Located around two hours north of Sydney, New South Wales’ Hunter Valley is not only one of Australia’s much-loved wine regions but is also a hub of natural beauty, history, and fantastic food. If you’re thinking of visiting this picture-perfect part of New South Wales, check out five things to do in the Hunter Valley.
Visit a winery or two
With more cellar doors open to the public across the Hunter Valley than any of Australia’s other wine regions, you can’t visit this part of the country without visiting a winery or two. Owing to their success, in part, to their fertile soils, not only do Hunter Valley wineries produce some of the world’s best wines, but are also happen to be home to some of the oldest vine stocks. Throughout the wine growing region, you’ll find well-known names, such as Tyrell’s, Audrey Wilkinson and McGuigan Wines, making it easy to learn more about how your favorite tipple is made or to sample some of the incredible varieties on offer.
Unwind
If you’re planning a holiday or short break to the Hunter Valley, consider choosing a hotel or resort with onsite massage and day spa facilities. Giving you the opportunity to relax, unwind and savor your time away from work and day to day life, it’s the perfect excuse to focus on your body and soul, enjoying a massage, a facial or one of the many other treatments on offer. If you’re interested in adding a touch of luxury to your stay, look for special offers and extra inclusions when booking your Hunter Valley accommodation to get the best deal.
Treat your taste buds
Although the Hunter Valley may be best known for its wineries, it is also home to some delicious fresh produce and some incredible gourmet experiences. If you love getting in the kitchen and cooking up a storm, the region’s fantastic markets, including the Hunter Wine Country Markets and Wollombi Markets, and farm gate sellers are a great place to start, allowing you to purchase fresh, locally grown produce directly from the farmer. If you’d rather leave the hard work to the experts, gourmet food tours, restaurants and cafe are the perfect port of call. Try out Bistro Molines in Mount View or stop by Muse Restaurant or Circa 1876 in Pokolbin for a great meal.
Float high above the vineyards
Sometimes the best way to appreciate the natural beauty of a region is to take a bird’s eye view and soak it all up from above. No exception to this rule, one of the best ways to encounter the beauty of the Hunter Valley is with an unforgettable hot air balloon ride. Floating high above vineyards and providing unrivaled views across the region, it’s a great way to start the day and see more of this wonderful part of New South Wales.
Check out a festival
Although there’s plenty to see and do across the Hunter Valley at any time of the year, the region bursts to life with an array of fantastic festivals. Held throughout the calendar year, event, such as the Lovedale Long Lunch, the Hunter Valley Gardens’ Spring Festival and Wollombi’s Sculpture in the Vineyards, are great ways to meet the locals, discover the region’s arts scene and sample some of the fantastic produce and wine created throughout its towns and villages. There’s plenty happening throughout the year, so be sure to check for upcoming events before you visit.
