Hunter Valley

Get ready to sniff, swirl, sip and swish your way around Hunter Valley, New South Wales’ premier winemaking destination.

Sémillon and shiraz fans, you’re in luck: there are some Hunter Valley wineries that have been producing these heady varietals since the early 19th century. Check out world-famous labels and boutique brands as you explore cellar doors and vineyard tours. Pair your plonk with a gourmet spread at one of the Hunter Valley’s award-winning restaurants. Don’t worry, it’s not all about wine. The Hunter Valley also has indulgent spa retreats, resorts and annual concerts.

Explore Hunter Valley

How to get to Hunter Valley

Hunter Valley Car Hire

Hunter Valley Car Hire

The rolling hills of the Hunter Valley definitely lend themselves to a road trip. Hire a car, hit the open road, and you'll be there before you know it. Draw straws for a deso when you get there, and you'll see signs for good times ahead.

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Hunter Valley Airport Transfers

Hunter Valley Airport Transfers

Flying into Sydney? You should definitely explore the Hunter as part of your trip. Book an airport transfer to your hotel in the Sydney CBD and take a few days to see the city sights before booking a tour to the vineyard vistas and sweet Semillons.

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Main Airport Information

Main Airport Information

The closest landing strip is Newcastle Airport (NTL). It's 70km (or an hour drive) to Pokolbin. You'll find direct flights from Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Gold Coast, Canberra and Ballina. Sydney Airport is a little further - about 180km south.

What you need to know about Hunter Valley

What to Pack

Make sure you're prepared for all kinds of weather, but also consider packing the following:

  • Flat shoes: Exploring rural vineyards on heels after a few glasses of wine is asking for trouble.
  • A picnic blanket: If you plan to attend a festival or concert in the outdoors.
  • Loose-fitting clothes: Just in case you can't resist ordering that dessert or cheese platter.
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Getting Around

Self-driving is the cheapest and easiest way to explore the Hunter Valley. Tours are a very good option for exploring as well and are especially useful when visiting wineries as having a chauffeur leaves you free to sample some extra wines. Bicycles can be hired for shorter excursions and trains connect the region's major locations.

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Best time to Visit

Summer can be hot in the Hunter Valley but the subtropical climate often brings refreshing downpours. Do as the locals do and order a nicely chilled white wine or locally brewed beer to cool down. Spring brings a real freshness while autumn is festival time, so both can be great times of the year to visit. Winters are cool but quite clear, perfect for enjoying a hearty red in front of an open fire.

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What to Pack
  • Summer: Easy, breezy, casual outfits are just fine.
  • Winery & restaurant hopping: Comfy clothes (you'll be eating a lot - and we mean, a lot).
  • Outdoorsy activities: Dress appropriately for hiking, cycling, golfing or horseback riding.
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Getting Around

Tours are by far the most popular way to get around the Hunter region. You'll find food tours, limo tours and even horse carriage tours-all you have to do is show up hungry and thirsty. Taxis are more than happy to help you get around, too, or you can go on two wheels with a bike rental. Just be sure you don't drink and bike!

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Best time to Visit

Every season in the Hunter Valley is perfect for a different type of traveller. If you want to enjoy the buzz of grape harvest season, visit during December through February. The autumn months bring cooler temperatures and a cruisy, relaxed vibe. During winter, a red wine and hearty meal will warm you up in the colder temps.

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Weather
TEMPERATURE °C
AV. RAINFALL (MM)
25.9°C J 105
24.8°C F 154
23.4°C M 99
20°C A 110
16.3°C M 61
13.4°C J 88
12.8°C J 51
14.7°C A 50
18.3°C S 49
21.3°C O 64
24.4°C N 119
25.4°C D 120
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Wotif's insider tips for Hunter Valley

Neighbourhood

Hunter Valley wineries

Hunter Valley, New South Wales

Close to:
Key Attractions
Perfect for:
Foodies

We love Australian wine so we enjoyed visiting the Hunter Valley wineries, 150 to choose from. The wine was good and most of the wineries were free! Shiraz and Semillon are popular here. We went to Hope, Audrey Wilkinson and Pepper Tree. We knew Lindeman's (Bin 65, the affordable exported Chardonnay), but their more expensive reserve/estate wines were fantastic!

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Frequently Asked Questions about Hunter Valley

Why is it called Hunter Valley?

The Hunter Valley region is named after the Hunter River, which is the main tributary in the area. The river, however, is named after Captain John Hunter, the second governor of New South Wales (from 1795 to 1800). We hope that Captain Hunter liked wine, because his namesake valley is now Australia's oldest wine region, known for its shiraz and Semillon.

Where is the Hunter Valley Zoo?

The Hunter Valley Zoo is in the town of Nulkaba, just east of Werakata National Park. It's about a 60km drive east of Newcastle, and 160km north of Sydney. Cessnock is the nearest city (5 mins away), but if you're looking for picturesque town squares and iconic landmarks like the Hunter Valley Cheese Company, Pokolbin is the place to stay.

How many wineries are in the Hunter Valley?

There are more than 150 wineries in the Hunter Valley-you could spend weeks here and still have more to see! You'll also find plenty of farm-to-fork dining to perfectly complement that delicious shiraz, along with sweeping views.