Travel Packages to Hunter Valley, Australia

Discover Hunter Valley's Wonders

Hunter Valley, located in New South Wales, Australia, is a renowned wine region celebrated for its world-class vineyards, scenic countryside, and gourmet dining experiences. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings, hot air balloon rides over the vineyards, and explore charming villages nestled amidst rolling hills, making Hunter Valley a perfect destination for wine enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

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Trips

Hotels

Activities

Transfers

Description

The Hunter Valley is a world-class wine region and tourist destination with a number of charming towns and villages. They all offer plenty to be discovered on their own or while enjoying the delights of a food and wine trail.

Useful information

Population:

798,963 (2024)

Currency:

Australian Dollar (1 AUD = 100 cents)

Emergency Info:

Police, Fire & Ambulance 000

Opening Hours:

Typical hours for shops are 9am–6pm Monday to Friday. Most shops are open during the weekend but with restricted hours.

Do & See

Australian Museum of Clothing & Textiles

This collection includes unusual and exquisite items of clothing and handwork that reflect the fashion and ingenuity of Australians during times of deprivation such as the Great Depression, WWI and WWII.

Barrington Tops National Park

Barrington Tops National Park is part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area. Carved out of ancient volcanic flows, the park rises from near sea level to over 1,500 metres and protects one of the largest temperate rainforests in mainland Australia, with a host of diverse habitats home to a wide range of animals and birds. The park is a bushwalker’s haven with an excellent network of walking trails, from short and easy walks to more difficult overnight hikes with plenty of sites to set up a bush camp for the evening.

Chapman Valley Horse Riding

Chapman Valley Horse Riding provides horses for all levels of experience, from beginners to advance riders. Experience nature up close as you travel on horse-back through the scenic valleys and mountains of the 2,600-hectare property which has been owned by the Chapman family for more than 170 years.

Cypress Lakes Golf & Country Club

This is a picturesque 6,487 metre, par 72 18-hole championship golf course and is ranked among the top resort courses in Australia.

Dungog Historical Museum

The eclectic collection reflects the area's rural history, including its dairying, timber and manufacturing industries. A wide range items are on display including household goods, photographic collections, dentist equipment and horse carts and buggies. Guided tours of the museum are available by appointment.

Hunter Valley Candymaking Class

Learn how to create alcohol-infused candy at the Hunter Valley Resort's 90-minute Big Kids Candy cooking classes. Working alongside one of the resort's executive chefs, you will make peanut brittle, marshmallows and rocky road chocolate.

Hunter Valley Gardens

Discover more than 24 hectares of beautiful gardens at the foothills of the Broken Back Range in the heart of the Hunter Valley vineyards. Explore more than 8 km of pathways and ten themed gardens including the Indian Mosaic Garden, Italian Grotto, Rose Garden and Storybook Garden. The gardens also host a wide range of exciting events for adults and children throughout the year.

Hunter Valley Golf & Country Club

With a spectacular backdrop of vineyards and rugged mountain ranges, the Hunter Valley Golf and Country Club is a beautiful 18-hole championship course. Located at Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley, the fully accredited course measures 5,170 metres in length and is suited to golfers of all levels.

Events

Gloucester Farmers Market

Discover Gloucester’s fresh food treasure and stock up on foods that will give you energy, vitality and a twinkle in your eye. This is just like how country markets used to be, with locally grown fresh fruit and vegetables, baked goods, cheeses, eggs, honey, olives and olive oils, wines, cut flowers, soaps and all manner of artisan-made local produce.

Hunter Valley Steamfest

In 1983 the last coal operating steam haulage freight service was closed on the South Maitland Railway Line, effectively ending a century old institution. In response to this closure the first Hunter Valley Steamfest was held in 1986. Enjoy steam, vintage diesel and mini train rides as well as historical displays, live entertainment and kids activities.

Lovedale Long Lunch

An annual autumn food festival which takes place in various vineyards around Lovedale. Local wineries team with restaurants to offer visitors a weekend of fine wine, gourmet food and live entertainment.

Wollombi Sculpture in the Vineyards

Wollombi Village, vineyards and cellar doors are transformed into a spectacular series of sculpture parks. Featuring large-scale and site-specific works by some of Australia’s best artists, the exhibition provides a rare opportunity to showcase their talent in a splendid environment.

Dining

Bistro Molines

The award-winning Bistro Molines offers an ever-changing menu of French provincial dishes using fresh, seasonal local produce. The restaurant is set among the beautiful surrounds of Tallavera Grove Vineyard, with indoor and outdoor dining overlooking a valley of terraced vineyards and grazing cattle.

Circa 1876

Near boutique hotel Peppers Convent, Circa 1876 has a strong reputation for being home to some of the finest cuisine in the Hunter Valley, with a passion for sourcing local produce and growing produce on site in an organic kitchen garden. Enjoy a drink in the restaurant's Circa 187 Bar, which has a list of over 300 wines.

Emerson's on the Lake

This multi award-winning restaurant is at the splendid Adina Vineyard. Enjoy a relaxed weekend breakfast, late week lunches or contemporary modern Australian cuisine in the evenings. You can also try the popular eight course degustation menu during dinner service. Emerson’s also offers the unique opportunity to eat dinner in the kitchen on the Chef's Table to watch the chefs work.

Esca Bimbadgen Restaurant

Bimbadgen Estate is a winery and vineyard encompassing the award-winning Esca Bimbadgen Restaurant, an expansive cellar door, café, outdoor amphitheatre, modern tasting rooms and accommodation. The restaurant uses fresh produce grown on the estate or sourced locally. Menu highlights include the Esca Tasting Plates, allowing guests to enjoy three tastes from the menu, each matched with a Bimbadgen wine.

Leaves & Fishes

The Leaves and Fishes menu focus on seafood, with an Asian kick. The restaurant is set on a serene lake dotted with beautiful water lilies. You'll enjoy the tranquility along with the gourmet dishes using fresh produce and seafood. Boutique accommodation is also available in stylish boathouses by the lake.

Margan Wines & Restaurant

Margan Restaurant is part of the Margan Wines establishment which includes 100 hectares of vineyards and follows an estate-grown and estate-made philosophy. The kitchen garden and orchard produces up to 90% of vegetables and fruit for the restaurant's seasonally inspired menus. Menu items such as pasta, gelato, soft cheeses, butter, small goods and bread are also prepared freshly on site.

Restaurant Botanica

Restaurant Botanica is nestled among the vineyards of Spicers Vineyards Estate with splendid views to the Broken Back Range. The restaurant prides itself on delivering an impressive, modern Australian menu using fresh seasonal produce, combined with one of the country’s best regional wine lists.

Ridge View

RidgeView is a family owned and operated vineyard, handcrafting award-winning wines from grapes grown on the estate. The RidgeView Restaurant uses fresh local produce, including organic vegetables from its own garden, for a Mediterranean and Middle Eastern-inspired seasonal menu - designed to enhance the flavour of the estate's wines.

Cafes

Café Enzo

Set in a Tuscan-inspired village, among sandstone buildings and delightful gardens, Café Enzo in Pokolbin is open for breakfast and lunch. Sit in the enchanting courtyard in warmer months or beside the roaring fire during colder months and dine on Italian cuisine inspired by the fresh, seasonal produce from the surrounding Hunter Valley.

The Bikesmith & Espresso Bar

The Bikesmith & Espresso Bar offers a unique blend of bike repair services and a cosy café that brews great coffee. This is the only spot in Maitland to have your bike serviced and grab a coffee, a muffin or some of their delicious cookies.

The Deck Cafe Lovedale

As a top-rated breakfast café in the Hunter Valley, The Deck Cafe Lovedale offers great vegetarian options and exceptional service. Their tables on the deck provide a beautiful view and the atmosphere is welcoming and enjoyable. If you're looking for delicious, reasonably priced food, with portions large enough to leave everyone satisfied, make sure you stop by The Deck Cafe Lovedale.

The Icky Sticky Patisserie

The Icky Sticky Patisserie is a local gem known for its fresh and flavourful coffee and cakes. Their beautifully presented treats are so popular that you need to arrive early before they sell out. While it might be slightly pricier than other bakeries, the quality is well worth it. Don't miss trying their beetroot and feta quiche.

Bars & Nightlife

Aussie Pub

Located in the Australia hotel in Cessnock, the Aussie Pub is a beautifully renovated venue in Cessnock. It's a popular destination for casual dining and drinks. Their menu includes typical pub dishes such as burgers, steaks, pizzas and pasta, not to mention a wide selection of beers. The hotel also offers a spacious outdoor area, perfect for enjoying meals and drinks in an open-air setting.

Epoche Lounge Bar

The Epoche Lounge Bar, located in the IHG Hotel voco Kirkton Park Hunter Valley, offers an elegant setting for more than just dining and drinks. You can enjoy a game of pool or choose from a selection of board games for entertainment. There are also books available to read while sipping on a cocktail.

Harrigan's Hunter Valley Sports Bar

The Harrigan's Hunter Valley Sports Bar offers a spacious setting with large screens for catching all the latest sporting events, while enjoying a cold pint, a cyder or a glass of wine. If you're into live music, the bar hosts sessions every Saturday and Sunday. At Harrigan's, you can also find a bottle shop where you can pick up your favourite Australian beer or wine to take home as a souvenir.

Vista Lounge Bar

Vista Lounge Bar, located on the ground floor of the Rydges Resort Hunter Valley, is a popular spot for enjoying beer, burgers and pizzas. Every Friday and Saturday, the bar hosts live music events featuring some of the best local artists.

Shopping

Binnorie Dairy

Set in the middle of the gorgeous Pokolbin vineyard district, Binnorie Dairy specialises in producing soft cheeses using only locally sourced milk. Taste their signature marinated fetta, labna and duetto.

Campbell’s Store Craft Centre

Wander at your leisure through 15 speciality craft shops, a tearoom and an art gallery. Enjoy fudge and honey tastings, sample 13 flavours of ginger beer and choose from more than 100 homemade jam varieties.

Clarence Town Farmers Market

Come along and buy freshly picked seasonal garden produce, tomatoes, local honey, relish, pickles, jams and eggs. Fresh herbs and much more at the Clarence Town Farmers Market.

Dungog Local Growers Stall

Visit this local growers market on Saturday mornings to purchase proudly grown local produce such as honey, eggs, fruit, vegetables and herbs.

Handmade in the Hunter Markets

These markets showcase the wide variety of Handmade in the Hunter art, craft and food and the local creative artisans and growers behind these products.The markets are held in the rose-lined gardens of Kevin Sobels Wines.

Hunter Belle Cheese

Taste a selection of gourmet yoghurts, cultured butter and a wide range of cheeses all handmade using the milk of local brown Swiss cows. Viewing windows into the factory and packing rooms allow you to view the cheese-making process and see fresh fudge or gelato being made.

Hunter Valley Cheese Company

A boutique cheese factory and shop that also sells ploughman's platters, espresso coffee and locally made chutneys, relishes and jams. The factory offers free cheese tutorials twice daily and has a viewing window into the make and maturation rooms.

Hunter Valley Smelly Cheese Shop

The shop is a providore of local and imported cheese and gourmet foods. The site is also home to the Hunter Valley Gelato Company that makes traditional Italian gelato using 200-year-old recipes. Hampers, platters (cheese and antipasto, sandwich and gourmet baguettes) and gelato cakes are also available.

Tourist Information

Best Time to Visit

Since the Hunter Valley is a wine region with vineyards and green landscapes, spring, from September to November, is by far the best time to visit given its vibrant colours and mild weather. Temperatures begin to rise in October, making it perfect for those looking for outdoor activities. If you want to enjoy lower prices, visit during the summer months from June to August. However, be aware that some wineries and vineyards might be closed during this quieter period.

Passport & Visas

Unless you are a New Zealand citizen granted visa exemption on arrival, you will need to obtain a visa prior to visiting Australia. Citizens of all European Union countries, as well as Andorra, Norway, Iceland, San Marino, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, and Vatican City are eligible for an eVisitor visa, which can be applied for online. For citizens of the United States, Canada, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Brunei, South Korea and Malaysia, the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) entry permit is available, which can be applied for online and grants holders the right to enter Australia an unlimited amount of times for stays of no longer than 3 months per visit. Citizens of all other world countries are also able to apply for a visitor visa online. For more information, visit the official website of the Australian government's department of home affairs.

Airport

Newcastle Airport (NCL) is the nearest airport to the Hunter Valley. Jetstar, Rex, QantasLink and Virgin have regular direct flights to and from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Ballina/Byron Bay. The airport is about a 50-minute drive to most of the vineyards. Hunter Valley Buses also operate a public bus service from the airport to Maitland, Raymond Terrace and Stockton.

Public Transport

Daily train services depart from Sydney's Central Station for the Hunter towns of Maitland, Newcastle and Singleton. There are also bus services connecting towns and villages of this winery region. Alternatively, you can hire a coach tour in Sydney or in Newcastle.

Taxis

There are several taxi companies operating in Cessnock, Muswellbrook, Singleton and Maitland. Uber is also available in the Hunter Region.

Electricity

Australia operates on a 230/240V supply voltage and 50Hz frequency. The country uses Type I power plugs, which feature two flat pins forming a 'V' shape, along with a grounding pin. This standard is also commonly used in New Zealand, Argentina, China, and several Pacific island nations. Remember to pack a universal adapter if your devices use a different plug type to ensure hassle-free charging.

Pharmacy

Pharmacies are readily available in major cities across the Hunter Region; however, none of them operate 24 hours. It's advisable to purchase your medication in advance. In case of urgent needs, contact the emergency services.

Telephone

Country code: +61 Area code: (0)2

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