The centre sits at the gateway to Wine Country on Wine Country Drive, making it the first major stop for most visitors arriving from Sydney or Newcastle.
- Name: Hunter Valley Visitor Information Centre
- Address: 455 Wine Country Drive, Pokolbin NSW 2320
- Phone: (02) 4993 6700
- Google Rating: 4.6 from 968+ reviews (highly rated)
- Opening Hours:
- Typically 9:00am – 5:00pm, 7 days a week
- Closed Christmas Day
- Facilities:
- Visitor information desk
- Shop Hunter Valley retail store
- Local produce, wine, and artisan goods
- Café and wine bar
- Art gallery and Aboriginal art displays
- Souvenirs and regional gifts
- Toilets
- Large carpark suitable for caravans and RVs
This centre is operated by Cessnock City Council and is the official accredited VIC for the region.
What Area It Caters For
The Hunter Valley Visitor Information Centre supports a large and diverse tourism region, including the entire Lower Hunter wine district and surrounding rural villages.
1. Pokolbin – Heart of Wine Country
The VIC provides information on:
- Major wineries (e.g., Tyrrell’s, Brokenwood, Audrey Wilkinson)
- Boutique cellar doors
- Wine tours and tastings
- Hot‑air ballooning
- Concerts and events
- Restaurants and gourmet experiences
Pokolbin is the most visited wine region in Australia.
2. Lovedale
Known for:
- Boutique wineries
- Farm‑gate produce
- Country‑style accommodation
- Lovedale Long Lunch event
The VIC provides maps, cellar door lists, and touring routes.
3. Rothbury & North Rothbury
The centre supports visitors exploring:
- Luxury resorts
- Golf courses
- Scenic drives
- Premium cellar doors
4. Broke–Fordwich Wine Region
A quieter, more rural part of the Hunter Valley, known for:
- Award‑winning semillon and shiraz
- Olive groves
- Boutique vineyards
- Wollombi Valley touring routes
The VIC provides touring maps and cellar door recommendations.
5. Cessnock & Surrounding Villages
Including:
- Cessnock CBD
- Nulkaba
- Aberdare
- Bellbird
The VIC offers guidance on dining, accommodation, heritage sites, and local attractions.
6. Outdoor & Nature‑Based Tourism
The centre supports visitors heading to:
- Werakata National Park
- Mount View Lookouts
- Hunter Valley Gardens
- Walking and cycling trails
- Scenic drives through the Lower Hunter
7. Regional Touring Routes
The VIC provides maps and advice for:
- Hunter Valley → Newcastle
- Hunter Valley → Maitland & Morpeth
- Hunter Valley → Singleton & Upper Hunter
- Hunter Valley → Wollombi → Central Coast
These routes are popular with road‑trippers, motorcyclists, and wine‑trail travellers.
Services Provided
- Maps, brochures, and regional guides
- Wine‑tasting and tour bookings
- Accommodation recommendations
- Event information (concerts, festivals, markets)
- Local produce and wine sales
- Souvenirs and artisan gifts
- Itinerary planning assistance
- Information on accessibility and family‑friendly activities
Traveller Facilities Nearby
- Large carpark with caravan/RV access
- Café and wine bar onsite
- Public toilets
- EV charging available in nearby Pokolbin
- Easy access to Wine Country Drive and major wineries
Summary
The Hunter Valley Visitor Information Centre is the essential starting point for exploring Pokolbin, Lovedale, Rothbury, Broke–Fordwich, and the wider Hunter Valley Wine Country. It caters to wine lovers, foodies, families, outdoor adventurers, and event‑goers—offering expert local knowledge, high‑quality visitor services, and a welcoming introduction to Australia’s premier wine region.