Hunter Valley Guide
Food scene
Our favourite cafes / restaurants / wineries in the Region
Great chilled place for a drink in a lively garden. Live music on most Sundays (check their website for events).
24 locals recommend
Potters Hotel Brewery Resort
Wine Country DriveGreat chilled place for a drink in a lively garden. Live music on most Sundays (check their website for events).
Cafe Enzo
Ekerts RoadBest breakfast in the area.
If you want to taste all the yummy cheese at a cheap price then Hunter Belle is your best choice.
Their café offers cheese tastings, high cheese teas, yummy baguettes and more. They are more than happy to accommodate large groups and you can also purchase some wine to go with it.
Hunter Belle Cheese Room Pokolbin
1616 Broke RdIf you want to taste all the yummy cheese at a cheap price then Hunter Belle is your best choice.
Their café offers cheese tastings, high cheese teas, yummy baguettes and more. They are more than happy to accommodate large groups and you can also purchase some wine to go with it.
Feast on Modern Australian food supplied direct from its own onsite organic kitchen garden. This might just about be our favourite!
19 locals recommend
Circa 1876 restaurant The Convent Hunter Valley
64 Halls RdFeast on Modern Australian food supplied direct from its own onsite organic kitchen garden. This might just about be our favourite!
INK Cafe & Takeaway
109 Vincent StIn our opinion, a wine day should be accompanied by a cheese and charcuterie board. You will find an absolutely stunning board at Ushers.
20 locals recommend
Usher Tinkler Wines
97 McDonalds RdIn our opinion, a wine day should be accompanied by a cheese and charcuterie board. You will find an absolutely stunning board at Ushers.
Keith Tulloch’s winery is infamous in the Hunter. His restaurant is equally prestigious. For lunch, reserve an outdoor seat in the kitchen for a more casual affair than in the restaurant. You will be treated to great food, even better wine and stunning views.
26 locals recommend
Muse Kitchen
Deasys RoadKeith Tulloch’s winery is infamous in the Hunter. His restaurant is equally prestigious. For lunch, reserve an outdoor seat in the kitchen for a more casual affair than in the restaurant. You will be treated to great food, even better wine and stunning views.
Award winning French cuisine that mostly only the locals have heard of.
67 locals recommend
Bistro Molines
749 Mount View RdAward winning French cuisine that mostly only the locals have heard of.
Fancy a pint and pub grub? Then Harrigan’s Irish pub with bar, sports bar and a new burger bar might take your fancy.
46 locals recommend
Harrigans Irish Pub
2090 Broke RdFancy a pint and pub grub? Then Harrigan’s Irish pub with bar, sports bar and a new burger bar might take your fancy.
Sightseeing
The Gardens are a beautiful experience for nature lovers. There are 10 internationally themed gardens. There are over 8km of pathways, which will take you past a small waterfall, ponds, statues and structures.
247 locals recommend
Hunter Valley Gardens
2090 Broke RdThe Gardens are a beautiful experience for nature lovers. There are 10 internationally themed gardens. There are over 8km of pathways, which will take you past a small waterfall, ponds, statues and structures.
There are many walks at Yengo NP, one suitable for all the family is the Finchley Cultural Walk – easy walk rating. You can see Aboriginal rock carvings, along with informative signs. Check out their website for a full list of loops and walking trails.
16 locals recommend
Yengo National Park
There are many walks at Yengo NP, one suitable for all the family is the Finchley Cultural Walk – easy walk rating. You can see Aboriginal rock carvings, along with informative signs. Check out their website for a full list of loops and walking trails.
Neighbourhoods
Pokolbin is where the majority of wineries sit. It has become more commercialised over the years however it is still home to some of the best wineries in the region.
64 locals recommend
Pokolbin
Pokolbin is where the majority of wineries sit. It has become more commercialised over the years however it is still home to some of the best wineries in the region.
Broke is a much more relaxed, authentic way to experience some truly beautiful wineries.
12 locals recommend
Broke
Broke is a much more relaxed, authentic way to experience some truly beautiful wineries.
Lovedale
Lovedale is home to many family run and boutique wineries.
Wollombi has a historical walk and is a cute little town to visit for a quick trip.
50 locals recommend
Wollombi
Wollombi has a historical walk and is a cute little town to visit for a quick trip.
Adventure
Beyond Ballooning
430 Wine Country DrAir Balloon Rides
The Adventure Centre cater to first time horse riders to experienced riders. Individual riders are matches with horses through a range of criteria from height, weight and experience ensuring you your most comfortable days riding. Tours are held in small groups.
9 locals recommend
Adventure Centre Hunter Valley~ Segway Tours, Horseriding, Electric Bike Hire
917 Hermitage RoadThe Adventure Centre cater to first time horse riders to experienced riders. Individual riders are matches with horses through a range of criteria from height, weight and experience ensuring you your most comfortable days riding. Tours are held in small groups.
For History buffs, you can learn about the Gaol’s past, either from a Guide (usually an ex-warder) or with a self-guided audio tour. Tours are open 7 days a week.
19 locals recommend
Maitland Gaol
18 John StFor History buffs, you can learn about the Gaol’s past, either from a Guide (usually an ex-warder) or with a self-guided audio tour. Tours are open 7 days a week.
The Vintage Golf Club
For the golf lovers!
Want to escape from gaol? Get Out Escape rooms have launched their first escape game, Jail Breakout! It is situated in the notorious 5 wing of Maitland Gaol
Get Out Escape Rooms
18 John StreetWant to escape from gaol? Get Out Escape rooms have launched their first escape game, Jail Breakout! It is situated in the notorious 5 wing of Maitland Gaol
Wineries
Millbrook Estate
1617 Mount View RdBeautiful countryside setting and they even distill their own brandy
Tyrrell's Wines
1838 Broke RdThe oldest vineyard in the region.
Brokenwood Wines
401-427 McDonalds RdModern luxury for your wine tasting experience.
Amazing winery for first-timers in the area. Absolutely stunning views and great educational experience.
58 locals recommend
Audrey Wilkinson Wines
750 De Beyers RdAmazing winery for first-timers in the area. Absolutely stunning views and great educational experience.
Mount View Estate
502 Mount View RdStunning and local.
Saltire Estate
113 Wilderness RoadMy favourite of them all!
Breweries and Distilleries
They originally started with producing vodka and now produce gin, liqueurs and schnapps.
21 locals recommend
Hunter Distillery
1686 Broke RdThey originally started with producing vodka and now produce gin, liqueurs and schnapps.
Pokolbin Cider House
2342 Broke Rdfound at Lambloch Estate Cellar Door.
Hunter Beer Co
9 Fleming StHere you can sample a beer paddle and learn how beer is made.
City advice
Getting around
Private Transport
Hunter Valley Experience Tours is a budget friendly transport option for wine tours.
The Suss Bus for minibus hire.
RoyalMe Limousine for limo hire.
Cessnock Radio Cabs for taxis.