Epic Ale Trail: Hunter Valley Breweries and Pubs

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

There are plenty of places to entice along the Hunter Valley’s burgeoning ale trail which is dotted with great breweries and pubs. Take your pick from our list of must-visit stops and trade in the well-travelled winery trail to experience a different side to the Hunter.

1. The Valley Brewhouse

It’s a bar, it’s a bistro, it’s a beer garden. This grain-to-glass taphouse, which was recently revamped and renamed (formerly The Mighty Hunter Valley), is where you will find a range of the brewery’s own beers on tap.

a classy dining interior at Mighty Hunter Valley — Dine inside the classy indoor setting.

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.

an al fresco setting at Mighty Hunter Valley — The Valley Brewhouse is situated on sprawling grounds.

Address: Wine Country Drive, Nulkaba

2. 4 Pines at the Farm

There is something about arriving in the Hunter Valley that invites escape. And while it’s a region best known for its award-winning wines, breweries such as 4 Pines at the Farm are proving a draw for lovers of craft beer, too.

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 family-friendly brewery, which overlooks the crumpled folds of the Broken Back Ranges.

an aerial view of the 4 Pines at the Farm property — Check out what’s brewing at 4 Pines at the Farm.

Address: Corner Hermitage Road & Mistletoe Lane, Pokolbin

3. Peter Drayton Wines and IronBark Hill Brewhouse

Silence settles like a blanket over this boutique Hunter Valley winery and brewhouse when the crowds thin out and you’ve settled into your villa at the IronBark Hill Retreat. And in addition to being a picturesque place to tap into the Hunter Valley’s craft beer scene, you can taste small-batch Australian gin at the new Wildstreak Distillery and niche wines such as Tyrian, Montepulciano and Barbera at Peter Drayton Wines and IronBark Hill Brewhouse , at the foot of the Broken Back Range. The Brewhouse features 12 of the brewery’s own beers and ciders on tap and from Wednesday to Sunday, the onsite Wildstreak Pizzeria and Kitchen serves up piping hot gourmet pizzas from its outdoor pizza oven, as well as its famous wings alongside salads and small plates. Bookings are recommended.

friends enjoying food and drinks at IronBark Hill Brewhouse — Take your tasting outside at IronBark Hill Brewhouse. (Image: Destination NSW)

Address: 694 Hermitage Rd, Pokolbin

4. Sydney Brewery Hunter Valley

Go behind the scenes at the Sydney Brewery Hunter Valley , which produced its first batch of beer in 2014. The independent brewhouse, which has a sister venue in Surry Hills, is a large-scale brewery that is built on the back of Lovedale Bar & Bistro located at the Rydges Resort Hunter Valley, one of the most family-friendly places to stay in the Hunter Valley.

the indoor setting of Lovedale Bar & Bistro — Snag a spot inside Lovedale Bar & Bistro.

Enjoy pub classics such as fish and chips alongside a pint of Lovedale Lager while overlooking the 9th and 10th hole of the Hunter Valley Golf course.

a bartender holding a cold beer at Sydney Brewery — Quench your thirst at Sydney Brewery.

Address: 430 Wine Country Dr, Lovedale

5. The Caledonian Hotel

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

The Caledonian Hotel is one of Australia’s great classic Aussie pubs and popular with high-vis brigade who converge here to play pool and scoff great Thai starters like satay skewers, fish cakes and pad Thai.

the entrance door at The Caledonian Hotel — Step inside the iconic Caledonian Hotel. (Image: Pink Donkey)

Rumour has it that the hotel is one of the most haunted places in Australia so if you’re a scaredy cat, you might need to ghost your mates and find alternate accommodation in the Hunter Valley.

a spacious al fresco dining spot at The Caledonian Hotel — Dine al fresco under huge umbrellas. (Image: Pink Donkey)

Address: 40 George St, Singleton

6. The Pourhouse

The Pourhouse in Maitland is primarily an alehouse but 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 Street, Maitland

7. 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

8. 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 give a sense of place to the act of raising a glass to the Aussie pub. 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 Street (New England Highway), Singleton

9. Pokolbin Ciderhouse

Pokolbin Ciderhouse 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 ciderhouse located in the heart of Hunter Valley Wine Country.

friends dining at Pokolbin Ciderhouse — Dine next to scenic vineyards at Pokolbin Ciderhouse.

The ciderhouse hits the sweet spot with its dedicated dessert bar, Sabore, and regular Sunday acoustic sessions.

Address: 2342 Broke Road, Pokolbin

10. Hope Brewery, Pokolbin

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.

the Hope Estate signage in the Hunter Valley — Hope Estate is situated at the heart of the Hunter Valley.

If escapades with your tribe include big-ticket music events such as the Gin & Jazz Festival or the 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 14 wines and a range of 30 beers on tap.

drinks at Hope Brewery, Hunter Valley — Order a tasting paddle at Hope Brewery.

Address: 2213 Broke Road, Pokolbin

11. Wollombi Tavern

Get out your favourite red-checked flanno and get down to this brilliant boozer in the colonial village of Wollombi.

the vintage interior of Wollombi Tavern, Hunter Valley — The interior of Wollombi Tavern screams vintage.

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 thanks to the allure of Dr Jurd’s Jungle Juice, an iconic elixir that dates back to 1929.

people dining outside Wollombi Tavern, Hunter Valley — Find an airy spot to sit on the deck.

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 a few pints.

Address: 2994 Great N Road, Wollombi

12. Harrigan’s Hunter Valley

The honeyed light that hits Harrigan’s on a sunny Sunday afternoon makes it a beacon for those looking for the best places to have a pint in the Hunter. 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.

Previously known as the Tallawanta Hotel, Harrigan’s has been going strong since 2000 as it’s the only pub located within the vineyards. It’s also two minutes from the Hunter Valley Gardens, one of the best places to visit in the Hunter Valley, and offers both accommodation and dining.

an al fresco terrace at Harrigan’s Hunter Valley — Enjoy a pint and a stellar pub feed at Harrigan’s. (Image: Destination NSW)

Address: 2090 Broke Rd, Pokolbin

13. Morpeth Brewery inside the Commerical Hotel

Morpeth Brewery, an offshoot of the River Port Brewing Company, anchored in the community at the historic hotel in the heart of beautiful Morpeth. The family-run business brews more than 40 different styles of beer, including the popular Black Tractor Dark Ale, the Close Call Pale Ale, and the Big Easy Vienna-style lager.

The grand hotel is an institution, first licensed in April in 1881, when patrons would arrive at the popular Hunter Valley pub by horse and cart. The hotel has a bistro as well as the moody Miss Mullens Bar, the elegant upstairs bar. It also has a pet-friendly beer garden.

a chalkboard sign at Morpeth Brewery — Head to Morpeth Brewery for a beer served inside a slice of history. (Image: Destination NSW)

Address: 127 Swan Street, Morpeth

For more delightful drinks to try in the Hunter, follow our gin distillery Hunter Valley trail and read up on the best wineries to visit.

Discover the magic of a Sydney staycation in summer at The Fullerton Hotel Sydney.

Sydney City is magical in summer. Warm summer evenings beg to be spent sipping cool cocktails at one of many al fresco and rooftop bars. Ferries and buses are ready to transport travellers to the best nearby beaches for salty days on the sand. National parks and rainforests are waiting to be explored. And the city’s events calendar is packed, from live music to cultural attractions. All elements that call for a Sydney staycation.

Discover where to eat, stay and play for the perfect local getaway.

Where to stay

The Fullerton Hotel Sydney

Amid the bustle of the perfect Sydney staycation, one needs a place to escape to and recharge. Enter, The Fullerton Hotel Sydney . The hotel is an icon in its own right – nestled inside the 151-year-old building that was originally Sydney’s General Post Office, its heritage-listed sandstone walls and Victorian renaissance grandeur have been carefully preserved – providing a rare chance to sleep within Sydney’s history.

Despite its fascinating history, the hotel isn’t short on modern, luxurious comforts. Rooms and suites are available in both the modern high-rise with gorgeous views over the clock tower and lively city below, or inside the historical post office building itself.

the Fullerton Hotel Sydney Heritage Long Suite bathroom — Heritage rooms maintain their old-world style.

Either way, guests can enjoy sophisticated touches, including a deluxe bed and pillow menu, Harman Kardon Bluetooth speakers, a digital concierge, a Vittoria coffee machine and amenities from the Balmain bathroom collection.

The team at this five-star hotel provides excellence and a quality experience for all their guests, while amenities like a gym help with a well-rounded stay. For a peaceful moment with sweeping city views, enter The Fullerton Club Lounge on level 28. This private haven for dining and relaxation is available to any guests staying on the hotel’s club floors and suites.

Add to this a central location in the CBD’s Martin Place, with easy access to Sydney’s top attractions, and convenience meets style.

Where to drink & dine

1. The Bar

the Fullerton Hotel afternoon tea at the bar — Indulge in the Fullerton Signature Afternoon Tea.

Inside The Fullerton Hotel Sydney’s lobby, The Bar does more than sling a few delicious cocktails (although it certainly does that well). Its brown leather chairs and glass ceiling create the perfect, almost al fresco, setting for the Fullerton Signature Afternoon Tea .

Served daily from 12 to 4 pm, the afternoon tea is a nod to the cherished social occasion it once was during the Victorian Renaissance era. People like to dress up for this afternoon tea, and if you’re lucky, a pianist often sits down at the on-site grand piano, just adding to the elegance.

The afternoon tea is served high tea style, offering reimagined British flavours of the Victorian Renaissance era with a unique blend of Australia’s culinary heritage. A sweet layer offers delights like a Malted Milk Envelope (a milk mousse layered between two biscuits), Bakewell Pudding (a super tasty egg-based pudding), and Apple Charlotte.

On the savoury layer, expect finger sandwiches with fillings like cucumber, egg and smoked salmon. While classic pinwheels and stuffed eggs almost make the menu. And, of course, all finished off with traditional scones served with cream and mixed berry jam.

Can’t fit in a whole afternoon tea? Be sure to at least order a slice of the 32-layered chocolate cake, a decadent mix of dark chocolate crémeux, fresh whipped cream, and Valrhona Azélia chocolate sauce. ⁣

2. The Place

the Fullerton Hotel the place dining — Dine in the stunning GPO atrium.

On level one of The Fullerton Hotel Sydney lives The Place – the hotel’s restaurant, in an atrium overlooking the former GPO. Here, dine on Modern Australian cuisine – think fresh, local seafood and a Riverina steak sandwich – along with a touch of Singaporean signature dishes, like Thai-style green curry or chicken satay. All in the shadow of the GPO clock tower, enjoying the GPO atrium’s natural light.

3. Local gelato

Couple enjoying ice-creams at First Fleet Park, The Rocks — Enjoy ice cream in the sunshine. (Image: Destination NSW)

What is summer without ice cream and/or gelato? Luckily, there are plenty of options just a short walk from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, whether you’re craving a midday pick-me-up or an after-sun treat.

What to do/see

1. GPO Heritage Tour

the Fullerton Hotel Sydney lobby — Be awed by the building’s history.

Want to know more about the building you’re staying in? The Fullerton Hotel Sydney offers a complimentary 90-minute GPO Heritage Tour. Follow a knowledgeable tour guide to discover the stories, tales and legends of the former Sydney General Post Office building.

From the iconic clock tower (completed in 1891) to the black-and-white tiled staircase at 1 Martin Place, which was once the main entrance to the GPO and today serves as a prominent feature of the building to the 24 stone faces (mascarons) on the Martin Place side of the building. Part of the 1880s-era facade (designed by architect James Barnet), each represents different states, countries and continents.

2. Circular Quay

aerial of circular quay sydney — Catch a ferry from Circular Quay. (Image: Destination NSW)

An easy walk or light rail ride away from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, lies the bustling Circular Quay. Here, you can sit for a drink and nibbles at the Opera Bar, or head into the iconic house itself for a show. It’s also a major ferry port, becoming your gateway to Sydney’s beaches, Luna Park and even Sydney Zoo.

3. Royal Botanic Gardens

view of circular quay from Sydney's Royal Botanic Garden — Wander through Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. (Image: Destination NSW)

Just beyond Circular Quay, discover Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. Wander through this 30-hectare, heritage-listed, botanical garden – exploring its differing sections, from Australian native botanicals to garden beds of vibrant flowers to towering groves of international trees.

It’s also the perfect place for a picnic, so pick up supplies before you come and enjoy a spot on the grassy meadow looking out into the harbour.

4. Theatre Royal

Just a one-minute walk from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, take in a show at Theatre Royal. Built in 1976, the theatre has been offering a broad range of entertainment since the 1990s. Expect a show roster that ranges from the classics (like Cats) to the modern) like Pretty Woman: The Musical).

Start planning a summer stay in Sydney worth remembering at fullertonhotels.com/fullerton-hotel-sydney.

The ultimate ale trail: 13 Hunter Valley breweries and pubs