Gather your loved ones and take a break from the every day routines to enjoy a relaxing Easter getaway in the Hunter Valley. Spend your days hopping from winery to winery, admiring the changing colours of the vineyards this Autumn whilst sipping on some of the region’s finest wines. In the evenings, laugh and chat around an outdoor fire as you roast marshmallows under a canopy of stars. Let the kids run free and explore the regions many attractions including the Hunter Valley Wildlife Park, Hunter Valley Gardens or one of the family-fun Easter Events. From adventure-filled days to cosy nights, the Hunter Valley is the perfect place to make memories with your family and friends this Easter. Check out all that's on offer this Easter on the Easter Page.
1. FAMILY EASTER EVENTS
Yes, the Easter Bunny is coming to the Hunter Valley, so pack your bags and hop into the Hunter! Join the team at Harrigan’s Hunter Valley over the Easter long weekend for an array of festivities that will be fun for everyone! From March 29th to April 1st, there will be a lineup of events that'll make your Easter memorable. On Easter Sunday, from 12pm to 2pm, don't miss a special appearance by the Easter Bunny, along with Face Painting and Balloon Animals – perfect for the kids and the young at heart.
Prepare for an adventure as the Easter Bunny hops into Hunter Valley Gardens, bringing boundless fun for the entire family! Join us for an extended weekend of excitement, complete with an abundance of Easter activities and spectacular rides. Young adventurers can embark on the ultimate quest during the Giant Easter Egg Hunt, spanning across Friday 29th, Saturday 30th, and Sunday 31st March 2024, with three egg hunts per day at 10am for Junior Egg Hunt exclusively for children under 6 years old, 12pm for All ages Egg Hunt open to egg-hunters aged 15 years and under, and 2pm for All ages Egg Hunt, offering another opportunity for exciting discoveries for those aged 15 years and under. Plus, check out the Hunter Valley Wildlife Park who are offering an incredible 30% off all Easter weekend long to make this Easter egg-stra memorable. For just $84 for a family of 4, you can get up close and personal with giraffes, lions, kangaroos and an adorable capybara! And for kids who love a fun-filled adventure, their Easter Wildlife Adventure Trail is the perfect way to explore the parks and win a fabulous Easter show bag valued at over $60. With a variety of free goodies included, like a plush toy, an official wildlife park tote bag, and a return ticket to visit one of their wildlife parks, this is one Easter experience your kids will never forget.
Nestled amidst the picturesque surrounds of the Spike Bar terrace, join the team at Chateau Elan for a delightful lineup of activities sure to bring smiles to every face. On both Friday and Sunday, the Petting Zoo awaits, offering the perfect opportunity to interact with adorable animals. As the melodies of Live Music fill the air, let your imagination soar with the whimsical designs of Face Painting, transforming eager faces into works of art.
Make this year's Easter Sunday unforgettable with a luxurious breakfast and a surprise visit from the Easter Bunny at Twine Restaurant! Choose from two seating times at 7:30am or 9am, each offering a 1.5hour dining period filled with delicious hot breakfast items, juices, pastries, and more. Every child receives a chocolate gift and meets the Easter Bunny. Kids can also join the Easter egg hunt with the purchase of a breakfast buffet ticket. Additional children under 3 or over 12 can participate for a $5 fee. Just let the team know when booking!
Gather the whole gang at Tatler Wines as Penny’s Ponies & Pets will bring adorable baby animals, offering children the opportunity to frolic and play. And for those yearning for a magical ride, Pony rides await, promising joyous adventures for the little guests. Adding to the excitement, SugarPop Parties will sprinkle their creative magic with face painting, transforming eager faces into mini masterpieces. As laughter fills the air, don't forget to bring your hunting buckets for a fun Easter Egg Hunt, where treasures are to be discovered! And for the adults, indulge in the exclusive Easter Specials on Wine, ensuring that everyone finds something to toast to amidst the festivities.
2. SENSATIONAL SEAFOOD FEASTS
Indulge in fresh seafood over the Easter long weekend, we have plenty of culinary delights on offer, championing seafood in honour of the Easter long weekend. Experience the ultimate Easter Sunday long lunch at Twine Restaurant, starting at 12:30pm, where you'll enjoy an amazing feast alongside a special visit from the Easter Bunny! Feast on our mouthwatering menu featuring market-fresh local hot & cold seafood, slow-cooked succulent meats including smoked brisket and pork hock, fresh salads, vegetables, condiments, and a decadent dessert station that's a chocolate lover's dream. Join us for a culinary indulgence unlike any other! Come for lunch or dinner on Good Friday and dine on eRemo’s Seafood Avido Menu. Avido means greedy in Italian so this is your opportunity to get greedy on seafood and enjoy oysters, clams, whole snapper and scallops Italian style. This menu is on offer for lunch and dinner with their everyday menus also available. While dining at eRemo on Easter Friday let their sommelier match a selection of Italian style wines from across the country. At Restaurant Botanica’s Champagne and Oyster Masterclass enjoy 3 Champagnes matched with oysters and learn the history, terroir and wine making of the world’s most famous beverage and why it matches so perfectly with freshly shucked oysters. Held at 4pm Good Friday through to Easter Sunday. For something more family friendly, celebrate Easter in style at Rydges with their Easter Sunday Seafood Buffet Lunch. Dive into an abundance of ocean delights, from plump prawns to succulent oysters, expertly prepared and served with finesse. Accompanied by an enticing selection of sides and decadent desserts, this lavish spread promises an unforgettable dining experience for the whole family.
3. CHOCOLATE AND WINE PAIRINGS
There is no age limit when it comes to chocolate, so treat yourself to a wine and chocolate pairing experience this Easter. With more than 100 award-winning wineries, there are plenty of vino options on offer to be carefully paired and matched with a range of local, decadent chocolates. The combination of bold reds and delicate whites with rich, creamy chocolates will no doubt create a memorable Easter long weekend. For a classic combination, try pairing a Shiraz with dark chocolate truffles. The intense, jammy notes of the Shiraz will pair perfectly with the intense, bittersweet flavour of the truffles. If you're looking for something a little lighter, try a Semillon with white chocolate. Book in for your wine and chocolate experience at Tulloch Wines, Glandore Wines, Wild Ren Wines (also offering kids tastings), Greenway Wines, Saltire Estate, Wine House Hunter Valley, Stomp! Wines and McGuigan Wines this Easter. If you are looking to stay in and enjoy your accommodation, check out the Gourmet Wine Tastings by Stay N' Sip who bring all the fun of wine tasting directly to you.
4. HOT AIR BALLOONING
Appreciate Australia's oldest wine region from a peaceful perspective, from a hot air balloon! Go above and beyond the horizon this Easter long weekend and experience the Hunter Valley in all its glory at sunrise, we promise the early start is worth it. Watch the land slowly transform into an artistic patchwork of green plains, native forests and of course vineyards as you ascend into the clouds. There are plenty of balloon operators to choose from depending on your style of flight. Check out Balloon Aloft, Beyond Ballooning and Hunter Valley Ballooning and be sure to book in advance.
5. TAKE A HIKE IN ONE OF OUR NATIONAL PARKS
If a more unstructured, outdoor adventure is in the plan, the Hunter Valley Wine Country is surrounded by a number of National Parks that make for perfect bushwalking, especially as the days begin to cool down. The Watagans National Park covers 7,751 hectares of an extensive mountain range which provides many recreational opportunities, both in the national park and adjoining state forests. Werakata National Park is a small park located in the southeast corner of Hunter Valley Wine Country, which comes with a rich history of Aboriginal occupation. Today it conserves a diversity of plants and animals including a number of threatened species and endangered ecological communities.
6. BOOK A WINE TASTING
Exploring Wine Country wouldn't be complete without experiencing the exceptional wines at our award-winning wineries. With so many cellar doors scattered across the region, you're spoiled for choice. From intimate boutique producers to renowned multigenerational brands, there's a diverse range of wineries and wines to discover and enjoy throughout your long weekend visit. Click here to discover all of our cellar doors and wineries.
7. PLAY A ROUND OF GOLF
Tee off this long weekend at one of our award winning golf courses, each with luxury accommodation on-site and surrounded by our rolling vineyards. Choose from Chateau Elan Golf Course designed by Greg Norman, an impressive 18-hole championship course that is challenging, engaging and welcoming in equal parts - be as competitive or leisurely as you like. Advance your swing at the grounds of the Rydges Resort Hunter Valley on their 18-hole championship golf course. Situated closest to the Brokenback Mountain Range, Cypress Lakes is a picturesque 6,487 metre par 72 18-hole championship golf course and is ranked among the top resort courses in Australia. Each tee and green offers stunning panoramic views of the Hunter Valley’s famous vineyards and the course layout boasts dramatic fairways, shapes and elevation changes all kept in superb condition all year round. Or, if you feel your skills don't 'tee' up to the professional level or simply want to have a bit of fun, check out the Putt-Putt and Aqua Golf at Hunter Valley Gardens. Great fun for the whole family plus you can win some epic local prizes.
8. WEEKEND MARKETS
Who doesn't love a country market? If you're visiting over the Easter weekend, be sure to check out Handmade in the Hunter Markets located at Sobel's Wines on Hall Road, open on Saturday & Sunday of the Easter long weekend.
9. SPA DAY
Immerse yourselves in a sanctuary of relaxation and rejuvenation as you indulge in a variety of spa treatments. From invigorating massages to pampering facials and hydrotherapy sessions, every moment is crafted to nurture your bond and ignite your senses. Visit one of our many award winning spas including the Spa at Chateau Elan, Ubika Spa at Rydges Resort, or Elysia Wellness Retreat located within Cypress Lakes. Or, book with Heavenly Hunter Massage or Heart of the Hunter for a personalised treatment in the comfort of your own accommodation.
10. GET JIGGY TO SOME LIVE MUSIC
Whether you’re after sunshine, vine side acoustic blues in the afternoon or a sun-drenched beer garden with a band covering all the classics, there is no better way to slow down than with some great vino and vibes. Gather the gang for a relaxing afternoon or evening out at one of our many live music venues. Check out all the places with live music over the long weekend here.
Need to stock up on Easter chocolate? Be sure to stop by the Hunter Valley Chocolate Company and Sabor Dessert Bar, both located on Broke Road.
