Insta-Worthy Selfie Spots Capture the iconic Hunter Valley Instead wed recommend heading to the below. What more could you ask for? WebWhere to eat in the Hunter Valley, Australia. In the 20 minutes before the sun comes up, you will get stunningly soft light. Forget what Susan from accounting told you about weddings, she is outdated and you cant stand her anyway! Photography Around Swan Valley Idaho There are endless amounts of photo opportunities as you learn to discover the natural beauty of the intricate details of the Hunter Valley Gardens. The name tells you exactly what to expect herea giant flat rock! Hunter Valley Wine tasting is of course the number one thing to do when it comes to the Hunter Valley. I mean, honestly, the Blue Mountains brings it every single time. Seriously, take my money! IVANHOE WINES. They take shots of the 10 themed gardens but the Mad Hatter's Tea Party is a big hit too. But if you dont mind it or dont care, this spot is so much fun, and always leads to such sick shots. Flickr/James Walsh. Mohonk Mountain House Photo by @tleedvm Mohonk Mountain House has been a top regional destination since being built in the 1870s. If you want to particularly seek them out our favourite spots are at Whispering Brook where they were grazing amongst the vines and olive groves. Its on our list for one day! The Hunter Valley is the perfect place to indulge a little and it has some truly amazing restaurants. You dont want to miss the stunning views this lookout has to offer. Insta-Worthy Selfie Spots Capture the iconic Hunter Valley Go wine tasting! Undercliff also hosts a sculpture exhibition among the vines which is held every October/November. Wed also advise you to avoid the hot chocolate it was basically like sugary milk (something you really wouldnt expect at a chocolatier)! For example, if you shoot in a dark forest, all white might look strange. In stark contrast, on your left you have wispy long grass fields which make you feel like you are in Country America. The landscape is just so simple, and so soft. Its a little bit of a trek, but then again, nothing easy in life is worth doing (except ordering pizza onlineright?). Quickly turning into the hipster central of the Central Coast, Long Jetty is well worth checking out. You can ask as many questions as you like and it was great to learn more about the area and the wines. Located just a few hours from Sydney and Newcastle, any car can reach this destination and parking is available at the lookout. It will take a bit of finding, but if you have enough time, there are some really epic spots up on top of the mountains that overlook the lake, and give it that almost Tasmanian or New Zealand vibe (almostlol). In Lovedale they are almost always in the fields opposite the Crowne Plaza Hotel; in Pokolbin look at the fields along McDonalds Road and if you plan on visiting Wollombi we see them every time along the Yango Creek Road. voco Kirkton Park is the ultimate place to escape, unwind, and indulge in It is complete peace and quiet. Be careful here. Once you get in here, there is a little carpark and you can simply walk into the middle of the forest. There are hundreds of wineries in the Hunter Valley, and whilst almost every winery offers tastings, fewer offer you the opportunity to explore the vineyard and learn more about the wine making process. If you have more time to spend in Wollombi, weve got a full guide on the best things to do there. For more information on how an engagement photoshoot could be the best thing you do for your wedding, read here. Going back in time, if my wedding venue was not available, this would be where I choose to get married. Many of the vineyards will let you picnic in the grounds as long as you buy something from the cellar door. An alternative route, or perhaps an option for the return journey is to see a little of Sydneys convict history along the Old Great North Road. A beautiful spot for the early morning and late afternoon and maybe even a dip in the water! 15 Incredible things to do in the Hunter Valley including lots of hidden gems, Mount Sinai: the magic of climbing Moses Mountain at sunset, The full lowdown on Egypt's magnificent White Canyon, 23 of the Most Incredible Waterfalls in NSW. A comprehensive guide to the best restaurants and cafes in the region. They were all good and its the only time Ive ever liked a brie! With the iconic blue steps at your disposal, you can create some amazingly cool photos here. The vineyard staff have a true passion to make each, and every visitor feel welcome and leave with so many unforgettable memories. Your guests will love this spot. It is so much fun, you have the harbour to use, the city skyline, and of courseLuna Park! Located in a truly spectacular spot of the Hunter Valley. As the sun starts to set over the cliffs, you will get this amazing soft light hitting you, and it simply looks divine. As well as the famous hot spots well share all our favourite hidden gems to help you plan the perfect trip to the glorious Hunter Valley. You can check it out by clicking the button below. All Rights Reserved. 7. Having climbed down a steep rocky track, you will come to the pass which takes you out onto the point. Make sure to leave a comment below and let me know what you think. hunter valley australia. There are so many vineyards and they are backed by a picturesque mountain range. No good going to these locations if you plan on taking selfies is it? to utilise. Its the ultimate foodies experience and will leave your followers green with envy! Let me preface this by saying this is a wedding venue, and you will need to speak to the owner to use it (or ask your photographer, they should have a relationship with Karyn and be able to get the all clear). Scenic backdrops combined with a full-service spa and 18-hole golf course set the stage for a memorable experience. The lookout offers the perfect back drop to capture the Hunter Valleys natural beauty for your next insta-worthy selfie! Whats your favourite winery in the Hunter Valley? Roos are everywhere in the Hunter and youll probably spot them without trying too hard. Located If you do it too close to the wedding, youre no longer in the engagement phase, more so in the about to get married phase. Don't we all. Theres no official tasting on offer which is a shame, but you could create your own by buying a few of the different individual chocs. WebSave on cameras, lenses, printing, photo accessories, lighting, and more! Dont get me wrong, the close ups are soft, moody, and really bring on the feels (I always cry, I am such a bitch lol), but with the sun billowing through the tall pines like that, how could you not want to capture it all? With a heap of little cute secluded beaches along the way, you can easily take this clifftop session, down onto the sand and actually get in the water (Im a big fan of getting dirty and wet) for some extra fun. 1. Turn around and it looks like a cool rocky Cliff shoot. By using the website, you accept full personal responsibility for any harm or damage you suffer as a result of your actions arising out of or in connection with the use of the website or its content. And once that drops, you simply head down to the sand, and use that gorgeous soft light to shoot in the water (yes you will get wet). There are a few walking trails around this area too, but we didnt find them to be well sign posted and involved some road walking, so we personally werent big fans. Walk back down the hill and float on the pond in their canoe to get some sick aerial shots. Well that depends on what time of year, but ideally, being raised on a cliff, you will get about 15 additional minutes of sun. Id highly recommend giving it a go if youve never tried it before. An iconic Newcastle location featured in so many tourist photos over the years! We tried 10 wines (the official tasting is usually a couple less, but if they have extra bottles open theyll bring them out too) and the whole experience is fantastic. top 5 mistakes couples make when planning a wedding. Tiny little Broke is a 20 minute drive away and is nestled at the foot of the mountains in Yengo National Park. If you go there a bit early you can take 5-10 minutes to scope the area out and find them yourself (or just hire a photographer who knows the location). You know where all the top spots are for your engagement photoshoot. Embrace nature. Browns River Covered Bridge, Shresbury. Dense forest and bushland surrounds, with a gorgeous little mountain behind the venue where you can take some stunning wedding photos on later. The rooms at Elfin Hill are comfy and stylish and the whole place has a really relaxed feel. Youve arrived. Before you leave, take a minute and just stare at your surroundings. In fact, it is my most photographed location, as chosen by my couples. when you hit that turn off, go straight and follow that road all the way to the very end, down the bumpy dirt track. Take a 100m walk down the street and you find the lake, with so many long jettys (see what they did there?) When is the best time to visit Sydney & New South Wales? You could also take a tour from Sydney if you prefer. We loved everything we tasted and liked that they had lots of native botanicals in the offerings. Just stick to the cave rather than going for an explore! To die for, honestly. Its a great excuse for a day out. If you are after something special, not just a day, but rather an entire weekend, check them out. If you have a sweet tooth then its worth checking out the Hunter Valley Chocolate Company. There are so many opportunities to get pictures with your favourite little friends. We think so! And get snapping! Mr O Kitchen Espresso & Grocer. But it offers something completely differentstrange that! Newcastle baths offer both beach and urban options to explore. The 360 view flourishes a picturesque line of vineyards and glassy waters that showcase what the Hunter Valley has to offer. If you want to do photos there on a Saturday afternoon in Summer, be prepared for a crowd. There are so many hidden gems all over Catherine Hill Bay (and the local pub does a mean pizza!). It really can be great for creating some highly emotive close up shots that will blow your mind. All these spots in the Blue Mountains have stunning outlooks, amazing natural backdrops, and are just generally amazing. Our favourite is Margan Wines in Broke, which bases all its food on what it can produce in its garden and orchards. An iconic Newcastle location featured in so many tourist A temporary road closure will be necessary to undertake works in sections of Oakey Creek Road. 4. Make sure to plan out your shoot with your photographer as you get no reception down here. Regardless, stay a bit longer, have a drink and maybe a bit of a picnic, because you wont be in any hurry to leave this slice of heaven. The rock formations out in the water are incredible, and make for such an unbelievable backdrop to your photos. Waves crashing into the rocks below you and birds flying overhead. If you dont want to do a proper tasting, but want to try a few before you buy, wed recommend heading to the Smelly Cheese Shop which is fab. After the shoot is over, do yourself a favour and head down to the Hungry Monkey Cafe in Kiama for a Nutella Mocha (or Hot Chocolate) and some brekky. See HERE for more information. Go cheese tasting 5. Indulge in gourmet delights at Margan 13. This one is subjective, but I personally like to do them about a few months out from the wedding. If you are looking for privacy, well you found it! The forest is dead silent. An absolute stunner if you are looking for a sunrise engagement photoshoot location. You get given a long list of gins, vodkas and schnapps and you can pick any six to try. Youll conclude with a tasting in the garden overlooking the olive trees and vines in the distance. Our current fave is Tyrrells in Pokolbin. Now you simply have to pick which location works best for you. A perfect Instagram picture would be captured in front of the Chardonnay vines, in order to guarantee a shot of one of the prettiest skylines in the Hunter Valley. 40. Hunter Valley Zoo recently joined the Australia Wildlife Parks family, which has now become Australias biggest private collection of animals. This is truly one of the Central Coasts greatest forest photoshoot locations, and is super popular with elopements as well, for good reason. Once the sun goes down though, the trees will start to become really dark, retaining a lot of shadow and not a lot of highlights. If you love a good sunset, this is probably a serious contender for best sunset due to the height you get up on the clifftops. Its a friendly environment and rooms are immaculately clean. So now you know. Its worth doing your research to find the best option for you, but this one on Klook gets excellent reviews. The waves are nothing to worry about, but take a few minutes to watch them and ensure it is safe. Be very careful as it is very rocky and uneven for the first few hundred metres. One of the biggest and baddest ways would be to do an engagement photoshoot with someone you would consider as your wedding photographer. The wines are excellent and the new tasting set up is absolutely gorgeous, but its far and away more expensive than any other option. It also has heaps of rocks jutting out of the water, which make for some really cool backdrops to shoot against. Once you drive into the Watagans you will be on a dirt track, you dont need a 4WD, but it is a bumpy road. Theres a range of tasting on offer with the basic one starting at $5 pp. From prancing peacocks to alfresco wine-tasting in the winter sun.krinklewood.com. Once you get down there, on your right you open up this unreal world of rock formations, with huge swells smashing into them. Once you get to the bottom, you have the entire place to yourself (usually)! Take the scenic route via waterfalls and lookouts 15. Thank you so much, I appreciate the love. Here is where you get to enjoy the more vast scenery by getting more wide open shots! Everything that you would need to capture a picture-perfect scene! This is up North of the Hunter Valley in Singleton. Balloon Aloft has been ballooning since 1980, offering sunrise ballooning adventures daily and creating the best experiences. Set amongst the vineyards the rooms here are huge, more like suites, with a living area complete with fireplace, great views and a spa bath. This is actually where I got married, so I love this spot. The 19th century homestead is simply amazing and makes for stunning images. From here there are ample photo opportunities (see images below), but I usually aim to be up here after the sun has set behind the cliffs to give it that more moody emotive appearance. Best time of day to shoot here? It can look like you have done 2 totally different photoshoots if you shoot during the sunset and then into the dusk hour. In the heart of a stark, desolate desert landscape lies a densely-saturated region of lush, tropical palm trees. Once up there, I have only ever run into someone once, every other time we have had the entire sand dunes to ourselves. The tops are just 1.5 hours north of Newcastle. This one is easy to reach though. From Sutherland, turn off towards the National Park. Its a great backdrop for your engagement photography by taking advantage of the splash of colour and leading lines of the location. In my opinion I like to do these in locations that summarise my clients as a couple. This place quickly became one of my absolute favourites since moving up here. The Artists Palette is a geological formation of brightly colored rock thats been eroded into various shapes. A short hike through the bush up the the point is well worth the effort. Be spoilt for choice with a unique collection of boutique shops and a variety of delicious dining options for you to enjoy. $2250 MOTHERS DAY GIVEAWAY - CLICK HERE TO CELEBRATE MUMS. When we saw you could do a formal tasting at the Hunter Valley Cheese Company we decided to give it a try. It is a much prettier route and only adds on an additional 20 minutes to your journey. One downside here is, you will get a lot of onlookers, so if you are a really private person, or very self conscious of being centre of attention, this might be a rough spot for you. There are loads of cool spots to have engagement photos in the Hunter Valley, but this really is more of a wedding region, so let me rattle through a few wedding venues you need to know about. See some of the best ancient rock art in NSW 4. Photographer jargon aside, it is a stunning engagement photoshoot location. As well as lovelier scenery you will also pass a few remaining relics of the Old Great North Road. Not only will you get an epic feed and coffee before (or after is youre a sunrise chaser) your engagement photoshoot, but you have so many cool spots. The park is also home to a garden of teddy bear cholla cactuses, which are pictured below. Located close to Broke on the traditional land of the Wonnarua people, is one of the most beautifully preserved Aboriginal rock arts sites close to Sydney. You can access your free e-book by clicking on this link. The most popular area is Pokolbin, which is where the big winemakers are, the majority of hotels and a lot of the big attractions in the Hunter. Stonehurst Cedar Creek - The tasting (also free) was a bit different here, you could just ask to try any you wanted. Bask in the lavash array of colour and scent found in the Rose Garden with hundreds and thousands of roses on display, or take in the superb views from the lookout that sits above the 10-metre-high waterfall of the Sunken Garden. I wont go into this one much more, because again, you get similar stunning outlooks to the above locations, expect here, you will get some really cool bushland kind of shots on your trek in/up to the lookout. They have lay bys for you to pull in and take a closer look. Spot some wild roos 12. It was a place that truly felt like an escape and we left with a big smile on our faces. An option you might not have considered. We encourage you to immerse yourself in nature and be charmed by this striking panoramic view. It has everything! But most of all, be excited! As well as Baiame you can see some clear hand stencils, boomerangs and one other picture we couldnt identify. Let me say, right off the bat, that if you arent fit, and dont want to get dirty and sweaty, this one might not be for you. Pictured: Hunter Valley Gardens @itsfezzyo via IG. By getting there a little early, you get to enjoy 2 different styles of lighting (I know, boring photographer stuff, but hear me out). Initially, it is very flat and quite dark as the sun hides behind the clouds and giant rock formations. Theres a lot of beautiful flowers and formal gardens to explore, but what stood out the most for me was the fragrance. Hi! Until fairly recently tastings were generally free and informal. Love to share your Hunter Valley experiences? Most Instagrammed Places in the Hudson Valley Its pretty straightforward. You dont need a 4wd, but I usually would recommend my clients without a 4wd come with me, as I have seen people get in trouble, particularly when it is or has been raining.