Surrey Hills

Surrey Hills might not be the first name that springs to mind when you think of the Hunter Valley, but this quiet locality is a gem for travellers seeking a more intimate wine-country experience. Nestled among rolling vineyards and eucalypt forests, it offers a laid-back alternative to the busier cellar doors of Pokolbin. Here you’ll find boutique wineries, farm-gate produce, and a genuine sense of rural tranquillity that invites you to slow down and savour every sip.

Highlights & What to See

• Boutique cellar doors – Visit family-run wineries like De Iuliis Wines for handcrafted semillon and shiraz, where the tasting experience is personal and unhurried.
• Hunter Valley Gardens – Just a short drive away, these sprawling theme gardens offer a colourful stroll through 10 distinct garden styles, perfect for a picnic.
• Local produce markets – Hunt down farm gates and roadside stalls selling seasonal fruit, artisan cheeses, and olive oils – the perfect picnic provisions.
• Scenic drives – The winding roads through Surrey Hills reveal postcard views of vine-covered slopes and the distant Broken Back Range, ideal for a self-drive exploration.
• Hot air ballooning – Drift over the valley at sunrise for a bird’s-eye view of the patchwork vineyards – a quintessential Hunter Valley experience.

Suggested Time to Spend

Surrey Hills is best enjoyed as a half-day detour from the main Hunter Valley wine trail. Combine a morning at a couple of cellar doors with a leisurely lunch at a vineyard café or a picnic among the vines. If you’re on a multi-day itinerary, consider overnighting in nearby Pokolbin or Cessnock to fully immerse yourself in the region’s food and wine scene without rushing.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Pokolbin – The heart of Hunter Valley wine country, with dozens of cellar doors, restaurants, and accommodation options just 10 minutes south.
• Cessnock – The main service town of the region, offering budget-friendly stays, pubs, and a glimpse of local life beyond the vineyards.
• Broke – A charming village with its own wine trail, known for its friendly cellar doors and the scenic backdrop of the Broken Back Range.
• Wollombi – A historic village with a classic country pub (the Wollombi Tavern) and a gateway to the Yengo National Park for bushwalking and Aboriginal rock art.
• Hunter Valley Gardens – A must-visit for garden lovers, especially during the annual Christmas lights display or the spring flower festival.

Please check official sources for current details.