The Hunter Valley is Australia’s oldest and one of its most well-known wine regions. Here you will find world-class Hunter Valley Semillon that has been called “Australia’s unique gift to the world’, great Australian Shiraz that lasts for generations, and generations of family winemakers that are here to tell the tale.

The Hunter Valley is made up of a number of small communities, townships and localities. Each of them has their own secrets to reveal and can be discovered on their own or as part of a Hunter Valley trail.

Pokolbin/Rothbury forms the epicentre of Wine Country. It is where most of the Hunter Valley’s first vineyards were planted and were you will find the largest collection of wineries, accommodation houses, restaurants and activities. And, of course, you will also find many of the original families here. …..>> more>>

Walk or ride along the Foreshore promenade, exploring the harbour foreshore from Honeysuckle to Nobbys is the quintessential Newcastle experience. The Foreshore Park provides an excellent vantage point to view one of Australia’s busiest ports in action. Watch 300m bulk carriers navigating the harbour and busy tugs plying the waters

Named because of its nob-like shape, Nobbys was originally an island until convicts risked their lives to build a breakwall to protect the harbour. Walk to the end of the breakwater and enjoy the lighthouse and magnificent views Swim in the Art Deco Newcastle Ocean Baths> (opened in 1922), or at one of Newcastle’s six beaches. Check out the Canoe Pool situated next to the Ocean Baths, built in the late 1930s for young swimmers. The base of the pool once featured a map of the world, with the various continents jutting out of the water like islands .

If you’re on a budget the Newcastle Youth Hostel is a fine old building with very good accommodation. A visit to Blackbutt is a must along with the tram thing and an historic walk including Fort Scratchley and the light house. For walkers there is also the coast walk, past the old WW2 gun placements and some lovely parks and gardens. If you have a couple of days in Newcastle, make sure to take the ferry to Stockton and also to get take away fish and chips near the ferry departure point to eat on the grass. There is a great marine exhibition in the Visitors Centre and lots of wonderful eateries.