Hunter Valley Activities

The picturesque Hunter Valley offers a wide range of food, wine and other activities. Wednesday afternoon is set aside (i.e. free on the scientific programme) to give people a chance to explore and enjoy what the region has to offer. Upon registration, everyone will receive a Hunter Valley Visitor's Guide brochure which contains detailed information of surrounding wineries and activities. Included below is information on bicycle hire and other Hunter Valley highlights (aside from the numerous wineries).

We are organizing a wine tour of three wineries, including a stop at the Pokolbin Cheese and Chocolate Shop, for Wednesday June 6 at 12:45pm. Please contact Michelle (mcluver@aao.gov.au) as soon as possible if you are interested in going, as we need to know numbers well in advance. The cost of the tour will be $40.

Bicycle Hire

Hunter Valley Cycling (02) 4998 6633 (mountain bikes or tandems). They have free delivery and collection of bikes to your accommodation and helmets and maps are included. One day hire for a mountain bike is $30.

Grapemobile Bicycle Hire (02) 4998 7660 (mountain bikes or tandems). Full day hire is $25pp, half day is $20pp and a bus pick-up and bicycle hire is $35pp). Hire includes helmets, bottled water, sunscreen and suggested tour map. Complimentary full tasting of Pokolbin Brothers Wines available to adults.

Hunter Valley Gardens

Hunter Valley Gardens
Open 7 days a week (9am-5pm), the Gardens are located adjacent to Mercure Resort. Adult entry is $24

Cheese Shops

 

  • Binnorie Dairy:
    Open Tuesday-Sunday
    Address:1 Mistletoe Lane
  • Hunter Valley Smelly Cheese Shop:
    Open Mon-Thurs 10am-5:30pm, Fri 10am-6pm, Sat 9am-6pm, Sun 9am-5:30pm
    Address: Located in Pokolbin Village Resort (3/2188 Broke Road)
  • Hunter Valley Cheese Company: (02) 4998 7744
    Open 7 days 9am-5:30pm
    Tasting: $7.50 per person, bookings essential
    Address: McGuigans Complex, McDonalds Road

 

Chocolate Shop

Hunter Valley Chocolate Shop:
9am-5pm, 7 days a week
Address: Shop 5, Hunter Valley Gardens, Broke Road

Breweries and Distilleries

 

  • Bluetongue Brewery Cafe: (02) 4998 7777
    Cafe open from 12pm-5pm, 7 days a week
    Beer tasting paddles available
    Address: Cnr Hermitage Road & Mistletoe Road
  • Hunter Beer Co: (02) 4991 7922
    Guided Tours at 12pm, 2pm and 4pm daily ($10pp)
    Address: Wine Country Drive
  • Hunter Distillery: (02) 4998 6737
    Address: 1686 Broke Road, Pokolbin

 

Hot Air Balloons

 

  • Wine Country Ballooning is located close to the Mercure. For more information and booking, see: Hunter Balloon Rides

    • Other companies that also offer balloon tours over the valley:

  • Balloon Safaris
  • Balloon Aloft

 

Projects
Public