5 Things to do with Family in Hunter Valley

You don’t have to be drinking wine to enjoy the Hunter Valley! There are plenty of family-friendly things to do.

While the Hunter Valley is famous for its wine, that doesn’t mean you’re limited to wine tours. There are lots of kid-friendly activities in the Hunter Valley, so you and your little ones can enjoy a day out in the countryside!

• See the animals at the Hunter Valley Wildlife Park

For an interactive wildlife park experience, take the family to a fun animal attraction that homes wombats, koalas and reptiles. Get up close with lorikeets, kangaroos, camels and all the kid’s favourite fluffy animals. Don’t miss the daily meet and greets with the wildlife park’s resident koalas!

The Hunter Valley Wildlife Park offers a family-friendly contrast to a region generally associated with wine, and the kids will love seeing all the exciting wildlife up close.

• Junior tastings

Go on a wine tour, with the little ones! There are plenty of family-friendly wineries in the Hunter Valley. Tulloch Wines is a great option for the family because they offer tastings for all ages. Get the kids involved with their mini-tasting boards. They also offer kombucha boards for teens and non-drinkers. It’s inclusive, and it’s a great way to get everyone involved in wine tasting experience.

They’ve also got a whole range of activities for kids to do – from colouring in books and outdoor green games, like hoopla.

• Take a wander through the gardens

(Credit: Destination NSW)

Through the combined effort of botanical architects, this garden boasts 8 km of pathways that arc around the whole park. Thoughtfully planted flowers add splashes of colours amongst the gardens, offering a fun day out for all the family. Wander through these aromatic garden paths and soak in the views of the Hunter Valley.

There are plenty of paved pathways that weave around the whole park, and the gardens span across 14 hectares of land. There’s no room for the kids to get bored!

Expect nursery rhymes that come to life and hedges cut into fun shapes. These gardens promise some pretty memorable displays! Smell the pink roses in the pretty fairytale gardens. Then, marvel at the oriental gardens. They’re beautifully decorated with cherry blossoms, koi-filled ponds, and classic Japanese roofing – providing plenty of photo opportunities for a family photo.

• The Hunter Valley Chocolate Company

The Hunter Valley Chocolate Company is your go-to for locally made chocolates, artisanal fudges and gelato. The chocolate factory offers scoops of fun for kids and the whole family, with a backdrop of the gorgeous Hunter Valley.

Watch as your chocolates are made right in front of you! The factory has a viewing window, where you can watch as the chocolate makers whip up delicious treats behind the scenes. For a bite to eat, take the kids for a yummy lunch in the cafe next door.

• Visit the Mortels Sheepskin Factory

Ever wanted to see the world’s biggest Ugg boots? Visiting a sheepskin factory might not be the priority on your weekend itinerary, but this quirky factory in the middle of Thornton displays giant models of Ugg boots and a unique boot-making factory experience.

For plenty of interesting photo opportunities, and something a bit different – check out this fun factory. Their on-site café offers an array of beverages and food.

Cameron Ward

Managing Director at Sightseeing Tours Australia

Cameron Ward began with a passion for travel and turned it into a thriving tourism business. He co-founded Sightseeing Tours Australia after starting out as a tour guide in Melbourne. Cameron delights in helping visitors get the most from their trip to Australia. Whether he's leading tours or writing about his favourite places, Cameron loves sharing his local insight with fellow travellers.