10 Epic Australian Cycling DestinationsView list
4
Introductory to Moderate
Activities
  • 1 day self guided cycle
Accommodation
  • 2 nights accommodation

Price

3 daysfrom

$580AUD

 
 
Trip Code: HVS

Hunter Valley Short Break Trip highlights


  • Enjoy the independence of self-guided cycling with all logistics taken care of for you
  • Delight in the local wines and food of the Hunter Valley region
  • Cycle through the countryside, passing vineyards and farms en route
  • Staying in Pokolbin in the heart of Australia's oldest wine region, the Hunter Valley
  • Cycle past world heritage wilderness and classic Australian countryside

The Hunter Valley is where wine-making started in Australia. In 1832, armed with 20,000 cuttings from Spain and France, James Busby established the first vineyards in Australia. This is a perfect area to be explored during an extended weekend or short mid week break. Our focus is to explore the Hermitage cycle trail allowing us to experience some of the best of what the region has on offer in a three day period. In this self guided cycle you are free to set your own pace, with time to enjoy a long lunch, sample local delicacies or stop for a wine tasting en route. Staying in the heart of Pokolbin, the primary wine-growing area within the Hunter Valley, everything is waiting to be discovered.

Itinerary

Make your own way to Pokolbin, located right in the heart of the Hunter Valley and the perfect place to base our self and explore the stunning surrounds. This afternoon check in to your accommodation. The Hunter Valley is one of Australia's most important wine regions with a history dating back to the early 1800's. It is a stunning area with ancient rain forest and areas of world heritage wilderness. You can spend the afternoon strolling through the charming streets of town and its surrounds. Overnight Pokollbin

Meals:  Nil

After breakfast we pick up our bikes and head off towards the cycle-way. The beauty about the self guided cycling journeys is that you can stop where you want and for how long you like, perfect for a short stay cycling adventure. It gives you the opportunity to focus on what you like! We start our journey by joining the Hermitage Road Cycle Path. We continue through forest and farming community to reach Tintilla Estate & Olive Grove and Piggs Peake Winery. They have an eclectic range of wines and are great fun. You can dine in style at Yellow Billy (Wed-Sun) or have a more relaxed lunch at the Iron Bark Hill Brewery where you can enjoy a cleansing ale. The final stop of the day is the iconic De luliis Wines, which has exceptional Semillons and if you are still hungry you can pair it with local cheeses.

Meals:  Nil

The trip concludes this morning, you are free to explore the stunning area of Pokolbin and surrounds.

Meals:  Nil


Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.


Inclusions

  • 2 nights accommodation in a comfortable studio room in Pokolbin on a twin share basis with private facilities
  • Electric mountain bike hire including helmet and bike lock
  • Route information available to download through our app

  • Travel to/from Pokolbin
  • Accommodation before or after the trip
  • Items of a personal nature such as alcoholic beverages, car parking, towel etc
  • Travel insurance
  • Meals
  • Phone handlebar mount

Bike information


Accommodation


Grading

Introductory to Moderate  
4

This self guided trip involves 1 day of cycling. This day of cycling is mostly on the newly opened Hermitage Road Cycle Way with some sections of road cycling. The roads used on this trip are country roads. The cycling will usually take between 2 and 4 hours but some days might be longer depending on your overall pace on riding a bike. Being a self guided trip you determine the pace and schedule. You will need a reasonable level of fitness and good health and be a capable cyclist. Be prepared for potential variable weather conditions which can also add to the timing and comfort of a trip, for example riding into a head wind will take more time than when the wind is behind you.


Departure dates

Daily departures Wednesday to Sunday

Notes

Note:
Prices may vary depending on the room type available.
DN2
A holiday supplement applies if you are travelling over a public holiday or during NSW school holiday periods.
DN3
Please note, when we book your accommodation some hotels may request a deposit/full payment to secure your booking. This amount will be payable, in addition to the Australian Cycle Tours deposit. Any extra payments, along with the $400 AUD deposit, are non-refundable.

Want to organise a customised tour?

School groups, friends, family trips, corporate events or just tailoring a trip to suit your own needs - learn how you can tailor your own Customised Tour.

Priceper person from

$580AUD

Options & Supplements*
  • Discount to remove bike hireAUD$-65
  • Start Date Supplement - Starting Thursday or SaturdayAUD$180
  • Single Supplement - Starting Sunday to WednesdayAUD$220
  • Start Date Supplement - Starting FridayAUD$360
  • Single Supplement - Starting Thursday or SaturdayAUD$400
  • Single Supplement - Starting on FridayAUD$580
*Prices listed are per person and also from

Essential Information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed Hunter Valley Short Break trip notes which contains all the essential information you need to know before booking. Once you’ve booked, we will supply you with a Pre-Departure document which contains a detailed gear list and other important information to help you prepare for your adventure ahead.


Frequently Asked Questions

The easiest way to get to the Hunter Valley is to drive. There will be ample parking at your accommodation. If you are coming from Sydney the drive will take around 2 hours.

Alternatively, you can catch a suburban train from Sydney to Morisset Station and the catch a connecting bus to Cessnock. The whole journey takes around 3 hours.

Regional Trainlink trains run between Sydney and Singleton, which is a 20min taxi ride from Cessnock. The trip takes three hours and you’ll need to book ahead.

Yes, you need to be a capable cyclist. You will cover around 20-30km in a day and you will need to be confident cycling on roads. Some sections are along cycle paths but they do not cover the whole route.

Yes, you can bring your own bike if you prefer and a small discount will be provided. Ask our staff for more details.

Yes. It is highly recommended (and essential in many places) that you book your visit in advance. The Hunter Valley is currently very busy and pre-booking allows the local businesses to stay Covid-Safe.


Hunter Valley Short Break Trip reviews


Why cycle with us

SELF GUIDED EXPERTS

As the pioneers of self guided active travel in Australia you can expect a seamless experience. Our quality tour notes and logistical expertise sets us apart and ensures a quality experience for you.

TRUSTED LOCAL ADVICE

Our team is passionate about cycling and their extensive knowledge and experience means you get the very best advice - every time. We will help you tailor the right cycling itinerary for you.

Quality services

Expect first-class and flexible support both on and off the trail. We've sourced the highest quality bikes and most authentic accommodations so you can enjoy a stress free cycling trip.


Positive Impact Travel

By joining this trip you are directly supporting positive impact projects in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

We’ve offset the carbon emitted by this trip by purchasing credits that support important projects that address the UN’s seventeen SDGs, like reducing poverty, affordable and clean energy, reducing hunger, clean water and climate action.

Proceeds from this adventure purchase carbon credits through the world’s largest and most awarded carbon project developer, South Pole, which are invested into projects accelerating the transition to renewable energy sources in developing countries.

Supported projects are based on internationally recognised standards and are third-party audited. They entail a series of positive impacts on the ground, which benefit local communities and ecosystems, that are aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

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