There’s no better place to escape for a romantic few days than Australia’s oldest wine region. Venture into the hills of the Hunter Valley for a long weekend or a relaxing week-long holiday surrounded by rolling vineyards and sweeping countryside.
Float above the countryside in a hot air balloon, ride through scenic trails on horseback, cosy up by a fireplace or enjoy a picnic at a cellar door on your romantic Hunter Valley getaway. Here’s our guide to the best things to do for couples while visiting this beautiful region.
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Horse-Riding around a beautiful property
Saddle up and trot through the scenic valleys and surrounding ranges of an 8,000-hectare property, which has been owned by the Chapman family for more than 170 years. The family ranch offers horse rides for people of all experience levels, with rides ranging from one hour to a full day or a multi-day horse-riding camp for adults. Explore the incredible countryside with your loved one while enjoying a ride and picnic or if you’re a real cowboy or cowgirl, strap yourself in and help the family with a real cattle muster.
Hot Air Ballooning
You can’t beat a sunrise witnessed from the basket of a hot air balloon. Float over the Hunter Valley at dawn, watching the resident roos hop across the dewy green meadows while enjoying panoramic views of the stunning vineyards, Brokenback Range and valleys. Snuggle up to your loved one in the crisp morning air as Balloon Aloft lifts up, up and away into the sky. It could also be the perfect moment to pop the question, high above the clouds or later during the champagne breakfast afterwards.
Wine Tasting
Hopping between cellar doors for wine tasting, picnicking between the vines and enjoying long lunches with amazing views are a few relaxing date ideas in the Hunter Valley that you lovebirds can experience. With more than 150 wineries and over 200 years of winemaking heritage, the region is made for slow, flavour-filled days. Sip your way through local favourites like Scarborough Wine Co, Leogate Estate Wines, Waverley Estate, Peterson House, or Audrey Wilkinson, where every tasting reflects the region’s passion for great wine. Organise a private driver and enjoy a personalised tour for a half day, full day or spread your tastings over a few blissful days.
A Romantic Walk
If you’re looking for a calm Hunter Valley activity for couples, try exploring the sights, colours and fragrances of 60 acres of spectacularly manicured gardens at the Hunter Valley Gardens. With 10 themed gardens, take a botanical journey through trees, shrubs and flowers. Pass by a 10-metre-high waterfall (yes, it’s as good as you’re already thinking), explore fairytale characters at the Storybook Garden, and smell the roses at the aptly named Rose Garden as you choose from eight kilometres of walking paths together.
Go Skydiving together
Love to chase thrills together? Turn up the adrenaline on your romantic Hunter Valley getaway when you throw yourselves from an aeroplane with Skydive Hunter Valley. Whether it’s your first time or you’ve done it before, you’ll be in good hands and experience the unforgettable rush of freefall. And don’t forget to take pictures of the ‘before’ and ‘after’… It’s something you’ll be showing off to your friends, for sure!
Try Cooking Outdoors with a class
If you love saving recipes on TikTok that you never end up making… This is your chance to show off your skills. Enjoying a cooking experience is such a great thing to do in the Hunter Valley for couples. While you’ll have loads of fun at the outdoor cooking class set in the middle of a beautiful 100-acre vineyard, you’ll be able to take the recipes home and recreate the holiday feeling when you make these dishes in your kitchen. Majors Lane Cooking School offers hands-on classes where you’ll learn to create a banquet of four or five dishes before feasting on your hard work. Sounds yummy, right?
Traditional Grape Stomping
Looking for something a bit different? Prepare for unexpected giggles as you and your plus one channel your inner winemakers. Jump into the barrel barefoot and start stomping those fresh grapes, one of the traditional steps in producing a juicy, vibrant Hunter Valley wine. Learn about the history of the Hunter Valley wine region and the local producers while experiencing this age-old tradition. This activity is seasonal, so reach out to see if booking is possible when you plan to visit. But if you miss it, no worries! You can always just taste the local wine… Guaranteed giggles included.
Go Sample Some Local Cheeses
Cheese lovers, this one’s for you. Seek out local cheesemakers to put together a delicious picnic for two. Start at the award-winning Binnorie Dairy, famous for its soft cheeses. Then, venture to Hunter Belle Dairy Co for cheeses made by dairy farmers or drop in for a special tasting at The Hunter Valley Cheese Factory. There’s definitely nothing better to pair with a great glass of wine than some good cheese.
Whether you’re planning a special weekend or a longer escape, a Hunter Valley romantic getaway is all about making memories together. After a day exploring the region, unwind with a comfortable stay at Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort in Pokolbin, right in the heart of the Hunter Valley and close to many of these activities for couples.
