Few things go together, as well as wine and golf, but a vacation filled with golf and wine experiences sounds like a dream to us. You don’t need to go far to find that exact experience! We’ve got plenty of excellent golf and even more wonderful wines right here in Hunter Valley, as well as a whole lot more if you feel like enjoying more off-course adventure. Let’s explore the golf and wine in this premier holiday spot.
Golfing in Hunter Valley
Hunter Valley isn’t the most prominent golfing destination, but these three courses will give you a good run for your money. If you’re here for enough time, you can play a round on each one of them.
If you’re with the family, new to the game, or just want a more chilled practice-like experience, you might want to go hit a few golf balls at Hunter Valley Aqua Golf—hit your golf balls into the lake, and if you land it in a net, you win a prize. Fun and challenging!
Cypress Lakes Golf & Country Club, Pokolbin
Golfers of all skills will enjoy this course. It runs from just over 5,200 yards from the women’s tees to 6,467 yards from the tips, with its length adding to its challenge. Shapely fairways make every hole exciting, and elevation changes throughout keep you guessing. Aside from being great golf, it’s also stunning: every hole showcases the natural beauty of the Brokenback mountain range and famous Valley vineyards.
The Vintage Golf Club, Pokolbin
Situated at Château Élan, the Vintage is a typical resort golf course. The Greg Norman design is an interesting play, giving every kind of golfer a chance for greatness with some straightforward par-4s, reachable par-5s, and a touch of challenge on the par-3s. There’s not a ton of water, which takes a bit of a load off your mind, but treat the course with respect—it’s not for the weak!
Hunter Valley Golf Club, Lovedale
Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, this 71-par course offers a unique challenge for golfers of all levels. Surrounded by lakes and mountains, and rife with wildlife, adds a unique natural feeling to the course. Perfect for locals, visitors, and everyone in between, it’s more than just a game—it’s a must-play destination.
Wine Experience in Hunter Valley
There are far more wineries in the Hunter Valley than there are golf courses. Over 150 options await, ready to give you a taste of Australia’s fine wines. Don’t let the sheer number of choices give you decision paralysis—the best way to go is to find a wine-tasting tour or event near your accommodation.
Wine Tasting Tours and Events
You can just do your own thing and hop from vineyard to vineyard near you. But choosing a structured wine-tasting tour or event is a stress-free experience that allows you to just sit back and taste, learn, and enjoy.
Hunter Valley Tours Full Day Wine and Food Experience
Enjoy a hassle-free day exploring some of the best wineries and vineyards in the Hunter Valley. Perfect for laid-back wine enthusiasts, this excursion takes care of transportation, tastings, and guided tours so you can focus on enjoying the experience.
Visit both renowned and hidden wineries you might miss on your own and sample wines without worrying about driving—your guide takes care of that!
Audrey Wilkinson Vineyard: Picnic with Wine Masterclass Tasting
Audrey Wilkinson, one of the Hunter Valley’s oldest cellar doors, is the perfect experience for wine enthusiasts who’d like to explore the region’s rich history. Start your visit by delving into the Wilkinson family’s winemaking legacy at the on-site museum.
Afterward, there’s a one-of-a-kind personalized masterclass and wine tasting. To complete the experience, grab a gourmet picnic basket, along with a bottle of Australian wine, and enjoy a private picnic in the estate’s scenic vineyard-covered hills.
Two Fat Blokes Snapshot Half-Day Hunter Valley Wine Tour
If you’re short on time, this half-day vineyard tour is perfect. You’ll explore three boutique wineries, each offering a variety of wines for tasting. One stop includes a cheese and wine masterclass, where you’ll learn how to pair cheeses with wines based on taste and texture.
Colourful Collective Travel Hunter Valley Wine Tour
Let the experts handle all the details on this tour so you can focus on learning about the winemaking process while tasting local wines. But wine isn’t all you’ll enjoy—prepare yourself for artisan cheeses, handmade chocolates, and vodka. This tour is perfect for food and wine lovers.
Unique Attractions and Activities
If you need a break from swinging and sipping, consider some of these unique experiences:
-
A sunrise hot-air balloon ride with Balloon Aloft
- The beautiful 59-acre Hunter Valley Gardens
Planning Your Visit to Hunter Valley
Coming to Hunter Valley? Proper planning will help make your trip run as smoothly as possible and make it a whole lot more enjoyable.
Getting There
Located about 120 kilometers north of Sydney, it’s easy to drive to Hunter Valley. No need for flights or complications—just fill up or rent a car and head here! The scenic drive takes around two hours, so you can easily visit for just a quick weekend getaway. If you’re really short on time, you could squeeze in a round of golf and wine tasting on a single day!
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit depends on what exactly you want to experience. Summer is the logical time for wine lovers because it’s harvest season. If photography is your thing, you might consider an autumn visit because the vineyards will be ablaze with red and orange leaves. Winter has milder temperatures for those who aren’t accustomed to the heat.
Book In Advance
It’s a good idea to book your accommodation and your green times (maybe even your wine tours) well in advance. As for golf, you don’t want to miss your chance if it’s fully booked on the day you want to play.
Dress for the Climate
If you aren’t from around you, it’s easy to be taken by surprise by the climate in Hunter Valley. Even if you’re here in winter, be aware that cold isn’t really a thing here. Summer temperatures average out at 28 to 30 degrees, and winter sits around 16 to 18 degrees.
If you’re here in the hottest months, forget the slacks. Wear your golf shorts, and it’s a great idea to bring along a bucket hat as well. Don’t forget sunscreen and plenty of water—dehydration will be your worst enemy on the course or the vineyard. Can’t wait to see you here!
About the Author
Jordan Fuller is a retired golfer and businessman. When he’s not on the course working on his own game or mentoring young golfers, he writes in-depth articles for his website, Golf Influence.
