With its rolling vineyard scenery, world-class food, and a surprisingly strong range of family attractions, the Hunter Valley is well worth a visit with kids in tow. Whether you’re a local looking for a weekend activity or visiting from Newcastle or Sydney for a day trip, there’s more to do here than just wine tasting.
Here’s our guide to the best things to do in the Hunter Valley with kids, from family-friendly cellar doors and wildlife parks to playgrounds, walks, and a go-kart track.
Jump to: Parks & Playgrounds | Picnic Spots | Walks | Bike Rides | Attractions | Wineries | History & Culture | Rainy Day Options | Plan Your Visit | FAQs
Parks & Playgrounds in the Hunter Valley
The Hunter Valley has plenty of great playgrounds spread across its towns and suburbs — from epic adventure parks at Huntlee to historic parks in Cessnock and scenic stops along the way to wine country. For our full guide, see Best Playgrounds in the Hunter Valley.
Huntlee District Park, Huntlee
A standout playground for all ages. Older kids will love the challenge of scrambling through climbing nets framed inside seven large cubes to reach the top of the enclosed slides. There’s also a large flying fox, half basketball court, and a fenced dog off-leash area right next door. A great spot to combine with Katherine’s Landing for a full family day out in the Huntlee area.
Katherine’s Landing District Park, Huntlee
A large climbing net is the centrepiece here, alongside a climbing wall, pump track, and exercise equipment. Four undercover picnic tables, two gas barbecues, accessible amenities with a baby change table, and water fountains make it well set up for a family day out. Combine with a visit to Huntlee District Park playground nearby.
Bridges Hill Park, Cessnock
One of the Hunter’s largest playgrounds. The centrepiece is a massive blue and purple play structure with around 10 metres of climbing netting, rope tunnels, platforms, and a long enclosed metal slide. There’s also timber play areas, a scooter track, and a half-court basketball court. Covered picnic shelters and barbecues on site.
Maybury Peace Park, Weston
Maybury Peace Park at Weston near Cessnock is a genuinely special destination — an expansive, inclusive park with walking trails, a duck pond, a large playground and great amenities that’s well worth the 45-minute drive from Newcastle. The playground features a fantastic range of inclusive equipment, natural play elements and landscaping, all shaded by large colourful shade sails with softfall underfoot.
Denman Memorial Park Playground, Denman
A large farm-themed playground in the centre of Denman that’s well worth a stop if you’re heading out to the Upper Hunter.
Picnic Spots in the Hunter Valley
Whether you’re after a barbecue beside a playground, a nature picnic in the national park, or a heritage spot with a bit of history to explore, the Cessnock and Hunter Valley has a solid range of options for families. For our full guide, see Best Picnic Spots in the Cessnock Area and Hunter Valley.
Hunter Valley Gardens Picnic Area, Pokolbin
Just outside Hunter Valley Gardens near the Shopping Village on Broke Road, there’s a dedicated picnic area with sheltered tables and barbecues next to the Village Playground. A handy and easy lunch stop if you’re already spending the day in the area.
Katherine’s Landing District Park, Huntlee
Four undercover picnic tables, two gas barbecues, and accessible amenities make this one of the better-equipped picnic spots in the LGA. Combine with the playground and pump track for a full morning out.
Bridges Hill Park, Cessnock
Covered picnic shelters and barbecues alongside one of the Hunter’s largest playgrounds. Head to the back of the park for a quieter spot.
Poppethead Park, Kitchener
Picnic tables near the Kitchener Dam, a shade sail-covered playground, and free barbecues in a park that doubles as a local history site.
Walks in the Hunter Valley
The Hunter Valley hinterland gives way to rugged national parks, state forest and wilderness areas — and some of the most beautiful bush walking in the region. Many of the Cessnock-area walks are suited to older kids and families with some bushwalking experience, particularly those in Watagans and Yengo National Parks. But there are also easier, shorter options that work well with younger kids. Read our full guide to walks in Cessnock and the Hunter Valley.
Bridges Hill Park, Cessnock
A short and easy outing right in Cessnock. Park near the playground at the bottom, walk up the steps to the top of Bridges Hill and do a loop around the summit. It’s a gentle climb with a good view over the town from the top. Combine with the playground at the base for a complete morning out.
Poppethead Park Walking Trail, Kitchener
A short walking trail through a heritage site combining local coal mining history with a pleasant bush setting.
Yengo National Park
About 1 hour 15 minutes from Pokolbin, Yengo National Park offers two good family walk options. The 1km Finchley Track is a short cultural walk featuring ancient Aboriginal engravings and interpretive signs. The 6km Yango walking track is a former logging track through pristine wilderness including rainforest, better suited to families with bushwalking experience or older kids. Check the National Parks NSW website for current alerts before heading out.
Boarding House Dam Walk, Watagans National Park
Hidden in the heart of Watagans National Park, the 700m circuit is a favourite with families who have young kids. A wooden bridge leads to a 120-metre wall of vivid green moss draped over rock with a clear creek running through. Short, magical, and easy enough for little ones.
Gap Creek Falls Walk — PARTIALLY CLOSED
For families with older, more adventurous kids, Gap Creek Falls is an exciting challenge. The walk starts with the mostly flat Gap Creek Walking Track (about 20 minutes return and a good gentle introduction to the Watagans). Further along you reach a fork: left to Gap Creek Falls (450m, steep descent to the waterfall) or right to Gap Creek Forest Walk (400m). The descent to the falls is steep and the return climb is tough — younger kids are sometimes carried back up.
For families who enjoy being active, the region hosts some great fun runs and walks, including the Hunter Valley Winery Run through wine country with a 2km kids event. Check out our full guide to family-friendly fun runs across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the Hunter for more ways to get the whole family moving.
Bike Rides in the Hunter Valley
If you have bikes, you can either cycle around the vineyards or head to a pump track.
Hermitage Road Cycleway, Pokolbin
The Hunter Valley’s standout family cycling route. This dedicated 10.6km sealed path from the New England Highway to Broke Road passes more than a dozen wineries and is flat enough for kids on bikes of most ages. You can bring your own bikes or hire locally — some wineries and hire spots in Pokolbin also offer delivery.
Katherine’s Landing Pump Track, Huntlee
The pump track at Katherine’s Landing is suitable for bikes, scooters, and balance bikes and a good option for younger and intermediate riders.
Attractions in the Hunter Valley
Hunter Valley Gardens, Pokolbin
Eight kilometres of walking paths wind through 14 hectares of themed gardens, including the Storybook Garden which brings classic children’s books to life with life-size figurines — Humpty Dumpty, Alice in Wonderland, Jack and Jill, and more. The Oriental Garden has carp and turtles to spot, and the Rose Garden features over 6,000 roses. Throughout the year, special events including Snow Time in the Garden, Easter, Mega Creatures, and the Christmas Lights Spectacular add rides, amusements, and extra entertainment. Cost: Paid for gardens entry. Shopping Village entry is free. Read more about Hunter Valley Gardens.
Hunter Valley Wildlife Park, Nulkaba
One of the Hunter’s most popular family attractions. Set across 10 acres in Nulkaba, Hunter Valley Wildlife Park offers hands-on interactive animal encounters with kangaroos, koalas, giraffes, American alligators, Tasmanian Devils, meerkats, and more. Daily keeper talks, a cafe, and shaded picnic areas on site. Read our review of Hunter Valley Wildlife Park.
Hunter Valley Gardens Aqua Golf & Putt Putt
Right at the entrance to Hunter Valley Gardens, the aqua golf driving range lets you hit balls into floating target nets on the lake, with prizes including restaurant vouchers and cellar door experiences. The 18-hole putt putt course winds through landscaped gardens beside the lake. A combo deal is available for both.
Go Karts Go Hunter Valley, Kearsley
The Hunter region’s biggest and fastest four-stroke go kart hire track with an 850-metre course. Junior karts cater to kids from 5 years of age depending on size, and twin-seat karts allow adults to ride with younger children. The facility also has an 18-hole putt putt course modelled on Bathurst’s Mount Panorama racing track, with racing car-themed obstacles throughout. Book ahead as it gets busy during school holidays.
Balloon Aloft, Hunter Valley
Hot air balloon flights launch at sunrise over the Pokolbin, Lovedale, Rothbury, or Broke wine regions. Flights last approximately one hour and are followed by a gourmet breakfast and champagne celebration at Peterson House. Kids must be 7 years or older and at least 120cm tall. Check Balloon Aloft for current pricing.
Hunter Valley Horse Riding & Adventures
Pony rides for little ones, 30-minute family rides with a guide, and one-hour trail rides on a 300-acre property for older kids and adults. A genuine Hunter Valley experience away from the cellar doors.
Starline Alpacas, Broke
A working alpaca farm where hand-reared alpacas welcome visitors for feeding sessions daily between 10am and 4pm. Entry cost applies and alpaca food is available to purchase. A good option for animal-loving kids who’ve already done the wildlife park. Cost: Paid.
Richmond Vale Railway Museum (Currently Closed)
Richmond Vale Railway Museum has been closed since March 2024. Cessnock City Council has since voted to develop a new railway and motor museum at the site, incorporating the existing museum alongside a new dedicated mining and coal facility. Check the Richmond Vale Railway Museum website for updates on reopening.
Wineries in the Hunter Valley
The Hunter Valley has more than 150 wineries, and a good number are genuinely family-friendly. For our full guide, see Best Kid-Friendly Hunter Valley Wineries.
Tulloch Wines, Pokolbin
One of the most family-friendly cellar doors in the valley. Kids aged 3 to 12 can enjoy a specially prepared tasting session with four non-alcoholic drinks paired with matching snacks (nut and gluten free). Teens have a Kombucha tasting experience with local cheese. On weekends and school holidays, timber board games and outdoor lawn games including Giant Jenga, Connect Four, and 10-pin bowling are set up outside. Read more about Tulloch Wines.
Whispering Brook, Broke
A relaxed and family-welcoming cellar door with a beautiful garden setting. Good space for kids to move around while adults taste. Read more about family-friendly Hunter Valley wineries.
Peter Drayton Wines, Pokolbin
A local favourite for families, with a welcoming cellar door and a relaxed atmosphere suited to kids. Read more about family-friendly Hunter Valley wineries.
Ridgeview Wines, Pokolbin
Colouring-in sheets and activity boxes available in the cellar door to keep kids occupied while parents taste. Located along the Hermitage Road Cycleway, making it a natural stop on a family bike ride.
History & Culture in the Hunter Valley
Convict Trail, Tourist Drive 33
Built by convicts between 1826 and 1836 as an overland route from Sydney to Newcastle, Tourist Drive 33 passes stone retaining walls and bridges crafted by convict labour. A great talking point for curious kids on a scenic drive through the valley.
Poppethead Park, Kitchener
The poppethead (headframe) from the former Aberdare Central Colliery is a tangible piece of the Hunter’s coal mining past. Now a recreational park with a playground, picnic area, and walking trail. Read more about Poppethead Park.
Hunter Valley Gardens Shopping Village, Pokolbin
Browse boutiques, specialty food stores, and souvenir shops in the Shopping Village at Hunter Valley Gardens. The Hunter Valley Chocolate Company, The British Lolly Shop, and Hunter Valley Toy Chest are all popular stops with kids. Free to browse.
Rainy Day Options in the Hunter Valley
Rainy day options are more limited in the Hunter Valley than in the city, but there are a few solid choices. Hunter Valley Gardens is largely an outdoor attraction but the Shopping Village is undercover and worth a browse. The Hunter Valley Chocolate Company is a good wet weather stop for kids. Go Karts Go at Kearsley operates in most weather conditions — check their website before heading out. For a proper indoor day, you’re best heading back to Newcastle or Maitland where there are more options. See our guide to rainy day activities in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the Hunter.
Plan Your Visit
The Hunter Valley has a strong events calendar throughout the year. Hunter Valley Gardens’ Christmas Lights Spectacular, Snow Time in the Garden, and Mega Creatures are among the annual highlights for families. See our events guide for what’s coming up.
Spring is a lovely time to visit, with jacarandas blooming around the region, including Nilo Street in Lorn and near East Maitland train station. See our full guide to where to see jacarandas across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the Hunter for the best spots and photo tips.
Use these guides to help plan your time in the Hunter Valley:
- Best Playgrounds in the Hunter Valley
- Best Picnic Spots in the Cessnock Area
- Best Kid-Friendly Hunter Valley Wineries
- Hunter Valley Wildlife Park: What You Need to Know
- Free & Low-Cost Things to Do in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter
- School Holiday Activities in the Hunter Region
- Best Day Trips from Newcastle for Families
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. While the Hunter Valley is best known as a wine destination, it has a strong range of family activities including Hunter Valley Wildlife Park, Hunter Valley Gardens, Go Karts Go, family-friendly cellar doors, playgrounds, and walking tracks. Most outdoor activities are free.
Top free activities include the Hermitage Road Cycleway, Bridges Hill Park playground, Huntlee District Park, Katherine’s Landing District Park, Poppethead Park, and the Convict Trail scenic drive.
Tulloch Wines, Whispering Brook, Peter Drayton Wines, and Ridgeview Wines are all well-suited to families. See our full guide to kid-friendly Hunter Valley wineries.
Pokolbin is approximately 65km from Newcastle, around 55 to 60 minutes by car via the M15. It’s an easy day trip from Newcastle.
How far is the Hunter Valley from Sydney?
The Hunter Valley is approximately 160km north of Sydney, around 2 hours by car via the M1 and Hunter Expressway. It’s one of the most popular weekend getaway destinations from Sydney.
Hunter Valley Wildlife Park is suitable for all ages. Younger children love the hands-on encounters with kangaroos and smaller animals, while older kids enjoy the larger species including giraffes and alligators.
Exploring More of the Hunter Region The Hunter Valley is just one piece of the puzzle — there’s a whole region worth exploring with kids. Check out our guides to Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland and and Port Stephens for more great days out nearby.