How to get to the Hunter Valley from Sydney
Written by: Cameron Ward
Published: 11/13/2023
Reading time: 3 mins
Hunter Valley is a major wine region in Australia that sits north of Sydney.
Hunter Valley is one of Australia’s popular wine regions that produces award winning semillon, chardonnay, verdelho, and even shiraz!
Some of the best towns within the region to visit include Pokolbin, Lovedale, and Cessnock.
By car
One of the easiest ways to get to Hunter Valley from Sydney is by car. Have no car? That’s no problem, you can hire one and drive yourself down to Hunter Valley!
The easiest route is going north out of the city down the M1. The drive takes over two hours to reach the region.
Book a tour
A tour of the Hunter Valley is perhaps one of the best ways to see the region for those without a car.
This Hunter Valley tour picks you up from selected Sydney locations and takes you down to the region for a wine tasting tour! You’ll taste local wines at a couple of wineries and get some food.
Public transport
Getting to Hunter Valley via public transport can be a lengthy journey, but it is possible! One of the best ways is to either catch the Central Coast/Newcastle Line or the North West NSW trains from Central Station.
If you catch the Central Coast/Newcastle Line, you’ll want to get off at Morisset Station. Then you will need to get the 163 bus towards Cessnock at Stand C (a short walk from Morisset Station). This route can take around three hours.
If you catch the North West NSW line, get off at Maitland Station and catch the 164 bus towards Cessnock. This route can take around four hours.
If you go by public transport, it’s best to leave earlier in the morning so you have more of the day to explore. However, you will need to find ways to get around Hunter Valley.
How to get around in Hunter Valley
You can hire a car and drive around the region, hire a bicycle, or ride a horse or go on a classic horse carriage over in Pokolbin. Joining a tour is another great way to get around Hunter Valley.
Things to do in Hunter Valley
Wine tastings
Hunter Valley is also the oldest wine region in Australia that has been producing wine since the early 19th century! Some cellar doors you can visit for a wine tasting are Tempus Two, Kevin Sobels, and First Creek Wines.
Hunter Valley Chocolate Company
Hunter Valley Chocolate Company produces some of the finest chocolates in the region. You can come by and try out some chocolate, delicious fudge or even gelato on a hot day. Sit down for a hot drink and some food at their Twenty 3 Twenty Cafe.
Hunter Valley Gardens
Hunter Valley Gardens is an award winning garden in Pokolbin. There is a selection of different themed and peaceful gardens from Storybook Garden to Sunken Garden and Forman Garden.
There is also a range of different events that take place throughout the year that’s fun for the whole family! The most popular is the Christmas Lights Spectacular but there are also Snow Time in the Garden and other fun-filled events.
If you’re staying in Sydney, and love food and wines, we can suggest the Hunter Valley wine and foodie experience. The tour visits three premium Hunter Valley wineries to taste their wines that are paired with chocolate and cheese tastings! The lunch is also delicious on this tour.
