Rest Your Head In Central Wine Country At Rydges Hunter Valley

Endlessly convenient and decked out with creature comforts, Rydges Hunter Valley is one of the region’s most outstanding stays.

Bed and breakfasts are cosy but for serious extravagance in NSW’s beautiful Hunter Valley, a resort with all the bells and whistles reigns supreme. It’s why we return to Rydges Resort Hunter Valley , a colossal 418-room resort that caters for googly-eyed couples, rowdy families and every type of get-together in between.

From an 18-hole golf course and extravagant day spa to an on-site brewery and kid-friendly water park, there are memory-making activities for every member of your tribe.

Location

Let’s sort our bearings. The wine-soaked Hunter Valley is located about two hours north of Sydney and an hour west of Newcastle, and Rydges Hunter Valley is an ideal base to launch into everything it’s famed for. Situated at the gateway to wine country and around the corner from De Bortoli Wines, Hungerford Hill and Peterson House , some of the region’s finest cellar door pit stops, the resort lies at the foot of Broke Road, which will take you right into central wine country.

the front exterior of Rydges Hunter Valley — Rydges Hunter Valley is at the gateway to wine country.

You’re also a five-minute drive to the Hunter Valley Wildlife Park and a ten-minute drive from the township of Cessnock where you’ll find supermarkets, speciality stores and loads of eateries.

a train strolling around the vineyards at Rydges Hunter Valley — Rydges Hunter Valley offers a great base to explore the wine country.

Style and character

The former Crown Plaza Hunter Valley was relaunched as Rydges Hunter Valley in 2023 and the property underwent significant renovations to mark a new era. The vibe is contemporary splashed with country-chic, with exposed brick, plush carpets and soft leather seating warming up communal areas. The grounds are impeccable as glossy gardens and state-of-the-art facilities (the complete list is extraordinary and explored in full below) are well maintained.

While the property is massive, the vibe is surprisingly intimate thanks to that considered styling and a team of always-attentive staff.

the lounge of Rydges Hunter Valley — The hotel ambience evokes contemporary and country-chic.

Facilities

There are hundreds of Hunter Valley wineries to explore outside, but really, you could spend an entire weekend leaning into everything Rydges Hunter Valley has to offer.

the pool at Rydges Hunter Valley — Take a refreshing dip at the spacious pool.

Take advantage of two swimming pools (including one that’s adults only), a spa, a 24/7 gym, electric vehicle charging stations, tennis and basketball courts, kangaroo tours, electric train rides and a water park for the kids (more on family-friendly attractions further below), a golf course, a day spa, and the Sydney Brewery Hunter Valley , the hotel’s on-site brewery. Then there’s the half a dozen dining options to explore (more info on those further below, too) so rest assured you’re totally catered for from the moment you drop your bags.

Ubika Day Spa

Securing a hotel with an on-site day spa is always a treat but at Rydges Hunter Valley, guests are especially spoilt. Ubika Day Spa is one of the region’s most lavish self-care destinations, offering a treatment menu inspired by the seasons and utterly heavenly any way you slice it.

You’ll struggle to choose from a range of massages, facials, foot therapies, body treatments and beauty treatments, plus there are Vichy shower experiences, couples’ packages and infrared sauna dabbling to consider. The day spa’s most recent addition is their floatation tank which blends sensory deprivation and a calming float session to help you reach peak Zen.

a person lying face down during a stone massage at Ubika Day Spa, Rydges Hunter Valley — Treat yourself to a soothing stone massage.

Hunter Valley Golf Club

Prefer to unwind on the green? The Hunter Valley Golf Club is conveniently located on the grounds of Rydges Hunter Valley, open seven days a week. It’s a meticulously manicured golfing destination dotted with lakes and views of the Broken Back Ranges, so if it’s your first time behind a club, you’ll appreciate the sheer beauty of it right away.

There’s also a Pro Shop that’s stocked with clothes, clubs and accessories to get you looking the part, and an online course guide is also on hand to help you score an edge over your competitors well in advance.

the Hunter Valley Golf Club at Rydges Hunter Valley — The Hunter Valley Golf Club is dotted with lakes and views of the Broken Back Ranges.

Rooms

Eliminating the stress of finding group accommodation in a well-trodden tourist hot spot, Rydges Hunter Valley houses a diverse collection of rooms.

Whether it’s the Standard Room, with either one King bed or two double beds, or the Three Bedroom 3 Bath Villa, a 144 square metres d home away from home, every choice comes with complimentary Wi-Fi, sleek bathrooms, a private balcony or terrace, flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, a seating area, 24-hour room service and tea and coffee facilities. Clean, contemporary and endlessly comfortable, they’re a dream space to retreat to after a day of adventuring.

a standalone jet-bath at Rydges Hunter Valley — Retreat into a standalone jet bath for ultimate relaxation.

The villas also feature kitchen facilities and bedrooms, while the Pool Access rooms provide exactly what they’re telling you and there’s a suite with a jet bath for those seeking the ultimate relaxation.

an outdoor pool with sun loungers at Rydges Hunter Valley — Cool off at the pool right outside your room.

Food and drink

Whether you’re feeling fancy or craving a low-key feed, Rydges Hunter Valley has something for you. Start the day right by booking a table at the Redsalt Buffet Breakfast from 6:30am where a DIY pancake maker and chef station (omelette or made-to-order Eggs Benny sound good?) go beyond what you’d usually find at a hotel buffet.

fine dining at Redsalt Restaurant, Rydges Hunter Valley — The menu at Rydges is a sophisticated ode to local produce.

Redsalt Restaurant is also the hotel’s signature fine dining spot so if you return for dinner one evening, you’ll find it completely transformed into a sophisticated ode to local produce and exceptional seasonal flavours.

the restaurant at Rydges Hunter Valley — Dine something fancy at Redsalt Restaurant.

There’s also Lovedale Bar + Grill , a great vibe no matter when you visit as drink specials and live sports streamed on TVs are guaranteed to get the party started. It’s also situated right by the main swimming pool so it’s a great spot to feast on post-dip pizzas, burgers and other pub classics. If you’re there on a Friday or Saturday, you’ll also score a side of live music.

the Lovedale Bar + Grill in Rydges Hunter Valley — Have a tipple at Lovedale Bar + Grill.

Meanwhile, Vista Lounge is the perfect place for pre-dinner drinks and an afternoon cheese board (they offer great cheese and wine deals), or if you’re there in the morning, it’s your coffee pit-stop. And if it’s just too hard to leave the cosy confines of your room, around-the-clock in-room dining is always a good idea with a late-night menu that includes ham and cheese toasties, nachos and pizzas.

the Vista Lounge at Rydges Hunter Valley — Pop by Vista Lounge for pre-dinner drinks.

Accessibility?

Smooth and roomy pathways help those with accessibility needs get comfortable at Rydges Hunter Valley, and better still, there are six Accessible King Rooms with extensive wheelchair accessibility. Wide hallways and increased space around the King bed, lower cupboards, purpose-built bathrooms with grab rails, shower chairs and lowered sinks, and the option of interconnecting rooms to accommodation for caregivers, ensure they’re just as plush as the resort’s regular rooms.

Meanwhile, there are wheelchair ramps right around the property, plus two lifts at either end of the main building to help guests locate their indulgences with ease. And while we’re talking indulgences, Ubika Day Spa caters to guests with accessibility needs and the Hunter Valley Golf Club offers tailored experiences for specific needs.

Rydges Hunter Valley is in fact one of the most inclusive stays in the state, taking out the NSW Accommodation Award for Excellence in Disability Inclusion and Access in 2023.

the lounge area at Rydges Hunter Valley — Rydges Hunter Valley has wide hallways that cater to guests with accessibility needs.

Family-friendly?

Is it ever. As one of the region’s best kid-friendly stays, Rydges Hunter Valley is a pure haven for little ones.

There’s a water park quite literally spilling over with slides, a grape-shaped splash bucket that dumps 600 litres of heated water at a time, cannons and jets to keep them busy.

the water park of Rydges Hunter Valley — Keep your kids entertained at the water park.

Plus, there’s a Ferris wheel, carousel, electric train rides (which are accessible to wheelchairs, too), kangaroo tours, the ‘Water Dragons’ kids club, a games room, school holiday programs, kids-eat-free dinner deals and more.

a kid sliding down a pink slide at the water park of Rydges Hunter Valley — The water park comes with colourful slides for little ones.

Details

Address: 430 Wine Country Drive, Lovedale

Cost: From $229 per night.

Best for: Family-friendly accommodation near loads of attractions.

the pool view at night in Rydges Hunter Valley — Rydges Hunter Valley is a family-friendly stay equipped with modern facilities.

Unsure of what to do in the region? Here are 25 of the very best things to do in the Hunter Valley

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.

Your complete guide to staying at Rydges Hunter Valley