Hunter Valley

Take your tastebuds on an awe-inspiring journey, a real culinary escape. Are you a sommelier or wine lover? The Hunter Valley has over 150 wineries on offer. Cycle through the fruitful vineyards, go winery hopping, play golf, get a bird's eye view in a hot air balloon or relax at a luxury spa.

Where should you visit in the Hunter Valley?

Welcome to the Hunter Valley wine region

Renowned for Semillon and Shiraz, the Hunter Valley wine region is an idyllic getaway from Sydney. Located two hours drive north of Sydney, near Newcastle in New South Wales. Follow the scenic route to Hunter Valley, the Tourist Drive 33 and soak up the stunning views along the way.

A foodie and wine lovers haven

Be welcomed by the Hunter Valley winemakers and sample the most exquisite varieties of wine. Dine at a decadent restaurant and taste locally grown produce. Between May and June, be sure to visit the Hunter Valley Wine and Food Festival.

When is the best time to visit?

The best time to visit this beautiful part of New South Wales is during Autumn, between March and May. A photographer's dream, this period is just after harvest with many splendid colours on display. During this time, the temperatures are also pleasant with hardly any rain. Perfect for exploring the birthplace of Australian wines.

The best wineries and cellar doors

With so many vineyards and cellar doors on offer, it may be difficult to choose which ones to visit. McGuigan Wines is renowned for being one of the top winemakers in the Hunter Valley. In London, it was even named the International Winemaker of the Year. Audrey Wilkinson Vineyard is one of Hunter Valley's oldest wineries in this region and the Wyndham Estate is one of Australia’s biggest brands.

Treat your senses on a winery tour

Be sure to visit Honeytree Estate Wines which is located in Pokolbin and is a small family-owned boutique vineyard. Savour modern Australian cuisine with a chef-tasting menu at Circa 1876 paired with a glass of Hunter Valley wine. Stop by Vinden Wines which was founded in 1990 and focuses on Semillon and Shiraz. Or take a private tour with a local guide and uncover the secrets of the Hunter Valley wine region!

Chardonnay

The winemakers in the Hunter are producing varieties of Chardonnay that rival the rest of the world. While the region is known for Semillon, Chardonnay is also highly regarded by wine connoisseurs. Enjoy the distinct flavours of white peach and citrus, with a slatey acid. Visit Scarborough Wines, Bimbadgen’s Estate or Silkman's Wines to taste some of the best Chardonnay in the region.

Shiraz

Hunter Valley Shiraz is medium-bodied, savoury and food-friendly and is some of the most sought-after wines in Australia. Savour a glass of silky smooth wine with earthy notes paired with meats like veal, duck and a variety of rich, creamy cheeses. The best place to visit and sample this exquisite wine is Tyrrell’s Vineyards Shiraz, Mount Pleasant or Brokenwood’s Graveyard Vineyard.

Semillon

The Hunter is home to some of the top-rated Australian Semillon and is arguably the world’s best Semillon region. Savour a glass of full-bodied, off-dry wine that features honey and citrus flavours. This delicious drop is best paired with fresh seafood such as white-fleshed fish, prawns, crab and lobster. Visit Waverley Estate, Gartelmann Wines, or Lindeman’s to sample some of the region's finest wine.

Things to do and see

As well as enjoying wine, there is so much more to discover in the Hunter Valley. Visit Barrington Tops National Park and spot wildlife such as wallabies and lyrebirds. Immerse yourself in a charming town on the Historic Wollombi Village Walk. Go hot-air ballooning and watch the sunrise or wander around the Hunter Valley Gardens.

Play golf at one best-golfing destinations in the world. Check out the latest exhibition at the Watershed Gallery or feed a kangaroo at Hunter Valley Zoo. Cycle through the fruitful vines, take a tour with a local guide or simply relax at a luxury day spa.

Surrounding areas

The second-largest city of New South Wales, Newcastle is a harbour city and has no shortage of coastline to explore. With eight golden beaches, the lucky locals live on the coast and enjoy an Australian beach lifestyle. Be sure to visit the surf beach, Merewether - a world-famous surfing destination or conquer the three-hour trek from Nobby's Beach to Merewether.

Where to stay?

Make your trip extra special by experiencing a unique stay from our large collection of hand-selected accommodations located in the Hunter Valley and beyond. Your travel specialist will match you up with accommodation that suits your wants and needs. A journey where your accommodation is an experience in itself.

Why book with us?

• A well-designed holiday, just for you

• Small-scale accommodations run by friendly local hosts

• Carefully recommended activities based on your interests

• A travel tempo and driving distances that match your needs

• Ingrained sustainability in all facets of your holiday

• 30 years of experience in travel to Australia

Let's design your holiday together

We'll take the time to get to know you to match your fully bespoke holiday with your pace, your interests, and anything you desire. Combined with first-hand, local knowledge, you'll receive a mapped out itinerary from us - but the process isn't done until you are 100% satisfied. We take care of every detail, so you can focus on relaxing, rejuvenating and reconnecting with yourself and the world around you. Get in touch to get started now.