Hunter Valley
NEW SOUTH WALESLong Lunch, wine tours, fine dining, cooking, concerts, segway tours and golf
Shaun and I absolutely love our food and wine and we are very fortunate to reside only minutes from the Hunter Valley. The Hunter Valley is approximately 2hrs north of Sydney in NSW and is one of Australia’s major wine regions. The Hunter Valley offers a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets.
Pre-Planning
A couple of things to consider before you head out: Book accommodation as it can be very busy on weekends in this area, reserve your spot for dinner and other activities to ensure the best experience. If you are adventuring or relaxing, it is better to be prepared when visiting the Hunter Valley.
Best Restaurants
1. EXP Restaurant
We stumbled upon EXP by accident and it instantly became our favourite place to dine out. Frank and his staff make you feel like family from the minute you arrive. We opt for the bar experience so we can immerse ourselves in the workings of a professional kitchen. The menu is driven by the seasons and produce and they pride themselves on sourcing local produce. This place has a romantic feel and your taste bubs will be dancing all night long. Map
2. Amanda’s on the Edge
Amanda’s on the edge is our go to for a Sunday lunch and our adult daughter loves this place to celebrate any occasion. The menu is exciting, but be sure to save room for one of the most spectacular deserts you will ever taste. Map
3. Muse Restaurant
If you are looking to impress then make a reservation at Muse. Muse can definitely hold their own with their contemporary Australian menu. Not to understate but put simply, great venue, great food and friendly staff. I’m confident Muse will become one of your top 3 Map
Best ACCOMMODATION
1. Wild Edge Retreat
If you are after luxury, romance, and privacy Wild Edge Retreat is the perfect getaway for you. Lose yourself in the amazing surrounds, and picture perfect scenery. Take a stroll along the timber boardwalk or take a dip in your private plunge pool. At the end of the day put your feet up and enjoy some locally sourced cheese and wine. An absolute must. Map
2. Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort
If you want to stay central to a range of vineyards, experiences and restaurants, this is the place to be. If you love golf, even better! We loved staying at the Cypress Lakes Resort and booked one of their couples villas on the hill overlooking the valley. A truly picturesque way to spend a weekend. Map
3. Hermitage Lodge
Specialising in romantic escapes for couples, Hermitage Lodge is the perfect place to enjoy some quality time together. Relax on the deck overlooking the vineyard and if you choose pop over to the Italian restaurant “Il Cacciatore” for a delicious meal Map
Best Wineries
1. Audrey Wilkinson
Audrey Wilkinson vineyard has one of the most amazing views you will see of the Brokenback Ranges in the Hunter Valley. Book in for a wine tasting or wander through the museum, which is housed in the original winery. There is something to satisfy everyone at Audrey Wilkinson but don’t take my word for it, get there and experience this for yourself. Map
2. Petersons Champagne House
Petersons is one of two parts of the family winemaking cellar doors, but this venue specialises in champagne. The Cuvee restaurant on site serves an amazing breakfast, and if you are experiencing a hot air balloon, you will generally take off and land from here. On your way out stop by the Hunter Valley Chocolate Company to purchase some handmade chocolate truffles for the trip home or enjoy a strawberry and marshmallow fondue… “Life is pretty flat without bubbles”
3. Hanging Tree Wines
One of the hidden gems of the Hunter Valley, Hanging Tree Wines is an iconic venue that is perched on top of Brokenback Ridge. They grow Shiraz, Cabernet, Semillon and Chardonnay on their acreage and offer some truly stunning wines, as well as, views and some boutique accommodation Map
Best Activities
1. Segway tours
If you are after a little more adventure then a Segway tour might be for you. The tour will start from Hunter Valley Resort and take you along an old 1880’s stock route. Grab a friend, take a camera and a can do attitude and you will be sure to have the best fun you can on two wheels. Book in advance to avoid disappointment Map
2. Concerts (Hope Estate)
The Hunter Valley has become renowned for hosting some amazing musicians, both international and local. Due to the popularity of such events the Hunter books out quickly, transport is readily available, but you can expect delays, that said, the experience that is totally worth it. Hope Estate offer patrons a smooth grassy slope so that the stage can be seen from all angles, quality acoustics, a variety of food vendors and some local wines. There is no option to BYO and a few rules organisers enforce so read up before you go. Purchase a ticket to see your favourite artist; you will be glad you did
3. Golf (including Aqua Golf)
Aqua golf is something children, families, couples and golf enthusiasts will enjoy so if you want to have some fun, we recommend the Aqua Golf at Hunter Valley Gardens. Map
Explore Much More
* Other Recommendations
While we have provided our top three, we do not want you to miss out on all the Hunter Valley has to offer so here are some other experiences you might be interested in:
Helicopter and joy flights, take a hike on the trails on Brokenback Ridge, get married in the garden chapel (@ Hunter Valley Gardens, shopping, hire bikes and explore the beautiful landscapes, high tea, hens days, horse and carriage ride & cooking classes, if arts and culture are your thing, visit the Hunter Valley Visitors Centre… There is something for everyone
Hot Air Ballooning
We recommend Ballon Aloft as they have an amazing range of packages suited to every occasion. Visit them on their website here
Hunter Valley Zoo
Hunter Valley Zoo is an iconic location that is extremely family friendly. One of our favourites is their meerkat encounter. You can find their website here
Hunter Valley Gardens
Where to begin? There are so many things available to do at Hunter Valley Gardens. The entire facility contains award-winning gardens, amazing shopping facilities, Christmas Light Spectacular, Snow in the Gardens and the Rose Spectacular depending on the time of year, so no matter when you go, you can take the family along. Visit their website here
Hunter Distillery
If you want an alternative to wine, sample some of the hunters own spirits and liqueurs, one of the fun parts if that they do a test tube tasting. NOTE* If you are part of a large group, it’s best to book in advance via their website here
Bonus Recommendation
Golden Door Elysia Health Retreat and Spa
Life is crazy and we often burn the candle at both ends. If this sounds true to you then check out a package at Golden Door Elysia. This is much more than a day spa; this is a total health and wellness facility. In addition to the most luxurious spa treatments, the friendly and experienced staff will tailor a personalised program to meet your individual needs, whether that is, weight management, nutrition, refocusing or fitness. This is not for the budget conscious; however, you will leave feeling energised and rejuvenated. Go on, you deserve it…
Bang For Buck
Adventure
Scenery
Food
We absolutely LOVE the food and drink offerings the Hunter Valley has to offer!
Facilities
Vibe
Pet Friendly
How We Became THE GLAMPAVanS
So who are the Glampavans? We have been married for 19 years, we have adult children whom are self sufficient, and are the proud owners of a French bulldog named Baxter. We live a very busy life like most trying to juggle full time work and a social life. We love spending time with family and friends, we have a passion for food, travel, the great outdoors and are always up for a challenge. When we hit our 40’s our perception of life changed. We no longer wanted to be a slave to our work and mortgage, we wanted to live our best life, together, sooner rather than later. We purchased a caravan and started to explore a little of this country and realised there was so much more we wanted to see. We plan to hit the road in September 2021 with our fur baby for a minimum of 12 months, however, between now and then we have planned to take some shorter adventures that we will share along the way. We will free camp when we can and also support local parks and businesses along the way
Australian Travels
Kristy and I love to travel, and we have shared some of our experiences and our reviews on these travels below, please take a look and fall in love with these locations just as we have
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