5 Unforgettable Things to Do In Hunter Valley, Australia
Hunter Valley lies just a few hours drive from Sydney and is a popular spot for day trips from the city. It’s a fertile, wine-producing region renowned for its natural beauty, vineyards and artisanal products. As a popular destination for visitors, there’s plenty to see and do, from scenic flights to luxury spas. Here are some top picks for an unforgettable time.
Explore the Hunter Valley Gardens
The Gardens are one of the most popular attractions in the region, comprising 60 acres of beautiful landscaping. There are themed areas like the Rose Garden and the Italian Grotto, as well as numerous ponds, sculptures and fountains. Overall, it’s an ideal place for a peaceful stroll in nature.
In the winter, the Gardens play host to the Hunter Valley snow festival, also known as Snow Time in the Garden. This is one of the most popular of several festivals the Gardens host each year, and it sees them filled with man-made snow. The Christmas lights festival is also one of the yearly highlights.
Try the Hunter Valley Wine
Hunter Valley wine has been sold around the world for more than a century, and the region is home to some of Australia’s oldest vineyards. The area is best known for its signature Sémillon grape and the white wines it produces, including Chardonnay. However, Shiraz is also widely produced in the region.
There are various wine-tasting tours that visitors can book, often stopping by several vineyards over the course of a day. During the tours, experts will explain the winemaking process and offer tastings.
Take a Scenic Flight
Hunter Valley scenic flights are one of the best ways to appreciate the natural beauty of the area. It’s filled with rolling green hills, vineyards and several small lakes, and there’s no better way to soak it all in than to see it from above.
Scenic flights are offered by numerous operators, and you can choose from several different modes of transportation. Hot air balloons offer a smooth ride but limited range, while light aircraft cover the most area but cannot stop if you want to take photos. A third option is to book a helicopter, which offers a nice balance between the two.
Indulge Yourself in Some Fine Dining
If Hunter Valley scenic flights aren’t your thing, then another great thing to do where your feet stay on the ground is try some of the region’s famous gourmet cuisine. The valley is known for its delicious local produce, which includes various vegetables and artisanal products such as cheeses. Many restaurants offer dishes made with local ingredients and specifically designed to pair with local wines.
Depending on length, wine-tasting tours may include a meal or two, and many wineries have restaurants on the premises for this purpose. However, you don’t need to take a tour to sample the region’s delights. You never have to look far for a farm-to-table restaurant or café.
Enjoy the Local Arts and Culture Scene
Hunter Valley isn’t all vineyards and gardens. The cultural scene there is thriving, with various galleries and arts-and-crafts markets for visitors to browse. At the latter, you can expect to find all kinds of home-made crafts, including jewellery and homeware. The galleries, meanwhile, feature the works of locals along with regular contributions from some of Australia’s top artists.
There’s more to Hunter Valley’s culture scene than just the visual arts, too. Music is a big part of valley life, with the Gardens and various vineyards hosting festivals throughout the year. Many lineups feature major international stars.
Relax at a Luxury Spa
The valley’s fertile soil has given rise to a wide variety of skin treatments, and many local artisans produce natural and organic soaps. Booking yourself a spa day or several is an excellent way to sample these. It’s also another of the region’s most popular activities, and one where you’re spoiled for choice.
Conclusion
Hunter Valley is most popular among locals, but international visitors should head there too. As this list hopefully shows, it deserves to rank among the top places to explore in Australia. It has something for everyone, from gardens where kids can explore and play to scenic flights for thrill seekers, not to mention its famous wines. And these are just for starters; there’s plenty more to discover.