Epic Ale Trail: Hunter Valley Breweries and Pubs

Come away from the Hunter Valley with a new sense of reverence after bouncing between its best breweries and pubs.

There are plenty of places to entice along the Hunter Valley’s burgeoning ale trail which is dotted with great breweries and pubs. Take your pick from our list of must-visit stops and trade in the well-travelled winery trail to experience a different side to the Hunter.

1. The Valley Brewhouse

It’s a bar, it’s a bistro, it’s a beer garden. This grain-to-glass taphouse, which was recently revamped and renamed (formerly The Mighty Hunter Valley), is where you will find a range of the brewery’s own beers on tap.

a classy dining interior at Mighty Hunter Valley — Dine inside the classy indoor setting.

Set amid the historic brick beehive kilns in the old Potters Hotel, in Nulkaba, The Valley Brewhouse is a hub for craft brewers and the ideal environment for large groups with individual needs as there’s something for all. Book a tour on Fridays and Saturdays or a guided tasting on Wednesdays to Saturdays.

an al fresco setting at Mighty Hunter Valley — The Valley Brewhouse is situated on sprawling grounds.

Address: Wine Country Drive, Nulkaba

2. 4 Pines at the Farm

There is something about arriving in the Hunter Valley that invites escape. And while it’s a region best known for its award-winning wines, breweries such as 4 Pines at the Farm are proving a draw for lovers of craft beer, too.

The fact you can stay and play at this family-run Hunter Valley brewery based at the Hunter Valley Resort means you will have a new appreciation for all the great things that are brewing here. All up, there are 12 quality beers on tap at the family-friendly brewery, which overlooks the crumpled folds of the Broken Back Ranges.

an aerial view of the 4 Pines at the Farm property — Check out what’s brewing at 4 Pines at the Farm.

Address: Corner Hermitage Road & Mistletoe Lane, Pokolbin

3. Peter Drayton Wines and IronBark Hill Brewhouse

Silence settles like a blanket over this boutique Hunter Valley winery and brewhouse when the crowds thin out and you’ve settled into your villa at the IronBark Hill Retreat. And in addition to being a picturesque place to tap into the Hunter Valley’s craft beer scene, you can taste small-batch Australian gin at the new Wildstreak Distillery and niche wines such as Tyrian, Montepulciano and Barbera at Peter Drayton Wines and IronBark Hill Brewhouse , at the foot of the Broken Back Range. The Brewhouse features 12 of the brewery’s own beers and ciders on tap and from Wednesday to Sunday, the onsite Wildstreak Pizzeria and Kitchen serves up piping hot gourmet pizzas from its outdoor pizza oven, as well as its famous wings alongside salads and small plates. Bookings are recommended.

friends enjoying food and drinks at IronBark Hill Brewhouse — Take your tasting outside at IronBark Hill Brewhouse. (Image: Destination NSW)

Address: 694 Hermitage Rd, Pokolbin

4. Sydney Brewery Hunter Valley

Go behind the scenes at the Sydney Brewery Hunter Valley , which produced its first batch of beer in 2014. The independent brewhouse, which has a sister venue in Surry Hills, is a large-scale brewery that is built on the back of Lovedale Bar & Bistro located at the Rydges Resort Hunter Valley, one of the most family-friendly places to stay in the Hunter Valley.

the indoor setting of Lovedale Bar & Bistro — Snag a spot inside Lovedale Bar & Bistro.

Enjoy pub classics such as fish and chips alongside a pint of Lovedale Lager while overlooking the 9th and 10th hole of the Hunter Valley Golf course.

a bartender holding a cold beer at Sydney Brewery — Quench your thirst at Sydney Brewery.

Address: 430 Wine Country Dr, Lovedale

5. The Caledonian Hotel

There’s nothing that inspires a thirst more than pulling into Singleton and seeing this iconic pub with its long verandahs and cast-iron balustrades.

the exterior of The Caledonian Hotel — The Caledonian Hotel dates back to the early 1900s. (Image: Pink Donkey)

The Caledonian Hotel is one of Australia’s great classic Aussie pubs and popular with high-vis brigade who converge here to play pool and scoff great Thai starters like satay skewers, fish cakes and pad Thai.

the entrance door at The Caledonian Hotel — Step inside the iconic Caledonian Hotel. (Image: Pink Donkey)

Rumour has it that the hotel is one of the most haunted places in Australia so if you’re a scaredy cat, you might need to ghost your mates and find alternate accommodation in the Hunter Valley.

a spacious al fresco dining spot at The Caledonian Hotel — Dine al fresco under huge umbrellas. (Image: Pink Donkey)

Address: 40 George St, Singleton

6. The Pourhouse

The Pourhouse in Maitland is primarily an alehouse but is also part live music venue and eatery. Craft beer, classic cocktails, and considered pub grub coexist here in perfect harmony. Housed in the former Exchange Hotel, established in 1866, it operated as a hotel and then an antique emporium until 2013 when two Maitland mates decided to buy it. The Pourhouse gives off inner-west Sydney vibes. There’s great food, live music, craft beer and cocktails and all manner of nooks in which to kick back.

Address: 327 High Street, Maitland

7. The Imperial Maitland

Have you even been to the Hunter if you’ve not stopped off at The Imperial Maitland ? The Irish-themed pub is one of the mainstays in the region with its roster of karaoke nights and live entertainment. The wine list here includes a lot of Hunter Valley wines as well as pub classics such as cheeseburgers, salt and pepper squid and parmy toppers. Enjoy a walk along the historic Hunter River, find the best place to have coffee in the Hunter Valley and then make it to Maitland for a pub meal.

Address: 458 High Street, Maitland

8. The Royal Hotel

The Royal Hotel is an unpretentious Hunter Valley pub that is filled with families putting away fish and chips and schnitties and burly country blokes bending the elbow at the bar. There is an impressive range of beers on tap as well as locally made wines that give a sense of place to the act of raising a glass to the Aussie pub. The Sunday lunch here is legendary, and there is a weekly roster of trivia, live music and happy hours. Best of all you can bunker down at the simple pub-style room if you’ve had one too many to drive.

Address: 84 George Street (New England Highway), Singleton

9. Pokolbin Ciderhouse

Pokolbin Ciderhouse now has a 200-seat outdoor area that looks over the gnarled vines of this picturesque property in Pokolbin. Be sure to book ahead for a paddle tasting and ploughman’s lunch: start with a Pear Perry, progress to Sweet Apple and Passionfruit Perry and onto The Dark Grape at the ciderhouse located in the heart of Hunter Valley Wine Country.

friends dining at Pokolbin Ciderhouse — Dine next to scenic vineyards at Pokolbin Ciderhouse.

The ciderhouse hits the sweet spot with its dedicated dessert bar, Sabore, and regular Sunday acoustic sessions.

Address: 2342 Broke Road, Pokolbin

10. Hope Brewery, Pokolbin

Lovers of both beer and wine will want to hang out in the Hunter Valley that little bit longer when they visit the completely revamped cellar door at Hope Estate.

the Hope Estate signage in the Hunter Valley — Hope Estate is situated at the heart of the Hunter Valley.

If escapades with your tribe include big-ticket music events such as the Gin & Jazz Festival or the Beer & BBQ Festival hosted by Hope Estate, then this is the cellar door for you. In addition to the regular roster of music events, Hope Estate has nine brand-new artisan gins, vodka and moonshine to try as well as 14 wines and a range of 30 beers on tap.

drinks at Hope Brewery, Hunter Valley — Order a tasting paddle at Hope Brewery.

Address: 2213 Broke Road, Pokolbin

11. Wollombi Tavern

Get out your favourite red-checked flanno and get down to this brilliant boozer in the colonial village of Wollombi.

the vintage interior of Wollombi Tavern, Hunter Valley — The interior of Wollombi Tavern screams vintage.

While the original tavern founded in 1868 was destroyed by fire, thirsty travellers have included the current outpost in their bar crawls since the 1950s thanks to the allure of Dr Jurd’s Jungle Juice, an iconic elixir that dates back to 1929.

people dining outside Wollombi Tavern, Hunter Valley — Find an airy spot to sit on the deck.

While Wollombi Tavern is the gateway to NSW’s Wine Country, you could do worse than park yourself here in the beer garden for pizza and a few pints.

Address: 2994 Great N Road, Wollombi

12. Harrigan’s Hunter Valley

The honeyed light that hits Harrigan’s on a sunny Sunday afternoon makes it a beacon for those looking for the best places to have a pint in the Hunter. Drop in at the weekend to see live music in the beer garden where you can eat al fresco under the terrace festooned with fairy lights and meet some of the chatty locals.

Previously known as the Tallawanta Hotel, Harrigan’s has been going strong since 2000 as it’s the only pub located within the vineyards. It’s also two minutes from the Hunter Valley Gardens, one of the best places to visit in the Hunter Valley, and offers both accommodation and dining.

an al fresco terrace at Harrigan’s Hunter Valley — Enjoy a pint and a stellar pub feed at Harrigan’s. (Image: Destination NSW)

Address: 2090 Broke Rd, Pokolbin

13. Morpeth Brewery inside the Commerical Hotel

Morpeth Brewery, an offshoot of the River Port Brewing Company, anchored in the community at the historic hotel in the heart of beautiful Morpeth. The family-run business brews more than 40 different styles of beer, including the popular Black Tractor Dark Ale, the Close Call Pale Ale, and the Big Easy Vienna-style lager.

The grand hotel is an institution, first licensed in April in 1881, when patrons would arrive at the popular Hunter Valley pub by horse and cart. The hotel has a bistro as well as the moody Miss Mullens Bar, the elegant upstairs bar. It also has a pet-friendly beer garden.

a chalkboard sign at Morpeth Brewery — Head to Morpeth Brewery for a beer served inside a slice of history. (Image: Destination NSW)

Address: 127 Swan Street, Morpeth

For more delightful drinks to try in the Hunter, follow our gin distillery Hunter Valley trail and read up on the best wineries to visit.

Whales breaching, fires crackling and slow-cooked feasts that make the cold so cosy, one might wish it lasted longer. Winter is no time to stay at home in NSW.

When the mercury drops, winter in NSW comes into its own. Beaches are quieter, the air is crisper and hearty food tastes even better when there’s ice on the windows.

Winter here isn’t for hiding away. It’s for long walks, deep baths, deeper reds and the kind of fireside lounging that feels simultaneously indulgent and entirely deserved after a day of exploring. From whale-watching up north to moodily lit bushwalks and pastry pilgrimages, we’ve mapped out your new favourite season.

a beach winter in nsw — From coastal walks to tasty delights, winter in NSW is a time to get out and about.

The Tweed

In winter, the NSW north coast has a front-row seat to one of nature’s greatest migrations. From May to November, humpbacks cruise past the Tweed coast between Antarctica and the Great Barrier Reef. Spot them from the Cabarita Beach headland or get up closer with a boat cruise.

Inland, find the Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre , which is home to a rotating cast of big-name exhibitions (including Monet).

Later, grab a table at Bistro Livi , where the modern Spanish menu features whipped salt cod on toast and spanner crab with curry butter and spelt flatbread. Stick around to poke through the artist studios and indie boutiques of M|Arts Precinct .

visitors at Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre — Browse the art. (Image: Destination NSW)

The next day, jump aboard the Indigenous Lunch Cruise with Tweed Escapes. You’ll cruise upriver listening to yarns from local Indigenous guides, stop at the Minjungbal Aboriginal Cultural Museum and tuck into lemon myrtle-crusted snapper.

Next, drive out to Farm & Co to pull apart some juicy smoked lamb shoulder with green olive tapenade while gazing out over the macadamia fields and avocado groves of this working farm.

End the day at Mantra on Salt Beach where you’ll enjoy beach access, a heated rock spa and a lagoon pool.

dining room at Bistro Livi — Taste modern Spanish at Bistro Livi.

Blue Mountains

The cold season is hands down the best time to visit the Blue Mountains. Temperatures are perfect – sunny enough for hikes, and crisp enough at night for snuggling up.

For a trip that equally soothes and stirs, start with a meditative meander through the national park’s eucalypts and Australian wildflowers. Brave the steepest passenger railway in the world, Scenic Railway , then hop the Skyway aerial cable car for unrivalled Three Sisters views.

Thaw out at the Japanese Bath House in South Bowenfels. Soak in steamy outdoor onsens filled with natural mineral water and mountain views, wander the rose and zen gardens, or sip hot drinks in the tea house.

group leader at Blue Mountains Stargazing — Rug up for Blue Mountains Stargazing. (Image: Destination NSW)

Afterwards, head to Ates in Blackheath, where everything revolves around a 150-year-old ironbark-fuelled oven – like the wood-roasted duck with nectarines and Szechuan spice. Or visit Tempus Katoomba , which leans experimental and sustainable, serving up dishes like braised fennel with cumin, spiced yogurt and Aleppo pepper.

Rug up and head into the night with Blue Mountains Stargazing . Sessions are guided by astrophysicists, helping you understand what you’re looking at as you look into deep space.

Wrap it all up at Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains – MGallery Collection . There’s a whiskey bar in the basement (and crackling fires that make a dram taste even better), indoor and outdoor pools and a day spa. Kids will love the mirror maze and ice rink, too.

dishes laid out on table at Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains — End the day with delicious meals at Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains. (Image: Destination NSW)

Southern Highlands

Good food and wine by the fire, experienced between sifting through second-hand treasures, is a winter vibe in Bowral.

Start with a lap around Dirty Janes , an antique and vintage market. Recover from your shopping frenzy at Bendooley Book Barn , where floor-to-ceiling shelves and a roaring fire set the tone for an afternoon of red wine or hot coffee.

When it’s time to eat, head to Hickory’s Restaurant & Bar , Peppers Craigieburn Bowral’s onsite restaurant. Try the crispy pork belly with Granny Smith crisps and apple gel, or ocean trout with wakame, lemon gel and pickled radish.

couple looking through Dirty Janes in bowral — Wander the antiques at Dirty Janes. (Image: Destination NSW)

Another option, Onesta Cucina , does Italian with flair. For something more casual (with cocktails), Flour Bar swings between brunch and dinner, with an onsite bakery, over 400 wines and a hidden deli in the old bank vault.

Later, clamber Mt Gibraltar , where trails wind through eucalypt forest to views over Bowral and Mittagong.

Stay at Peppers Craigieburn Bowral , a century-old estate with open fires, elegant lounges and a nine-hole golf course.

woman and her dog winter in nsw at Peppers Craigieburn Bowral — Stay cosy at Peppers Craigieburn Bowral.

Penrith

Shake off winter inertia with an adrenaline boost out in Penrith. Kick things off with a kayak paddle on the Nepean River with Horizon Line, or head to Cables Wake Park , where cold-weather wetsuits take the edge off a wipeout.

For something a bit more cruisy, opt for the Nepean Belle Paddlewheeler for slow-floating views and a hot cuppa.

kayakers on the nepean river in penrith — Head out on the Nepean River. (Image: Destination NSW)

Refuel at Marcel Bar & Bistro , where reimagined European comfort food – like seafood risotto in bisque with little neck clams and Moreton Bay bugs – is king. Then check in at the Pullman Sydney Penrith , the area’s first international five-star hotel, to enjoy your well-earned rest.

Start planning your NSW winter getaway at all.com.

The ultimate ale trail: 13 Hunter Valley breweries and pubs