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Relaxing with a glass or two of wine is the best way to enjoy a trip to the Hunter Valley. But how can you relax if your mind is racing about how to get there? There are many ways to reach the Hunter Valley. They are all very easy.
The Hunter Valley is approximately two and a half hours from Sydney. It is also only 45 minutes from Newcastle airport. We’ll help find the best way to suit your needs.
By car
Cruise up to the M1 for weekend bliss in Hunter
Although it may seem obvious, driving to Hunter Valley is the best and most popular way to get there.
You should seriously consider renting a car for your entire trip if you don’t have a vehicle or are unable to drive one. Hunter Valley tour from Sydney is more than a single suburb. It covers a large area. You may have heard it called a “region” and it isn’t the kind of destination that you can easily meander from one place to another. Private transport will be a great help.
You don’t need a car if you’re not in Sydney . If you fly into Newcastle, you can also hire a car there. Book in advance to get the best price.
Time taken
Sydney is just over two hours away
Directions for car
It takes approximately two hours to drive north from Sydney via the M1 motorway. Follow the Cessnock/Hunter Valley Vineyards exit sign for Cessnock. Take the Calga exit to Historic Wollombi to Pokolbin. The drive takes approximately 2hr 30min.
TBC
If you prefer to relax and let someone else drive you around the vineyards once you arrive, book a wine tasting tour. It takes the stress out of your day so that you can concentrate on your new career as an sommelier.
Book an All-Inclusive Winery Experience at Hunter Valley
Train
Jump aboard a train from Morriset or Maitland in order to reach the Hunter Valley
Although the train won’t take you directly into the Hunter Valley, it will get you close enough. We mean Singleton Maitland and Morisset, which are all great connections to Cessnock which is one the most popular areas in the Hunter Valley.
Time taken
From Sydney to Morisset, it takes just under 2 hours by train. Then it’s 45 minutes to get to the Hunter Valley center by bus or taxi.
Directions
You have several options when you travel by train from Sydney to the Hunter Valley.
- Catch a suburban train from Sydney or Morisset Station, and pay with your Opal card. You can then hop on the connecting Rover Coaches bus to Cessnock.
- You can catch either the Armidale XPLORER, or the Moree XPLORER before you hop off at Maitland.
- You can also catch the Brisbane XPT, Casino XPT, and disembark at Maitland. You can also catch a bus on the Hunter Buses Network from there.
By coach
Don’t worry if your car is not available, there are many ways to reach this beautiful spot.
If you are booking a tour bus to wineries that departs from Sydney, it is not recommended that you take a bus all the way to Hunter Valley. Instead, take the train according to the above directions. You can take a regular City Rail train to Morisset. You can then hop on a regular City Rail service to Morisset. Rover Coaches’ schedule matches the incoming trains. It also serves the Hunter’s most popular tourist destinations.
Rover Coaches also offers day trips through the Hunter Valley to those who don’t want to drive. You can take a tour from Cessnock for $75, or you can pick up a bus at Maitland or Singleton or Branxton & Wollombi, or both. It’s easy!
Enjoy the Hunter Valley’s best in luxury
We recommend booking a private luxury wine tasting if you want to save money on transportation so that you can spend more when you get there.
You will start the day with a wine-and-oyster pairing, followed by a tour of the winery. After the wine pairing, enjoy a fine dining degustation meal with carefully-matched wines. Then you will be taken to Barrell Hall for a relaxing lunch and reflection.
By helicopter
Make it an unforgettable getaway with a helicopter ride to get there
Helicopters are the fastest option if you don’t have the time to wait in traffic or take trains.
Although it may seem extravagant, when you have time and money, a quick trip in a helicopter can be a great way to save your time. It’s also super romantic, fun, and amazing.
Slattery Helicopters and Sydney Helicopters allow you to pick up from Sydney’s domestic or international airports. Or, similarly, from Newcastle’s Williamtown Airport. You can then drop you off at your Hunter Valley accommodation or enjoy a scenic flight over vineyards.
Time taken
45 minutes
Directions
Thankfully, you are not in control. Enjoy the view from your seat!
By plane
Fly into the Hunter to capture spectacular views along the way
If you love to travel in style, charter an aircraft and fly right into the Hunter, landing at Cessnock Airport.
You thought private planes were only for Kardashians and rappers? It may sound farfetched but chartering a plane is an option for those who want to live the high life and save time. Although it is more expensive than hiring a private driver, sometimes you just need to spend the money.
Time taken
Flight time 1 hour
Directions
Take off, open the champagne and relax.
Book a hot-air balloon ride
How to get around Hunter Valley
You’re probably curious about how to get around the Hunter once you’ve reached the Hunter. You may have considered something else than driving a car. The Full-Day Pass will give you flexibility and allow you to explore Hunter on your own schedule.
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