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3-Day Rothbury Itinerary
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Wanderlog staff
Updated • updatedAug 21, 2025
Updated • updatedAug 21, 2025
Rothbury in 3 days
If you only have 3 days to spend in Rothbury, we’ve narrowed down the top places you should check out to get the best experience of your time here.
With favorites like Hunter Valley Visitor Information Centre, Shop Hunter Valley and What's On, Peterson House - Hunter Valley Winery, and Balloon Aloft Hunter Valley, we’ll make sure you don’t miss out on all the must sees. We even included some of our favorite food spots around the area, like Blaxland Inn and EXP. Restaurant so you can get the best taste of Rothbury while you’re here. To see our full list of food recommendations, check out our best restaurants post. If you're traveling on a budget, you can check out our cheap eats post.
Looking for other day-by-day itineraries in Rothbury?
Visiting Rothbury? See our Rothbury Trip Planner.
Feel free to follow our itinerary exactly or tailor it to your own needs — happy wandering!
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Table of contents
- Rothbury in 3 days
- Most popular attractions
- Southeast side of town
- Off the beaten path
Day 1
Most popular attractions
For day 1, we strategically grouped the most popular attraction, Balloon Aloft Hunter Valley, with surrounding point of interests to start your trip off with a bang. Combining the average time spent at each location and traveling time in between, it should fill up about 8 hours of your day.
1
•Reza G — Google reviewLutful C — Google reviewMohammad A — Google reviewArnee S — Google reviewJeff S — Google reviewALLEN X — Google reviewNevil R — Google review
Hunter Valley Gardens
4.4
(9342)
4.1
(2456)
expensive
Garden
Nature & Parks
Wedding chapel
Wedding venue
Hunter Valley Gardens in Pokolbin spans 29 acres and features ten themed gardens with eight kilometers of walking tracks. The gardens offer seasonal carnival rides and holiday events, making it a perfect destination for families. Visitors can also enjoy activities like grape stomping at the Hunter Valley resort, Aqua Golf and Putt putt golf at Hunter Valley Gardens Village, high tea at Voco Kirkton Park, or a visit to the Hunter Valley Zoo.
Great please to spend the day or have a family picnic! Such scenic please! We went on a weekend day there and it was almost empty. We had all the time in the world to enjoy the views! But i recommend going on a day when they have events!
Friendly staff, helped us navigate through the garden.
As for the most reviews I too thibk it's a bit over priced but its worth the visit! Must visit place in hunter valley!
Asiri D — Google review
We had a wonderful day exploring the Hunter Valley Gardens. The gardens are absolutely stunning, with a breathtaking variety of flowers, plants, and themed sections that are immaculately maintained. The scenery is picturesque at every turn — perfect for photos and simply enjoying the beauty of nature.
It’s a fantastic place for a walk, and we found it very family-friendly. There’s something for everyone, from kids to grandparents. The Storybook Garden was a hit with the little ones, and the peaceful walking trails were relaxing for the adults.
The only downside is the admission price. At $126 for a family, it’s quite expensive. While the experience is lovely, we do wish the pricing was a bit more accessible for families who want to visit more often hence dropping a star.
Largest winery in Australia..
One of the best in the world with a variety of original locally grown finest wines ..
From vineyards to production units to processing and bottling wines. Everything will demonstrated and of course with free wine testing facilities in a cosy friendly environment..
One can then buy as many..
There are multiple wine companies with good portfolio across the vast land of Hunter Valley gardens..
Comprising of multiple best quality gardens or more appropriately vineyards and wine tasting restaurants..n facilities..
People making and offering wine are highly experienced, friendly and always trying to explain and help choose the best quality and the type one is looking for..
Many souvenirs are also available..
It is a day long wonderful experience taking a few hours only
Beautiful well kept gardens of many themes. Well worth the admission price. Extremely picturesque. Great for photo shoots. Great for exploring and enjoying the views and beauty of curated nature.
The gardens were an absolute blast, with so much to explore. Walking through the various themed areas, I felt like I was in a fairytale. The lights display at night was a mesmerizing experience. I definitely took a lot of photos to remember this fantastic trip.
My wife and I visited t g e Hunter Valley Gardens on the 31 August 2025. As pensioners we were charged $33 each entry fees. The Gardens are very well maintained, but there is next to nothing to see, except last year Christmas Decorations.
Hunter valley garden is a really good place to have a stop when you're traveling in Hunter valley. Especially when you're arrived here at November to January, there would be a Christmas activities which would be many kinds of lights on. Also there are many themes in this garden. It's really a good place to have a try and chill here
gecommended for everyone.
Visited during the winter. Hope it’s grate in spring .
During winter flowers aren’t usually in bloom, but the different types of gardens were gorgeous and beautifully maintained. Few events including big wheel-and sliding but you have to pay separately.
2090 Broke Rd, Pokolbin NSW 2320, Australia•
24 min · 1.2 mi
2•Karman H — Google reviewElaine S — Google reviewLaura W — Google reviewJD — Google reviewJohanna F — Google reviewAlex C — Google reviewAlex C — Google review
Cafe Enzo
4.4
(1968)
4.5
(1610)
affordable
Cafe
Breakfast restaurant
Coffee shop
Restaurant
Cafe Enzo is a charming dining spot nestled in the heart of Pokolbin at Peppers Creek Village. For over 25 years, it has been serving up delectable homemade meals crafted from locally sourced ingredients. The cafe offers a delightful breakfast and brunch menu with a Mediterranean flair, featuring dishes like pancakes and gourmet omelettes. Guests can savor their meals in the serene courtyard or inside the cozy rustic interior surrounded by picturesque gardens and stone buildings.
Such a fantastic cafe for breakfast. Our group of 10 was well catered for and the meals and coffee orders were delivered quickly after ordering. There were so many choices for breakfast that it was hard to select what to order.
We received fantastic service with delicious meals and wonderful coffee. It was a very memorable experience.
The building and gardens were gorgeous. Such a lovely setting.
There was plenty of parking on site.
Helen W — Google review
The ingredients at Enzo Café are exceptionally fresh, with the seafood and meat we tried being large, tender, and full of flavor. Highly recommend the garlic bread, lobster linguini, and pork belly. You can truly taste the chef’s dedication in the sauces and details, with side dishes like the potatoes and apple sauce adding delightful surprises. Even the bread dip left a lasting impression. The café is pet-friendly, set in a beautiful environment, and the staff are warm and welcoming. We will definitely be back!
Be Sure to Order in Moderation! 😉
This restaurant truly captures the laid-back Aussie vibe —
a little fountain, green lawns, coffee, wine 🍷
Dining in the midst of nature while enjoying great food… it doesn’t get more relaxing than this 😌
🍝 Linguini with Tiger Prawns – $47
Tomato-based prawn pasta — packed with flavor and seriously delicious.
Every single word in the dish name just sounds like a win!
They were super generous with the prawns and the cheese.
You really can’t go wrong with anything tomato-based here.
🧀 Burrata Mozzarella – $36
This salad was massive! The burrata paired with prosciutto was incredibly tasty.
The cherry tomatoes and bell peppers in it were fresh and flavorful too — not just filler!
🥔 Crispy Potatoes – $17.50
These roast potatoes were absolutely perfect — crispy, golden, and super satisfying.
The portion? Huge. We couldn’t even finish it.
🍞 Scones – $17.50
I always thought scones were meant to be small and dainty…
These ones? Absolute giants! Totally unexpected and totally worth it.
Just a reminder for ppl who want a quick bite and don’t have time for long hours wait. We ordered duck liver parfait, crispy potatoes, gnocchi, prawn linguine and slow cooked beef. The $48 prawn linguine came with gigantic portion size, I think they should think about reducing the portion size (can feed 3) and get the price down a bit. We ended up waiting half of it. Gonna say the gnocchi is the best of all, gnocchi was fried/pan fried a bit so it gives the gnocchi a bit more texture.
Drink wise we chose apple juice ($8) and cold brew. For an $8 apple juice I hope it’s freshly squeezed but if just from the packed juices I think.
We sat there for 2 hours and 1 hour and a half was waiting for our food to come… we asked the staff to chase up the food for us but the staff told us they are busy on weekends. Just note they charge 10% surcharge for weekends, I don’t get why the speed is still slow when a surcharge is charged on weekends already.
Absolutely stunning day for a family lunch! We had the best time and ordered some delightful meals, as well as trying a glass of wine and Aperol Spritz! My favourite was the sticky date pudding, divine. There is also a wine tasting space and several other businesses to check out in this hub. Would suggest booking a table on a nice day, we were glad we did, lunchtime was busy! Easy parking. Excellent service, the staff were super nice and just made the whole experience amazing. We cant wait to come back!
Absolutely delightful place for lunch.
I had the linguine ( pictured) - superb with loads of prawns and spicy chorizo. Hubby had the beef cheeks which he described as lovely.
The real highlight was our lovely Fijian waiter who was so charming and super helpful, giving advice on what to do locally in the Hunter and where to dine etc.
overall, a gorgeous place for lunch!!
Very mixed experience - the pace of service was torturously slow. Be prepared to wait a long long time for both ordering & food. Cafe is either understaffed or there’s gap in service levels.
Food was puzzling. They clearly charge more premium restaurant level pricing (e.g. $47 for a pasta) but the selling points are only presentation & the sheer portion size (which are huge). Flavour lacks depth on the seafood pasta (drenched with cream sauce like an Alfredo) & the beef cheek (underseasoned & the sauce does nothing)
Only conciliation is that the restaurant is located well & the ambience is quite nice & open.
Wouldn’t bother waiting again for this.
Must visit if you are in the Hunter Valley!
The dishes are designed to be shared so make sure to bring somebody.
Highly recommend the scones. They were light, soft, warm, and perfect with a coffee.
1946 Broke Rd, Pokolbin NSW 2320, Australia•
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Travelers
2
Travelers
2
5 min · 1.9 mi
3Bianca H — Google reviewCheryl B — Google reviewTania O — Google reviewSwarna S — Google reviewLeane B — Google reviewMelphin K — Google reviewShae R — Google review
Beyond Ballooning Hunter Valley
4.9
(797)
Balloon ride tour agency
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Hunter Valley from a unique perspective with Beyond Ballooning. Take an early morning hot air balloon ride and witness the valley come to life as the sun rises, painting vibrant colors across the picturesque landscape. The professional team ensures a safe and smooth ride, creating unforgettable memories for families and couples alike. After the flight, indulge in a delicious breakfast at Rydges Resort to complete this extraordinary experience.
An Unforgettable Experience with Beyond Ballooning! We had the most amazing and surreal experience with Beyond Ballooning in the Hunter Valley. Everything ran perfectly on time, and the staff were incredibly friendly, helpful, and professional. A special shoutout to Shaun, who was with us on the balloon—he was knowledgeable, easygoing, and made the whole experience smooth and completely stress-free.
The views were breathtaking, and we even had our photos taken, which turned out beautifully. After the ride, we were treated to a delicious breakfast with a wide variety of food options.
If you're considering a hot air balloon ride in the Hunter Valley, this is an absolute must-do. Highly recommend!
Vivian T — Google review
Absolutely stunning experience, from start to finish! All staff were very welcoming and informative. Views of the Hunter valley were nothing short of spectacular. Finishing off with a delicious breakfast you’re sure not to leave hungry. Plenty of options to suit all!
Thankyou Beyond Ballooning you have gained a forever customer.
We had a balloon flight today. Steve was our pilot. From the early start until we left after breakfast the team were great, knowledgeable and friendly. It was a wonderful experience and I’d highly recommend doing it.
This was an absolutely amazing experience to share with my children for my 60th birthday. Our pilot Nathan was so professional, informative and an awesome operator, who definitely knew what he was doing ( thank goodness). We flew up from Tasmania and luckily, the weather was perfect. That’s a tick off my bucket list. Thank you so much for the experience!
Had a wonderful hot air baloon experience. Sam, our pilot, is very friendly and made us feel safe by explaining everything we needed to know in detail. Tony assisted with on ground preparations and took some lovely photos of us up in the sky. This is a highly recommended adventure. I got this ride as a birthday gift and you too can gift a ride to a loved one and it will most certainly be a gift beyond value.
My partner and I absolutely loved this, we went one morning and it was canceled due to weather then went again yesterday and it was wonderful!! When it was cancelled it did not bother us at all because obviously it is for safety reasons and if anything it made me feel alot more safe knowing they don’t take chances. I would definitely recommend. I saw some people complaining about the pack up in other reviews but I saw no issues in helping pack up. It was quick and easy, I completely understand why they ask for our help considering its a HUGE ballon, people are just lazy and like to complain..
Great experience with Beyond Ballooning! Sam was an awesome and friendly pilot. Everything was safe and professional and everyone onboard had fun! Breakfast provided was a huge spread too! Keep up the good work!
Absolutely incredible experience highly recommend beyond ballooning very professional and friendly! All staff were friendly and informative.The views of the Hunter were incredible to see from above and the champagne breakfast was the best I’ve ever had!
Blaxland Inn, 2198 Broke Rd, Pokolbin NSW 2320, Australia•
4 min · 2.4 mi
4•Adida R — Google reviewRobert S — Google reviewManoj G — Google reviewBrian Y — Google reviewPaula B — Google reviewE D — Google reviewSteven N — Google review
Hunter Valley Visitor Information Centre, Shop Hunter Valley and What's On
4.6
(937)
4.8
(15)
Tourist information center
Aboriginal art gallery
Art gallery
Cafe
When visiting the Hunter Valley Visitor Information Centre in Pokolbin, located just outside of Cessnock, you'll be greeted by friendly and knowledgeable staff ready to assist with any inquiries. Whether you're looking for local events, nearby airports, or seeking advice on making the most of your time in the Hunter Valley, this accredited center is a valuable resource.
Ample parking and air conditioning in the cafe , indoor and outdoor seating areas , toilets available and very clean .full menu till 2pm then only coffee and refreshments offered after then , the food service were 10/10 , plenty of seating , the information centre has plenty of locally grown products for sale and a heap of information on the district a must stop over before entering the wineries.
Brook F — Google review
Really lovely team. We went in twice while we were in the hunter for the weekend and both times had two different people serve us - both exceptional. Lots of information shared. Didn’t push us to do one thing or another.
The gift shop itself is also very unique and not filled with junk souvenirs.
I definately recommend going in or calling for advice before you book things in.
The HVIC was a great venue for us to finish our 3 day ride from Dubbo. The facilities were amazing and the staff were great. Thanks to everyone who helped us set this up. We will definitely be back in 2026.
Amazing wineries and wonderful location for a day trip. We had best wine testing experience with friends and family. Nice location.. recommended for those who want to explore wine, wonderful landscape, quite land lovely location… simply great
Great place for first stop. Nancy at reception has shown great hospitality and friendly service. Greet me pleasantly make me feel welcome. She also provided me with the map where to visit as per my favourite. Mark them with different colours. Thanks Nancy. Best wishes from Brian Haymarket 2000
This would have to be the best Information Center we have visited, showcasing all the local talent. So fabulous- well worth a stop to check it out.
Great staff with lots of local knowledge.
Definitely a must visit if you are in the area.
Staff are very friendly, bubbly, and informative.
Nice selection of gifts also to browse around.
Called in because of weather cancelation and the girls behind the counter were extremely friendly and helpful couldn’t recommend them more highly.
455 Wine Country Dr, Pokolbin NSW 2320, Australia•
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Where to eat
Even the most seasoned adventurers need a break to chow down some food. Close to Beyond Ballooning Hunter Valley, these restaurants are about a 1-minute walk away.
Blaxland Inn
4.4
(1854)
4.5
(1349)
affordable
Steak house
Nestled in the picturesque Hunter Valley, Blaxland Inn is a charming family-run restaurant that perfectly captures the essence of country comfort. Known for its mouthwatering steaks and hearty burgers, this inviting eatery offers a cozy atmosphere complete with a fireplace, making it an ideal spot to unwind after exploring the region. Guests can indulge in award-winning local wines without worrying about transportation thanks to convenient wine tours that include visits to several cellar doors and delightful lunch options at Blaxland Inn itself.
We had a beautiful dinner at the Blaxland Inn over the weekend celebrating my birthday. From the moment you walked in, you were greeted with a smile and friendly staff. We were taken straight to our table, and were made to feel very relaxed. Our servers were amazing and friendly. The food was delicious. We started off with the housemade cornbread, it was super nice and sweet and came out nice and warm, which let the honey butter melt in. We also ordered the sirloin steak, mash and veggies and baby Thor's hammer.
Lovely experience overall, and we will definitely be back again.
Melany B — Google review
Now get ready for a delicious encounter at The Blaxland Inn. The steaks are cooked to perfection yet the menu has other delights. We tried the brisket and chicken on our recent visit. We were consumed by the flavours and taste - fabulous! The service is amazing too! You can be guaranteed a warm welcome and a friendly smile with every course. Wine, cocktail and beer offerings too are exceptional with Lord Nelson 3 Sheets (can you resist a pint?) and other craft beers on tap. Great ambiance in a sandstone dining room completes the experience. Don’t drive past this very special place.
The food was cooked so perfectly and with unique flair... Loved the service also... Nothing was too hard.
My favourites were the Lemon Lime and Bitters (perfectly made), the corn bread (with an amazing butter), the Warm Potato Salad, and the Choc Chip Skilllet Cookie (I ordered mine without the ice cream... Still awesome) ... All of those deserve an extra mention because they were next level.
Thank you 😊
(I didn't stay overnight, so no rating provided for the rooms)
We had a dinner booking at Blaxland Inn for my mother’s birthday whilst up at the Hunter for the weekend. We all enjoyed our experience. The cocktails were fantastic, delicious food and very special birthday dessert with a sparkler for mum. The restaurant was busy and our table took a fair amount of time to decide on what to order, but our waitress was extremely patient and helpful in giving us suggestions. She was very charming and had an infectious fun attitude too! My only negative feedback would be that the creamy mash with my steak was awfully salty!! A few of us felt the same actually. Otherwise amazing and will definitely be back. 👏👏
Absolutely blown away. We booked here last minute on our trip to the hunter valley. We walked in and were greeted by 3 or 4 friendly staff on the way to our table which was already set out with high chair, kid friendly cups and colouring in books for our kids. The staff immediately came and asked for drinks orders and if we wanted to get the kids food underway (if you’re a parent you know how important this is). Once that was done they came back and delivered the drinks and not long after the kids food arrived. It is abundantly clear that this team at blaxland are cohesive and well run. All food and drinks were timed impeccably and the kids were never for want while the team brought our entrees out. My wife and I split the scallops and also the taco special which were a knock out and I’d highly recommend. We dined on Wednesday which was $30 sirloin night. Back home in Brisbane if you got a $30 sirloin you’d expect it to not be cooked to order and not of good quality with average sides. This steak was cooked to perfection, a fantastic cut of meat. The unique sauces (cowboy butter and hot honey ranch) they provide also really upped the game setting this steak house head and shoulders above anything I’d experienced in years.
As someone who travels frequently and dines out a lot I believe Blaxland is arguably one of the best run establishments in Australia. The staff are incredible and the chefs are clearly exceptional. Please do yourself a favour and stop in here if you want a great dining experience. We will be back!
We choose dinner at Blaxland Inn primarily because they offered a courtesy bus, what a great choice we made. Organising a table and pickup was so easy (thank you Charlotte, who also recommended the Friday feast - something never to be forgotten - just out of this world). On arrival at Blaxland ordering our drinks was such fun thanks to the amazing barman. Our table was large and had one of the best locations in the restaurant complimented by our waiter Al (from Birmingham) who ensured we were so well taken care of - nothing was too much trouble for him. The whole evening ended a high note with Kim taking us home and ensuring that we never stopped laughing. I do not normally comment on a dinning experience but really wanted to say "Thank you all guys" for making our dinning experience such a memorable evening. Jacqueline Dircks
Great family friendly venue. This steakhouse had a nice ambience, is spacious for those of us who need wheels and had plenty of menu options which were gluten free. We visited on a busy Saturday and staff handled the crowds very well. There was a forty five minute wait for mains which given the busyness was not unreasonable but we wished we had ordered a few starters. Drinks were served quickly. A most enjoyable experience.
Came here for steaks and it was delicious! Service was great too. A little disappointed on the pork belly entree, was just expecting a stickier, scripted dish but the flavor was still good
2198 Broke Rd, Pokolbin NSW 2320, Australia•
EXP. Restaurant
4.8
(765)
5.0
(830)
expensive
Restaurant
Nestled in the charming town of Pokolbin, EXP. Restaurant is a delightful culinary destination that attracts food enthusiasts from far and wide. Under the expert guidance of Chef Frank Fawkner, this fine dining establishment showcases a seasonal menu brimming with creativity and local flavors. The inviting atmosphere features handcrafted furniture and an open bar area where guests can witness the magic of meal preparation firsthand. The menu at EXP.
Every single dish we ate was superb, full of flavour and a lot of wows coming with each bite. The service from the chefs explaining each dish to the warm and welcoming front of house really made the experience. Thanks for a great evening Exp team, can’t wait for another visit again soon.
P.s please never remove the fig dessert of the menu - best dessert I’ve ever had.
Becca L — Google review
Great EXPerience!
We had a fantastic time dining here. The food and atmosphere were both excellent. My wife especially loved the sourdough, and every dish we tried was thoroughly enjoyable. There’s a great variety on the set course, and everything was cooked to perfection.
We would definitely recommend this place it’s probably the best restaurant in the region, in our honest opinion.
We were really looking forward to our visit to EXP. — it's got a great reputation and the setting in Hunter Valley is beautiful. While there were definitely some highlights, overall the experience didn’t quite live up to our expectations.
The good: the wagyu dishes were outstanding. Easily the highlight’s of the tasting menu — beautifully prepared, and exactly what you hope for from a fine dining spot like this.
Unfortunately, the rest of the plates didn’t quite land. Dishes felt a bit underwhelming and didn’t have the flavour or finesse we expected. Nothing was bad, but it didn’t match the standard set by the wagyu or the expectations that come with EXP.’s reputation.
Service-wise, it felt like the team was running on empty. The staff were polite but seemed a bit burnt out — no introductions, minimal engagement, and a few service missteps. At one point, utensils were forgotten, and other times they were brought awkwardly mid-conversation, cutting into the flow of the evening. Small things, but they added up and broke the vibe.
Overall, it was left feeling a bit off. The experience lacked the polish and energy you'd expect at this level. We’re assuming it was just an off night, but for the price and the reputation, it missed the mark for us this time.
An unforgettable dining experience at EXP. Restaurant
A beautifully curated tasting menu where every dish tells a story (full of creativity, balance and flavour harmony)
The oyster was the perfect start — fresh, clean and bursting with umami that awakened the palate from the very first bite
Each course that followed was artfully crafted — refined, delicate, yet full of depth and dimension.
The fish course was exceptionally done — perfectly cooked, sweet and never fishy, while the duck was tender and juicy with a sauce that tied everything together beautifully.
Fresh ingredients, flawless execution and excellent service made the entire evening truly special.
A perfect place for anniversaries, celebrations or simply to indulge in a memorable fine dining experience
The food was absolutely amazing. The dishes were not only delicious using Australian flavours but also beautifully placed. Watching the chefs while they prepared each dish was a joy to watch and then to have them come and explain the dishes made for a memorable experience. The wine pairings for each dish were so well matched that that we did not dislike any of them, even though we can be a little fussy with our normal wine choices.
Bella curated the experience like a symphony, with thoughtful service and every dish full of flavours that surprised and delighted. Without a doubt the best meal out in the Hunter Valley. PS - do the chef’s table
Absolute magic, from the moment the door was opened for us until we left, the staff and food were all phenomenal.
I can not say anything negative about our night because it was all perfection. They made my birthday dinner something I will never forget.
We had the wine pairings and every wine was explained with exceptional knowledge.
Every dish was accompanied with an explanation of what was being served and where it came from, all of the chefs spoke to us.
We got the additional Murray Cod wing and the wing and the Aquna Murray Cod dish were the standouts, the flavours of both were a dream. The full description of the cod fish is...
Confit Aquna Murray Cod, black garlic and mushroom puree, pan roasted Mother Fungus Chocolate Oyster Mushrooms, Newcastle Greens Sugar Loaf Cabbage, finished with yuzu kosho buerre blanc.
I'm am so glad I had some of the sourdough left so I could use it to mop up the rest of the sauce, not sure how they would've felt if I'd licked the plate clean, but there was no way I was leaving any of that sauce on the plate.
Sitting at the Chef's Bar was the perfect view to see what was happening and how the food was being prepared. Everyone worked beautifully together, the chefs, the wait staff, sommelier and the guy in the back who popped in and out, and the the young chef, who was on his first night, was lovely and he was knowledgeable on the dishes, impressive first night!
I LOVE the addition of the QR code on the menu (that I took home) so we can read through an explanation of the dishes while I'm non stop talking about our meal to our friends and family.
EXP, you deserve all of the praise, we can't wait to come back
We had the absolute pleasure of dining at EXP. Restaurant in the Hunter Valley, and it was nothing short of incredible. Every dish showcased chef Josh’s exceptional skill, creativity, and passion for food. Each course was beautifully presented and bursting with flavour, making the entire experience unforgettable.
Josh was also incredibly friendly and took the time to chat with us, adding a personal touch that made the night even more special. The rest of the staff were just as warm and professional, creating a relaxed yet refined atmosphere that perfectly complemented the amazing food
2188 Broke Rd, Pokolbin NSW 2320, Australia•
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Spicers Guesthouse
4.7
(586)
Hotel
Bar
Spicers Guesthouse in Pokolbin is renowned for its exceptional customer service, with friendly and helpful staff who go above and beyond to ensure a memorable experience. The restaurant options at the hotel, such as Elements at Spicers and The Gates at Leogate Estate, offer refined dining experiences with a focus on local ingredients and expertly crafted wine lists.
I recently had the pleasure of photographing Niamh & Mark’s wedding at the STUNNING Spicers Guesthouse. This was my first time working at the venue & I honestly have nothing but good things to say.
- as a wedding venue, 10/10
- location 10/10
- staff 10/10
- vibes 10/10
I am really looking forward to working here again in the future. Thanks to the team for giving my couple such an incredible day.
Charlotte Fraser Photography
Charlotte F — Google review
I had high expectations on our return to this 5-star luxury hotel, drawn by its amazing location, luxurious rooms, and beautiful common areas. The initial welcome from reception was warm and positive, setting a promising tone. However, my experience was disappointing overall.
The Eremo set menu and wine pairing at the restaurant did not meet expectations, and the service was lacking feeling more like an inconvenience than a guest. At both breakfast and dinner, I felt forgotten and neglected, which was surprising for a hotel of this caliber. Staff seemed overwhelmed and unprepared, making it feel like a burden to request basic amenities like fire stoking, which was only done when explicitly asked. Additionally, I was overcharged for drinks that weren’t mine, which added to the frustration.
It’s clear that more training and additional staff are needed to truly deliver the guest experience expected from a luxury property. Despite the beautiful environment, the overall service left much to be desired, and it felt like the staff were more concerned with avoiding inconvenience than providing attentive hospitality.
We absolutely LOVE Spicers Guesthouse! My husband and I have stayed here more than six times, and it has become our go to spot for every anniversary. Each visit feels just as special as the first. We’ve stayed in the Hunter Suite and in the suite right next to the pool and both were perfect in their own ways. The rooms are cozy, beautifully maintained and always make us feel at home. The fireplace is such a treat in the winter months, while the pool and jacuzzi area are pure bliss year round.
For the experience you get, it’s such incredible value for money. Romantic, relaxing and a little slice of heaven. We honestly can’t recommend Spicers Guesthouse enough. It’s our favorite escape and we can’t wait for our next visit.
We had breakfast here and it was amazing. Food delicious and the view amazing. Staff were very polite and attentive. We were not guests of the resort unfortunately, we were a couple wanting a lovely breakfast and we certainly received the same courtesy as if we were guests. Thank you for making us feel welcomed.
Staff were amazing and lovely interactions, nothing was ever a problem and went out of their way to ensure we had a great stay. Fully recommend the restaurant, the food was fresh, quality and out of the ordinary and we will be returning
We recently stayed at Spicers Guest House while attending a close friend’s mid-week wedding—and what a beautiful experience it was.
We stayed two nights in an extremely comfortable room with a lovely outlook, making it the perfect base for a special occasion.
Breakfast was included, and we both went with the eggs Benedict on both mornings. I can honestly say it was the best eggs Benedict I’ve ever had—everything was cooked to perfection, and the house-made hollandaise sauce was next level. I’d come back just for the breakfast next time I’m in the area.
On one of the nights, we enjoyed a few drinks at the bar before heading out. There’s a beautiful fireplace inside and a fire pit outside, which really adds to the relaxed, welcoming vibe. And of course, as expected, they offer a great selection of wines.
Overall, we had a fantastic stay and would definitely return on future visits to the Hunter
What a delightful place to stay in the Hunter Valley region. Our room was a good size. Had the most delicious dinner at eRemo, with open fireplaces all around. Breakfast was also excellent. Would not hesitate to come back - just loved our 1 night stay.
Beautiful location, rooms and interiors. Excellent cleanliness.
However, my last day of stay was unfortunately ruined by incidents. We expected much better from a hotel advertising themselves as 5-stars. I won't mention the full details to protect my own privacy of course, but ladies please be careful of 'staff' 👎entering your room any time 🙏
57 Ekerts Rd, Pokolbin NSW 2320, Australia•
Ronnie's
4.5
(191)
Cafe
Ronnie's, located in the Hunter Valley Gardens shopping village, is a fusion of classic cafe food with unexpected additions from the team behind Arthur's Pantry and Mr O. Visitors can enjoy generous portions of dishes like chicken schnitzel and iced matcha. The place is known for its phenomenal food quality and presentation, especially the waffles. The staff is friendly and helpful, ensuring a neat and tidy dining experience even during busy times.
Stopped by for breakfast on our last day and had such a pleasant experience. I ordered the beef brisket eggs benny add on avocado — absolutely delicious! The food overall was fantastic, and the service was warm and friendly. A perfect spot in the gardens — highly recommend!
Lisa N — Google review
This is a beautiful alfresco cafe nestled in Hunter Valley Gardens. I brought my family here for brunch and it absolutely did not disappoint. The pancakes were fluffy and smelled amazing. It was paired with a passion fruit sauce and cream which gave it a sweet tangy taste. Additionally, paired with the berries, it was so refreshing and addictive! The chilli scrambled eggs were also a stunner! The beautiful creamy scrambled eggs were paired with perfectly charred chorizo bits which made it a savoury bomb. There was some chilli oil and mayo around the plate too which added depth to the scrambled eggs. The sourdough toast below was warm yet not tough at all. Also, coffee was obviously the best. Definitely do visit this place is you are around the area!
The food was really nice, but unfortunately the overall experience wasn’t great.
We were told there would be a 25-minute wait for the food, which we were happy to accept, but it ended up taking around 50 minutes. I also ordered an orange juice (from a bottle) that took about 30 minutes to arrive.
While the food was tasty, the long wait times made the experience a bit disappointing. Hopefully this can be improved, as the food itself was good.
Amazing spot in the Hunter region for a Brekky/brunch. Great food but gets really busy which means long order queues and a bit of a wait to get the food served. But the wait is very worth it as everything we ordered tasted yummmyyy!
Very good food and service. Beautiful, relaxing setting amongst the trees. Serving sizes are a little smaller than some places, but sweets are generous and good quality. The venue is close to the main roundabout in the Hunter Valley Gardens. It is not well signposted so is difficult to find. Opening hours are more generous than many restaurants, with lunch still available after 2 p.m.
Walked in with 7 people including a baby and sat at a table with 6 seats and moved a table together for space to fit our baby and pram in. They said we were not allowed to even though the cafe was empty, there was so many empty tables. The waitress had a bad attitude and didn't understand we needed space for the baby. We weren't offered another table, only the 6 seater.
Worked out great though, we went to the cafe right across from it called Lime Leaf and was super friendly, great food and had a more local feeling.
I attended this cafe today to order a fresh juice (on the menu each ingredient is listed). After ordering and paying $8 for it, I saw her pour a 1 litre bottle of Impressed Juice (that you can buy from Woolworths for $5.50). When my friend asked why they were using it from a bottle and not making it fresh, the staff member said the menu says ‘cold pressed’ - the menu does not say this.
The staff member stated it says ‘fresh’ on the bottle. My friend and I requested a refund which was provided.
I ordered a juice today to my table assuming it was freshly made, as the menu listed individual ingredients and gave it a unique name. However, I later discovered it was poured from a bottled juice that can be purchased at Woolworths for around half the price of what I paid.
I found this quite disappointing, as the menu presentation implied it was freshly prepared. Charging $8 for a small glass of pre-packaged juice that costs about $5 per litre at the supermarket is wrong.
Shop 15/2090 Broke Rd, Pokolbin NSW 2320, Australia•
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Day 2
Southeast side of town
For day 2, we recommend exploring the southeast side side of town. Start the day off with Hunter Valley Wildlife Park, then wind down and take it easy by the time you get to Restaurant Botanica. All together, your day would be filled with about 7 hours of non-stop fun.
1•ALLEN X — Google reviewErnie S — Google reviewK L — Google reviewLisa M — Google reviewS. M — Google reviewVerdyan H — Google reviewSean O — Google review
Hunter Valley Wildlife Park
4.6
(2676)
4.6
(478)
Zoo
Outdoor Activities
Picnic ground
Hunter Valley Wildlife Park is a charming zoo that offers visitors the chance to interact with animals like kangaroos through popular feeding encounters. In addition to wildlife experiences, there are various activities available in the Hunter Valley area, such as grape stomping at a resort, Aqua Golf and Putt putt golf at Hunter Valley Gardens Village, high tea at Voco Kirkton Park, and adventurous options like horse riding experiences and hot air balloon rides.
Hunter Valley Wildlife Park may be small, but it’s packed with charm and heart. What stood out most was how happy and playful all the animals and birds were. The highlight was watching a lion play football like a big, curious housecat. It was incredible to see such majestic animals so active and engaged.
The intimate setting made the experience feel personal, almost like we were getting special access to observe these amazing creatures up close. Unlike larger zoos, there was no rush, and we could take our time connecting with the wildlife. The staff were friendly and clearly passionate about animal welfare, which made the visit even more enjoyable.
Raith D — Google review
It's definitely desired to stop here. And take a look into the zoo is much more than I expected. Before before I think it's maybe just a small zoom with little animals. But in reality, they are quite a variety of animals, and also, you can see the white kangaroo. Here, you also can feed the kangaroo and other animals. It's quite interesting no matter how old you are.
I was pleasantly surprised by this place — I’d never heard of it before, but it turned out to be a beautiful spot! The animals look well cared for and generally very happy. I was amazed to see they even have lions and my favourite, the giraffes! A few animals did look a bit restless, but overall it’s a lovely park to visit with the family and definitely worth a stop if you’re in the area.
I was genuinely surprised to find such a sizeable wildlife park in Hunter Valley. At first, I thought it would just be a small place with a few animals, but it turned out to have some large predators as well as many unique Australian animals. You can also enjoy close encounters with kangaroos, which was a great experience. If you’re visiting Hunter Valley, I think spending half a day here is definitely worthwhile.
Amazing zoo, you are able to get up close to most of the animals and see some really unique animals and immersive experience. Most people dont know about this zoo but it's great. Only thing I would change would be the giraffe enclosure your down hill from them so unless they are right in front of you it make it hard to get as good a look as your able to with the other animals they have but you still get good views.
What a great zoo with an extensive variety of animals, not alot or of shade available during a hot or rainy day; prepare yourself on those days.
Very busy on weekends and during school holidays, also attracts some derelict people which can add to your entertainment.
Clean BBQ’s available for you to utilise at lunch time if you bring your own lunch.
Very family friendly! Kids can interact with kangaroo, goats, Bambi. Even some chicken cage free. Memorable experience, make sure to buy their merchandise when you came to support this lovely zoo 🍻
So worth the drive, the parking is fine even when busy, admission prices are great value for money, the venues staff can’t help you enough and have amazing customer service, but the range of beautiful animals and birds exotic animals is so wonderful, it’s such an amazing and beautiful place to visit you can see all of the displays so well, the coffee is nice too. Highly recommended a trip to the Hunter Valley Wildlife Park, it’s and easy walk around, facilities are clean and Cessnock is only down the road if you want to stay overnight, for me was a 2 hour easy drive from Sydney’s Hills area
138 Lomas Ln, Nulkaba NSW 2325, Australia•
8 min · 3.2 mi
2Kelsie — Google reviewTine M — Google reviewTerry F — Google reviewDeepak K — Google reviewShane G — Google reviewAnime A — Google reviewGabby G — Google review
Balloon Aloft Hunter Valley
4.9
(1825)
Balloon ride tour agency
Adventure sports center
Tour operator
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with Balloon Aloft Hunter Valley, starting at the crack of dawn. Drift silently over the stunning Hunter Valley, witnessing vineyards and kangaroos below as you soar above this picturesque wine-producing region. After a one-hour flight, enjoy a sumptuous breakfast and sparkling wine at Peterson House winery. The knowledgeable staff ensures a seamless experience from booking to landing.
Thoroughly enjoyable experience! Byron (pilot), Amanda and other crew members were super friendly and professional. Stunning scenery - photos don’t do it justice! Floating above the morning mist had an ethereal quality about it.
Definitely a bucket list experience!
And breakfast at Peterson’s Winery was a great way to finish up.
Linda B — Google review
What an epic experience! A beautiful morning enjoying the sunrise up over the ridges of the hunter valley with beautiful balloons, of all shapes, colours and sizes. Thank you to Nicola, Andrew and Chris our crew looking after us so well. An adventure with careful piloting by Nicola exploring this amazing terrain of ours. Excellent service with a very soft landing towards the end. We will be back 🫶
I recently had the pleasure of experiencing a hot air balloon ride, and I have to say, it was one of the most well-organized activities I've ever done.
Big shoutout to our guide, Clay! He was absolutely awesome. Super chill, down-to-earth, and full of cool facts about the area. He made the whole experience feel like we were flying with a friend, not just a guide. Plus, he was very professional, cracking jokes while keeping things safe and smooth. You could tell he genuinely loved what he was doing, and that made the whole ride feel even more special.
If you're thinking about doing a hot air balloon ride, definitely go for it. And if you’re lucky to go with Clay, you’re in for a fantastic time!
This was a fantastic, exhilarating experience, Balloon Aloft Hunter Valley thank you for such a wonderful fun balloon flight.
This company and staff are to be commended for the way they organised this experience.
The pilot Blake skilfully sent us through the clouds greeting the sun, the scenery was spectacular and skimming across the trees coming back into land was such fun, he was very knowledgeable and made the entire flight memorable. The crew Jim and Robbie were so helpful and gave clear instructions in a fun humorous way.
From the briefing to helping pack up the
balloon was epic.
The breakfast was delicious too.
Would highly recommend Balloon Aloft to anyone wanting a first class experience.
An absolutely amazing experience. The views from the hot air balloon were breathtaking, and the team was so professional, friendly, and fun. I really enjoyed the teamwork activity at the end of the session—it made the experience even more memorable. The breakfast was delicious and the perfect way to finish the morning. Highly recommend Balloon Aloft for anyone looking for something unique and unforgettable. 😍
Had a wonderful experience and the flight was perfect. We gathered at 0430 in the morning for an early morning start. Our names were marked off and we were provided with a brief before heading out to the selected launch site. It was wonderful to see the balloons inflated, before we got into the basket and began the flight, rising gracefully into the air. The conditions could not have been better and it was an experience I shall remember fondly. The team at Balloons Aloft are great and our pilot ‘Matt’ excellent. If you are thinking about trying this experience, I thoroughly recommend giving Balloons Aloft a call.
Beautiful experience. I was scared at first, but it was an overall comfortable experience. Honestly couldn't believe you could fit so many people in one basket, but that was cool. Definitely recommend. Sam was an excellent host and the food was fantastic.
Oh my goodnessssss!!! This whole experience was absolute - pure bliss and top notch!! The staff were amazing, smooth sailing, epic views and scenes out of this world!!!! the breakfast and cheeky champagne after was the best touch to the morning!! I love how we got a little hands on packing the balloon up too!! And not to mention clay (pilot) is an absolute legend. Bucket list moment!! How I want to spend everything morning 😍 Thanks legends!!!
1/26 Lodge Rd, Lovedale NSW 2325, Australia•
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Travelers
2
Travelers
2
7 min · 4.1 mi
3•Nerine C — Google reviewBas S — Google reviewKarin S — Google reviewDanielle L — Google reviewEmma W — Google reviewChris S — Google reviewBranko P — Google review
Handmade in the Hunter Markets
4.4
(447)
4.4
(23)
Market
Shopping
Flea & Street Markets
Handmade in the Hunter Markets is a must-visit for those who appreciate unique, handcrafted creations. Located at the picturesque Kevin Sobels Wines in Pokolbin, these markets showcase the exceptional talent of artisans from the Hunter Valley. The venue's proximity to major concert venues, wineries, and restaurants makes it a convenient stop during your visit.
Beautiful little market. Everything original & handmade. Great coffee and bacon n egg rolls. It was raining, but don't let that stop you.
Samantha L — Google review
Located at Sobels Winery, 5 Halls Road, Polkolbon, New South Wales, Australia 🇦🇺
This is one of the best markets in the Hunter region. It showcases a large selection of arts, crafts, clothing, timber products, jewellery and food items from local artisans. The stall holders are 100% local to the Hunter Valley. The market is dog 🐶 friendly but must be on a leash. The is plenty of parking 🅿️ available on the grounds of the winery. It’s not really wheelchair accessible as the ground is very uneven and can be difficult to push a wheelchair. There is stalls where you can enjoy a bite to eat eg pizza 🍕 cooked on location. There’s approximately 50 stalls at the market each week. There’s also wine tasting available inside the winery. The items on sale are all 100% handmade goods. There are toilet 🚻 facilities available attached to the winery. The markets are held every Saturday from 9.00am until 2.00pm and some Sundays from 9.00am until 2.00pm. I would definitely recommend a visit. There was some really interesting items and it was top quality. Thumbs up!!! 👍👍👍
Always a nice place to take visitors. The stalls are always changing, and there is always something new to be found. Great variety, great to chat with the stall holders and an overall nice atmosphere.
One tip, just drive in and look for parking. If it's full on the verges, chances are there is space at Sobels.
Great market. All products are handmade and prices are reasonable. Beautiful jewellery and perfumed oils and other handicrafts. The coffee was very good and went well with the sourdough, chocolate, espresso, scones.
Gorgeous old school markets. Plenty of opportunities to talk about the products and taste testing is always on offer! If I have a visitor to the area these markets are a standard morning out!
Fantastic markets! Highly recommend attending/visiting.
So much variety! Food, jewellery, clothing, and so much more well worth a walk around
I loved the Crazy Possum Guitars and the place that did the chopping boards.
5 Halls Rd, Pokolbin NSW 2320, Australia•
3 min · 1.2 mi
4•Georgia — Google reviewJacintha P — Google reviewDanielle M — Google reviewHAMROL C — Google reviewJarred S — Google reviewNicole C — Google reviewAnnica L — Google review
Brokenwood Wines
4.3
(532)
4.6
(704)
Winery
Food & Drink
Restaurant
Wineries & Vineyards
Brokenwood Wines is a renowned winery located in the Hunter Valley, offering visitors a chance to indulge in wine tastings and enjoy picturesque vineyard landscapes. The region is also home to other attractions such as Audrey Wilkinson Vineyard, Ivanhoe Wines, and Scarborough Wine Co. For those seeking more than just wine, the Hunter Valley Gardens and the Hunter Valley Chocolate Company provide delightful experiences.
We became members of Brokenwood after a fantastic wine tasting in January with Liam, who was amazing and introduced us to some beautiful wines. This past weekend, we returned to the Hunter and, even without a booking, were warmly accommodated. To our delight, Liam was there again and remembered us—it felt like catching up with an old friend! He was incredibly attentive, asking about our wine preferences and even securing us a lunch reservation at The Wood, the restaurant inside Brokenwood.
After an already incredible tasting, our lunch was the perfect next step in our experience. We sat at a beautiful table overlooking the oak barrels and enjoyed the “Feed Me” menu with paired wines. Every dish was a standout, with the gnocchi being an absolute highlight—I highly recommend it! The steak and wine pairings were also perfection. We were so grateful when Chef Sean came out to chat with us, giving us a chance to compliment him and learn more about the food.
Overall, it was an unforgettable experience, and we are so thankful to be members of such a stunning estate!
Demi F — Google review
We had the pleasure of dining at Brokenwood Wines over the long weekend.
The food was absolutely delicious!
Myself and a few others did the wine pairings and I have to say, some of the most delicious wines I’ve ever tasted!
Will be buying wine from Brokenwood shortly!
Highly recommend for groups in the Hunter!
Simply awesome! The Match experience was absolutely wonderful — the wine and food pairings were exceptional, to the point where we enjoyed every single wine we tasted. Liam, who guided us through the session, was incredibly knowledgeable and engaging. We were truly impressed!
I have to add to my review after heading to lunch right after the Match experience. The service here is on another level! We opted for the set lunch and mentioned only that we don’t eat beef, but when the chef found out that I also don’t take lamb, he was incredibly accommodating and kindly swapped my dish for fish instead. THANK YOU CHEF TRAVIS!!!
The staff here are just amazing! Your warmth, friendliness, and hospitality are what make us want to come back again. We are so impressed and grateful for such a memorable experience!
This was the last of the wineries on our stop and we were suitably impressed - the grandeur and the feel of the cellar door experience was very different to any we had done that day.
Our server, Lauren, was amazing! We had expressed that we weren’t enjoying the Chardonnays that we had tried that day, so asked to swap it out with something else and before we knew it, we had a completely different and customised wine tasting! So accomodating, warm, funny and attuned to what we were after.
We walked away with something completely different for all of us - the Sticky Wicket desert wine and wanted to bring Lauren home with us.
Thank you Lauren for making our cellar door experience so wonderful.
We had lunch at the brokenwood restaurant. Very nice welcoming from the staff that offered us different options to eat. Very attentive staff including the chef in the kitchen. The waitress was very kind and professional. She let us enjoying our food with no rush. The portion were generous and very tasty from the appetisers to the dessert. You could tell the high quality products use. Even the olive oil…
Highly recommend it if you’re around hunter valley. 🍷
Outstanding ..
Such a premium experience.
And ow my goodness - Food has been outstanding ..
Not overly creative in a good way.
Traditional meals done Delicious ..
And the wine range has been so vast and varied. Very impressive
Dined for lunch on a weekday last week.
I am peeved that our steak was served 5-10mins after our small plates/starters which included cold raw fish. We were not done with our starters when the meat were served. Steak would obviously turn cold by the time we started eating and the table was cluttered too.
We feedback to the lady staff who told us we did not indicate our preference when she asked. I do not recall any such question asked to the same effect.
Restaurant was far from full capacity since it’s a rainy weekday lunch. Kitchen was open kitchen so I’m not sure why the chef also thought it’s ok to fire up my steak in a hurry.
Not sure if this is a place I want to dine in when I’m just trying to enjoy myself in the vibes of Hunter Valley.
An amazing Vineyard in Hunters Valley. Excellent Semillion, Chardonnay and Siraz. A very nice restaurant. Strongly recommended.
401-427 McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin NSW 2320, Australia•
15 min · 8.2 mi
5•Neville S — Google reviewMarc C — Google reviewMike L — Google reviewKennedy S — Google reviewCaitlin B — Google reviewAnna P — Google reviewNavimie T — Google review
Restaurant Botanica
4.6
(667)
4.5
(1349)
affordable
Restaurant
Modern Australian restaurant
Nestled in the heart of Pokolbin, Restaurant Botanica offers a modern Australian dining experience with a focus on locally sourced ingredients and classic French cooking techniques. The restaurant's light-filled setting provides picturesque views of the surrounding vineyards and kitchen garden. Guests can indulge in generous and creative dishes, featuring fresh seafood, prime cuts of beef, and an array of roasted, pickled, preserved, and baked vegetables.
Sublime! An indulgent experience capturing a beautiful balance of taste with style. A divine selection of entrees and mains that were perfectly complimented with your choice of wine and spirits. The style, presentation, and the ambience of the restaurant was warm, romantic, and charming. Excellence in hospitality, with professional and friendly customer service. A stand out restaurant nestled in beautiful grounds of the Hunter. Well done!
Hila — Google review
Exquisite!
I was blown away by the flavours, the elegance and restraint served up at Restaurant Botanica. This culinary trifecta is not easily achievable and must be commended. With an arm twisting local and beyond wine list, this place is hard to ignore.
My family and I indulged ourselves. Tempura prawns, tuna sashimi, crispy chicken, beef carpaccio, gnocchi, beef short rib, malt ice cream and dark chocolate torte. On the surface, these don't sound jaw dropping. And really, the dishes of fancy restaurants sound like a collection of ingredients. But add in talented chef prowess and great service and these collections of ingredients sing.
We'll be back!
Our second visit and did not disappoint after a memorable first visit. The dishes are Japanese inspired and blend a range of unusual ingredients to great effect. Our waiter was relatively new but was attentive and helpful.
What a beautiful location! I loved everything about this place — the view, the food, and the sunset. My photos don’t do it justice, but the flavours were absolutely magnificent.
We started with the lobster bisque and duck parfait — both rich and perfectly balanced. Then came the mushrooms with garlic, done in so many creative ways that every bite tasted different and full of flavour — easily my favourite dish of the night!
The chicken followed and it was just as impressive — so juicy and tender that every chicken I have in the future will seem dry by comparison. This was my second favourite dish.
A big thank you to the amazing team for their warm service and to the chef for such incredible flavours. Truly a memorable dining experience!
A very intimate and picturesque fine dining restaurant that served as a special and memorable place to have our honeymoon. Not only did we thoroughly devour the special set menu for dinner that was carefully curated by head chef Adam Frey, he ALSO facilitated an impromptu and delicious afternoon lunch for my very hungry husband when options in the Valley were limited! Highly recommend Restaurant Botanica, a wonderful experience where we shall return to in due course ✨
The atmosphere of this restaurant is serene, peaceful and absolutely stunning. We could even see wallabies in the vineyards from our table which was amazing.
The food was delicious, unique, and well priced for a fine-dining establishment.
The cocktails were to die for. I can't wait to return!
An unforgettable dining experience at Botanica
We had one of the most memorable dining experiences we’ve ever had in the Hunter Valley at Botanica. The restaurant has only recently opened, but everything — from the atmosphere to the food — feels refined and deeply thought out.
A special mention to Loki, the manager, who made our evening truly exceptional. He is incredibly friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable. As someone who is intolerant to onion and garlic, I often find dining out a bit challenging, but Loki handled everything with such care and confidence. He assured me I would leave full, happy, and satisfied — and he was absolutely right.
Every dish was beautifully presented and bursting with flavour, and the service was impeccable. Botanica is an absolute gem, and I can’t wait to return!
Easily booked online for a dinner on a Saturday evening. Service was excellent - constant checking us and topping up drinks and asking if we need anything so we never had to ask.
We had the tasting menu of 5 courses. Food was fresh, flavours suitably Australian and not too challenging. I took my teenagers who ate everything. The servings are generous so I would recommend an early lunch so you have plenty of room (or skipping lunch). Extensive wine list which we did not sample. The house made sodas were spritzy and reasonably priced. Lovely ambience with views over the vineyard and music is at perfect level for quiet private conversations.
I would recommend this for couples, adult social gatherings and families with mature children who can sit and eat a meal. They do ask about dietary concerns. Plenty of parking - apparently have EV charging but we didn't get to plug in.
I would go back after I had tried all the dining in the area!
555 Hermitage Rd, Pokolbin NSW 2320, Australia•
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Where to eat
When you need a food break from visiting all the attractions today, these fan favorite restaurants are about a 5-minute walk away from Brokenwood Wines.
Hunter Valley Cheese Factory & Tasting Rooms Co PL
3.9
(342)
Cheese shop
Cafe
The Hunter Valley Cheese Factory & Tasting Rooms Co PL is a must-visit for cheese enthusiasts. This purpose-built factory offers guided cheese sampling led by knowledgeable Cheese Specialists from 9 am to 5:30 pm daily. Visitors can indulge in a variety of handmade cow and goat milk cheeses, including fromage blanc, feta, brie, washed rind, natural rind, cheddar, tommes and blue vein.
There were six of us that day, and we arrived just 17 minutes before closing. I was already prepared for them to say no to the cheese tasting plate since it looked like they were wrapping up.
But to my surprise, the lady at the counter kindly checked with her manager—and they said yes!
We were blown away by the warm service and the delicious cheeses. Even though we were short on time, we still fully enjoyed the experience. The manager even came over to ask how we liked the tasting—of course, we told him it was wonderful.
What a perfect way to end our trip
Lenny S — Google review
No real cows ☹️🐄❌
Two fake cows 🐮🐮 and one named Tobi 🐄✨, nice aesthetic ✨, clean area ✨🧼, a lot of parking 🚗🅿️.
Stinky cheese smell 🧀💨 upon entrance 🚪 but some people are into that 🤷♀️👃 yk.
The bruzz 👨🧀 has been making cheese 🧀 by hand ✋🕰️ for 30yrs which is kool 😎.
Staff were friendly 😊👋, atmosphere was nice and chic ☕🪑, prices were questionable ❓💰 but fair enough 🤷.
The cheese 🧀 was kinda underwhelming 😕 — only reason why lost a star ⭐❌, idk 🤔 was kinda tasteless 😐 mostly, maybe I've just got a weak tongue 👅🥱 but cheese was kinda bland 😶.
For a cheese factory or whatever, like if you're already deep in the dairy game 🧀🥛, chuck in a bit of ice cream 🍦 or a top-tier cheesecake 🍰 gimme a reason to stay after tasting that mid cheese stmo smh, pmo fr ngl.
5 stars – A cheese lover’s dream!
I absolutely love the Hunter Valley Cheese Factory! They have an incredible selection of cheeses—I ended up getting a bit of everything because honestly, you can never have too much cheese.
My favorite was the Hunter Gold Washed Rind Cheese—it’s nothing like anything I’ve ever tried. If you’re in the area, this cheese is a must!
Also, do yourself a favor and grab a jar of their chilli jam—it pairs perfectly with the cheese and adds an amazing kick.
Highly recommend stopping by and stocking up before you leave. You won’t regret it!
We had a great time at Hunter Valley Cheese Factory. Dave greeted us and was very helpful and knowledgeable. The tasting plate was a great way to try the available cheeses, and all the cheese was high quality and delicious. Would recommend.
Came in to grab mine and my partners favourite chilli jam, we’re so happy you still continue to make it!
Stayed for a cheese board and a wine, the Staff were friendly and knowledgeable! We had a great experience.
Every year we come here and just gets better every time!!!! You have to add this to your list of things to do! The cheese tastings are the highlight and always end up with a heap of cheese and condiments before we leave (the cheese club is awesome too for getting it to your door). Can’t wait until the next visit. Love love love it here
Cheese nice, people nice, but 'Masterclass' not worth it at all.
My partner booked us the 'Masterclass' and we were truly aghast at how poor the value was, and it was not as described. We had a 10 minute talk where we were shown ~3 photographs, and sat in front of a 30 second video that was on repeat. We were then left to taste the 8 cheeses (we received approximately 30g of each cheese between the two of us, and a handful of crackers). No accompaniments, as was noted, and we had upgraded to have some meats included. Photo of what we received in full below. Total cost: $257. I kid you not.
You'd be better off using those funds to buy actual cheese from them, as the cheese was nice enough but there was no way we were going to pay any more after spending approximately $1000/kg for what we had already had.
I really don't write bad reviews, but the value here was an embarrassment for the company.
The tasting plate is perfect for a light nosh. Products in the store are on the pricey side but the flavour and quality is worth it. Standouts include the Brokenback vintage cheddar, Hunter Gold washed rind brie, mixed olives, apple chutney, Falwasser crackers & rose honey 🐝
next to Brokenwood Wines, 447 McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin NSW 2320, Australia•
Binnorie Dairy
4.7
(332)
4.5
(37)
Cheese manufacturer
Dairy store
Located in Lovedale, Binnorie Dairy is a must-visit for cheese lovers exploring the Hunter Valley region. Established by cheesemaker Simon Gough in 2003, this dairy produces world-class cheeses using locally sourced goat and cow milk. The dairy offers delightful cheese tastings featuring their renowned ultra-creamy labna and award-winning marinated feta. Visitors can also enjoy a delicious Italian meal at Pescara Restaurant on-site.
5+ amazing customer service!!! A young lady was super patient with doing the cheese tasting for six of us. It was a beautiful day to sit outside and enjoy the wine, cheese and salami.
During the busy hours, it can get packed.
Syd R — Google review
Poorly organised. A shame as the cheeses were mostly very good and the young man who did the cheese tasting was personable and competent. The older lady was disorganised and flustered. Very disappointed in the extremely stale sourdough bread which was served with the cheese platter. It was inedible.
While the rest of the cheese we purchased was excellent, we had a disappointing experience with the Duetto, which was on sale due to its upcoming expiry date. Unfortunately, two out of the three units went off two days before the actual expiry. The packaging was visibly puffed, indicating spoilage. Taste was off too. We bought the product four days before expiry, stored it properly in an esky, and placed it in the fridge immediately after getting home — so storage conditions were not the issue. Not acceptable, even for discounted stock.
AMAZING cheeses!! Really friendly staff gave us (and our kids) a free cheese tasting. So many unique flavours we've never had, some of the best cheese we've ever had! Lots of good meats and wines too. Reasonable prices, not busy, easy to find. Highly recommended!
Cheese was delicious. only reason I rate it 4 instead of 5 is because they could do so much more with the place and make a visit more of an experience. For example the seating area is limited with no atmosphere. Also no option to buy a cheese plate on the menu, however you can buy a picnic box which the staff will nicely plate for you.
First time visiting Binnorie Dairy. A must visit if you're going to the hunter Valley.
We tried Duetto for the first time, and it was 😋.
Bought Fig paste can't wait to try it. Also Bought Quince paste as a gift.
And we had the burnt Cheese cake its very nice. (I'm not a fan of cheese cake) not to cheesy was really nice.
Will definitely be back again when we go to Hunter Valley
Phoebe from the Wine House highly recommended we stop here before we head home and it was definitely worth the visit. The staff were very friendly and offered us free cheese tasting. What a great idea... made choosing a cheese a lot easier! We'll almost ... problem is they were all yummy 😋
Grabbed a tea and coffee for the road 🍵 will definitely be back!
We loved this place! We ordered a very generous Ploughman’s Lunch for 2 and it was great. We had a goat’s cheese, Brie, washed rind, cow’s curd, some ham and silverside, and some relishes. They also have free cheese tastings and we bought a few of the things to take away with us as well. Well worth the stop.
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Goldfish Hunter Valley Restaurant
4.2
(1605)
4.0
(849)
expensive
Restaurant
Goldfish Hunter Valley Restaurant is a retro-chic bar and restaurant located at Roche Estate, offering a sophisticated dining experience with a terrace overlooking the vineyards. The venue serves international share plates and individual meals, accompanied by an award-winning cocktail list. It is known for its lively atmosphere, great music, and ambiance, making it a popular spot for locals to enjoy cocktails and great food.
We couldn’t have asked for a more perfect venue for our wedding reception than Goldfish Restaurant and Bar. From start to finish, everything was flawless. The food was absolutely delicious — we’re still receiving compliments from our guests about how incredible every dish was!
The service truly stood out. Rosie and her team were impeccable, making sure every guest felt welcomed and looked after throughout the evening. Their professionalism and warmth made the night run smoothly and stress-free.
The vibe and atmosphere were spot on — stylish, relaxed, and full of energy, creating the perfect backdrop for such a special occasion. We’re so grateful to the Goldfish team for helping make our celebration unforgettable. Highly recommended for any event, wedding reception or special night out!
Melissa K — Google review
I try to reserve leaving reviews for places that truly deserve it, for excellent or terrible reasons only. Tonight’s service by the lovely staff at Goldfish (specifically Bella and David) were second to none and above and beyond.
I chose this venue for my best mates 26th birthday due to living locally and often seeing the turn out of people filling the restaurants and I understand why now.
From the moment we walked up to the doors to be seated, to the moment of paying the bill, it was a truly wonderful experience and will have us happily coming back.
The food was absolutely delicious and did not miss on any level leaving us full and content. Bella’s service was the highlight of the night paired with David’s understanding and recommendation of drinks resulted in us happily spending more time and money at this venue.
I truly hope the atmosphere is filled with as much energy for every customer with every staff member as it was tonight.
(I highly suggest the lamb shoulder for 2 as well as the colouring in… oh and be sure to ask for the “Blue Balls” you will NOT be disappointed)
Original flavours of varieties of sea fish including salmon, cod n other tasty choices..
Medium priced within reach..
Mild to moderate flavoured..
With good selection of sides.
Comfortable atmosphere and average services.
We had our wedding reception at goldfish and yesterday returned for our 1 year anniversary. The service was amazing and our anniversary was celebrated! Our waiter was very attentive, friendly and helpful. The food was delicious (particularly the cheesecake!). We will return again :)
Went for dinner tonight for a mates birthday and it was amazing. Great service is an understatement, David and Bella made the experience so much better than just going to any regular restaurant.
Food was extremely yummy and filling.
Would definitely recommend the halloween drink to try🫐
Another great meal in Hunter at Goldfish. Enjoyed the entrees and could not go past the Lamb Shoulder. No room for desert this time. PS - look at the Octoberfest specials
Great Margarita pizza, and the squid is freshly cooked
Beer unknown it’s probably local brand, is fantastic, see for yourself.
Book in advance on website!
Great lunch venue and next to 2 wine tasting venues (killing 2 birds with 1 stone)! Friendly staff and great view from outdoor seating. Good range of food on the menu, chose the lamb pizza and scallops!
Roche Estate, 2144 Broke Rd, Pokolbin NSW 2320, Australia•
Hunter Valley Smelly Cheese Shop
4.2
(983)
Cheese shop
The Hunter Valley Smelly Cheese Shop is a must-visit for cheese enthusiasts. Located in Pokolbin, it offers a wide selection of local, Australian, and imported cheeses in a spacious cheese room. In addition to cheeses, the shop also features gourmet delicatessen items such as cured meats, toasted sandwiches, gelato, antipasti, chutneys, olive oils, and house-made breads. It's the perfect place to stock up on picnic supplies or enjoy a light meal.
Hunter Valley Must Stop for Visitors & Tour Groups
Sydney Clients Love the Break, Check out Smelly Cheese in Pokolbin Village Estate.
Hunter S — Google review
The selection of cheeses in the cool room was excellent, and there was a very good range of small goods, sauces and charcuterie items.. The shop is a bit tight though and is hard to navigate with only a few people in there. The service was ok but a little cold...nothing outstanding. I'd recommend it for the products only.
Hot food is okay. Staff are very friendly and helpful. No menus on display so check out the photos first. Some things are a bit pricey… $25 a jar of jam. Really? Otherwise a great little spot to get some food to sit on the grass and soak up that hunter valley fresh air!!
Great ice cream, cheese tasting $5/pp is okay, not perfect, but great to hang out with friends and family. Great location, there is Thai/Japanese restaurant next door. Great range of stuff like honey, cheese, candies in this shop to buy.
Everyone knows it, always plenty of parking, it has been here for years and as a meeting place it is excellent.
There are many and varied cheeses available here and it is well worth a visit to try, and buy, some unusual cheeses not available in your local supermarket.
Upbeat different type of winery 🍷 Great atmosphere and wine tasting 👌
This place isn't just a cheese shop you can buy sandwiches and other treats here as well. It is pretty pricy but does have a good selection of different cheeses.
Friendly staff and service was good.
Small shop that has a lot of produce to look at. Only one small tasting tray available with no customer service to assist so people in a long line as they wait for others to dine out on the tasting offerings. There was only a small selection of cheeses available for purchase. Plenty of cold meet and crackers but given it is a cheese shop, I would have thought more emphasis on cheese. Plenty of parking nearby.
2188 Broke Rd, Pokolbin NSW 2320, Australia•
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Day 3
Off the beaten path
For day 3, if you don’t mind the extra trek, today covers more off the beaten path places like Muse Restaurant. Not quite as popular as Balloon Aloft Hunter Valley, but still highly rated among many travelers. Accounting for getting around and average time spent, today’s activities could take about 7 hours.
1•Alicia J — Google reviewMatt R — Google reviewCarl W — Google reviewJo W — Google reviewKerrie Z — Google reviewSarah L — Google reviewTanya B — Google review
Muse Restaurant
4.6
(730)
4.5
(1428)
very expensive
Fine dining restaurant
Muse Restaurant is a modern Australian dining destination located at the entrance to the Hunter Valley within the iconic Hungerford Hill Winery. The restaurant offers a spacious setting with a large fireplace and focuses on serving dishes that highlight local and seasonal ingredients. Head Chef Troy Rhoades-Brown, along with other regional chefs, showcases the best of Hunter Valley's produce through a contemporary menu that changes frequently to reflect seasonal variations.
My partner and I celebrated our 3-year anniversary here and we were absolutely blown away. From the moment we walked in, the service was beyond exceptional — warm, welcoming, and incredibly attentive without being overbearing. They made us feel so special and even surprised us with a complimentary dessert to celebrate the occasion. Every detail was taken care of with such class and care. The atmosphere, the food, the staff — everything was perfect. We’ll definitely be back and recommending this place to everyone we know!
Laura Z — Google review
A Must-Visit Culinary Experience in the Hunter Valley – MUSE Restaurant
If you're seeking an outstanding and unforgettable dining experience in the Hunter Valley, MUSE Restaurant is an absolute must.
From the moment you drive through their gates, you're immersed in a sense of luxury. Approaching the grand entrance, you're warmly greeted by butlers who open the large glass doors, inviting you into a sophisticated foyer. There, your personal waiter welcomes you and guides you through elegant timber-framed glass doors into the ambient dining room.
You're then comfortably seated while your coats are taken to the cloakroom — a small touch that adds to the refined experience. From the first moment, it's clear that MUSE is about more than just a meal — it’s a complete sensory journey.
The food is presented with immaculate precision, each dish thoughtfully crafted and beautifully plated. Every course is paired with exquisite wines from their vineyard and region, enhancing the flavors and elevating the experience. The dining room, anchored by a stunning double-sided open fireplace, exudes warmth and elegance, making it the perfect setting to enjoy a luxury culinary escape.
While MUSE is on the pricier side, the quality, atmosphere, and exceptional service make it worth every cent. It’s not just a dinner — it’s an experience that stays with you long after the last course.
If I could change one thing, make the bathroom heated with warm water to wash your hands.
Outstanding experience.
Thought it was about time to see what all the fuss was about. Well Muse certainly did not disappoint.
From the moment you walk to the doors, you are greeted by a friendly staffer who opens the door and greets you.
The restaurant with its large open fire place, and open kitchen has a feeling of honesty and calm.
The staff are extremely polite, attentive, and well versed on the degustation menu.
The food was lovely, an intricate blend of ingredients, to dazzle the taste buds and sensors.
To Chef and owner Troy Brown, fantastic night, to all the staff, thank you for a great experience. Really lovely to have a Birthday cake presented to my partner, very nice.
Matt and Suze
We had a mini family reunion at Hunter Valley last December. This meal was one of the highlights. It was one of the best restaurants we've visited in Australia. The staff and the service is outstanding especially since we have a rather large group. Everyone is friendly and helpful, from the host at the door to our waitress and somm. Some of us had the wine pairing and everything is well designed and thought out. The entire five course meal is well paced, delicious and flows perfectly. Highly recommended!
Had a wonderful long lunch with wine tasting at Muse Restaurant in Hunter Valley. The wine pairing was excellent, starting with three whites, followed by two reds, and finishing with a dessert wine. Each pour was introduced with friendly and professional explanations. The food was equally impressive — the pan roasted Redgate Farm duck was perfectly cooked. A relax afternoon in Hunter Valley.
From the moment you enter Muse the attention to detail starts and doesn’t stop. Staff are so friendly but respectful of your dining experience. The food is delicious and innovative with each dish artistically presented. The wine menu is extensive and the staff are even happy to make cocktails on request. The cost reflects the dining experience being a 5 course degustation menu on Fridays which is when we went. You can also have matching wines with each course. This is well worth the experience and the different flavors will certainly wow you.
Service 10/10 - servers and sommeliers alike were very proactive and attentive.
Drinks 10/10 - Absolutely delicious. The best espresso martini I've ever had in my life and incredible coffee + wine.
Ambience 10/10 - lovely open wooden fireplace
Food was unfortunately a big big letdown!
Although dishes were well presented, we found that most of them had lackluster flavours. The fish courses were delicate and refined, and I enjoyed the scotch egg, but in general we found the other dishes to be average.
For a fine dining degustation at this price we would also assume we would have a main course with some form of red or white meat, and we felt unsatisfied with the mushroom main that we were served. No one on our table finished that particular dish. It felt like a missed opportunity to showcase local livestock produce.
I can't say I left feeling full and satisfied.
I'm torn about this place because absolutely everything except the food was perfection. If there was a bar option I'd love to return for a drink but with the food at its current standard, I was left disappointed and don't think I will be back.
The degustation at Muse Restaurant is fantastic. Deserving of their chefs hats. Be sure to add their signature coconut dessert! Amazing. And if dining on the weekend, the scotch eggs need to be added too. Also really delicious. A trip to Hunter Valley is a good reason to indulge in wonderful local produce, and Muse didn’t disappoint.
2450 Broke Rd, Pokolbin NSW 2320, Australia•
< 1 min · 0 ft
2•Aiden E — Google reviewKat C — Google reviewScott F — Google reviewC L — Google reviewBlake W — Google reviewSamantha S — Google reviewKrissy T — Google review
Hungerford Hill
4.7
(275)
4.7
(214)
Winery
Food & Drink
Live music venue
Restaurant
Hungerford Hill is a renowned winery located in the picturesque Hunter Valley and NSW's cool-climate regions. The winery boasts a long-standing reputation for producing exceptional wines under the guidance of their award-winning winemaker, Bryan Currie. Visitors can enjoy a boutique wine tasting experience featuring their acclaimed St Vernay Vineyard 2017 Shiraz, perfect for pairing with delectable dishes from the Muse Restaurant, known for its exquisite dining.
We had the epic wine tasting yesterday. Sophie was excellent and made the whole experience amazing!! Best Moscato I have ever tasted! Totally recommend to anyone coming to the Hunter Valley ❤️
Stacey S — Google review
Exceptional. Had a fantastic time at Hungerford on our trip away to the Hunter Valley (drank way too much delicious wine). The service was top notch and Sophie in particular was super friendly and made sure we all had a great time. We will definitely be back!!
The Best experience, especially with Sophie. 5 stars for excellent service, incredible wine and beautiful food. Highly reccomend 👍
While food & wine pairings are entirely personal, I can objectively say that the portion sizes here are shockingly small. Especially for a $60 tasting. There was barely enough to contemplate if the food was actually compatible with the glass it had been paired with. We found better value and better quality tastings for $15 (without food) at most other reputable venues in The Hunter.
Everyone in our group found the pairings here to be a little chaotic, sometimes even completely unsuitable, except for the sausage roll & Shiraz combo. And once inside the cellar door we were disappointed by how flat the decor felt, in contrast to the striking architecture of the building’s exterior.
We chose Hungerford’s $60 “Epic” tasting over Brokenwood’s $75 “Match Experience” because Hungerford appeared online to be better value than Brokenwood. This was not the case. Each tiny dish was essentially just a little re-heat bite. So unfortunately we didn’t think there was anything “Epic” about this tasting.
Visited Hungerford Hill for the paired wine tasting. This was the best experience we had over the weekend. Our host was super friendly and knowledgeable. The wines and food were amazing. Loved that we could follow the recommendations or mix and match to experiment.
Did a wine tasting with Taylor and was very impressed with the whole experience. Her knowledge and expertise were fantastic. Great selection of wines, and nearly all the wines were elite!
Something for everyone and would highly recommend
We visited Hungerford Hill when on our wine tour with Wine D Roads & it was the first winery of the day. A great start & over all our favourite winery we visited that day. We were hosted by Taylor, she was a fantastic host. She was upbeat, funny, friendly & extremely knowledgeable. I would certainly recommend visiting Hungerford Hill on your visit to Hunter Valley. We will definitely revisit.
Our group of 4 went in for a wine tasting yesterday. Chris was an excellent guide and host - very generous with the wine offerings and knowledgeable. Great variety and price point. Thank you Chris for a wonderful experience!
2450 Broke Rd, Pokolbin NSW 2320, Australia•
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6 min · 2 mi
3Derek P — Google reviewPaul B — Google reviewThe R — Google reviewJosh B — Google reviewIvor G — Google reviewIvan A — Google reviewDes P — Google review
Hunter Valley Golf Club
4.3
(167)
Golf club
Hunter Valley Golf Club is one of the many golf courses in the Hunter Valley region, offering an 18-hole course for enthusiasts. The club provides a picturesque setting, with vineyards surrounding the Vintage Golf Club and views of the Brokenback mountain range from Cypress Lakes Golf and Country Club. Additionally, there are more casual options available at Aqua Golf & Putt Putt for a relaxed experience.
A great Public/Muni style course in the Hunter Valley.
Challenging enough of the back tees, but suitable for all players of all levels.
Mitchell W — Google review
The golf was great, the views were amazing, the the staff in the pro shop could’ve been better. I highly recommend playing there, just lower your expectations for the pro shop.
Played here recently (Dec '23). We teed off around midday during the heat and the round was well over 5 hours, there were not that many on the course but they did move fast. The course was in good enough condition, the greens were great as were most of the fairways but the bunkers needed some love and care. All in all a solid course and I will be back.
I played here a while ago while staying at the resort. It was belting down with heavy rain and I was soaked. Nonetheless, I didn't let it ruin my experience. Hunter Valley Golf Club is a nice course nestled in the middle of the many wineries in the region, featuring some really interesting holes requiring you to strategically plan your shots. As for the cost of the experience, I can't lie, the course certainly felt generic in some areas, having a few long straight holes. Apart from that, the course is nice but isn't comparable to the other 2 courses in the region. That doesn't mean you shouldn't check it out though, it's a great release course for a big trip to the Hunter Valley golf courses.
The course has a putting green and chipping area on site with a stocked-out pro shop for your golfing needs. Hire clubs and carts were good, and had a back cover to protect any possessions behind the seats.
All in all, this is a nice course, but certainly doesn't live up to other courses I've played at. Solid 4 stars :)
No pictures due to rain sorry :(
Great tight and challenging golf course. Anthony in the pro shop and Ethan in the bar went beyond the call to look after us and make it such an enjoyable experience. Great golf, great food, great beer great service. Strongly recommend.
I had a round of golf here. I rented some clubs. They were over 20 years old and in really poor and tattered condition. The seven iron was bent. When I used the putter it gave out a gong as I hit the ball.
I spoke to the people at the golf shop. They were extremely rude.
The golf course itself was not in great condition. There we're a lot of divets and dents and bumps on the greens.
I expected a lot better and I was disappointed.
Nice resort style course that is a good test for the average golfer but not a challenge for those with lower handicaps. Fairways at the moment are rather dry due to the drought. Greens though have been well maintained.
For the weekend golfer this can be a challenging course, yet a course where you will enjoy playing it because of the challenges. I hope you understand what I m trying to say.
The course was well maintained and the special deal was good value. Recommended.
430 Wine Country Dr, Lovedale NSW 2325, Australia•
6 min · 2.8 mi
4•Sean W — Google reviewBrad R — Google reviewSeph A — Google reviewTiarne D — Google reviewJill H — Google reviewFrances K — Google reviewJames R — Google review
Peacock Hill Vineyard
4.5
(105)
4.3
(77)
Permanently Closed
Winery
Food & Drink
Wineries & Vineyards
Nestled in the heart of Hunter Valley, Peacock Hill Vineyard offers a unique experience with its limited release, handcrafted wines that truly capture the essence of the vineyard. The comfortable and convenient Peacock Hill Vineyard Lodge serves as a central point for exploring local attractions such as restaurants, golf courses, and wineries. Visitors rave about the excellent quality of the wines, which are not commonly found elsewhere.
What a wonderful wine tasting experience! We had the pleasure of Silvi and George taking us through their range of wines. The wines are great, but it’s the wit and the cheekiness and the passion they have for what they do that really sells.
Peacock Hill is a micro winery - you won’t find their wines in liquor stores, but they are made with love, and they taste amazing. There’s a story behind each of the wine names, and it’s a truly special place to enjoy in Hunter. So much so, we ended up with a case of wine to take home. Will definitely recommend this place to anyone and if we’re back in Hunter, we’ll come back to Peacock Hill.
Katya ( — Google review
In my humble opinion, the best wine in Australia. George & Silvi are fantastic hosts and a visit to their Peacock Hill Vineyard is an absolute must if you are in the Hunter Valley.
Dropped in at Peacock Hill this afternoon…..
What a delightful experience. George was amazing. Such a knowledge and passion about his craft.
Was not surprised that their wines were the best by far that we sampled (and bought!) today
thank you
We had the pleasure of visiting Peacock Hills, it was my first time at the winery but my partners 6th visit there. He is obsessed with their wine Fond Memories - honestly sun a fun red served chilled. Sylvie was so kind, welcoming and kept the vineyard open an extra 10 minutes for us so we could do a tasting.
Highly recommend this boutique winery - the Godfather wine is a MUST!
We had such an amazing experience at peakcock hill today. Certainly the highlight of our Hunter valley weekend. Silvi was so lovely and shared her extensive wine knowledge with us. A lot more personal than other wineries we visited. The Wines are great. We will definitely be back!!
What a fabulous experience it was visiting Peacock Hill Vineyard today. Their wines are excellent, so good you won’t find them at your local bottle shop! You need to shop online or in person. George will entertain and educate you with his jokes and knowledge of the industry. He’s passionate about his products and quality is number one! Loved it. If you visit the Hunter ensure you don’t miss Peacock Hill Vineyard.
We dropped in here by accident and Peacock hill ended up being the highlight of our wine tasting! Sylvie was an extremely knowledgeable winemaker and made our experience a lot of fun, we had lots of laughs and left with 4 bottles of wine! We will be back!!
We visited this winery a few weeks back. They have some very yummy wines. We bought a case of their 2013 Shiraz, and had a bottle last night. Go visit, buy some wine.
29 Palmers Ln, Pokolbin NSW 2320, Australia•
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Where to eat
Under a 6-minute walk from Hungerford Hill, here are a few close by recommendations for when you get hungry exploring around.
Restaurant Cuvée
4.2
(339)
4.0
(488)
expensive
Modern Australian restaurant
Restaurant Cuvée is nestled within the charming sandstone walls of Peterson House, offering a spacious verandah with stunning views of the vineyards. Known as the Gateway to the Hunter Valley Wineries, this establishment takes pride in its exceptional service and diverse menu.
Agreeing with Kat Tays recent review. We went here yesterday for lunch & not disappointed. Had a reservation, which they recommend, but were told they had a number of walk ins We started with the warm sourdough cob, served with yummy labna & chutney. Could have just stopped there, but went in to have the pumpkin pasta - a generous & colourful serve. I had the juicy, tender pork with fennel & chunky apple sauce paired with a beautiful glass of bubbly rose. No room for desert which also looked amazing. Although we did pop into the on-site chocolate shop - who can resist!!
Anne C — Google review
What a spectacular place with beautiful views and excellent service—the waitstaff did an impressive job. Unfortunately, I can't say the same about the food.
We ordered two striploins and one chicken.
The chicken was great—well-cooked, slightly crispy, and not dry. The rice was a mix of flavours and textures, which was unusual but tasty.
However, when it came to the beef, it was disappointing. The striploin was plain, dry, cold, and overcooked. The chimichurri had no flavour; it seemed old and was just herbs mixed with oil. The crispy tortillas were okay, but the salad with tomatoes and black beans was strange. While it sounds good in a taco, it didn’t make sense as a standalone dish.
We returned the steak, and they sent us a new one that was hot and medium. However, it still appeared dry and wasn't good enough. Given the high prices, the food did not meet expectations. I wouldn’t recommend it.
A lovely place to enjoy wine and lunch. Perfect menu with aligned wines and taste and quantity was perfect. Service can be improved with more courtesy or focus on basic hospitality rest all good.
For me, I had the best eggs and lamb sausages, buttered bread in my life so far at this beautiful restaurant. The food was so good.
Booked this on a road trip - beautiful food at a reasonable price and stunning restaurant and view over vines
Lovely place. Service was spot on. Sword fish was beautiful but the grapefruit was not to my gals taste. The chicken on black rice I wasn't really a fan of as the rice was not something I'd be back for. Did a side of chips and we had bruschetta which was lovely and the dukkah with the bread, oil, vinegar mix was beautiful (highlight of the entire meal as we bought some on our way out) but unfortunately the combinations did not match our tastes. Hopefully next time will be the charm. The little blue wrens were so damn cute.
The wine, food, service and view were all just perfect! People were even arriving by helicopter!
The Pork Lion, crackling & sauce were to die for!
The tasting area is just the best I have seen, bubbles everywhere, gift packages ready to go and the staff were so much fun!
We followed up with a visit to the Chocolate shop - just perfect! You must try the chocolate coated orange - yum!
Such a beautiful venue! Staff are friendly and food is is lovely! I dined here 12 months ago with a couple of friends and ate a la carte and the food was to die for! Came back again for a work get together and had the two course banquet and wow! We left so full!!! The entree sizes are huge as are the mains! Definitely got your monies worth. My only small negative was, I like my steak medium rare and it came out more medium. I just happened to get the most cooked steak on the table as others were a nice pink in the middle. It still tasted delicious though.
2457 Broke Rd, Pokolbin NSW 2320, Australia•
Peterson House - Hunter Valley Winery
4.5
(1313)
4.4
(895)
Winery
Food & Drink
Peterson House in Hunter Valley is a must-visit for sparkling wine enthusiasts. The winery offers a premium tasting experience with over 30 varieties of sparkling wines, including the renowned Pink Blush Rose, all crafted using the authentic methode traditionnelle. The picturesque property also houses an award-winning restaurant, Cuvee, where visitors can savor fresh seasonal produce in an elegant setting or opt for a more casual dining experience at the Weekend Oyster Bar.
From the moment we first visited Peterson House, we knew it was the perfect place for our wedding this January. The venue itself is stunning, but what truly set it apart was the incredible team, especially Kal and Lucy, who made the entire planning process feel smooth and stress-free.
Their responsiveness was exceptional, every time we had a question or needed to tweak something, they got back to us quickly and made us feel like a priority.
The actual wedding day was absolutely perfect. Everything flowed beautifully from ceremony to canapes and reception.
What impressed us most was how they handled all our requests without any fuss, they just made things happen behind the scenes so we didn't have to worry about anything. Kal and Lucy helped create a day that was everything we hoped for and more, and we're so grateful for the role they played in it.
If you are searching for a venue, seriously consider Peterson House.
Andreea J — Google review
We had an absolutely outstanding experience at Petersons House restaurant! From start to finish, everything was flawless. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, making it the perfect place to relax and enjoy a beautiful meal.
The service was impeccable, and the food was simply exceptional. The lamb rack was to die for—perfectly cooked, tender, and bursting with flavour. Every dish we tried was beautifully presented and exceeded expectations. The whole dining experience was such a pleasure and the deconstructed lemon meringue was nothing short of sensational – the perfect finish to an amazing meal.
Our grandchildren were also so well catered for and entertained with the activity book waiting for them at the table on arrival, which made the experience even more special.
Petersons House is a true gem, and I can’t recommend it highly enough. We will definitely be returning!
We could not have imagined a more perfect wedding experience! From the very beginning, Lucy and Kal were absolutely incredible to work with—warm, professional, and so attentive to every detail. They went above and beyond to make the planning process seamless, always quick to respond and full of thoughtful suggestions that made the day truly ours.
On our actual wedding day, the skies opened up and it poured rain. While many people might panic at the thought, Lucy and the team handled it with such calm and grace that we never once felt stressed. They immediately pivoted, adjusted the setup, and somehow made everything feel even more magical and intimate than we could have dreamed. Our guests are still raving about how beautiful and effortless the whole day felt.
The venue itself is stunning—rolling vineyards, elegant spaces, and a romantic atmosphere that shines through no matter the weather. We are so grateful to have chosen this place for our wedding, and especially grateful for the entire Peterson’s team, who turned a rainy day into the most joyful, unforgettable celebration.
If you’re looking for a venue that’s gorgeous in every season and a team that truly cares about making your wedding perfect, look no further. This was the best decision we made, and we’ll cherish the memories forever!
Had a large group for a birthday lunch, the venue were very attentive and accommodating with any requests. Had the group set menu choices, the food was very good and the service excellent, I had the beef which was delicious and perfectly cooked and I really enjoyed the sauce
Peterson House is an absolute dream to shoot! I love that I can get ceremony shots inside and then change up the lighting with the sandstone chapel outside all in one place. The lighting inside the chapel is pure magic!
The team is always fantastic too. Here are a few photos from my last wedding there so you can see what I mean!
What a lovely experience. My Fiancée and I celebrated our 4year Anniversary with a sparkling wine tasting + wine & gelato pairing. Lincoln made our experience extra special and we truly appreciated how knowledgeable, kind and warm he was. Definitely suggest Lincoln at Peterson House and we would absolutely love to be back again 😊🦜🥂🍧💕.
We wanted to share a huge thank you to Peterson House for all the hard work and planning on our wedding day 01.11.25 🎉 we were so stunned at how coordinated and detail orientated the venue and their staff were! Not one detail was missed and we’re truly grateful for all your hard work! We can’t thank you enough ❤️👏🏻
I was reserved when I heard we were going to do a gelato and wine tasting but our server Geoff was on point. Very knowledgeable and made the whole experience a bit of fun as well. The pairing of wines were perfect.
2457 Broke Rd, Pokolbin NSW 2320, Australia•
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Moorebank Vineyard
4.8
(137)
4.8
(137)
Wine cellar
Food & Drink
Moorebank Vineyard is a family-owned and operated vineyard estate located in the Hunter Valley. They produce wines that are both well-made and distinctive, with a focus on sustainability. The wine cellar offers excellent service by the owners themselves.
Great stop in the hunter valley. We did the wine tasting and bought some of the plum sauce and fresh lemonade syrup. A must try is the Moorescato ❤️ thank you Deb and Stella !
Caitlín O — Google review
This was my second visit to the winery, and it was just as wonderful as the first—which is exactly why I brought my friends along this time. We enjoyed a tasting of both wines and condiments, and we were impressed by almost everything we tried. The Moorescato and Muscat Liqueur stood out as our favourites—absolutely delicious!
The condiments tasting was also a highlight. Each of us received our own generous plate, which was a thoughtful touch and made the experience even more enjoyable.
We were warmly greeted by Stella, the lovely red Kelpie, and it set the tone for a wonderful and welcoming morning. Special thanks to Summer, whose customer service was outstanding. She made us feel right at home—friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely hospitable.
We’ll definitely be visiting again. Highly recommended for a relaxing and flavourful wine tasting!
We had such a wonderful time at Moorebank Vineyard with Summer as our host! She was so lovely and welcoming whilst having a great knowledge and sharing some interesting facts with us - highlight of our day in Hunter Valley! Some really delicious wines aswell as food products to try - we’ve loved our grape sauce and had it every night since in our campervan!! Thanks so much ⭐️❤️🐶
What a wonderful winery. Deb was extremely helpful, knowledgeable and a beautiful soul. The wines were superb, I loved every one I tried, but especially their Moorescato. The only problem with this winery is we wanted all the wines and all the condiments, sauces and specialty lemonade! Oh, and a perfect setting.
Deb is a wonderful host. She made us feel very welcome and was very knowledgeable about the area and the wines. Stella the dog is a sweetheart also.
Great little vineyard with some yummy homemade condiments to compliment their excellent wines. I strongly recommend that you put this small family owned vineyard on your hunter valley map!
Absolutely gorgeous vineyard and family. The chocolate and wine pairings were divine - highly recommend this tasting. Their condiments are also incredible and the spicy grape sauce in particular is a must-have. If you’re ever in the Hunter, this is a very worthwhile stop!
What a great place to start you wine tasting tour. The cold red wines can make your morning in a hot summery day.
In addition, the brilliant combination of the wines and chocolates, was an exceptional experience for me; I cannot forget the taste of the aged muscat liqueur.
What I saw and taste, just simply showed the owners’ and staffs’ commitment to produce the best quality product.
I would love to come back again and again.
An amazing family-owned vineyard that offers some of the best wines of the Hunter region. Highlights include: Stella Sparkle, Press Room G.C.S, Moorescato and Black Sheep Shiraz. When I visited the winery, Summer was our guide for the tasting session. She was so professional and warming at the same time, clearly explaining the production of wines at the vineyard, the history of the vineyard without ever trying to push us to buy anything. Instead, leaving it up to us. We came as normal visitors but left as Moorebank wine club members and a case of twelve bottles.
I just have one suggestion that I believe will be relevant in the current climate. It would be great if the winery can install a couple of EV chargers for guests to charge up their cars while visiting. As I understand, many EV manufacturers like Tesla and MG offer free chargers to businesses in order to attract customers. This would be a great initiative and would surely ensure the sustainability credentials of the vineyard.
Thank you for a lovely experience.
All the best
150 Palmers Ln, Pokolbin NSW 2320, Australia•
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