Hunter Valley

ABOUT THIS REGION The Hunter Region, more commonly known as the Hunter Valley, is the region extending from approximately 120 km (75 mi) to 310 km (193 mi) north of Sydney. It contains the Hunter River and its tributaries with highland areas to the north and south. The Hunter Valley is one of the largest river valleys on the NSW coast, and is most commonly known for its wineries and coal industry. Most of the population of the Hunter Region lives within 25 km (16 mi) of the coast, with 55% of the entire population living in the cities of Newcastle and Lake Macquarie. There are numerous other towns and villages scattered across the region and in 2011 the combined population of the region was 620,530. The Hunter Valley is a major tourist destination in New South Wales and is the 6th most visited place in Australia attracting more than 2.5 million people annually. There are regular events held in the Hunter for visitors, including the Hunter Valley Steam Trains running the first three Sundays of each month and regular scenic cruises on the Hunter River and Lake Macquarie. Newcastle, situated at the mouth of the Hunter River, is the second largest city in the region, although its immediate metropolitan area includes Lake Macquarie, though its statistical division also includes the Maitland, Cessnock and Port Stephens areas. Other major centres of the Hunter Region are Dungog, Forster/Tuncurry, Gloucester, Kurri Kurri, Muswellbrook, Scone and Singleton. Pokolbin is the centre of the Hunter Valley Wine Country. It is located between the towns of Cessnock and Branxton, about 50 km (31 mi) west of Newcastle. The wine country is primarily located within the Cessnock and Singleton areas. Its proximity to Sydney has been an influence on the area’s investments in wine production and its emergence as a tourist destination. Much of the rolling countryside around Pokolbin is under vine with the traditional varieties Shiraz and Semillon as well as extensive plantings of Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and small quantities of Pinot noir. The Pokolbin area has a large number of vineyards, restaurants, shops, golf courses and country guesthouses. Other parts of the valley including the Wollombi Valley and Broke Fordwich Wine Region are also well known for wine. While the area is certainly famous for its wineries and wine tours, the Hunter Valley also offers a myriad of experiences and activities. Visitors can expand their skills in cooking and wine classes, relax with a round of golf or pamper yourself for the day at one of the spas located in the region. There is plenty for the kids to enjoy too, with horse riding, cycling, or a trip to the Hunter Valley Zoo. INDUSTRY RESOURCES Regional Tourism Website : Hunter Valley Regional Tourism Website : Destination NSW Research and Statistics : Destination NSW Corporate Website Local Councils : Local Government Association NSW CREDITS Information Source : Wikipedia Information Source : Destination NSW Image Credit : Hunter Valley Vineyard : Destination NSW Regional Map : Copyright 2014 GoPanda Communications GoPanda