It’s one of the most popular wine regions in Australia, and the Hunter Valley attracts people from all over the world for more than its premium drops of reds and whites.
It attracts all generations of travellers with its lush-green landscapes, entertaining activities, and wonderful offers to escape the city chaos. You don’t have to be a wine lover to come here at all, just a person who likes to enjoy nature and finer things.
Interested to know more? Here are six of the best things to do in the Hunter Valley.
1. Visit the animals at Hunter Valley Zoo
Australia is famous for its cute and rich animal life so stopping by the Hunter Valley Zoo should definitely be on your itinerary.
Children will love this part of their Hunter Valley adventure because you can pat and hand-feed animals such as koalas and kangaroos. There is also a range of African animals to see including lions, cheetah, ostrich and meerkat.
If you want to turn your visit into a social gathering, you can use the free barbecue facilities and invite your friends for a picnic or celebrate a special occasion like a birthday. You also have the option to organise a photoshoot to capture fun moments with your family.
2. Hike at the Barrington Tops National Park
The Barrington Tops National Park is located in the Gondwana Rainforests, a World Heritage Site that is full of Australian flora and fauna.
This is one of the area’s favourite hiking spots, with beautiful sightseeing options and several free trails to choose from. If you want to see gum forests up close, hike the Antarctic Beech Forest Walking Track which has giant tree ferns and bustling bird life.
For those into something a little bit challenging, the Aeroplane Hill Walking Track offers a climb to a 1500m–high peak through wetlands. However, hikers who are not in shape for such a demanding walk can try Devil’s Hole Lookout Walk which is also wheelchair-friendly.
Barrington Tops National Park.
3. Learn about the traditional winemaking process
It would be a shame to come to one of the best wine regions in Australia and not learn how this fine beverage is made.
You can observe or be a more active participant in the traditional wine-making process, like joining grape stomping. This includes walking over the grapes in vats while barefoot to let out the juices and help the fermentation, just as the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans did.
Another way to get familiar with this process is through wine-tasting tours. Although this sounds expensive, it doesn’t have to be and you can have a great tour for affordable prices. Some of the most popular wineries are Tulloch Wines which is suitable for families, vegan-friendly Oakvale Wines, and the 160 year-old Audrey Wilkinson winery which has amazing views of the valley.
4. Spend your honeymoon in Hunter Valley
Newlyweds love to visit the Hunter Valley for their honeymoon!
With so many options for Hunter Valley accommodation, from cottages to villas with pools, couples often decide to have a wedding here as well. Besides fine dining and wine tasting, you can go with your partner on a historic adventure in Morpeth or spend a day at one of the luxurious spas.
A horse ride through the vineyards at sunset or something more thrilling like participating in a wine barrel rolling competition will make your honeymoon unique. You can also pair that with a round at the Hunter Valley Golf Club’s course or cycle an electric bike through a nearby nature trail.
Figtree Retreat in Hunter Valley is an option for accommodation. Image: Unwind Hunter Valley.
5. See the vineyards from above
You don’t have to hike or cycle to see the Hunter Valley, you can do it from above while drinking champagne and having a snack.
Hot air ballooning is one of the most sought-after sightseeing options here, especially during sunset and sunrise times. Just seeing all those colorful hot air balloons up in the air is magical in itself!
Another option is to take a scenic helicopter flight. It will take you over the vineyards, the Brokenback Range, and the Hunter Valley Gardens. Those brave and adrenaline-enthusiasts can try skydiving or doing loops in Australian Yak-52 warplanes.
The best part is that you can turn it into a whole day experience with visits to cellars, lunch, and sampling of local wines.
6. Stop by the local markets
Everyone who comes to the Hunter Valley should visit its country markets. This is where you can buy fresh and locally made products, as well as chat with farmers and artisans.
Broke Village Market is perfect for coffee lovers, with many claiming that this is where you can get the best of this favoured brew. Pet accessories, fresh fruits, and clothes are some of the other things you can buy here on the first Sunday of every month.
Wollombi Market offers food, arts and crafts on more than 100 stalls on the second Sunday of every month. At the same time, Singleton Sunday Markets takes place selling plants, furniture, woodwork, candles, clothing, and other handmade items.
If you are interested in artisan foods, jewellery, and home decor, stop by Pokolbin on the second and fourth Saturday of every month for the Handmade in the Hunter Markets.
A perfect destination for a range of experiences
The Hunter Valley, also known as the Hunter Region, is a big tourist attraction in New South Wales. It’s perfect for Sydneysiders, as it provides easy access for a day-trip or short stay.
The best things to do in Hunter Valley involve more than wine tasting and unique adventures like hot-air balloon rides. With the myriad of options for accommodation and activities, ranging from hiking to feeding wild animals, this is a great destination for honeymoons or family vacations.
