Things to Do in the Hunter Valley, Sydney
Hunter Valley is the place to go for a wine-tasting weekend while you’re in Sydney, but there is more to this region than vineyards and boozing. Try exploring Aboriginal culture at Yengo National Park, visit historic Morpeth or help save Australia’s unique wildlife while hanging out with Tasmanian devils at Australia Ark.
1. Explore nature and culture at Yengo National Park
Park, Natural Feature
Yengo National Park is a dramatic expanse of wilderness with steep gorges and rocky ridges, and has a deep connection to local Aboriginal cultural heritage. Take the Finchley Cultural Walk to view one of the best Aboriginal engraving sites in Australia. The more challenging Yango Walking Trail takes you through six kilometres of pristine wilderness and rainforest for stunning views over Yengo and Wollemi wilderness from Mount Yengo lookout. If one day here isn’t enough, you can reserve a campsite at one of the four campgrounds in the park or book a room at Big Yango House. If you’d like to spend more time learning about the area’s many Aboriginal sacred sites and traditions, Wollombi Aboriginal Culture tours can take you through the park on a guided tour or camp.
2. Step back in time in historic Morpeth
Historical Landmark
Morpeth is a historic town on the banks of the Hunter River that was once a thriving port, and the town’s Heritage Walk pays homage to its lively past. Visit Queens Wharf before taking time out in the tea rooms of the historic Campbells Store and visiting the Morpeth Museum in the former courthouse. The historic Arnott Bakehouse, which started as a family business run by William Arnott of Arnott’s Biscuits fame in 1847, is now Morpeth Sourdough, where Stephen Arnott, a descendent of the original owner, holds regular sourdough baking classes. To indulge in some of the local products, visit the Morpeth Wine Cellar and Moonshine Distillery for a selection of local wines, or head to the Commercial Hotel for handcrafted beers produced by the Morpeth Brewery and Beer company.
3. Help save Australia’s wildlife at Aussie Ark
Natural Feature
Aussie Ark in Barrington Tops is on a mission to save Australia’s threatened species from extinction by creating wild sanctuaries to enable them to establish a long-term future free from predators. One of the major projects the Ark is undertaking is to try to save the Tasmanian devil from extinction by breeding a population free of the facial tumour disease that is decimating their numbers in Tasmania. Take a Devils in the Wild tour to get up close to these unique creatures and watch one of their intense feeding sessions. Visitors can learn how the Ark is working to ensure their future survival, and even cuddle up to one of their joeys while taking a ranger-guided tour of the sanctuary.
5. Cycle the Around Hermitage Wine and Food trail
Brewery, Winery
There is something for everyone on the Around Hermitage Food and Wine Trail in Pokolbin, one of the most scenic spots in the Hunter Valley. There are boutique beers, award-winning wines and chocolates to try, as well as an art gallery, a sculpture garden, antiques, a dairy, cooking schools and day spas. One of the best ways to explore the trail is to head out on two wheels along the dedicated bike trail, which links over a dozen wineries along a quaint vine-lined road where you can indulge in a game of croquet, giant Jenga or chess as well as sampling wines.
6. See the Hunter Valley from the sky
Natural Feature
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