<% call Leftnav() %> <% call factsheets() %>
Tourism New South Wales Tourism New South Wales
  
Tourism New South Wales Media Site
Print this pageThe Hunter
A SLICE OF THE GOOD LIFE
Most people who think of the Hunter dream of spending a delightful day traipsing through vineyards and sipping a glass here and there; then later, lolling in front of a roaring log fire – while, of course, a quaffing a bottle of prime vino. However, while wine is definitely the region's calling card, there's more to see and do here than you might think.

> From the rural surrounds of Singleton and the Upper Hunter area to the mountain grandeur of Barrington Tops, the region stretches well past the vineyards to Lake Macquarie, Maitland and Newcastle. So it's probably a good idea not to get too attached to those vineyards...

For more information, go to:
www.visitnsw.com.au
www.huntertourism.com


FAMOUS FOR...

Taste some of Australia's most famous wines. Artistic greats Sir William Dobell, one of Australia's most famous artists, lived and worked beside Lake Macquarie at Wangi Wangi from the 1940s until his death in 1970. He won the Archibald Prize in 1943, 1948 and 1959.

The founders of popular plonk Renowned wine makers of the Hunter include elder statesmen Brian McGuigan, Murray Tyrell and Colin Peterson; the new breed includes Andrew Margan and Neil McGuigan (to name just a few).

Quirky teapots The tiny town of Morpeth hosts an annual Novelty Teapot Exhibition in August, with more than 3000 teapots on display from Australia's best artists and potters on display. The town is also famous for its curio and antique stores.

The great Aussie biscuit For years, Arnotts has been a household name for its Tim Tams alone. Founded in the region 135 years ago, Arnotts is still going strong.


DID YOU KNOW...?
  • There are more than 50 wineries concentrated in the wide valley of the Lower Hunter. The Upper Hunter doesn't draw as many crowds, but its nine wineries are excellent and the scenery beautiful. The area is also home to the biggest horse breeding area in the Southern Hemisphere.
     
  • The winemaking tradition in the Hunter dates back more than 150 years, with Australia's most famous wineries sprinkled in the Polbokin area near Cessnock.
     
  • Foodies will love the gourmet delights on offer throughout the region, which include cheeses, chocolates, unusual pastries, breads, jams and chutneys.
     
  • Lake Macquarie, Australia's largest saltwater lake offers houseboat and yacht charters, watersports, fishing, diving and stunning surrounding wilderness.
     
  • Barrington Tops is a World Heritage Listed rainforest with Antarctic beech forests and snow gums and one of the highest points in Australia which can be explored on foot, horseback or by 4WD.
     
  • Outdoor bathing, convict style. Visit the Bogey Hole in Newcastle. This large excavation in the rocks was built by convict labour to be used as a bathing pool by Major James Morisset, the military commandant from 1819 to 1822.
     
Feel Free Sydney Feel Free New South Wales Tourism New South Wales
Copyright © 2002 Disclaimer Privacy Policy <%WebTrafficCode ("Regions/Hunter")%>