ITINERARY IDEAS.
Valley Vibes
Chilled valley experiences for your event attendees to enjoy.
The rolling hills and lush greenery seem to stretch on endlessly in the Hunter Valley, occasionally broken up by quaint towns and sprawling vineyards.
But don’t let the abundance of wine distract you – there’s more to this region than just a good vintage. From the charming town of Muswellbrook to the historic village of Morpeth, get ready to immerse yourself in some authentic Valley feels.
Whether you’re a seasoned sommelier or just someone who likes to pretend they know what they’re talking about, the Hunter Valley is the perfect place to raise a glass (or two…or three).
Ideas day one
MUSWELLBROOK AND DENMAN
Discover the hidden gems, taste the local delights, and let the country charm envelop you in its warmth. It’s time to unwind, relax, and embrace the country charm that is Muswellbrook and Denman.
1. SAY CHEESE!
“Brie” prepared to be wowed by the delicious dairy creations at Hunter Belle Cheese in Muswellbrook. Taste rich and creamy cheeses crafted from the freshest local milk. This small-town gem has a reputation that’s as sharp as its cheddar.
2. Muswellbrook regional arts centre and heritage walk
With its vibrant exhibits showcasing the talents of local artists and beyond, the Muswellbrook Regional Arts Centre is a canvas of inspiration. From awe-inspiring paintings to captivating sculptures, their collection is a visual symphony that’s sure to ignite your imagination. Closed Sundays and Tuesdays.
Or take a self-guided walking tour through the town’s historic buildings and landmarks, which highlight the area’s rich history and heritage. From the elegant architecture to the fascinating tales of pioneers and settlers, this walk is a window into the town’s vibrant past.
3. Singleton Arts and Cultural Centre (SACC)
Make a stop at the recently opened Singleton Arts and Cultural Centre (SACC), where curiosity meets creativity. With an innovative annual program of exhibitions of contemporary art by local, regional, national and international artists, as well as local Aboriginal art and the Singleton Civic Art Collection. Located in Singleton’s Townhead Park precinct along with the Visitor Information Centre.
4. Camel Farm Tour
Step into the world of camels and their unique milk production process as you explore the farm and learn about these fascinating creatures on a tour of Camel Milk NSW, just outside of Muswellbrook. Enjoy an up close and personal meeting with the camels and star stud bull Huey!
5. Army Infantry Museum
Singleton is home to the Australian Army Infantry Museum. The museum showcases the story of the Australian Infantry Corps, from its inception to the present day, through a range of exhibits and interactive displays. Visitors can explore the extensive collection of artifacts, including weapons, uniforms, and vehicles. They also offer guided tours and hosts regular events, making it a fascinating and educational experience for all ages.
Three more ideas
Ideas day two
Hunter Valley
This. Is. Wine Country. Throw a dart at a map of the Hunter Valley and you’ll hit a top-class winery. You’ll also get in trouble for throwing darts in the Visitor Centre. There’s more to these towns than just the wine. We’ve got the perfect ideas to see a different side of the Hunter Valley Wine Country.
1. VIBRANT VINEYARDS
Ok, we have to mention the wine. Pick up a map of the Hunter Valley and circle the wineries you want to visit. Pass this map to the team at Hunter Valley Wine Tours and let them take care of the rest. Choose from vineyards, breweries, restaurants, even cheese making classes. They’ll get you there and home, hopefully with a few bottles of your new favourite drop in tow.
2. Indulgent delights
They say a day without chocolate is like a day without sunshine. Or maybe we made that up. Anyway, Hunter Valley Chocolate Company in Pokolbin is on hand to deliver the sunshine to your day. From watching head chocolatier Peter concoct his creations in the kitchen, to sitting back in the cafe to enjoy some chocolate-based excellence, let yourself enjoy some indulgence.
3. A night at the drive-in
Sort of like Netflix if you watched Netflix from your car, parked in a paddock with heaps of other cars. Heddon Greta Drive in is one of only two drive-in cinemas in NSW. They operate weekends and every day in school holidays. Word is that this iconic theatre may be closing soon. With drive-in cinemas becoming increasingly rare, now is the time to experience this disappearing form of entertainment while you still can.
4. Two hats are better than one
If you want to make the most of a trip to wine country, then you must book ahead at Muse Restaurant, Pokolbin. This two-hatted restaurant is a major drawcard to the Hunter Valley.
5. Soar to new heights
Experience the ultimate bird’s-eye view with Hunter Valley Ballooning. Float gently above lush vineyards and rolling hills, sipping on a glass of bubbly as the sun rises lighting the world beneath you. Now that’s living the high-life. Pre-booking is essential.
Three more ideas
Ideas day three
MAITLAND AND MORPETH
Our final leg of the Valley Vibes brings us to the historic towns of Maitland and Morpeth. These two towns are steeped in history and offer visitors a unique glimpse into the past, with well-preserved colonial architecture, quaint streetscapes, and a relaxed country atmosphere.
Don’t be tricked into thinking these towns are stuck in the past with an emerging café culture, contemporary boutique shops, and engaging trails and tours. You ready?
1. Morpeth
Step back in time and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Morpeth’s history with the Morpeth Heritage Walk. Delve into the captivating narratives of 25 iconic sites and buildings that resonate with the echoes of the past, including the bakehouse where the Arnott’s family biscuit dynasty began. Stephen Arnott continues to bake on premise, swapping out Iced Vo Vos for delicious sourdough. He even runs a monthly class on the art of creating your own artisanal bread. Spots are limited, book at Morpeth Sourdough Bakery.
2. Forage Trail
Let the Forage Trail be your guide to Maitland and Morpeth’s gastronomic treasures. From charming bakeries like The Icky Sticky Patisserie in Lorn, serving up a mouth-watering array of sweets to Boydell’s Cellar Door and Restaurant, a hidden gem in Morpeth where local provenance is showcased, with a menu of the finest ingredients sourced from the surrounding region. Many more tantalising delights await on the trail including craft beer, cooking classes and roadside stalls.
3. Unlock the gates
Maitland Gaol offers a genuine glimpse into the history of one of the state’s most prominent prisons. Located near the Maitland train station, they offer a variety of tours including a psychic or ghost hunting tour where your guides channel prisoners of the past. Spooky.
4. Boutique shopping
The Levee in Maitland is a vibrant riverside retail precinct with the perfect blend of history and trendiness, with its charming heritage buildings and sleek contemporary design. Whether you’re in the mood for a caffeine fix, a bite to eat, or some retail therapy, The Levee has you covered.
5. Art Trail
Be prepared to be inspired by creativity with the Maitland and Morpeth Art Trail. Known for its creative culture, you’ll find multiple galleries including Maitland Regional Art Gallery, community art spaces and murals that can all be viewed free of charge. Our favourite? The ‘Flow’ Mural on Lee Street.
Three more ideas
Paint and sip with Pinot and Picasso in Maitland.
Discover incredible local craft beer at The Pourhouse
Explore the antiques of the Campbell’s Store in Morpeth
Connect with the locals who know.
Nothing beats a local’s inside info. For more details on these amazing coastal experiences, connect with our friends in the local visitors centres below.
Hunter Valley
Singleton
Maitland
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