What to do in Hunter Valley at night?

After the sun sets, there is plenty to enjoy in the Hunter Valley at night!

Don’t just head back to the city after the sun sets in the Hunter Valley. The region comes alive at night with a wonderful display of activities!

If you are planning for a weekend away, one of the best places to visit is the Hunter Valley. The region is filled with a range of activities that aren’t just for the daytime! However, many visitors simply spend their day sightseeing and head back to their accommodation after dark. This leads many people to miss out on a number of wonderful activities available when the stars alight.

Here is our list of activities for you to enjoy when the sun goes down!

Sip on countless wines at your winery of choice

No trip to the Hunter Valley is complete without a visit to one of its glorious wineries!

The wineries range from world-known brands to small, family-owned boutiques. Most travellers plan an entire day hopping from one to the next. Exploring the region typically ends after a large amount of wineries shut for the day.

However, in the Hunter Valley, many wineries stay open well into the night. Enjoy an evening glass after glass of red, white, or sparkling wine. Even if the winery itself has closed after 5 pm, there is a good chance its restaurant (which serves all their wine) is still open!

Taste a range of unique brews

If you are looking to switch things up, the Hunter Valley offers plenty of alternatives to wine. Kick back and watch the sunset as you sip on a cold beer or cocktail from one of the many bars and breweries.

Many of the bars and breweries also offer typical bar food and pizza. There are plenty of ways to mix it up from just wine tasting while visiting the Hunte Valley!

Thrill your tastebuds at any of the various restaurants

Hunter Valley is well-known for its exceptional restaurants that pair well with the region’s wineries! The majority of the restaurants only use locally grown produce, offering delicious farm to table meals. This also helps to create a vast range of unique cuisines that match perfectly with the local wine.

Since most restaurants only use local produce, many menus are everchanging, adjusting to the seasons. This lets you go back, again and again, to try out the new recipes and sample the various wines that match them.

There are heaps of restaurants to choose from in the Hunter Valley. All you need to do is decide what type of food you’re craving and go from there!

Attend Hunter Valley Gardens events

Scenic aerial overlooking 14 hectares of the Hunter Valley Gardens in Pokolbin.

The Hunter Valley Gardens span 60 acres of lush greenery. These gardens feature shops, cafes, unique plants, picnic spots, and much more! Many travellers stop to see this unique attraction, strolling through the gardens and soaking up the natural beauty. However, the Hunter Valley’s gardens occasionally come to life in the evenings. Their after dark events are fun-filled and perfect for all ages.

The Christmas Lights Spectacular is held during December and offers exceptional Christmas lights that illuminate the epic gardens brilliantly. The New Year’s Eve event also offers a fun-filled night adventure with light-up rides, carnival stalls, and a stack of delicious food. The Carnival of Colour brings the party to the gardens, with three spectacular events held both during the day and night.

Be sure to see what’s on at the Hunter Valley Gardens while you’re visiting – there may just be something cool happening!

Enjoy your overnight accommodation in Hunter Valley

Hunter Valley’s accommodation is not just a room but offers a range of extra activities and attractions during your stay. There are many places to choose from, but Cypress Lakes Resort is a noteworthy spot. With a golf course, restaurant, bar, pool, and numerous events held there, you will find it hard to even leave the resort with all these happenings. Even strolling through the lush surrounding countryside is a perfect way to end a romantic night.

If you are staying in the Hunter Valley, consider joining our Hunter Valley wine tour with departures from the valley! You don’t have to worry about finding a driver as we take you to some of the best wineries around.

Now that you have discovered the appeal of Hunter Valley during the nighttime, get ready for a full day of exploring!

Related article: When should I go to Hunter Valley?

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.