Guide to the Hunter Valley Region

Whether you want to sit back and relax with a glass of great red as you overlook the valley and the Hunter River, or maybe you’re hungry for a thrilling adventure, either way Sydney’s Hunter Valley region holds more than meets the eye. Pack up your Thrifty rental car, wind down the windows, and get ready to embark on one epic journey.  

Thrill Your Tastebuds with a Winery Visit

As the sparkling gems to the crown of jewels that the Hunter Valley has become famous for, there’s no visiting this sensational area just north of Sydney without stopping past a winery—or three! There are plenty of towns across the valley to visit, so we understand if you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the choices. We’ve narrowed the best of the best down to three spectacular vineyards, so all you need to worry about is which bottle you’ll be taking home. Make sure to remember to always drive safely and have a designated driver if you’re indulging in alcohol at these stunning locations. First up on this wine-hopping journey: Tyrrell's Wines in Pokolbin. This family-run vineyard is a stalwart of winemaking in both the Hunter Valley region and the country, collecting many awards for the wine they produce. Make sure to try the Winemaker’s Selection Vat 1 Semillon - a little birdy tells us it’s Australia’s most awarded white wine. Next, stop by Domaine De Binet in Lovedale. This Aussie-owned wine company likes to mix things up with unique blends of flavours, perfect if you're after something a little different. Our last suggestion on your winery tour is Krinklewood Biodynamic Vineyard in Broke. This Certified Organic vineyard borrows inspiration from French cellar doors with a wholesome twist. You can expect a holistic approach to wine production here, including sustainable practices to make the best glass of white to enjoy under the sun. There are also plenty of accommodation options to explore if you’re looking to spend the night in a Hunter Valley vineyard—nothing quite beats waking up to the sun grazing the vines. 

Get Out and About in Nature 

While the wineries, cellar doors and vineyards are a major part of what characterizes the Hunter Valley region, there are also plenty of other activities to explore to get you out and about and amongst the natural beauty this area has to offer. For a more manicured experience with nature, make sure to check out the Hunter Valley Gardens. There are plenty of events, rides, greenery and family fun to experience around the Gardens, which means you might just have to return for more! If you’re after a more wild venture into the thrilling landscape, the Hunter Valley region is home to a plethora of national parks. Watagans National Park is to the south of the Valley, featuring lush forest, the iconic flame trees and peaceful walking trails. Yengo National Park, to the southwest of the Valley, is the place to go for an even more remote experience of Aussie wilderness. Another way to explore the vibrant environment around this region is through an expert-led cultural experience. Girri Girra Aboriginal Experiences will guide you around the Finchley Cultural Walk in Yengo National Park, sharing with you traditional stories as you pass rock engravings and carvings. The traditional lands of the Wonnarua, Geawegal and Awabakal people, there are many years of history hiding just below the surface around this culturally rich region. 

Wind Down With A Splash of Sport 

If you’re still on the hunt for a thrill to top off your travels around the Hunter Valley, look no further than a dose of sport to spike your adrenaline. There are plenty of options to get your heart racing around this region, no matter your fancy. For horse-lovers, have a go at trotting atop one of these majestic beasts through lush and vibrant bushland. No matter your skill level, Chapman Valley Horse Riding has just the right horse for you to experience this incredible environment from a new perspective. Jumping aboard a Segway is another unique way to explore the landscape. This is a great activity to get the whole family involved and promises an incredible outlook of the bush while you cruise along on a breezy ride. Another sport that delivers bucket loads of fun is aqua golf. You don’t need to be an expert to take a swing at this activity—aqua golf at the Hunter Valley Gardens is a perfect way to spend the afternoon for golfers of all ages, sizes and abilities.  

From visiting the world-class wineries to trying your hand at a range of thrilling activities, all while backdropped by the vibrant bush and rolling hills of the Hunter Valley, you’re sure to discover plenty of fun as you travel around this sensational region in your Thrifty rental car.