Joanna James
Easily accessed within a two-hour drive from the north of Sydney, Hunter Valley offers a myriad of exploring opportunities and other things to do for visitors who are looking to engage in something different. Here are five exciting things you can do in Hunter Valley.
One of the best ways to appreciate the stunning beauty of Hunter Valley is to soar high above it in a hot air balloon, just when the first few rays of the earth lights up the surrounding landscapes. The bird's eye view of the valley may greet you with verdant fields and misty mountain tops on which clusters of eucalyptus trees are perched. Hot air balloon rides last for just over an hour, and sunrise brings you the best of views to discover the serene ambience that is emanated by the valley below, which is disturbed once in a while by mobs of kangaroos.
Located about 100 kilometres away from Newcastle, Wollemi National park is ideal for nature enthusiasts to go exploring at their own pace. With cliffs, canyons, and raging rivers characterizing its landscapes, this national park is a part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site – Greater Blue Mountains Area. The Colo and Wollemi Rivers that run through the park provide great surroundings where visitors can enjoy a picnic with their loved ones or go paddling in the gushing waters of the rivers. A star attraction of Wollemi National Park is Ganguddy, which is a foggy swamp that is encompassed by beehive-like rock formations. One can look forward to exploring this breathtaking area on a guided kayaking tour, which would also be a learning opportunity about the aboriginal history and the intriguing wildlife of the area.
Being a part of the Gondwana Rainforests in Australia, the beautiful Barrington Tops National Park forms the upper portion in the upper Hunter Valley. The extensive network of hiking trails in this national park allows enthusiastic travellers to enjoy the scintillating views of the park in the best possible angles. The Aeroplane Hill Walking Track is a popular track among hikers. At 1500 metres high, it makes its way through wetlands and woodlands of the park and offers splendid vistas from Careys Peak lookout.
Located in a federation gothic building, Maitland Regional Art Gallery is a place that caters to everyone in the family. From showcased works of famed Australian and international artists to an entire section dedicated to the Art Factory, where children are offered free activities and special holiday workshops, the gallery holds an array of attractions to keep anyone occupied for several hours. Located adjacent to Hunter Valley hotels the likes of Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort, Maitland Regional Art Gallery is a well-lit space that houses eleven contemporary exhibition spaces.
A visit to the Hunter Valley Zoo can ensure a fun-filled afternoon for the whole family – especially for one with small kids. One can look forward to experiencing wildlife up close, to pat a koala, or to hand-feed kangaroos at this zoo. Also, a stroll through the bird aviary would be a marvellous experience with all sorts of feathered beauties flapping around you, emitting joyful melodies to those who listen. One can plan on enjoying free barbeque facilities and having a picnic on the zoo premises.
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