The verdant landscapes together with wining and dining to satisfy even the most discerning of gourmands have made the Hunter Valley the destination of choice for residents of New South Wales. It is perfect for a relaxing mini-break, yet offers an ample range of activities for visitors to enjoy. Wine-tasting, hot-air balloon trips and golf are among the options.
There are four Hunter Valley golf courses as well as a fun facility with an aqua-golf game and mini-golf. Designed by celebrated local golfer Jack Newton, Stonebridge Golf Course was the latest addition to the valley’s venues and provides players with enough challenges to improve their games.
It is a 6,127-metre par-72 course in the lovely Cessnock countryside with a unique 18th hole and clubhouse complete with a licensed bar and a café.
The Crowne Plaza and its Hunter Valley golf course are less than one kilometre from Cessnock Airport. Arriving passengers can be out on the fairways soon after landing. The par-71 course is surrounded by lakes and tall shade-trees and is a lovely sight.
Greg Norman planned the 6,310-metre Vintage Golf Club course and professionals claim it is the country’s finest course. The Vintage has a driving range as well.
The course at the Cypress Lakes Golf & Country Club was designed by Steve Smyers and provides players with a scenic 6,000 metre par-72 circuit. The attached resort complex has more than 100 luxury apartments. The award-winning Bodega Restaurant is also located in the resort. The four courses allow guests to play and run various promotional packages offering discounts on green fees and accommodation. Players can also purchase a Hunter Valley super-pass that gives one round on all four courses.
Kurri Golf Club at Kurri Kurri is another option for players. Although a membership subscribed facility, it has reciprocal agreements with many other clubs in Australia. Hunter Valley Aqua Golf & Putt Putt is at Pokolbin and provides amusement for the whole family. It has an 18-hole mini-golf facility and a feature in which players hit their balls into nets floating in a 5000-square-metre lake.
