Drive from Sydney to the Hunter Valley, stop in Port Stephens and return.

Day 1
Self-Drive from Sydney to The Hunter Valley

Pick up your rental car, and depart for the spectacular Hunter Valley – Sydney’s playground! This is a pleasant 2.5 – 3 hour drive.

The Hunter Valley is the earliest winery region in Australia with vines planted as early as 1825. As you roll into Hunter Valley, you might be ready for a bite to eat. We recommend lunch at the delicious Matilda Bay Brew house. Head to your accommodation in time for your scheduled tour on horseback or a Segway.

At your resort, you can check out Wine Theatre where you will watch and learn the basic processes of making wine – from grape to bottle. You can taste all different sorts of delicious Australian wines and get a real hands on experience, learning from professionals. There are so many different activities to choose from, for the couple on a relaxed vacation, to a family looking for some fun! Try out some grape stomping, take a 2 hour cooking school with an expert chef, enjoy a relaxing massage, take a carriage ride, play tennis, go swimming or simply enjoy dinner at San Martino, the on-site Italian Restaurant.

Day 2
Wine School and Explore Hunter Valley

Experience and explore this magical region on your second day in the Hunter Valley.

Start with Wine School in the morning and then head across the road for a stop in at the Binnorie Dairy Cheese Factory– one of the best Cheese Factories in the Hunter.

Then take some time to explore Hunter Valley. This stunning region is home to a number of world class golf courses. One worth a mention is the Cypress Lakes and Greg Norman’s Vintage golf course, an 18 hole trophy golf course ranked as one of the top resort courses in Australia.

If you are more of the adventurous type, get a thrill out of skydiving over the valley, with absolutely breathtaking views of the beauty bellow.

Not into jumping out of a plane? No worries! Hot Air ballooning provides another excellent way to view this astonishing valley from above.

Additionally, there are a number of charming shopping villages, cheese and chocolate factories, horse & carriage tours, galleries, antique stores, cafes & restaurants, and over 150 wineries to explore…there will never be a dull moment! You can take your car out to explore or if you plan on tasting a lot of wine, purchase a daily “Hop on Hop Off” Bus pass.

Day 3
Free Day – Today you have a free day to do whatever you want in and around Hunter Valley. Maybe hit all the stops you didn’t have time for on Day 2 or head to a beautiful costal town called Port Stephens.

Just 70 minutes to the coast, Port Stephens makes a great day trip from Hunter Valley. It is a natural playground built for exploration. From Sand Boarding to dolphin watching, Port Stephens is a gorgeous location for it all.

You can 4WD on the 32 km Stockton Beach. This beach has the largest moving sand dunes in the southern hemisphere. With a marvelous view, and few other tourists, you’ll really enjoy your 4WD drive. All the activities are accompanied by professional instructors to guarantee your safety.

Maybe treat yourself to dolphin watching and a buffet with Moonshadow Cruises, the largest cruising company in Port Stephens. Approximately 150 wild bottlenose dolphins live in Port Stephens, making it the “Capital of Dolphins” in Australia!

After your splendid day in Port Stephens, make your way back to your resort in Hunter Valley.

Day 4
Wakeup early and head to back to Sydney to drop off your car (2.5 – 3hr). Remember to drop off your car before the time you picked it up to avoid be charged an additional day.

Photo Credit: Destination New South Wales