The lush beauty of the Hunter Valley is unmistakable. Its rolling green landscape is vast and the endless rows of vines are like soldiers on parade. But sadly wine regions don’t tend to hold the same fascination for kids as they do for adults.
At about 2½ hours north of Sydney, the Hunter Valley is ideally located for a weekend away. But when visiting the Hunter Valley with kids, instead of heading straight to the wine, stop off at a few kid-friendly locations along the way.
This trip has something to keep everyone happy!
Sydney to Hunter Valley with kids, with stops at the Australian Reptile Park, Terrigal Beach, Hunter Valley Gardens and wineries.
Hunter Valley with kids
Terrigal Beach
If you can get yourself out of Sydney on Friday afternoon rather than evening, then head straight for Terrigal Beach. It’s only about 1½ hours away, so during daylight savings the kids will be able to run off some energy here before dinner.
It is a beautiful beach with sand for miles and plenty of cafes and shops nearby. Crowne Plaza Terrigal will provide you with a bag full of beach toys if you stay on the Family Getaway package. Or take your own!
Terrigal Beach
Hamish putting Crowne Plaza’s beach toys to good use.
Alannah practising her gymnastics
The Skillion, Terrigal
Pop this one on the schedule for Saturday morning. It’s a steep walk so beat the heat and go early.
A 15 minute walk will take you from Terrigal Beach around the coastline to the base of this climb up to The Skillion headland and lookout. After taking in the view the kids will love rolling or running down the grassy hill.
At the base of The Skillion is a rocky landscape perfect for young adventurers.
We made it! At the top of The Skillion.
Take a moment at the lookout and soak up all this gorgeousness
The rocks at the base of The Skillion will keep the kids entertained for hours!
Peaceful contemplation
Australian Reptile Park, Somersby
At only 1¼ hours from Sydney, the Australian Reptile Park makes for a fun day trip on its own. But after your morning spent at The Skillion, it’s only a half hour drive to spend the afternoon here.
The name is not a true reflection of the wide range of Australian animals that you will find here. Yes there’s plenty of reptiles, including Elvis, the ginormous crocodile, but there are also koalas, kangaroos, platypuses, echidnas, Tasmanian devils and many more.
The playground is always a big hit too.
Kangaroos and wallabies roam freely and are happy to be patted.
Elvis puts on a terrifying show.
The nature walk takes you through a bush paradise.
The park is well set up for families with picnic tables and a brilliant playground.
Hunter Valley Gardens
After enjoying the animals and shows at Australian Reptile Park on Saturday afternoon, drive the 1¼ hours up to the Hunter Valley, so you can get to the Gardens early on Sunday.
The Storybook Garden alone is worth a visit to these glorious gardens, especially when visiting the Hunter Valley with kids. The kids love seeing their favourite nursery rhyme characters depicted in colourful statues.
Take the little train for the easy way to view the rest of the 60 spectacular acres. The novelty factor is sure to keep the kids entertained. Best to book ahead for the train though. It’s very popular!
My full Hunter Valley Gardens review is here.
The kids always look forward to seeing Humpty.
Feel free to clamber all over Alice’s table.
And take the obligatory train selfie!
Audrey Wilkinson winery
Scheduling in 5 wineries might be pushing the kids’ patience a little, but a few well-chosen ones will satisfy the wine-lover in you. And with the Hunter Valley Gardens on Sunday morning, you don’t want to have to rush around trying to fit too much in to the rest of the day. This way you can sample a few wines and still manage the 2½ hour drive back to Sydney later in the day.
Head to Audrey Wilkinson for the views. Its elevated position gives you that picture perfect outlook over the stunning countryside. Taste a couple of delightful drops and let the kids hunt for grapes on the roadside vines.
Stunning views from Audrey Wilkinson winery in the Hunter Valley
The kids can learn where wine comes from.
Peterson Champagne House
We love having breakfast here. The food is amazing and the outlook is gorgeous. But whether you eat here or not, a glass of bubbles takes away your cares at any time of day. Pink bubbles is even better!
Tempus Two
The fabulous thing about so many of the Hunter Valley wineries is the vast amount of space! Even if there’s nothing else for the kids to do, at least they can run their little legs off!
Tempus Two is housed in a magnificent architect-designed building together with the Hunter Valley Smelly Cheese shop and the Hunter Valley Gelato Company.
Grab an ice cream for the kids to enjoy while you get busy at the cellar door.
Wine, ice cream, cheese and lots and lots of grass at Tempus Two, Hunter Valley
Where to stay in the Hunter Valley with kids
Crowne Plaza Terrigal
Crowne Plaza is conveniently located in the heart of Terrigal, across the road from the beach.
It offers very family friendly hotel-style accommodation with a fabulous buffet breakfast, wonderful pool area and a kids club on the school holidays.
My full Crowne Plaza Terrigal review here.
The kids just loved that pool! Crowne Plaza Terrigal
Harrigan’s Irish Pub & Accommodation
You might not think so by the name, but Harrigan’s has very comfortable motel-style accommodation which is ideal for families. Perfect when visiting the Hunter Valley with kids.
We had a Premier Suite with two bedrooms, lounge, terrace and spa bathroom. It was wonderful to have so much space!
Harrigan’s Irish Pub & Accommodation
The lounge room in our spacious two bedroom Premier Suite.
Where to eat in the Hunter Valley with kids
Bellyfish Cafe
This is where I’m heading next time we’re in Terrigal. Massively popular, opposite the beach and super cool to boot.
Looks like a winner to me!
Bellyfish Cafe, Terrigal
Sushi Canape
Sushi is always an easy option for the kids, but when they discovered sushi train they were in love! Endless entertainment and yummy food – a fabulous kid-friendly combination.
Nothing’s far from anything in Terrigal, but Sushi Canape is right in the centre of town. Lovely service and delicious food.
Sushi Canape, Terrigal
Harrigan’s Irish Pub
Make sure you give the Irish Pub a try at Harrigan’s. It is essentially a family-friendly bistro with a cosy atmosphere and activity packs with the kids meals.
And having dinner on-site means a short walk back to your room afterwards, rather than having to drive. As I was solo parenting when we were here, I made good use of the opportunity to sample some local wine over dinner.
Harrigan’s Irish Pub
Peterson Champagne House
The pancakes here are divine! And they serve bubbles with breakfast. That’s two big ticks in my book!
They are well set up with the restaurant overlooking the vines and garden, so when the kids have finished eating they can go out for a play where you can see them.
Heavenly pancakes at Peterson Champagne House.
Have you visited a winery lately?
Do you have a favourite Hunter Valley winery?
