Hunter Valley

Hunter Valley

A stunning patchwork of tumbling mountains, sparkling waterways and sweeping vienyards, the Hunter Valley is easily one of the most beautiful regions in Australia. Backdropped by the magnificent Brokenback Range, the area is renowned as Australia's leading wine producer, with more than 120 wineries. Along with award-winning restaurants, historic towns, amazing wilderness and endless activities, the Hunter has something for everyone.


The Hunter Valley is just two hours drive northwest of Sydney. Along the way you'll pass Lake Macquarie, Australia's largest coastal saltwater lake. The waters here are perfect for swimming, sailing, fishing or scuba diving. Stroll round the foreshore, explore rock pools and sea caves, or hike through the Watagan Mountains for panoramic views. The award-winning Lake Macquarie City Art Gallery is well worth a visit, and features fantastic exhibitions from nationally recognised artists.


Further north lie historic Morpeth and Maitland, nestled amidst green pastures, rolling hills and tranquil bushland. Browse the towns' many galleries, museums, shops and markets. Or discover the dark, intriguing history behind the 150-year-old Maitland Gaol. Enjoy lunch at one of the many cafes or restaurants, and stop off at one of the newly established vineyards. For a unique experience, visit Camelot Lavender and Llama Farm at Wallarobba, where you can buy unique gifts, enjoy gourmet food and picnic by the creek accompanied by the delightful llamas.


Set against the spectacular Yellow Rock escarpment are the towns of Singleton and Broke. Here you can follow a Heritage Walk, and tour the museums and vineyards. Explore Ynego and Mount Royal National Parks for the chance to see native wildlife, prehistoric trees and ancient Aboriginal cave paintings. Or camp at Lake St Clair and try adventure sports like white water kayaking, canoeing and downhill mountain biking.


Little Cessnock is the gateway to Wine Country. Take time to explore the town's historic buildings, galleries and museums before dining in fine restaurants. The Great North Walk, which connects many of the towns in the region, features an abundance of wildlife and scenery. Stop at Binbadeen Lookout for breathtaking views over the valley.


Later, continue to Lovedale and Pokolbin, in the heart of wine country. There are so many excellent cellar doors and award-winning restaurants here, you'll really have to take your time! Join a guided tour, or find your own way. Sample Australia's best semillon, shiraz, chardonnay and verdelho from famous wine-making dynasties like McGuigan, Tyrrell, Lindemans, Drayton and Tulloch. Wander the vineyards by bike or on horseback. Or jump in a hot air balloon to see an unforgettable sunrise or sunset.


Adjacent to McGuigan Winery is the Hunter Valley Cheese Company. Here you can see cheese being handmade, taste a wide variety of samples and find the perfect wines to match. Treat yourself to a coffee or ploughman's platter, or stock up on cheese for a delicious picnic. Continue along the connoisseur trail and sample other delicious local produce. Try smokehouse goods, olive products, wood fired bread, beef, stone fruit, preserves, gelato and handmade chocolates.


When you've had your fill of gourmet delights, pamper yourself at a luxurious day spa or tee off from one of the area's champioship golf courses. Stroll through the dazzling Hunter Valley Gardens. Drive, cycle or ride a horse through the countryside and watch the spectacular sunset behind Brokenback Range. Camp under the stars before taking the scenic Great North Road to Sydney.

• Visit one of 120 cellar doors, including some of the oldest winemakers in the country, to sample Australia's best semillon and shiraz
• Dine at award winning restaurants
• Gourmet cooking lessons or food and wine matching courses
• Taste a variety of handmade cheeses at Hunter Valley Cheese Company
• Indulge in some gourmet Belgian chocolates at Hunter Valley Chocolates Company
• Take a scenic flight or balloon ride
• Learn about Maitland Gaol as you tour with an ex-inmate
• Have a round of Golf on one of the many golf courses
• Go horse riding through the vineyards or along country trails
• Visit Yengo and Mount Royal National Parks
• Drop into the Hunter Valley Gardens
• Enjoy great food, wine and top notch jazz at Tyrrell's Vineyards for the Jazz in the Vines festival in October