Hunter Valley

Travel Guide

Audrey Wilkinson Winery showing farmland, tranquil scenes and landscape views
Saddler\\\'s Creek Wines showing interior views
Hunter Valley featuring landscape views and farmland
Hunter Valley showing a pond, a lake or waterhole and fall colors
Pokolbin featuring farmland

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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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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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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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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Aberglasslyn

While Aberglasslyn isn't home to many top sights, Walka Water Works and Maitland Showground are some notable places to visit nearby.

Aberglasslyn
Rydges Resort Hunter Valley
Rydges Resort Hunter Valley
4 out of 5
430 Wine Country Drive, Lovedale, NSW
$126 nightly
The price is $138 total per night from Jun 22 to Jun 23
$138 total
Jun 22 - Jun 23
Total includes taxes and 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! (1,003 reviews)
"Such wonderful and helpful Reception/Reservation staff! Well appointed, spacious and clean room The in-room spa bath was amazing. Felt very safe (as a solo female traveller in this instance) at the hotel. Many facilities at the hotel (ran out of time to try them all). Buffet breakfast was delicious ..."

Reviewed on Jun 15, 2025

Rydges Resort Hunter Valley
Chateau Elan At The Vintage
Chateau Elan At The Vintage
5 out of 5
Vintage Drive, Hunter Valley, Pokolbin, NSW
$124 nightly
The price is $136 total per night from Jun 22 to Jun 23
$136 total
Jun 22 - Jun 23
Total includes taxes and 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! (1,001 reviews)
"Great condo!"

Reviewed on Jun 18, 2025

Chateau Elan At The Vintage
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! (992 reviews)
"Great little night away, would be great if they offered room service, room was large and air con worked well, bed was very comfy, shower did take a while to heat."

Reviewed on Jun 15, 2025

Harrigan's Hunter Valley
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! (2,147 reviews)
"Great relaxing place to stay. Excellent surroundings and great food and both restaurant and bistro. Breakfast was also amazing. Great location close to Hunter valley gardens, cheese factory and many vineyards."

Reviewed on Jun 16, 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! (628 reviews)
"Nice spacious bedroom and lounge room with great view over the valley. Good quality kitchenette. Bathroom was a bit odd -toilet seat didn’t fit properly and the water for the shower was the wrong way round. Loved the location as we had things to do at Bimbadgen -500m walk."

Reviewed on May 26, 2025

H Boutique Hotel
Quest Maitland Serviced Apartments
Quest Maitland Serviced Apartments
4.5 out of 5
1 Ken Tubman Drive, Maitland, NSW
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Maitland. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Maitland Regional Art Gallery ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (266 reviews)
"It was excellent and very satisfied thank you"

Reviewed on Jun 16, 2025

Quest Maitland Serviced Apartments
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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Cities near Hunter Valley