How to enjoy the Hunter Valley with kids all year round
As much as we’d like to explore this Aussie region sans-kids, those little rascals are not bad staycay buddies for this weekend away.
The Hunter Valley isn’t just a getaway for grown-ups.
As much as we’d like to leave the children at home and explore this region sans-kids, those little rascals are not bad staycay buddies for a weekend away in wine country.
Look beyond the cellar doors, wine tours and gourmet food experiences and you’ll find a diverse playground that has something for everyone, even our littlies.
There is family-friendly fun to be had all year round in the region just two hours’ drive from Sydney, from visiting wildlife parks and museums to horseback riding and go-karting, the Hunter is brimming with fun – and my kids surprisingly lapped it up.
One attraction smack-bang in the middle of the picturesque paradise is the Hunter Valley Gardens.
Roam the 14 hectares of greenery and you’ll find a buzzing shopping village and 10 differently themed gardens, including the whimsical Storybook Gardens which features 15 of our favourite nursery rhyme characters, such as Humpty Dumpty, Jack and Jill and Alice in Wonderland, transformed into larger-than-life statues and murals.
The photo opportunities are endless, but trying to get kids to smile in said photos is a different story…
However, I guarantee they’ll willing flash those pearly whites during a visit in the winter months when they are guaranteed some snowball action.
Because from June through to July, the Hunter Valley Gardens hosts its annual Snow Time In The Garden spectacular, which is on right now until this Sunday, July 28.
The garden transforms into a winter wonderland that has magical activities and hubs for both the young and the young at heart.
My kids built a snowman (not of Olaf proportions) in the Mega Snow Play Zone, went speeding down the 45-metre Giant Toboggan, and skated their way to the Ice-Skating Rink.
We then went up, up and away on the 25-metre Ferris wheel and took a spin on the Swing Chairs, which gave us awesome views of the winter wonderland.
The food stalls also got the thumbs up. For those craving sweets, beeline for the Waffles & Ice Cream stall – waffles on a stick? It was a ‘yes’ from the fam.
The Hunter Valley Gardens is just as enchanting in the warmer months, especially in the lead up to the festive season when the Christmas Lights Spectacular kicks off in November.
Hailed as the Southern Hemisphere’s largest light display, the event runs through to the New Year and sees more than 4 million lights brighten up the gardens in breathtaking fashion.
More than 8 acres of the Hunter Valley Gardens is aglow with stunning installations such as the Twinkle Tree Trail, Santa’s Arch & Candy Cane Tunnel, and the 12 Days of Christmas LED Display.
Photo opportunities also await at the 14-metre tall Christmas tree and the giant 2.5-metre illuminated Santa Claus. The kids ask if we can visit again then, and promise to smile on their own accords this time.
We made a weekend out of visit to the Hunter with a stay at the centrally located Leisure Inn Pokolbin Hill – a 25-acre, resort-style hotel set directly opposite the Hunter Valley Gardens.
Recently acquired by the global Seibu Prince Hotels & Resorts chain, this family-friendly retreat is nearby many other activities and attractions – my kids loved the Hunter Valley Chocolate Company just a 2-minute drive down the road – making the Leisure Inn an ideal base for our getaway.
We were treated to a cute Kids Explorers Pack for our stay and the kids were greeted with pitched teepee filled with treasures, including colouring books, bathtime goodies, an assortment of treats, and a cuddly soft toy they could take home as a souvenir.
The stand-alone villas are all self-contained, and the kids enjoyed the swimming pool, tennis court and outdoor table tennis table just a short stroll from ours.
For us mums and dads, a sneaky vino on the porch as you take in the lakeside views at sunset will help to recharge and re-energise.
So tranquil is the retreat that we were greeted by a family of ducks at our sliding door and kangaroos came skipping by as we played a game of tennis.
Family-friendly with skippy at our doorstep? It was definitely a weekend to remember.
Visit the Seibu Prince Hotels & Resorts to book a stay at the Leisure Inn and add your Kids Explorers Pack to your booking.
For tickets to Snow Time In The Gardens, visit Hunter Valley Gardens.
This writer visited Snow Time In The Gardens as a guest of the Hunter Valley Gardens and Leisure Inn Pokolbin Hill.