Hunter Valley New South Wales is known world wide as one of Australia’s best wine regions. Located midway between Sydney and Newcastle the valley is about 190km (118 mi) long. The area is situated within 25km (16 mi) of the coast. Being the sixth most visited place in Australia, it entertains 2.5 million visitors a year. There is plenty to keep everyone entertained, whether they be wine connoisseurs or not.

Humans have inhabited area surrounding the Hunter river and its tributaries for the past 30,000 years. The Wonnaura tribe were the original occupants. The area was first discovered by Europeans in 1797 and soon became a coal and timber producer. Nowadays it produces beef, dairy, and Thoroughbred horses as well. The upper valley, near Scone, is possibly the largest horse breeding region in the world.

It is mostly known, however, for its tourism, and award winning wines. The first vineyards were established here in 1823. Today more than 140 vineyards, many having had several generations of vintners, produce a variety of red and white wines. Shiraz and Semillon are the prominent varieties. Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, can easily be found along with small quantities of Pinot Noir. This wine industry is centered in the Pokolbin area.

With some 160 restaurant establishments, sometimes found in historic houses, and with world class chefs, plenty of good food can be had with your wine. There are 190 accommodation venues, including guest houses in the country. Concerts featuring the world’s top musical talents, breweries, spas, olives and oils, and fine cheeses are additional attractions.

Art galleries, gardens, bicycling, golfing, horseback riding, hot air ballooning, hiking, and shopping will round out your days. Air craft tours, and scenic cruises of the Hunter River and Lake Macquarie can be hired. Steam trains run on the first, second, and third Sundays of each month.

A favorite for some is touring Convict Trail, or The Great North Road. This 264 km (164 mi.) engineering marvel was built between 1826 and 1836 by convicts in irons. As often happens with government projects, this road designed to connect Newcastle with Sydney never saw much use. It bypassed existing towns, passing through remote areas. It was abandoned before it was completed, in favor of travel by coastal steamer. It make a great bicycle trail today.

The valley has a Mediterranean type climate. Summertime average temperatures are 21.1 C (70 degrees Fahrenheit), with January seeing the hottest days. The summer heat is moderated by occasional thunderstorms and cool nighttime breezes from the ocean at night. Winter season temperatures average 4.4 C (40 degree Fahrenheit). The coldest month is July with a 18C (64 Fahrenheit) average daytime temperature.

You can drive to Hunter Valley New South Wales from Sydney in 2 hours, and from Newcastle in 45 minutes. Yes, Australians do drive on the left side of the road. The legal age for drinking in Australia is 18 years. Wine tasting is not an exception. Random stops of motorists to check for drink driving are normal. The legal blood alcohol level is . 05%. Travelers checks and foreign currencies should be changed at banks or the Bureau de Change, since they will not be accepted.

John Bryce-Thornton found his way to the region having a desire with regard to article writing about red wine plus good food. He swiftly decided he’d unearthed fantasy area and set about developing his very own Hunter Valley accommodation which he at this time carries on for all travellers to the vicinity.