hunter valley
 

Can anyone suggest a nice place to stay for two non-walkers and tour(s) to go on in the lower hunter valley during July? We will be driving from Sydney. First time there.

Dear frigidnorth,
when you say non walkers I presume you mean yourselves, but the tour(s) am I correct in presuming you mean go on organised tours? You can get a tourist map of the area/wineries and just drive around at your leisure, if you like the look of one, drop in, if not keep driving. Some wineries are huge and cater for large crowds others are smaller boutique vineyards, same as most wine regions. I can recommend some after chatting with my husband who is keen. But make sure you put Tyrells on your list. How nice is nice? How much do you want to spend, the skys the limit if you want! There is a great place called The Tower. Let me know the budget and I can research some for you. Or if you want to post some ones you have searched I can see if I can help you to decide. There are also some good antique shops, cheese shops, chocolate shops, gift shops etc. Roberts restaurant is very good. Let me know. schnauzer

There is a very good tourist info centre on the main road coming into the Pokolbin area. They can book accommodation, hot-air balloon rides, horse carriage tours, limo tours etc. and supply all the info you will need. Also check out www.winecountry.com.au. Our favourite place to stay is Peppers Guest House. Fabulous location, marvellous food, lovely rooms & suites. Hunter Estate is a cheaper choice but is very good and has a lovely restaurant attached to their winery. We've stayed many times. Check out www.wotif.com for 14 day in advance rates. If it is weekends or school holiday you may need to book 30 days in advance. Otherwise just drive up early & enjoy the scenery. Don't miss Scarborough (fabulous Chardonnay) & Bimbagen Wineries. Esca restaurant at Bimbagen has some of the best food we've eaten, anywhere in this galaxy!

This is the wbsite for Peppers.
http://www.peppers.com.au/site.asp?siteid=3

Sorry I should have said Hunter Resort NOT Hunter Estate. http://www.huntervalley.com.au/

I am hoping not to have to drive to much while in AU and so if there are tours that take you to wineries all the better. As far as a place to stay my wife prefers 4 star - 5 star type places.