Roos are everywhere in the Hunter and youll probably spot them without trying too hard. There are an abundance of local offerings including fresh seasonal produce, quirky retail outlets, cafes and restaurants, country pubs, art galleries, and boutique cellar doors. There are 10 individually themed gardens, our favourite spots were the Italian Grotto and the Oriental Garden which had a peaceful feel. Krinklewood - I absolutely love Krinklewood. The Artists Palette is a geological formation of brightly colored rock thats been eroded into various shapes. Best time of day to shoot here? If you are after something special, not just a day, but rather an entire weekend, check them out. The trick with Bombo is to get there about 30 minutes before the sunrise, this way you allow yourself time to walk all the way down to the Quarry. If youre feeling up to it, give it a crack, I love a challenge! This truly is one of my favourite engagement photoshoot locations for a summery sunset shoot. Planted at the bottom of the Brokenback Mountain Ranges, Audrey Wilkinson is a must-see iconic Hunter Valley vineyard. Ascella - We havent visited Ascella in a couple of years but it still remains one of our faves. You dont want to miss the stunning views this lookout has to offer. You can access your free e-book by clicking on this link. Only one issue here, it does get busy. An alternative route, or perhaps an option for the return journey is to see a little of Sydneys convict history along the Old Great North Road. This post may contain affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, that we will earn a small commission if you click through and decide to make a purchase. Now, do you want to hear about probably the coolest of all these locations or not? There is a range of factors to consider when doing this. In my opinion I like to do these in locations that summarise my clients as a couple. The rock formations out in the water are incredible, and make for such an unbelievable backdrop to your photos. Youve arrived. Undercliff Winery - Our favourite in Wollombi is the Undercliff Winery, which has an absolutely beautiful view and the tasting is done with the owner, who is happy to have a good chat! The drive all the way from Laguna to Pokolbin, through Wollombi and Broke is absolutely beautiful. If you enter from the other side, make sure your car is well suited to off road. If youre tastings have been lacking that personal touch, then this is the place to come. Youll conclude with a tasting in the garden overlooking the olive trees and vines in the distance. Capture the natural beauty of the enchanting Wollombi village and create endless memories. It was actually a lot of fun and I tried some cheeses that I would never have picked out to try in a cheese shop. You can include this on your journey if you are driving from Sydney, which you can read more about at the bottom of this article. Aside from the village which is a destination in its own right, youll find several excellent wineries which still have a relaxed feel. Initially, it is very flat and quite dark as the sun hides behind the clouds and giant rock formations. I need to say a word of warning here though this location is a bit risky. Balloon rides take place at sunrise and see you gliding over the vineyards, looking out for kangaroos hopping through the valley below. In the 20 minutes before the sun comes up, you will get stunningly soft light. Another absolutely gorgeous lookout. If you want to do photos there on a Saturday afternoon in Summer, be prepared for a crowd. If you do it too close to the wedding, youre no longer in the engagement phase, more so in the about to get married phase. If coming by public transport you can take the train to Singleton, which takes just over three hours direct - but make sure you get on the fastest service or it can take a lot longer. Every course was amazing and as we were visiting in winter we got to enjoy the real fire. It's as pretty as a picture, so no surprise everyone loves taking snaps and sharing. With a heap of little cute secluded beaches along the way, you can easily take this clifftop session, down onto the sand and actually get in the water (Im a big fan of getting dirty and wet) for some extra fun. Less stressful you say? The information on Walk My World (www.walkmyworld.com) is for research and general informational purposes only. Theres a range of tasting on offer with the basic one starting at $5 pp. Bask in the lavash array of colour and scent found in the Rose Garden with hundreds and thousands of roses on display, or take in the superb views from the lookout that sits above the 10-metre-high waterfall of the Sunken Garden. When is the best time to visit Sydney & New South Wales? The staff are knowledgable and happily answer any questions. Were Cat & Joe, two Brits, now living in Australia, with a passion for the outdoors and adventure travel. WebLocated in in the heart of wine country, two hours north of Sydney, Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley occupies an ideal location in one of Australia's most celebrated wine regions. There are lots of places to pick up some fab supplies, wed recommend stocking up at the Smelly Cheese Shop and the Hunter Valley Olive Co. Then pop into Tyrrells for some wine or a tasting ($10pp) and get ready to relax in the gorgeous vineyard grounds. It almost takes you back to the olden days; no reception, no phones, just good company and a lot of laughs. Its worth doing your research to find the best option for you, but this one on Klook gets excellent reviews. And the Scarborough Instaframe is the top spot to pose for a pic. The more difficult the location, generally speaking, the more spectacular the outcome. There are loads of cool spots to have engagement photos in the Hunter Valley, but this really is more of a wedding region, so let me rattle through a few wedding venues you need to know about. 40. Not only are the spirits excellent - we cant go past the coffee vodka - but the service is amazing. 34. Some are incredibly quirky and some are literally like a time warp - youll see what we mean in the General Store! Make sure to leave a comment below and let me know what you think. When we saw you could do a formal tasting at the Hunter Valley Cheese Company we decided to give it a try. Maybe youve been going through this list and thinking, hmmm, loads of really nice natural locations, but thats not really me. Rathmines, NSW (36.4km from Hunter Valley) 10 reviews. The easiest to spot are the two abandoned loops, the first is 7km south of Laguna and the second is not long after. We usually do a mix, with a few in Pokolbin, Broke and most recently in Wollombi too. Audrey Wilkinson Vineyard Just have a look below and tell me Im not right. The payoff though, well, that in itself makes it worthwhile for me! They are professionals and will easily be able to help you select the right location for you. The same goes for photoshoots. This one is by far the most difficult to reach, but remember rule number 1, it is going to be worth it! A bit further south of Bombo Quarry is Cathedral Rocks, in Kiama. So what do you need to do with all this information? To be honest, you cant go wrong. Photo Porn (not real porn you pervert)! Do you prefer sunrise or sunset? Completely different from the last 2, this place is special very much so in its own right. Of course it isnt! In order to get here, same directions as Snapper Point, but half way you will see a fork in the road, turn right towards Wybung and follow this dirt road until you get to the very end. When youre done there, head into the long grass fields and get some stunning golden hour photos with the sun spilling across the field. So secluded and peaceful. Redhead Beach & Cliffs Another iconic Newcastle location! You get a little board with five different cheeses including a curd, brie, a blue cheese that didnt have blue veins (I didnt even know that existed), a vintage cheddar and a soft blue cheese. Box Head is located down the Southern end of the Central Coast in Bouddi National Park, and is everything you could ever want if epic, wide open landscapes are your thing. This spot is going to give you what you want. This location gives you the best of both worlds. Check out Brooke & Alina if you need more convincing on this amazing location! This cellar door takes home the prize for design derring-do, riveting wines, crazy tasty food and toe-tapping live music on the terrace every Saturday. From here, move along the cliffs, down to the rock platforms. With some cool little paths to climb further down the cliff and find different vantage points, you can explore for hours. Their 18-hole mini golf course winds through the landscaped grounds of the beautiful Hunter Valley Garden Village. There is something a little magic about this location, that offers the space to run and play! With the gorgeous Port Stephens water behind you in the distance, this place is just stunning. Get up close and personal with your favourite fury friends. Its a little steep getting up the dunes, but hey, thats part of the fun. Sit on sunny balconies overlooking incredible wine-country scenery with glasses of local and delicious cheese boards. 4. A beautiful spot for the early morning and late afternoon and maybe even a dip in the water! Same thing as if you are a bubbly person and shooting on a beach and you wear all black. Its all part of the same giant rock slab that has been exposed by recent winds. Many of whom actually have enquired about hosting their ceremony on the cliffs edge. This gives off a really stunning softer finish to your images. How to get here? Its a magical woodland setting and when the light shines through the trees its the perfect backdrop! They have lay bys for you to pull in and take a closer look. A detour via Marrowbone Road will be necessary around the construction zone between October 2022 until February 2023. This is the perfect time for that close up photo. WebBrowse 6,345 hunter valley photos and images available, or search for hunter valley australia or hunter valley vineyard to find more great photos and pictures. Hunter Lookout in the Watagans National Park is spectacular, easily one of our favourite views in the area. I am sure by now youve realised, it isnt as easy as you thought? We think so! Impressive wines and vines, and that obligatory selfie with the stunning views. My wife and I end every engagement photoshoot with a pizza here, so you know it must be good. Enter the Munmorah State Park from any of the 2 entrances, and head towards Frasers Beach. Visit the Zoos Facebook page or website to find out more information. They take shots of the 10 themed gardens but the Mad Hatter's Tea Party is a big hit too. The Barn is where you want your reception, unless you prefer outdoors in which case amongst the trees, and under the stars is the go. Whoops, I lied! Enjoy the drive and the view (unless you are the drive, in which case enjoy the view of the road only), it really is spectacular. You have arrived. For example, if you shoot in a dark forest, all white might look strange. With the best photo spots ranging from beautifully empty desert to Now walk to the right another couple of hundred metres and you will reach another small beach, which is shadowed by a grassy hill pointing out to sea. They have different events happening throughout the year including the popular Christmas Lights Spectacular. The tastings ($10pp) take place on individual tables in the stunning courtyard with lots of shady trees, resident peacocks and soft jazz playing in the background. Service areas: Newcastle | Hunter Valley | Central Coast | Port Stephans | Lake Macquarie | Nelson Bay | Blue Mountains | Sydney. It would be easy to mistake being in the south of France, due to the wrought iron chairs and candelabras, the white painted cupboards and spontaneous flower arrangements, the paved courtyard, and the vines that stretch so far, it is all you can see. There are hundreds of wineries in the Hunter Valley, and whilst almost every winery offers tastings, fewer offer you the opportunity to explore the vineyard and learn more about the wine making process. With breathtaking views over Newcastle beaches, its an iconic wedding spot but can be great for engagement photos too! Birubi Point is a super cool little beach up in Port Stephens, Anna Bay. It is a beautiful nature-based experience for local, national, and international visitors. If you have a sweet tooth then its worth checking out the Hunter Valley Chocolate Company. Its also free which is incredibly rare for the Hunter nowadays. An absolute fan favourite amongst wedding couples and wedding vendors alike. I personally meet my couple at (or near the location), we hang out for a little bit, just getting comfortable and then make our way to the spot. of amazing shots, in every direction, at every time of day! Of course not, Duh! On your way back (it will be pitch black by now, so take it easy on the trail) I highly suggest heading in to Katoomba and grabbing a well earned dinner with your partner. The Hunter Valley is the perfect place to indulge a little and it has some truly amazing restaurants. A perfect Instagram picture would be captured in front of the Chardonnay vines, in order to guarantee a shot of one of the prettiest skylines in the Hunter Valley. Now, it is just a beach, but it does have a few little extras included. Very similar to Flat Rock which I will go into below. Well, why not bring out your inner child on this one and head off to North Sydney? Believe me when I say, you will probably be the only people out there for at least a 10km radius in any direction, so you have the entire mountain to yourself. Get in really intimate (if you are still embarrassed then your photographer is not doing their job right). Walk My World provides highly detailed guides for those who love to explore independently and seek out hidden gems. If you are looking for privacy, well you found it! An iconic Newcastle location featured in so many tourist photos over the years! An absolute stunner if you are looking for a sunrise engagement photoshoot location. Just take a look at the shots below, and tell me you dont believe this is easily one of the top engagement photoshoot locations around the Hunter Valley & Central Coast. Located in a truly spectacular spot of the Hunter Valley. If you can spare the time it is by far our favourite way to reach the Hunter. Do you like good food? We are going to cover some epic Newcastle photography locations, Port Stephens, some chill AF Hunter Valley photography spots as well as gorgeous engagement photoshoot locations on the Central Coast. We tried 10 wines (the official tasting is usually a couple less, but if they have extra bottles open theyll bring them out too) and the whole experience is fantastic. There are a few walking trails around this area too, but we didnt find them to be well sign posted and involved some road walking, so we personally werent big fans. Not only do you have a great view of the vines, but also the surrounding mountain range. There are so many opportunities to get pictures with your favourite little friends. To die for, honestly. Theres no official tasting on offer which is a shame, but you could create your own by buying a few of the different individual chocs. A cactus covered section of the dunes, which is super fun to shoot in. WebHunter Valley Renewal in the vines Its one of the countrys pre-eminent wine Audrey Wilkinson offers gourmet picnic hampers coupled with a range of award wining wines. You absolutely cannot go wrong with an old fashioned, family owned pizza at Papadinos Pizza. Then look no further. Im so excited for you (I love weddings, big surprise). Set on 70 acres of manicured gardens, with rolling countryside views, and the Brokenback Ranges in the distance, wake up in elegant and stylish rooms and suites with picturesque views every day of your stay. What more could you ask for? River Oaks Theatre. Spoil yourself and wow your followers with eye-catching views over the vines to the Brokenback Mountain Range. I should mention, unlike Newcastle and the Central Coast, the Hunter Valley is more about its wineries and as such its wedding venues. The scenery is stunning and the food and wine are fantastic. As the sun starts to set over the cliffs, you will get this amazing soft light hitting you, and it simply looks divine. WebPhotography Around Swan Valley Idaho and the Grand Teton/Yellowstone Region Grand Teton Park's Snake Grand Teton Park's Snake Jackson Hole's Snake Jackson Hole's Snake Alpine's Snake Alpine's Snake Snake River Snake River Salt River Salt River Greys River Greys River Hoback River Hoback River Gros Ventre River Gros Ventre River If you do venture out, it does make for some really spectacular panoramic shots out to sea. But it offers something completely differentstrange that! Joshua Tree is one of the best spots in southern California to try your hand at night photography. If you're looking for the Is there any better way to spend an afternoon than picnicking on the Hunters gourmet produce surrounded by spectacular scenery with a good bottle of wine?! Dense forest and bushland surrounds, with a gorgeous little mountain behind the venue where you can take some stunning wedding photos on later. The park is a nice place to visit and the kookaburra is worth a visit and a photo. 5. Loads of little spots to explore in this little stretch of road, offering such dynamic variety to your engagement photoshoot. Worth it? Sunset, overcast, windy and rainy? Only a hop, skip and a jump from Sydney and well connected by train and plane, Australia's premier wine region invites you to enjoy the good life in the Hunter Valley. Balloon Aloft has been ballooning since 1980, offering sunrise ballooning adventures daily and creating the best experiences. Newcastle baths offer both beach and urban options to explore. Visit their website to find out more information. This is actually the winery I bought the most bottles from overall and I found that as they are organic I never felt any ill effects from drinking them - which is lucky because I mainly bought Rose which Joe doesnt like : ). I recommend at least 30 minutes before the sun rises, so that you have a chance to wake up, get into it, and be ready for those stunning shots. Tastings are $5 pp which is refunded on the purchase of any bottle (something which often isnt the case with the wineries). There are endless amounts of photo opportunities as you learn to discover the natural beauty of the intricate details of the Hunter Valley Gardens. Are you sensing a trend here? The rooms at Elfin Hill are comfy and stylish and the whole place has a really relaxed feel. Its a must visit, whether you come to have a glass of wine and catch the sunset or for the tasting. However assuming that you are better organised than us, Audrey Wilkinson is the perfect place to catch a glorious Hunter Valley sunset. Wed recommend grabbing yourself a glass and sitting and watching the sun set over the vines. This contrasts so beautifully with the blue of the water below you. This is a huge time in your life, and you will want to enjoy every second of it. There are plenty of photography So now you know. Of course, when visiting the Hunter Valley Gardens, it is a must that you visit the Gardens Shopping Village. Well that depends on what time of year, but ideally, being raised on a cliff, you will get about 15 additional minutes of sun. Take in the scenic views from the Mount Bright lookout, located on the Great North Walk. There are so many vineyards and they are backed by a picturesque mountain range. You can book a tasting through Klook here, at time of writing its $10 pp (and if you buy a bottle you will receive $10 back). 7. The landscape is just so simple, and so soft. Honestly, there are so many amazing places and angles to shoot here, plus, it backs up onto an epic rockpool and sandy beach, so take your pick! There is something about it, the way the point wraps around and you can always be shaded or in the direct sun, waves crashing below you that is simply peaceful and relaxing. Did you know Loads of people who want to shoot in this area go straight for the dunes, but if you want something with a bit more contrast and water, this is probably your bet. Engagement photoshoot locations what do I do with all this information? Its a great backdrop for your engagement photography by taking advantage of the splash of colour and leading lines of the location. Myrtle House in the centre of town also serves up a good coffee, which isnt too easy to find in the Hunter Valley! 2023 - Walk My World. The vineyard was established in 1866, making it the oldest vineyard site in Pokolbin, and one of the oldest in Australia. We were the only ones on the tour when we visited, which made it feel even more personalised. Let us know in the comments below! Scarborough Wine Co is located in the old Scarborough Family Homestead on Gillards Road and brings warmth and a sense of generosity only experienced when visiting a family home. Palm Springs main drag is a treasure trove of eye-catching architecture. Gundog - Youre not coming for the views, but you are coming for the great service and fab wines. hunter valley australia. This is up North of the Hunter Valley in Singleton. This kind of light is really emotive, and can create a very moody effect. Once you get to the bottom, you have the entire place to yourself (usually)! Visit the Hunter Valley Gardens 8. Located up in Olney State Forest, this beautiful Pine Forest provides the perfect backdrop for a more moody engagement photoshoot location. It is a much prettier route and only adds on an additional 20 minutes to your journey. Quickly turning into the hipster central of the Central Coast, Long Jetty is well worth checking out. It wont be long before you are back in the Urban jungle, so enjoy this while you can! From Sutherland, turn off towards the National Park. Its a marvelous site and one of our most treasured Hunter Valley experiences. Pictured: Hunter Valley Gardens @itsfezzyo via IG. Photographer jargon aside, it is a stunning engagement photoshoot location. The beauty of this spot is, it goes against the rule discussed in location number one; this one is so easy to get to, and still, the shots are spectacular! From prancing peacocks to alfresco wine-tasting in the winter sun.krinklewood.com. As the name suggests, the Hunter Valley is a region made up of several towns and villages. Regardless, stay a bit longer, have a drink and maybe a bit of a picnic, because you wont be in any hurry to leave this slice of heaven. Embrace nature. With over 8 kilometres of walking paths, winding through 14 hectares of flawlessly manicured themed gardens, waterfalls, statues, and murals. Head up the hill to a higher vantage point and get a beautiful view across the Hunter Valley to the mountain ranges. Weve been to more than 20 wineries so far and these are our top picks for you by area: We used to recommend heading to Brokenwood but on our most recent visit tastings had gone from $5 pp to $25pp and we wouldnt pay that so cant really recommend it (we assume the price hike was needed to pay for the fancy new buildings). It really will depend on the vibe you want to go for, and the location. Beach, forest, or Urban? You get given a long list of gins, vodkas and schnapps and you can pick any six to try. This is truly one of the Central Coasts greatest forest photoshoot locations, and is super popular with elopements as well, for good reason. Tastings are $10 pp. Its a very small winery, just under a 15 minute very scenic drive from Broke. Once you get to the carpark you will be faced with a beautiful, calm, quiet beach (even in Summer it is quiet) tucked in amongst large cliffs. The most popular area is Pokolbin, which is where the big winemakers are, the majority of hotels and a lot of the big attractions in the Hunter. And with some really cool fields around, there are so many spots for a gorgeous photoshoot. Just stick to the cave rather than going for an explore! Youll try 8 wines (many of which are award winning), which is generally 2 more than most other wineries. Its the kind of place you come for a tasting but find yourself ordering a bottle and spending the whole afternoon there instead. The onsite restaurant gets rave reviews. As your photographer, I can certainly help with some fashion advice though. Weve visited many times and have found something new and incredible each time. It offers cliff-side views coupled with beautiful sand and clear water. Spin the other way and nothing but ocean and the sun peaking up over the horizon. Flickr, 500px, and ShotHotspot. The hike (and in parts climb) down is epic. Let me say, right off the bat, that if you arent fit, and dont want to get dirty and sweaty, this one might not be for you. The service was not especially friendly, but we were there for the cheese so we still enjoyed it. It is so much fun, you have the harbour to use, the city skyline, and of courseLuna Park! Hunter Valley Ballooning have been offering superior flights daily over the scenic Hunter Valley region for the past 30 years. Balloon rides last for roughly an hour, depending on weather and some include add ons like a champagne breakfast. Youve earned it! Its the perfect size to explore on foot and youll probably spend longer than youd think wandering around, as its hard to resist heading into all the old buildings. If you are planning a wedding, check out my top 5 mistakes couples make when planning a wedding. Copyright James White Photography. Talk about a trek! The 19th century homestead is simply amazing and makes for stunning images. After the shoot is over, do yourself a favour and head down to the Hungry Monkey Cafe in Kiama for a Nutella Mocha (or Hot Chocolate) and some brekky. Beyond Ballooning caters to small and large groups with first class equipment and an experienced team. You are going to wanna get to this one early. There are so many hidden gems all over Catherine Hill Bay (and the local pub does a mean pizza!). Book your next tasting experience through their website. Youll probably notice from our picture that we arrived a little late for our sunset at Audrey Wilkinson (we blame being so relaxed at Whispering Brook that we literally didnt move from our tasting table for 2 hours!). Love the different place and your photos are amazing , Thanks so much Olivia! Be very careful as it is very rocky and uneven for the first few hundred metres. Youre most likely to see them in the early morning or from around an hour before sunset. Frasers Beach sits just off your shoulder, and you can watch the surfers rolling in through the waves, yet they cant see you. And get snapping! Forget what Susan from accounting told you about weddings, she is outdated and you cant stand her anyway! Dont be put offyou are about to find the end of the rainbow. As far as scenic locations go, this one takes the cake. Points of Interest & Landmarks Monuments & Statues. If youre a lover of spirits as well as wine, then wed highly recommend heading over to the Hunter Distillery. Pick up some goodies at the Chocolate Factory 14. This place quickly became one of my absolute favourites since moving up here. But if you get it all on your own, it is amazing. Rolling vineyards and natural bushland. Well first and foremost, choose a photographer. Most people dont associate wineries with Wollombi, but it has a couple of gems that are well worth visiting. Death Valley Photo Spot #1: Artists Palette. By M7025NQtonyw. The wide-open spaces, the fresh air, the country attraction, and the breath-taking vineyard views are all on offer in the Hunter Valley. Maybe youre a bit more grungy, a bit more industrial a bit moodier. See the convict history from Sydney. Say cheese! Word of warning, in winter, it is going to be cold down here, and to get to the caves you will need to get into the water up to probably your knees. Congratulations Tess & Jarrod! On either side of you, pristine ocean and cliffs. Whats more glam than posing under the bright Long roads, mountains in the background where the sun sets over, and vineyards as far as the eye can seeyes please. As you can see from the images below, they can look quite different, and gives you a lot of variety. Artists Palette- one of the most iconic Death Valley Photography spots. Incidentally, if this gets you interested in learning more about Sydneys convict history then wed recommend checking out the Convict Trail at Wisemans Ferry. 15 Incredible things to do in the Hunter Valley including lots of hidden gems, Mount Sinai: the magic of climbing Moses Mountain at sunset, The full lowdown on Egypt's magnificent White Canyon, 23 of the Most Incredible Waterfalls in NSW.

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