For a slice of the good life, look no further than the Hunter, just north of Sydney. Great wines, gourmet food, superb restaurants and cafes, rustic cottages and romantic beachside retreats.

Get away from it all and relax on a houseboat on Lake Macquarie, or explore the broad ocean beaches and extensive forests nearby.

For a taste of culture and nightlife drop into Newcastle, Australia's second oldest city.

Hunter Valley Wine Country is a mecca for food and wine enthusiasts. Explore the wineries by horse-drawn carriage, hot air balloon or bicycle.

Meander through Maitland's elegant heritage precincts or visit historic Morpeth, Australia's oldest river port. Singleton and the Upper Hunter reflect Australia's rural heritage with small country townships and farm stays. The area also offers wineries, horse studs, forests and a wealth of outdoor activities. Or for a change, experience Barrington Tops which features rugged mountains, gorges and dense forest. It's a magnet for horseback riders, bushwalkers, campers and 4WD tours.

Hunter, so much...so close

Boutique accommodation
The lower Hunter Valley’s 70 wineries harvest grapes in February and March but welcome visitors all year. Some combine boutique accommodation or guesthouses and restaurants with local fare.

Endless activities
Tour the vineyards by horse-drawn carriage, soar in a hot-air balloon at dawn with a champagne breakfast, tee off at world-class golf courses, or take a leisurely cycle or guided walk through the countryside. Otherwise stay a few nights on a working farm.

Touring the Hunter Valley
Just two hours north of Sydney, the Hunter region is served by several tour operators from Sydney. Most vineyards are found around Pokolbin, Cessnock, and the Upper Hunter. Port Stephens, Newcastle, and Barrington Tops are easy add-ons to the Hunter experience.

Upper Hunter heritage
In the rich hills of the upper Hunter you can discover Australia's rural heritage. The diary and livestock farms of the Upper Hunter are opening their doors to visitors for a unique stay in the region.

Welcoming farmstays
Increasingly, Australian farmers are opening their farms to visitors and offering a great Aussie experience. Farmers in the Hunter Valley are no exception and offer a range of accommodation levels.

Wine at the cellar door
The Hunter Valley houses dozens of major wineries and boutique vineyards offering tastings and fine cuisine. A peaceful area of lush valleys and hills, it also offers cosy guest houses, resorts and motels, as well as some of Australia's best restaurants.