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Hunter Valley

The Great Southern– all 711 metres of it.

If you love train travel, this Australian journey ticks all boxes

For most of the year, this train is the Ghan, travelling the historic route between Darwin and Adelaide. Come summer, there’s a change of scenery.

  • Justine Costigan
Balloon flights depart at sunrise when the wind is calmest.

My trip to the Hunter cured my greatest fear

This short-trip itinerary showcased the best of the Hunter Valley and Newcastle’s wine and dining, with some thrill-seeking on the side.

  • Jessica McSweeney
Villa Alaia, Cedars Mount View.

Perfect score for this luxe NSW wine country gem

Hunter Valley newcomer Villa Alaia makes one of the strongest cases for staying indoors we’ve seen.

  • Katherine Scott
Elysia’s new ice bath, launched in January 2024.

This upgraded retreat now mixes wellness with indulgence

An ice bath and sauna to play at virtue between visits to local cellar doors? Oh, yes, you can “do you” at this Hunter Valley retreat.

  • Katherine Scott
The Enchanted Fig Tree, Kangaroo Island.

Ten of the world’s greatest experiences for foodies right now

If you’re the type to curate an entire travel itinerary around your must-eats, then this list is for you.

  • Traveller team
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Bistro Molines, a Hunter Valley classic.

Six of the best tried, true and new Hunter Region eateries

The Hunter’s burgeoning culinary scene – with its mix of newcomers and old favourites – is celebrated every April with a month-long food festival.

  • Sheriden Rhodes
Poolside solitude.

Australia’s oldest wine region has a slick new retreat

Despite the Hunter Valley vineyard setting (with vines first planted in 1968), it’s all mod cons here at The Lane Retreat.

  • Trudi Jenkins
Gilbert Ponlot and Christelle Chardin fell in love with Australia during a holiday.

The French couple behind a luxurious new NSW escape

The site of a former dairy farm offered all the elements for this French couple’s accommodation dream: wildlife, natural bush, good wines, luxury comforts and star-gazing.

  • Anthony Dennis
Located in the tranquil, less-visited subregion of Broke Fordwich, Margan is an elegant European-style winery with an award-winning fine-dining restaurant.

Hunter Valley, NSW: Australia's oldest, most underrated wine region is on Sydney's doorstep

It's easy to overlook the Hunter's impressive credentials - not only is it Australia's oldest wine region, it also has the most cellar doors (more than 150).

  • Rob McFarland
"The grand and palatial Spanish styling of this iconic property… is reminiscent of architecture found in the hills outside Pamplona." But it's far more eclectic than that.

Tower Lodge, Hunter Valley review: Australia's most unusual luxury lodge

Staying here is like watching an art movie you're not sure you really 'got', then realising you're still replaying it in your mind months later.

  • Craig Tansley