Pokolbin is considered the heart of the Hunter Valley region, boasting some of Australia’s best wineries, rural scenery and food and wine festivals. Outdoor enthusiasts are treated to picturesque walking trails, while recreation abounds in pampering day spas and quaint village shops.

Things to do

Drive along Broke and Hermitage roads to uncover award-winning wineries, including Tyrrell’s Wines, considered one of the Hunter Valley’s best with wine tastings and countryside views. Oakvale Wines is renowned for its handcrafted Shiraz, while James Estate Wines pairs distinct vintages with wood-fired pizzas.

Near the centre of Pokolbin, you’ll find Hunter Valley Gardens, a 24-hectare botanical garden with thousands of international and native plants. Feature displays include Japanese and Korean flowers in the Oriental Garden, over 8,000 roses in the Rose Garden and a Mediterranean-style ambience in the Italian Grotto. The nearby Big Wine Bottle is perfect for a photo op and contains an open fire during winter.

Looking for one-of-a-kind wine, clothing or homewares? Stroll through Hunter Valley Gardens Village, where tea houses and al fresco restaurants sit beside cellar doors and art galleries. Buy foreign candy from the British Lolly Shop, vintage items from Peppers Creek Antiques and quirky Christmas decorations from Hunter Valley Christmas Shop.

When you need a break, book a rejuvenating massage treatment at The Golden Door Spa, a health retreat with steam rooms, heated lap pool and specialist therapists. Discover the process of winemaking at the Hunter Wine Theatre, where you learn about region’s wine heritage, see grapes being harvested and crushed, and taste some of the Hunter Valley’s best wines.

Getting around

Pokolbin is about a one-hour drive from the nearest city of Newcastle, which services flights from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. You can also drive there from Sydney in just over two hours. Pokolbin is best explored with your own vehicle, but you can also organise guided winery tours with private drivers.