Written by Callum Taylor, Camille Laurent, Marika Maslanka
22/08/2025
Marcos Luis Leonardo, Pexels
Hunter Valley, Australia, is a premier wine region offering world-class wineries, gourmet dining, and a variety of outdoor activities set amidst picturesque landscapes. It attracts visitors seeking culinary indulgence, relaxation, and engaging experiences in a tranquil setting.
Opportunities to socialise are abundant at the numerous cellar doors, gourmet restaurants, and a range of festivals and concerts held throughout the year. Events such as the Lovedale Long Lunch, Broke BBQ Festival, and vineyard concerts provide communal settings for visitors to interact.
Top 5 Things to do in Hunter Valley
Hunter Valley offers a blend of culinary delights, scenic adventures, and tranquil garden explorations, perfectly complementing its renowned wine experiences.
1. Wine Tasting at Cellar Doors
Embarking on a wine tasting journey through Hunter Valley's numerous cellar doors reveals why this region is celebrated for its world-class Semillon and Shiraz. Visitors can experience intimate guided tastings, learning about the distinct characteristics of local wines directly from winemakers. Many wineries also offer the chance to go behind the scenes, exploring vineyards and barrel rooms. It is a chance to deepen one's appreciation for winemaking while enjoying the picturesque vineyard landscapes.
Cost: Wine tasting fees typically range from $5 to $20 per person, often waived with the purchase of a bottle. Full-day shared bus tours including tasting fees start from $135-$150 per person. Private tours can start around $750 for up to 12 passengers, excluding tasting fees in some cases.
Transport: The most flexible way to visit cellar doors is by self-driving, allowing visitors to set their own pace. Taxis and ride-sharing services are available, though waiting times can be long. Alternatively, numerous wine tour operators offer pick-up from local accommodation or even Sydney, handling all transport logistics and tasting appointments.
2. Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Flight
Floating above the Hunter Valley at sunrise in a hot air balloon is an unforgettable experience, offering panoramic views of the sprawling vineyards and rolling hills bathed in golden light. The serene ascent provides a unique perspective of the landscape, creating breathtaking photographic opportunities. Many flights conclude with a gourmet breakfast, often accompanied by local sparkling wine, adding a touch of luxury to the adventure.
Cost: Flexi tickets for a hot air balloon flight typically start from around $369 per person. Midweek specials can be found from $249 per person. Packages including a champagne breakfast are common and range from approximately $270 to $349 per person, with private flights for two costing upwards of $1,700.
Transport: Hot air balloon operators often provide return transfers from local accommodation in the Hunter Valley, sometimes included in the ticket price. Transfers from Sydney are also available with some packages.
3. Exploring Hunter Valley Gardens
Wandering through the Hunter Valley Gardens offers a delightful change of pace, with 10 internationally themed gardens spread across 24 hectares. Visitors can spend hours admiring the diverse botanical beauty, from the tranquil Japanese Garden to the vibrant Rose Garden and the whimsical Storybook Garden. The gardens also feature a children's playground and seasonal events, making it an enjoyable destination for all ages.
Cost: General admission tickets can be purchased online or at the gate. Prices vary but are generally around $30-$35 for adults.
Transport: Hunter Valley Gardens is located in Pokolbin. Most visitors drive, and it is approximately a 2-hour drive north of Sydney. While public transport options are limited and do not offer direct access, some coach tours include a visit to the gardens.
4. Italian Cooking Class Experience
Engaging in an Italian cooking class in the Hunter Valley provides a hands-on culinary adventure, allowing participants to create authentic dishes from scratch. These classes often emphasize using fresh, local produce and offer insights into traditional cooking techniques. It is a rewarding way to immerse oneself in the region's gourmet culture, culminating in the enjoyment of the delicious meal prepared. The experience fosters a sense of community, akin to cooking in a family kitchen.
Cost: Prices for cooking classes vary depending on the specific class and duration. For example, a pasta-making class has been noted as fantastic by reviewers. Reviews indicate that some classes are very well organized, costing around $95 per person for a Spanish Paella class. The Hunter Valley Cooking School offers sessions from $215 per person for a 2-hour session with a minimum charge.
Transport: Cooking classes are typically located within the main Hunter Valley wine regions, such as Pokolbin. Transportation would usually be by self-driving or taxi, as public transport within the specific areas can be limited.
5. Gourmet Food and Artisanal Product Tasting
Beyond its wines, Hunter Valley is a haven for food enthusiasts, offering a delectable array of local produce and artisanal goods. Visitors can embark on a gourmet food trail, sampling fine cheeses at local dairies, indulging in handcrafted chocolates, and tasting olive oils. This experience complements the wine tastings, providing a comprehensive understanding of the region's rich culinary landscape. It is a chance to discover unique flavours and take home delicious local souvenirs.
Cost: Many cheese and chocolate shops offer complimentary tastings, though premium experiences or larger selections may incur a small fee. Wine tours often incorporate visits to these artisanal producers, with some tasting fees included in the tour price.
Transport: These shops and producers are typically scattered throughout the main wine regions, making self-driving the most convenient option. Many wine tours also include stops at cheese and chocolate shops.
At TFA Travel we believe in travel for all. Our mission is to enable people to explore the world as easily as possible without having to pay a travel agent a huge commission.
Our typical audience are those that want to see something new and get involved with authentic experiences of a country. Whether you are a backpacker, solo traveller, solo female traveller, straight or LGBTQ+ couple, family, you will find local and authentic experiences here.
