On Sydney’s doorstep is an epicurean haven full of delectable indulgences. If the wine, the cheese, and the award-winning restaurants were not enough to convince you to head north two hours to The Hunter Valley, the outstanding spa and wellness facilities might lure you there. Or perhaps it might be the championship golf courses, the distilleries, the hot air ballooning with champagne breakfast or the endless stream of live music events that take place. The Hunter Valley is the place with it all – a playground of activities jam-packed with fun.

The area of the Hunter Valley has forever been a special place in the history of Australia. Long before European settlers arrived, the area was inhabited by the indigenous First Nations peoples – the Wonnarua, and neighbouring Worimi, Awabakal, Darkinjung, and Wiradjuri peoples. It was believed that the hills and rivers of the Hunter Valley were created by the spirit Baiame – considered the sky god and creator of the sprawling lands. These hills and mountains, ever rolling and dotted with a canopy of eucalypt trees, make the Hunter Valley one of the richest in earth with the perfect soil for vineyards.

Wine production in The Hunter Valley region, affectionately known by the locals as ‘The Hunter’, has existed since the 1800’s and the region is considered as Australia’s oldest wine region. Now with over 150 wineries, and with the addition of proximity to tourist hotspot Sydney, the Hunter Valley is the perfect place to escape the city, head for the hills of the country and dive deep into wine tasting experiences. The area is iconic for Semillon and Shiraz but boasts plenty other variations of wine – in addition to a smorgasbord of activities that even non-wine drinkers can enjoy.

There is no doubt about it – the Hunter Valley is one of Australia’s top regions of excellent wine. With so many cellar doors and masterclasses to choose from, wine lovers of all ranges will find something to tickle their tastebuds. Many of the original vines were cuttings from Europe and the excellent warm, humid climate make the valley a popular destination all year around and ensure that the wine produced is distinctive and unique to the region.

The Oakvale Estate, located in the heart of Pokolbin is an excellent vineyard to visit for those particularly interested in low-intervention wine that comes rich in flavour and less in preservatives. Carefully curated to maintain optimal purity, the wines of Oakvale Estate include juicy Semillon and dark fruit Shiraz – just to name a few. Drop in for a Cellar Door visit to sample the fruity, sustainable wines.

The Brokenwood Estate offers VIP Soil-to-Cellar experiences that include exclusive access to sampling the upper-echelon of Australian shiraz. The experience includes oysters paired with Brokenwood Semillon, behind the scenes vineyard tour, 4-course degustation menu with wine pairings and a gourmet grazing platter to be enjoyed amongst the aging wine barrels. This is an incredibly special and intimate experience that pairs excellence both in Australian food and wine. Other notable vineyards include the Tyrrells Estate, with over 160 years in winemaking spreading across the Hunter Valley and beyond to Heathcote in Victoria, and Murchessons Estate that offers unique horseback wine and dine tours.

Celebrate the best in contemporary Australian cuisine at nearby award-winning restaurant, Muse – where only the best in produce is on offer. Enjoy a four-course seasonal menu, featuring items such as freshly shucked oysters, pan-fried Murray River cod and marbled, slow-cooked wagyu tri tip steaks. If cheese is more your thing, head to the Hunter Valley Cheese Factory for excellent local artisan cheeses and condiments.

For those who prefer wellness over wine, or who just need a detox from back-to-back cellar door experiences, look no further than the spa and wellness facilities of the Hunter Valley, of which there are literally dozens. The Hunter Valley is a long withstanding area of natural beauty, with rolling hills and mountains, plains, and the sway of eucalyptus trees. The area takes the phrase “escape to the country” to the next level.

Many of the most notable spas in the area exist within boutique hotels, resorts, or nearby vineyard estates. Of these is The Spa at Chateau Elan, a luxurious experience comprised of seventeen appointed rooms and an extensive spa menu dedicated to peace of mind and optimal relaxation. The Chateau Elan is a five-star property set amongst breath-taking scenery, so sets the scene perfect for a day or weekend of pampering. Treatments include specialised skin therapies, tailored massage and two outdoor mineral spas in a sanctuary space called the Hydro Lounge.

Beyond just facial and massage services, the Hunter Valley also serves up a dose of mindfulness and meditation, most famously, at the Elysia Wellness Retreat. Although you can still enjoy all those wonderfully relaxing services at Elysia, the retreat also goes above and beyond with experiences on spiritual connection, mindfulness, and meditation, as well as specialised retreats on menopause and life longevity. A stay at Elysia Wellness Retreat is the perfect way to switch off from the outside world and step into holistic haven.

The only “good” reason for a before-sunrise wakeup call has to be the one to leave for a hot air balloon. Head up into the clouds for a memorable float above the vineyards, as the sun rises and warms the earth. There are a few companies that run hot air balloon trips in the Hunter Valley, and you can either opt for a group trip sharing the basket, or a romantic couples-only mission. The Balloon Aloft company is Australia’s most experienced hot air balloon operator, offering up once-in-a-lifetime experiences that include sunrise ballooning paired with a vineyard champagne breakfast afterwards.

In addition to hot air ballooning, many people travel to the Hunter Valley for a weekend at the championship golf courses. The Hunter Valley Golf and Country Club is located at the heart of the Hunter, Lovedale, within the grounds of the Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley resort. The course is an 18-hole championship course that is perfect for golf buffs of all ages and all skill levels.

The Hunter Valley is the perfect getaway for every season. Throughout the year, several events take place with big name musicians unable to keep themselves away from the temptation of hosting an event among Australia’s beloved wine country. The Hunter Valley can include celebs such as Cold Chisel, Bruce Springsteen, Elton John, Rod Stewart and The Rolling Stones in its event alumni.

There is also the annual Grapevine Festival featuring Aussie fan favourites like The Jungle Giants, The Veronicas and Peking Duk. The event is a fun-filled day at the Roche Estate and includes the best in Australian and International acts in dance, pop and indie music – get your party on for this frivolous event amongst the vineyards!

With so much to offer, the Hunter Valley is a beloved place for many and worth the two-hour drive from Sydney. Take the chance on this unsung Aussie hero, a paradise for epicureans, a wonderland for thrill-seekers and wellness-needers alike. Whether you visit for a day or for a week, the Hunter Valley has something for you to enjoy.