Hunter Valley
So close to Sydney yet truly a world away, the Hunter Valley is the birthplace of Australian wine. Here you’ ll find world-class Semillon, Shiraz and generations of family winemakers. Add to this an array of activities, such as hot air ballooning, wine tasting tours, cooking schools and multi award-winning dining experiences.
3 days / 2 nights Suggested Self-Drive
Day 1: Sydney – Hunter Valley( 171km) Travel the scenic route via Wollombi Village to the Hunter Valley. Visit a number of local food producers to sample fresh handmade cheeses, olives, jams, pickles or honey. Before you check into your accommodation, take time to stop into a winder / cellar door and enjoy your first Hunter Valley Semillon or Shiraz. Buy a bottle or two to take back to your hotel to enjoy.
Day 2: Hunter Valley Start the day with a sunrise hot air balloon flight over the vineyards, a great way to get a real feel of the lay of the land. Then it is time to get amongst the vines on a vineyard tour to discover what winemaking is all about. Put this new-found wine knowledge to the test with a visit to some local cellar doors to find your favourite drop. From degustation menus and romantic dining to tapas and casual pub meals, it’ s all on offer.
Day 3: Hunter Valley – Sydney( 171km) If you’ re a golfer you might want to tee off at the 18-hole Greg Norman designed Vintage Golf Course, or pamper yourself at one of the relaxing day spas. Before heading back to the city a stop at the Hunter Valley Gardens is well worth it. Spanning over 60 acres there are 10 stunning feature gardens.
Rental car: Hertz( Group C) from $ 39 per day
Our favourite places to stay:
• Mercure Resort Hunter Valley Gardens
• Peppers Guest house, Cessnock
• Chateau Elan Hunter Valley, Cessnock
Dubbo
HUNTER VALLEY
BLUE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK
Pokolbin Cessnock
Wollombi Village
Bathurst
Hunter Valley Gardens / The Vintage Gold Club / McGuigan Wines
Leura
Jervis Bay
Aerohunter Maitland Markets
Port Stephens
Newcastle
Gosford SYDNEY
Wollongong
Highlights worth seeing along the way
Port Macquarie
Gosford – Whether you prefer bush, beach or cultural and culinary experiences, Gosford has something to offer. Make sure you stop for lunch at Fahrenheit Café as it’ s a favourite amongst the locals. Great coffee and amazing food.
Maitland Markets – Held on the first Sunday of every month, these markets are not to be missed. With over 600 stalls displaying the best of homemade, home grown and home baked goods, artisans, musicians, gourmet food and the finest quality craft ever assembled.
Aerohunter – Your only opportunity to fly in one of Australia’ s rarest war birds. You’ ll have the thrill of a lifetime with an authentic war bird military experience flown by a professional RAAF or Ace aerobatic pilot!
McGuigan Wines – A warm welcome awaits you at the McGuigan Cellar Door, located in the heart of the Hunter Valley. To gain the full wine experience join the informative tour of the winery and learn how they get the grapes from the vine to the bottle.
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The price guide shown is per car hire based on 3 day hire rate. Specials and surcharges may apply depending on travel date