Cessnock is the gateway city to the vineyards. Known for a rich cultural and social heritage which is summed up in the phrase “Mines, wines and people”.  A great place to combine a relaxing getaway with a Wine tour.

Situated only two hours’ drive from Sydney and an hour from Newcastle, Cessnock is perfectly positioned for a weekend getaway, for couples, friends or business bonding sessions.

With towns and villages sustained by a diverse business environment with a backdrop of wine and tourism, Cessnock has a variety of other attractions, such as the historic Marthaville Arts and Crafts Centre, Wollombi Village, the Richmond Main Mining Museum and the Richmond Vale Railway.

With expanses of untouched natural scenery bounded by National Parks and State Forests and a rural landscape, with uninterrupted grazing and pastoral lands, Cessnock has much to offer visitors.

Cessnock Wine Tours to Pokolbin -

Amazing Things to Do, Places to See.

A Walking Tour of Cessnock

Showcasing the many significant historic buildings and icons of Cessnock, the Walk is a pleasant 3 km, 45-minute walk around the town.

CESSNOCK REGIONAL ART GALLERY

With entry to all exhibitions, free, it is not surprising that CRAG offers a vibrant progam showcasing local arts and craft practitioners, as well as National touring exhibitions that highlight a broad range of contemporary visual arts practice. Crag also offers public and educational programs for school students, local community groups and tourist visiting the region.

http://www.crag.net.au/

MARTHAVILLE ARTS AND CULTURAL CENTRE

Hosting a wide variety of events, exhibits and activities including Wine Country Bear Club and Floral Art workshops, the Marthaville Guildry has operated since 1996, displaying for sale a wide range of arts and crafts.

http://www.cessnock.nsw.gov.au/community/culture/marthaville

HUNTER VALLEY ZOO

With acres of both Australian and exotic animals, visitors are able to get up close and personal with

some of the animals and develop an appreciation for the wildlife with animal encounters and daily feeding and shows.

http://www.huntervalleyzoo.com.au/

WERAKATA NATIONAL PARK

If you’re up for an outdoor adventure, Werakata National Park is only a short drive away. The Deadmans mountain bike loop in the park is an easy 8km cycling track. Accessed from the parking area at Astills picnic area the loop would make a great half day out with a picnic lunch.  You will find the parking area on Ironbark Lane, Nulkaba.

http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/werakata-national-park

CESSNOCK PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE

Offering an annual performance program comprising drama, comedy, ballet and live, the Cessnock Performing Arts Centre has a solid reputation for presenting high quality performances from both international and interstate touring companies. The auditorium is fully accessible for special needs, catering for wheelchairs and hearing impaired.

http://www.cessnockperformingartscentre.com.au/

Special Events

AUSSIE NIGHT MARKETS

 With something for everyone, this is the place where people come together to delight their taste buds with different flavours from around the world. Held over a weekend in February, the Markets hosts over 30 International street food and dessert vendors, including some of the biggest NSW Street Food Vendors.

https://www.facebook.com/events/307340430094211

Accommodation

Accommodation in Cessnock caters to all tastes and budgets, ranging from a heritage guesthouse and lovingly restored federation cottages to heritage pubs, a holiday park and a backpacker hostel.

For bookings refer to Visit NSW

https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/hunter/hunter-valley/cessnock/accommodation

Dining Options

While competing with the numerous dining options in the wineries, Cessnock does offer a variety of dining options from all day breakfasts and lunches to dinner choices. Here are some examples.

THE MINE SHAFT RESTAURANT

family owned and run, family friendly Restaurant, with a menu focused on delicious whole foods in the form of Gourmet Burgers, Ribs, Wings and Mexican along with a few family favourites.

ROYAL OAK HOTEL; 221 Restaurant & Bar

a multi-award winning restaurant, offering high quality and fresh ingredients, with locally sourced produce. The Deck Cafe and Bar – a warm and welcoming place to enjoy a great casual meal from the Hotel Menu. ​

Al-Oi Thai Restaurant

Enjoy the atmosphere and experience Thai culture, with a BYO, takeaway and home delivery options.

Grinders Espresso Bar & Flowers

known for a quick bite, especially popular for delicious breakfasts.

Darwin’s on Vincent

known for their all-day breakfasts, with a good local following.

MR O Kitchen Espresso Grocer

great casual dining option open weekdays for early mornings until 3pm. Popular for good coffee, breakfasts and healthy lunch options.

Vineyards and Wine Tasting

Cessnock is surrounded on all sides by the 7 wine districts of the Lower Hunter Valley, with over 150 vineyards and cellar doors, in Australia’s oldest wine region. Your Cessnock accommodation base provides a great jump off point for multiple wine Cellar doors in the Hunter Valley.  You have the opportunity to visit breweries and cider orchards, while still enjoying the close proximity to the city of Newcastle.

a bunch of lady tourist having so much fun while enjoying the place and the taste of their wine in their pokolbin wine tours
Hunter Valley Wine Tours
girls day out hunter valley vineyards
wine tasting in the vineyards

Combine these great experiences with the Hunter Valley wine region with a tour

A great way to enjoy the views and of course the sensational tastes of what the region offers is to book a wine tour with:

Hunter Valley Wine Tours

With pick-ups and drop-offs from your accommodation

Whether it’s for a corporate or social event, our Hunter Valley wine tasting tours are the perfect way to experience what the famous wine region has to offer.

Our tours are designed with our guest in mind, keeping it simple so that all you need to do is enjoy the day.

Since 2001, we’ve specialized in guiding small group wine tours through the Hunter Valley. We’re family owned and operated and are passionate about showcasing the beautiful Hunter Valley region and its wines, providing our guest with the ultimate wine tasting experience.