Want to explore some of the region’s most picturesque and authentic backdrops that it has to offer? Then look no further. Discover the hidden gems and peaceful paradises at your doorstep, from our famous Wine Country vineyards and fine dining experiences to glorious places to stay, panoramic views and an abundance of experiences.
The wide-open spaces, the fresh air, the country attraction, and the breath-taking vineyard views are all on offer in the Hunter Valley.
Get our insider information on the top 10 venues for the most Insta-worthy spots in the Hunter Valley to capture that iconic Hunter Valley shot.
Finchley’s Lookout
Finchley’s lookout offers amazing 360 views of the remote wilderness area and an insight into the Aboriginal cultural heritage of Yengo National Park. Unpack the picnic basket and throw down the picnic rug, pour yourself a glass of Hunter Valley wine paired with some fresh produce from the day’s spoils and take in the spectacular views – a sunset shot is a must. The lookout offers the perfect back drop to capture the Hunter Valley’s natural beauty for your next insta-worthy selfie!
Located just a few hours from Sydney and Newcastle, any car can reach this destination and parking is available at the lookout.
Visit their website for more information.
Audrey Wilkinson Vineyard
Planted at the bottom of the Brokenback Mountain Ranges, Audrey Wilkinson is a must-see iconic Hunter Valley vineyard. The vineyard was established in 1866, making it the oldest vineyard site in Pokolbin, and one of the oldest in Australia. The 360 view flourishes a picturesque line of vineyards and glassy waters that showcase what the Hunter Valley has to offer.
Enjoy a picnic among the vines and relax as the sun sets over the beautiful mountain range. Audrey Wilkinson offers gourmet picnic hampers coupled with a range of award wining wines. Everything that you would need to capture a picture-perfect scene!
The vineyard staff have a true passion to make each, and every visitor feel welcome and leave with so many unforgettable memories.
Visit their website to find out more information.
Hunter Valley Gardens
Bask in the lavash array of colour and scent found in the Rose Garden with hundreds and thousands of roses on display, or take in the superb views from the lookout that sits above the 10-metre-high waterfall of the Sunken Garden.
There are endless amounts of photo opportunities as you learn to discover the natural beauty of the intricate details of the Hunter Valley Gardens. It is a beautiful nature-based experience for local, national, and international visitors. With over 8 kilometres of walking paths, winding through 14 hectares of flawlessly manicured themed gardens, waterfalls, statues, and murals. These scenes can have your followers thinking you are in a completely different part of the world!
Of course, when visiting the Hunter Valley Gardens, it is a must that you visit the Gardens Shopping Village. Be spoilt for choice with a unique collection of boutique shops and a variety of delicious dining options for you to enjoy.
Visit their website for more information.
Hunter Valley Zoo
Hunter Valley Zoo recently joined the Australia Wildlife Parks family, which has now become Australia’s biggest private collection of animals. A huge drawcard for the region, Hunter Valley Zoo plays host to both Australian and exotic animals. Experience the unique animal encounters, feed the animals, watch daily shows, cuddle a koala, watch the monkeys, touch a reptile, and so much more! Get up close and personal with your favourite fury friends. There are so many opportunities to get pictures with your favourite little friends. Say cheese! And get snapping!
Hunter Valley Zoo are a hands-on zoo, that allows you to get your wild ones closer to nature to connect and strive to love wildlife and commit to saving species in the wild.
Visit the Zoo’s Facebook page or website to find out more information.
voco Kirkton Park Hunter Valley
voco Kirkton Park is the ultimate place to escape, unwind, and indulge in the Hunter Valley. Set on 70 acres of manicured gardens, with rolling countryside views, and the Brokenback Ranges in the distance, wake up in elegant and stylish rooms and suites with picturesque views every day of your stay.
Sit on sunny balconies overlooking incredible wine-country scenery with glasses of local and delicious cheese boards. It’s the ultimate foodie’s experience and will leave your followers green with envy!
For bookings and more, visit their website.
Wollombi
Break free on Tourist Drive 33 and escape to the country, explore one of many trails which offer unique wine experiences, arts, and history. Immerse yourself in the rich colonial heritage and discover stunning sandstone gorges, razorback ridges, and towering passes. Capture the natural beauty of the enchanting Wollombi village and create endless memories.
Wollombi Valley has an impressive mix of attractions from rocky national parks, picturesque villages, and boutique wines to a lively arts scene and ancient Aboriginal sites. There are an abundance of local offerings including fresh seasonal produce, quirky retail outlets, cafes and restaurants, country pubs, art galleries, and boutique cellar doors.
There is so much to see and do in Wollombi Valley, if you want to find out more information about history and heritage, food and wine, accommodation, and more, visit their website.
Scarborough Wine Co
Spoil yourself and wow your followers with eye-catching views over the vines to the Brokenback Mountain Range. A perfect Instagram picture would be captured in front of the Chardonnay vines, in order to guarantee a shot of one of the prettiest skylines in the Hunter Valley.
Scarborough Wine Co is located in the old Scarborough Family Homestead on Gillards Road and brings warmth and a sense of generosity only experienced when visiting a family home.
Visit Scarborough’s tasting room to experience a bright modern tasting area to explore their wines, complementary cheese platters, a family friendly environment, and beautiful grounds and stunning views.
Book your next tasting experience through their website.
Hot Air Ballooning
Fly high in the sky as you capture a spectacular sunrise over the picturesque wine regions of Pokolbin, Lovedale, Rothbury, and Broke. Seize that special moment as the sun begins to rise and touches the beautiful greenery of Australia’s oldest wine growing region. A sunrise may only last a few minutes, but a photograph lasts a lifetime.
Choose to take your amazing sunrise flight with one of our three ballooning companies: Balloon Aloft, Beyond Ballooning, or Hunter Valley Ballooning.
Balloon Aloft has been ballooning since 1980, offering sunrise ballooning adventures daily and creating the best experiences. Share the magic of a balloon flight with fellow balloonists, then celebrate your exciting adventure over a gourmet champagne breakfast at Peterson House winery.
Beyond Ballooning caters to small and large groups with first class equipment and an experienced team. A family business that is owned and operated in the Hunter Valley, offering flights over the stunning wine region.
Hunter Valley Ballooning have been offering superior flights daily over the scenic Hunter Valley region for the past 30 years. They offer romantic flights for two, private charters for small groups, or larger group rides on a sunrise ballooning adventure and breakfast.
Find out more information about these companies or book your flights through our website.
Bistro Molines
Burrowed into the foothills of the Hunter Valley’s Mount View area, this stunning piece of paradise will have you captured from the second you walk through the doors, out onto the outstanding French inspired courtyard that overlooks a landscape of vines that stretch as far as the eye can see. Take the time to relax and be treated to a memorable experience as you enjoy the breathtaking views and sample some of the award-wining food they have to offer.
It would be easy to mistake being in the south of France, due to the wrought iron chairs and candelabras, the white painted cupboards and spontaneous flower arrangements, the paved courtyard, and the vines that stretch so far, it is all you can see.
To learn more about the menu, where to stay, and what more there is to see, visit their website.
Mount Bright Lookout
You are going to want to whip your camera out for this one!
Take in the scenic views from the Mount Bright lookout, located on the Great North Walk. It is a remarkable outlook that overlooks the city of Cessnock and connects you to many bushwalks and mountain biking tracks within the beautiful Mount View sub region. We encourage you to immerse yourself in nature and be charmed by this striking panoramic view. You don’t want to miss the stunning views this lookout has to offer.
Show off your photography skills and take advantage of our region’s natural beauty. Explore these 10 destinations if you want to be inspired by some of the most picturesque landscapes and authentic backdrops that the Hunter Valley has to offer.
