Looking for things to do in the Hunter Valley? While wine tasting is a big part of any visit to the Hunter, today we sharing tips from our born and raised local Tia Cole on experiences you might like to try when you have had your fill of wine!
From taking in the view of the vineyards from a hot-air balloon to enjoying the beauty of the valley’s gardens, restaurants and adventure activities.
- Watch the Sunrise Hot Air Ballooning
- Experience a Taste of England at the British Lolly Shop
- Get into the Swing of things with Aqua Golf
- A Secret Getaway at Tiny House
- Have a Wildlife Encounter at Hunter Valley Zoo
- Visit the Award-Winning Hunter Valley Gardens
- Immerse Yourself in the History of Maitland Gaol
- Be Thrilled at Go Karts Go Hunter Valley
- Have a Historic Adventure in Morpeth
- Relax and Rejuvenate at the Ubika Spa
- Sprinkle a Little Mystery to your not so Typical Picnic
- Wine and Dine at Amanda’s on the Edge’s
- Gallop Through the Vineyards
- Embrace your competitive side with Wine Barrel Rolling
- Everyone can have a Taste at McGuigan Wines
- Take a Step into Tradition with Grape Stomping
- Cycle through the Terrain on an Electric Bike
- Freefall through the Air
- Authenticity with Handmade in the Hunter
- Tee Up with Hunter Valley Golf
Watch the Sunrise Hot Air Ballooning
Float above in a Hot Air Balloon with Balloon Aloft and take in a bird’s-eye view of Brokenback Mountain range, the famous vineyards and the panorama masterpiece that is the Hunter Valley.
Complete this magical experience with breakfast on the deck of Restaurant Cuvee with their selection of delicious meals, sparkling wines, and chocolate.
Where: Find out more or book a flight here
If you prefer, you can do a scenic helicopter flight instead
Experience a Taste of England at the British Lolly Shop
If you have ever wondered what sweets taste like in another country, it’s time to visit the British Lolly Shop where it is candy galore. With nine flavours of bonbons and British treats that you have never heard of, including the Double Decker, your sweet tooth will be thanking you on your next trip.
Where: 1/2090 Broke Rd, Pokolbin (at Hunter Valley Gardens)
When: 10am-6pm 7 days
Get into the Swing of things with Aqua Golf
Practice your swing and win a prize at Hunter Valley’s Aqua Golf where each net out on the lake will win you another incredible Hunter Valley experience, including vouchers to cellar doors, Hunter Valley bus tours, a round of Putt Putt and if you have a really good swing, cash jackpots.
Where: 2090 Broke Rd, Pokolbin
When: 9.30-4.30pm 7 days
A Secret Getaway at Tiny House
Breathe in the fresh air as the sun sets and encounter bliss under the starry night sky as you roast marshmallows cozied up by the campfire and experience a night away from the noisy city life.
Tiny House 888 is the perfect place for a romantic or quiet escape in the native bushland of the Hunter Valley Region.
Where: 888 De Beyers Road, 2320 Pokolbin
Have a Wildlife Encounter at Hunter Valley Zoo
Cuddle a meerkat, watch the king of the jungle eat his lunch, say hello to the newest family members, the giraffes, and enjoy the petting Zoo where you can get up and personal with goats, kangaroos and deer. At Hunter Valley Zoo you can get involved in the daily animal shows and create a fun, memorable experience for the whole family to enjoy.
Where: 138 Lomas Ln, Nulkaba
When: 9am-4pm 7 days
Visit the Award-Winning Hunter Valley Gardens
Become mesmerised by the 10 award-winning Hunter Valley Gardens, each highlighting the artistry of garden culture around the world with gentle waterfalls, detailed statues, over 1 million types of plants, and, of course, the famous storybook garden.
Between the months of November-January, the Hunter Valley Gardens offer a magical experience with their popular Christmas Lights Spectacular and other special events throughout the year.
Where: 2090 Broke Rd, Pokolbin
When: 9am-5pm 7 days
Immerse Yourself in the History of Maitland Gaol
Experience this former maximum security prison come to life as you expose yourself in guided and private tours as you learn about the crimes, hauntings and personal experiences of an ex-warden that have happened at Maitland Gaol.
Be amazed by true escape stories, the ‘Magnificent Seven’, and visit the infamous Ivan Milat’s cell, where chills will be sent down your spine.
Where: 6-18 John Street East Maitland
When: 9am-4pm weekdays 10am-4pm weekends
Be Thrilled at Go Karts Go Hunter Valley
Whether you are 5 years old, or 99 years young, get your adrenaline pumping along the hunter region’s biggest track and race up to 70km along the 850m course. With specifically designed Go-Karts for adults, juniors, and twin seaters for little ones, this is a fun, thrilling experience for the entire family.
Where: 202 Neath Rd, Kearsley
When: 9am-5pm
Have a Historic Adventure in Morpeth
Journey through the 19th-century buildings where you will discover Miss Lily’s Lollies and the Hunter Valley Smelly Cheese Shop while sampling wines, fudges and honey along the way.
Experience a moment in history and book a cooking class with descendent Stephen Arnott in the bakehouse where Australia’s Arnott Biscuit dynasty first began. The short drive to Morpeth is a must for history lovers and antique hunters.
Relax and Rejuvenate at the Ubika Spa
Lovedale offers a refreshing sanctuary to spoil yourself, groups and couples with natural products that will leave you with a radiant glow both inside and out.
Embrace this day spa and nourish your mind, body and soul with spa, body, hair and couple treatments.
Where: 430 Wine Country Dr, Lovedale
When: 9-6pm Tuesday to Saturday, Sunday 9am-3pm
Sprinkle a Little Mystery to your not so Typical Picnic
Whether it’s with friends, family or even a romantic picnic for two, a Mystery Picnic in the Hunter Valley will create an unforgettable adventure.
Over a few hours, you will take your picnic basket and follow the clues and riddles which will guide you through iconic locations as you collect local produce and wine to indulge.
Wine and Dine at Amanda’s on the Edge’s
Be amazed and enjoy a special occasion with fine food at Amanda’s on the Edge with the breath-taking scenery and mouth-watering menu options from entrée through to dessert. Drive along the alluring driveway and experience magical fine dining with local wine and cuisine that shape this delicious experience.
Where: 1039 McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin
When: Closed Mon-Tues, Fri-Sunday lunch and dinner.
Gallop Through the Vineyards
Become mesmerised by the sweeping views of the Hunter Valley as you take a gentle horse ride through the incredible Molly Range. This Horse riding experience will give you a chance to take in the sounds and sightings of the wildlife that call Australia home.
Explore the Hunter with the variety of horse rides offered, including taking a gallop through the vineyards as the sun sets.
Where: Find out more here
Embrace your competitive side with Wine Barrel Rolling
Try to keep your barrel straight and race to win two bottles of local wine with this unique, team bonding activity at Hunter Valley Resort.
This wine barrel rolling tradition has ties to a 14th-century race in Tuscany, but you don’t need to travel to Italy when you can visit the New South Wales wine country.
Where: Hermitage Rd &, Mistletoe Ln, Pokolbin
Everyone can have a Taste at McGuigan Wines
One of the most popular things to do in Hunter Valley is to enjoy a wine tasting experience at a winery with stunning views of the valley.
McGuigan Wines is one of Australia’s most renowned and respected wineries, with over 100 years of winemaking experience dedicated to excellence and innovation. As a four-star winery in the 2025 Halliday Wine Companion, they have recently renovated their cellar door which you will find in the popular Roche Estate complex.
You can visit for free and taste a wine or two. They offer guided tastings from $10 per person or a more in-depth experience for $20 each.
Where: Pavilion C, Roche Estate 2144 Broke Road Pokolbin
When: 10am-5pm 7 days (Closed Good Friday and Christmas Day)
Take a Step into Tradition with Grape Stomping
There is more when it comes to Hunter Valley wineries than just wine tastings, how about experiencing the age-old traditional art of how wine was made before machinery?
Take a step back into yesteryear and feel the grapes between your toes with seasonal grape stomping as you have fun and learn how far wine making has come.
There are several vineyards that offer grape stopping at harvest time. Check the Hunter Visitor’s site for details.
Cycle through the Terrain on an Electric Bike
Breathe in the fresh air as you cycle through the serenity of the vines to your next destination with Sutton Estate Electric Bike Hire. On arrival, the Suttons will help create a blissful journey with a detailed guide by creating a tailored map based on the experiences you would like to encounter on your trip.
Where: 381 Deasys Rd, Pokolbin
When: 10am-7pm Thurday-Monday
Freefall through the Air
Exhilarate your soul and allow adrenaline to take over your body as you experience gravity in a whole new light. Pre book this fun, energizing activity and capture an idyllic birds-eye view of the hunter region as you experience this otherworldly excitement at up to 15,000ft in the air, free falling at 200km per hour with Tandem Freefall Skydive.
Authenticity with Handmade in the Hunter
Find something you love as you immerse yourself with up to 60 stalls of handmade creations by local artisans at Handmade in the Hunter.
From farm fresh produce and house made jams to home décor and something for your fury or feathery friends, find a memorable piece of the hunter to take home with you.
Where: Held at Sobels Wines Cnr of Broke and Halls Rds, Pokolbin NSW
When: Saturdays 9am-2pm
Tee Up with Hunter Valley Golf
Experience the natural beauty of the Brokenback Mountain Range and the surrounding lakes as you play a round of golf on the charming 18-hole championship golf course.
This resort styled course offers a relaxing atmosphere followed by fine dining in the country club with delicious wines and beers to complete your day at great value.
Where: 430 Wine Country Dr, Lovedale
When: 6.30am-6pm 7 days
Need even more Hunter Valley activities
- Take a Cheese Masterclass with Two Fat Blokes
- Try your hand at a gin blending class
- Join a cooking class
- Visit the Maitland Regional Art Gallery
- Free things to include hiking to Aeroplane Hill to take in the view.
- Book a horse and carriage ride
Main image: Credit: Filippo Rivetti Destination NSW
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