It really is a good idea to travel by car if you can. If wine tasting is on your do-to list, bus tours can be arranged, but if you're in the Hunter for a week, you'll find it highly inconvenient without your own set of wheels.

Driving from Sydney, wine country is probably the first place you'll want to hit. For something a bit different, you can hit the Golden Door Health Spa at Pokolbin. It's a minimum two-night stay, but offers all kinds of wellbeing activities, from Tai Chi to hiking. You can choose to be either an independent or program guest. This will keep you occupied until day three of your week.

If a health retreat doesn't sound appealing, just check into a nice hotel after your drive, and get stuck into a good meal at one of the local restaurants. If you're looking for a treat, Roberts is a renowned local spot.

Don't check out of that hotel just yet! Use your second day to go on a bus tour of the vineyards and do some serious wine tasting. Choose another fine restaurant for dinner after a day on the sauce, and rest up for tomorrow.

There's so much more to check out while in wine country. There are lots of boutique shops with a great focus on food, but if you're tired of that, head out to Maitland Goal. There are some terrifying tours here that look into the history of the place, and if you're feeling really brave you can stay overnight, but beware of the ghosts of criminals past. Warning: this tour may not be suitable for young children.

Venture out past Maitland to the historic town of Morpeth. It's a bit like stepping back in time, and you can get a good lunch here. Children may find a day here a little boring, but it's a haven for history buffs. While you're out, it's also a good chance to check out some of the smaller historic villages around the region such as Lorn (which has a great shop) and Largs. Keep an eye out for markers around the region which show how high the water got in the Great Maitland Flood of 1955.

It's time to head north and check out the Upper Hunter. Denman is a real highlight. Wander around the shops and have lunch at Cepes at the Denman Hotel. There's a lookout just out of town that will give you sweeping views of the region. Book some accommodation at one of the hotels in Muswellbrook. La Ciboulette is the best place in town to have dinner, but if you're looking for something a bit less formal a new pizza and pasta place has opened across the road. It's run by the same excellent people who run La Ciboulette.

It's time to take on the New England Highway. This is the perfect opportunity to really take your time and have a good look around the Upper Hunter. Stop for lunch in Scone and wander around town. Horse Week is a great time to plan a trip to Scone because there's so much going on. The Scone Cup is the social event of the year and is held during the festival in May (on Melbourne Cup Day and the next best thing if you can't make it down to Melbourne!). Have Lunch at Kerv or one of the pubs. If you're keen to get outdoors, Kingdon Ponds and the Washpools are beautiful places to picnic and swim. Scone is also the epicentre of thoroughbred horse breeding in the region. Why not organise a tour of one of the reputable stud ranches in town? Arrowfield is my favourite. As you head north on the highway just past Wingen, you can take a hike up Burning Mountain. It used to be an active volcano and when the conditions are right, you can see smoke rising from the ground. The smell of sulphur is strong in the air.

Right at the top of the Valley Murrurundi is the final stop on your trip. Have a leisurely breakfast or lunch at Café Telegraph — it's a must. If the cafe's not open, the tourist information centre also does good food, and Baccos bakery sells traditional Italian-style bread. As you head back down the valley towards Sydney, stop in at Glenbawn Dam for a look, a walk or a picnic, then make your way home, allowing time to stop at your favourite shops and wineries for a second look along the way.