Top 5 Summer Activities in the Hunter Valley
During summer, the Hunter Valley is a hive of activity and excitement. The weather is warm, the days are long and all our hard work in the vineyard starts to come together for harvest time.
When it comes to summer activities, there’s so much to do and enjoy in Hunter Valley Wine Country, and there’s plenty of accommodation options with a pool, so you can cool off after a day of exploring.
We’ve put together our favourite warm weather activities (other than wine tasting, of course!), and whether you want to relax on a picnic rug or join the crowds at an outdoor concert, there’s something to suit everyone.
Soak up the atmosphere at a concert
Music, wine and lush vineyards create the perfect setting for a fabulous Saturday afternoon. Concert season really heats up in summer, and there’s a concert happening almost every 2-3 weeks. We’ve hosted big names like Fleetwood Mac, The Rolling Stones and Bryan Adams, and Sir Elton John is coming back to the Hunter for a fourth time, in January 2020. A great experience if you love music. Click here to check out the summer line up.
Experience the Christmas Lights Spectacular
A world of light and magic awaits at Hunter Valley Gardens. See Christmas brought to life in front of your eyes, with thousands of dazzling lights on display. A delight for both young and young at heart, this magical display seems to get bigger and better with each passing Christmas. This year, there’s a newly created series of immersive displays, including a White Christmas scene, complete with snow cave and snow topped trees – something you really must see to believe. Find more details here.
Up, up and away
Beat the heat and start your day early by getting whisked up, up and away in the basket of a hot air balloon. View the magic of the Hunter Valley as it comes to life in the morning light, and once you’re back on solid ground, enjoy breakfast at Peterson House. Your toughest decision of the day will be whether to head out and explore afterwards, or have an afternoon nap. Start planning your magical morning here.
Pack a picnic
Pick up some local goodies, grab your picnic rug and a bottle of wine, and choose a lush grassy spot to while away the afternoon. Binnorie Dairy has delicious cheese, salami and crackers, and if you’re looking for some picnic ready hampers, check out Two Fat Blokes for a selection of mouth watering options. Now, to find the perfect setting - Pokolbin Hill Park is atop a hill on McDonalds Road, overlooking the vineyards with the Brokenback mountains in the background. If you’re looking for a spot that’s a little quieter, make the drive out to Wollombi, where there’s a picnic area and plenty of grassy areas to roll out your rug.
Treat yourself
Nothing says summer like a cool treat, and we’re lucky enough to have our own gelato company in the Hunter, in 2 locations on Broke Road. Part of the Smelly Cheese Shop, their handmade gelato and sorbet is delicious, and a favourite with locals and visitors. The gelato is creamy and more-ish, and the lemon sorbet is delightfully refreshing on a hot day. You can even buy 1 litre tubs and take a few scoops of heaven home with you. Click here to start salivating.