Hunter Valley Breweries and Pubs For A Pint

Come away from the Hunter Valley with a new sense of reverence after bouncing between its best breweries and pubs.

Trade in the well-travelled winery trail to visit the Hunter Valley’s breweries and pubs. The region’s burgeoning ale trail is dotted with great breweries and pubs. Take your pick from our list of must-visit stops to experience a different side to the Hunter.

In short

If you only visit one brewery or pub in the Hunter Valley, make it The Pourhouse. Consider this pub your local while you’re visiting the Hunter Valley: it’s all about good vibes, craft beer and cocktails.

1. 4 Pines at the Farm

4 Pines at the Farm, Hunter Valley — This family-run Hunter Valley brewery is renowned for producing quality beers on tap.

There is something about the Hunter Valley that invites escape. And while the region is best known as NSW’s Wine Country, Hunter Valley breweries such as 4 Pines at the Farm are also proving a draw. The fact you can stay and play at this family-run Hunter Valley brewery based at the Hunter Valley Resort means you will have a new appreciation for all the great things that are brewing here. All up, there are 12 quality beers on tap at the brewery, which overlooks the crumpled folds of the Broken Back Ranges.

Address: Cnr Hermitage Road and Mistletoe Lane, Pokolbin

2. Peter Drayton Wines and IronBark Hill Brewhouse

a group enjoying a tasting at IronBark Hill Brewhouse, Hunter Valley — Take your tasting outside at IronBark Hill Brewhouse. (Image: Time Out)

Silence settles like a blanket over this boutique Hunter Valley winery, distillery and brewhouse when the crowds thin out and you’ve settled into your villa at IronBark Hill Retreat. In addition to being a picturesque place to tap into the Hunter Valley’s craft beer scene at IronBark Hill Brewing , you can taste niche wines such as Montepulciano and barbera at Peter Drayton Wines and small-batch gin at the new Wildstreak Distillery . This terrific trifecta is at the foot of the Broken Back Range.  Bookings for Wildstreak Kitchen are recommended.

Address: 694 Hermitage Road, Pokolbin

3. Sydney Brewery Hunter Valley

a hand holding a glass of beer at Sydney Brewery Hunter Valley — Check out what’s brewing at Sydney Brewery Hunter Valley.

Go behind the scenes at Sydney Brewery Hunter Valley , which produced its first batch of beer in 2014. The independent brewhouse, which has a sister venue in Surry Hills, Alexandria and Rozelle is a large-scale brewery built on the back of Lovedale Bar & Grill at the Rydges Resort Hunter Valley. It’s one of the most family-friendly places to eat, stay and play in the Hunter Valley.  Enjoy pub classics such as fish and chips alongside a pint of Lovedale Lager while overlooking the 9th and 10th holes of Hunter Valley Golf course.

Address: 430 Wine Country Drive, Lovedale

4. The Caledonian Hotel

the exterior of The Caledonian Hotel, Hunter Valley — The Caledonian Hotel dates back to the early 1900s. (Image: Pink Donkey)

For me, there’s nothing that inspires a thirst more than pulling into Singleton and seeing this iconic pub with its long verandahs and cast-iron balustrades. The Caledonian Hotel is popular with the local high-vis brigade who converge here to play pool and have a few pints. The Cali is also a top spot for Thai bites such as satay skewers, fish cakes and laksa. Rumour has it the hotel is one of the most haunted places in Australia. As a scaredy cat, I’m likely to ghost my mates and find alternate accommodation in the Hunter Valley.

Address: 40 George St, Singleton

5. The Pourhouse

The Pourhouse in Maitland is primarily an alehouse. But it is also part live music venue and eatery. Craft beer, classic cocktails, and considered pub grub coexist here in perfect harmony. Housed in the former Exchange Hotel, established in 1866, it operated as a hotel and then an antique emporium until 2013 when two Maitland mates decided to buy it. The Pourhouse gives off inner-west Sydney vibes. There’s great food, live music, craft beer and cocktails and all manner of nooks in which to kick back.

Address: 327 High St, Maitland

6. The Imperial Maitland

the pub exterior of The Imperial Maitland, Hunter Valley — Expect live entertainment at the Irish-themed pub. (Image: The Imperial Maitland)

Have you even been to the Hunter if you’ve not stopped off at The Imperial Maitland . The Irish-themed pub is one of the mainstays in the region with its roster of karaoke nights and live entertainment. The wine list here includes a lot of Hunter Valley wines as well as pub classics such as cheeseburgers, salt and pepper squid and parmy toppers. Enjoy a walk along the historic Hunter River, find the best place to have coffee in the Hunter Valley and then make it to Maitland for a pub meal.

Address: 458 High Street, Maitland

7. The Royal Hotel

The Royal Hotel is an unpretentious Hunter Valley pub that is filled with families putting away fish and chips and schnitties and burly country blokes bending the elbow at the bar. There is an impressive range of beers on tap as well as locally made wines that provide a sense of place. The Sunday lunch here is legendary, and there is a weekly roster of trivia, live music and happy hours. Best of all you can bunker down at the simple pub-style room if you’ve had one too many to drive.

Address: 84 George St, Singleton

8. Pokolbin Cider House

a group enjoying drinks among the vines at Pokolbin Cider House, Hunter Valley — Immerse yourself in a paddle tasting among the vines.

Pokolbin Cider House now has a 200-seat outdoor area that looks over the gnarled vines of this picturesque property in Pokolbin. Be sure to book ahead for a paddle tasting and ploughman’s lunch: start with a Pear Perry, progress to Sweet Apple and Passionfruit Perry and onto The Dark Grape at the cider house. The cider house hits the sweet spot in the heart of Hunter Valley Wine Country with its dedicated dessert bar and regular Sunday acoustic sessions.

Address: 2342 Broke Road, Pokolbin

9. Hope Brewery, Pokolbin

a group enjoying a sunset wine tasting at Hope Brewery, Pokolbin — Enjoy a tasting at sunset. (Image: Destination NSW)

Lovers of both beer and wine will want to hang out in the Hunter Valley that little bit longer when they visit the completely revamped cellar door at Hope Estate. If escapades with your tribe include big-ticket music events such as the Gin & Jazz Festival or Big Ram Beer & BBQ Festival hosted by Hope Estate, then this is the cellar door for you. In addition to the regular roster of music events, Hope Estate has nine brand-new artisan gins, vodka and moonshine to try as well as 15 wines.

Address: 2213 Broke Road, Pokolbin

10. Wollombi Tavern

people chilling out at Wollombi Tavern, Hunter Valley — Grab a pint and a stellar pub feed at Wollombi Tavern.

Get out your favourite red-checked flanno and get down to this brilliant boozer in the village of Wollombi. While the original tavern founded in 1868 was destroyed by fire, thirsty travellers have included the current outpost in their bar crawls since the 1950s. That’s largely thanks to the allure of Dr Jurd’s Jungle Juice, an iconic elixir dating back to 1929. While Wollombi Tavern is the gateway to NSW’s Wine Country, you could do worse than park yourself here in the beer garden for pizza and pints.

Address: 2994 Great N Road, Wollombi

11. Harrigan’s Hunter Valley

the pub at Harrigan’s Hunter Valley — Harrigan’s is tucked within scenic vineyards. (Image: Destination NSW)

The honeyed light that hits Harrigan’s on a sunny Sunday afternoon makes it a beacon for those looking for a place to have a pint in the Hunter Valley. Drop in at the weekend to see live music in the beer garden where you can eat al fresco under the terrace festooned with fairy lights and meet some of the chatty locals. Harrigan’s is the only pub located within the vineyards. It’s also two minutes from Hunter Valley Gardens, one of the best places to visit in the Hunter Valley, and offers both accommodation and dining.

Address: 2090 Broke Road, Pokolbin

12. The Valley Brewhouse

The Valley Brewhouse, Hunter Valley — The former Mighty Hunter Valley has been transformed into a bistro, bar and beer garden all in one taphouse.

It’s a bar, it’s a bistro, it’s a beer garden. This grain-to-glass taphouse (formerly The Mighty Hunter Valley) is where you will find a range of the brewery’s own beers on tap. Set amid the historic brick beehive kilns in the old Potters Hotel, in Nulkaba, The Valley Brewhouse is a hub for craft brewers and the ideal environment for large groups with individual needs as there’s something for all. Book a tour on Fridays and Saturdays or a guided tasting on Wednesdays to Saturdays.

Address: Wine Country Drive, Nulkaba

Sunshine, sea breezes and sand-speckled locals: the Sutherland Shire is perfect for an idyllic Sydney summer.

The Sutherland Shire is one of Sydney’s most dynamic regions. Home to an eclectic mix of top-notch eateries and drinking holes, a flourishing arts scene, and striking land and seascapes, it’s a haven for foodies, culture seekers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

It’s also an ever-evolving destination with a constant wave of new places to eat and drink, and under-the-radar pockets to explore – many of which are dog-friendly.

If you’re venturing to this gorgeous part of the world this summer, here’s your guide to what’s new and worth discovering.

Savour the summer dining scene

Fred’s After Hours on the sutherland shire — Pop into Fred’s After Hours.

The Shire’s buzzing dining scene is one of its biggest drawcards, and many of the region’s culinary highlights can be found in the sun-soaked beachside hub of Cronulla. A bunch of newcomers have recently set up shop, making the area ripe for culinary adventure.

Homer Rogue Taverna is exactly as its name suggests: a cheeky take on classic Greek food. Expect meze and mains bursting with bold flavours and a wine list packed with standout Greek drops.

Freds Providore – a Cronulla favourite for casual cafe fare and excellent coffee – is now open late from Thursday to Sunday. Come sundown, it morphs into Fred’s After Hours, serving a refined European-inspired menu, wines, cocktails and a laid-back yet polished vibe.

Bobbys is a slick destination right on Cronulla Beach, where you can grab a plate of freshly-caught seafood and a summery cocktail while cooling off in the sea breeze.

And if you’re after a bit of everything, the sprawling and multifaceted Parc Pavilion is a melting pot of dining experiences. It blends a cafe, bistro, bar, Italian restaurant and a host of regular events, all tied together in a cool coastal setting.

Got a Saturday morning to spare? The Shire Farmers Market in Sutherland is a must-do ritual, letting you (and your four-legged friend) browse fresh produce, flowers and gourmet treats against a backdrop of live music and local chatter.

Dive into ocean pools

ocean pool on the sutherland shire — The ocean pools beckon.

Given its prime coastal positioning, the Shire teems with crystal-clear ocean pools and enclosed bathing spots. Silver Beach Tidal Baths offers a netted
swimming experience in Botany Bay. Tucked beside a small sandy beach, the tidal baths at Gunnamatta Park are calm and shallow – making them an ideal setting for less confident swimmers.

Just a hop and a skip away is Shelly Park Ocean Pool, a magical rock pool carved in the ocean. It’s well-suited to young kids and offers sweeping views towards the open sea.

Experience local arts and culture

Hazelhurst Arts Centre in Gymea is elegantly positioned within a lush garden landscape, serving as the Sutherland Shire’s premier destination for arts and culture. This summer, experience the Art on Paper Award 2025 – a celebration of innovation and creativity through the versatile medium of paper.

Set within the leafy surrounds of Hazelhurst Arts Centre, Hazel Kitchen & Bar has curated the ultimate picnic experience. Think abundant cheese platters, artisan charcuterie boards, fresh OJ and a thoughtfully chosen wine list, all available to take away and enjoy in the art-filled gardens just beyond the restaurant. Best of all, four-legged friends are welcome to join the fun.

Next, venture south to the artsy village of Bundeena for the monthly Bundeena and Maianbar Art Trail . This self-guided journey through local artists’ studios offers a glimpse into their work and creative spaces.

Relish the dog-friendly atmosphere

a dog on Greenhills Dog Beach sutherland shire — Let the dog off-leash at Greenhills Dog Beach.

The Sutherland Shire is a bona fide playground for pups and their humans. Find a string of dog-friendly beaches popular with locals, visitors and pups alike. Silver Beach in Kurnell is a peaceful pocket, allowing dogs off-leash without restriction. While Horderns Beach in Bundeena and Greenhills Beach in Cronulla are equally serene and provide off-leash access (be sure to check times and seasonal restrictions before you go).

If you’re planning to make a weekend of it, book yourself and your pooch into Quest Cronulla . With stylish and spacious pet-friendly accommodation, thoughtful amenities, and a prime location just steps from Cronulla Esplanade and a variety of dog-friendly cafes, it’s the perfect spot to rest after a full day of exploring.

Get into nature

Sunrise at Curracurrong Falls and Eagle Rock in the Royal National Park, Sydney. — Find natural beauty in Royal National Park. (Image: Destination NSW)

You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to outdoor escapes: imagine rugged bushwalks, breezy beachside tracks, meandering cycling trails and lookouts galore. The best part? Many of them are perfectly suited to dogs.

Take your canine to Cronulla Esplanade – the Shire’s version of the famed Bondi to Coogee Walk. This eight-kilometre route takes you past the region’s most picturesque beaches, offering panoramic vistas and an electric energy. It heaves with locals every morning and weekend, getting their steps in with a coffee in one hand and a dog leash in the other.

If you’re travelling without furry friends, stop by the Royal National Park. You’ll be engulfed in ancient bushland, craggy cliffs, towering rock formations, diverse wildlife and twisting tracks. The Jibbon Loop Track is a highlight, with spectacular views over the sea. Alternatively, the Karloo Track forms a loop that winds through untamed bush, freshwater pools and waterfalls. Re-lace your walking shoes or grab a bike to follow The Bundeena Drive to Marley Walk past freshwater pools and creeks, on to scenic beach views of Little Marley Beach.

Hit up the beautiful beaches

aerial of cronulla beach and esplanade — Enjoy postcard-perfect beaches. (Image: Destination NSW)

The stretch along Cronulla bursts with postcard-perfect beaches, each offering a different flavour. With rolling waves, regular patrol and a steady stream of beachgoers, Cronulla Beach and North Cronulla Beach are buzzy and built for all kinds of swimmers. Elouera Beach is a quieter option, attracting early-morning surfers hoping to catch the perfect wave.

If you prefer a side of dramatic scenery, visit Wanda or Greenhills – in addition to ocean panoramas, both are backed by towering golden dunes and wild scrub. Looking for something more subdued? Shelly Beach Ocean Pool is a relaxed – yet no less captivating – retreat.

Start planning your Sutherland Shire summer at visitsutherlandshire.com.au.

The ultimate ale trail: 12 Hunter Valley breweries and pubs