If you're looking for a relaxing weekend a rustic getaway then this might just be the perfect place…read morefor you. Horseback riding, Segway, petting farm, delicious meals three times a day. A vast selection of micro beers and wines some grown right on the estate. Others from surrounding vineyards. That's right over 150 vineyards the majority with cellar doors open and waiting to teach you about their fine wines. The staff on the resort is always warm welcoming and friendly. The food is plentiful large portions at a fair price. And activities galore. So check it out the next time you are heading north of Sydney Australia

Decided on a last minute trip to Australia and wanted to get out of Sydney because we're always…read morecoming here. We chose Hunter Valley because it was close and relatively unknown to us in the States. Also heard that they make incredible semmilon and shiraz. Arrived mid evening after the scenic drive up from the Blue Mountains. Front desk clerk was overwhelmingly helpful and made for a nice first impression. She was able to provide all the winery and brewery information we needed to go out tasting the next day. Also gave a few restaurant recommendations and tips. We didn't feel like being in the car any longer, so we ate on sight at the newly added Matilda Bay Brewing Company. Really, an on sight brewery!...we were psyched not knowing before we arrived, but were so happy to be able to get their beers after having them in Western Australia. Food was decent and the menu had enough for most people. My only complaint was that the bartender appeared to be closing up when we sat down for dinner at 7:30pm. We asked if they were done serving and the reply was "no, we're open until 9:00pm." He then appeared to be very interested in rushing us along and getting our order as quick as possible. Although I will say, he had very good beer knowledge. The room was comfortable and basic. Clean, a good bed, a hot shower and internet. It could use a little updating, but works nonetheless. Breakfast both mornings is limited, but adequate. Hot and cold items, fruits, breads and cereals are all available. Coffee is self serve. The staff was extremely pleasant, but a little overwhelmed with the group that bombarded them each morning, all at once. She could have used an extra person to assist her. Having said that, she was cheerful and smiling the whole time. It was great location in Pokolbin and close (as you can get) to some great wineries and breweries. Recommended if you find yourself in the area.

Out in the rural parts of the Hunter Region of New South Wales, near the confluence of the Hunter…read moreand Paterson rivers, is the little town of Hinton. There isn't much here. Every few years, the torrential rains flood this flat area under water. But there is a popular drinking hole for the locals, and that is the Victoria Hotel. A little octagonal 2 story outpost for the dry, hot Aussies to cool their heels and their thirst. I spent the better part of an afternoon drinking the suds with 3 Aussies, talking about how to automated chicken coops, believe it or not. With so much beer, I can't recall exactly what we drank, but I think it was a local favorite. If for some strange reason you are in this little part of New South Wales, drop in have a brew. This part of NSW is actually not far from the famed Hunter Valley, where some of the finest grapes are grown and best wines produced in NSW and in all of Oz.

It was actually rather a treat to wander into this pub after visiting a pub that really wasn't that…read morecrash hot. Actually, after that previous pub I wasn't really all that sure about this one, but not only was I greeted with a smile when I walked in, but I immediately noticed that he had craft beers on tap. Well, that was going to do me just fine, until I wandered out the back to find this awesomely huge beer garden there. Well, this pub certainly jumped right up the rankings. Honestly, I should have gone back.

Waited 80 for food and was told our food could be thrown out when we asked about it…read more Service apart from this one person was great. The wait too long with kids however. And others in our party received food 30 minutes prior to us. Nice looking venue.

Home of Hunter & Co locally made beer!…read more A great spot to stop for lunch or why not stay in the motel where rooms are well priced And the food oh my good - one dish can easily feed three!!!! I'd recommend this place for the Hunter Valley to do list

It's a different story, It was a party of 7 and with…read morereservations. They sat us down in no man's land. The whole place was for us. Had to order the food by scanning a code. It was stupid the experience of ordering and getting recommendations was gone with the wind. The food arrived to the table fast. The food looks great and the potion size was perfect. The food tastes good.

Harrigan's is a place I go to every time I come up to the Hunter Valley. The good range there is…read moreexcellent, staff is nice, the atmosphere is amazing, nights where there is trivia or events and also a very nice Irish-looking restaurant. Price is a bit on the high end but you're paying for high quality! Would definitely recommend

I won't say that I discovered this charming little pub by accident because it was no accident that…read moreI actually wandered in here for a beer. However I did find it rather unexpected, though I'm not entirely sure what it was that I expected when I paid this pub a visit. Yeah, the staff were pretty friendly, and they also had quite a large beer garden (though is seemed that they were still in the process of renovating it when I was here). The other thing, well, they had a couple of nice beers on tap as well, which is what I wasn't expecting.

We just returned from a 2 week vacation in Australia and our very first stop was two nights at…read moreBlock Eight. We are a family of four (2 teens) with only one drinker among us and this is a wine country so we probably aren't the typical clientele but we couldn't have been more pleased with our stay! We arrived on Christmas Day after a long flight from the US. Pretty much everything was closed so we were a bit cranky, hungry and frustrated but from the moment we set foot on the Block Eight grounds our attitude changed. Driving up the road we were greeted with kangaroos and wallaby frolicking in the olive groves. We pulled into the guest house and found a bottle of Block Eight wine and olive oil (both delicious!) as a gift as well as milk, eggs, bacon, french bread, cheese and other delights that were very unexpected but VERY appreciated. The living space was open and charming with a living room, dining area, large kitchen with fully stocked pantry and a wrap around deck overlooking their beautiful and private grounds. All three bedrooms were spacious and comfortable with large windows and both bathrooms were updated and stylish with plenty of towels and necessities available. Every detail was thoughtful, charming and beyond our expectations! We were up early the first morning and were greeted by the song of the resident peacock, native birds and about 100 kangaroos and wallabies grazing outside our cabin! It was quite a sight and so fun to watch. We even saw a couple of dingos in the distance. While my husband and I visited nearby wineries and distilleries, our kids relaxed on the deck, read a book in the hammock, visited the goat, Helga the pig, the peacocks, chickens and other wildlife around the grounds. It was so peaceful, quiet and beyond charming! Our kids didn't want to leave! There were a couple of other cabins on the grounds which were also occupied but we felt like we were the only ones there. The owners were beyond gracious and very responsive to our questions but also let us enjoy their beautiful grounds in peace. I could go on and on about all the wonderful sights and sounds and tastes and experiences but suffice it to say if/when we ever get back to the Hunter Valley we will definitely be returning to Block Eight!

We loved our stay at Elysium Vineyard when we were visiting the Hunter Valley. It's super cosy yet…read morespacious...nights by the crackling wood fire whilst sipping on a delicious Elysium wine was heaven. Waking up to the morning mist, overlooking the vineyard was a dream. The pool and heated spa is a nice touch and during a hot summer, is a life saver... the BBQ by the vineyard is great if you have a Chef in the family! A PLUS is that we could also bring our doggy! BOOK NOW!