Top Hunter Valley How to Get Around in 2026

A short stay in the Hunter Valley leaves little time to see more than a winery or two. A helicopter lifts off from Cessnock Aerodrome for a flight over vineyards, golf courses, and the Broken Back Range, taking in the valley’s layout from above. Snap photos, take in the scenery, and return to the ground with plenty of time to enjoy the rest of your day.

Discover one of Australia’s most popular wine regions on this full-day excursion from Sydney to Hunter Valley. Join a small group and visit boutique wineries for tours of their facilities and guided tastings to learn about wines. Then, visit a local cheesemaker for an organized tasting plus a delicious cafe lunch paired with a glass of wine.

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.

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.

Taste the essence of the Hunter Valley on this exclusive boutique wine tour. Visit top vineyards and enjoy three seated wine tastings, complemented by artisan vodka and gin tastings. A local guide shares insights about the region's rich winemaking heritage while you savor either local cheeses, chocolates, or small bites paired tasting (varies each tour). Enjoy lunch at The Farm, 4 Pines, with stunning vineyard views (lunch at your own cost). With a maximum of 11 guests, this small-group experience guarantees personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for wine lovers and celebration groups alike. - Three exclusive wine tastings at selected vineyards (inc one paired experience) - Local pickup from Cessnock, Pokolbin, Lovedale, and more - Small group size for an intimate experience - Lunch available at The Farm with picturesque views - Vodka & Gin tasting

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.

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.

Embark on an immersive food and wine tasting journey through the renowned and picturesque Hunter Valley, on a half day filled with gourmet food and wine pairings, tasting experiences and exclusive behind the scenes barrel tasting. Perfect for foodies and wine lovers seeking a unique, fun and informative experience! Tour Visits; Three cellar doors (including a working winery) in the Pokolbin Region.

Taste your way around the Hunter Valley on this day tour from Sydney. Soak up the scenery as you sample some of Australia's best wine, cheese, chocolate, and spirits during guided tastings at three wineries and a distillery. In addition to visiting local producers, you'll also enjoy a relaxed lunch with wine, craft beer, or cider in a scenic spot in the Valley.

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.

Don't go wine tasting on an empty stomach: This wine masterclass pairs premium wines (not available in the shops) with a delicious cheese plate for a fuller experience. Sip red, white, and sparkling wines and learn about the different varieties while nibbling on cheese, overlooking the vineyard. This is a private experience just for you and your group.

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.

Full-Day Hunter Valley Wine & Food Tour Travellers’ Choice Award Winner | Lunch at Own Cost Join us for a relaxed, top-rated experience in the heart of the Hunter Valley. This boutique tour showcases premium, small-batch wines, artisan food, and the region’s stunning scenery—all led by a passionate local guide. Tour Highlights: Premium wine tastings at handpicked boutique cellar doors Cheese & wine pairing at one stop with a local tasting board Vodka & gin tasting at a local distillery (venue-dependent) Lunch at a local brewhouse – Choose what you like from the menu (own expense) Artisan cheese & chocolate sampling (venue-dependent) Wildlife spotting – Keep an eye out for kangaroos along the way Travel in comfort – Modern, air-conditioned vehicle Expert local guide – Friendly, knowledgeable, and dedicated to providing a memorable day Perfect for couples, friends, and food & wine lovers looking to experience the best of the Hunter in a fun, friendly, small-group setting.

Embark on an exhilarating half-day escapade into the heart of the Hunter Valley, where each moment promises a fusion of award-winning wines, breathtaking vineyard landscapes, and a delectable light lunch! Your adventure unfolds, picture yourself immersed in the rich tapestry of the Hunter Valley, Pokolbin, and Lovedale, as you indulge in tastings that dance on your palate like a symphony of flavours. But that’s not all – the climax of your journey takes place in the heart of a working boutique vineyard. Here, a locally sourced light lunch awaits, elevating your culinary experience amidst the vines. Not all dietary requirements, can be catered for with this light lunch. Your travels don’t finish there. Its off to a local distillery outlet for samples of vodkas and gins. Followed by a visit to the Hunter famous ‘Smelly Deli’ for a local cheese and chocolate shops, try not to fill yourself with all the yummy things to buy before we return you back to your accommodation.

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.

Explore some of the best big and boutique wineries and vineyards in the Hunter Valley without the hassle of arranging your own transportation, tastings, and tours during this full-day excursion. Ideal for wine lovers of all ages, visit spots you might otherwise have overlooked, and sample wine without the worry of drink-driving—someone else will take the wheel.

Our tours are fully customisable to suit you. You can add as many or as few venues as you like. We can build an itinerary to suit all tastes and budgets. Our tours are 100% private, you'll never share a vehicle with anyone not in your group. We pick up from most accommodations within the Lower Hunter Valley (please confirm before booking). Your tour includes pick up from 9:30am* onwards, to as late as 9:30pm*, including dinner transfers if you'd like to go out in the evening. It just doesn't include your tasting fees and meals. Our tours are also dog friendly, if you'd like to bring your furry friend with you. * Hours outside these times are available at an additional fee of $25 per hour or part thereof.

Discover the on-site museum at Audrey Wilkinson Vineyard during a self-guided tour and learn the history of the vineyard and local area. Sit back and enjoy a master class on wine history, production, and tasting notes with an in-house wine expert. Pick up your gourmet picnic basket, and find a spot in the vineyards for lunch with views over the Hunter Valley.

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.

Experience the Hunter Valley’s refined side on this small-group luxury wine tour designed for travellers who value quality over quantity. Your day begins with a premium tasting at Mount Pleasant, one of the region’s most historic wineries, served with cheese and olives. Next, enjoy an intimate tasting at Thomas Allen Wines—a boutique cellar door rarely offered to tour groups. Lunch is at the acclaimed Bistro Molines, where guests pay on the day and can choose their own two-course menu overlooking the vines. After lunch, visit Mount View Estate, a stunning new cellar door perched high above the valley. Enjoy a guided tasting while taking in one of the most spectacular views in the Hunter. Travelling in a luxury vehicle with an expert local guide, you’ll avoid crowded tourist stops and enjoy more relaxed, personalised experiences. Perfect for couples, friends, celebrations, and anyone seeking a more elevated Hunter Valley wine tour.

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.

Discover the delicious wines and food of the Hunter Valley, Australia’s oldest wine-producing region, during a full-day tour from Pokolbin, Cessnock, or Rothbury. After a handy pickup, your wine tour includes relaxed wine tastings at boutique wineries, plus a delicious restaurant lunch. Sample local cheeses and chocolate during stops at local shops. Learn more about the region from your driver–guide during this entertaining and informative tour.

We offer a knowledgeable tour and fantastic wineries that we visit that make this tour the best our driver is local to the area which offers the best kept secrets in the Hunter valley