Hunter Valley Gardens

Pokolbin, New South Wales 2320

The Hunter Valley Gardens is tucked away at the bottom of the Brokenback Ranges in the very centre of the picturesque Hunter Valley vineyards.

Here, there is more than 60 acres of well-manicured, themed gardens to explore, as well as a range of activities for all the family to enjoy.

From restaurants and cafes to antique shops, galleries, and clothing stores, there is a little something for everyone at this amazing destination.

Here are some of the best things to do in Hunter Valley Gardens:

• 1. Wander through the gardens

  The gardens span 60 acres and include more than 8km of trails for visitors to meander along. With ten individual feature gardens decked out in different designs, there is a world of beauty to soak up.

  Amongst thousands of flowers, trees, and shrubs, you can explore the lavish display of colour and smell in the Rose Garden, marvel at the 10m high waterfall in the Sunken Garden, and look out for all your favourite fairytale characters in the Storybook Garden.

  The gardens are a great place to take the kids, as well as set up a picnic in the picturesque surroundings.

• 2. Grab a coffee

  It is the home to a few coffee shops where you can kick back and refuel with a hot drink. Spoil yourself with a Hunter Valley handmade cookie, or another sweet treat. The Cafes are all owned by the townspeople, so you can easily get to know the local people while enjoying your steamy cup of coffee.

• 3. Have some lunch

  At the award-winning restaurant, you can try a number of local and international dishes in a lively, bustling environment. Hunter Valley Gardens has several dining options on offer for visitors and guests. Within the gardens, you’ll find The Garden Terrace, which features alfresco dining overlooking the Oriental Garden. This is perfect for a romantic or solo luncheon, with the natural bird chirps and trickling nearby water blending together perfectly with the relaxing restaurant. if you’re after a livelier option, the Harrigan’s Irish Pub is the way to go. It is a short drive away and offers relaxed family-friendly dining. With hearty meals such as their signature beef and Guinness Pie. The pub-style restaurant offers plenty of charm, with on-tap beer of the local brews. As well, the Shopping Village has a wide selection of cafes for quick and tasty meals. With the cellar door restaurant being one of the most popular, inviting guests in to pair the meals with the local wine.

• 4. Hit the shops

  One of the most popular activities in the Hunter Valley Gardens is shopping. With a huge collection of shops, ranging from homeware stores, cute galleries, gift shops, antique sellers, and everything in between, it is the perfect place to browse what’s on offer and pick up a souvenir.

  Pick up some of the best local lollies at the British Lolly Shop, a showcase of delights, equally beautiful and delicious. With an assortment of colour, with a variety of bonbons, sherbet, toffee, nougat, and chocolate sweets. Fill your bags with these colourful treats and take them home to enjoy with your friends, family, or on your own!

  If you haven’t had your chocolate fill yet, your next stop can be the Hunter Valley Chocolate Company. Dedicated to bringing a wide range of unique chocolate in a range of flavours. From rich dark chocolate to unique creamy white chocolate. The shop also is a café, so you can nibble on your treat of choice while you enjoy the steamy cup of coffee.

  Another sweet stop on your day is at the Cupcake Espresso! The passionate team strives to deliver the best cupcakes in the region. Amazingly decorated its almost a shame to eat them!

• 5. Wine Tasting

  There is also a cellar door in the Hunter Valley Gardens, so you can taste some of the locally made wine and learn more about the winemaking process in Hunter Valley.

  It is an exclusive cellar door from both Mount Eyre and Three Ponds wines, with a full range of wine from Polin & Polin. These wine varieties come in whites, reds, roses, and sparkling, having a little bit of something for everyone. Guests can try the delicious range of wines with the professional staff, who can indicate the aromas, tastes, and winemaking processes with each. Giving a better insight into each wine, which helps visitors appreciate it more.

  If you aren’t much of a wine drinker and prefer the darker ales, Garden Cellars Tunnel of Beer, promising a showcase of craft beer from across Australia and around the world.

  Looking for something a bit stronger? Hunter Distillery’s organic spirit range promises a range of flavours that’ll satisfy even the fussiest drinker. From sweet to sour, and even some spicy flavours on offer.

• 6. Relax with a massage

  The on-site salon and spa gives you the chance to really unwind. Sign yourself up for a massage to take all the stresses of daily life away. Otherwise, you can book in a facial to cleans your face with all the grime and sweat from your face. Or even simply soak in the spa rooms and pool and have all your troubles melt away.

• 7. Play some golf

  The Aqua Golf driving range is the ideal hotspot for golf lovers, where you can practice your swing, or simply use the barbecue facilities that are on-site. Here you can marvel at the stunning greenery surrounding you as you go, walking through the tall trees and range of wildlife scattered about. If golf isn’t your strong suit, you can always swap it in for putt putt instead. Which is located nearby, and offers both children and adults the fun and interactive putt golf course.