10 things to do in the Hunter Valley this Winter

 

1. HOT AIR BALLOON RIDE AT DAWN

Experience the beauty of the Hunter Valley from above by taking a hot air balloon ride. Enjoy panoramic views of the vineyards, countryside, and maybe even catch a glimpse of kangaroos hopping around.

2. SNOW TIME AT HUNTER VALLEY GARDENS

Discover the magic of Winter at Hunter Valley Gardens as the Gardens transform into a winter wonderland with artificial snow, ice skating rinks, and various winter-themed activities. Families and visitors can enjoy tobogganing, build snowmen, participate in snowball fights, and explore the enchanting gardens adorned with icy decorations.

3. WINE BY THE FIRE

There is no better way to warm up this Winter than a glass of award winning Shiraz in hand by the fire. Whether you want to tempt your tastebuds with a wine tasting or simply sip on a glass, there are plenty of indoor and outdoor places to cosy up by a fire. Discover wines next to the fireplace at cellar door, or relax fireside at your accommodation. 

4. HORSE RIDING

Saddle up and enjoy spectacular valley views. Take it outdoors and explore the Hunter Valley's natural wonders with a horse riding adventure, trail ride or tour.

5. LEARN TO MAKE YOUR OWN HEARTY MEAL AT A COOKING SCHOOL

Get your hands dirty at one of the many cooking classes on offer this Winter. From authentic pasta classes at Our Italian Table to low and smokey meats at Major Lanes Cooking School, there is plenty on offer.

6. TAKE A SCENIC HIKE THROUGH ONE OF THE NATIONAL PARKS

Get the heart rate pumping with a leisurely bush walk through one of the many national parks. For breathtaking views across the Hunter Valley you can hike up to Mount Bright Lookout, Bimbadeen Lookout or Pokolbin Mountains Road lookout. 

7. GOLF

Get into the swing of things in Hunter Valley Wine Country with our golf course round-up. Golfers are spoilt for choice with championship golf courses offering scenic views. With three quality courses within 20 kilometres of Pokolbin, the region can mount a strong case of being regarded as one of the pre-eminent golf-and-wine destinations in the country.

8. INDULGE IN A DEGUSTATION

Whether you want to go all out or simply just can't decide, opt in for the degustation at one of our many award winning restaurants and allow our skilled chefs to take you on a gastronomical journey as they put forward their personal selection of must-try dishes.

9. TREAT YOURSELF TO A SPA DAY

Escape the cold and submit yourself to a deep state or rest and relaxation at one of our many spas this Winter. Imagine basking by your own private woodfire post- couple’s massage, with a satisfying glass of Hunter Valley wine.

10. DISCOVER OUR ART SCENE

In a place so beautiful, creativity, arts and culture go hand in hand with wine and food culture. A sip of wine and you might feel inclined to explore your creative side with a gallery visit, culture walk, or art class, or discover a host of artistic endeavours at the Singleton Arts & Cultural Centre.

The quaint Palmers Lane located conveniently in the heat of the Hunter Valley is a haven for wine lovers and holiday makers alike.

BOUTIQUE WINERIES

Receive a warm welcome from passionate winemakers at boutique family-owned wineries and relish in the taste of exceptional wines. Be taken on a journey of wine exploration as you partake in an immersive wine experience all with the backdrop of uninterrupted Valley Views. Hear from family wine-dynasties and discover the pleasures of sustainable, small batch wines. Enjoy a bite to eat, and explore the gift shop Come What May Homewares before retreating to your centrally located accommodation.

UNIQUE ACCOMMODATION

The unique accommodation offerings along the Palmers Lane wine trail allow you to find relaxation in the heart of the Hunter Valley. Whether you decide to head off and explore or stay in and enjoy a morning coffee in the sun at your self-contained lodge, a swim at the on-site pool, or roasting marshmallows with the little ones on an open fire. 

HIGHLIGHTS AND THINGS TO DO THIS EASTER

Looking at what to do in the Hunter Valley this Easter? From sunrise Hot Air Balloon rides and family Easter events, to indulging in Hunter Valley made chocolate and wine tasting, outdoor seafood buffets and more. We've compiled a list to help start imagining the magic of Easter in the Hunter Valley.   

ATTEND AN EASTER EVENT

Family Easter at Hunter Valley Gardens
Friday 18th to Monday 21st April
Hop into Hunter Valley Gardens for for boundless fun for the entire family, complete with an abundance of spectacular rides and Easter activities including a Giant Easter Egg Hunt spanning across the four days. Every child will receive an Easter chocolate at the completion of the Giant Easter Egg Hunt. Plus, there’s also a Golden Egg Hunt to win a Family Annual Pass! For more information, click here.

Easter cupcake decorating at 4 Pines Hunter Valley
Friday 18th April
Get into the Easter spirit this Good Friday with a fun-filled cupcake decorating workshop for kids, featuring carrot and vanilla cupcakes, colourful toppings, and take-home treats. Aprons, chef hats, finger food, and goodie bags included. Only 30 spots available so book in early. Click here for more information. 

Easter Lunch at Chateau Elan 
Saturday 19th April
Gather for a special Easter Lunch at Chateau Elan. Live music from 1pm. For more information, click here.

Chateau Elan Family Day
Sunday 20th April
Join the family fun festivities at Chateau Elan on Sunday 20th April for a delightful day featuring a Petting Zoo and Live Music from 1pm. For more information, click here. 

Blues on the Grass at Saddler's Creek Wines
Saturday 19th & Sunday 20th April from 11am
Get ready for a laid-back Easter weekend filled with soulful blues, fine wine, and great company at Saddler’s Creek Wines. Blues on the Grass is the perfect way to unwind, as they bring together live Blues & Roots music, delicious grazing boxes, and their signature Bluegrass Collection wines. For more information, click here. 

Easter Banquet at Boydell's
Thursday 17th, Friday 18th and Saturday 19th of April for lunch and dinner
Enjoy a really indulgent banquet at Boydell's in the historic village of Morpeth. The banquet includes king prawns, scallops, spiced burrata with snow peas and mint salad and whole baked snapper with chilli and lime and asian herb. 

Easter Getaway at éRemo Restaurant
Friday 18th to Sunday 20th of April for lunch and dinner
This Easter, escape to éRemo Restaurant for a celebration filled with the rich flavours of contemporary Italian cuisine. Choose from their specially crafted two-course lunch, three-course dinner, or their Easter Avido dinner for an unforgettable feast.

Easter Feasts at Twine Restaurant
Sunday 20th of April for breakfast or lunch 
Enjoy Easter Breakfast with an easter egg hunt for the kids on Sunday morning at Twine Restaurant, or join them for a long lunch featuring market fresh local hot and cold seafood, slow cooked meats, fresh salads, and of course, an Easter egg hunt for the kids. 

Easter at Restaurant Botanica 
Friday 18th to Sunday 20th of April 
Join the Good Friday feast at Restaurant Botanica for a a 5 course lunch including Coffin bay oysters, tempura prawn with daikon and shiro miso, ocean trout, tuna tataki with edamame and more. On Saturday indulge in a two or three course degustation dinner, and Easter Sunday bring the family for a two or three course lunch or family picnic and degustation dinner featuring an Easter egg hunt and a special treat for children under 13 set among the vines. 

Nineteen Hunter Valley 
Friday 18th to Monday 21st April
This Easter Long Weekend, indulge in the freshest seafood at Nineteen's Seafood Sand Bar, featuring an incredible selection of oysters and prawns, served from the Beer Garden. Pair your seafood with a refreshing cocktail or an ice-cold beer while soaking up the long weekend vibes. Open between 5pm - 8pm Good Friday, and 12pm - 2:30pm and 5pm - 8pm Easter Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Click here for more information. In addition to seafood, live music and visits from the Easter Bunny with chocolate egg giveaways will be happening throughout the weekend at Nineteen. For more information, click here.  

HOT AIR BALLOONING 

Go above and beyond the horizon this Easter long weekend and experience the Hunter Valley in all its glory at sunrise. Watch the land slowly transform into an artistic patchwork of vineyards, olive groves and event try spot some early morning activity for the Kangaroos. Check out Balloon Aloft and Beyond Ballooning and be sure to book in advance.

CHOCOLATE AND WINE TASTING

What better way to taste wine over the Easter long weekend than with a chocolate and wine pairing? Hunter Valley wineries have teamed up with local chocolatiers to craft delicious combinations with each chocolate carefully matched to highlight the unique characteristics of the wine. In these fun tastings, discover how each pairing brings out new flavours and structural elements of the wine.. Book in for your wine and chocolate experience at places like 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. For the kids, Pokolbin Estate's are offering a special kids tasting experience featuring chocolate Easter eggs and paired with flavoured juice. 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.

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 for some decadent homemade goodies. 

SPA DAY

Immerse yourselves in a sanctuary of relaxation and rejuvenation as you indulge in a variety of spa treatments in the Hunter Valley. 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.

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. 

Easter Banquet at Boydell's
Thursday 17th, Friday 18th and Saturday 19th of April for lunch and dinner
Enjoy a really indulgent banquet at Boydell's in the historic village of Morpeth. The banquet includes king prawns, scallops, spiced burrata with snow peas and mint salad and whole baked snapper with chilli and lime and asian herb.

Easter Getaway at éRemo Restaurant
Friday 18th to Sunday 20th of April for lunch and dinner
This Easter, escape to éRemo Restaurant for a celebration filled with the rich flavours of contemporary Italian cuisine. Choose from their specially crafted two-course lunch, three-course dinner, or their Easter Avido dinner for an unforgettable feast.

Easter Feasts at Twine Restaurant
Sunday 20th of April for breakfast or lunch
Bring the family for Sunday lunch at Twine Restaurant for a long lunch featuring market fresh local hot and cold seafood, slow cooked meats, fresh salads, and an Easter egg hunt for the kids.

Easter at Restaurant Botanica
Friday 18th to Sunday 20th of April
Join the Good Friday feast at Restaurant Botanica for a a 5 course lunch including Coffin bay oysters, tempura prawn with daikon and shiro miso, ocean trout, tuna tataki with edamame and more. On Saturday enjoy a two or three course degustation dinner, and Easter Sunday bring the family for a two or three course lunch or family picnic and degustation dinner featuring an Easter egg hunt and a special treat for children under 13 set among the vines.

Easter Lunch at Chateau Elan
Saturday 19th April
Gather your family for a special Easter Lunch at Chateau Elan. Live music from 1pm. 

Seafood Sand Bar at Nineteen
Friday 18th to Monday 21st April
This Easter Long Weekend, indulge in the freshest seafood at Nineteen's Seafood Sand Bar, featuring an incredible selection of oysters and prawns, served from the Beer Garden. Pair your seafood with a refreshing cocktail or an ice-cold beer while soaking up the long weekend vibes. Open between 5pm - 8pm Good Friday, and 12pm - 2:30pm and 5pm - 8pm Easter Saturday, Sunday and Monday. 

BOOK A WINE TASTING

Exploring the Hunter Valley this Easter wouldn't be complete without experiencing the exceptional wines at our award-winning wineries. With so many cellar doors 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 to discover all of our cellar doors and wineries.