The Hunter Valley weekend getaway guide 2026, including the best wineries, restaurants, accommodation, and things to do within two hours of
Travel Desk is a contributing writer covering travel and public affairs for The Sydney Times.
The Hunter Valley is approximately 160km north of the Sydney CBD, which is about two hours by car. The drive takes you along the Pacific Highway and then the Hunter Expressway. Traffic is generally light, but the Pacific Highway can be busy on weekends and public holidays. There is no train service to the Hunter Valley, so driving is the most convenient option. If you do not want to drive, several companies operate day tours from Sydney to the Hunter Valley.
Sequioa House in Pokolbin is a boutique bed and breakfast with five rooms and a restaurant. The property is located on a working vineyard and has views of the surrounding hills. The rooms are spacious and individually decorated, and the breakfast is served in the dining room with views of the vineyard. The price is $350 to $450 per night.
The Lodge in Lovedale is a luxury guesthouse with six rooms and a swimming pool. The property is located on a 100-acre estate and has views of the Brokenback Range. The rooms are modern and comfortable, and the service is attentive. The price is $500 to $700 per night.
Villa del Sole in Pokolbin is an Italian-style villa with four rooms and a swimming pool. The property is located on a 20-acre estate and has views of the surrounding vineyards. The rooms are decorated in a Mediterranean style and have private terraces. The price is $400 to $550 per night.
Hunter Valley Resort in Pokolbin is a large resort with a range of accommodation options, including hotel rooms, self-contained apartments, and villas. The resort has a swimming pool, a spa, a gym, and several restaurants. The price is $200 to $400 per night depending on the room type.
Cottage options are available throughout the Hunter Valley. Several vineyards offer self-contained cottages on the property. The cottages vary in size and style, but most have a kitchen, a living area, and a deck with views of the vineyard. Prices range from $250 to $500 per night.
The Hunter Valley has more than 150 wineries. The wineries below are selected for the quality of their wine, the atmosphere of the cellar door, and the range of experiences they offer.
McGuigan Wines in Pokolbin is one of the largest and most established wineries in the Hunter Valley. The cellar door has a range of tastings, including standard tastings and premium tastings. The winery also has a restaurant, Bistro Molines, which serves modern Australian cuisine. The winery is a good option for people who want a reliable, well-presented cellar door experience.
Tempus Two in Pokolbin is a contemporary winery with a focus on sustainable viticulture. The cellar door has a range of tastings, including standard tastings and barrel tastings. The winery also has a restaurant, which serves modern Australian cuisine with a focus on local produce. The winery is a good option for people who want a modern, design-focused cellar door experience.
Tyrrell's Wines in Pokolbin is one of the oldest family-owned wineries in the Hunter Valley. The winery has a range of tastings, including standard tastings and premium tastings. The winery also has a restaurant, which serves modern Australian cuisine. The winery is a good option for people who want a traditional, family-owned cellar door experience.
Brokenwood Wines in Pokolbin is a well-known winery with a focus on red wines. The cellar door has a range of tastings, including standard tastings and premium tastings. The winery also has a restaurant, which serves modern Australian cuisine. The winery is a good option for people who enjoy red wines.
Audrey Wilkinson in Pokolbin is a family-owned winery with views of the Brokenback Range. The cellar door has a range of tastings, including standard tastings and premium tastings. The winery also has a picnic area with views of the vineyard. The winery is a good option for people who want a scenic, relaxed cellar door experience.
Bistro Molines at McGuigan Wines is one of the best restaurants in the Hunter Valley. The restaurant serves modern Australian cuisine with a focus on local produce. The menu changes seasonally and includes dishes such as slow-cooked lamb shoulder, locally caught seafood, and house-made pasta. The price is $120 to $180 per person for a three-course meal.
Margan Restaurant at Margan Wines is a family-owned restaurant that serves modern Australian cuisine with a focus on the estate's own produce. The restaurant has a garden that supplies vegetables, herbs, and eggs, and the menu changes seasonally. The price is $110 to $160 per person for a three-course meal.
The Restaurant at Tower Estate is a fine-dining restaurant with a focus on local produce and wine. The restaurant has a degustation menu and a wine list that includes wines from the Hunter Valley and around Australia. The price is $150 to $220 per person for a degustation menu.
Halls Restaurant at Halls Wines is a casual restaurant with a focus on wood-fired cooking and local produce. The restaurant has a wood-fired oven and a grill, and the menu includes wood-fired pizza, grilled meat, and seafood. The price is $30 to $60 per person.
Hunter Valley Gardens is a large garden with themed sections, including a rose garden, a storybook garden, and a seasonal lights display. Entry is $28 for adults and $14 for children. The gardens are a good option for families and people who enjoy walking.
Hunter Valley Zoo in Nulkaba is a small zoo with native Australian animals and exotic animals. The zoo has a range of animal encounters, including kangaroo feeding and crocodile handling. Entry is $35 for adults and $22 for children.
Hunter Valley Horse Riding in Pokolbin offers horse riding tours through the vineyards and bushland. The tours are suitable for beginners and experienced riders. The price is $80 to $120 per person for a one-hour tour.
Hunter Valley Ballooning in Pokolbin offers hot air balloon rides over the vineyards. The rides operate at sunrise and include a champagne breakfast after the flight. The price is $250 to $350 per person.
The Hunter Valley has a range of accommodation options, from budget motels to luxury resorts. Booking in advance is recommended, particularly on weekends and public holidays. Most wineries are open from 10am to 5pm, and some are open later on weekends. Tastings are free or low-cost, and some wineries charge for premium tastings.
The Hunter Valley has a range of restaurants, from casual cafes to fine-dining restaurants. Booking is recommended for fine-dining restaurants, particularly on weekends. Most restaurants are open for lunch and dinner, but some are closed on Mondays or Tuesdays.
More information about the Hunter Valley is available at Destination NSW.
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