Katie Nelson

Looking for the perfect escape from city life? Whether you’re craving a relaxing weekend surrounded by rolling vineyards, delicious food, and charming country towns, the Hunter Valley in New South Wales offers an ideal getaway. Just a few hours’ drive from Sydney, this iconic wine region is a favourite for couples, friends, and families alike. From wine tasting and gourmet dining to hot air ballooning and spa retreats, the Hunter Valley has something for everyone—and it’s one of my top picks for a long weekend away.

Getting There

The Hunter Valley is about a 2.5-hour drive north of Sydney, making it a super easy weekend escape. The most straightforward option is to drive—just hop in the car, hit the road, and enjoy the scenic trip. If you don’t have your own car, car hire is widely available across Sydney and usually pretty affordable for a few days.

Not keen on driving? You can take a train to Morisset Station, then jump on a bus to Cessnock, followed by a quick taxi ride to your accommodation. Cessnock is the main town in the region, but most of the wineries and stays are tucked away about 15–20 minutes out of town, around the small village of Pokolbin—perfect for a peaceful, countryside vibe.

Where to Stay

There are heaps of options when it comes to staying in the Hunter Valley and it really depends on the type of experience you’re after. There are large resort style hotels, remote cabins, farm stays and vineyard accommodation—if you book far enough in advance you can usually get a good deal on price. However, booking last minute or in peak season can be quite expensive.

Pokolbin is the most central location for exploring the Hunter and is the most convenient place to base yourself for a weekend. However, it’s convenience does mean accommodation prices can be higher here. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, check out places in Cessnock instead.

Cypress Lakes

Cypress Lakes is a great option if you’re sharing as a family or with two or three couples. There are a variety of self contained two and three bed units that have a kitchen, living room and outdoor deck/BBQ area. There’s an onsite bar and restaurant, outdoor swimming pool and golf course. You can also book a half day or full day wine tour from the hotel that picks you up and drops you off again—perfect for those who want to make the most of wine tasting.

Rydges Resort

Rydges Resort is another large hotel resort located a little further out of Pokolbin. While the hotel is slightly less central that Cypress Lakes, all the major wine tour companies will pick up and drop off from the resort and you can also book a tour direct from reception. Plus there’s an onsite gym, spa, golf course, swimming pool, cafe, restaurant and a few different bars.

Hunter Valley Resort and Farm

If you’re after a relaxed and affordable stay, the Hunter Valley Resort and Farm is a fantastic option—especially for couples. It offers great value for money and has plenty to keep you entertained on-site. There’s a lovely restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, and the Four Pines at the Farm Brewery is perfect for a casual drink after a day of wine tasting. On-site guests can also take advantage of the free activities, including wine tasting, a vineyard tour, and a hiking trail around the farm.

Where ever you choose to stay in the Hunter, make sure it is easily accessible. If the main reason you’re visiting the region is to go wine tasting, it’s best to check if one of the many wine tour operators can pick you up from your accommodation. You don’t want to be stuck driving yourself from vineyard to vineyard without being able to have a drink!

What to do

Wine Tasting

This is the obvious one. There are so many options when it comes to wine tasting in the Hunter, and there’s something to suit every taste and budget. From family-run wineries, breweries and distilleries to food and wine pairing tours there really is something for everyone. It’s best to do a little research before you arrive and have some idea of where you want to go and how you’ll get around before you start your day.

Many of the hotels and resorts will offer a full day or half day tour that you can book directly with them. This means your transport is sorted for the day and is usually great value, often under $100 for a full-day tour, 10am – 5pm. During the tour you usually visit around 5 wineries with a stop for lunch and all your tastings are included in the price.

If you want a bit more flexibility you can opt for the hop-on-hop-off bus that has a fixed route and stops off at several wineries around Pokolbin. Or there are a number of private hire companies that operate in the area—you’ll have your own car and driver and can decide exactly where you want to go, with little to no time constraints.

Hot Air Ballooning

For a truly unforgettable experience in the Hunter Valley, hot air ballooning is hard to beat. It’s one of the most popular bucket-list activities in the region—and for good reason.

Flights usually begin bright and early, often before 5am, to catch the sunrise as it lights up the valley. Depending on weather and wind conditions, it may take a little time to find the perfect launch spot, but the wait is well worth it. Once in the air, you’ll be treated to sweeping views over vineyards, rolling hills, and farmland—an absolutely magical way to start the day.

Explore by Bike

An alternative way to experience the Hunter Valley is on two wheels. Hiring an e-bike is a fun, relaxed, and budget-friendly way to explore the region’s wineries at your own pace. The terrain is mostly flat with a few gentle hills, so e-bikes make it easy to cruise between cellar doors without breaking a sweat.

You can hire bikes for a full or half day, and many rental providers will deliver them straight to your accommodation. It’s a great option for those who want the freedom to create their own itinerary while soaking up the scenery along the way.

Ready to Plan Your Trip?

Whether you’re a wine lover or just looking for a peaceful weekend escape, the Hunter Valley has something to offer everyone. No matter how you choose to spend your time, a visit to the Hunter Valley is the perfect way to slow down, unwind, and enjoy the best of regional Australia.