Hunter Valley

Travel Guide
Hunter Valley
Saddlers Creek Wines showing interior views
Hunter Valley which includes landscape views and farmland
Hunter Valley featuring a pond, fall colors and a lake or waterhole
Hunter Valley
Escape urban life and head to the countryside to enjoy the local produce, history and scenery of Australia’s oldest wine region.

The Hunter Valley is a must for wine lovers and foodies. The area also has excellent outdoor activities and a wealth of heritage buildings. Visit famous wine estates and vineyards, explore charming towns, hike through national parks, or spend the day in picturesque gardens in the heart of the valley.

Soon after Australia was colonised, wineries sprung up in the fertile plains of the Hunter Valley. The first settlers found that grapes thrive in this region, thanks to a climate that is comparable to the Mediterranean. Now, nearly two centuries later, the valley is a leading producer of a distinct dry white wine: semillon.

Visit some of Australia’s famous wineries and enjoy sampling the local produce as you go from estate to estate. To discover the legacy of Australia’s oldest wine region, visit Brokenwood Wines, Pepper Tree Wines or the Audrey Wilkinson Vineyard. For exclusive blends, visit the cellar doors of smaller boutique wineries, such as Mistletoe and Saddler’s Creek.

Because the attractions are widespread and involve drinking, it’s recommended to book a tour of the region. Coaches leave from Sydney and pickups can also be arranged in the Hunter Valley townships and in Newcastle, the east coast city at the mouth of the Hunter River.

If you decide to rent a car instead, pick up a map of all estates at the tourist information centre just north of Cessnock. This rural township in the Lower Hunter Valley is full of colonial heritage, with rustic accommodation, restaurants and bars.

To the northwest, Singleton is another great town in which to base yourself. In between lies Pokolbin, home to the Hunter Valley Gardens, a huge horticultural park with ponds and playgrounds.

Rent equipment or book an adventure tour and go hiking, fishing, mountain biking or kayaking in one of the surrounding forests. Barrington Tops National Park, north of Newcastle, is part of the treasured Gondwana Rainforests of Australia.

Just a two-hour drive north of Sydney, the Hunter Valley offers a typical Australian country escape for those who appreciate the simple gifts of nature.

Where to stay in Hunter Valley

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Rutherford

Unique features of Rutherford include the restaurants and shopping. Make a stop by Winter Art Bazaar or Aerohunter while you're exploring the area.

Rutherford
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Lochinvar

While Lochinvar might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Wyndham Estate and Gartelmann Wines.

Lochinvar
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Rosebrook

While Rosebrook might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Wyndham Estate and Aerohunter.

Rosebrook
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Farley

Farley might not have many top sights, but Maitland Showground and Walka Water Works are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Farley
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Lorn

While Lorn isn't home to many top sights, Maitland Regional Art Gallery and Maitland Showground are some notable places to visit nearby.

Lorn
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Bishops Bridge

While there might not be top attractions in Bishops Bridge, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Gartelmann Wines and Aerohunter.

Bishops Bridge
Rydges Resort Hunter Valley
Rydges Resort Hunter Valley
4 out of 5
430 Wine Country Drive, Lovedale, NSW
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P8,414 per night from 28 Nov to 29 Nov
P8,414
P9,255 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 28 - Nov 29
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Lovedale. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
"Fabulous location to enjoy the Hunter Region!"

Reviewed on Nov 17, 2024

Rydges Resort Hunter Valley
Harrigan's Hunter Valley
Harrigan's Hunter Valley
4 out of 5
2090 Broke Rd, Pokolbin, NSW
The price is P5,930 per night from 24 Nov to 25 Nov
P5,930
P6,523 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 24 - Nov 25
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly motel in Pokolbin. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (992 reviews)
Nice stay at the Harrigan's Pub.
"We stayed for 2 nights and it was very comfortable. The bed was big and very good. We had a very good view at the back and nice to sit there for a drink. The furniture could be a bit upgraded but was ok. Very nice breakfast every morning and one night we had a meal at the pub. And that was quite ..."

Reviewed on Nov 3, 2024

Harrigan's Hunter Valley
Hunter Gateway Motel
Hunter Gateway Motel
3.5 out of 5
11 Denton Park Drive, Rutherford, NSW
The price is P5,104 per night from 8 Dec to 9 Dec
P5,104
P5,635 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 8 - Dec 9
Stay at this 3.5-star motel in Maitland. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (936 reviews)
"Room was good & great bed! Cleanliness could be improved a little ( bathroom tiles/grouting need a scrub & carpet & armchair could do with a shampoo & freshen up). Overall though, pretty good."

Reviewed on Nov 19, 2024

Hunter Gateway Motel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort
Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort
4 out of 5
15 Thompsons Road, Pokolbin, NSW
Stay at this 4-star golf aparthotel in Pokolbin. Enjoy free parking, 3 outdoor pools, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,076 reviews)
"Stunning accommodation & facilities. Attentive & very helpful stuff. Clean, quiet, relaxing. Highly recommend."

Reviewed on Nov 3, 2024

Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort
Quest Maitland Serviced Apartments
Quest Maitland Serviced Apartments
4.5 out of 5
1 Ken Tubman Drive, Maitland, NSW
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Maitland. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Popular attractions Maitland Regional ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (248 reviews)
"A very clean, tidy and well presented studio unit with kitchenette etc, very comfortable, great overnight stay."

Reviewed on Nov 6, 2024

Quest Maitland Serviced Apartments
H Boutique Hotel
H Boutique Hotel
4 out of 5
770 McDonalds Road, Pokolbin, NSW
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Pokolbin. Enjoy free parking, breakfast (surcharge), and a conference center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (601 reviews)
"Great last minute stay in a good location"

Reviewed on Sep 24, 2024

H Boutique Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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