Discover the top things to do in the Hunter Valley, from wine tasting at award-winning vineyards to exploring breathtaking national parks. The Hunter Valley wine tour region in New South Wales is only 2 hours 30 minutes north of Sydney, but its appeal as a holiday destination is excellent. From the legendary wines that can be sampled at over 80 wineries in and around Pokolbin to unique activities such as hot air ballooning and segway rides, the Hunter Valley has some fantastic activities that will give you an unforgettable time.
The region’s winemaking history dates back to the 1820s, making it practically the birthplace of Australian wine, with several generations of winemaking families fulfilling the role of winemaker. However, the region has changed over the years and offers more than just tasting the fruit of the Semillon and Shiraz vines.
Families with young children can also visit attractions such as the award-winning Hunter Valley Gardens, their annual Christmas lights, and the Hunter Valley Wildlife Park. Not to mention the many opportunities to sample chocolate and cheeses. Here are 12 reasons to visit the Hunter Valley wine region
Cellar Experience Tailored For Dog Enthusiasts
When you journey to Hunter Valley’s Glandore Estate, it feels like every pup has its moment to shine. As you approach the main entrance of the estate’s wine-tasting venue on Broke Road, anticipate a hearty reception equal in enthusiasm to that of vintner Duane Roy and his colleagues.
At least six joyful canine residents will be pleased to see you.
For a custom tasting experience, it’s crucial to book in advance. A charge is incurred. However, as host Tricia reveals, the range of wines is impressively extensive. The origins of these wines span from NSW’s Hilltops and Tumbarumba to Victoria’s Macedon Ranges, not to mention local sources.
The wines categorized under the black label bear a special significance; each is named in honor of beloved family, friends, or “individuals cherished deeply by the estate”.
Experience Wine Sampling Amidst Scenic Beauty
The acclaimed Ivanhoe Cellar Door stands strategically atop a slope with a view of vintage vineyards. This blue-hued structure is a contemporary rendition of the historic 19th-century Ivanhoe Homestead.
From the comfort of a generously shaded deck, you can taste a variety of the valley’s offerings – including Semillon, Verdelho, Chardonnay, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cambourcin – all while being enveloped by stunning views that could inspire an artist’s masterpiece.
Lewis Drayton is one of the individuals available to guide you through a personal wine sampling session (for which prior booking and a fee are necessary). He hails from a lineage that began cultivating vines in the Hunter Valley as far back as the 1850s.
His parents, Stephen and Tracy Drayton, own and run Ivanhoe Wines and share a deep-rooted passion for the wines produced on their estate.
Explore Age-Old Vineyards
In the gentle evening shadow cast by the dominant Brokenback Ranges, there’s a vineyard in the Hunter Valley. Although it’s a newer addition, its grapevines trace their roots to the 1970s, and its wines have garnered various accolades.
Leogate Estate Wines, distinguished by lion statues at its entrance on Broke Road, is the creation of ex-Angus beef farmers from Tamworth.
This expansive 50-hectare estate boasts a lavish tasting room, wine production facility, wedding event space, the gracefully designed Gates Restaurant (where beef often tops the menu), and 20 newly inaugurated one and two-bedroom contemporary luxury accommodations.
Anticipate a genuinely enlightening wine-sampling session with hosts like Georgina Beaven or the lead winemaker, Mark Woods. Many wines have a lineage from vines initially set by the region’s pioneer.
Experience A Quaint Tasting Room
Just a brief journey from the Petersons’ family vineyard in the scenic Mount View section of the Hunter Valley lies Savannah Estate. Another descendant of the Petersons, Savanah Peterson, established this wine haven and tasting room.
At this locale, guests can savor a range of white wines, mainly sourced from the valley’s grapes, whereas a good number of the reds, including rosés, come from grapes cultivated in the Mudgee region of NSW to the west and within the Hunter Valley itself.
The tasting room is nestled within a charming wooden cabin, with tastings conducted either al fresco or indoors.
Experience The Charm Of Horse-Driven Vineyard Tours
Kelli Allgood delights in guiding her draft horses through the vineyards of the Hunter winemaking district.
Being a horse carriage tour leader, Kelli plays an integral role in the Hunter Valley Horses crew, guiding wine enthusiasts on various routes through the back lanes and amidst the vineyards.
Whether it’s a brief 45-minute excursion or an extensive day-long adventure that includes a meal at a restaurant and tasting sessions for cheese, olives, chocolates, and wine, a horse-driven vineyard tour offers a unique experience in the Hunter Valley.
Hot Air Ballooning Adventures
Experiencing the thrill of a hot air balloon, whether from the skies or the ground, provides a magnificent beginning to your day in the wine country.
Several operators, including Balloon Aloft, Beyond Ballooning, and Hunter Valley Ballooning, launch their flights just as the day begins. It’s common to observe numerous balloons gracing the skies during tranquil, bright early mornings.
Whether it’s a weekday or weekend, a diverse range of flights are available. Options range from sunrise escapades that end with a winery breakfast to exclusive trips featuring a champagne breakfast. The vibrant display of balloons is surely worth capturing in a photo.
Get Mesmerized By 'Fairytale' Gardens
The Hunter winemaking district isn’t only for grown-ups to relish.
Since its inauguration in 2003, Hunter Valley Gardens has been instrumental in luring families. The exciting part for kids is that the allure of these gardens extends beyond the vibrant floral displays. The Storybook Garden showcases classic nursery tale figures.
From the start of November to the close of January annually, these renowned gardens transform into a nightly spectacle with their enchanting Christmas illuminations – roughly three million lights in total – crowned by a 14-meter-tall Christmas tree.
Additional highlights comprise a vintage carousel, an 11-meter-tall swing ride, a grander Ferris wheel, a large slide, and whimsical teacup rides.
Although these rides come with an extra charge beyond the entrance fee, they’re undeniably worth the joy they bring to children.
Spanning 14 hectares, these gardens, envisioned by Bill and Imelda Roche, house over 6,000 trees and 600,000 shrubs distributed across 10 distinctively themed gardens.
For an unparalleled perspective, admire the Hunter Valley Gardens from above during a panoramic helicopter tour.
Discover Unique Creatures at Hunter Valley Wildlife Park
A short detour from Wine Country Drive at Nulkaba brings families to Hunter Valley Wildlife Park, home to a diverse array of big and small animals.
Seen by many as a classic wildlife sanctuary, this park is a habitat for both indigenous and global species.
Local animals like the wombat, koala, dingo, Tasmanian devil, and kangaroo are prominently showcased, and the unique Albino wallaby is a sight to behold.
The park’s African section features crowd-pleasers like the meerkat, cheetah, ostrich, and lion, with the rare white lion being a particular highlight.
Visitors are encouraged to devote at least two hours to immerse themselves fully in these “local residents.”
Explore Cheese and Chocolate Delights
While wine is a popular draw for visitors in Pokolbin of Hunter, there’s more to this region.
You’ll discover the esteemed Hunter Valley Cheese Factory within the McGuigan Wines Complex. This is where top-notch cheese from the valley gets crafted, waiting for enthusiasts to try it alongside other delights like jams and savory relishes.
Not far, within the Roche Estate, lies the Hunter Valley Pungent Cheese Shop. As you continue your journey on Broke Road, you’ll encounter the Hunter Valley Aromatic Deli in Pokolbin Village, stocked with an assortment of treats perfect for an outdoor meal.
The same road houses the Hunter Valley Chocolate Factory. Here, you can savor a warm coffee or hot cocoa as you sample delectable chocolates and homemade fudge. A tour combining wine, cheese, gin, and chocolate might be up your alley.
Relive History in Wollombi
If you’re looking for a change from wine sampling, Wollombi, a historic village just 30 minutes from Pokolbin, offers a journey to the days when stagecoaches trekked from Sydney via the Great North Road, once a convict-constructed route.
The Wollombi Tavern, famous among motorcycle groups, stands where the 1840s Wollombi Wine Saloon once did before a fire razed it in 1959.
Notably, ‘Wollombi’ in Aboriginal translates to “confluence” or “junction of two waters.”
Take a village map, glance over it with coffee from the local store, and embark on a self-guided walk exploring up to 16 historical landmarks from the early colonial era.
One captivating site is the Forge Gallery and Gift Shop, designed like a traditional slab hut. This gallery, showcasing many diverse and creatively fashioned art pieces, occupies the former location of the village’s blacksmith and wheelwright – professionals once in high demand.
10- Relish Live Performances Amidst the Vineyards
The scenic lawns of estates like Pokolbin’s Hope Estate, Bimbadgen Estate, and Roche Estate resonate with melodies from acclaimed musicians who grace their open-air venues throughout the year.
For over 20 years, these vineyards have been drawing music enthusiasts with performances from international sensations like the Corrs and Australian hits like Crowded House, Cold Chisel, and Midnight Oil.
Esteemed international artists who have previously graced these venues include the Eagles, Rolling Stones, Elton John, Chris Isaak, Simply Red, Bryan Adams, Neil Diamond, Bruce Springsteen, Leonard Cohen, Robert Plant, Paul Simon, Elvis Costello, Carole King, and Neil Young, among others.
Engage in Golfing Adventures
Attention golf enthusiasts! In the core of the winemaking region, three golf terrains will challenge your skills, from driving to putting. Each intricate course is conveniently a short drive from downtown Pokolbin.
Beyond the Bimbadgen Estate lies the renowned The Vintage course, crafted by the legendary Greg Norman, notorious for its water hazards and sand traps.
The Hunter Valley Golf and Country Club at Crowne Plaza is located on Lovedale Road. Meanwhile, the picturesque Cypress Lakes is closer to central Pokolbin. Remember to pack extra golf balls.
Pokolbin offers an aqua golf driving range for those looking to hone their skills, where water-bound balls are no concern. Additionally, a family-centric mini-golf course nearby often leaves beginners scratching their heads due to its intricate design.
Leisure Inn Pokolbin Hill
Experience unmatched sunsets at the ideally situated Leisure Inn Pokolbin Hill. From here, toast to the shifting skies with a sparkling drink as you observe kangaroos and the neighboring draft horses quenching their thirst from the expansive nearby dam, with the majestic Brokenback Ranges in the backdrop.
The Leisure Inn at Pokolbin Hill offers a collection of private, climate-controlled one- and two-bedroom suites nestled in 10 hectares of lush gardens.
A secure play area is available for the little ones, accompanied by a covered barbecue spot.
The inn’s location is ideal for those wanting to keep their cars parked, as it’s a short stroll to numerous shops, eateries, and the Hunter Valley Gardens. Moreover, renowned winery entrances like Lisa McGuigan Wines and Hope Estate are easily accessible.
Eating Spots in Hunter Valley
The Farm's 4 Pines Brewing
4 Pines Brewing Company at The Farm is a top draw for residents and vacationers.
Not only are their pub-like dishes a hit, but their unique beer samples, presented on wooden boards, are a big attraction.
Nestled at the junction of Hermitage Road and Mistletoe Lane within Hunter Valley Resort, this recent addition of a taproom, restaurant, and wine outlet offers picturesque views of the valley’s native animals and vineyards. It’s also a launch pad for exciting segway expeditions to view the indigenous fauna at close quarters.
The Farm’s 4 Pines caters for all meals – from breakfast to dinner. For those with a slight hunger, there’s a bar menu available from 3 pm to 8 pm.
Trending Taverns
When it comes to classic pub food, a couple of spots are sure to satisfy. One is a beloved classic, while the other is a fresh face in the Hunter Valley.
Craving a beef and Guinness pie? Make your way to Harrigans on Broke Road in Pokolbin, perhaps complementing your meal with a glass of the famed Irish beer.
Venture northward on the Wine Country Drive (roughly a 15-minute journey from Pokolbin), and you’ll discover the recently inaugurated Huntlee Tavern in North Rothbury. Here, the menu is vast, with one standout being the generously sized Lord of the Rings burger.
Redsalt Dining
With a philosophy rooted in “from the farm to the fork”, the lauded Redsalt Restaurant in the Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley has garnered admirers due to its inventive offerings. Most dishes are crafted from regionally sourced ingredients, paired splendidly with some of Hunter Valley’s hidden gem wines.
Night-time patrons can select from dual or triple-course menus (featuring seafood, beef, lamb, duck, and vegetarian options) in a laid-back ambiance that offers views of the resort’s golf grounds.
With an interactive open cooking space, booking your table in advance is advisable. Piehole Bakery
Considering its compact size, Piehole, located on Wollombi Road in Cessnock, boasts a broad selection of artisanal sweet and savory baked goods for takeaway.
Although Piehole, a fresh face in the Hunter, might not yet claim “the town’s best pies”, their assortment of delicious pastries is impressive, showcasing up to 25 variations of pies, turnovers, and sausage rolls at any given moment.
