Country Pubs

Since the early days of permanent European settlement some 170 years ago, Hunter Valley Wine Country has been dotted with country hotels. Some were established as staging posts on coach and bullock-train routes; others sprang up at river ports and adjacent to the coal fields and timber camps. As the region became more closely populated, many of these old pubs readily adapted themselves to a new and rather more respectable role as the social centre and general focal point of the small villages and settlements they served.

Mostly constructed of rough sawn slab timbers the early coaching inn and tavern buildings were vulnerable to fire, flood and termite (white ant). As a consequence, most of the orginal buildings have long since disappeared - often to be rebuilt and rebuilt again on the same site with increasingly sophisticated architectural features, wide verandahs and elaborate iron lacework facades.

While a few ‘originals’ remain - and those usually extended and renovated beyond recognition - the great Australian tradition of the country pub is alive and well in the Hunter with literally dozens of pubs scattered through the towns, villages and crossroad communities of the Valley. Although many are in a battle for survival with the licenced club movement, the majority are yet again adopting to circumstances and playing an important role in the tourist trade.

Listed below is a more or less representative sample of Wine Country’s rural pubs - several of them dating back to the heyday of Australian hotel architecture extending from the mid-Victorian era (the 1860s on) to the mid-1920s.

Country Pubs:

AUSTRALIA HOTEL: 136 Wollombi Road (Cessnock) T (02) 4990 1256

BELLBIRD HOTEL: Wollombi Rd, Bellbird (Cessnock) T (02) 4990 1094

ABERMAIN HOTEL: 27 Charles St, Abermain (Cessnock) T (02) 4930 8619

ELLALONG HOTEL: Helena St, Ellalong T (02) 4998 1217

NEATH HOTEL: Cessnock Rd, Neath T (02) 4930 4270

WOLLOMBI TAVERN: Great North Rd, Wollombi T (02) 4998 3261

CESSNOCK HOTEL: Wollombi Rd, Cessnock T (02) 4990 1002

GRAND JUNCTION HOTEL: Church St, Maitland T (02) 4933 5242

HOTEL DENMAN: Cessnock Rd, Abermain T (02) 4930 4212

IMPERIAL HOTEL: High St, Maitland T (02) 4933 6566

KEARSLEY HOTEL: Caledonia Rd, Kearsley T (02) 4990 1179

LOCHINVAR INN: New England Highway, Lochinvar T (02) 4930 7216

RIVER ROYAL INN: Swan St, Morpeth T (02) 49336202

ROYAL FEDERAL HOTEL: Maitland Rd, Branxton T (02) 4938 1335

DENMAN HOTEL: Ogilvie St, Denman T (02) 6547 2207

DENMAN ROYAL HOTEL: Ogilvie St, Denman T (02) 6547 2226

CLUB HOUSE HOTEL: John Street Singleton T (02) 6572 1274

CRITERION HOTEL: John St, Singleton T (02) 6571 2712

JERRYS PLAINS TAVERN: Golden Highway, Jerrys Plains T (02) 6576 4137

AGRICULTURAL HOTEL: Munro St, Singleton T (02) 6572 1511

Hunter Valley and Beyond

Hunter Valley and Beyond

Stay a little longer… and discover some of the Hunter’s other secrets. After you’ve enjoyed our fine wine and food experiences, you can take a day trip to neighbouring Newcastle, Port Stephens or the Central Coast and relax on a beautiful sandy beach. If hiking through the rainforest is more your thing, the World Heritage-listed Barrington Tops National Park is a scenic drive north. Then there’s the Upper Hunter, famous for its impressive horse studs, Lake Macquarie for boating and fishing, and the historic country city of Maitland to explore. You’re spoilt for choice.

NEWCASTLE

Newcastle, Australia's seventh largest city is located just 45 minutes drive from Hunter Valley and is bordered by a stunning coastline with beautiful beaches.

LAKE MACQUARIE

Beach, lake and mountains - Lake Macquarie, a unique city located on the shores of one of the largest coastal salt-water lakes in the southern hemisphere.

SINGLETON

A delightful mix of heritage, country charm and modern sophistication combine to make Singleton, in the heart of the Hunter Valley, an intriguing getaway destination. Singleton is home to all the pursuits you would expect from this region and a few unexpected surprises to keep you entertained, relaxed and inspired.

MAITLAND

Made up of a patchwork of places, townships, colourful communities and immense history. Located just 20 minutes drive from Hunter Valley, explore the various destinations on offer you will notice the uniqueness and warmth which makes Maitland, the wonderful area it is. On arrival to the area, adventure, exploration, indulgence and relaxation await you.

PORT STEPHENS

Port Stephens is known for its nature and abundance of aquatic and land activities on its uncrowded sandy beaches, sheltered bays and unspoilt national parks. Located just 1 hours drive from Hunter Valley, the aquatic reserves in and around Port Stephens are unparralled in terms of beauty, variety and ease.

DUNGOG

Dungog Shire is renowned for its forests, mountains and picturesque river villages. It is bordered in the north by the Barrington Tops plateau, which is part of the Great Dividing Range. 

GREAT LAKES

Whether you're seeking relaxation, a family-fun packed stay or craving adrenalin fuelled adventure - the Great Lakes is the perfect holiday destination to visit all year round.

UPPER HUNTER

Come on up to Upper Hunter Country and find yourself amongst wilderness areas, distinctive wineries, world class horse studs, historical homesteads, vibrant wildlife and good old fashioned country hospitality. Lying just north-west of Newcastle and south of Tamworth, Upper Hunter Country is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.

CENTRAL COAST 

Surrounded by stunning scenery and fresh coastal air, the Central Coast is home to a number of picturesque towns and villages including Umina Beach, The Entrance, Avoca Beach, Terrigal and Ettalong Beach. With an abundance of natural beauty, beaches and fantastic restaurants, take a walk through lush bushland, kayak or canoe in the region's gentle waters or follow one of the many cycle paths that weave their way through the area.

Trade Familiarisations

Hunter Valley Wine Country Tourism supports the Tourism Australia Aussie Specialist Program and Destination NSW’s International and Domestic Familiarisation Programs for international agents and wholesalers.

Please get in touch with us if you are planning to visit the Hunter Valley on a familiarisation and would like any:

  • Local advice
  • New product information
  • Local knowledge on suitable products and experiences
  • Assistance with familiarisation itineraries

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HERE'S TO YOU

So you're planning to get married in the Hunter Valley but not sure where to start? Then let us save you the time and effort.

This Wedding Planning Tool is designed to assist you in planning that perfect Hunter Valley Wedding. We are the local experts, based in the heart of the Hunter Valley and know the who’s who of the Hunter Valley Wedding scene.

Simply fill out the form below, hit submit and we'll contact service providers in the Hunter Valley for you and get them to send you information. Best of all it’s free!

International Product Manual

The Hunter Valley International Product Manual (IPM) has been developed to be the key resource for international travel trade to use when planning and booking a Hunter Valley holiday for clients. The manual contains all the information you need to know about the Hunter Valley in regards to accommodation, tours, travel arrangements and more. 

The Hunter Valley has a number of export ready products who are working or equipped to be working in International Markets.  In addition to the International Product Manual below, Hunter Valley Wine & Tourism Association also facilitates new Internationally Ready Product to attend Australian Tourism Exchange annually. 

For more information on export ready operators This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. HVWTA's Travel Trade team. 

   

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