Tourists Swap Hunter St for the Hunter Valley

24 Aug 16

Hunter Valley Vineyards Nelson Bay, Port Stephens

Although New South Wales, and Sydney in particular, has always been a popular holiday destination with Australians, new research has been released suggesting domestic travel is switching from major cities in favour of exploring regional areas. Data released by Roy Morgan Research has shown that 40.7% of the Australian population would prefer to visit New South Wales on holiday over the next two years, however the demand to visit Sydney on holidays has decreased.

As the state capital declines in popularity, regions areas saw moderate growth as preferred holiday destinations. Southern New South Wales saw the largest increase as a preferred destination while moderate growth in popularity was achieved by the Murray Riverina, Country and Outback, North Coast and the Hunter Valley. This is perhaps due in part to price hikes in the cost of a hotel room in Sydney. Average nightly costs are up by 6% in Sydney city, while the Hunter Valley only saw mild increases.

Considering the beautiful Hunter Valley is only two and a half hours' drive north of Sydney, it's no surprise that holidaymakers are choosing to swap Hunter St for the Hunter Valley. One of the oldest and greatest wine regions in Australia, the Hunter Valley only produces about 2 per cent of the country's wines. While this may only be a tiny proportion, what Hunter Valley wine lacks in quantity it certainly makes up for in quality. Established over 150 years ago, there are 80 wineries in the Hunter Valley specialising in everything from full-bodied whites to medium weight reds and excellent port.

If you're looking for something a little more family-friendly, there's more to the Hunter Valley than just wine. The Hunter region encompasses Port Stephens, Lake Macquarie, Newcastle, Cessnock and Wiseman's Ferry so there's something to see and do for everyone. Kick back in the coastal retreats of Port Stephens and Lake Macquarie and enjoy the incredible marine life encounters or venture further inland for gourmet chocolate and fudge for the kids. Leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind you and combine a relaxing countryside sojourn with a family-friendly seaside holiday and experience everything the Hunter region has to offer.