Winter Road Trip Itinerary: Hunter Valley
The Hunter Valley is a beautiful part of Australia, situated on the Central Coast of NSW. Home to spectacular natural attractions, idyllic country towns, and amazing food and wine, it's the perfect place for a winter getaway. The Hunter Region stretches from Lake Macquarie in the south to Taree in the north, including the Hunter River system. This area is a major tourist destination, with more than 2.5 million people visiting annually.
Things to do in the Hunter Valley
This region has lots of natural attractions, including Mount Royal National Park, Watagans National Park, and Werakata National Park. With stunning landscapes and fantastic walking trails, it's the perfect place to explore nature. Along with wild bushland and gentle vistas, this region is also famous for majestic hot air balloons, Go Karts Go Hunter Valley, and the iconic Hunter Valley steam trains. Whatever you're looking for, there are so many great things to do in the Hunter Valley.
More than anything else, however, the Hunter region is famous as a gourmet getaway. The area's fresh produce and farming traditions are reflected in tasty paddock-to-plate experiences. Farmers and chefs blend innovation with tradition, with lots of locals involved with organic produce and biodynamic farming practices. There are lots of amazing restaurants throughout the Hunter, some at wineries and others in towns and villages across the region.
Hunter Valley Vineyards: The Birthplace of Australian Wine
The Hunter Valley is the birthplace of the Australian wine industry. Some of the oldest vines were planted in 1924 around the village of Fordwich, which is found in the Lower Hunter Valley area. The region is famous for producing semillon and shiraz varietals, but you'll also find verdelho, cabernet franc, chambourcin, malbec, traminer, trebbiano, merlot, and more. There are more than 150 cellar doors dotted across the region, many with sophisticated tasting rooms and connected eateries.
Here are a few great Hunter Valley restaurants to consider:
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It's perfect for long lunches and big views with a glass of something local in handYou need to try the five-course tasting menu with matching winesLook out for vineyard views from the hilltop dining room that go on foreverRead moreBimbadgen is a popular winery and vineyard with an expansive cellar door. The award-winning Esca Bimbadgen restaurant is the centrepiece of the property, and it's worth a visit at any time of year. The location is stunning, the Tuscan-styled courtyard is tasteful, and the wood-fired pizza is the perfect companion for the semillon, chardonnay, and shiraz varietals produced on-site.
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It's perfect for vineyard lunches or sunset dinners with a paddock-to-plate twistYou need to try the ricotta and spinach ravioli or the slow-cooked lamb shank with parmesan mashLook out for the estate-grown produce from their veggie patch and orchard that stars on every plateRead moreThis family-owned and operated vineyard is famous for its Generations Reserve range of shiraz and semillon. There's also an amazing restaurant, which combines fresh local produce with Mediterranean dishes and al fresco seating. If you like eating delicious food surrounded by picturesque vineyards, Harvest @ RidgeView offers the perfect dining experience. This venue is also available for private functions, with seating available for up to 100 people.
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It's perfect for long lunches or romantic dinners with vineyard views and seasonal flairYou need to try the chef’s tasting plate with four wine pairings or the house-made gnocchi with pumpkin and sageLook out for the wraparound veranda overlooking the vines — alfresco dining at its finestRead moreWandin Kitchen is set among rolling vineyards and natural bushland in the heart of the Hunter Valley. You can stroll around Hunter Valley vineyards, enjoy a tasting session at the cellar door, and experience local produce in the Lovedale cafe. From breakfast to lunch and dinner, this much-loved venue offers a wide range of tasting plates and lunch options. As you'd expect, there are wine pairings for each dish and every occasion.
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Read moreBistro Molines is a beautiful winery and a delightful dining experience. The delicious menu focuses on fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced produce. Chef Robert draws inspiration from his native Provence region in France, combining ingredients from the restaurant's herb and vegetable garden with European charm and sophistication. The venue itself is also spectacular, from the light-filled dining space to the panoramic views of the vineyards outside.
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Read moreMargan Restaurant and Winery is a vineyard, cellar door, and restaurant based in Broke Fordwich. This is one of the best sub-regions in the Hunter Valley, situated 15 minutes from Pokolbin and just 2 hours from Sydney. Along with producing sustainable, estate-grown wines, the amazing team at Margan also operates a renowned restaurant. Set against beautiful vineyards and the stunning Brokenback Range, this fantastic venue is the perfect location for a degustation al fresco lunch or an intimate private function.
The Hunter Valley is a popular holiday destination easily accessible from Sydney. Whether you're looking for scenic vistas, hot air balloon adventures, or Hunter Valley winery tours, winter is a great time to explore this special region.