Most visitors come to the Hunter Valley to escape from big-city life and to chill out for a few days. This is easily achieved when staying at homely accommodation and enjoying the epicurean delights at the valley’s eateries and its world-renowned wines. Despite this laid-back atmosphere, there are plenty of things to do in the Hunter Valley.
The obvious thing to do first is to take a trip out to one of the valley’s wineries or vineyards. The bulk of these are clustered around Pokolbin and Lovedale. Several tour companies operate wine-tasting tours. Those who prefer to go it alone could pop over to the Kelman Vineyard. The vineyard’s cellar door opens every day and offers people the chance of tasting and buying its premium wines including the nectar-like semillons and chardonnays.
Those with a keen interest in wines might find a few hours at the Hunter Valley Wine School of interest. Staff escort visitors through the vineyard and explain grape cultivation techniques. This is followed by a lesson on how to make wine. Other noted local products are cheese and chocolate. A trip to the Hunter Valley Chocolate Factory at Lovedale is an edifying experience.
There are quite a few spas in the valley where people can treat themselves to a day of pampering and rejuvenating treatments. Château Élan and the Golden Door Health Retreat’s Spa Elysia are among the options for day spas. Other things to do in the Hunter Valley include cycling and golf.
Pedal-power is ideal for sightseeing and comes with the added bonus of helping you keep fit. Hire companies deliver your bicycle to where you are staying. Golf courses in the locality include the Kurri Golf Club and the Greg Norman designed one at the Vintage. Going hot-air ballooning or taking a scenic flight is the perfect method of getting bird’s eye views of the valley and its mountainous backdrop.