Hunter Valley New South Wales

Ballooning, Hunter Valley, NSW. Photo credit: Murray Vanderveer; Destination NSW

Hunter Valley New South Wales

Australia’s 6th most popular destination attracts over 2.5 million visitors a year. And most of them come for just one thing: wine.

Not for nothing is the Hunter Valley known as ‘wine country’. It’s the oldest wine region in Australia, famous for its Shiraz and iconic Semillon varieties.

The area, one of the largest river valleys on the New South West coast, is divided into two distinct regions: the Lower (where most of the vineyards are to be found) and Upper Hunter Valleys. The Hunter River and the New England Highway separate the two.

Things to do in Hunter Valley

Wine
140 vineyards house wineries that vary dramatically in product depending on whether they’re in the Upper or Lower Valley. You can tour them at your leisure or book guided tours. We’d recommend the Hunter Valley guided tours, as having someone there to explain everything gives you a much richer experience than going it alone. You’ll sample more wine too.

Hunter Valley experiences
From golf, horse riding or cycling to cooking, shopping, or even hot air ballooning, there’s lot to enjoy. For a complete list of activities, including some spectacular non-wine related Hunter Valley guided tours, visit the region’s website.

Goulburn River National Park
Within the Upper Hunter Valley you’ll find this haven for some of Australia’s iconic wildlife. Keep a look out for kangaroos, emus, wallabies, goannas, a wide variety of birds, and even the occasional platypus.

Burning Mountain
The coal seam within this mountain has been burning continuously for around 6,000 years. As you walk the visitor routes you’ll see smoke emanating from the ground. It makes for a supernatural, other-worldly experience and it’s unsurprising to find that the mountain is still something of a spiritual place for locals. You’ll find the mountain in the Burning Mountain Nature Reserve, which also offers staggering views across the valley and is a great spot for some bird watching.

Newcastle
Like its UK counterpart, Newcastle is densely populated and famous for its long association with coal, with the largest coal exporting harbour in the world. The similarities don’t end there, with a vibrant arts and culture scene that includes festivals, theatre, music, museums, galleries, and a fine choice of restaurants and shopping.

This Newcastle, though, is also surrounded by eight amazing beaches and was a top ten city in Lonely Planet’s ‘Best in Travel 2011.’ It’s a gorgeous example of a bustling, metropolitan area done well – and we love it. Give it a few days of your time and you’ll be well rewarded.

Lake Macquarie
The region’s other major city sits between the Central Coast and Newcastle. Its main attraction is the eponymous lake which is the largest body of saltwater in Australia.
Most activities here are centred on the lake itself with plenty of water sports available. When you want to get away from the water there’s ice skating and ten pin bowling too.

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