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 Monday 1st June all travel restrictions within NSW have been lifted, which includes travel to regional areas such as the Hunter Valley.  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.

We have created a downloadable and printable guide with the amended business operations and trading hours for operators in the Hunter Valley as at Friday 5th June 2020.  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.  We strongly recommend that if you are wishing to visit any of the businesses in the guide to please call ahead prior to your visit, most places will be operating on a 'bookings essential' basis for the time being.

Further, there have been changes for cellar doors, restaurants, cafes, pubs, tour companies, weddings and attractions that commenced Monday 1st June 2020:

• Restaurants and cafes can seat up to 50 patrons depending on the size of their venue. All venues must abide by the 4sqm rule and social distancing of 1.5 metres apart at all times.
• Cellar Doors and pubs can seat up to 50 patrons depending on the size of their venue. All venues must abide by the 4sqm rule and social distancing of 1.5 metres apart at all times.
• Groups seated together or single bookings can only be for a maximum of 10 people for Cellar Doors and restaurants/Cafes.
• All bookings must be seated, including when conducting a wine tasting, there can be no standing around chatting and talking while eating or drinking.
• Tour operators can now operate under the following conditions:
  • No more than 10 customers per tour group for wineries, breweries and distilleries.
  • Take measures to ensure drivers minimise close contact with passengers.
  • Ensure 1.5m distancing between customers that are not from the same household.
  • Make sure bookings are made prior to your visits to wineries, breweries, distilleries and restaurants to avoid overcrowding.
  • Must record and keep the names and contact details, including telephone numbers and/or email addresses, of ALL customers on the tour.
  • Practice good hand hygiene by washing your hands regularly with soap to protect yourself, and have hand sanitiser available for your customers.
  • Clean frequently touched areas and surfaces several times per day.
• Accommodation services are able to be offered without restrictions, except for Holiday Rentals which can have no more than 10 persons booking in unless they are all from the same household and can prove this.
• Attractions can operate under the following conditions:
  • Golf is permitted where no more than 10 people are gathered.
  • Retail stores can open. Businesses must comply with the 4 square metre rule.
  • Cultural buildings that provide information and education facilities such as libraries, galleries and museums may open with restrictions. Capacity must not exceed one person per 4 square metres including staff members.
  • Aquariums, zoos and reptile parks may open with restrictions. Capacity must not exceed one person per 4 square metres excluding animal enclosures.
• Weddings can take place and have in addition to the couple, the people conducting or assisting in the conduct of the wedding, a photographer, videographer, and up to 20 guests (including adults and children) at the wedding.

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.