Tour the famous Gardens, visit the zoo, unwind with a round of golf, and indulge in cheese or chocolate. Relax and be pampered in a spa or seek out the galleries and local artisans products. For the adventurous, cycle or go horse riding at sunset, or take to the air in a hot air balloon, sky dive or a joy flight.
The Hunter Valley is surrounded by untouched natural landscape and beautiful scenery where you can go bush walking, four wheel driving, or mountain biking. Explore the rich heritage by visiting convict relics, see remnants of coal mining past and have an authentic Aboriginal experience.
All images courtesy of Destination NSW.
Wine tours
Hop aboard a bus, luxury car or even a motorbike for a Hunter Valley wine tour. Whichever way you choose to arrive, you’ll visit cellar doors and taste wines made from iconic and emerging grape varieties. Learn more about the valley’s unique terroir and gain a deeper understanding of winemaking from vineyard to bottle.
Discover acclaimed wineries with family lineages dating back to the 1800s, boutique wineries, and organic and biodynamic vineyards. You’ll meet the winemakers and, importantly, you’ll sample some of the best wines in the world. A wine tour will take you into the very heart and soul of the Hunter Valley.
Golf
With beautifully designed golf courses surrounded by rolling vineyards and spectacular mountain ranges, the Hunter Valley is one of the best golfing destinations in the world. The golf resorts are world-class, with superb fairways in the heart of Australia’s oldest wine region. Enjoy the views, tee off and challenge your skills at a champion golf course, or have some leisurely fun at the aqua golf or putt putt.
Hunter Valley Golf and Country Club – Located in the grounds of the Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley
The Vintage Golf Club in Rothbury
Cypress Lakes Golf and Country Club in Pokolbin
Aerial Experiences
Hot Air Ballooning
There’s something magical about floating gently above Australia’s most famous vineyards. From the basket of a hot air balloon, the Hunter Valley rolls out like a patchwork quilt dotted with lakes, mountains and winding roads. Get up in the air for a bird’s eye view of this remarkable region. Flights depart at sunrise (to take advantage of the cool, calm conditions) and soar over spectacular scenery, followed by a champagne breakfast at a winery.
Helicopter tours
For the ultimate Hunter Valley experience, hop between vineyards on a heli wine tour. You’ll be picked up close to your accommodation and can set down right beside the vines at many of the top wineries. Or plan the ultimate progressive lunch, flying between restaurants for each course.
Cultural Experiences
National Parks
Take the Finchley Cultural Walk in the World Heritage listed Yengo National Park to see the Finchley Aboriginal engravings. Signs along the walk give insight into the Aboriginal culture of the area. Take a four-hour guided walk of the park with Girri Girra Aboriginal Experiences.
Girra Girra Aboriginal Experiences.
Museums and galleries
Discover railway treasures at the Richmond Vale Railway Museum or uncover a fascinating collection of rare Great War relics and modern displays at The Australian Army Infantry Museum.
Enjoy the work of local emerging and established artists and see touring National exhibits at the Cessnock Regional Art Gallery.
Day Spas
Unwind and rejuvenate in beautiful tranquillity, free from the daily hustle and bustle. In the Hunter Valley you’ll discover havens of relaxation, with day spas and holistic wellness retreats offering luxurious revitalisation programs and experiences in the heart of Australia’s oldest wine region.
Ubika Spa at Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley
Hunter Valley Wine and Food Festival
The Hunter Valley Wine and Food Festival is a much anticipated annual event which showcases the region’s diverse wine and food culture. It provides you with the chance to wine and dine with leading Hunter Valley winemakers and chefs or get involved and take part in an array of fun and interactive classes to fine tune your culinary skills.
Spanning the month of June each year, the Festival showcases the epicurean pleasures of this iconic food and wine destination, and offers the perfect journey of discovery through the stunning region. From incredible gourmet dinners at award-winning restaurants to vineyard tours, winemaking masterclasses, hands-on cooking classes and cosy evenings beside an open fire with friends, the Festival has something for everyone.
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