The Hunter Valley in New South Wales is one of those bucket-list places to visit, going hand-in-hand with some incredible bucket-list activities. Found two hours north of Sydney, Australia’s oldest wine region is visited by many each year. As you may have guessed, the Hunter Valley is a real foodie paradise filled with wineries, restaurants and local food producers. Let’s look at some of the bucket-list activities you can experience in the Hunter Valley, NSW.
Wine away to your heart’s content
Photo by @drruthcollins on Instagram
It wouldn’t be a trip to the Hunter Valley without a few stops at some of its beautiful wineries! Rent a bike or make a mini road trip out of it and let your wine-loving soul guide you. The Hunter produces a wide range of wines thanks to its varieties of grapes so you can expect to sip on Chardonnays, Cabernet Sauvignons and Shiraz (just to name a few!). Each winery has its own unique charm – Brokenwood with its panoramic views from its terrace; Audrey Wilkinson with its lofty perch in the Brokenback Ranges; or Usher Tinkler which also specialises in whiskeys.
Stock up on local produce
Cheese or chocolate…or why not both? These are two of the most delicious take-home delights you can stock up on before leaving the Hunter. At the Hunter Valley Chocolate Company you can sample handmade Belgian chocolate before you buy; and you can watch local cheesemakers in action at the Hunter Valley Cheese Factory. We’re all about supporting local producers, and the story behind their crafts is what makes this a bucket-list item.
Head for the skies
It involves a wake up call at the crack of dawn, but a sunrise hot air balloon ride is certainly a bucket-list experience! Slowly ascend above the vines as the first rays of sunshine make their appearance, giving you a sense of serenity and calm to start the day off with.
Be at one with nature
For the nature-lovers, this bucket-list experience is a must-do! The Hunter Valley Gardens are simply spectacular. Sprawled over 24 hectares with ten themed gardens, you could easily spend at least half a day here. Time your visit with spring to see it all in full bloom – in particular, the Rose Garden with over 150 varieties of roses is stunning.
There’s so much to see and do in the Hunter Valley and the surrounds. Join us on our Globus NSW Wineries & Countryside tour, which includes 2 nights in the Hunter.
