Top 5 Hunter Valley Walking Tracks

Escape the city and discover the incredible natural beauty of the Hunter Valley. Wine may be the first thing that comes to mind in the Hunter region, due to its rich heritage as the birthplace of Australian wine. However, the Hunter Valley offers so much more. Home to some remarkable national parks with an array of local wildlife, visitors from far and wide come to visit. There are a wide variety of Hunter Valley walking tracks for all ages and abilities featuring beautiful bushland and stunning scenery.

The Hunter Valley is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy the great outdoors. Immerse yourself in nature, stretch your legs, unwind, and delve deep into the countryside. There is a huge range of parks, gardens, and trails to choose from, so to help plan your trip we have narrowed down our Top 5 Hunter Valley Walking Tracks.

Hunter Valley Walking Tracks

The Welcome Walk

The Welcome Walk is located within the Hunter Wetlands National Park and is an easy track that takes you through the Hunter River Estuary.  Meander above the saltwater wetland along the timber boardwalk and keep a lookout for fish and crabs below. As you stroll through the mangroves you will discover the unique and interesting aquatic plants and grasses which grow within the saltmarsh ecosystem.

Pieries Peak Walking Track

One of the most popular Hunter Valley walking tracks that you will find within the Mount Royal National Park is the Pieries Peak Track. It is a moderate climb to the peak and a 3km return hike which will take around an hour and a half to complete.  The climb to the top will reveal stunning views across the Hunter Valley and Lake Saint Clair. This walk is great for birdwatching so remember to bring binoculars and keep an eye out for wedge-tailed eagles soaring above.

 

Werakata National Park Loop

When it comes to Hunter Valley walking tracks, the Werakata National Park Loop is one not to be missed. It is a relatively steady track made up of wide dirt trails and mostly flat the entire route. The loop takes an average of just over two hours to complete and is 8.7km in total. This is another great track for avid birdwatchers where you can spot many birds such as Grey-crowned babblers, cockatoos, kookaburras, and speckled warblers. At the start of the trail, there is a lovely picnic area which is the perfect place for a spot of lunch after your walk.

Yango Walking Track

Situated in Yengo National Park the Yango Walking Track is a 6km track that follows a former logging trail, at times it can be moderately challenging with some steep sections, however, the outstanding views are more than worth it. This Hunter Valley walking track allows you to wander through the incredible wilderness, on your journey you will even pass a small segment of rainforest featuring red cedars and giant stinging trees. Make sure to take your camera and capture the picturesque scenery.

The Hunter Valley Gardens

A wonderful way to spend a day is by exploring the Hunter Valley Gardens. There are 8km of walking paths which take you through 14 hectares of individually themed gardens. The gardens consist of over 6000 trees and over 1 million ground cover shrubs. You will also find along the way several statues, water features, and murals. The 10 themed gardens include the Story Book Garden which takes you on a journey down memory lane featuring some of your favourite childhood characters. As well as the Oriental Garden which is largely influenced by Korean and Japanese gardens and is the place to go for harmony and balance.

AUS Weekend Escapes Top Hotel Pick

The Hunter Gateway Motel is an ideal base to explore the incredible Hunter region. The accommodation offers contemporary delux and premium rooms with all the amenities you will need during your stay. There is also an outdoor swimming pool and free on site parking.

For more information on things to do in the Hunter Valley check out our ultimate guide.