The Hunter Valley – Australia’s biggest wine region – is just one hour’s drive from Newcastle.
With loads of cellar doors, fabulous restaurants, fun things to do and lovely places to stay, it’s ideal for a road trip. You don’t have to drive far to have many incredible experiences.
Here’s your guide to the ultimate Newcastle to Hunter Valley road trip in six stops.
STOP ONE: KURRI KURRI
40 minutes’ drive west of Newcastle will land you in Kurri Kurri.
This charming little spot was built to house coal miners, but is now more famous for its extraordinary public art. More than 60 murals are dotted across the town and nearby villages. Take yourself on a tour, or, to deepen your knowledge, join a local guide.
Also worth seeing are the Big Kookaburra, the Pit Horse Statue and Mining Memorial, and Richmond Vale Railway Museum.
STOP TWO: LOVEDALE
Continue northwest for another 20 minutes to reach Lovedale.
Wine lovers come here to try unusual drops from boutique producers – without having to battle the crowds that flock to the Hunter Valley’s bigger cellar doors.
Try Stomp! to meet friendly wine-making couple Michael and Meredith, Saltire for a tasting alongside kangaroos, and Allandale for award-winning drops with incredible views of Brokenback mountain range.
Other things to do in Lovedale include a sunrise tour at Hunter Valley Wildlife Park, a cheese tasting at Binnorie Dairy, and a spa treatment at Ubika.
STOP THREE: BROKE
Drive west for 25 minutes, and you’ll find yourself in Broke.
Get started with a side-trip to France at Krinklewood Biodynamic Winery, before heading to Winmark for wine tasting on 130 acres, where there’s also an art gallery and expansive open-air sculpture garden.
Broke is just as famous for its scenery as it is for its wines. Visit Finchley Lookout in Yengo National Park for stunning views, before getting a different perspective from horseback on a trail ride through Chapman Valley.
STOP FOUR: SINGLETON
Located 20 minutes north of Broke, Singleton is one of the Hunter Valley’s oldest towns.
It’s filled with beautifully maintained, heritage listed buildings that date to the 1800s. See the best of them on the Singleton Heritage Walk, before jumping into the 21st century at the Singleton Arts and Cultural Centre.
Visit Kicks Coffee Co for your morning caffeine hit, and the Central Bar & Kitchen for posh pub grub.
STOP FIVE: BRANXTON
More historical buildings are on show in Branxton, a charming little town 15 minutes’ drive east of Singleton.
Head to the Royal Federal Hotel for a warm country pub welcome, as well as some of the best Texas BBQ around, alongside a selection of Hunter Valley wines.
Nearby cellar doors include Pierre’s Estate, which does excellent sparkling wines, and David Hook, whose single-vineyard wines are legendary.
STOP SIX: MORPETH
Continue 30 minutes’ east to reach Morpeth, on the banks of the Hunter River.
Get your bearings with a self-guided stroll along the Morpeth Heritage Walk, then see town from a different perspective while learning about its watery history on a river cruise.
The main street offers plenty of interesting shops and lovely eateries, including Morpeth Sourdough, the Campbell’s Store tea room, and Boydells Cellar Door and Restaurant.
On your way back to Newcastle – which is just 40 minutes to the southeast – drop by Thynk Cafe and Bar in the Beresfield industrial area for a coffee or lunch.
GETTING TO NEWCASTLE
Newcastle is a two-hour drive north of Sydney. You can do it in one hit, or turn the journey into an interesting road trip.
Alternatively, fly to Williamtown Airport Newcastle, then pick up a car rental from SIXT.
We’re also conveniently located in the vibrant suburb of Charlestown, near Glenrock State Conservation Area.
Whichever way you travel to Newcastle, there are plenty of adventures waiting for you – from unforgettable day trips to unexpected experiences.
