Iubika

The Hunter Valley stands out as the 6th most visited tourist spot in Australia, which takes credit to more than 2.5 million tourist footfalls annually. There are numerous popular activities in the Hunter Valley including the Hunter Valley Steam and regular scenic cruises on the Hunter River and Lake Macquarie. One of the biggest horse breeding centres in the world, Hunter Valley is also a renowned wine making area. Apart from being the oldest wine making area of Australia, Hunter Valley is known because of its rich coal deposits as well. The Hunter valley was ‘discovered’ by European settlers in the 1700s and the place takes its name from John Hunter who was the Governor of the New South Wales colony during the time. The rich coal deposits made Hunter Valley a thriving community because the coal mining attracted additional settlers with mining providing both work as well as revenue. It remains a coal-producing hub even today. From award winning restaurants and wine outlets to some of the best dining experiences, you will find a whole lot of things to discover and experience in Hunter Valley. You can stop by the famous Ogishi Craft Centre Gallery and Art Glass Studio to know more about the intricate art of glassblowing. One can even pick up a couple of exquisite pieces of glass art here. If you are a golfing enthusiast, then The Vintage Golf Club, which is among the top 50 golf courses in the country, makes for an essential stop. This 18 hole tee course designed by the legendary Greg Norman is set in a natural landscape that winds through picturesque wetlands and vineyards. Hot air ballooning is a must-do activity in Hunter Valley. One can set out on a sunrise hot air balloon ride to enjoy the magnificent views across the Hunter Valley. The Butterflies Gallery that showcases contemporary and unique art displays of Australian artists is another must see. Candelabra the Candle Emporium is another famous spot worth visiting. Browse through a rich collection of candles of assorted shapes and sizes or visit the Hunter Valley Cheese Factory, where you can shop for some cheese and other gourmet delights that make for excellent gifts as well. Hunter Valley has a range of accommodation options, including cost effective options like hostels and motels. Clean rooms, fresh linen, and a comfortable stay make these options quite popular with budget tourists. If you are looking for a spacious Hunter Valley cottages in a rural setting, then wine farms would be a better choice. Motels in Hunter Valley are the best option to enjoy the pristine beauty of the area. Ideal for both short and long term stays with family and friends, motels are well suited for corporate weekends as well. There are hostel accommodation options as well in the heart of this area. Some of the amenities on offer include a pool, outdoor BBQ area and wood-fired pizza oven. The best part is that these hostels are at a walking distance to the local pubs and night life options.