Travel Safety

As with any trip, we encourage all travellers to seek the most updated travel information relating to their destination prior to departure. Please be sure to monitor the information we are releasing on the changing environment while in the Hunter Valley region to stay up-to-date with the latest travel alerts.

For all general traffic enquiries relating to getting here please visit livetraffic.com.

For all general travel enquiries relating to the current COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic please visit the Smart Traveller Site.

 

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Hunter Valley Wine and Tourism Association (HVWTA) is working closely with Tourism Australia, Destination NSW and Wine Australia to bring you the most updated travel information.  We are following the advice and regulations set out by the World Health Organisation, Australian Government, NSW Government and NSW Department of Health.  However, everyone is encouraged to exercise personal responsibility for personal hygiene and social distancing to prevent community transmission.

As of 1st June all travel restrictions within NSW have been lifted, which includes travel to regional areas such as the Hunter Valley.  There is currently no limit on the distance that a person may travel within NSW. However, it is important that as restrictions are eased we continue to take precautions to avoid spreading COVID-19. We are looking forward to welcoming everyone back and are following the guidelines and regulations as set out by the NSW Government. We're also encouraging everyone to exercise personal responsibility for social distancing to keep all our community and visitors safe.

From 8th July the NSW Government has temporarily closed the NSW-Victoria border. Under the Public Health (COVID-19 Border Control) Order 2020, people who have been in Victoria within the previous 14 days will not be allowed to enter NSW unless they are exempt or they have a border entry permit. As of 8th August, Queensland has closed its border to all of New South Wales and the ACT.

We have created a downloadable and printable guide with the amended business operations and trading hours for operators in the Hunter Valley.  However, due to the range of restriction changes to guidelines we will be updating this guide regularly as we hear from our operators in the Hunter Valley.

Keep up-to-date with the latest COVID-19 announcements via the NSW Government website and for all changes relating to Hunter Valley Wine Country, our visitors, businesses and operators, please refer to the links below which are updated as we are informed of changes.  All businesses can open and operate under the one person per four square metre rule inside and one person per two square metre rule for outdoor dining areas, with a maximum upper limit of 300.  There are different rules and regulations which apply to different businesses within the Hunter Valley so please make sure you are aware of the current restrictions on the places you are visiting.

• Cellar Doors, Restaurants, Cafes and Bars - From Friday 23 October 2020, ALL hospitality venues will be able to have a maximum of 30 people (previously 10) per group booking. People must remain seated to consume beverages and food.
• Tour Operators - There are currently no restrictions for travel on non-government vehicles, including tour buses, coaches and mini buses.
• Accommodation - Up to 20 people may stay in a holiday home or holiday rental.
• Attractions / Retail / Events / Function Centres (such as wedding and conference facilities) - Up to 20 people in the wedding party are permitted on the dance floor.  The maximum number of people who can attend a corporate event (conference) cannot exceed 300 people or one person per 4 square metres, whichever is the lesser.

If in doubt please refer to the NSW Government website for what you can and can't do under the current rules. You can also read the Public Health Order amendment No. 5.

As businesses adapt to COVID-19 restrictions, visitors are strongly encouraged to plan ahead and make a booking, whether it be for a tasting experience at a cellar door, dining in a restaurant or café, embarking on a wine tour, making an accommodation reservation or taking part in an activity. Bookings are essential to ensure businesses have capacity to host you and so you don't miss out.  We want to make sure you have the best possible experience in Hunter Valley Wine Country and booking ahead will allow that to happen.

We understand the adjustment to the ‘new normal’ is challenging, so we ask that you please be mindful of current regulations and remain patient and calm as we all navigate our way through these uncertain times together.

The HVWTA aims to provide the most up-to-date changes in business operations for listings on our website but if in doubt please contact the business direct to confirm. We also recommend that you stay informed by downloading the official Australian Government “Coronavirus Australia” app in the Apple App Store or Google Play, or join the Australian Government WhatsApp channel on iOS or Android.  The COVIDSafe app speeds up contacting people exposed to coronavirus (COVID-19). This helps health officials support and protect you, your friends and family. The app is now available from the Apple App Store and Google Play.

Please remember to be kind to each other in this challenging time of uncertainty. Stay safe, be mindful of others and check in on your family, friends and loved ones.

For all enquiries please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 0499 053 655 and a member of our team will respond to you in a timely manner.