An easy day trip from Sydney and only 50 kilometres west of Newcastle, the Hunter Valley is one of the world's premier wine regions. The fertile and gentle rolling pastoral country is ideal for wine growing and was first utilised for this specific purpose way back in the 1830's, making it Australia's oldest wine district. Now there are over eighty wineries in two distinct wine growing areas, the Lower Hunter and the Upper Hunter. Classic old country towns which sprouted at about the same time as the first grape vine, lend support to the wineries providing a good portion of the accommodation as well as making truly interesting diversions from Shiraz and Chardonnay.

The valley's wine-growing heartland is the Lower Hunter. The small centre of Pokolbin represents over eighty percent of the total vineyards in the Hunter. Generally they're open for tastings and cellar-door sales, and several of the larger wineries conduct tours through their operations. There's also a vast range of organised tours each with a flavour of their own, operating out of Sydney, Newcastle and other Hunter centres. Many wineries have picnic and barbeque facilities and some even come complete with restaurants, shops and resorts. Whatever your taste, a visit to the Hunter Valley is a must on any travel itinerary.

Reflecting one of the most influential groups of free settlers in the valley, Cessnock was named after Cessnock Castle in Scotland. Although the town's early prosperity was due to the rich coal seams in the area, it is now better known as an excellent launching pad into the wineries. Only thirteen kilometres south-east of the Lower Hunter, it's close proximity has lead Cessnock to become the main town and accommodation centre for the vineyards. For a hangover cure try some fresh air at the Rusa Park Zoo, nine hectares of native wildlife and bushland or The Hunter Valley Gardens, a wine theme village which includes Vineyard Resort, three restaurants and attractions, both close by to Cessnock.

Following the Hunter River, Maitland is thirty kilometres east of Cessnock. A grand old city brimming with historical buildings and churches, nowhere is 19th century Australia more apparent. Established in 1818 as a convict colony, it quickly grew and once rivalled Sydney as the state capital. There are various museums in town mapping out it's interesting history, and the buildings are best seen via the Heritage Walk. Maitland becomes more lively during Heritage Month Celebrations held every April, comprising of artistic, cultural, and vintage train exhibitions.

Further inland, the towns of Singleton and Muswellbrook lie on the New England Highway, servicing the Upper Hunter region and providing most of the accommodation. The Upper Hunter has fewer wineries, but is worth visiting as the pace slower and the scenery more photogenic. The sleepy but attractive rural town of Denham, is closer to the vineyards and offers a couple of accommodation alternatives.