Top Hunter Valley Outdoor Activities

Indulge your inner foodie as you discover the fine wines and culinary delights of Australia’s famous Hunter Valley. Set out from Sydney on a full-day trip, stopping to enjoy tours and tastings at the region’s most prestigious boutique wineries. Along the way, tuck into a delicious lunch at a local restaurant and sample regional cheeses and chocolates.

Beyond Ballooning is a family owned and operated business based right here in the Hunter Valley. Our flight team are local to the valley and have a true passion for ballooning and providing the best hot air balloon experience in Australia. Hot air ballooning started in the Hunter Valley over 40 years ago and Beyond Ballooning have set the benchmark in excellence in all aspects of the ballooning experience ensuring a memorable morning during every minute.

If you’re short on time but want to experience the best of the Hunter Valley, this half-day vineyard tour is ideal. You’ll visit three boutique wineries, where you’ll sample a selection of fine wines. At one, you’ll take a cheese and wine masterclass, where you’ll learn to match seven cheeses with seven wines. Armed with this knowledge, happy hour at your house will never be the same again.

For travelers really short on time, there is probably no faster way to see the Hunter Valley than on this 10-minute helicopter tour. Hop on at the Cessnock Aerodrome and get airborne over valley highlights from vineyards to golf courses to the Broken Back Range. You can opt for round-trip transportation from your hotel for an extra fee.

Experience more from your wine tour of the Hunter Valley by taking to the skies with this helicopter tour from Pokolbin. Add luxury and romance to your visit by taking off in a private helicopter and flying over the valley’s scenic vineyard landscape to pop into two of its acclaimed wineries for a wine-tasting session. Note that places on this tour are limited to three people.

Combine two luxurious activities on this helicopter tour with a champagne breakfast. Hop aboard a helicopter for a private aerial tour of the Hunter Valley, one of Australia’s major wine growing regions. Then, land near a local winery or café for a champagne brunch-style breakfast. This activity is ideal for couples wanting to celebrate a special occasion in style.

Secure your very own flightseeing trip for your ideal day and time by pre-booking this Hunter Valley private helicopter flight from Cessnock. Admire bird's-eye views of the Hunter Valley's wineries, vineyards, gardens, and Cypress Lakes golf course, all from a modern helicopter with a personal pilot. Then, touch down and savor a 3-course lunch at one of the the valley's top restaurants.

If you're a wine lover, no visit to Australia would be complete without a trip to Hunter Valley, an area renowned for its wine and cheese. As well as visiting some of the area's best wineries, you'll learn about how to pair wine with different foods and sample local delicacies such as cheese and chocolate. Plus, round-trip transfers mean that you can both enjoy the scenery and not worry about driving after sampling wine.

Looking for the ultimate adventure day in the Hunter Valley. Experience the Wine Escape Room, HV Smash Room and Uncorked Axe throwing in one day.

Admire the Hunter Valley wine region from above on a morning helicopter tour. You'll have the chance to see vineyards and wineries from the air, and then celebrate your adventure back on the ground with breakfast and sparkling wine at Peterson House.

For travelers short on time, there is probably no faster way to see more of the Hunter Valley than this 15-minute helicopter tour. Hop on at the Cessnock Aerodrome and get airborne over the valley’s wineries, gardens, and golf courses before heading to the Broken Back Range and Mount View area. Plus, you can opt for round-trip transportation from your hotel for an extra fee.

Golden Hour Exclusivity Iconic Hunter Valley Scenery Tranquil, Slow-Pace Connection with Nature Perfect for Beginners and Mixed-Skill Groups Photogenic Moments Throughout Peaceful End-of-Day Atmosphere Clear Safety & Welfare Standards

A 75-minute guided horse ride awaits as dawn breaks in the picturesque Hunter Valley. This gentle excursion invites riders to enjoy the tranquility of bushland and farmland while taking in views of the Broken Back Range. Perfect for beginners and families, this walking pace ride ensures a serene experience for all. Riders aged 10 and above can participate, with children under 13 needing an adult companion. Experience nature's awakening on horseback as you create cherished memories in this stunning Australian landscape.

Left-side driving and wine tasting make a risky combination, but this private and fully personalized Hunter Valley tour provides you with a designated driver/guide direct from your Sydney base. And that’s not all. The basic package includes tastings at four different wineries (or three wineries and one distillery), chocolate tastings, and cheese tastings: but you can upgrade to add everything from gourmet lunches to wildlife experiences and reserve wines.

Start your morning the Hunter Valley way — from the air. Departing from Cessnock Airport, you’ll lift off for a scenic helicopter flight over rolling green hills, vineyard rows and the stunning Broken Back Range. With guaranteed window-seat views, you’ll capture postcard-perfect photos of the valley’s patchwork landscape as the sun lights up the countryside below. Your pilot provides inflight commentary with local insight and a few tips on the best cellar doors to visit later. After approximately 20 unforgettable minutes, you’ll touch down at Restaurant Cuvée for a gourmet breakfast for two, complete with a celebratory glass of bubbly. Before you go, pop into the onsite chocolate shop for a sweet extra to take with you.

Our most popular — and genuinely exclusive — Hunter Valley experience, the Cellar Door & Lunch Tour is built for guests who want the region’s best wines and cuisine without the driving. From lift-off in your private helicopter, it’s a true VIP “door-to-door” day with sweeping aerial views across vineyards, cellar doors and the surrounding ranges. What’s included: VIP helicopter pick-up and return from your local accommodation (where suitable) or Cessnock Airport Scenic flight en route, with your pilot pointing out local highlights Private wine tasting at a highly recommended Hunter Valley winery — hosted, unhurried, and focused on quality wines (with time to purchase favourites) Gourmet à-la-carte lunch at a premium local restaurant, paired with a glass of wine (or equivalent) — seasonal produce, standout dishes, and the kind of long, relaxed lunch the Hunter is famous for Perfect for anniversaries, proposals, celebrations, or a “we’re doing this properly” weekend treat.