Cessnock

Cessnock is known as the gateway to some of the best wineries in the country. The town’s restaurants and bars serve local produce and wines from the area. The colonial heritage buildings and rural surroundings are the other perfect ingredients for a relaxing holiday in the Australian countryside. Popular activities in the Cessnock area include skydiving, hot air ballooning and playing golf.

Cessnock, the largest town in the Lower Hunter Valley, was once a thriving mining town. Discover the history and creativity of the region at the town’s many cultural institutions, including the Marthaville Arts & Crafts Centre and the Cessnock Court House. Of course, most people come here for the gourmet food and drinks many wineries and farms are within a short driving distance from the township.

Explore the Hunter Valley’s famous wine region by renting a car or joining a coach tour. Visit the wineries and cheese factories in Pokolbin and Mount View, and stop at cellar doors and farm gates to taste fresh local produce. Many have on-site restaurants and some offer behind-the-scenes tours.

Cessnock is surrounded by natural beauty, with the Brokenback Mountains visible from the town. Nearby Werakata National Park is great for bushwalking and mountain bike riding, so pack a picnic and enjoy a day outdoors.

Bring your binoculars because Cessnock is situated within the Hunter Valley Important Bird Area, and is home to many endangered species. See if you can spot a regent honeyeater or the colourful swift parrot.

To get a bird’s-eye view of it all yourself, glide over the town in a hot air balloon as the sun comes up, or sky dive above the wineries. Book these adventures through one of the operators in the township. The Cessnock golf club is near the town centre and welcomes visiting players.

Cessnock is just over 50 kilometres (31 miles) from Newcastle, in the Lower Hunter Valley wine region. Visitors from Sydney can reach the town by car in about two hours or book a seat on the Rover Coaches bus service.