The Hunter Valley, one of Australia’s oldest grape-growing regions, is two hours north of Sydney. But guests looking for something different will find enough to do in this picturesque neighborhood. Here are the top things to do in Hunter Valley for a perfect trip.
What is Hunter Valley famous for?
One of Australia’s top wine-growing regions is well-known as the Hunter Valley. Historic vines continue to produce mouthwatering wine flavors. They have distinguished the region for more than a century amid panoramic valleys and expansive pastures.
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Why ought you to travel to Hunter Valley?
A particular high point is dining. Hunter Valley farmers markets provide a delectable selection of farm-fresh delicacies and artisanal goods. Also, top-notch restaurants serve anything from multi-course tasting menus to gourmet country lunches and high tea.
In addition to its scenic vistas, opulent day spas, golf courses, and the World Heritage wilderness regions of Wollemi and Barrington Tops National Parks, this lovely valley is well known for its picturesque panoramas.
The Hunter Valley also offers lots of family-friendly activities as well. Children like engaging with Australian animals at the Hunter Valley Zoo, and hot air ballooning or horseback riding are fantastic ways to take in the environment.
The Hunter Valley also has the Hunter Valley Gardens in Pokolbin, the Wollombi Heritage Trail, and Bathers Way, a well-liked coastal promenade in Newcastle, the valley’s major town.
It’s simple to understand why the Hunter Valley is one of the most well-liked weekend getaways from Sydney with all these exciting tourist sites and activities. Our list of the top things to do in the Hunter Valley will help you organize your trip.
Top things to do in Hunter Valley
On horseback, explore the Hunter Valley: The best activities
A satisfying approach to take in the bucolic views of the area is to go sightseeing while riding a horse. Along the trip, you might even see some of the local fauna, like kangaroos, wombats, galas, and cockatoos.
All ages and skills are welcome on this family experience, and even the tiniest children can ride horses.
Besides, Lovedale’s Hunter Valley Horse Riding and Adventures provide a selection of picturesque trail ride through the Molly Morgan Range’s breathtaking beauty. Pick from private tours, romantic sunset rides, and picnic rides.
Would you rather let someone else control the horse? With views of the stunning Broken Back Range, Hunter Valley Horses in Pokolbin provides horse-drawn carriage trips in a quaint, old-fashioned carriage.
In a hot air balloon, soar above the valley
Soaring above the Hunter Valley in a hot air balloon is one of the greatest ways to take in its stunning pastoral vistas. The valley appears patchwork-like from above, with rolling hills shrouded in mist and dotted with eucalyptus trees.
Besides, early morning balloon rides take about an hour and are offered by businesses like Beyond Ballooning and Balloon Aloft. The calmest time to take it all in and see kangaroos jumping over the fields is just after sunrise. Add a fantastic gourmet brunch to end your adventure.
A wedding or anniversary might be celebrated romantically by doing this. There are also family packages available, which come with breakfast and photos.
During the Hunter Valley Balloon Fiesta, which takes place over the long weekend in October, more than 20 balloons in various vibrant colors float above the countryside. It makes for a stunning image.
Explore the Barrington Tops National Park Trails by hiking
Want to burn off all that delicious food? A fantastic method to lose weight and see some sites simultaneously is to go hiking. Beautiful Barrington Tops National Park, in the upper Hunter Valley, is a component of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area, protecting one of Australia’s greatest temperate rainforests. One of the best free things to do in the Hunter Valley is to hit the trails.
The 1,500-meter-high Aeroplane Hill Walking Track, which winds through wetlands and forests in the park’s subalpine section, is one of the most well-liked routes. Additionally, the views from Careys Peak overlook are breathtaking.
You may witness some of the park’s beautiful waterfalls while strolling through subalpine snow gum forests and temperate rain forests on the Antarctic Beech Forest Walking Track. Other distinctive characteristics include carpets of cool, green moss and enormous tree ferns. Birders frequently use the trail.
Also, other suggested treks are the eight-kilometer Gloucester Tops Circuit, which combines three of the park’s most popular hikes into a worthwhile journey, the wheelchair-accessible Devil’s Hole viewpoint walk, the Blue Gum Loop path, and the simple Devil’s Hole trail. Watch for animals like swamp wallabies and grey kangaroos while hiking.
Take a stroll along Bathers Way in Newcastle
Newcastle, the main town in the Hunter Valley, is situated between two great surf beaches and one of Australia’s busiest ports. This thriving city also contains trendy cafes and restaurants, a thriving arts scene, parks and gardens, and unique boutiques.
Walking down the Bathers Way is among the best things to do in Newcastle. It’s a fantastic chance to take in the city’s ocean views and salty sea air while also learning a little bit about its past.
This six-kilometer coastal walkway runs from Nobby’s Headland’s lighthouse to Merewether Beach. The route is marked with yellow markers that provide information on the local culture, convict history, and natural surroundings. You can also stop for lunch at a café on Darby Street along the way, see the city’s historic coal industries, or cool off at one of the golden beaches.
The moving Newcastle Memorial Walk connects to Bathers Way. This picturesque bridge and walkway, suspended over the water, was constructed to mark the 100th anniversary of the ANZACs (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) to pay tribute to the fallen warriors. Whales can also be seen from here between late May and early November when they migrate annually.
Wollemi National Park kayaking
Wollemi National Park is a World Heritage-listed wilderness of cliffs, canyons, and rushing rivers located about 100 kilometers from Newcastle. Huge swaths of pristine wilderness line the Colo and Wollemi Rivers’ banks, where nature enthusiasts may unwind with a picnic or go paddling in the untamed waters.
Ganguddy, also known as Dunn’s Swamp, is a prominent park feature. It is a mist-covered swamp surrounded by beehive-shaped rock formations. On a guided kayak tour, you can discover this lovely region while learning about the park’s Aboriginal history and distinctive fauna. Some kayak tours include a brief hike as well. Kayak rentals are also offered for self-guided tours during peak tourist seasons.
Rock climbing along the granite escarpments and strolling the wilderness trails are two other popular activities in Wollemi National Park. One of the most well-liked nighttime activities in Wollemi National Park is the Glow Worm Tunnel Walking trail, which is very well-known.
With Aboriginal rock art and well-traveled hiking trails, Yengo National Park, which borders Wollemi National Park, is another unspoiled wilderness area worth exploring. A well-liked hike in this area is the Finchley Cultural Walk.
View Exhibitions at the Maitland Regional Art Gallery
The Maitland Regional Art Gallery, housed in a federated Gothic structure, is enjoyable for the whole family. This open, modern area has eleven light-filled exhibition spaces that feature works by renowned Australian and foreign artists, including icons like Sidney Nolan.
While works on paper are the museum’s primary focus, it also has sculptures, installations, photographs, and more in its collection. The Art Factory, which offers free children’s art activities and unique holiday workshops, is located in a section of the museum devoted to children.
Evocative bronze statues surround the museum, with frequently changing displays, so there’s always something fresh to view. One of the best things to do in the Hunter Valley when it’s raining is to come here. Take the educational audio tour and have a bite at the well-liked café to make the most of your stay.
The Newcastle Art Gallery, which houses the greatest collection of contemporary Japanese ceramics in the Southern Hemisphere and an exceptional collection of Australian art, particularly from the 19th century, is another worthwhile gallery to check out in the area.
Kangaroos can be fed at the Hunter Valley Zoo
At the well-known Hunter Valley Zoo, you may see kangaroos, koalas, marmosets, and monkeys, among other creatures. A trip here is a great family activity and a fantastic way to get up close and personal with some local species.
You can pet a koala, feed kangaroos by hand, and stroll around the aviary as beautiful birds flutter all around you. Other more exotic features include white lions, cheetahs, and ring-tailed lemurs. You may also sign up for a fun encounter with an emperor tamarin, a marmoset, a meerkat, a lemur, or a squirrel monkey. Children will enjoy meeting the farmyard animals up close and feeding them special fare.
Wander through Wollombi’s history
Wollombi is a lovely community with 19th-century sandstone homes surrounded by mountains. The village is located in the Hunter region’s south. It has long served as a well-liked rest area for travelers on the Great North Road. Today, the streets near the historic structures are crowded with comfortable guesthouses and cafés.
The Historic Wollombi Village Walk is the greatest way to see the village. Self-guided heritage walk that covers one kilometer takes you through the rich past of this small town, from its Native American ancestry to its convict and colonial eras. A map is available at the Wollombi Museum.
The neighboring World Heritage Wilderness of Yengo National Park is great for nature lovers to learn more about Aboriginal heritage.
Explore the Hunter Valley Gardens: Must-do activities
Hunter Valley Gardens, located in the center of Pokolbin’s hills covered in vines, is a must-visit for nature lovers. It’s one of the most popular activities in Pokolbin. More than 60 acres of gardens with different themes are connected by paths that circle a stunning lake with a waterfall feature.
Favorite gardens include the Italian Grotto, the Oriental Garden, its pagoda and lovely azalea, magnolia, camellia plantings, and the sweet-smelling Rose Garden. Children will adore the charming Storybook Garden, which is filled with characters from nursery rhymes. Spend at least two hours here to investigate all the creative plantings.
Following a stroll through the gardens, you can browse the little village’s stores or have a bite to eat at one of the many cafés or restaurants. Visitors can ride a little train through the grounds for an additional cost.
Purchase goods at Hunter Valley Markets
A significant component of the Hunter Valley experience is selecting fresh food from a market stall in a rural area. Fortunately, visitors have a wide range of choices.
The Hunter Markets’ handmade goods live up to their name. Each vendor here crafts each item by hand and with love. These well-liked markets are hosted in Pokolbin on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month, featuring one-of-a-kind works of art, crafts, jewelry, home décor, and artisanal cuisine.
In addition to having “the greatest coffee in the Hunter Valley,” Broke Village Markets also sells handcrafted items like apparel, pet accessories, fresh fruit, and flowers. Each month’s first Sunday, you may find them at Broke’s Stewart McTaggart Park.
A popular community event is the Wollombi Village Market, held on the second Sunday of every month. More than 100 booths provide a variety of goods, including gifts, crafts, and delicious foods like cheese, bread, and jams.
The Singleton Sunday Markets are also held on the second Sunday of each month. You can get plants, woodwork, apparel, furniture, candles, pet treats, and more at this store.
The best time to visit Hunter Valley
The Hunter Valley region celebrates autumn from March to May. With great temperatures and little rain, it is unquestionably the finest time to explore the Valley. The countryside is painted in orange, yellow, green, and brown tones because it is post-harvest. Consequently, it is a photographer’s dream.
Here are the ten best things to do in Hunter Valley that we compiled for you. So, come here immediately to begin your fantastic journey! Please share your thoughts by posting a comment below!
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