Cessnock, Australia + Add a trip

Automobiles

The Hunter Valley's an easy two-hour drive from central Sydney up the F3, and a car is invaluable when you're exploring the region or touring its vineyards. There are Thrifty branches (www.thrifty.com.au) in several towns, including Muswellbrook, Scone, Singleton and Maitland.

Planes

Sydney Airport, the major hub for Qantas, is the main gateway to the Hunter Valley, although you can take a chartered flight to Cessnock Airport in the valley itself, and Newcastle's little airport is connected to Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane by smaller flights QantasLink, Jetstar and Virgin Blue.

Trains

CityRail services link Newcastle with the smaller towns of the lower Hunter, and CountryLink rail routes weave through the valley between Sydney and Brisbane, stopping at Newcastle, Maitland, Singleton, Dungog, Gloucester, Muswellbrook, Scone and Murrurundi.

Dialing

Country code: +61; New South Wales: (0)2.

Reads

James Halliday is Australia's most respected wine writer - his classic oenophile's bible The Art and Science of Wine is an essential for anyone who takes their shiraz seriously.

Do go / Don't Go

May is the Hunter Valley's most eventful time of year as the grape harvest gets underway and the climate's warm and pleasant. January and February can be very hot indeed.

Cuisine

Taxis

It's a rural region and distances can be on the big side, so cabs aren't the most cost-effective means of getting around - most will charge for the trip out to pick you up as well as the trip itself.

Tipping

As with the rest of Oz, tips aren't expected anywhere - but 10 per cent is always appreciated in upmarket bars and restaurants.

Currency

Australian dollar (AU$)

Packing

A pad for your tasting notes, a comprehensive wine guide, and a picnic blanket for impromptu alfresco snack stops.

Arts

And...

Shopping

Viewpoint

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