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July 13, 2023 | IN Together Magazine | BY Holly Brennan | 5 min read

A popular weekend getaway for Sydneysiders and a longer-stay destination for interstate and international visitors.

Home to some of Australia’s most famous wineries, restaurants, and cultural attractions, the famous Hunter Valley region of New South Wales offers the perfect break from city life.

Take a tour from the ground or the air while feasting your eyes on the Hunter’s lush green landscapes and blue ocean views. Or you could tempt your palate with wine and cheese, on one of the region’s many fantastic winery tours.

Being only a 50-minute drive from Newcastle or 2.5 hours from Sydney, the Hunter’s wide-open spaces and gourmet experiences appeal to young professionals and families, as well as empty nesters. Read on to unlock your ultimate guide to a weekend in the Hunter Valley. 

It’s well worth braving the cold to catch a sunrise over the hills and vineyards from the fresh perspective of a hot air balloon or tour the unblemished countryside on horseback – with guided trail rides for every age and experience level.

Balloon Aloft – hot air balloon tours

Just 45 minutes from Newcastle, multi-award-winning Balloon Aloft has been offering Hunter Valley balloon flights for over 40 years. Take the flight of a lifetime over the perfect backdrop, with views of endless vineyards, picturesque farmland, mountain ranges and national parks all on display.

balloonaloft.com/locations/hunter-valley

Hunter Valley Horses – trail rides

There is nothing quite like getting out in nature, especially doing it on horseback. Enjoy a ride through bushland in the spectacular Hunter Valley while riding one of the beautiful horses, even beginners are welcome. Find a tour to suit your needs so you can experience the beautiful views, fresh country air and award-winning wines at your own pace.

huntervalleyhorses.com.au

If you’d rather keep both feet firmly on the ground, you can book a van or carriage ride to escort you through the region’s world-renowned wineries. The Hunter Valley has a rich wine-making tradition, with thirteen commercial and boutique wineries offering cellar door tastings. The knowledgeable staff are more than happy to provide recommendations and guides for tasting, but you can’t go past the region’s famous chardonnay! The vineyards offer a range of dining experiences, perfect for a relaxed family lunch or a romantic dinner overlooking the rolling hills and valleys with 360-degree views. The Hunter’s coffee culture is unmatched, with relaxed and rustic cafés highlighting the hinterland setting.

Hunter Valley Classic Carriages

Hop on one of the horse-drawn carriage wine tours and feel the fresh country air in your face as Hunter Valley Horses takes you amongst the vines and bushland before delivering you to a selection of fine wines and local cheese.

huntervalleyhorses.com.au

Bimbadgen Cellar Door

Boasting magnificent views to the Barrington ranges, the vineyards and winery production area, Bimbadgen Cellar Door is the perfect immersive experience. With vineyards planted in 1968, Bimbadgen provides a highly sought after source of old vine Semillon, Shiraz and Chardonnay.

bimbadgen.com.au/cellardoor

The region is alive with colour and creativity, rivalling Australia’s biggest cities for arts and culture experiences. Discover murals hidden in laneways around Maitland and Chisholm, including the Drill Hall Lane installation connecting the city to its flowing waterways. Explore a wealth of art galleries or try an interactive workshop to create your own masterpiece. Get active in the community, with world-class golf courses, a huge local sports and recreation centre, and relaxed social yoga sessions. Make the most of sunny weekends at Waterford by AVID Property Group’s own parks and playgrounds at Maitland or explore the region to discover new ways to play. With something for everyone, from young kids to retirees, there’s no excuse for boredom!

Beresfield Golf Club

Conveniently located between Newcastle and the Hunter Valley, Beresfield Golf Club provides a casual, social and fun place for you to escape to. Further to its 10- or 18-hole options, Beresfield also offers FootGolf, Mini Golf and dog-friendly Golf.

beresfieldgolf.com.au

Yoga in the Vines

A bespoke experience operating out of the Hunter Valley, Yoga in the Vines provides the perfect balance of self-care by pairing wellness with a glass of wine. Whether it’s a hen’s party, weekend away with friends, wellness retreat, couple’s getaway or corporate function, Yoga in the Vines has something for every occasion.

yogainthevines.com.au

Round out your Hunter Valley experience by checking out the region’s local fashion scene. Small businesses thrive in the supportive Hunter community, so live like a local and shop from some of the region’s best local boutiques. Discover gorgeous clothes, accessories and homewares unique to the region, and with so much on offer, you’re sure to find a perfect fit for your personal style.

Fetch Boutique

Family owned and nestled among the vineyards at Peppers Creek Village in Pokolbin, Fetch Boutique showcases a carefully curated range of timeless homewares and gifts by local makers and Australian brands.

fetchstore.com.au

Princess Bazaar

This bohemian inspired boutique is situated in one of the original terrace shops in historical Morpeth and promotes local fashion talent alongside unique garments from Spain, France, Germany, Holland, and Poland to name a few.

princessbazaar.com.au

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or making the move more permanent, you can’t go past the picture-perfect Hunter Valley and the warm community of Waterford in Chisholm, Maitland. Book your next trip to leave behind the stress of the city and experience the leisurely lifestyle of a country estate.

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