Things to do in Hunter Valley in 2021

This lovely bit of true Australian countryside has established itself as a perfect place for a holiday, be it as a brief as a weekend or something extended.

With a wide range of activities to choose from, the Hunter Valley has something for everyone, from those hopeless adventurous types and thrillseekers to those seeking to just relax and take in the stunning scenery. There are sights and delicious food aplenty and of course the selection of some of the world's finest vineyards.

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Top things to do

Wine tours and tastings at the Hunter Valley’s best vineyards

No visit to the Hunter Valley would ever be complete without sampling the award-winning selection of wines that the area has to offer.

Day tours depart from a local hotel or include transport from Sydney or Newcastle. In them, you'll discover 3-4 of the Hunter Valley’s best wineries and sample their range with an experienced tour guide. They're for everyone from wine connoisseurs to enthusiasts, with a whole day or half-day options available.

For more flexibility, you can book yourself in for a wine tasting at your choice of winery. Or wineries. We don't judge.

Tastings can be curated to your tastes and generally include 4-8 wine samples and run for 45 minutes. Some wineries include cheese, chocolate and olive pairings.

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Visit the Hunter Valley Gardens

These vast, immaculately-manicured gardens are the perfect place to spend an afternoon lazily wandering around in.

Located within the beating heart of the Hunter Valley, the Hunter Valley Gardens features all kinds of gorgeous greenery for the whole family to blissfully get lost in, from The Storybook Garden for the kids, to the traditional Oriental Garden and The Lakes Walk for couples to unwind in.

All spread over a whopping 60 acres, all of it stunning, all of it crying out to be explored. Be sure to assign a full day and even that won’t be enough time!

Image: Hunter Valley Gardens

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Hot air balloon ride

Why limit yourself to the ground? Begin your morning unlike any other, by observing the Hunter Valley from up above on a hot air balloon ride.

You’ll take in all the sights in the peace only found in this unique, intimate setting, suitable for smaller groups or those with a passion for what it’s like to be a bird. Touch down and enjoy a champagne breakfast with the team. This is aviation done in style, offering an unforgettable experience.

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Bring the kids and see the amazing animals at Hunter Valley Zoo

With a menagerie of exotic happy animals to see and barbecue facilities, Hunter Valley Zoo is an ideal place to spend a day that won’t break the budget (with free parking no less!).

Offering packages that allow you to meet some of the animals up close and personal, including marmosets, meerkats and emperor tamarin, guaranteeing a cuteness overload that’ll never be forgotten.

You’ll arrive, you’ll see animals from all four corners of the globe and you will spend the afternoon relaxing - the one-stop destination for families fond of furry friends.

Image: Hunter Valley Zoo

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Have the ultimate skydiving experience

For thrill-seekers looking for a whole new way to check out the Hunter's vineyards this now is your chance. This is tandem-skydiving from 14,000ft that won’t break the bank.

You’ll first fly like a bullet and then float like a cloud, touching down back safe and sound on the ground with memories that will last a lifetime. Newcomers and veterans are welcome, get ready for the wicked rush of being air-borne. If this rush is too much for you, you can always opt to see things from above on a helicopter ride instead.

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Horseriding adventures for the whole family

Many of us urban-dwellers have seldom had the opportunity to ever be astride a horse.

The good people of Hunter Valley Horse Riding & Adventures offer a wide selection of horseriding packages to suit you and yours. There are trail rides and sunset rides to be had and there’s the freedom to customise your own ride for what best suits you, all of which has been considerately kept affordable to allow families to join in on the horse-filled fun.

This is a great way to experience the exquisite surroundings of the Hunter Valley and with all kids welcome too!

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Family friendly wine and wildlife tour

Ever wanted to get up close with some furry friends in beautiful natural surroundings, maybe even with a visit to a winery after? Look no further, this experience has you sorted.

Be picked up from Sydney and whisked away to the Walkabout Wildlife Park, where you will witness free-roaming kangaroos, wombats, emus, possums and Tasmanian devils. Then give your cuteness appreciation glands a cool down with an afternoon sampling some of the Hunter Valley’s best wines, as your guide educates you about each one.

This experience will broadly appeal to anyone, be they families or couples or anyone else!

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Sample the delicious local chocolate!

It’s a well-documented fact that everyone loves chocolate. Therefore it should come as no surprise that the Hunter Valley is a haven for chocolate-inclined visitors.

Pop in to Twenty-3 Twenty and witness the heavenly product being made before your very eyes. There’s something for every palate here, from chilli-infused and fruit-blended varieties, to the more basic (but no less awesome) kinds. With a shop catering to every occasion, they even have baskets to purchase for those bound for the nearby vineyards!

Come one, come all and experience the best chocolate the Hunter Valley has on offer.

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Hunter Valley deals

RedBalloon

Up to 31% off flying experiences plus an extra $5 off with code

Available on select dates when you spend a minimum of $250. Activities include hot air ballooning, skydiving, helicopter scenic flights. Destinations include Whitsundays, Gold Coast, Perth, Melbourne, Brisbane, Hunter Valley, Sydney and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified 16 Jun 2021

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Skydive Australia

Get $50 off jumps with code

Available on 15,000ft tandem skydives from Tuesdays to Thursdays until 24 June 2021. Destinations include Cairns, Perth, Noosa, Melbourne, Yarra Valley, Hunter Valley and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified 17 May 2021

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Coupon code ends 24 Jun 2021

Adrenaline

Up to 50% off flying experiences

Available on select dates in 2021 on experiences like hot air balloon flights, scenic helicopter flights, skydives, flying lessons and more. Destinations include Sydney, Melbourne, Hunter Valley, Great Ocean Road, Perth and more.

Last verified 7 Jun 2021

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Deal ends 31 Dec 2021

Adrenaline

Up to 23% off hot air balloon flights

Available on select travel dates in 2021. Destinations include Hunter Valley, Gold Coast, Barossa Valley, Yarra Valley, Melbourne and more.

Last verified 31 May 2021

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Deal ends 31 Dec 2021

RedBalloon

Up to 24% off Australia experiences for 2

Plus an extra $5 off with code on select dates when you buy 2 or more vouchers. Experiences include tours, zoo and wildlife interactions, hot air balloon flights, skydives, high teas and more. Destinations include Sydney, Hunter Valley, Melbourne, Brisbane, Hobart, Canberra and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified 13 May 2021

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Coupon code ends 31 Dec 2021

Klook

Up to 28% off Australia sightseeing tours

Available on select travel dates in 2021. Destinations include Hunter Valley, Barossa Valley, Perth, Sydney, Melbourne and more.

Last verified 12 May 2021

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Skydive Australia

Australia skydives from $219 + free $20 merchandise voucher

Available on jumps from 7,500 ft to 15,000 ft. Destinations include Sydney, Hunter Valley, Cairns, Melbourne, Perth and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified 18 Mar 2021

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Klook

Up to 23% off Australia flight experiences

Available on select travel dates on hot air balloon flights, scenic flights, aerobatic flights and more. Destinations include Melbourne, Hunter Valley, Byron Bay, Sydney, Whitsundays, Gold Coast and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified 5 Mar 2021

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Skydive Australia

Get $20 off your next tandem skydive

Sign up your email address to receive newsletters and get an instant $20 off tandem skydives. Destinations include Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Hunter Valley and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified 5 Mar 2021

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Skydive Australia

Get $20 merchandise voucher

Receive a $20 merchandise voucher when you book for a skydive in Hunter Valley, Byron Bay, Brisbane, Cairns and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified 4 Mar 2021

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Expedia.com.au

Things to do in Hunter Valley from $30

Available on select dates and activities like hop-on hop-off winery tour, scenic flight experience, hot air balloon flight and more.

Last verified 6 Oct 2020

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Viator

Australia hot air balloon experience from $259

Available on select travel dates in Hunter Valley, Alice Springs, Byron Bay, Cairns, Melbourne and more.

Last verified 13 May 2021

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Deal ends 31 Dec 2021

Skydive Australia

Hunter Valley skydive from $309

Available on select travel dates for up to 15,000ft jump. Includes $20 merchandise voucher.

Last verified 13 May 2021

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Get Your Guide

Australia activities from $11

Available on select dates for activities like sightseeing tours, attraction passes, river cruises, hop-on hop-off tours and more. Destinations include Sydney, Brisbane, Launceston, Melbourne, Cairns, Hunter Valley, Perth, Canberra and more.

Last verified 26 Apr 2021

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Wotif

Things to do in Hunter Valley from $30

Available on select dates and activities like hop-on hop-off winery tour, scenic flight experience, hot air balloon flight and more.

Last verified 11 Jan 2021

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