Breathtaking food, wines and views make this one of the most photographed places in Wine Country. You can choose premium wines at a higher cost. The lookout offers the perfect back drop to capture the Hunter Valleys natural beauty for your next insta-worthy selfie! If you want to do photos there on a Saturday afternoon in Summer, be prepared for a crowd. Before you leave check out the home of the original winemaker, EdwardTyrrell, which is just in front of the cellar door. When youre done there, head into the long grass fields and get some stunning golden hour photos with the sun spilling across the field. Choose to take your amazing sunrise flight with one of our three ballooning companies: Balloon Aloft, Beyond Ballooning, or Hunter Valley Ballooning. One downside here is, you will get a lot of onlookers, so if you are a really private person, or very self conscious of being centre of attention, this might be a rough spot for you. This is one of those locations that really is better suited to wide open, expansive, panoramic shots. Learn about winemaking 2. Rolling vineyards and natural bushland. Loads of little spots to explore in this little stretch of road, offering such dynamic variety to your engagement photoshoot. Youre then just 10 minutes away from Wollombi, which is the gorgeous historic village we mentioned earlier. As the name suggests, the Hunter Valley is a region made up of several towns and villages. Planted at the bottom of the Brokenback Mountain Ranges, Audrey Wilkinson is a must-see iconic Hunter Valley vineyard. We loved everything we tasted and liked that they had lots of native botanicals in the offerings. Winter in New England: Boston Photographer | Boston Photos Tastings are $5 pp which is refunded on the purchase of any bottle (something which often isnt the case with the wineries). It has everything! We were the only ones on the tour when we visited, which made it feel even more personalised. It is a remarkable outlook that overlooks the city of Cessnock and connects you to many bushwalks and mountain biking tracks within the beautiful Mount View sub region. 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. Big Kookaburra. 11. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive all of the above and more, Book your experience with a trusted local today, Copyright 2023 Hunter Valley and Tourism Association Powered by Bookeasy, Developed by Impartmedia. Capture the natural beauty of the enchanting Wollombi village and create endless memories. The rustic hut is a lovely piece of Hunter Valley history. Be careful here. This truly is one of my favourite engagement photoshoot locations for a summery sunset shoot. Do you prefer sunrise or sunset? The more personal the images the more you will cherish them. The easiest to spot are the two abandoned loops, the first is 7km south of Laguna and the second is not long after. Not only do you have a great view of the vines, but also the surrounding mountain range. Spin the other way and nothing but ocean and the sun peaking up over the horizon. A Perfect Proposal at Audrey Wilkinson Vineyard: Jordan and Stephs Love Story. The rock formations out in the water are incredible, and make for such an unbelievable backdrop to your photos. Share the magic of a balloon flight with fellow balloonists, then celebrate your exciting adventure over a gourmet champagne breakfast at Peterson House winery. 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! 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. Before you leave, take a minute and just stare at your surroundings. Let us know in the comments below! If you are into sandstone chapels (super cute by the way) and amazing vineyards perched on top a hill overlooking the rest of the Hunter, then Peppers needs to be on your list. Let me preface this by saying this is a wedding venue, and you will need to speak to the owner to use it (or ask your photographer, they should have a relationship with Karyn and be able to get the all clear). Its like stepping into a dream. With its tall trees, denser canopy of leaves and dark oranges tones throughout, it really does provide some amazing contrast in your images. If you take the last tour of the day, dont forget to walk down to the vines to look for the resident kangaroos. You absolutely cannot go wrong with an old fashioned, family owned pizza at Papadinos Pizza. 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. Seize that special moment as the sun begins to rise and touches the beautiful greenery of Australias oldest wine growing region. 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. If you go there a bit early you can take 5-10 minutes to scope the area out and find them yourself (or just hire a photographer who knows the location). Audrey Wilkinson Vineyard 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. However, its incredibly popular and can be very busy on a weekend. What better place to do a photoshoot with your fiance, right? Flickr/James Walsh. Best time of day to shoot here? This spot is going to give you what you want. From prancing peacocks to alfresco wine-tasting in the winter sun.krinklewood.com. A perfect day for a wedding!!! If you do venture out, it does make for some really spectacular panoramic shots out to sea. The tops are just 1.5 hours north of Newcastle. 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. As well as Baiame you can see some clear hand stencils, boomerangs and one other picture we couldnt identify. With the gorgeous Port Stephens water behind you in the distance, this place is just stunning. An absolute stunner if you are looking for a sunrise engagement photoshoot location. A cactus covered section of the dunes, which is super fun to shoot in. The hike (and in parts climb) down is epic. 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. Take the time to relax and be treated to a memorable experience as you enjoy the breathtaking views and sample some of the award-wining food they have to offer. 13. See some of the best ancient rock art in NSW 4. This one is by far the most difficult to reach, but remember rule number 1, it is going to be worth it! Thats right! Its also free which is incredibly rare for the Hunter nowadays. With possibly one of the most insane lookouts in the entire Blue Mountains, and without having to actually hike anywhere to find it, this spot is a favourite. Places to Take Photos in Palm Springs Clients often stop and stare, in awe of how amazing mother nature really is. Take a 100m walk down the street and you find the lake, with so many long jettys (see what they did there?) Best time of day to shoot here? Spot some wild roos 12. to utilise. Located close to Broke on the traditional land of the Wonnarua people, is one of the most beautifully preserved Aboriginal rock arts sites close to Sydney. Indulge in gourmet delights at Margan 13. The 360 view flourishes a picturesque line of vineyards and glassy waters that showcase what the Hunter Valley has to offer. If you can spare the time it is by far our favourite way to reach the Hunter. At just $20 for a family of four, this is the perfect kid-friendly activity in the Hunter Valley. Ascella - We havent visited Ascella in a couple of years but it still remains one of our faves. Thanks for your support. As a result, knowing the best spots means being able to create angles that look like you are standing right on the edge, when in fact, you are 5 metres from the edge (safety is cool kids). You dont need a 4wd, but I usually would recommend my clients without a 4wd come with me, as I have seen people get in trouble, particularly when it is or has been raining. WebHunter Valley Renewal in the vines Its one of the countrys pre-eminent wine At times the swell and the winds can really pick up, and people standing too close to the edge have fallen over the cliffs. Travel Advice. If you are looking for a sunrise engagement photoshoot location, this is where I would bank my money! They take shots of the 10 themed gardens but the Mad Hatter's Tea Party is a big hit too. Its all part of the same giant rock slab that has been exposed by recent winds. You can also buy blocks of cheese, local produce and even a coffee here. On either side of you, pristine ocean and cliffs. when you hit that turn off, go straight and follow that road all the way to the very end, down the bumpy dirt track. The expansive view is one of the very best in the area and the wines are also great. Get in really intimate (if you are still embarrassed then your photographer is not doing their job right). Hunter Valley The onsite restaurant gets rave reviews. These are just a few of our favourites but we are always open to exploring! On top of this, there are so many beautiful spots to shoot down here. A detour via Marrowbone Road will be necessary around the construction zone between October 2022 until February 2023. Visit Scarboroughs tasting room to experience a bright modern tasting area to explore their wines, complementary cheese platters, a family friendly environment, and beautiful grounds and stunning views. Show off your photography skills and take advantage of our regions natural beauty. 4. It takes roughly 10 minutes longer to reach Broke, whilst Wollombi is just two hours away. Such awesome locations, cannot wait to get back out to them all , Your work is absolutely amazing locations are so beautiful. Photography A huge drawcard for the region, Hunter Valley Zoo plays host to both Australian and exotic animals. Combining stunning European vibes with their property, and the amazing, lush bushland and forest surrounding, you can;t go wrong. 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. Hi! Wed also advise you to avoid the hot chocolate it was basically like sugary milk (something you really wouldnt expect at a chocolatier)! These are my Top engagement photoshoot locations in the Hunter Valley, Newcastle and Central Coast (as well as a few for you Sydney folk). By M7025NQtonyw. Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley Once the sun goes down though, the trees will start to become really dark, retaining a lot of shadow and not a lot of highlights. With the best photo spots ranging from beautifully empty desert to You will hit a little carpark, sitting on top of some hollowed out caveswelcome to paradise. Here is where you get to enjoy the more vast scenery by getting more wide open shots! River Oaks Theatre. There is a huge array of chocolate which you can buy prepackaged or individually. This keeps it interesting for you, and gives your images the variety you want. Service areas: Newcastle | Hunter Valley | Central Coast | Port Stephans | Lake Macquarie | Nelson Bay | Blue Mountains | Sydney. Instead wed recommend heading to the below. Literally anywhere. Providing the absolute best of both worlds, take a guess as to why this is one of the most idyllic engagement photoshoot locations around the Hunter Valley. They are professionals and will easily be able to help you select the right location for you. It is so much fun, you have the harbour to use, the city skyline, and of courseLuna Park! It offers cliff-side views coupled with beautiful sand and clear water. Its pretty straightforward. There are plenty of photography Once you drive into the Watagans you will be on a dirt track, you dont need a 4WD, but it is a bumpy road. You are going to want to whip your camera out for this one! Only one issue here, it does get busy. It isnt a requirement that you be peak physical fitness, but be prepared to get a light sweat on. 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! Well, I know it sounds weird, but Carrington Industrial area might be the spot for you. It literally takes about 30 minutes and is steep. There are so many opportunities to get pictures with your favourite little friends. You can check it out by clicking the button below. To be honest, you cant go wrong. 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. Visit the Hunter Valley Gardens 8. With so many choices, including the various lookouts, pine forests, trickling streams and possibly even some snow! A bit further south of Bombo Quarry is Cathedral Rocks, in Kiama. This is the perfect time for that close up photo. Just have a look below and tell me Im not right. I have been on a hot air balloon ride before, in Egypt, and it was such a wonderful experience, its really peaceful up there and the golden light is gorgeous for photographs. Valley Photography As an added bonus, this will give you a great opportunity to see how your photographer shoots in differing lighting conditions, which will be a very important thing on the wedding day (they will be shooting from broad daylight, all the way into complete darkness of night). It is about a 30-40 minutes drive from Leura out to Mount Box. 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. Around 8 minutes later youll pass the small village of Laguna, which is home to Australias oldest wine bar. Weve explored most of them and listed the best below: Simplistic and stunning- one of my all-time favorite locations! From here there are ample photo opportunities (see images below), but I usually aim to be up here after the sun has set behind the cliffs to give it that more moody emotive appearance. 2090 Broke Road, Pokolbin. If youre up for the drive its a wonderful place to get some stunning and dramatic photos! top 5 mistakes couples make when planning a wedding. Mr O Kitchen Espresso & Grocer. If you're looking for the Whats your favourite winery in the Hunter Valley? To learn more about the menu, where to stay, and what more there is to see, visit their website. With the iconic blue steps at your disposal, you can create some amazingly cool photos here. If you dont want to do a proper tasting, but want to try a few before you buy, wed recommend heading to the Smelly Cheese Shop which is fab. Say cheese! We usually do a mix, with a few in Pokolbin, Broke and most recently in Wollombi too. The brekkie gets rave reviews, but unfortunately we didnt love it (we were staying for a wedding so it could have been different to the usual). Some of our favourite things to do in the Hunter Valley are tucked away in this spot that the majority of people never visit! However assuming that you are better organised than us, Audrey Wilkinson is the perfect place to catch a glorious Hunter Valley sunset. Continue driving down through the National Parks winding roads, past Audley, up past Wattamolla, until you get to the Garie Beach turn off. Hunter Lookout in the Watagans National Park is spectacular, easily one of our favourite views in the area. No good going to these locations if you plan on taking selfies is it? Book your next tasting experience through their website. Their 18-hole mini golf course winds through the landscaped grounds of the beautiful Hunter Valley Garden Village. Waves crashing into the rocks below you and birds flying overhead. 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. It will take a bit of finding, but if you have enough time, there are some really epic spots up on top of the mountains that overlook the lake, and give it that almost Tasmanian or New Zealand vibe (almostlol). Maybe youve been going through this list and thinking, hmmm, loads of really nice natural locations, but thats not really me. Bragging both beach and bush locations, its a diverse location. By getting there a little early, you get to enjoy 2 different styles of lighting (I know, boring photographer stuff, but hear me out). Probably a great spot to fly a drone and get some cool aerial footage or shots showing off the extremely vast landscape. The walk to the middle falls, which would be worth seeing alone is just five minutes, but we recommend carrying on another five to see the lower falls as well, which are even more beautiful. The courtyard has always been gorgeous, but now its on another level. This place is another one of those, all in one places. Located just on the beach around Merewether/Bar Beach, this absolute banger of a spot is so very popular for engagement photoshoots in Newcastle, as well as wedding photography. This helps towards the costs of running our website. We left completely relaxed and glad wed decided to spend just a little more on getting the extended experience. 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. Ngurra Bu. 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. As well as the famous hot spots well share all our favourite hidden gems to help you plan the perfect trip to the glorious Hunter Valley. The basic tasting we did was $7.95 pp or you could add preserves and olives for $14.95 pp. Not only will you get an epic feed and coffee before (or after is youre a sunrise chaser) your engagement photoshoot, but you have so many cool spots. Pictured: Hunter Valley Gardens @itsfezzyo via IG. Many of whom actually have enquired about hosting their ceremony on the cliffs edge. Flickr, 500px, and ShotHotspot. Our current fave is Tyrrells in Pokolbin. Today the vast majority will charge a fee and you will try a set amount of wines, starting with sparkling, moving on to white, rose, red and finishing with a dessert wine. There is nothing but rolling dunes for as far as the eye can see (honestly, I think they go for like 20km). This location gives you the best of both worlds. The service was not especially friendly, but we were there for the cheese so we still enjoyed it. Picnic in the vines 3. This is a perfect sunset location, so meet in Leura 90 minutes before sunset. Hell, you can always go up to the sand dunes afterwards! One of the biggest and baddest ways would be to do an engagement photoshoot with someone you would consider as your wedding photographer. A comprehensive guide to the best restaurants and cafes in the region. The Best Engagement Photo Locations Around Newcastle & the If youre a lover of spirits as well as wine, then wed highly recommend heading over to the Hunter Distillery. The Kindness of Strangers: 10 travel moments that restored my faith in humanity, What it's like to give it all up to travel in your 30's. 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. Death Valley Hunter Valley Horses. Maybe the city is a bit more your thing? Its known for awesome arches, rock formations, desert scenery and the famous Joshua trees that make up the park name. So get ready, these places are going to get pretty!
