Hunter Valley: Sophistication in the Great Outdoors
Fresh air and luscious greenery are synonymous with a Hunter Valley break, just as local wine, good golf and relaxing spas are likely to characterise your getaway. Time isn’t meant to rush by in the Valley, it’s supposed to flow along at a leisurely pace, as you unwind and enjoy the finer things in life. A multitude of holiday rental options are available to Hunter Valley visitors, whether you would like a private villa with vineyard views or a cosy cottage steps from your favourite spa.
Fine Wine and Gourmet Dining
The Hunter Valley is one of Australia’s premier wine producing regions, with over 150 wineries to discover. Travellers can hop in the car and head to the cellar door of their choice to sample wine not sold anywhere else, or take part in a winery tour to learn more about wine production from knowledgeable guides. One of the most popular options for a romantic day out is a cycling tour of the vineyards. If you’re with a group, you may prefer one of the half-day or full-day tasting tours that will take you to four or five Hunter Valley wineries. Along with fine wine comes gourmet food, and you’ll also have the opportunity to sample some of the region’s locally produced cured meats, cheese and olive oil as part of some tours.
Golf the Day Away
Golfers flock to Hunter Valley to experience some of Australia’s best courses. The widely acclaimed course at Cypress Lakes Golf and Country Club offers a stunning backdrop for your game, with views over neighbouring vineyards and the Brokenback Moutains. Meanwhile, the Vintage Golf Club, an 18-hole course designed by Greg Norman, provides sprawling lawns populated with water features and wetlands, surrounded by vineyards. Visitors can also practice the sport at Branxton Golf Course, which has been around since 1921 and boasts 9 holes, with something to challenge players of every skill level.
Spa Culture: Rejuvenate and Unwind
Another thing the Hunter Valley is famous for is its spa scene. Numerous day spas can be found throughout the region, offering a wide range of treatments. Favourites include hot stone massages, full body massages and couple’s massages. Most spas have their own speciality. For example, Golden Door Spa focuses on health and healing, with treatments for the mind, body and soul, whereas Zen Hair Skin Body offers a wide range of beauty treatments. There are also several Thai Massage therapists in the region. Visitors can either book a few hours at a day spa or indulge in an overnight retreat. It’s really up to you which spa services you wish to experience!
In the Great Outdoors
After you’ve wined, dined and relaxed, you may wish to stretch your legs and go for a hike. Close to the Hunter Valley, you’ll find quite a few nature reserves and parks, including world-heritage sites for treks on foot or by mountain bike. At Watagans National Park, you can get your daily exercise as you take in plunging rainforest and valley views. The Narrow Place Lookout is a great spot to truly admire the region’s natural beauty. Once a horse trail, it is now accessible by car and 4WD as well.
If you are interested in local fauna, especially threatened species, head to Mount Royal National Park, part of the protected Gondwana Rainforest. Another Hunter Valley Day Trip is Werakata National Park, where you can picnic under typical Australian gumtrees and walk along trails for hours, such as the Kurri Sand Swamp Woodland Walk. If you don’t want to make the journey on foot, bring your mountain bike and ride along the Deadmans Mountain Bike Loop.
Getting to Hunter Valley
You can drive to Hunter Valley from Sydney in under three hours. If you don’t have access to a car, you may wish to travel by coach from Sydney or by a combination of public buses and trains. The closest commercial airport to the Hunter Valley is Newcastle, an hour’s drive from the wineries. From there, you can drive or commission a helicopter or private jet to Cessnock Airport, located right in Hunter Valley.
For more travel information, read our Travel Ideas articles.
Confirmation within 24 hours
