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 colonized, 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 center 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

Default Image

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
Default Image

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
Default Image

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
Default Image

Farley

Farley might not have many top sights, but Maitland Showground and Walka Water Works are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Farley
Default Image

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
Default Image

Anambah

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

Anambah
Rydges Resort Hunter Valley

Rydges Resort Hunter Valley

4 out of 5
430 Wine Country Drive, Lovedale, NSW
The price is ¥23,579 per night from Nov 17 to Nov 18
¥23,579
¥25,937 total
Nov 17 - Nov 18
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! (1,010 reviews)
"Family friendly, breakfast service one of the best I've been to, well managed for peak period, worth a try. Option of a dayspa and gym is great, poolside QR code ordering from the menu. A great place to stay with young kids - school holiday program with abundance of activities."

Reviewed on Oct 17, 2025

Rydges Resort Hunter Valley
Harrigan's Hunter Valley

Harrigan's Hunter Valley

4 out of 5
2090 Broke Rd, Pokolbin, NSW
The price is ¥13,614 per night from Nov 20 to Nov 21
¥13,614
¥14,975 total
Nov 20 - Nov 21
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,001 reviews)
"I was not aware there was a free breakfast included with my booking. I did not use any of the dining options . The staff i came in contact with were very friendly and helpful. Parking was easy and convenient, room was clean and bed was comfy."

Reviewed on Oct 19, 2025

Harrigan's Hunter Valley
Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort

Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort

4 out of 5
15 Thompsons Road, Pokolbin, NSW
The price is ¥19,477 per night from Oct 26 to Oct 27
¥19,477
¥19,477 total
Oct 26 - Oct 27
includes taxes & fees
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! (2,189 reviews)
"Wonderful place to stay particularly if you love golf!"

Reviewed on Oct 16, 2025

Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort
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! (2,189 reviews)
"Wonderful place to stay particularly if you love golf!"

Reviewed on Oct 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 a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (663 reviews)
"Fantastic service.. beautiful, clean and spacious rooms with lots of beautiful landscape to admire"

Reviewed on Oct 19, 2025

H Boutique Hotel
East Maitland Executive Apartments

East Maitland Executive Apartments

4 out of 5
100 George Street, East Maitland, NSW
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Maitland. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Maitland Gaol and Stockland Green Hills ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (192 reviews)
"Very good.clean,quiet,simple"

Reviewed on Oct 14, 2025

East Maitland Executive 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