The Hunter Valley is one of Australia’s most famous wine regions, known for its Chardonnay and Sémillion varieties.
But this classy country district offers so much more than meets the eye. From romantic experiences such as hot air ballooning and wine tasting, to curated wedding venues for a day like no other, couples will find anything they could dream of in this stunning location.
Plus, the Hunter is chocked full of adventures and activities the whole family will enjoy, so you can mix up the brewery visits with animal encounters and tours that will delight the little ones. This Hunter Valley guide is your go-to when planning the ultimate getaway.
Weddings in wonderful places
Rustic meets romantic at Peppers Creek Barrel Room
How does a bespoke design service, world class catering and a Tuscan-inspired chapel sound for your special day? At Peppers Creek, all this and more is at your fingertips.
Here, loved-up owners Pete and Jade work to make sure your every wish is met from first plans to the special day. This means a dedicated team who style your wedding to suit any colour palette or budget, with bespoke flower vases, table linen, stationary and signage. It also means a personalised menu from Pepper Creek’s head chef, who has worked in Michelin-Star restaurants around the world, and the choice between several stunning ceremony locations including a sandstone chapel, Italian barrel room, or even amongst the vines.
Peppers Creek is also home to three stone cottages, with space to comfortably sleep 26 guests.
Embrace elegance with Enzo
Located on Ironbark Hill Estate, a sprawling estate with 30 acres of rolling hills, vines and trees, Enzo is sophistication embodied. The chapel features floor to ceiling windows overlooking the Hunter Valley vineyards and beyond, with 18 hand-carved wooden pews and an antique wedding bell.
The reception room is even more beautiful, with three glass chandeliers, a grand sandstone fireplace, and glass doors opening out onto the vineyards. A friendly team of wedding planners will be with you every step of the way, even organising drinks and canapés for the bridal photoshoot.
After a long night, step into the comfort of the on-site cottage, a hand carved stone residence for eight guests. Or, embrace luxury in one of six architecturally built villas with king sized beds, fully equipped kitchens, and a lounge area with a flatscreen TV.
Satisfy the fanciest foodie at The Convent
Known for its boutique accommodation in the heart of the Hunter Valley, The Convent is also the perfect place for a wedding with incredible food and wine at the centre. After saying ‘I do’ surrounded by rolling vineyards, manicured gardens and historic fountains, head to one of three breathtaking reception spaces.
What sets The Convent apart is its exquisite restaurant – Circa 1876. The most sought-after reception space on the property, it is located inside a historic cottage and features elegant chandeliers, exposed wooden beams and rustic décor. Fresh local produce is sourced from the on-site kitchen garden and carefully paired with a collection of top local wines for your reception meal. Every dish here promises to be as memorable as the day itself.
Romance is in the air
Soar sky high at sunrise
The Hunter Valley is known for its phenomenal sunrises, best experienced from way up high. Balloon Aloft has been in business for over 40 years, providing the ride of a lifetime for every guest. The sunrise tour is complete with a ride above the vineyards of Pokolbin, Lovedale and Rothbury, before you return to solid ground for a luxurious breakfast at Peterson House Winery. Imagine glimpsing the first light of the day with your loved one, before descending for a gourmet breakfast complete with sparkling wine.
Bounce to the beat at a concert in the vineyards
For a romantic and exciting night out with your partner, check out the constantly rotating series of concerts set within beautiful vineyard estates! Legends like The Rolling Stones, The Eagles and Hozier have performed here, lit by a sunset over the hills.
Later this year, in October, legendary band Crowded House will headline a tour including Angus and Julia Stone, The Church, The Waifs and more.
Join a wine tasting tour in the Hunter
No romantic trip to the Hunter is complete without wine tasting. On a full-day tour with Uncork the Hunter, you and your partner will be taken on a culinary experience complete with wine, cheese, and chocolate tastings.
After being picked up from your hotel, you will be whisked away to several world-class wineries for delicious tastings. On tour, you’ll also enjoy a cheese and wine experience, a chocolate and wine pairing, a delicious grazing lunch, and a tour of a working brewery. For the ultimate end to a day of gourmet fun, the friendly tour guides organise a mystery wine experience that is not available to most wine tasters.
Family fun in the spring sun
Get lost in the Hunter Valley Gardens
No matter what time of year it is, the Hunter Valley Gardens are sure to be enjoyed by all. The gardens are spread across 14 hectares, with 6000 trees, over 1 million ground cover plants, man-made waterfalls, international statues, murals, and 10 individually themed gardens. This includes the popular Storybook Garden, where kids can have their picture taken with Humpty Dumpty or the Mad Hatter.
In the heart of the Gardens, rides including the ferris wheel, carousel and swing chair come to life during special event periods. Whether it’s the Christmas Lights Spectacular, Mega Creatures Night Safari, or simply school holidays, festivals and events run throughout the year for non-stop fun.
On the way out, swing by the shopping village for a delicious country meal, unique clothing, and even a traditional lolly shop.
For the perfect family accomodation a stone’s throw from the gardens, check out the Mercure.
See the Hunter on horseback
For fun that caters to children and adults alike, join a horse-drawn carriage ride through the Hunter Region. After meeting your guide and being introduced to three friendly steeds, hop aboard the carriage and enjoy as vineyards and forests expand in every direction. The experience includes a visit to the Pokolbin Chocolate Shop, guaranteed to satisfy the sweet tooth of all your little ones, as well as two wineries for grown-up fun. Over three hours, you will learn all about the diverse offerings of the region, and make memories with those that matter most.
Meet the makers at local markets
The Hunter Valley may be known for its award-winning wine, but it is also home to some of the freshest produce, cheeses and meats, in the world. These local delights are best enjoyed wandering one of several regular markets. Handmade in the Hunter runs every Saturday, with stalls run by local artisans and makers. This means fresh honey, handmade jewellery, paintings, and everything in between. No matter what takes your fancy, it’s guaranteed to be hand made. The Hunter Wine Country Markets are another favourite, with a wide range of sweet treats, clothing, and locally crafted produce. They run every Saturday from nine till two.
Test your nerves at the Hunter Valley Wildlife Park
Have you ever wanted to hand-feed wallabies, kangaroos or deer? How about meeting the king of the jungle? Hunter Valley Wildlife Park is definitely the place for you.
This sprawling property is home to hundreds of native and endangered animals, including koalas, meerkats and squirrel monkeys. But what sets this place apart are the unique animal experiences, where you can get up close to some of the most iconic animals on the planet.
The brave of heart should join a lion encounter, where you will stand whiskers away from a beautiful African Lion, and even have the chance to feed them. The included photo package means this bucket-list moment will be captured on film for you to show all your friends and family.
If you’d like to sleep next door to the lions, make sure to book your stay at Copper Creek Retreat; a holiday home with a sun terrace, outdoor fireplace, and air-conditioning.
Stay where the fun never ends at Hunter Valley Resort
If you’re looking for the ultimate family-friendly getaway, then the Hunter Valley Resort & Adventure Centre is the only place for you. Offering 100 acres of stunning landscape, comfortable accomodation and immersive activities, it truly has something for everyone.
Kids will love jumping on a horse and joining a calm trail ride led by an expert, making candy such as marshmallows and rocky road with a chef, or even taking part in a self-guided tour of the farm while feeding the friendly animals – there are endless opportunities for fun.
Families will love staying in the 36-room lodge or country inn. For bigger groups, two-bedroom cottages are available with air-conditioning, a flat screen TV, a fully-stocked kitchenette, and a large private balcony.
As night falls, make sure to check out the Barrel Bistro for a delicious dinner menu featuring grilled steak, miso glazed eggplant, pizza, smoked salmon Alfredo, and a dedicated kids section.
Can’t get enough of this Hunter Valley guide? Discover even more places to play and stay here.