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Welcome to Australia’s oldest wine region, where memories are waiting to be made. If you are looking for the absolute best things to do in the Hunter Valley, RedBalloon has you covered with an incredible selection of bucket-list experiences. Forget ordinary, tangible goods that are quickly hidden away in a cupboard and forgotten; instead, give the gift of stories, laughter and lifelong memories. Whether you are seeking romantic Hunter Valley things to do for a special anniversary or action-packed weekend Hunter Valley activities, our experiences make the perfect presents for your loved ones.
Top Things to Do in Hunter Valley
From peaceful Helicopter Flights to premium Food Tasting Tours, exploring the iconic Hunter Valley attractions has never been more exciting. Browse our handpicked experiences below to plan your next getaway or find the ultimate experience gift.
Hot Air Ballooning
Floating peaceful above endless valleys of vineyards and farmlands as the landscape awakens is one of the most iconic experiences Hunter Valley has to offer.
– Hunter Valley Weekday Sunrise Hot Air Balloon with Breakfast: A peaceful one hour midweek flight over scenic estates, concluding with a delicious a la carte breakfast.
– Hot Air Balloon Over Hunter Valley with Breakfast – Weekend: Soak up spectacular wine region vistas on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday morning, capped off with an incredible breakfast at Peterson House.
Wine Tasting Tours
The rolling hills of the valley boast some of the finest boutique and heritage vineyards in Australia. Embarking on an organised wine tasting tour allows you to fully immerse yourself in the scenery while being expertly carted from venue to venue, making it an essential addition to your holiday itinerary.
– Picnic Among the Vines with Wine Tasting Masterclass: Tantalise your tastebuds with a premium sommelier-led masterclass at the historic Audrey Wilkinson estate, followed by a private gourmet picnic hamper within the spectacular 270 acre property.
– Hunter Valley Tasting Tour with Lunch: A fun filled, full day tour visiting three award winning venues, featuring a gourmet lunch, and wine and chocolate pairings.
Food Tasting
Beyond the grapevines, the region is home to a world class artisan food culture. From handmade chocolates and locally sourced creamy cheeses to tasty spirits at local distilleries, a dedicated food tasting tour is the ultimate way to satisfy your culinary cravings.
– Hunter Valley 2 Course Lunch and Wine Tasting – 90 Minutes: A harmonious shared flavour journey featuring a two course seasonal lunch perfectly matched with six regional wines to highlight subtle pairing nuances.
– Cheese and Wine Tasting in the Hunter Valley – 1 Hour: Unwind at the picturesque Cael’s Gate Wines cellar door in Broke for a relaxed, seated tasting matching six wines with locally sourced cheeses and decadent, handcrafted chocolate truffles.
Rally Driving
Swap the wine glass for high octane thrills with adrenaline pumping valley rally drives. Getting sideways on the dirt behind the wheel of a real Australian Championship spec vehicle is one of the top fun things to do Hunter Valley offers for racing enthusiasts.
– Rally Driving 8 Laps, 1 Hot Lap Experience: Strap into a turbocharged Subaru or Mitsubishi rally car for 8 laps with a professional coach guiding your lines, then ride shotgun for an insanely fast competition-speed hot lap.
– Rally Drive 4 Intro Laps, 8 Laps & 1 Hot Lap: Master vehicle weight transfer and braking zones with 4 professional demonstration laps in the passenger seat before taking the wheel yourself for 8 drift-filled laps.
Aerobatic Flights
Conquer the skies and get your heart racing with an intense, military style aviation adventure over the vineyards. Booking an aerobatic flight introduces you to extreme G-forces, weightlessness, and military manoeuvres, making it a standout pick for thrill-seekers looking for unique outdoor thrills.
– Intro Warbird Aerobatic Flight – Midweek: Experience loops, rolls, immelmanns, and stall turns in an ex-military warbird fighter trainer departing from Cessnock or Maitland Airport.
– Aerobatic Flight Reconnaissance Mission – Midweek: Secure your harness for a 30-35 minute tactical reconnaissance mission tracking below radar coverage over Newcastle or Nelson Bay, with optional aerobatics on the return leg.
Helicopter Flights
For a milestone occasion or the ultimate romantic gesture, nothing compares to the luxury of scenic flight and fine dining. Arriving at a world class restaurant like a true VIP via a private helicopter flight combines breathtaking aerial views with the sophisticated flavours the region is famous for.
– Hunter Valley Scenic Helicopter Flight with Lunch – For 2: Take in unforgettable views of the rolling vineyards departing from Cessnock Airport before touching down in style for a premium gourmet lunch with wine.
– Scenic Hunter Valley Heli Flight and 3 Course Lunch: Treat a loved one to a private scenic flight paired with an exquisite three course meal at highly regarded estates like Esca at Bimbadgen or Hunters Quarter.
Horse Riding
Step away from the cellar doors and head into nature with outdoor adventures perfect for all ages. Taking a guided horse riding trek through the clean country air allows you to discover stunning local landmarks, pristine bushland, and majestic mountain backdrops at a relaxing, peaceful pace.
– 1 Hour Horse Ride – Bushland Trail: A relaxing, single file trail ride walking through beautiful bushland and farmland, perfectly tailored for beginners, first-timers, and children.
– Harvest the Hunter Wine and Produce Tour – 3 Hours: Travel along local backroads in a completely covered carriage pulled by a pair of horses, stopping for multiple boutique wine and local product tastings.
Cabin Getaways
To truly recharge and reset, booking a secluded cabin escape allows you to slow down and escape the daily grind. Unwinding in an eco-friendly retreat surrounded by nature provides an intimate space where you can appreciate the quiet country lifestyle.
– 2 Night Pokolbin Relaxing Cabin Stay – Veigo: An off grid, solar powered remote cabin wrapped in peaceful bushland on the grounds of a local winery, providing immersive nature and total seclusion.
– 2 Night Stay in Tiny House 888 – Hunter Valley: A cosy eco-friendly tiny home nestled in the foothills of the Brokenback Range near Pokolbin State Forest, just moments from world class dining.
Hunter Valley Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best things to do in Hunter Valley?
The best things to do in Hunter Valley combine the region’s scenic vineyard landscapes with unforgettable outdoor adventures. Top rated options include floating over the vineyards at dawn in a hot air balloon, booking a luxury helicopter flight, embarking on a guided horse riding trek, or slowing down with a private cabin stay.
Which Pokolbin cellar doors are most highly regarded?
Wineries like Audrey Wilkinson are highly regarded for their rich heritage and spectacular hilltop vistas. Other estates frequently celebrated for their exceptional craftsmanship include Pokolbin Estate, Tamburlaine Organic Wines, and McGuigan Wines.
Is a sunrise hot air balloon flight worth it in Hunter Valley?
Absolutely. A sunrise flight provides a wondrous, peaceful perspective of the endless vine-laced hills and valleys bathed in morning sun. RedBalloon offers premium options that conclude with a delicious a la carte breakfast and a glass of sparkling wine at a local winery, making it a truly magical morning.
What food and gourmet experiences is the Hunter Valley known for?
Beyond the vines, the region is highly renowned for its rich artisan food culture. The Hunter Valley is famous for its handmade chocolates, locally sourced cheeses, and craft distilleries. Visitors can experience these gourmet delights via curated tasting tours.
What can you do in Hunter Valley if you don’t drink wine?
There are endless things to do in Hunter Valley Australia for non-drinkers. If you want to swap the cellar doors for exhilarating thrills, you can slide sideways on the dirt tracks in a championship-spec turbo rally car or take to the skies for an adrenaline fuelled aerobatic warbird flight.
What adventure activities are popular in Hunter Valley?
Popular adventure activities Hunter Valley include turbocharged rally driving experiences, as well as high speed aerobatic flights that introduce you to weightlessness and intense G-force.
What can families do in Hunter Valley with kids?
Finding things to do in Hunter Valley with kids is simple with RedBalloon outdoor adventures. A family-friendly favourite is a gentle horse trail ride through rolling countryside, which is perfect for families with children. Families can also visit family-oriented estates, local wildlife experiences, and iconic outdoor gardens and parks.
What can you see at Hunter Valley Gardens?
At the Hunter Valley Gardens, visitors can explore over 14 hectares of immaculately manicured gardens located in Pokolbin. The space features stunning waterfalls, unique topiary displays, and themed walking areas like the popular Storybook Garden, making it an ideal highlight for Hunter Valley kids activities.
Where can you meet native animals in Hunter Valley?
You can spot iconic native wildlife like wild kangaroos and wallabies grazing across the vineyards during an early morning hot air balloon ride, or view them right outside your door when staying at an eco-friendly retreat like Tiny House 888 or the remote Veigo cabin.
What is the best one day Hunter Valley itinerary?
The ultimate one day itinerary mixes luxury scenery with world class dining. Start your morning with a breathtaking private helicopter flight over the vineyards before arriving like a true VIP at an award winning restaurant like Esca at Bimbadgen or Hunters Quarter for an indulgent lunch. Finish the day with a relaxing getaway at a beautiful off grid cabin.
Explore More Incredible NSW Regions
If you are planning an extended road trip or looking to explore other spectacular travel destinations near the Hunter Valley, discover our curated activity guides across New South Wales.
North
– Enjoy relaxed coastal vibes and surf breaks in Byron Bay.
– Take a scenic coastal drive through the beautiful North Coast.
South
– Immerse yourself in the vibrant dining and coastal scene of Newcastle.
– Go sandboarding or dolphin watching in gorgeous Port Stephens.
– Unwind on pristine beaches along the Central Coast.
– Head south to find iconic attractions and Things To Do In Sydney.
– Witness majestic blue-hued cliffs and valleys in the Blue Mountains.
– Breathe in the spectacular marine scenery and coastal walks on the South Coast.
– Uncover charming country towns and hidden gems throughout Regional NSW.