The Hunter River

Winding its way through New South Wales, the Hunter River is a major waterway in this part of the country, spanning from the Liverpool Range to the Tasman Sea at Newcastle.

The length of the river is home to thousands of bird, animal, and plant species, which makes it the perfect place for nature-lovers to get a glimpse into the natural habitats of some of Australia’s finest creatures.

There’s also plenty of activities to get stuck into on and around the river, too, with the surrounding valley home to a diverse selection of landscapes, including a collection of lush orchards, picturesque wineries, and patchwork farm fields.

Things to do Around the Hunter River

As well as wildlife spotting, which makes up a huge part of any visitors trip to the river, there are numerous other exciting activities to try out on the banks of the water, and even from the sky.

• Golf Courses

  There are a handful of golf courses that surround the river. The lush plains that sprawl out from the banks make for the perfect greens, which offer spectacular views over the surrounding valleys and the river itself.

• Ballooning

  One of the most exhilarating ways to explore the Hunter River is by hitting the skies and viewing it from a completely different perspective. Hot air ballooning is a popular activity in this area, because the meandering river and its pretty scenery offer the perfect backdrop to the clear, Australian skies.

• Cruises and Sailing

  But if you want to get up close and personal with the river, a cruise is the way to go. You can sail down the twists and turns of the river, keeping your eyes peeled for various animal species and plant life, and soak up the beautiful, peaceful scenery as you go.

• Wildlife Spotting

  But the Hunter River is best-known for its buzzing selection of animals. The wetlands that surround the river are home to thousands of species of native creatures, and the water itself makes the perfect habitat for hundreds of fish species. There are almost 60 frog species in this area of Australia, including the endangered green and golden bell frog and the giant barred frog, as well as numerous reptiles, like snakes, water dragons, and even two species of freshwater turtle. If you’re lucky, you might get to see platypuses, water rats, and swamp rats, too, alongside a whole host of fascinating bird species.

Cameron Ward

Managing Director at Sightseeing Tours Australia

Cameron Ward turned his travel passion into a thriving Australian tourism business. Before he co-founded his own business, Sightseeing Tours Australia, he was enjoying being a Melbourne tour guide. Even now, Cameron delights in helping visitors from all around the world get the most out of their incredible Australian trip. You’ll see Cameron leading tours or writing about his favourite Australian places where he shares his local insights.