Hidden Gems of the Hunter Valley Region
Written by: Cameron Ward
Published: 06/19/2019
Reading time: 3 mins
From wildlife encounters to unique markets, Hunter Valley has a little something for everyone!
Travellers come from all over the world to discover the magical wine country Hunter Valley. The region is famous for its wine and food produce, home to a number of award-winning reastaurnts and world-wide sold wine brands. However, hidden amongst these exceptional tourist spots are a number of other overlooked attractions! Providing travellers with not just a winery adventure, but an all-rounded vacation that includes seeing just how special the Hunter Valley truly is. Hidden in nooks and crannies you’ll discover artisanal chocolate, immaculately manicured gardens, picturesque country houses and meet local producers who are passionate about what the do for a living.
-
Maitland Markets
On the first Saturday of every month, the Maitland Market has 600 stalls on display featuring baked goods, homemade items and artisan products. The market is conveniently located at the Maitland Showgrounds from 8am to 2pm on an 84 hectare stretch of land with both inside and outside areas. You can easily spend the whole day here!
-
Hunter Valley Gardens
Over 16 hectares of land, discover the beautiful Hunter Valley Gardens in Pokolbin. Walk across the 10 themed gardens that features the iconic Storybook garden where fairy-tale characters come to life which is sure to entertain the littlest of kids. There’s also the Italian Grotto reminiscent of one you might uncover in the Mediterranean and the Oriental Garden which takes its inspiration from harmonious Japanese and Korean gardens. There’s also a café on site, as well as shops and a gorgeous chapel that is a wonderful wedding venue.
-
Hunter Valley Zoo
Did you know that the Hunter Valley has its very own zoo? With close animal encounters, daily shows and animal feeding, you’ll have a ball spending the day with the meerkats, black and white ruffed lemurs and African lions. Just 5 minutes from Cessnock, enjoy BBQ facilities with several areas that work great for picnics.
-
Tyrells Winery
Established in 1858 by English immigrant Edward Tyrell, this four-generation winery has been in the family for over 150 years and they plan on continuing the legacy. They grew from a humble 60 acres to 900 acres today with the motto “nothing is great unless it is good” being the guiding philosophy. They are connoisseurs of the famed Hunter Valley Semillon and are part of Australia’s First Families of Wine.
-
Cocoa Nib
You’ll find Cocoa Nib on the Tulloch Wine Estate in the Hunter Valley, led by owner and pastry chef Aymee Slaviero. Here she serves up artisanal chocolate handcrafted in the Hunter Valley, made from chocolate that is imported from France. If you have a sweet tooth you can even have a chocolate and wine matching experience with the team from Tulloch. Some stand outs from Cocoa Nib include a delicious block of Turkish Delight and Pistachio, along with the Macadamia Coffee Toffee for a sweet delight. There’s plenty that the kids can enjoy as well such as chocolate dinosaur eggs and speckle lolly pops.
Related article: How is Cheese made
