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Hunter Valley

A short drive or flight from Sydney, Hunter Valley offers a sophisticated getaway with all the ingredients for a relaxing break. Our Ultimate Viewers indulged in some of the finest wines in the world, sampled gourmet Aussie fare and enjoyed luxurious accommodations.

Where We Stayed: 

Chateau Élan: Rest your head at Chateau Élan at the Vintage or Tower Lodge.

Where We Ate:

Audrey Wilkinson: Established in 1866, Audrey Wilkinson is one of the region's first vineyards. At this picturesque vineyard, you'll enjoy a tasting of its award-winning wines and the expertise of friendly, knowledgeable staff.

Roberts Restaurant: Dine in the vines! Set in one of Australia's premier wine estates, Roberts Restaurant is the perfect choice when seeking out the best that the Hunter Valley has to offer in fine food and wine. Combine this unique dining experience with a wine tasting at renowned Tower Estate or with the superlative accommodation of Tower Lodge.

Esca Restaurant at Bimbadgen Estate: This restaurant overlooks vineyards and a premiership golf course, and it's the ideal venue for a long lazy lunch in the Hunter Valley. Try tasting plates from the contemporary menu and match with a local wine.

Rock Restaurant: Located within Poole's Rock Wine Estate, Rock Restaurant has become a regional star on the dining scene. Rock's signature cuisine is modern Australian with classic French influences.

Hope Estate: Hope Estate is located in the heart of Pokolbin in the Hunter Valley, located amongst 420 acres of picturesque vineyards and overlooking a tranquil lake. The Great Cask Hall, one of Australia's most impressive barrel rooms, is the perfect place to enjoy the fine cuisine.

What We Saw:

Tower Estate: Get an introduction to winemaking with winemaster Samantha Connew. At Tower Estate Winery, wine makers select the very best varietals, not just the local crop, but from vineyards around Australia. Classic wine styles are made from fruit grown in the specific Australian region that best suits a particular grape variety and style.

Hunter Valley Garden Village: Hunter Valley Garden Village is known as Pokolbin's town center. It features a variety of specialty shops, restaurants, attractions and a beautiful chapel. Enjoy the landscaped gardens of the village and explore the huge variety of shops, with something for everyone.

Tyrell's Winery: Rich in history and pioneering achievements since 1858, English immigrant Edward Tyrrell established Tyrrell's Wines in 1858 in the Hunter Valley's Brokenback Range. Today, Tyrrell's is an acclaimed wine company exporting to the world.

What We Did:

Cloud9 Balloons: A balloon ride in the oldest and most romantic of flying machines is the ultimate way to experience the beautiful countryside, vineyards and rivers of the Hunter Valley.

Hunter Valley Cycling: Enjoy the freedom of cycling through beautiful vineyards before stopping to try a peppery Shiraz or a grassy verdelho. At the end of your easy cycling tour, reward your hard work with a gourmet extravaganza.

Chateau Élan Destination Spa: Destination Spa in this luxury resort has private spa suites for singles and couples, with a spa menu offering treatments designed to satisfy all the senses. Massage rooms, a lap pool, beauty salon and a Reflection Lounge—for stillness and contemplation—make this a most luxurious retreat amongst the vineyards.

Hunter Valley Smelly Cheese Shop at Tempus Two Complex: Taste your way through a decadent world of cheese in the private room of this famous Hunter Valley icon. You'll also enjoy a gelato tasting from Hunter Valley Gelato Company and meet the gelato maker.

Hunter Valley Chocolate Shop: The finest imported Belgian Chocolate is used as the base for chocolate delicacies; local ingredients such as nuts, licorice, creams and pure fruit oils are added to create a range of mouthwatering chocolates.

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