17 Things to Do in Hunter Valley in 2024 Beyond the Guidebooks

Joel Conceicao

Last updated: May 27, 20245 minutes

Sunrise,Over,Hunter,Valley,Vineyards

Unravel the Hidden Charms of Hunter Valley: A Fusion of Wine and Adventure!

Attention, wine aficionados.

If you wear the wine connoisseur badge proudly, the Hunter Valley region in Australia is your haven.

The epicentre of Aussie wine culture, it's a must-visit.

But it's not just about sipping – it's about diving into a world of adventure and sightseeing in Hunter Valley. This guide is your ticket to unforgettable tales!

Tulloch Wine Tasting and Handmade Chocolate Pairing

Hey there, fellow foodie and wine enthusiast!

If savouring divine chocolate and wine pairings makes your heart skip a beat, you're in for an absolute treat.

Many wineries have created magical combinations bound to make your taste buds dance with joy.

Trust us, it's like a culinary symphony you won't want to miss.

Address: Tulloch Wines, 638 De Beyers Rd, Pokolbin NSW 2320, Australia (map)

How to reach: After reaching Hunter Valley, take De Beyers Road and Tulloch Wines will be on your left.

Wine Tasting With a Bit of Adventure

Ready to add a dash of adventure to your tasting journey?

Dive into the world of Tulloch Wines and experience the thrill of guessing!

Get your taste buds in gear as you sip on six fabulous wines, perfectly paired with cheese and charcuterie.

And hey, why not turn it into a friendly competition with your group by guessing the mystery wines?

Address: Tulloch Wines, 638 De Beyers Rd, Pokolbin NSW 2320, Australia (map)

How to reach: After reaching Hunter Valley, take De Beyers Road and Tulloch Wines will be on your left.

Hunter Valley Grains & Grapes Tour

Get ready for a fantastic ride on the Hunter Valley Grains & Grapes Tour!

Explore the inner workings of top-notch craft breweries, wineries, and even a distillery – all while savouring their creations.

But that's not all – there's a laid-back lunch included, complete with your choice of wine, beer, or cider.

Address: Meeting point, 812 George St, Haymarket NSW 2000, Australia (map)

How to reach: The meeting point is located just a short walk from Central Station.

Picnic & Wine Tasting

Step into Audrey Wilkinson's world!

Dive into their museum, then buckle up for a masterclass with a wine wizard.

Grab a hand-picked bottle and a picnic hamper for two, find a spot in the sprawling 270-acre vineyard, and revel in your private paradise.

Oh, and your picnic set? It's yours to keep!

Address: Audrey Wilkinson Vineyard Cellar Door 750 De Beyers Road, Pokolbin NSW 2320 (map)

How to reach: After reaching Hunter Valley, take De Beyers Road and Tulloch Wines will be on your right after 4 km.

Fun & Leisure Indoor Activities to Try in Hunter Valley

Gourmet Food and Wine Pairing

Brace yourself for a symphony of flavours as gourmet delights join forces with the crème de la crème of Hunter Valley wines.

Your taste buds are in for a tantalising tango, where every bite and sip creates a harmony of deliciousness.

Don't just savour the food – soak in the entire experience because this is a treat for your senses that's beyond extraordinary.

Address: Tulloch Wines, 638 De Beyers Rd, Pokolbin NSW 2320, Australia (map)

How to reach: After reaching Hunter Valley, take De Beyers Road and Audrey Wilkinson Vineyard will be on your left.

Candy Making Workshop

Calling all candy enthusiasts. Get ready to dive into a world of peanut brittle, marshmallows, and boozy chocolate with the Executive Chef as your guide.

But here's the kicker: you won't just watch, you'll be in the mix, crafting these sweet delights yourself.

And guess what? You're taking the recipes home.

And let's not forget the fun games. The best part? You'll even learn the art of pairing candy with spirits, a handy trick for any house party.

Address: Hunter Valley Resort, Corner of Hermitage Rd & Mistletoe Ln, Pokolbin NSW 2320 (map)

How to reach: After reaching Hunter Valley, take Hermitage Road and the resort will be on your right.

Organic Cooking Class

Your culinary dreams are about to come true at the Hunter Valley Cooking School.

Led by the amazing Executive Chef Phillip Collis and his crew, you'll dive into a hands-on cooking adventure.

Get ready to create a mouthwatering three-course feast using fresh, local organic ingredients.

And here's the icing on the cake: after all that hard work, you'll savour the scrumptious results, plus an extra treat from the cheese factory just across the way.

Address: Hermitage Rd &, Mistletoe Ln, Pokolbin NSW 2320, Australia (map)

How to reach: After reaching Hunter Valley, take Hermitage Road and the resort will be on your right.

Relaxing Staycation at Hunter Valley Resort

Just imagine a tranquil two-night getaway right in the heart of Hunter Valley, surrounded by lush grapevines.

Yep, you'll be living the dream!

And guess what? The resort is a stone's throw away from not one, not two, but five top-notch wineries, including Scarborough Wines, Keith Tulloch Wines, and Thomas Wines.

Address: Hunter Valley Resort, Corner of Hermitage Rd & Mistletoe Ln, Pokolbin NSW 2320 (map)

How to reach: After reaching Hunter Valley, take Hermitage Road and the resort will be on your right.

Places to Visit in Hunter Valley

Hot Air Balloon Sunrise Flight

Ever dreamt of soaring through the skies like a majestic bird? Well, now's your chance.

Rise with the sun for a majestic hot air balloon flight over vineyards.

After a captivating hour, relish a gourmet breakfast and champagne celebration at Peterson House winery.

It's an unforgettable 3.5 to 4.5 hours of enchantment.

Address: Peterson Champagne House, 2457 Broke Rd, Pokolbin NSW 2320 (map)

How to reach: Take Broke Road and follow the signs to Pokolbin. Peterson Champagne House will be on your right, just past the Pokolbin Visitor Information Centre.

Wine and Wildlife Experience

Get ready for a double dose of Hunter Valley magic, brought to you by Agnew Wines and Hunter Valley Wildlife Park.

Start your adventure at Audrey Wilkinson Vineyard, where you'll sip premium wines paired with local cheeses.

And get up close with rare animals like lions, giraffes, meerkats, and Aussie darlings like koalas and kangaroos.

Address: Audrey Wilkinson Vineyard Cellar Door 750 De Beyers Road, Pokolbin NSW 2320 (map)

How to reach: After reaching Hunter Valley, take De Beyers Road and Audrey Wilkinson Vineyard will be on your right after 4 km.

Barren Rolling Race

Round up your fantastic squad and jump into the wild fun of barrel rolling! It's a blast, where laughter and bonding are on the menu.

Battle it out for the grand prize and ultimate bragging rights. Plus, victorious celebrations come with not one, but two delightful wine bottles.

Are you ready to roll?

Address: Hunter Valley Resort, Corner of Hermitage Rd & Mistletoe Ln, Pokolbin NSW 2320 (map)

How to reach: After reaching Hunter Valley, take Hermitage Road and the resort will be on your right.

Scenic Helicopter Ride

Hop on a 45-minute scenic helicopter ride from Sydney to the wine wonderland, Hunter Valley.

Soar above the Sydney skyline, taking in breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and iconic landmarks like the Harbour Bridge and Opera House.

Prepare for a vineyard landing where you'll taste exquisite wines and savour a gourmet lunch at a top-notch restaurant.

Address: 472 Ross Smith Ave, Mascot (Sydney Airport) (map)

How to reach: Take Ross Smith Avenue. Sydney Heli Tours will be on your right, just past the Blue Emu Long Term Carpark.

Wine School Experience

Ready to master the art of wine appreciation?

Join the Hunter Valley Wine School for a laid-back lesson.

From strolling through the vineyard to delving into winemaking with the Cellar Master, it's all about soaking up wine history, grape secrets, and even tasting fine Australian gems.

And the cherry on top? You'll walk away with your very own Wine Appreciation Certificate!

Address: Hunter Valley Resort, Corner of Hermitage Rd & Mistletoe Ln, Pokolbin NSW 2320 (map)

How to reach: After reaching Hunter Valley, take Hermitage Road and the resort will be on your right.

Unwind at Hunter Valley Wine Festival

If you visit Hunter Valley during the wine festival, consider yourself lucky.

Celebrate the region's finest drops amidst a vibrant music, food, and camaraderie-filled atmosphere.

Keep an eye on the festival's official website for dates and locations – it's an event not to be missed.

Things to Do at Hunter Valley Gardens

Escape to the Hunter Valley Botanical Gardens, a sprawling 24-hectare haven just two hours from Sydney and just a hop, skip, and jump away from Pokolbin.

With ten enchanting themed gardens set against the majestic Broken Back Range of mountains, it's a paradise and a popular choice for weddings and special occasions.

Address: 2090 Broke Rd, Pokolbin NSW 2320, Australia (map)

How to reach: After reaching Hunter Valley, take Broke Road and follow the signs to Pokolbin. Hunter Valley Gardens is located on Broke Road, just outside of Pokolbin

Fun Rides For Kiddos

Hold onto your hats for rides at Hunter Valley Gardens.

Swirl through the Tea Cup ride or soar high on the Swing Chair.

Inflatables for the little ones and a scenic Ferris Wheel view for all.

It's a fun frenzy with the Carousel, Super Slide, and Gardens Train, too!

Note: Rides are generally operational only during events.

Witness Mega Creatures

Step into the dino-magic at Mega Creatures in Hunter Valley Gardens.

Discover thrilling new additions like the Walking Dinosaur, Mega Creatures Trail App, and more.

It's a wild adventure – day or night- from T-Rex to Dragons.

Unleash your imagination, hop on the Night Safari, and feast on tasty treats!

Splurge at Shopping Village

Hunter Valley Gardens Shopping Village is way more than just any ol' regular shopping spot.

Sip wine, grab a meal, and explore unique shops like Peppers Creek Antiques and Hunter Valley Christmas Shop.

Indulge at the Oscars, Taste of the Country, or satisfy your sweet tooth at Hunter Valley Chocolate Company.

One-Stop Guide for Some of the Best Wineries/Grocers in Hunter Valley

Scarborough Wines

Scarborough Wines, established in 1987, is an iconic winery embodying the essence of Hunter Valley's wine culture.

Led by the talented winemaker Ian Scarborough, the estate is renowned for crafting elegant, cool-climate wines.

Committed to sustainable practices and minimal intervention, Scarborough Wines ensures each sip reflects the true essence of the vineyard.

Keith Tulloch Wines

At Keith Tulloch Wines, passion for excellence runs deep in this family-owned winery, spanning over five generations.

The Tulloch family's unwavering connection to the land drives them to produce exceptional wines.

With meticulously managed vineyards and a winemaking process that's an art form, their wines exemplify the region's distinct character.

Binnorie Dairy

No Hunter Valley trip is complete without indulging in a wine and cheese pairing at Binnorie Dairy.

Situated near Keith Tulloch Wines, this artisan cheese factory produces an array of cheeses that complement local wines seamlessly.

From creamy bries to tangy blues, each cheese is crafted to elevate the wine-tasting experience.

Audrey Wilkinson Winery

A true icon of Hunter Valley, Audrey Wilkinson Winery boasts a rich history of over 150 years.

Established in 1866, the estate offers stunning panoramic views of the vineyards below.

Specialising in Semillon and Shiraz, Audrey Wilkinson wines are known for their elegance and finesse, reflecting the region's terroir.

Tyrrell's Wines

Tyrrell's Wines, established in 1858, is one of Australia's oldest family-owned wineries.

Their dedication to showcasing unique vineyard characteristics has earned them international acclaim.

Specialising in Semillon and Shiraz, Tyrrell's continually pushes the boundaries while preserving their heritage.

Ready to Answer Hunter Valley's Call?

Picture this: the sun dipping behind the hills and vines, leaving a trail of wonder in Hunter Valley. We've got an invite that's too good to resist.

Think wine wonders and sky-high thrills – from sips to balloon floats, there's a chest of treasures waiting.

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Written by Joel Conceicao

Joel has a serious addiction to mountain hiking and is a bona fide beach bum. Inspired by Anthony Bourdain to travel fearlessly, he has explored from the Himalayas to the Andaman Sea, honing over a decade's worth of travel writing experience.

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