Love is on many a mind at the moment as we celebrate Valentine’s Day, providing a welcome opportunity to shower your loved one with gifts, gestures and symbols of love. Of course, it’s also the chance to embrace the idea of a romantic getaway, but why restrict yourself to one day in 365?
Whether it’s Valentine Day, a weekend of relaxation or stealing a few days mid-week, here is our guide to intimate activities for two in the Hunter, and a sample of what just one romance-filled day could offer…
Sunrise balloon ride
The crisp morning air, the dawn of a new day, and the beauty of the Hunter unfolding as you gently take flight? Balloon Aloft offers sunrise balloon rides over the region taking in the endless vineyards of Broke, Pokolbin, Lovedale and Rothbury.
Setting off and returning to Peterson House Winery, the morning romance is completed with a champagne breakfast.
Cooking school
After a spectacular morning watching the sunrise and mapping out the region, it’s time to get down and dirty, and if “food is symbolic of love” then the shared experience of cooking school is a fitting way to unite life’s passions.
The region boasts a host of cooking schools designed to explore Asian cuisine, pasta making, candy creating and fine dining.
Meanwhile wine making classes are also available.
A bicycle built for two (and some fine wine?)
Spend a leisurely afternoon cycling through vineyards and languishing in the beauty the region has to offer.
Based in Pokolbin, Grapemobile Bike Hire offers tandem bicycle hire to enjoy a leisurely cycle throughout the vineyards at your own romantic pace.
Whether you make your own way to their central office or take advantage of their bus transfer from your accommodation, Grapemobile will willingly kit you out with all the gear required, including a correctly sized bicycle, bottle of water and helmet, then send you on your merry way, map in hand.
They also offer guided tours of the region.
Sunset horseriding
As the wildlife awakens and nature begins to unfold her nocturnal finest, Hunter Valley Horse Riding sets off for a sunset ride.
Offering the opportunity to ride with wallabies and kangaroos while watching the changing hues of a Hunter sunset, trail rides explore the spectacular Molly Morgan Range. During the winter months, riders even return under a clear star-studded sky for an evening completed with a hot chocolate and campfire.
Daytime guided or personalised tours are also available.
Candlelit dinner
Few things conjure romance like a candlelit dinner for two enjoyed with a glass of fine wine. And as you’re in arguably Australia’s premier wine region, both are easy to come by.
Noted by Good Food as the “Disneyland of wineries”, the Hunter offers a smorgasbord of delectable delights around every vine-laden corner.
They recommend Muse for top food “cooked with confidence and finesse”, Bistro Molines for scenery and French provincial dining, and Esca Bimbadgen for modern Australian cuisine and further scenery.
Meanwhile Margan also makes the list with 40% of their produce grown onsite, as does Circa 1876 for its steaks for two “that could probably feed four”.
The Longhouse
After a memorable day exploring all the magic the Hunter has to offer, return to the unique luxury of the Longhouse. Situated in its own private 25-acre vineyard, this architecturally designed masterpiece affords all the comforts desired in addition to a prime location in the Hunter’s romantic heart – Pokolbin.
For further information or to make a booking, see here.