Things to Do in the Hunter Valley: Wine, Dine & Unwind

A mere two-hour drive from Sydney, the Hunter Valley beckons with a laid-back charm that’s about more than uncorking bottles.

Beyond the cellar doors and wine-tasting experiences, the Hunter region boasts rolling green landscapes, gourmet delights, and cosy cottages with fireplaces.

It’s a locale steeped in charm and romance, inviting you to savour the decadence of Australia’s oldest wine region, whether you take it in while horse riding, hot air ballooning or sipping on local wines. Here’s the local lowdown on the best things to do in Hunter Valley.

Things to Do in the Hunter Valley: Experiences

Pukara Estate Tasting Room

If you thought that wine, cheese, and chocolate were all the best things the Hunter Valley had to offer, think again — thanks to Pukara Estate, there’s also premium olive oil and vinegar.

Proudly Australian-owned, pay a visit to their tasting room at Peppers Creek Village, where you can sample a variety of their products, leaving you to decide which ones to take home with you.

Shop 5, 1946 Broke Road, Pokolbin

Take a Cooking Class

After spending time in this foodie wonderland, you’ll undoubtedly want to start stepping up your home cooking game.

Whether you take a low and slow BBQ class at Majors Lane Cooking School or take a hands-on cooking class at Hunter Valley Cooking School, you’ll pick up some valuable culinary skills!

Is Italian more your thing? Why not visit Our Italian Table for a cooking lesson in the beautiful Nicita Estate? 

Hit up a Hunter Valley Golf Course

Soak up a life of leisure with a trip to one of the Hunter Valley’s glorious golf courses. The Hunter Valley Golf Club, the 18-hole championship golf course for premium facilities and natural beauty is our pick. Or go to Chateau Elan and check out the 18-hole Greg Norman-designed Vintage Golf Course.

If you’re visiting the region with kids in tow, an afternoon at the Hunter Valley Aqua Golf and Putt Putt inside the stunning Hunter Valley Gardens is hard to beat!

Over Wine? Try a Brewery or Distillery Tour

Take a break from wine and check out Kawal Rock Distillery. A unique winery and distillery where you can choose from a variety of grape-based gin and brandy spirits that result in a fascinating flavour profile. Naturally, you can still get a wine fix in here — this is the Hunter Valley after all. 

Craft beer connoisseurs should make sure to stop in at The Mighty Valley Brewhouse, and if gin is much more your speed, then you can’t look past Gundog Estate.

Hot Air Ballooning with Balloon Aloft Hunter Valley

For over 40 years Balloon Aloft has been offering balloon flights, offering one of the most scenic and fun things to do in Hunter Valley.

The sunrise hot air balloon flights last one hour, followed by a delicious gourmet champagne breakfast at Peterson House.

It’s a memorable experience to share with your loved ones with a breathtaking birds-eye view of the Hunter Valley!

Explore the Hunter Valley on Horseback

Live out your fantasies with a Hunter Valley activity that is straight out of Jane Austen or Bridgerton, with a horseback tour of the beautiful countryside and vineyards with Hunter Valley Horses or Chapman Valley Horse Riding.

Either take a horseback tour of local vineyards and ride between the vines or go old school with a horse and carriage tour! With Hunter Valley Classic Carriages, also operating in the region, you’re downright spoilt for choice when it comes to wonderful ways to spend your day in the Hunter Valley.

Rodd Street, Broke

Château Élan Spa

Hunter Valley Day Spa at Château Élan presents a glamorous experience for those looking to relax the body and mind. Zen out in the luxuriously appointed treatment suites and let the magic of massage and rejuvenating facials bring you back to life.

Vintage Drive, Pokolbin

Sample the Region’s Culinary Delights

It’s no surprise that the Hunter Valley attracts a fair few gourmands…which inevitably means a handful of handy chefs! EXP. is one of our favourites. This hatted restaurant offers a six-course tasting menu that is plated to perfection and available to be paired with hand-selected wines. 

Catch the rest of our favourite Hunter Valley restaurants here.

2188 Broke Road, Pokolbin

Wineries

Naturally, there’s no visiting the Hunter Valley without a trip to a winery or two. Your only problem will be deciding which! From the region’s oldest winery to organic and biodynamic drops, curate your list of must-visits from our edit here.

Loved our guide for the best things to do in the Hunter Valley and after more travel inspo? We’ve got plenty of getaways to inspire your next Aussie adventure. From gourmet decadence in the Bowral to bliss in Byron Bay, we’ve travelled around the country to bring you the best of Australia.