There are many ways to explore the Hunter Valley, one of New South Wales’ premier regions for lovers of food and wine.  Just two hours’ drive from Sydney, Pokolbin is the perfect base for exploring the region. While most people drive or take guided tours of the many vineyards, more adventurous souls might choose to soak up the view of the valley from all angles. Which will it be?

Ride a Segway

Head off on a kangaroo-spotting nature adventure on a Segway Tour from Hunter Valley Resort in Pokolbin. You’ll tour the bushland property, riding along an old 1880s stock route – far from the road – and through McGuigan Wines vineyard. Kangaroo sightings are common and sometimes foxes, goannas and wombats make an appearance. There are views of the Broken Back Range and you’ll ride through vineyards at your own pace. New to a Segway? Never fear, you’ll be given instructions from a qualified Segway guide before you begin.

Have a sky-high adventure

For a stunning start to your day, get a bird’s-eye view of the sun rising over the picturesque wine regions of Broke, Lovedale and Rothbury. Balloon Aloft hosts hour-long balloon rides followed by a Champagne breakfast at Restaurant Cuvee in Peterson House. You’ll take off from one of over a dozen launch sites, depending on the wind direction. As your pilot expertly navigates over the valley, the balloon traverses the sky leaving you with virtually no sense of movement. The aerial view of the vineyards, olive groves and the countryside dotted with kangaroos is sublime. 

Call a chauffeur

Tour wine country on a bespoke experience with Hunter Valley Private Tours: you’ll be chauffeured in a luxury Mercedes-Benz by local drivers keen to show you the region’s top wineries. There’s a Sydney-to-Hunter transfer available for the full-day winery tour, which visits four cellar doors and a premier winery restaurant for lunch. And Two Fat Blokes offers an "Arrive in Style” experience where you are picked up from the Hunter Valley Airport in a helicopter before a full-day tour, including visiting five different wineries as well as cheese and wine pairings. lunch among the vines and more.

Get in the saddle

Hunter Valley Horses offer a range of rides on gentle-natured horses, including a 90-minute trail ride that takes you through bushland and vineyards via some historic stock routes. Another scenic option is the rise and shine ride, watching nature come alive in the quiet of the morning, or the family bush trail ride, which takes kids as young as six, and is perfect for beginners.

Immerse yourself in extensive gardens

Stroll through the picturesque Hunter Valley Gardens in Pokolbin. There are eight kilometres of walking trails leading through themed gardens such as the Italian Grotto and the Chinese Moongate Garden. The large topiary creations of dragons and brumbies are a delight, and the Lakes Walk has seasonal plantings to enjoy at any time of year. After exploring the surrounds, pop into the Garden Terrace Cafe or the Gigi & Chix Bonbon French Patisserie for a bite to eat.