The Hunter Valley is known for its amazing wineries, producing around 3% of Australian wine. It’s no wonder the region is high on many wine lovers lists as a place to visit. It also has a lot to offer families. There’s so much to do with your kids while enjoying the region. Visit one of the amazing restaurants and if you like, have a glass or two! Let’s explore things to do in the Hunter Valley with your family.
Getting to The Hunter Valley
Just one hour from Lake Macquarie, driving inland, The Hunter Valley is a popular destination that attracts people from Sydney, Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, and other parts of Australia and the world. People flock to both Pokolbin & Cessnock to experience our unique region. Depending on where you are located, click the map below for directions.
Wine, wine and more wine
We can’t talk about the Hunter Valley without first talking about wine. There are over 150 wineries here that aim to produce quality over quantity. Known for its Semillon, the Hunter Valley also produces amazing Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Verdelho.
Places to stay
You have a whole list of choices for accommodation in the Hunter Valley. For those on a budget, there are National Park campgrounds, and camping available at farm stays and the Wine Country Tourist Park offers campsites, caravan sites, or cabins.
If you’re feeling a little more flush you can book accommodation in one of the wineries, guest houses, hotels, or resorts. Apartments and holiday rentals are also available so you’ll find the perfect fit for your family and friends.
Hunter Valley Gardens
Set over 14 hectares with over 8 kms of paths through the gardens, Hunter Valley Gardens is a beautiful place to spend the day. Check their website for information on signature events such as Snow Time and the Christmas Lights Spectacular. Even in the low season, it’s a lovely day out with the family. Learn more here: Hunter Valley Gardens.
Hunter Valley Wildlife Park
Located in Lomas Lane, Nulkaba, Hunter Valley Wildlife Park offers a fun family day out with the animals. You’ll encounter Australian native animals such as wombats, wallabies, kangaroos, koalas, and echidnas. African animals such as lions, meerkats, and cheetahs. Primates, including lemurs, marmosets, and capuchins. There are reptiles, Australian birds, and a variety of other animals. Make sure you get there in time for the keeper talks. Grab a bag of animal feed as you enter the farmyard, and kangaroo enclosure, and walk through the bird aviary. Discover more here: Hunter Valley Wildlife Park.
Hunter Valley Adventure Centre
Do you fancy having an adventure while you’re here? Perfect for families, team building, or a group of friends. The Hunter Valley Adventure Centre offers a variety of experiences. Ride a Segway along paths built by first settlers and convicts. How about a horseback ride soaking up the breathtaking views of the Brockenback Range? Learn more here: Hunter Valley Adventure Centre.
Adrenaline
If you’re looking for something more thrill-seeking, how about hot air ballooning, a helicopter scenic ride, rally driving, a jet fighter flight, skydiving, or trail bike riding? There are so many adventures to choose from to spice up your visit. Check out Hunter Valley Ballooning.
Aqua Golf and Putt Putt
Hunter Valley Gardens Aqua Golf and Putt-Putt offers a 5000 square metre lake that has multiple floating target nets for you to hit your ball at. If you hit a target you could win a prize! The prize pool include vouchers for hot air balloon rides, tours, wine, restaurants – even cash prizes. There’s an 18 hole Putt-Putt course where you can discover the ‘Greg Norman’ in your family as you challenge each other to a game.
Hunter Valley Chocolate Company
There are 3 locations for the Hunter Valley Chocolate Company. Head to Twenty-3-Twenty in Pokolbin to see Peter the chocolatier and Lorraine the fudge maker doing what they do best. Established over 20 years ago the Hunter Valley Chocolate Company has become one of the top places to visit. If you want to enjoy a taste of these sweet treats put this on your to-do list.
Australian Army Infantry Museum
Just a half-hour drive from Pokolbin, the Australian Army Infantry Museum is the custodian of Infantry Corps history. Learn about its traditions, customs, and history covering the period from pre-federation right through to today’s diggers. Covering deployments from Gallipoli and The Kokoda Trail to Iraq, Afghanistan and Cambodia you’ll find the information engaging and interesting. It’s well worth a visit.
With so many activities and places to visit the Hunter Valley is a family favourite for many. Make a booking, pack your bags, and jump into your car for the short drive to the Hunter. You’ll be glad you did.
Check out more Day Trips from Lake Mac here.
