The Hunter Valley is one of Australia's oldest wine regions. With a history dating back to the early 1800s, it is known for its rich soils which produce some of the world's best wines!
Located around 2 hours drive from Sydney CBD, the Wine Country is not just home to the internationally acclaimed Semillon and Shiraz and numerous wineries, it is also home to many attractions ranging from heritage, history, museums, wildlife, military, galleries, National Parks, nature and much more.
Be sure to keep an eye out for adorable wildlife.
There is something for everyone, not just for wine enthusiasts!
1. Australian Army Infantry MuseumWhere: Range Rd, Singleton Military Area
When: All year round- Wednesday- Sunday: 9am-4pm (Closed Public Holidays, Christmas Eve until 1st January)
Cost: Australian Defence Forces Members: Free, Adults: $8pp, Concession: $5pp, Children (under 15yrs): $3pp, Children under 5yrs: Free & Family: $20
Details: The Museum serves as a mirror to the Infantry Corps. It showcases display spaces divided into two main areas with exhibitions on the history of operations from Sudan in 1885 through to our current deployment in Afghanistan today, tools of the trade displays and much more.
Click here for the website.
Image Courtesy from Australian Army Infantry Museum Facebook
Where: 16 Vincent St, Cessnock
When: See website.
Cost: Free
Details: This Gallery offers a vibrant program of changing exhibitions showcasing local art & craft, national touring exhibits, a broad range of contemporary visual arts and public educational programs.
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Image Courtesy from Cessnock Regional Art Gallery Facebook
Where: Bucketty Site Intersection of George Downes Drive, Bucketty
When: All year round
Cost: Free
Details: Bucketty Site is a bypassed loop of the 1830 convict-built Great North Road. This attraction takes you on a trail where you can experience history with many elements of the original convict road, culverts, and remains of a bridge, walling, road surface, side cutting and square cut drains all within 300-hundred metres. This historical walk also features informative displays on the site and picnic tables.
Click here for the website.
4. East Maitland Heritage Walk
Where: Banks St, East Maitland
When: All year round
Cost: Free
Details: The 'Government Town' of East Maitland, as it was known, was officially proclaimed in 1833 and this Heritage Walk features buildings of stature like Maitland Gail, East Maitland Court House, and sites associated with convict history and persons of interest like Caroline Chisholm and Les Darcy. Glebe Cemetery, considered to be of State level significance, is also a site on this walk. Informative maps on the history of the buildings can be obtained from the Maitland Visitors Centre.
Click here for the website.
5. Gravityx Indoor Trampoline Park
Where: 18 Bradmill Ave, Rutherford
When: All year round: 10am-3pm
Cost: Children 3-5yrs: $8-$10pp & Children 6 and over: $12-$14pp
Details: This fun child-friendly attraction is about providing a friendly unique atmosphere which encourages fun and exercise through trampolining. The park caters to jumpers across a wide range of ages and abilities.
Click here for the website.
Image Courtesy from GravityX Facebook
From rainforests to rich heritage, walks, lookouts, Aboriginal sites, camping sites, canoe & kayak activities and birdwatching, each National Park in the Hunter Valley region has something different to offer, making it perfect for all interests and ages to enjoy. The National Parks include:
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Watagans National Park
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Yengo National Park
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Mount Royal National Park
Take a lovely scenic stroll at one of the National Parks.
Where: 712 Hermitage Rd, Pokolbin
When: See website
Cost: Free entry
Details: In the heart of wine region in the lower Hunter Valley, this antique store makes a great browse around with its broad range of quality products and services including repair, restoration and manufacture. You will find everything antique here from general antiques, products from around the world, memorabilia, silverware, porcelain, books, china, glass and much more.
Click here for the website.
Image Courtesy from Hermitage Road Antiques Facebook
Where: Lookout Rd, Gowrie
When: All year round
Cost: Free
Details: Heuston Lookout Park was formerly farmland which was donated to the community estate of P.A. Heuston specifically to be used as a lookout. The Lookout features a viewing platform and is situated 60-metres above the Hunter River and looks west towards the mines at Warkworth.
Click here for the website.
9. Hunter Valley Adventure Centre
Where: Mistletoe Lane Corner, Hermitage Rd, Pokolbin
When: See website.
Cost: See website for all attraction pricing
Details: These attractions offer a wide range of adventure experiences including horseriding, electric bike hire, Segway tours, wine and beer tasting, candy making, pizza making, grape stomping, barrel rolling and much more. There is something for everyone at this attraction centre.
Click here for the website.
Image Courtesy from Hunter Valley Adventures Facebook
Where: Hunter Valley Gardens Village, Broke Rd, Pokolbin
When: All year round: 9:30am-4:30pm (Closed Christmas Day)
Cost: Aqua Golf: 1 Bucket: $9 & 2 Buckets: $15, Putt Putt: Adults: $6pp, Children: $5pp & Family (2 adults 2 kids): $20
Details: This fun attraction is the ideal venue to try and hit a golf ball for the first time. Enjoy the relaxed and scenic setting whilst competing against family and friends to see who can win a prize.
Click here for the website.
Image Courtesy from Hunter Valley Aqua Golf and Putt Putt Facebook
Where: 2320 Broke Rd, Lovedale
When: All year round
Cost: Free entry
Details: This indulgent attraction is the original Hunter Valley Chocolate Company and Fudge Factory. It features products using the finest Belgian Couverture Chocolate, together with Australian dried fruits and nuts.
Click here for the website.
Image Courtesy from Hunter Valley Chocolate Company Facebook
Where: 2090 Broke Rd, Pokolbin
When: All year round
Cost: Adults: $30pp, Children (4-15yrs): $20pp, Children under 3yrs: Free & Family ( 2 adults 2 kids): $85
Details: Spanning over 25 acres, this spectacular and breathtaking attraction features gardens, thousands of flowers, trees, and shrubs, exhibit & themed gardens, 10-metre waterfall, lookouts and much more.
Click here for the website.
Spend the day exploring and being in awe at the spectacular Hunter Valley Gardens.
Where: 2090 Broke Rd, Pokolbin
When: All year round
Cost: Free
Details: Browse the shops, indulge in a scrumptious lunch at the award-winning restaurant or the many cafes, relax with a coffee or Devonshire tea, or simply enjoy the landscaped picnic grounds equipped with BBQs and a fully closed children's playground.
Click here for the website.
14. Hunter Valley Zoo
Where: 138 Lomas Lane, Nulkaba
When: All year round: 9am-4pm (Closed Christmas Day)
Cost: Adults: $29pp, Concession: $25pp & Children (3-15yrs): $15pp
Details: Located in the heart of the Wine Country, Hunter Valley Zoo is home to both Australian and exotic animals. It has exhibits, animal feeding opportunities, daily shows, talks, animal encounters and more.
Click here for the website.
Image Courtesy from Hunter Valley Zoo Facebook
Where: Carrowbrook Rd, Singleton
When: All year round
Cost: Free
Details: Nestled among the undulating hills at the foot of Mount Royal Range the Lake provides a premium outdoor leisure family-friendly experience, watersport opportunities such swimming, sailing, water skiing, and fishing as well as other outdoor activities and camping (camping fees apply).
Click here for the website.
Image Courtesy from Singleton Council Facebook
Where: 18 John St, East Maitland
When: See website
Cost: See website for all tour pricing.
Details: Maitland Gaol has a vibrant history spanning more than 150 years. After housing some of Australia's most hardened and notorious criminals, Maitland Gaol closed in 1998 and today it offers tours: self-guided audio tour, themed-guided tours, torchlight tour by night, sleepovers and more.
Click here for the website.
Image Courtesy from Maitland Gaol Facebook
Where: Maitland Showground, Blomfield St, Maitland
When: 1st Sunday of each Month: 8am-2pm
Cost: Free
Details: These markets display the best homemade, homegrown and home-baked goods with over 600 stalls featuring artisan's products, gourmet foods, art & craft, secondhand goods and much more. The markets also feature live music entertainment.
Click here for the website.
Image Courtesy from Maitland Markets Facebook
Where: 230 High St, Maitland
When: Tuesday- Sunday: 10am-5pm
Cost: Free
Details: Steeped in history, the federation gothic building houses an awe-inspiring example of early 1900's architecture. It was officially opened in 1910, and today it is home to more 2,800 paintings, drawings, sculptures, photographs and limited edition prints by Australian and international artists.
Click here for the website.
Image Courtesy from Maitland Regional Art Gallery Facebook
Where: 7054 Putty Rd, Howes Valley
When: See website.
Cost: See website for all pricing.
Details: Nestled in the Hunter Valley with opportunities to experience nature up close and personal as you snake your way on horseback through the scenic valleys and mountains of the 6,500-acre property. There are all levels of horseriding available from beginners to experienced.
Click here for the website.
Image Courtesy from Chapman Valley Horse Riding Facebook
Where: 5 Green St, Morpeth
When: See website.
Cost: Free
Details: This Gallery features an excellent selection of fine traditional Australian landscape and wildlife art. The Gallery regularly holds exhibitions from visiting artists.
Click here for the website.
Image Courtesy from Morpeth Gallery Facebook
Where: 123 Swan St, Morpeth
When: Thursday- Sunday: 11am-2pm or by appointment for groups.
Cost: Adults: $2pp & Children: Free
Details: The Museum is located at The Courthouse and is home to a wide range of exhibitions and displays including early and family history to specific industries as well as modern perspective.
Click here for the website.
22. Singleton Heritage Walk
Where: 88 George St, Singleton
When: All year round
Cost: Free
Details: Singleton is a delightful mix of history, country hospitality and modern sophistication. The town boasts spectacular gardens, historical and cultural sites, vineyards and modern wineries. The walk is at your own pace and allows you to explore the rich history and heritage of Singleton.
Click here for the website.
23. Singleton Historical Museum
Where: Burdekin Park, Bourke St, Singleton
When: Tuesdays: 10am-1pm & Weekends: 12pm-4pm
Cost: Free
Details: The Singleton Historical Museum is based within the old Council Chambers (formerly lock-up cells) built in 1874, within the picturesque Burdekin Park. This attraction features extensive historical exhibits, displays including an original horse-drawn ambulance cart, furniture, farm machinery and kitchenware. The Museum features something for everyone.
Click here for the website.
Image Courtesy from Singleton Historical Society & Museum Inc. Facebook
Where: 47 William St, East Maitland
When: All year round
Cost: Free
Details: The Anglican Parish of St Peter is one of the oldest in Australia, commencing with the appointment of the Reverend George Rusden in 1834. It remains one of the finest parish churches in New South Wales, even in its unfinished state (the tower and spire have never been built). In style, the Church is described as decorated gothic 14th century work and contains a plethora of artistic and beautiful furnishings including the most striking pulpit, the font, the reredos, the lectern and the Henry Willis pipe organ.
Click here for the website.
Image Courtesy from St Peter's Church, Anglican Parish of East Maitland Facebook
Where: Brough House, 73 Church St, Maitland
When: Weekends: 10am-3pm
Cost: Free
Details: This Museum showcases a collection of over 5,000 items including interesting community donations, some of which have state, national or worldwide importance and covers clothing and accessories, textiles and related items.
Click here for the website.
Image Courtesy from The Museum of Clothing Facebook
Where: 55 Scobies Lane, Oakhampton
When: Daily: 7am-5pm
Cost: Free
Details: This popular picnic and recreation attraction is steeped with history, giving it a special place in the Lower Hunter's heritage. The attraction features pumphouse with a striking chimney and ornate brickwork as well as being one of the largest and most intact 19th-century industrial complexes in the Hunter Valley region. The Reserve is also home to over 300 species of birdlife, walking trails, lake, barbeque facilities, and children's playground and the oldest pumping station built in 1887.
Click here for the website.
Enjoy the tranquility & nature at the stunning Walka Recreation & Wildlife Reserve- Image Courtesy from Maitland City Council Facebook
Where: 11 Hartley Drive, Thorton
When: See website
Cost: See website
Details: This unique and fun attraction features 220-metres of racetrack, corporate box and a live scoring system.
Click here for the website.
Image Courtesy from Xtreme Indoor Go Karts Thornton Pty Ltd Facebook
Get into the swing of things in Hunter Valley Wine Country with the spectacular and scenic gold courses. Golfers will be spoilt for choice with three quality courses. C
lick here for the website.
29. The Hunter Valley Cheese Factory
Where: 447 McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin
When: Daily: 9am-5:30pm
Cost: Free
Details: The Factory has been open since 1995 and is home to handmade and preservative-free cheeses. Tastings and lunch are available all day and complimentary cheese making tutorial is available daily 11am-3pm.
Click here for the website.
There is no shortage of scenic views at the Hunter Valley.
A visit to Hunter Valley will not be complete without cheese tastings!
Where: Cnr Hermitage Rd & Mistletoe Lane, Pokolbin
When: From 12pm
Cost: Free entry
Details: Matilda Bay Brewhouse is Pokolbin's first and only boutique brewhouse and it features a unique experience of beer tasting, lunch and dinner.
Click here for the website.
Enjoy beer sampling & tasting at Matilda Bay Brewhouse- Image Courtesy from Hunter Valley Resort Facebook
No visit to the Hunter Valley will be complete without experiencing cellar doors and wineries. Wine tasting at cellar doors in the beautiful Hunter Valley is a wonderful way to learn about grape varieties and winemaking. Visit world famous wineries and smaller boutique wineries as you experience the taste of distinctive and outstanding wines of Australia's oldest wine region.
Click here for the website.
The Hunter Valley is home to over 150 cellar doors & wineries.
