4
Introductory to Moderate

Traveller Rating

 

Activities
  • 2 day self guided cycle
Accommodation
  • 3 nights accommodation
Meals

4 Days$1080AUD

View Inclusions
THIS TRIP IS
100% CARBON OFFSET
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Trip Code: HVE

Hunter Valley Explorer Self Guided Cycle Trip highlights

  • Enjoy the independence of self-guided cycling with all logistics taken care of for you
  • Delight in the exceptional local wines and food of the Hunter Valley
  • Cycle through the countryside, passing vineyards and farms en route
  • Stay in the heart of the Hunter valley at Pokolbin
  • Cycle past world heritage wilderness and classic Australian countryside
  • Travel at your own pace visiting the sites you want to focus on

The Hunter Valley is where wine-making started in Australia and remains one of the most important wine producing areas in the country. It is also a fantastic area to explore at handle bar level. In 1832, armed with 20,000 cuttings from Spain and France, James Busby established the first vineyards in Australia. Now, the region is famous for its Semillon and Shiraz. It’s also home to some great Chardonnays, Cabernet Sauvigon and Verdelhos. On this self guided cycle we’ll take you on a journey around the Hunter Valley to experience some of the best it has to offer. It’s not just the wine on show – artisan olive producers, chocolatiers, chefs and bakers showcase the best of the region at the many farms, cafes and restaurants. Staying in the heart of the valley at Pokolbin, the primary wine-growing area within the Hunter Valley, everything is waiting to be discovered. The beauty of the cycle is that you are free to set your own pace, with time to enjoy a long lunch, sample local delicacies or stop for wine tastings en route. With two days spent cycling in the Valley you can really gain an appreciation for the exceptional wine and produce of the region.

Activities:

Itinerary

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Make your own way to Pokolbin, located right in the heart of the Hunter Valley and the perfect place to base our self and explore the stunning surrounds. This afternoon check in to your accommodation. The Hunter Valley is one of Australia's most important wine regions with a history dating back to the early 1800's.You can spend the afternoon strolling or driving through the charming streets of town and its surrounds. Overnight Pokollbin

Meals:  Nil

After breakfast we pick up our bikes and head off towards the cycle-way. The beauty about the self guided cycling journeys is that you can stop where you want and for how long you like, perfect for a short stay cycling adventure. It gives you the opportunity to focus on what you like! We start our journey by joining the Hermitage Road Cycle Path. There are many wineries to stop and enjoy, including Tintilla Estate & Olive Grove and Pigs Peake Winery. They have an eclectic range of wines and are great fun. You can dine in style at Yellow Billy (Wed-Sun) or have a more relaxed lunch at the Iron Bark Hill Brewery where you can enjoy a cleansing ale. We also recommend a stop at the iconic De luliis Wines, which has exceptional Semillons and if you are still hungry you can pair it with local cheeses. We then cycle back to our deluxe accommodation after our days adventure in the glorious Hunter Valley. Cycling distance: 21-30km, ascent: 202-300m, descent: -202, -300m

Meals:  Nil

Today is a day of great wineries and spectacular views. You start the day heading south on McDonald Road. You can visit two of the finest and modern cellar doors in the region, Usher Tinkler and Gundog Estate, both of which serve exceptional wines. Back on the bike you can cycle to Tulloch Wine or take on the hill to visit Audrey Wilkinson vineyard, where they have some of the best views in Pokolbin. A leisurely tasting awaits. It’s back on the bikes and you head further north again until you come to Brokenwood. This winery produces some exceptional wines.They have a wide range – something for everyone. Continue to the Roche Estate where you can have lunch at Oishii (daily) or the Goldfish Bar and Kitchen (Wed-Sun) or make a picnic lunch at the Hunter Valley Smelly Cheese Shop. After your full day we head back to Pokolbin where our accommodation awaits. Cycling distance: 17-21km, ascent: 155m, descent: 155m

Meals:  Nil

The trip concludes this morning in Pololbin

Meals:  Nil

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.

Inclusions

What's included

  • 3 nights accommodation in a comfortable studio room in Pokolbin on a twin share basis with private facilities
  • Mountain bike hire including helmet, panniers and bike lock (electric bikes are available for a supplement - must be prebooked, panniers not provided with electric bikes)
  • Route information available to download through our app

  • Travel to/from Pokolbin
  • Accommodation before or after the trip
  • Items of a personal nature such as alcoholic beverages, car parking, etc
  • Travel insurance
  • Meals
  • Phone handlebar mount

Accommodation

Comfortable Accommodation

Our usual accommodation is at the Leisure Inn Pokolbin Hill. We book a studio room where you can enjoy luxury slumber in a king size bed and the convenience of a kitchenette and a full range of amenities. Also make time to relax on the outdoor patio or in your in room spa.

Bike information

Mountain Bike

You will be provided with a mountain bike to use during the cycle trip. Our fleet includes Giant, Specialised, Apollo and Malvern Star mountain bikes in mens and ladies models ranging in sizes from 14 to 21 inch. These feature 18 and 24 speed gears, front suspension and V – brakes. Bikes are fitted with water bottle cages.

Electric Bike

Electric Bikes are available for hire. The electric bikes are built for comfort. With a soft seat, upright riding position, step-through frame and electronic assist, you’ll be riding further with ease. We only have adult frames available, with a minimum age of 14. The weight limit for the ebike is 110kg.

Suitability

Introductory to Moderate

4

This self guided trip involves 2 days of cycling. The first day of cycling is mostly on the newly opened Hermitage Road Cycle Way with some sections of road cycling. The second day of cycling is mostly along the roads. The roads used on this trip are country roads. Daily activity is usually between 2 and 4 hours but some days might be longer depending on your overall pace on riding a bike. Being a self guided trip you determine the pace and schedule. You will need a reasonable level of fitness and good health and be a capable cyclist. Be prepared for potential variable weather conditions which can also add to the timing and comfort of a trip, for example riding into a head wind will take more time than when the wind is behind you.

Departure dates

Daily departures

Notes

HS
Holiday Season
Note:
Start date supplements apply if you start your trip on Wednesday to Saturday. Prices may vary depending on the room type available.
DN2
A holiday supplement applies if you are travelling over a public holiday or during NSW school holiday periods.
DN3
Please note, when we book your accommodation some hotels may request a deposit/full payment to secure your booking. This amount will be payable, in addition to the Australian Cycle Tours deposit. Any extra payments, along with the $400 AUD deposit, are non-refundable.

Priceper person from

$1080AUD

Options & Supplements*
  • Discount to remove bike hireAUD$-80
  • Start Date Supplement - Starting Saturday or WednesdayAUD$60
  • Start Date Supplement - Starting Thursday or FridayAUD$110
  • Electric Bike Supplement (limited availability, must be prebooked)AUD$140
  • Single Supplement - Starting Sunday to TuesdayAUD$280
  • Single Supplement - Starting Saturday or WednesdayAUD$390
  • Single Supplement - Starting Thursday or FridayAUD$510
*Prices listed are per person

Essential Information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed Hunter Valley Self Guided Cycle Explorer trip notes which contains all the essential information you need to know before booking. Once you’ve booked, we will supply you with a Pre-Departure document which contains a detailed gear list and other important information to help you prepare for your adventure ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

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The easiest way to get to the Hunter Valley is to drive. There will be ample parking at your accommodation. If you are coming from Sydney the drive will take around 2 hours.

Alternatively, you can catch a suburban train from Sydney to Morisset Station and the catch a connecting bus to Cessnock. The whole journey takes around 3 hours.

Regional Trainlink trains run between Sydney and Singleton, which is a 20min taxi ride from Cessnock. The trip takes three hours and you’ll need to book ahead.

Yes, you need to be a capable cyclist. You will cover around 20-30km in a day and you will need to be confident cycling on roads. Some sections are along cycle paths but they do not cover the whole route.

Yes, you can bring your own bike if you prefer and a small discount will be provided. Ask our staff for more details.

Yes. It is highly recommended (and essential in many places) that you book your visit in advance. The Hunter Valley is currently very busy and pre-booking allows the local businesses to stay Covid-Safe.

Hunter Valley Explorer Self Guided Cycle Trip reviews

Positive Impact Travel

By joining this trip you are directly supporting positive impact projects in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

We’ve offset the carbon emitted by this trip by purchasing credits that support important projects that address the UN’s seventeen SDGs, like reducing poverty, affordable and clean energy, reducing hunger, clean water and climate action.

Proceeds from this adventure purchase carbon credits through the world’s largest and most awarded carbon project developer, South Pole, which are invested into projects accelerating the transition to renewable energy sources in developing countries.

Supported projects are based on internationally recognised standards and are third-party audited. They entail a series of positive impacts on the ground, which benefit local communities and ecosystems, that are aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.