Hunter Valley

Have you ever tasted Hunter Semillon or Hunter Shiraz? Hunter Valley is renowned for its award winning wines. So if you drop by the region, don't miss the chance to go on a wine tasting tour among over 100 vineyards. In fact, some of them have generations of expertise, you will feel at each sip. The combination of some delicious food at a gourmet restaurant with an elegant wine from the valley, is a real feast for the taste buds.

Hunter Valley consists of 8 towns. Vineyards are the most popular spots of interest in each but the nature is also worth mentioning. Both Yengo and Mount Royal National Parks are World Heritage listed, and are ideal for bushwalking. The Watagans and Yengo National Park get many bird watchers, and are also home to well preserved Aboriginal rock engravings. The best ones to see are Devils Rock and Finchley Trig, both located at Wollombi. Singleton impresses the visitors with its spectacular Lake St. Clair. Once you have done enough of rowing and fishing, check the camping possibilities around the lake. Have some spare time? Take a drive to Pokolbin and visit the 12 themed Hunter Valley Gardens.

Hunter Valley towns have preserved the traditional life style and the ancient architecture successfully. Try horseback riding in Broke and take a tour in the town. If you prefer to see Hunter Valley from the air, hot air balloons and skydiving opportunities are available. Hunter Valley is also rich of festivals and concerts. The Village Fair in Broke is like a meeting point for over 300 vintage cars and motorcycles. The event takes place in September and continues for a complete weekend. In March and April Harvest Festival, and in October "Opera in the Vineyards" and "Jazz in the Vines" musicals attract a large number visitors to Pokolbin. Last but not the least, Maitland hosts Hunter Valley Steamfest in April, where everything related to steam trains are displayed.

Hunter Valley is located just around 150km north of Sydney. The nearest airport is in Newcastle. Domestic flights are available from numerous big cities in Australia.