Grab your coat, your sense of adventure and your favourite wine glass. We’re heading to the Hunter Valley this winter!
Winter tends to be a quieter season, giving you the chance to enjoy the valley without the crowds and often find great savings along the way. With sweeping vineyards and beautiful countryside views, this region offers plenty to enjoy during the cooler months.
So, trade in those winter blues for a glass of red. Here are some of the best things to do in the Hunter Valley this winter.
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Warm Up with a Hot Air Balloon Ride
First up is a true bucket-list experience to start the day. How does floating above the vineyards and rolling countryside sound? Too good to be true, we all know that.
Morning fog aside, you’ll feel the radiant heat from the burners as you glide gently above the Hunter Valley landscape. Sure, you’re soaring thousands of feet above the valley in a wicker basket, but trust us, the views make it worthwhile.
Flights take place early in the morning, when the sun is rising (and so are you), the air is calm, and there’s a gourmet bubbly breakfast waiting for you at the end of your flight. Enjoy the experience with friends or a loved one.
If you keep your eyes peeled, you might even spot some resident kangaroos hopping across the fields below. You can also help pack up the balloon after the flight. It’s a tradition and part of the experience, though completely optional.
Just be sure to grab a spot along the edge of the basket for the best views. (No window seats up here.) A sunrise hot air balloon flight is a great addition to any Hunter Valley winter getaway.
Golf, Stay and Play at Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort
Golf might not be for everyone, but keen golfers will enjoy it, so you can't go past a few rounds at one of Australia’s top golf resorts, Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort.
Tee off at this par-72 championship course, designed by renowned architect Steve Smyers. It features dramatic fairways, elevation changes and strategically placed bunkers. Challenge yourself or your mates to 36 holes over a long weekend while soaking in panoramic views of the Hunter’s vineyards and the Brokenback Range.
Even non-golfers will be catered for, with a country club, two restaurants, two bars, three pools and two tennis courts to enjoy during your stay. Need to unwind after a tough day on the course? Visit the on-site spa for a relaxing treatment (yep, there’s a bit of everything for everyone).
Whether you boast a handicap of three or have never swung a club before in your life, Cypress Lakes Golf & Country Club is ready to welcome you with open fairways on your next trip to wine country.
Build a Snowman at Hunter Valley Gardens
Held each winter at Hunter Valley Gardens, Snow Time in the Garden transforms the park into a winter wonderland. The entire area is blanketed with fluffy man-made snow, thanks to a bit of winter magic (and some hard-working ice machines). Build a snowman (like Elsa or Anna would do), make snow angels or have a snowball fight, but don’t forget your gloves.
Feeling the need for speed? Grab a tube and take on the 45-metre giant ice toboggan track. You’ll likely be lining up for another go.
If you feel like doing something a little more graceful, strap on your skates and hit the ice skating rink. Little ones can enjoy a smaller rink, while older visitors can glide worry-free on the larger one.
With hearty food and warm beverages to keep you fueled, this is one of the most family-fun things to do in the Hunter Valley in winter.
Enjoy the Burning of the Barrel Festival
Yep, you heard us. The Hunter Valley’s hottest (literally) event of the year just happens to be held in the middle of winter: Burning of the Barrel Festival.
Forget your typical winter bonfire. This event centres around burning wine barrels in celebration. Held at Glandore Estate, this is a family-friendly event not to be missed. Around 75 tonnes of wood and some sacrificial wine barrels (empty, of course) are set ablaze and if that’s not enough to light up the night sky, there’s a fireworks display as well.
Your ticket usually includes a buffet dinner, wine on arrival, artisan cheese and live music.
Treat Yourself to a Day Spa at Elysia Wellness Retreat
Soft tunes, heavenly scents, gentle hands, and a cup of strangely comforting tea…how good are day spas? Get ready to treat yourself to a day of pure relaxation at Elysia Wellness Retreat in the Hunter Valley.
This all-inclusive health and wellness retreat caters to both day visitors and retreat program guests. From hydrating facials that’ll leave you glowing to massages that melt away tension in no time, they offer more than 50 spa treatments.
They tend to book up fast, so make sure you book an appointment early. Your mind, body and spirit will thank you.
Come for the Wine, Stay for More Wine
Look, you can’t visit one of Australia’s oldest wine regions without passing through at least one of the 150 cellar doors for a tasting. With a whopping 200 years of history behind them, these award-winning wineries are known for their long winemaking tradition.
The Hunter Valley wine region includes areas such as Pokolbin, Lovedale and Broke-Fordwich. Each area offers a slightly different cellar-door experience, thanks to variations in soil and climate. From charming family-owned vineyards to the big-name players, the Hunter has it all.
It’s easy to hop between cellar doors with plenty of tour operators in the region or treat yourself to a private driver for a half or whole day. If you’re staying at Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort, you can easily explore nearby wineries. Jump aboard the complimentary shuttle and let it whisk you away to the fine drops waiting for you at nearby gems like First Creek Winery and Brokenwood Winery.
Whether you’re a seasoned sipper or just dipping your toe into the world of wine, there are plenty of wineries to explore during winter in the Hunter Valley.
