Make your Hunter Valley tour unforgettable.
Hunter Valley is one of the oldest grape-producing regions in Australia. Only a 2-hour drive from Sydney, scenic views make it a worthwhile trip! Whether you’re looking for wine tasting, sightseeing or an adrenaline rush, Hunter Valley surely has something to offer. Here’s a list of highly recommended activities you might want to try.
1. Get breathtaking views of Hunter Valley in a hot air balloon.
The best ways to savour Hunter Valley’s beauty is to soar above it aboard a hot air balloon. You will see green fields and mist-cloaked hills decorated with eucalyptus trees. The flights take about an hour.
The best time to partake in this activity is during sunrise. You will enjoy the serenity and witness kangaroos hopping on the fields. If you’re planning to celebrate a wedding or anniversary, this is one of the most romantic ways to do so.
You can also do this with your family. Packages that include breakfast and photos are available.
2. Pamper yourself at the spa.
Hunter Valley is popular not only for being a relaxing getaway but also for its excellent retreats, spas, and therapies. Soothe your body and mind with a wide selection of masseurs, intimate spas, and treatments. Some spas to visit include:
- The Spa in Chateau Elan – It has 17 treatment rooms and 3 lounge spaces. They offer views from the relaxing mineral spas outdoors, where you can also enjoy wine and cheese.
- Bhutra Thai Massage Spa – This place combines Thai techniques and Western remedial massage. This is perfect for those who feel tired and run down.
3. Explore the trails in Barrington Tops National Park.
Barrington Tops National Park preserves one of the biggest temperate rainforests in Australia. It is part of the Gondwana Rainforests in the upper Hunter Valley.
Explore this park’s beauty by using its vast network of hiking trails. Some popular trails are:
- Aeroplane Hill Walking Track – It is 1500 metres high and goes through woodlands and wetlands. You get to see picturesque views in the Careys Peak lookout.
- Antarctic Beech Forest Walking Track – This gives a nice hike in the temperate rainforest and subalpine snow gum forests. You will also see the park’s majestic waterfalls. Other notable features include the giant tree ferns and cool green moss.
- Devil’s Hole lookout walk – easy and wheelchair-friendly
Watch out for wildlife like grey kangaroos and swamp wallabies while walking.
4. Have a family day out at the Hunter Valley Zoo.
The Hunter Valley Zoo is a one-hour drive from Central Coast and 45 minutes from Newcastle. It’s also just outside Cessnock, the perfect location for a fun family day out.
The zoo boasts BBQ facilities for free. They also have feed bags you can buy for their interactive yard that houses kangaroos and farmyard animals. There are also bird aviaries.
There are free daily shows where you get to watch and take pictures of a koala and wombat. You can listen to educational talks about these animals as well.
5. Appreciate culture in the Maitland Regional Art Gallery.
This gallery is housed in a federation gothic building, and this activity can be enjoyed by the whole family. The bright and modern space spans 11 light-filled exhibition spaces. It features the works of famous Australian and international artists like Sidney Nolan.
The museum focuses on works paper, but it also features photographs, installations, sculptures, and more. A whole wing is allotted for children. It also houses the Art Factory, which offers special holiday workshops and free kids’ art activities.
Evocative bronze sculptures are placed around the museum. You’ll always see something new because of the temporary exhibitions. It’s highly recommended getting the informative audio tour to maximise your visit.
6. Taste the best wine Hunter Valley has to offer.
Hunter Valley is also known as the Wine Country in NSW. You have a wide selection when it comes to wine tasting. From whites to reds and specialty drops, they’ve got it all for you.
Due to the current pandemic, walk-ins are still not accepted, and you will need to pre-book a wine tasting tour or experience. Luckily, there are companies that help you do this like Hunter Valley Tours. Make sure to familiarise yourself with the health restrictions before you visit. The number of visitors in wineries may be limited.
7. Experience glamping underneath the stars.
Are you still looking for a place to stay in Hunter Valley? Why not make your accommodation as part of your itinerary? Try to stay in TinyAway house. It’s a unique experience to have if you like “glamping”.
The TinyAway house is fully-equipped with a kitchen, beddings, and decorations. You are guaranteed to feel comfortable as you enjoy a night underneath the stars. This is a wonderful chance to escape from reality in an isolated location around Broke or Pokolbin.
8. Make culinary delights using local produce in a cooking class.
The best way to know more about local food and culture is through cooking classes. This needs to be a part of your itinerary if you’re a foodie!
You will know how to cook using traditional methods under the supervision of an experienced chef. You will definitely enjoy trying different kinds of local organic produce. Of course, the best part is eating your creations after all the hard work.
9. Travel back in time in Wollombi.
Wollombi has several 19th century sandstone cottages and is also surrounded by mountains. Located south of Hunter, it’s a famous pit stop along the Great North Road.
A great way to explore this area is through the Historic Wollombi Village Walk. The 1-kilometre self-guided heritage walk educates you about the interesting history of the town. You will learn about its aboriginal heritage and convicts and colonial days. Get a map at the Wollombi Museum or download it here.
Make the Most Out of Your Stay with Hunter Valley Tours
Are you visiting Hunter Valley soon but don’t have any idea what to do? Hunter Valley Tours can make things easier for you! We are a small tour service that specialises in personalised tours in the Hunter region.
Our team believes that every tour should focus what you want to see and do. We make sure that you receive excellent service to fully enjoy the experience. Call us today and let us know how you want to enjoy your stay in Hunter Valley.
