The Hunter Valley wine growing region

Yesterday we explored the exquisite hills of the wine growing region an hour inland from Newcastle.

We started our tour at the Hunter Valley Gardens; an area of ten linked themed gardens including formal styles, oriental, Italian, Chinese, Indian Mosaic, and Storybook sections.

David and Mimi came along with Anthony and I and Carol

Anthony continues his bird watching and identified a red billed marsh hen for me.

Taking the weight off our feet overlooking a Chinese Pagoda

The walk around the gardens found us beside some moving animatronic dinosaur exhibits, before having tea in their restaurant.

There is the craziest golf driving range in the world, onto water outside the gardens.

It seems a little difficult to collect the balls from the driving range!

We took a drive into the hills for breathtaking views, over vineyards.

We did try a cut through across the flooded valley but had to make a detour as the road was flooded by the recent torrential rains.

Getting re-routed we were finally heading off to Margan's vineyard, wine tasting rooms and restaurant.

 Our host for the evening showed us around the vegetable gardens before an elegant meal which showed off their best wines. We walked around with a glass of champagne!

In the maturing barrel room.