The Hunter Valley is Australia’s oldest wine producing region. In the region you'll find great wines, gourmet food, superb restaurants, cafes and bistros, rustic cottages set alongside the vineyards and romantic beach side retreats. The Hunter Valley is truly an inspiration for food and wine enthusiasts. You can explore the wineries by horse-drawn carriage, hot air balloon or bicycle whilst tasting and buying bottles of premium vineyard selections as you go. Relax on a houseboat on picturesque Lake Macquarie and explore its bays, surrounding villages, and great mountain hinterland, or the broad ocean beaches and extensive forests nearby.