With lush vineyards and boutique wineries coating its rolling hills, Australia’s Hunter Valley lives and breathes wine. From its timbered wine capital, Pokolbin, to Muswellbrook in the west, this New South Wales region north of Sydney boasts more than 150 wineries. But wine tasting is just one of the things to do in the Hunter Valley. Embrace the “Hunter” foodie scene, which boasts gourmet eateries and artisanal cheese and chocolate shops; relax at day spas; explore historic towns; wander around sub-tropical gardens and national parks; and embark on helicopter and hot-air balloon flights.
The Hunter Valley offers something different—and worthwhile—in every season. The most popular time to visit is spring (September–November) when the vineyards are budding, the weather is pleasantly warm, and music festivals come to town. However, do be prepared for peak crowds pretty much everywhere. Summer (December–February) is harvest time and prime for wine tastings. The fall and winter (March–July) bring cooler air, glorious vineyard foliage, and annual jamborees like the Hunter Valley Harvest Festival and Hunter Valley Wine & Beer Festival.
While local train and bus services connect some Hunter Valley towns, they’re patchy and usually don’t drop you at the wineries. Renting a car and traveling with a designated driver is the easiest option, as you can tour wineries and towns on your own schedule. Alternatively, consider a private chauffeured car, group tour, or hop-on hop-off-style shuttle bus, all of which depart from places like Pokolbin and Sydney and eliminate the need for designated drivers. Other choices include cabs and Uber—although waiting times can be long—plus bike rentals.
The Hunter Valley offers more than great wines and food: The region is bounded by stunning national reserves. Head for the Upper Hunter’s Towarri National Park to swim in waterholes, spot kingfishers, and hike through rugged landscapes. Or drive northwest to the UNESCO–listed rainforests of Barrington Tops National Park to spot wildlife, camp, and soak up epic Hunter Valley panoramas from forest road viewpoints.
