There are many different things to do in Cessnock NSW, including wine tasting, historical sites, and shopping. Visitors can explore the town’s Aboriginal, coal, and convict past, and take in the local art galleries, antique shops, and craft stores. This city is home to a world-class golf course, and offers a variety of dining options, including themed winery eateries. Adventure tours are also available, so visitors can get the feel of what a small town is like and enjoy the outdoors.
Ivanhoe Wines
If you are planning a trip to the Hunter Valley, don’t miss Ivanhoe Wines in Cesnock, NSW. This family-owned winery has a cellar door that is reminiscent of the original 1855 Ivanhoe Homestead. You can visit the winery and try their wines, or simply sip their renowned wines while you dine in the onsite restaurant.
From Newcastle, Cessnock is a thirty-nine-mile (50-kilometer) drive. It will take about 46 minutes to reach the town center in normal traffic. If you have some time to spare, make sure to stop at Pokolbin, Singleton Visitor Information Centre, and Undercliff Winery & Gallery/Settlers Cottage on the way. You can easily get to Cessnock via car, or take the bus from Newcastle.
Audrey Wilkinson Vineyard
If you’re looking for a great winery to visit while in Cessnock, Audrey Wilkinson Vineyard should be on your list. This vineyard sits on a hill with spectacular views of the Hunter Valley. There are plenty of options for wine tasting, starting at just $5 per person. You can also purchase premium wines. Be prepared for a line up, especially on a busy weekend.
The vineyard has a long history, as Audrey’s father had passed away when she was just fifteen. She eventually took over the family vineyard, and since then, she has been making some of Australia’s best wines. Visitors can enjoy a VIP wine tasting experience, complete with cheese and chocolate platters. After tasting the wines, you can indulge in artisan chocolate with each glass. You can also head over to the nearby Bago Maze and Winery, about a 30 minute drive from Port Macquarie. Located on the North Coast, the Bago Maze and Winery offers live music and access to the vineyard’s huge hedge maze.
Peterson House
Nestled in the heart of the Hunter Valley wine region, Peterson House in Cessnock, Australia offers a romantic setting for your wedding. With sandstone walls, the property boasts a multi-award winning Restaurant Cuvee. Open for breakfast from 8.30am to 11am and lunch from 12pm to 3pm, the a-la-carte menu features regional and seasonal produce and modern Australian cuisine.
Located in the heart of the Hunter Valley, Peterson House has been in business for 20 years, offering daily tastings and sales. The winery is a unique destination for those seeking premium sparkling wine. The winery is owned and operated by the Peterson family, who remain major shareholders and sparkle water in-house. It also features a stunning view of the surrounding vineyards and makes a lovely stop for a delicious lunch or dinner.
Hunter Valley Gardens
The Hunter Valley Gardens is a two-hour drive north of Sydney. Take the F3 freeway and exit at the Cessnock/Vineyards exit. The gardens are situated near Pokolbin and are perfect for families to enjoy. You can even find some great dining options near the entrance. Whether you’re a fan of nature or just love flowers, the Hunter Valley Gardens will definitely delight you.
Located among vineyards, the Hunter Valley Gardens are the perfect setting for a romantic afternoon or a romantic weekend. There are 10 themed gardens, including a children’s storybook garden, Japanese garden, and Chinese garden. A shady lawn with a waterfall is an enjoyable place to unwind after a long day of sightseeing and tasting. For a memorable wedding ceremony, the Gardens offer a wonderful location to hold the reception.
During your stay, you can enjoy the gardens, the wineries, and the nearby Mercure Resort. Nearby attractions include the Roche Estate and Tempus Two Winery. You can also take a walk around Cessnock’s scenic area, or go mountain biking or horseback riding. There’s also a golf course. The nearby Hunter Valley Zoo and the Werakata National Park are also worth a visit.
Tyrrell’s Wines
For those looking for a truly unique wine experience, head to Tyrrell’s Wines in Cessanock NSW. A long-running family wine estate, this historic venue features master classes, barrel tastings, and barrel-aging tours. Wine enthusiasts will appreciate the vineyard’s history and the opportunity to learn about its production processes. Here, you can enjoy barrel tastings and master classes while you enjoy the wine estate’s deliciously unique menu.
The family-owned company started in 1858 by English immigrant Edward Tyrrell. Now, the company has vineyards from the Hunter Valley to the Heathcote region in Victoria. The company’s flagship wine, Vat 1 Semillon, is a legend. Since its founding, Tyrrell’s has won more than 5,000 awards. In 2010, the winery was awarded ‘Winery of the Year’.
The company is family-owned and produces high-quality wines. The winery is open Monday to Sunday and is closed for Good Friday, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Years Day, and the two major public holidays of Australia – Christmas and New Years. The winery closes at 15 minutes prior to closing, so plan your visit accordingly. If you are in the area during these times, you might want to plan a visit for after hours to avoid crowds.
Cessnock Regional Art Gallery
There are plenty of activities to enjoy in Cessnock, NSW. While the city has many attractions and restaurants, you might also want to check out the local zoo or visit the town’s museum. If you have time to explore the city, you can also visit local shops and galleries. There are plenty of places to grab lunch or dinner. There are plenty of things to do in Cessnock for people of all ages, from families to couples.
The Water Board building is an example of Art Deco architecture. You can also visit Kearsley Chambers on Vincent Street, which was built in 1956 after the former Kearsley Shire merged with the new Cessnock Shire Council. The building was designed by Arthur Sarroff, who was working out of his van in the early years before deciding to build a permanent place to conduct business. The building is one of only six remaining examples of an “old-style” bakery in Australia.
Brokenwood Wines
Located in Pokolbin, Brokenwood Wines is one of the most popular wineries in New South Wales, Australia. It is a short drive from pristine golf courses and the stunning Hunter Valley Gardens. If you’re in the mood for some wine tasting, you can take the Brokenwood wine tour. Afterwards, you can sample pre-release bottles of the wine that is aging in barrels.
This winery is located in the Hunter Valley, Australia’s oldest wine growing region. It is just two hours drive from Sydney, making it an ideal midweek getaway or weekend getaway. The town of Pokolbin, located fifteen minutes away, is the heart of the Hunter Valley and boasts luxurious hotels, gourmet food producers, and outdoor activities. Brokenwood Wines offers a range of wine, food, and wine tasting experiences for any type of occasion.
Hunter Valley Zoo
For a family-friendly day out in Cessnock, NSW, Hunter County, and a great way to experience the region’s beautiful wine country, the Hunter Valley Wildlife Park is an ideal destination. This wildlife park is conveniently located on the main road from Cessnock to Hunter Valley Wine Country. It is two hours south of Sydney and has free gas barbecue facilities and undercover seating. Visitors can also bring their prams and kids can play in the small playground.
Located five minutes from Cessnock in Nulkaba, the Hunter Valley Zoo offers an abundance of animal encounters. Visitors can enjoy the zoo’s picnic grounds and free BBQ facilities. The zoo also offers daily animal feedings so families can get up close to their favorite creatures. It’s also a great place to host a birthday party, group gathering, or family reunion.
10 interesting facts about Cessnock NSW
- Cessnock is a city located in the Hunter Region of New South Wales, Australia. It has a population of around 22,000 people.
- Cessnock is known for its coal mining industry and its wineries. It is located in the Hunter Valley wine region, which is home to more than 150 wineries.
- The city is located in the Lower Hunter Valley, about 90 kilometers (56 miles) northwest of the city of Newcastle.
- The city was named after an Aboriginal word meaning “place of many whites” or “place of many rocks.”
- The city has a rich history and was originally settled by the Wanaruah people, who were the traditional custodians of the land.
- Cessnock has a number of local attractions, including the Cessnock Performing Arts Centre, the Cessnock Regional Art Gallery, and the Cessnock City Library.
- The city is home to a number of sporting clubs and facilities, including the Cessnock Goannas Rugby League Football Club and the Cessnock Rugby Union Football Club.
- The city is located in a region with a humid subtropical climate, with hot, humid summers and cool, wet winters. The average high temperature in the summer is around 27°C (81°F) and the average low temperature in the winter is around 10°C (50°F).
- Cessnock is located in the heart of the Hunter Valley, which is known for its beautiful landscape, including vineyards, wineries, and national parks.
- The city has a vibrant arts and culture scene, with a number of local festivals and events held throughout the year, including the Cessnock Music Festival, the Cessnock Agricultural Show, and the Cessnock Art Prize.
