Hunter Travel Guide
Discover the culturally significant museums, natural attractions, and scenic views in Hunter, Australia. Explore the hiking and biking routes, delectable food, and beverage scene, along with places to stay and souvenirs to buy.
- Introduction to Hunter
- List of Places to Visit in Hunter
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Hunter
- Best Things to Do in Hunter: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Hunter
- Food and Drink Scene of Hunter
- Where to Stay in Hunter: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Hunter: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Hunter
- Best Time to Visit Hunter
- Do’s and Don’ts of Hunter
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Hunter: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Hunter
- Where to Go Next from Hunter: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Hunter
Located in New South Wales, Hunter is a beautiful and vibrant region in Australia that attracts tourists from all over the world. The destinations in Hunter provide an immersive experience of Australian culture. Hunter boasts of rich natural attractions, culturally significant attractions, scenic views, hiking and biking routes, activities, and events, making it an ideal place for an adventure-filled vacation. Here’s everything that you must know before exploring Hunter, New South Wales.
List of Places to Visit in Hunter
When visiting Hunter, there are plenty of destinations to include on your itinerary. From historically significant museums to natural attractions that will take your breath away, here are some must-see sights in Hunter.
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Newcastle Museum: The Newcastle Museum showcases the history, culture, and natural environment of Newcastle. It has various sections that exhibit a range of things from the natural environment to the industrial revolution.
- Maitland Gaol: The Maitland Gaol has a history dating back to the 1800s. It’s a must-see for history buffs as it stands as a reminder of the past penal system in New South Wales.
- Fort Scratchley: The Fort Scratchley is a significant wartime fort that is now a museum. It has a comprehensive collection of artifacts, memorabilia, and educational displays that provide insight into the military history of Newcastle.
Natural Attractions of Hunter: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Hunter Valley Gardens: Located in Pokolbin, Hunter Valley Gardens is a stunning year-round attraction, regardless of the season. The gardens have ten unique garden displays to explore, boating activities for families, and Hunter Valley Gardens Christmas Lights Spectacular, a must-visit seasonal attraction.
- Hunter Wetlands Centre: The Hunter Wetlands Centre is an impressive bird-watching sanctuary situated on 45-hectare of the Hunter River estuary. It houses over 200 bird species and makes for an excellent spot for eco-friendly tourists.
- Stockton Sand Dunes: The Stockton Sand Dunes are the largest moving sand dunes in the southern hemisphere. They are a popular spot for sandboarding and quad-biking.
Hiking/Biking Routes of Hunter
Hunter is home to many hiking and biking routes that will challenge and thrill outdoor enthusiasts. Some of the famous trails include:
- Tomaree Head Summit Walk: Tomaree Head Summit Walk is a 2.2km return trail that features scenic views of Port Stephens and the surroundings.
- Hannel’s Spur Walking Track: Hannel’s Spur Walking Track is a 2.5 km trail that takes hikers through thick coastal vegetation leading to the top of Hannel’s Spur offering scenic views of the Newcastle coastline.
- Fernleigh Track: The Fernleigh Track is a 16km stretch between Adamstown in Newcastle and Belmont in Lake Macquarie, perfect for bikers looking for a longer, scenic route.
Best Things to Do in Hunter: Activities and Tours
Hunter has many things to offer its visitors in terms of activities and tours. From wine tasting and bar hopping to outdoor adventures and wildlife watching, here are some of the best things to do in Hunter.
- Hunter Valley Wine Tours: The Hunter Valley Wine Tours are the perfect way to explore the wine country and discover the regions’ unique wines. These tours also give visitors an opportunity to taste and purchase world-renowned Hunter Valley Wines.
- Central Coast Bar Crawl: The Central Coast Bar Crawl takes guests through the best bars in Newcastle and gives them an opportunity to experience the nightlife of Hunter first-hand.
- Horse Riding in the Hunter Valley: The Hunter Valley Horse Riding and Adventures offer guided horse rides through the Hunter region, including private tours and secluded picnic horseback rides along the water.
Week-Long Itinerary for Hunter
Here’s a week-long itinerary to help you make the most of your trip to Hunter:
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Explore Newcastle CBD and Newcastle Museum |
| Day 2 | Visit Hunter Valley Gardens |
| Day 3 | Go sandboarding at Stockton Sand Dunes |
| Day 4 | Visit Maitland Gaol |
| Day 5 | Go horse riding and taste wine |
| Day 6 | Go birdwatching at Hunter Wetlands Centre |
| Day 7 | Take the Fernleigh Track bike ride |
Food and Drink Scene of Hunter
Hunter has an impressive food and drink scene. The region is known for its fresh produce and wine. Below are some of the local dishes and beverages that you must try when visiting Hunter.
Must-Try Dishes
- Barramundi: Barramundi is a quintessential Australian fish that can be found in many restaurants throughout Hunter.
- Lamb: Lamb is another popular meat dish in Hunter, and it often accompanies classic dishes such as Shepherd’s Pie.
- Pavlova: Pavlova is a famous dessert that originates from Australia. It’s a meringue dessert with a soft center and crispy crust, topped with whipped cream and fruits.
Local Beverages
- Hunter Valley Wine: Hunter Valley is home to more than 150 vineyards and is famous for its Semillon, Chardonnay, Shiraz, and Cabernet Sauvignon wine varieties.
- Tooheys: Tooheys is an Australian beer that originated in Hunter Valley and can be found in almost all pubs in the region.
- Billy Tea: Billy tea is an Australian tradition where tea is brewed over an open flame using a billy can.
Where to Stay in Hunter: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
Hunter has a range of accommodations, ranging from luxury hotels and villas to budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses. Some of the popular places to stay in Hunter include:
- Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley: The Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley is a luxury resort situated on a 130-hectare property. It features a golf course, spa, and several dining options.
- Mercure Resort Hunter Valley Gardens: The Mercure Resort Hunter Valley Gardens is a 4-star hotel that offers a range of facilities like an outdoor pool, on-site restaurant, and fitness center.
- Hunter Valley YHA: The Hunter Valley YHA is the perfect option for budget travelers. It offers dormitory-style accommodations and private rooms with shared facilities.
What to Buy in Hunter: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Hunter is known for its locally made wines, honey, olive oil, and Christmas-themed products. You can find these local products in the Hunter Valley Gardens Village Shops and markets throughout the region. Some of the renowned shops include:
- Pokolbin Distillery: Pokolbin Distillery is a popular distillery that produces a range of award-winning organic spirits.
- Hunter Valley Cheese Factory: The Hunter Valley Cheese Factory offers a range of locally sourced cheeses that make the perfect souvenir to take back home.
- Newcastle Sugarmill: Newcastle Sugarmill is a traditional sweet shop that offers handmade sweets and lollies that are perfect as gifts for friends and family.
Local Culture and Customs of Hunter
Hunter celebrates local culture and customs through several events and festivals. Some of these events include:
- Surfest: Surfest is a widely celebrated international surfing competition in Newcastle.
- Balloon Fiesta: The Balloon Fiesta is an annual event held in November over Hunter Valley. The event features hot air balloon rides, live entertainment, and food and wine tasting.
- Hunter Valley Steam Fest: The Hunter Valley Steam Fest is a family-friendly festival that provides the opportunity to explore vintage trains, cars, and steam engines and embrace the culture and heritage of the region.
Best Time to Visit Hunter
The best time to visit Hunter is from September to November and from March to May when the weather is mild, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The winter months tend to be cold, making it difficult to enjoy the outdoor attractions in the region.
Do’s and Don’ts of Hunter
Do:
- Tip in restaurants
- Take sunscreen and a hat during summer
- Take a jacket during winter
Don’t:
- Litter in public spaces
- Wear shoes indoors in houses and temples
- Take or purchase items made from endangered wildlife
Safety and Health
Safety in Hunter
Hunter is a safe region to visit, but you must take precautions to avoid any mishaps. Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind.
- Always carry a photocopy of your passport and other important documents.
- Stay aware of your surroundings.
- Avoid walking alone late at night.
Health in Hunter
Hunter has excellent healthcare facilities, both public and private, with well-trained medical professionals. Remember to ensure that your travel vaccinations are up to date before visiting the region.
Getting to Hunter: Transportation Options and Logistics
Hunter is easy to reach from any part of Australia given its strategic location. Here are some transportation options to get to Hunter and logistics to keep in mind.
- Flights: The closest airport to Hunter is Newcastle International Airport, which is about a 20-minute drive from Newcastle CBD.
- Buses: There are regular coach services from Sydney to Newcastle CBD.
Airports Near Hunter
- Newcastle International Airport
- Sydney Airport
Bus Stations Near Hunter
- Hunter Street Bus Stop, Newcastle CBD
Other Options
- Drive
- Hire a car
How to Get Around in Hunter
Hunter is a compact region easy to navigate. Public transportation options are available, but it’s ideal to rent a car for an efficient and customized experience.
Where to Go Next from Hunter: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Hunter is an excellent starting point to explore many neighboring cities such as Sydney, Wollongong, and the central coast. Here are some excursions to add to your itinerary:
- Blue Mountains National Park: Blue Mountains National Park is a two-hour drive from Hunter and is known for its lush forests, dramatic waterfalls, and stunning views.
- Sydney Harbor: Sydney Harbor is a world-renowned attraction, and it’s about a two-hour drive from Hunter.
- Port Stephens: Port Stephens is a 40-minute drive from Hunter, and it’s known for its incredible marine life.
Conclusion
Hunter is a beautiful region in Australia worth exploring for its rich culture, natural attractions, diverse cuisine, and exciting activities. Whether you’re an adventure-seeker, a history buff, or a foodie, there is something for everyone in Hunter.
