Picturesque Places to Enjoy A Hunter Valley Picnic
Picnic Spot #1
Hunter Valley Gardens
There are few places more spectacular for a picnic than the Hunter Valley Gardens. You can thank the garden’s founders, Bill and Imelda Roche, for the lush surroundings that await. In 1999, the pair set out to create a botanical space that could be enjoyed by everyone, and they did not disappoint.
You’ll find a dedicated picnic area including barbeques and sheltered tables adjacent to the Shopping Village. Or explore the 14 hectares of gardens, including ten themed areas such as the Chinese Garden, Sunken Garden and Indian Garden. Each has its own distinctive selection of plants, water features and statues, sure to give a memorable atmosphere to your picnic.
Picnic Spot #2
Mount Bright Lookout
For a picnic with perspective, head to Mount Bright Lookout. Load your basket with Hunter Valley goodies (see our recommendations below), grab a blanket and enjoy your bounty with views from Cessnock to the east coast stretched out before you.
If you really want to work for your supper, there’s even an option to walk along Mount Bright Road from Pokolbin Mountains Road up to the lookout. We'd recommend having a chilled bottle of wine on hand for when you get to the top!
Picnic Spot #3
Werakata National Park
A 15-minute drive east of Pokolbin, Werakata National Park provides plenty of shady, grassy areas to stretch out on a blanket and relax. If you want to get the blood pumping beforehand, you'll also find mountain bike trails throughout.
Eat and drink to a soundtrack of native birds perched in the trees above. After lunch, take a walk around and explore the varied bushland, from tall ironbark and red gum forest to shrubby grevilleas and acacias. The park comes to life in spring, with heath flowers in purples, yellows and reds.
Picnic In Style
Pokolbin Picnic Co can put together a delicious basket of goodies for you ahead of time. All you'll have to do is pick it up and decide where to eat it!
And if you're looking for something extra-special, Ivanhoe Wines have partnered with Miss Mays Picnics, who can put together a luxurious picnic in our enchanting vineyard setting*. For more information and to book a picturesque picnic experience, go to their website.
* Please note, we can only host picnics at Ivanhoe if booked through Miss Mays Picnics. If you would like to enjoy a drink at our cellar door, please book a tasting.
Things to Fill Your Basket
Hunter Valley Cheese
A picnic isn’t complete without a few good cheeses, and you’re spoilt for choice in the Hunter. Hunter Belle Cheese have all your cheese needs covered, with everything from soft to hard and blue to cheddar, all made using traditional cheese making methods.
Hunter Valley Bread
The folks at Fawk Foods Kitchen & Bakery have the baked portion of your picnic larder covered. Choose from sourdough and brioche loaves, milk buns and focaccias to name a few, and satisfy a sweet tooth with fresh muffins, scones and friands. Their takeaway hampers are also worth a look if you can’t decide.
Hunter Valley Olive Oil
We’re guessing you’ve probably tasted your fair share of wine, but have you ever done an olive oil tasting? Stop by Pukara Estate in Pokolbin and sample their selection of oils, vinegars and condiments. They’ll make for a great addition to your Fawk Foods sourdough.
Hunter Valley Fresh Produce
Freshen things up with some produce from Wollombi Road Providore. Located in Cessnock, this grocer showcases the best fresh fruit and vegetables the Hunter has to offer.