 Just two hours north of Sydney, Australia's oldest wine producing region is the ideal destination for anyone who loves fine food and wines. Add to this a superb range of accommodation, shopping for arts and crafts, exploring historic towns and villages and a host of activities - it's the perfect venue for a short break! There's also an abundance of accommodation options - from five-star resorts to cottages, cabins and country pubs - all of which are surprisingly inexpensive on week-nights.
Day 1: SYDNEY - CESSNOCK (153KMS - 2 HOURS)
Our suggested route from the Sydney-Newcastle Freeway leads directly to the region's main settlement of Cessnock, where you can pick up a detailed map from the Wine Country Visitor Information Centre - located on the way into town on the left-hand side of the road.
Centred on the hamlet of Pokolbin the premier wine-growing area of the Lower Hunter Valley is home to over 80 superb wineries, most of which are open to the public daily. There is plenty to see and do here - sample fine wines at famous establishments like Lindeman's Wines, Rothbury Estate, McWilliams Mount Pleasant and Tyrell's Vineyard (all around Pokolbin), or try one of the many smaller boutique wineries that dot the regions. A visit to the acclaimed Wyndham Estate at Dalwood, north of Pokolbin is highly recommended.
Overnight in Cessnock
Day 2: CESSNOCK
Take off gently at dawn in a balloon flight and witness the sunrise as you float gently over the picturesque landscape. The views are breathtaking as you can see how vast the valley is once aloft. For a change of pace, why not take in a game of golf or even tandem skydiving!
Overnight in Cessnock
Day 3: CESSNOCK - MAITLAND - SYDNEY
Discover Maitland, regarded as one of Australia's most important heritage cities. Attractions include the delightful Heritage Mall, cosy tea-rooms, an excellent art gallery and many early 1800s buildings. You can also step back in time at the nearby colonial riverside village of Morpeth - the home of many crafts and antiques shops. |
