In the heart of the Hunter Valley lies Pokolbin, the perfect destination for a short getaway.
The Hunter Valley is the go-to winery district with award winning restaurants and gourmet food shops. Renowned as the wine capital of the region, Pokolbin has some of the best wineries and restaurants.
Wineries
The Hunter Valley boasts over 150 wineries, with a good number spread throughout Pokolbin. Tulloch Wines, McGuigan Wines Cellar Door, and Peterson House are some great wineries to visit for a wine tasting.
Most wineries accept walk ins for wine tasting, but on busy days you could be turned away, so it’s always best to book to avoid disappointment.
Hunter Valley Gardens
The Hunter Valley Gardens is easily one of the main highlights of Pokolbin and the Hunter Valley. The Gardens are a place to relax and enjoy peaceful reflection, while also being a great spot for families to come and enjoy.
The Gardens host unique events like the famous Christmas Lights Spectacular, Snow Time, and Mega Creatures during the school holidays. At these events, there are amazing carnival rides that are perfect for all ages!
Hunter Valley Chocolate Company
The Chocolate Company produces high quality and delicious chocolates in the Hunter Valley. Pop down to the shop and try the range of chocolate, gelato, and fudge.
There is also the Twenty 3 Twenty Cafe, serving delicious meals, treats, and drinks. Be sure to try the classic hot chocolate!
Hunter Valley Smelly Cheese Shop
A Hunter Valley favourite is the Smelly Cheese Shop, stocking local, Australian, and imported artisan cheeses. Since 2004, the Smelly Cheese Shop has been providing the Hunter Valley some tasty cheeses, leaving you wanting more.
Eateries
Pokolbin can take you on a culinary adventure, with a range of different restaurants in the area. From fine dining to something a bit more affordable, Pokolbin has some of the best eateries. Stop by Two Fat Blokes Gourmet Kitchen, The Mill Restaurant, and eRemo Restaurant.
Stay in the Hunter Valley
When possible, try to stay in the Hunter Valley for a couple of days to get to know the region. The Valley offers affordable accommodation to luxury hotels. Some recommendations for places to stay include H Boutique Hotel, Harrigan’s Hunter Valley, and Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort. Wherever you choose to stay, you’ll feel at home in a cozy environment.
How do I get from Sydney to Pokolbin?
No visit to New South Wales is complete without a day trip or weekend holiday in this picture perfect region! But how does one get there?
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Via car
Pokolbin is around 164 kilometres away from Sydney, taking around a two hour drive. If you are lucky enough to have your own car or have hired one, driving to Pokolbin is easy!
You can cruise down the main route and see the region’s highlights, or go the back streets to see the quieter areas. The beauty of this choice is that you can stop as many times as you like to see the unique attractions and restaurants that are well worth the stop.
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Via a tour
Jumping on a tour when going to a wine region is perhaps one of the best ways. Simply book a ticket, hop on a bus, and sit back to enjoy a fully organised adventure! Tours range from one day trips to weekend adventures, showcasing the best wineries in Pokolbin, as well as a couple of restaurants and food shops.
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Via public transport
Public transport is generally the easiest way for visitors to explore new areas. However, the journey to the region isn’t a straight path for public transport. Guests can hop on a train and head down the scenic route towards Pokolbin, finishing up at Morisset Station. Afterwards, visitors can choose to either hop on a bus to nearby wineries or take a cab directly to the venue.
The only negative with public transport is the frustration of traveling throughout Hunter Valley. If you choose to use cabs, the cost may skyrocket if you choose to do multiple cab rides from one winery to the next. Otherwise, you can keep hopping on the buses, but looking up times and walking to bus stops can make your journey a lot harder than it needs to be.
The Hunter Valley is a beautiful wine region and is worth visiting when possible. Pokolbin is one of the best areas in the region to visit when you’re short on time and can only visit for a day. You’ll get to see some of the main highlights and taste award winning wines!
Related article: Where to stay in the Hunter Valley?