sunday and has a cafe. While the exhibitions are the main attraction, the building is also a must-see! Built in 1830, it was previously used as a candle factory, a soap stamping factory and a shop.

Look at the view from Mount Pokolbin

Are you ready for an outdoor adventure that will take your breath away? Look no further than Mount Pokolbin in the Hunter Valley. Whether hiking or taking the scenic route, prepare to be captivated by the breathtaking views from the top. The observation deck offers stunning panoramic views of the oldest vineyards in the Hunter Valley. Take your camera, admire the beauty of nature and create unforgettable memories in this picturesque paradise.

If mountain vistas and rock art are your thing, we recommend joining Blue Mountains Tours eleven hour adventure.

Spend a day at Hunter Valley Zoo with the kids

As mentioned above, a weekend in the Hunter Valley doesn’t have to be about wine. There’s plenty to do with the kids, and many vineyards shouldn’t stop you from considering this New South Wales destination for a family holiday. Take the kids to the Hunter Valley Zoo, where you can get up close and personal with local and world-famous animals and participate in animal encounters. BBQs, picnic areas, daily shows and talks, and the chance to feed the animals can keep kids entertained all day.

Visit Hunter Valley Gardens for beautiful scenery

A visit to Hunter Valley Gardens is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Hunter Valley. The gardens span 14 hectares and include ten internationally themed gardens that will engage you and your children for hours. Amidst the greenery, 8 km of paths lead visitors through the trees, past magnificent viewing platforms, a 10-metre waterfall, ponds, topiaries and architectural structures. An impressive 6,000 trees and 600,000 shrubs are home to Hunter Valley Gardens. This is no ordinary garden either. It was once an award-winning garden and offers a small selection of children’s attractions – you won’t find places like this everywhere.

Play a round of golf

Hunter Valley Gardens is also known for its water golf. Ideal for families and friends of all ages, aqua golf is a game of hitting floating golf balls on a beautiful lake and various floating nets. Plenty of prizes will be won, so try aqua golf – it could pay off. Keen golfers will be delighted with the selection of golf courses in the Hunter Valley. Vintage Golf Club is one of the best courses in the country. The 18-hole Greg Norman-designed course is challenging but welcomes golfers of all skill levels with open arms.

Admire the Hunter Valley from a hot air balloon

The Hunter Valley is a green patchwork of vineyards, fields, sparse forests and rolling hills. Take to the skies in a hot air balloon and admire the famous wine region from above. The view of the vineyards and olive woods from above is guaranteed to take your breath away. The most miniature balloons accommodate two people, and the largest can carry 24! An hour in the sky will give you plenty of time to admire and enjoy the area’s beauty.

Cafes and restaurants in the Valley of the Hunters

It’s hard to recommend cafes and restaurants in Hunter Valley because there are many great options. Most restaurants in the area are pleasant, serve fresh and delicious local produce, and will only add a nice touch to your Hunter Valley experience. While these are tasty and incredible places, they are worth mentioning.

The Bikesmith

Maitland is the place to be if you’re looking for a café. If you choose accommodation near Maitland, you’ll be less than 20 minutes from the vineyards but surrounded by cafes and restaurants in the heart of the city centre. One such place in Maitland is The Bikesmith, an espresso bar. Passionate about cycling and coffee, The Bikesmith makes excellent coffee. But the best thing about this place is its cosy atmosphere and friendly vibe. Stop by, check out the bikes, and grab a coffee before heading to the vineyards for your weekend escape to the Hunter Valley.

Bliss Coffee Roasters

If you’re looking for a good cup of coffee, check out Bliss Coffee Roasters in Rutherford. If you want to stay in Maitland or Rutherford during your weekend in the Hunter Valley, this place is practically on the way to the vineyards. Bliss offers exceptional coffee and great treats; you can even buy roasted coffee beans on-site to take with you.

Manor Tuscany

Guests at the Tuscany Manor Hotel can enjoy mountain views during their evening meal. Located at the foot of the Brokenback Range in Pokolbin, this four-star establishment will make you dream of the Italian countryside. After a stroll through the picturesque countryside, you can choose between a casual and delicious dinner in the café or the award-winning restaurant with an impressive contemporary menu. Whichever you choose, the Tuscan-style décor and mountain views will set the scene for an unrivalled dining experience in Hunter Valley.

Molines Bistro

Hunter Valley is a great place to eat. You can find it almost everywhere. However, Bistro Molines is a great place to start. Imagine yourself in the south of France, surrounded by greenery to the horizon, sitting on wrought iron chairs on a stone patio at a table traditionally covered with a white tablecloth. This is precisely the atmosphere at Bistro Molines. You will find delicious, perfectly cooked dishes prepared using local, seasonal products. The cuisine is so regional that some of the herbs and vegetables for the restaurant come from the garden of Geata Blais. Natuathat’s vegetables have French influences and the vitality of Provence.

EXP

You can also sample world-class dining at EXP. Expect a fabulous dining experience and the highest quality Australian cuisine. Inspired by the changing seasons, the menu focuses on various tastes. EXP was included in Delicious’s Top 100 Restaurants list in 2017, 2018 and 2019. Another great thing about EXP is that it is located in Pokolbin, which means you can sit in the heart of the valley and enjoy your meal. Handmade furniture and elegant interiors complement the sophisticated atmosphere of the restaurant.

Bars in the Hunter Valley

Golden Fish Bar

The Golden Fish Bar and Restaurant offers indoor and outdoor dining at the Roche Estate, Pokolbin, in the heart of the Hunter Valley. Guests can enjoy the cosy indoor atmosphere or the picturesque view of the beautiful vineyards from the terrace. With regular concerts and events, the bar and restaurant create a positive atmosphere that sets them apart from other wineries in the area. Goldfish also offers an award-winning cocktail list, a wide selection of new and old-world wines, and international dishes to share with friends.

Harrigan's Hunter Valley Bistro

Harrigan’s Hunter Valley Bistro offers dining options for guests throughout the year. The restaurant has an open fireplace that creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The Guinness World Record-winning beef pie is a local favourite, while those looking for something different can choose from a tender steak or a refreshing signature salad. The restaurant considers all dietary requirements so that every guest will find something tasty for themselves. And to make your dining experience even more enjoyable, live music is played here on weekends.