Hunter Valley Accommodation and North Coast Accommodation

The NSW North Coast is a place of exceptional beauty, stretching from Newcastle and Hunter region – including Hunter Valley – to Australia’s most easterly point in Byron Bay. Australia’s oldest growing wine region - Hunter Valley is renowned worldwide for its varieties of Semillon and Shiraz but not only can you cellar door hop to some of the best wineries to indulge what the Hunter is known for, you can experience the vineyards from up above with Balloon Aloft, sample local produce with specialty Hunter cheese, olive oil and meats or take a stroll through the enchanting Hunter Valley Gardens. Now there’s no wonder why Hunter Valley is considered such a popular spot for a great weekend escape.
Vineyards Hunter Valley

Hunter Valley and North Coast: All our hotels

Hunter Valley and North Coast

Why Visit the Hunter Valley and North Coast?

Just two hours north of Sydney, the Hunter Valley is home to the world's premier wine producers. With over 120 vineyards and cellar doors now in operation, no other wine region in Australia comes even remotely close to the remarkable Hunter Valley. From household labels to smaller boutique brands, the Hunter Valley has a grape to please even the fussiest connoisseur. Superb wine isn't the only thing you'll uncork in the Hunter. Sophisticated restaurants, championship golf courses, amazing galleries and antique shopping all await the pleasure of your company. Whether you're seeking a romantic getaway or a family holiday, the Hunter Valley is the place for you.

When to Visit the Hunter Valley and North Coast?

The Hunter Valley and North Coast offer unique experiences within each season, letting you try something new every time you visit. Whilst the winter and spring season is magical with cooler temperatures inviting cosy days by the fireplace, the best time to visit is between summer and autumn. During this period the land comes to life with celebratory activities, festivals and an abundance of fresh, local produce served at markets and at many of the local eateries.
Throughout summer and autumn, the Hunter Valley blossoms as the year's harvest and natural surroundings are enjoyed. With warm summer days reaching temperatures in the high 20℃s and clear skies generally expected, enjoy the best outdoor living the Hunter Valley has to offer. If you are planning to visit in autumn, enjoy the best of warm days with comfortable cool nights. Temperatures can be expected to reach between 20℃ to 25℃, perfect for those who wish to explore outdoor festivals and enjoy activities such as Wine and Food Month. Get the most of photo-worthy moments with the land alive with vibrant orange and yellow colours, against lush green fields.

Explore the seaside that meets the valley on the North Coast throughout summer and autumn for the best experiences. With temperatures ranging from low to high 20℃s throughout summer, enjoy the best of outdoor living under the sun. With clear and calm skies, relax at the beach or explore the breathtaking landscapes from iconic lookouts such as the Byron Bay Lighthouse. If you visit in autumn, expect temperatures to reach on average of 23℃. Whilst the days are a little cooler than in summer, water temperatures remain at a perfect level for a dip in the ocean. Plan an outdoor adventure or take a spontaneous drive, there's a heap of activities to experience along the coast.

Getting Around the Hunter Valley and North Coast

Getting around the Hunter Valley is easy, with so many options to match your getaway needs. If you are wanting to explore the vineyards on offer, experience a wine tour with a guided minibus which can be privately chartered for events, or shared with other groups. If you are after a more family-friendly experience, there are plenty of tour buses going to Port Stephens, zoos and the iconic Hunter Valley Gardens. Car hire is great for those who wish to have a little more freedom or are travelling with the family. With no agenda to stick to, enjoy your adventure and take your time exploring the best of the Hunter Valley.

Exploring the North Coast has been made easy, with multiple travel options to get you to the sights and experiences you want to see. If you are with the family, enjoy the ease of car hire to get you where you want to go at your pace. Whilst car hire is the easiest option, for those who'd prefer to take public transport, explore frequent bus services to local destinations as well as Countrylink train services running up to Byron Bay. If you don't want the hassle of stressing about where to go, let someone else do the work whilst you enjoy a guided bus tour.

Things to do in the Hunter Valley and North Coast

No matter if you're visiting the Hunter Valley or exploring the beauty of the North Coast, there is something to do for everyone. With a unique range of indoor and outdoor activities to inspire your day planning, each day will present a new adventure. From learning to make wine, sightseeing from breathtaking lookouts and exploring beachside fun with the family, there's no end in sight for fun and action.

Outdoor things to do in the Hunter Valley and North Coast

Enjoy the great outdoors and explore the best experiences the Hunter Valley has to offer. With family-oriented experiences and others suited to couples or groups of friends, there is something to pique everyone's interest. A must-see location is the iconic Hunter Valley Gardens home to sensational garden sights, as well as boutique shops and mouthwatering dining options. With the annual Christmas Lights Spectacular, the kids will be left amazed, and the family can enjoy wholesome entertainment. Pack the car for a day's adventure and explore breathtaking natural sights as you soak up the sunny weather. Head down Tourist Drive 33 and take in the best sights in the countryside.
If you are after a unique experience, book a wine tour or wine-making experience at one of Hunter Valley's Top 5 wineries. Immerse yourself in the heart and soul of the Hunter Valley and learn how to make great wine, from picking the grapes, to the fermentation process. With some vineyards offering dining, complete your experience with table service with the backdrop of the vineyards. Other unforgettable activities include hot air balloon experiences over the valley and skydiving for those who want to experience an unforgettable rush. Get the most out of outdoor living on the North Coast, with endless beaches, national parks and countryside to explore. Walk amongst the trees with ocean views, leading up to the Cape Byron Lighthouse. With many national parks boasting breathtaking lookouts, your family "must see" bucket list can be ticked off with ease.
Add to your experiences with horseriding on the beach, paddleboarding tours and guided snorkelling and scuba diving fun or explore the markets dotted up and down the North Coast offering weekday, weekend and even monthly markets that span from fresh produce, night markets and even family-friendly events, plus arts and crafts festivals. Visit the iconic Big Banana at Coffs Harbour and make a day of it with a water park (open seasonally), toboggan ride, mini golf and bumper slides - don't forget your choc-coated frozen banana treat before you continue the journey.
If you're after activities suited for adult groups and couples, explore the local distilleries as you learn nature's role in your much-loved drinks. If you are after that outdoor rush, explore the best 4WD experiences or get a thrill of a lifetime with multiple skydiving locations throughout the region.

Indoor Things to do in the Hunter Valley and North Coast

Enjoy a day of relaxation with indoor activities in the Hunter Valley. Tease your taste buds whilst getting involved in the food-making process at the Hunter Valley Smelly Cheese Shop. Learn about the cheese-making processes before nibbling on a personalised charcuterie board. If you are with kids don't worry, let them explore dreamy gelato with 200 flavours to choose from. Shelter from the sun with a range of indoor activities to get involved in along the North Coast.
If you are with family, keep the kids entertained with an indoor rock climbing adventure for those who need physical activity with some thrills along the way. If you are wanting to wind-down, spend some quality time with the family watching a movie with a cinema experience. If you're visiting without the kids and want to relax after a day in the sun, immerse yourself in local culture and explore the best boutique breweries or treat yourself to a spa experience.
Spread along the North Coast are museums holding the history of Australia, from art to historic relics and other iconic moments in Australian history. Get amongst the magic of local craftsmanship, and explore the best breweries of the North Coast in a group or as a couple. With locations including four pines, Murray's Brewing Company and Husk Distilleries, you won't be disappointed. Reach ultimate relaxation as you enjoy a spa day at boutique salons, to get the holiday glow.

Where to Eat and Drink in the Hunter Valley and North Coast

Great food and drink is essential to complete a memorable getaway. For local produce and food with heart, you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to dining experiences in the Hunter Valley. If you're after a mouthwatering breakfast to start your day, check out Fawk Foods Kitchen and Bakery or The Deck Cafe. With endless options for those who love savory dishes or fancy something sweet, as well as kids' menus available, you won't be disappointed.

After a morning of sightseeing, relax with lunch amongst the vineyards. Explore menus highlighting the best local produce at Vines at Hollydene or Margan Wines and Restaurant. Perfect for a summer's day, relax with outdoor seating and an area for the kids to play if you're with the family. Wind down for the day with a filling dinner that will please everyone.
Indulge in an Irish pub experience at Harrigan's, a much-loved pub offering go-to favourites. With a kid's menu and activities to keep them entertained, sit back and enjoy the best of imported and local beverages.

If you're looking for somewhere to stop to have a drink and relax before the day's next activities, explore some of the Hunter Valley's favourite cellar doors and sit-down experiences. With an abundance of wineries located in the Pokolbin area, you'll be spoilt for choice on where to sip your favourite beverage.

The North Coast is full of great places to eat and drink, with many family options available. Start your day with an indulgent breakfast at the Urban Espresso Lounge in Coffs Harbour, as you sip on barista-made coffee from your waterfront table. With an all-day breakfast menu, enjoy the benefits of being on holiday mode and take your time. Relax after a busy morning with lunch to cure your cravings. On the North Coast, you don't have to look far for a Café to enjoy a midday bite. Explore local favourites such as The Shelly Beach Cafe and Top Shop Cafe, both with a solid kids' menu for those travelling with the family. Both of these favourites have the bonus of waterfront views, so you can sit back and relax, enjoying the calming lul of the ocean.

After a full day of activity, dinner might be your favourite meal of the day. With plenty of great places to sit down and relax, there is something for everyone's taste. Indulge in local favourites at Cafe 66 for authentic Italian food. With a delicious menu and relaxed atmosphere, it is great to wind down or spend time with the family. Cure your thirst and sip on your favourite beverages with many boutique bars to try on the North Coast. Complete your holiday with a drink or two at the Element Bar or Stone and Wood Brewery, with a relaxed atmosphere that is kid friendly too if you are travelling with the family.

Enjoy quality dining from your doorstep with Accor's many restaurants and bars available. From the Season restaurant at Peppers Salt Resort & Spa Kingscliff and the Surge Bar at Mantra on Salt Beach Kingscliff, enjoy a relaxed atmosphere with food that will tease your tastebuds. For those wanting a luxurious dining experience in the Hunter Valley region, indulge at Elements Bar in the Mercure Hunter Valley Resort and explore the elements of fire, water and earth through a gastronomy experience.

Where to Stay in the Hunter Valley and North Coast

There are many Hunter Valley accommodation and North Coast options to complete your stay. From family-friendly locations to relaxing getaway accommodation, there is a space for everyone's needs. With many of the Hunter Valley's attractions and wineries surrounding the Pokolbin and Maitland areas, local accommodation will add that extra bit of ease to your trip.

The North Coast offers a wide range of locations to visit, all the way up to the Queensland border. With many attractions and coastal pockets to explore, check out iconic locations such as Newcastle, Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie and Kingscliff. With family-friendly style accommodation to more luxurious stays, there is a place to suit everyone's needs.

From boutique stays to great family hotel accommodation, enjoy the flexibility of apartment-style accommodation to complete your stay. Enjoy a range of brands including Mecure, Mantra, Peppers, Novotel and Ibis.

Hunter Valley and North Coast FAQs

Find the answers to commonly asked questions about Hunter Valley and North Coast