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