The Ultimate 3-Day Luxury Itinerary for the Hunter Valley
TL;DR: Experience the best of the Hunter Valley with this 3-day luxury itinerary. Highlights include boutique lodging at Spicers Vineyards Estate or The Convent, private winery tours, sunrise hot air ballooning, and world-class culinary experiences like a chef-hatted tasting menu at EXP. Restaurant, long vineyard lunches, and artisanal spirit tastings.
Whether you are into gourmet dining, fine wines or just want to have a break from your busy life, Hunter Valley is the perfect place for a short break. It’s just over two hours from Sydney and offers plenty of choices for varied activities or just relaxing among the most beautiful scenery you can imagine.
To help you get the most from a long weekend, we’ve put together an itinerary that will demonstrate the best that the Hunter Valley has to offer. You can change this as much as you wish to include your particular favourites. Whatever you choose, Hunter Valley offers an unforgettable break with its stunning landscapes, fine dining and world-famous wineries.
Any break will be better if you plan in advance, booking hotels, restaurants and activities so you are not disappointed at busy times in peak periods. Be sure to pack comfortable clothes for throughout the day and smart outfits for nights and ensure you have time to relax between activities.
Day One
With an early start from Sydney, you can be in the Hunter Valley by mid-morning. Check in to your luxury accommodation, such as Spicers Vineyards Estate at Pokolbin that has limited accommodation (only twelve luxurious rooms or suites that feature spa bathrooms) and is well known for its picturesque views and romantic setting. Alternatively, try The Convent, a boutique hotel with nineteen elegant rooms and suites in a serene setting surrounded by vineyards and woodlands.
There are numerous great wineries around Pokolbin for a private wine tasting and tour. For the first afternoon, try Tyrrell’s with its historic vineyards or the award-winning Brokenwood Wines where a diverse range of premium wines is on offer.
Spend the evening at EXP. Restaurant for a Chef-hat tasting menu that changes with the seasons. This venue features an open kitchen, chef service and an intimate 28-seat chefs' bar where you can watch live finishing and interact with the chefs. It is a multi-award-winning restaurant and a popular destination for food lovers, offering a truly immersive and personal experience that will finish off your first day in style. Be sure to make a reservation in advance to secure your seat.
Day Two
Start the day early with sunrise hot air ballooning over Pokolbin. Early morning mist adds romance, and you will get a bird’s eye view of the wonderful landscape. Flights depend on settled conditions and typically last around one hour with breakfast included. Once your adventure is over, stop for a long and leisurely lunch at Hunter’s Quarter in the Pooles Rock Vineyard at Pokolbin. There’s a relaxed atmosphere with contemporary Australian and international dishes and views of the surrounding vineyards.
At night, try The Muse Restaurant, a fine dining venue that has a set menu that features local products that are seasonal. It offers old-world charm combined with warm and professional service.
Day Three
For your final day, visit Mount View to experience the dense forests and rural pastures that surround it. It is located in one of the most scenic areas of the Hunter Valley, with views of the Brokenback Range and numerous wineries. Drive the winding Mount View Road to see breathtaking vistas you will remember forever.
Visit Bistro Molines for a French provincial lunch in the vine-draped courtyard that has spectacular views of vineyards and rolling hills. Finish off your break with artisanal spirit tasting at Pokolbin Distillery where premium gins, vodkas and liqueurs are on offer. However, if you are driving home, be careful not to overdo it because you will certainly want to visit the Hunter Valley again.