Hunter Valley

Travel Guide

Hunter Valley
Saddlers Creek Wines showing interior views
Hunter Valley which includes landscape views and farmland
Hunter Valley featuring a pond, fall colors and a lake or waterhole
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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Anambah

When in Anambah, you can plan a visit to Walka Water Works and Wyndham Estate, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Anambah
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Bolwarra

Though Bolwarra might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Walka Water Works and Maitland Showground.

Bolwarra
Rydges Resort Hunter Valley

Rydges Resort Hunter Valley

4 out of 5
430 Wine Country Drive, Lovedale, NSW
The price is P7,610 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
P7,610
P8,371 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
includes taxes & fees
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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,004 reviews)
"Excellent staff service and clean rooms"

Reviewed on Aug 9, 2025

Rydges Resort Hunter Valley
Harrigan's Hunter Valley

Harrigan's Hunter Valley

4 out of 5
2090 Broke Rd, Pokolbin, NSW
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 ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (993 reviews)
"Great find for the location being close to wineries. Was not informed that check in was at another location off site so had to get back in car and go down the street to checking. Once there, it was easy from then on. Would recommend this spot. Pub food was pretty good. Also bar area and slot machines ..."

Reviewed on Aug 4, 2025

Harrigan's Hunter Valley
Chateau Elan At The Vintage

Chateau Elan At The Vintage

5 out of 5
Vintage Drive, Hunter Valley, Pokolbin, NSW
The price is P7,281 per night from Aug 14 to Aug 15
P7,281
P8,009 total
Aug 14 - Aug 15
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury resort in Pokolbin. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
"Had a fantastic time"

Reviewed on Aug 5, 2025

Chateau Elan At The Vintage
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! (2,168 reviews)
"Fantasy views snd friendly staff. Enjoyed the facilities swimming, plunge pool and steam room. Great rooms with excellent view's."

Reviewed on Aug 2, 2025

Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort
H Boutique Hotel

H Boutique Hotel

4 out of 5
770 McDonalds Road, Pokolbin, NSW
Stay at this 4-star golf aparthotel in Pokolbin. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an attached winery. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (641 reviews)
"Excellent place to stay. We stayed in the cold months, so the hotel was pretty empty. They were doing some work on one of the units which made a little noise during the day. We didn't make use of the kitchen really, but great to have in case you stay for week or longer."

Reviewed on Aug 5, 2025

H Boutique Hotel
Pokolbin Farm Stay

Pokolbin Farm Stay

4 out of 5
536 De Beyers Road, Pokolbin, NSW
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Pokolbin. Enjoy free parking, a garden, and a picnic area. Popular attractions Hunter Valley Gardens and Great North Walk Trailhead ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (234 reviews)
Winemakers cottage
"Beautiful place to stay. Check in check out was contactless and easy. Instructions were clear. Excellent!"

Reviewed on Jul 29, 2025

Pokolbin Farm Stay
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.

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