Luxury holidays in Hunter Valley

When to go

The grape harvest kicks off early in the Hunter Valley, with the first semillon fruit picked in January, and then runs through to April. Summer can be piping hot, but from April onwards, things mellow and the days become cool and calm. Winter is the perfect time to sip the Hunter's famed shiraz.

Getting there

• Planes

  Sydney Airport | the major hub for Qantas | is the main gateway to the Hunter Valley | although you can take a chartered flight to Cessnock Airport in the valley itself | and Newcastle’s little airport is connected to Sydney | Melbourne and Brisbane by smaller flights QantasLink | Jetstar and Virgin Blue.

• Trains

  CityRail services link Newcastle with the smaller towns of the lower Hunter, and CountryLink rail routes weave through the valley between Sydney and Brisbane, stopping at Newcastle, Maitland, Singleton, Dungog, Gloucester, Muswellbrook, Scone and Murrurundi.

• Automobiles

  The Hunter Valley’s an easy two-hour drive from central Sydney up the F3, and a car is invaluable when you’re exploring the region or touring its vineyards. Pick up a car at the airport or in the city.

• Taxis

  It’s a rural region and distances can be on the big side, so cabs aren’t the most cost-effective means of getting around – most will charge for the trip out to pick you up as well as the trip itself.