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

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

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

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
Default Image

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 ¥19,701 per night from Jul 24 to Jul 25
¥19,701
¥21,671 total
Jul 24 - Jul 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! (1,002 reviews)
"Shout out to the waitress at the restaurants that went above ans beyond!! Great resort for family"

Reviewed on Jul 7, 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
The price is ¥16,991 per night from Jul 22 to Jul 23
¥16,991
¥18,690 total
Jul 22 - Jul 23
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! (1,002 reviews)
"Great location, spacious and relaxing. Lovely fire place and view of golf-course. Bathrooms would benefit from a deep clean."

Reviewed on Jul 8, 2025

Chateau Elan At The Vintage
Harrigan's Hunter Valley
Harrigan's Hunter Valley
4 out of 5
2090 Broke Rd, Pokolbin, NSW
The price is ¥13,189 per night from Aug 7 to Aug 8
¥13,189
¥14,508 total
Aug 7 - Aug 8
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! (994 reviews)
"There is no on-site reception, which is weird. The bathroom wasn't clean on arrival. Found hair in the bath and on the floor. Not good."

Reviewed on Jul 6, 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! (2,154 reviews)
"We stayed at Elysia Wellness Retreat through Cypress Lakes. Our room was huge and had a beautiful view. The price was great. We ate dinner at Cypress Lakes and it was delicious."

Reviewed on Jul 5, 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! (631 reviews)
"This hotel is one of the best hotels I've ever been to. It was so clean and the room and living room were spacious. It was the best for our family."

Reviewed on Jul 7, 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