Welcome to The Hunter Valley: Wine Country, Golf Courses and Great Getaways

Home, Golf & Great Adventures

The Hunter Valley isn’t just where we live — it’s where we work, play, and continually fall in love with new experiences. The Hunter Valley is Australia’s home of wine country golf — world-class courses, rolling vineyards, boutique wineries and unforgettable food experiences all in one region.

Rolling vineyards, beautifully designed golf courses, and those quiet moments that stay with you long after you leave define life here.

Just a 1.5–2 hour drive north of Sydney and close to Newcastle’s beaches and nightlife, the Hunter Valley is an easy escape that offers far more than expected. Whether you’re planning a weekend away or a longer stay, it’s a region that balances relaxation, indulgence, and a distinctly local charm that keeps visitors — and locals — coming back.

Living here means being surrounded by exceptional wineries, thoughtful restaurants, and world-class golf. It’s a place where mornings move slowly, afternoons stretch out, and hospitality is personal rather than polished for show.

🍷 Boutique Wineries We Love

The Hunter is known for Semillon, Chardonnay, and Shiraz, but it’s the subtle differences — soil, approach, and personality — that make each cellar door experience memorable. These are a few we return to time and again:

Thomas Allen Wines — Small, family-run, and full of character. Tastings feel personal and unhurried, with stories behind every bottle.

Winmark Estate — Focused almost entirely on Chardonnay, Winmark delivers elegance with a relaxed confidence. Set against the Brokenback Range in Broke, it’s well worth the short drive.

Tyrrell’s Wines — An icon of the region, with consistently excellent Semillon, Chardonnay and Shiraz, paired with a cellar door experience that feels welcoming and refined.

Tip: wander off the main roads — some of the Hunter’s best wines are poured well away from the busiest routes.

🍽️ Dining Highlights

Food in the Hunter Valley is as much about setting as it is about flavour. These are places we return to for both:

Muse Restaurant — Seasonal, thoughtful, and quietly exceptional. (Yes, the Muse Coconut dessert really is worth the hype.)

Bistro Molines — French-inspired cuisine with panoramic views. A long lunch here feels like an occasion every time.

Hunters Quarter — Warm, welcoming, and consistently excellent — and just next door to us.

Baumé at Ben Ean — Relaxed Italian flavours in a beautiful winery setting. Perfect for lingering.

🚍 Tours from Sydney

Not driving? These operators make exploring the Hunter Valley effortless:

• Hunter Valley Wine Tours Sydney

• Hunter Valley Wine Tasting Tours

• Gourmet Getaway Tours

🏡 Where to Stay

From indulgent retreats to relaxed luxury, these are favourites for comfort, location, and atmosphere:

Château Élan at The Vintage — Elegant accommodation with golf, spa, and dining all on-site.

Tower Lodge — Boutique luxury with privacy and impeccable service — ideal for a special stay.

Peppers Convent — A peaceful retreat with character, heritage charm, and easy access to wineries and golf courses across the valley.

The Lane Retreat — Peaceful, intimate, and beautifully designed — perfect for switching off.

⛳ Golf in the Hunter Valley

Golf here is as scenic as it is rewarding, with courses that make the most of the region’s natural landscape:

• The Vintage Golf Club — Designed by Greg Norman

• Rydges Resort Golf Course — Designed by Richard Mercer

• Cypress Lakes Golf Course — Varied, fun, and visually striking

If you need any help with your game while you are here, contact Richard for some lessons!

Golf here is as scenic as it is enjoyable, with kangaroos often wandering across the fairways and sunsets over the vineyards.

Whether you come for the wine, the golf or simply to slow down among the vines, the Hunter Valley has a way of staying with you. It’s a place we feel lucky to call home — and one we love sharing.

Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links. If you make a booking or purchase through them, we may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you. We only recommend places and experiences we genuinely love.