Having lived in the Hunter Valley for such a long time, I'm happy to say I haven't had many bad experiences in the place I call home. It really depends on your interests and tastes so you can create your own Hunter experience, but here are a few "misses" to note.
The cheap side of Glenbawn Dam
A few years ago, this was quite a family-friendly place to visit. But nowadays the playground equipment has fallen into disrepair and historical artefacts that were once interesting to look at are now rough around the edges and hard to access. The shop has also been moved around to the eastern foreshore. If you're looking for a better atmosphere, it's worth paying the entry fee and avoiding the grubbier free attractions.
The Railway Hotel, Muswellbrook
This pub has long been popular with local young guns, but has become a bit rough. It's got a late serving licence, but this leads to some aggro alcos — and on top of that, the atmosphere is lacking. Similarly, the Shamrock Hotel can be a bit scary on a Saturday afternoon after the footy if you're female. It's very popular with blokes and female patrons tend to get ignored by staff and leered at by other drinkers. That said, the Thai restaurant at the
Shamrock is great! If you're looking for a pub experience in a mining town,
Eatons in Muswellbrook is a bit more relaxed. If you're looking to dance the night away, however, the pub does shut at midnight so be prepared for the relatively early "last call".
Ho-hum Hunter events and festivals
There's a plethora of
festivals and special celebrations on year-round. During these times, small towns are overrun with people and accommodation gets more expensive. It's also harder to get around. One of the great things about the Hunter Valley experience is the privacy, peace and quiet you have access to. That said, it doesn't hurt to give new things a try. You might not care much for horses but could find the events that surround Horse Week in May good fun. Research your trip, and when packing, remember the weather can change quickly. It's a good idea to wear light layers and take warm clothing in case the evening cools down.
Beware of bushfires
Fires strike the F3 Freeway and other major roads regularly in the hot summer months. The trip back home can be very slow if you're forced to take another route, so check weather conditions before hitting the road. Summer can be stiflingly hot, so it's best to plan a trip for cooler months as much of the wine-tasting and touring you do is more enjoyable outdoors.
Got any more places to avoid? Have your say using the comments form below.
Next: Near the beaten track
