Things to Do in the Hunter Valley

The Hunter Valley is a favorite place for Sydneysiders to relax and rejuvenate, and spa treatments are the perfect tonic. Set amid the peaceful countryside, many spas offer a range of treatments inspired by local products, as well as double treatment rooms for couples and friends.

In the heart of the vine-covered hills of Pokolbin, Hunter Valley Gardens is a must-see for green thumbs. It's one of the top things to do in Pokolbin. Pathways wind through more than 60 acres of gardens organized into contrasting themes, and around a beautiful lake with a waterfall feature.

Surrounded by mountains, Wollombi is a charming village dotted with 19th-century sandstone cottages. The town lies in the south of the Hunter region and has long been a popular rest stop along the Great North Road. Today, cafés and cozy guesthouses jostle along the streets near the old buildings.

Kangaroos, koalas, marmosets, and monkeys - you'll find all these animals and more at the popular Hunter Valley Zoo. A visit here is a wonderful activity for families and a great way to experience some of the local wildlife up close.

Housed in a federation Gothic building, the Maitland Regional Art Gallery is fun for the entire family. This bright, contemporary space encompasses eleven light-filled exhibition spaces showcasing works from well-known Australian and international artists, including luminaries such as Sidney Nolan.

About 100 kilometers from Newcastle, Wollemi National Park is a World Heritage-listed wilderness of cliffs, canyons, and gushing rivers. Vast tracts of unspoiled bushland fringe the banks of the Colo and Wollemi Rivers, where nature lovers can relax with a picnic, or paddle the wild waters.

Sitting between fantastic surf beaches and one of Australia's busiest ports, Newcastle is the Hunter Valley's largest town. This vibrant city is packed with hip restaurants and cafés, a lively arts scene, parks and gardens, and eclectic shops.

Want to work off all that mouthwatering food? Hiking is a great way to burn calories and do some sightseeing at the same time. Preserving one of the largest temperate rainforests in Australia, beautiful Barrington Tops National Park, in the upper Hunter Valley, is part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area. Hitting the trails here is one of the best free things to do in the Hunter Valley.

The Hunter Valley is a nirvana for foodies. Cheeses, chutneys, chocolates, grapes, aromatic oils, olives, and honey are just some of the delicacies produced in this fertile valley, and the region is home to highly acclaimed restaurants.

One of the best ways to appreciate the beautiful, bucolic landscapes of the Hunter Valley is to soar high above it in a hot air balloon. From above, the valley unfurls in a patchwork of fields and rolling, mist-cloaked hills studded with eucalyptus trees.