Just two hours north of Sydney, the Hunter Valley has plenty to see and do in a single day. It is one of Australia’s oldest wine regions, but there is much more to explore. You will find great food, local art and produce, beautiful gardens, outdoor activities, and scenic views across the countryside.
Our team at Ready Steady Tour runs private full-day tours from Sydney to the Hunter Valley, so we know the region well. Here is our simple guide to the Hunter Valley tourist attractions and experiences worth adding to your day.
Hunter Valley Tourist Attractions Worth Adding to Your Trip
1. Hunter Valley Gardens
Spread across more than 60 acres, Hunter Valley Gardens features ten themed gardens and is one of the region’s best-known attractions. Allow at least two hours to explore. The Storybook Garden is popular with families, while the Italian Grotto, Oriental Garden, Rose Garden and topiary displays are worth seeing.
The gardens also host seasonal events. Snow Time runs during winter, while the Christmas Lights Spectacular takes place in December.
2. Pokolbin Village and Artisan Shopping
Pokolbin Village is a convenient place to explore local shops, cafés and artisan businesses. You can browse local art, pick up handmade chocolates, enjoy a coffee and shop for local produce to take home.
Stops to include:
- Hunter Valley Chocolate Company
- Pokolbin Jam Co
- Hunter Valley Smelly Cheese Shop
Most shops are open daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, although individual opening hours can vary.
3. The Hunter’s Breweries, Distilleries and Arts Trail
Beyond its wineries, the Hunter Valley has breweries, distilleries, art galleries and antique stores worth exploring. Hermitage Road and the surrounding areas are home to several places where you can discover local art, craft drinks and handmade goods.
This is a good option for visitors who want to see a different side of the Hunter Valley beyond its vineyards and cellar doors.
What To Do in the Hunter Valley
1. Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride at Sunrise
A sunrise hot air balloon ride gives you a different view of the Hunter Valley. From above, you can see vineyards, farmland and the surrounding ranges stretching across the region.
Balloon Aloft runs hot air balloon flights in the Hunter Valley. Passengers meet at Peterson House before travelling to the launch site. Flights can book out well ahead of time, particularly on weekends, so it is better to book in advance.
2. Go Wine Tasting
Wine tasting is one of the most popular things to do in the Hunter Valley. The region is particularly known for Semillon and Shiraz, with cellar doors offering a chance to try different local wines in a relaxed setting.
For first-time visitors, consider including a few tastings in your day:
A. Peterson Wines
Peterson Wines has a relaxed cellar door that is a good choice for first-time visitors. It is known for its reds and sparkling wines, with tastings in a welcoming setting.
B. Brokenwood Wines
Brokenwood Wines is a well-known Hunter Valley producer with hosted tastings and a comfortable wine lounge. It is a good option for visitors who want to learn more about the region’s wines.
C. Audrey Wilkinson Winery
Audrey Wilkinson Winery combines wine tasting with views across the Hunter Valley. Its hilltop location makes it a good stop for visitors who want to enjoy the scenery as well as the wine.
3. Cycle or Walk Through the Vineyards
For a more active way to see the region, ride or walk along the Hermitage Road Cycleway. The route is mostly flat and passes through vineyards and countryside, with places to stop along the way. If you are visiting in summer, start early to avoid the hottest part of the day.
4. Dine at a Hunter Valley Restaurant
The Hunter Valley is also known for its food, with restaurants using local and seasonal produce.
- Muse Restaurant at Hungerford Hill offers polished Australian cuisine and is a good choice for a special lunch and dinner.
- Margan Restaurant in Broke focuses on produce grown in its own kitchen garden and offers a farm-to-table dining experience.
- EXP. Restaurant is a fine-dining option with creative tasting menus in an intimate cottage setting.
Tips for Your First Visit to the Hunter Valley
Keep It to Three Cellar Doors
First-timers sometimes try to squeeze in five or six stops. By the fourth, the wines start to blur together. Pick three that interest you the most, spend enough time at each, and you will enjoy the day more.
Book Your Restaurant in Advance
Muse, Margan and EXP can fill up on weekends, so do not rely on getting a table when you arrive. Book your lunch or dinner before you leave Sydney, especially if you are travelling with a group.
Plan How You Will Get Around
Choose a designated driver and stick to the plan. Groups who want to drink are better off booking a private tour with transport included.
Check the Hunter Valley Gardens Calendar
Check the events calendar before your trip. If your visit lines up with Snow Time or the Christmas Lights Spectacular, you can plan your day around the event and make the most of your visit.
Bring a Cooler Bag
Cheese, chocolate and local preserves can suffer in a hot car on the drive back to Sydney. Bring a cooler bag so you can pick up local produce without worrying about it on the way home.
Conclusion
Popular experiences can fill up quickly, so it is worth planning your day in advance. With your day planned out, you can make the most of your time in the region. If you are coming from Sydney and want the day taken care of, our Hunter Valley private tour covers it all. We pick you up from Sydney, provide a local guide and comfortable private transport. With Ready Steady Tour, all you need to do is enjoy the day while we take care of the rest. Call us at 0434 136 329 or submit our online form today.
