Things to do in Hunter Valley - Hot Air Ballooning - Wine Tours Activities

A couple of hours north of Sydney lies Australia’s oldest wine making region, famed for its Sémillon and Shiraz varieties, with some wineries still around today dating from the 1850s. While not as well regarded as many wines that have poured forth from the Barossa Valley over time, the wines from the Hunter Valley region have undergone a sort of renaissance since the 1960s. And with it fine dining, plush accommodation, arts and festivals have all flourished. And that means you can take advantage of all this without the attitude that often goes hand in hand with other wine regions.

There are plenty to choose from, ranging from larger commercial ventures through to boutique wineries mainly centred around Pokolbin and Rothbury in the Lower Hunter Valley. This can all be taken in from above with a hot air balloon allowing you to float above endless vineyards against the backdrop of the stunning Brokenback Range. This concentrated region can sometimes be a little confusing to choose from, however some regard the best of the Hunter Valley is to be experienced on its edges. As you venture towards the Upper Hunter Valley past Singleton and Muswellbrook you’ll discover charming homesteads, a few more wineries, and some amazing natural bushland including the World Heritage listed Barrington Tops National Park.