Going to the chapel?
by iandsmith
So, there you are, faced with the prospect of your daughter getting married and not a decent church in sight. What to do? Build your own obviously! Wonder why you hadn't thought of that yourself. (Perhaps money had something to do with that decision!) Well, it didn't stop the Roche family. I mean, the 20 million they poured into the wonderful Hunter Valley Gardens makes the cost of a small church seem insignificant. The result is a church where anyone can get married and what a wonderful setting it is. From inside the church the judicious placing of the stained glass means the sun lights it up brilliantly for much of the day while from the outside there are the delightfully landscaped gardens by the pond, just the setting for those wedding photos.
Bush tracks
by iandsmith
There was a time when 99% of people stuck to the tarred road. City folk don't like dirt generally. It puts dust on their four wheel drives.
However, the proliferation of wineries has made going up country lanes and dead end streets a most enjoyable activity. You have to remember, the wineries here are well past the three figure mark and they extend past the end of the Broke Road all the way into the Upper Hunter and beyond.
The tourist information centre at Cessnock Airport is a good place to start as you can see on a map where you are and then plan your activities. The ones that cater for mass tourism or just a quiet corner where you may be the only person tasting, you decide.
The point I am trying to make here is, don't limit yourself, think outside the square.
Ballooning in the Hunter
by aussirose
Ballooning is very popular in the Hunter. It's lovely viewing the vinyards from the air. I recommend it if you want to to something a little different and romantic. They supplied a certificate and champyne brunch when we finished our flight.
Sign in with Facebook
Close up of courtyard fountain
Did I say indulgence? How about a gelato burger?
WAint tasting
One of many in the area
