Reviewed on 10 Apr. 2022
Reviewed on 10 May 2022
Reviewed on 9 May 2022
Reviewed on 16 May 2022
Sometimes you just need to sip a glass of fine wine in a gorgeous rolling landscape and let your daily concerns slip away. And sometimes you need an entire holiday dedicated to doing just that.
And that, mate, is where Hunter Valley holidays come in. Grab your BFFs and escape to the slower side of life near the central coast of New South Wales. Visit small towns and villages—like Broke, Mount View, Rothbury and Singleton—where your favourite libations are born, from Chardonnay to Shiraz. Taste the local history, easygoing rural culture and, of course, the growing foodie scene that complements the region’s crème of the crop. Sure, those will get better with age, but Wotif’s cheap Hunter Valley packages are in their prime right now, so let’s travel!
First things first, driving is the best way to get around, so pick up one of Wotif’s Hunter Valley car hire options and draw straws with your travel buddies—short straw is the designated driver and the long straws can start sipping! Kick off your Hunter Valley holiday in the village of Muswellbrook on the west side of the valley and work your way to the coast. Muswellbrook is known for its lush pastureland, charming Heritage Walk and cheese—so pick up a little somethin’ somethin’ to pair with your favourite merlot and keep cruising. Next up, stop in Singleton, home to Singleton Historical Society & Museum Inc. and the Australian Army Infantry Museum. Next, drive south to Broke. Don’t worry about the name—there’s nothing that needs fixing about the village’s sprawling vineyards and hiking trails through Pokolbin State Forest. Stop and golf a few holes in Rothbury—since you’re already feeling swanky like that—before catching a rodeo in Cessnock and sunbathing on the coast of Newcastle. Gotta reward yourself for all that holiday-making.
Wine isn’t the only thing you’ll be piling in the boot as you give your hot Hunter Valley package a run for its money. The grape-friendly climate is also perfect for growing olives and inspiring artists with natural beauty. Many vineyard tasting rooms showcase other tasty treats, art for your flat and jewellery, too, so load up on fresh olive oil and local treasures.
While there are plenty farms and dairies throughout the Hunter Valley, restaurants are limited in the individual villages. But what they lack in numbers they make up for in gourmet farm-to-table flavour. Many of these independent bistros feature French-inspired fusion cuisine, so bon appétit!
In this area day and nightlife tend to blur together, thanks to all the classy day drinking. For the late-night bar experience, check out Rutherford or the nearby town of Maitland. Otherwise, tuck into a nice cafe and let the wine and good conversation flow.
Mix and match flights and accommodation for awesome deals on Hunter Valley packages with Wotif. Then, pack your appetite and a can-do-nothing attitude and get ready for a peaceful getaway in wine country.
