The Hunter is best known for wine and coal, which is not an obvious pitch for a family holiday. Still, it sits only a couple of hours north of Sydney, and the region is bigger and more varied than its cellar doors suggest. This page covers Hunter holidays with kids: how to get there, where to stay and which tours are realistic with children along.
We set out the landscape, the history and the practical planning, so you can decide how a family trip might fit.
Getting to the Hunter with children
The region is about a two-hour drive north of Sydney. It spans roughly 162 km to 310 km north of the city, so the drive time depends on where you are headed. Trains also leave Sydney and stop at Maitland and Morisset. Newcastle Airport is about 50 minutes from the wine country and has flights from Sydney, Canberra, Brisbane, Melbourne and the Gold Coast.
For families, the drive is the simplest option, because you carry your own gear and set your own pace. The Putty Road, between Windsor and Singleton, follows the path that land prospector John Howe cut from Sydney in 1820, and it is a major route for visitors coming up from Sydney.
Where families can stay
Accommodation covers most budgets: campsites and caravan parks, vineyard farmhouses, hostels, retreats, and luxury resorts beside championship golf courses. Our Hunter accommodation page is the place to start comparing.
Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley sits among Semillon vineyards with the Broken Back Range behind it, and offers Deluxe Rooms, Spa Suites and Two and Three Bedroom Villas suited to families and groups. Kirkton Park is a hotel and resort renovated with interior designer Greg Natale, with the Locavore Dining Restaurant and the Epoch Lounge Pub on site.
Hunter Gateway Motel is two hours north of Sydney, with ground floor units, off-street parking, accommodation for people with disabilities and a shopping centre nearby. That layout is handy with prams and tired toddlers. If you would rather have a kitchen and more room, see the Hunter apartments listings.
The landscape and what it offers families
The Hunter runs from the coast to highland country. Most of the population lives within 25 km of the coast, and 55% live in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie. Newcastle beaches are within reach of the Hunter Gateway Motel, which gives families an alternative to the vineyards.
The region also reaches the foothills of the Barrington Tops, and hiking in world heritage wilderness is part of its appeal. Ideas for outdoor days are collected on our Hunter activities and attractions page.
A little history to share with kids
Older children may enjoy the story behind the place. Aboriginal Australians lived here for over 30,000 years, and the Wonnarua people, with the Worimi and Awabakal, developed a trading route linking the Coquun (Hunter) Valley to Sydney Harbour. Lieutenant John Shortland found the Hunter River by accident in 1797 while searching for escaped convicts. The coal seams that fuelled the 19th century population boom date from a time when the area lay under a shallow marine estuary.
Which tours suit families
Be realistic here. Nearly every tour listed for the Hunter is built around wine tasting, and several are aimed at couples. We would not book most of them for a family with young children, so confirm ages with the operator before you commit.
| Tour | Length | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Private full-day wine tour (groups up to four, no fixed route) | 6 to 7 hours | from AUD 495 |
| Private luxury tour from Sydney (up to 11 people) | 10 hours 30 minutes | from AUD 1090 |
| Bubbly breakfast helicopter tour (two or three passengers) | 2 to 3 hours | from AUD 350 |
| Hop Hunter Brewery Tour | 7 hours | from AUD 225 |
The first tour is the most flexible, since you choose the pace, the wineries and the focus, and it is for up to four people. A private tour is easier to adapt around a child's needs than a shared coach, though the main purpose is still tasting. The helicopter flight is private and limited to two or three passengers, and it is pitched at couples and small groups marking an occasion.
The Sydney departures run 10 hours or more, which is a long day in a vehicle for children. They include the private wine-tasting day tour from Sydney for up to seven people. You can browse the full range on the Hunter tours page.
What to plan for
- Allow for the drive. Two hours each way from Sydney is a lot on top of a tour day.
- Pick a base with space. Villas, apartments and ground floor units suit families better than a single room.
- Check ages and policies, along with current prices, before booking any tour or tasting.
- Look at timing. Our Hunter events page lists what is on.
For general trip ideas across the state, Visit NSW is the official state tourism site at visitnsw.com. Background on the region is also at Wikipedia: Hunter Valley.
Frequently asked questions
How far is the Hunter from Sydney?
It is about a two-hour drive north of Sydney. Trains from Sydney stop at Maitland and Morisset, and Newcastle Airport is about 50 minutes from the wine country.
Is there family accommodation in the Hunter?
Yes. Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley offers Deluxe Rooms, Spa Suites and Two and Three Bedroom Villas suited to families and groups. Caravan parks, campsites and farmhouses are also available.
Are the Hunter tours suitable for children?
Most are centred on wine, cheese or beer tasting, so we suggest checking with the operator. Private tours offer the most flexibility because you set the pace.