Hunter Valley

Travel Guide
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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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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Raworth

Though Raworth might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Maitland Gaol and Wallalong House - Hunter Valley Wedding Venue.

Raworth
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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
Rydges Resort Hunter Valley
Rydges Resort Hunter Valley
4 out of 5
430 Wine Country Drive, Lovedale, NSW
The price is P8,980 per night from 18 Nov to 19 Nov
P8,980
P9,878 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 18 - Nov 19
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)
"So close to the vineyards and very accessible."

Reviewed on Oct 28, 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 P5,573 per night from 6 Nov to 7 Nov
P5,573
P6,130 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 6 - Nov 7
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)
"Extremely enjoyable"

Reviewed on Oct 25, 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 P4,475 per night from 3 Nov to 4 Nov
P4,475
P4,945 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 3 - Nov 4
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! (927 reviews)
"Parking tight next door to a pub with good meal options"

Reviewed on Oct 28, 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! (2,074 reviews)
"I have stayed many times at Cypress Lakes and will keep coming back. The staff are friendly and the rooms are spacious and clean."

Reviewed on Oct 22, 2024

Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort
Punthill Maitland
Punthill Maitland
5 out of 5
373 HIGH STREET, Maitland, NSW
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Maitland. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Popular attractions Maitland Regional Art Gallery ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (6 reviews)
"Brand new, spotless and very well equiped service apartments"

Reviewed on Oct 8, 2024

Punthill Maitland
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! (593 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.

Popular places to visit

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