Rothbury, Hunter Region — New South Wales

Rothbury is a small town located within the Hunter Valley region in New South Wales. This town, along with the rest of the area, is known for its wine making industry. Many visitors from nearby Sidney and the rest of the country come to Rothbury for its scenic rural views, clean air, and opportunities to taste different wine products offered by wineries.

Along the Old North Road is the Bellona Estate, an example of wineries that has been operational for many decades in the area. Visitors are toured around the property’s historic buildings and given free taste of the boutique wines taken from their underground winery. Nearby is the winery operated by Ballabourneen Wines, which specializes in cultivating and processing Verdelho, Chardonnay and Shiraz grape varieties.

Apart from taking winery tours within Rothbury and nearby areas like Lovedale and Pokolbon, the town also has several other attractions to offer.

At the Hunter Valley Hill Top Country Horse Riding Centre on Talga Road, visitors can go horse riding to their hearts’ content.  On-site guides are also available for those who wish to take a short ride around the countryside. The rural landscape becomes especially breathtaking at twilight, and lucky individuals may see some of the native animals along the way. Wine tasting sessions are also offered

Rothbury is also the proud location of an upscale golf course designed by Greg Norman, the Vintage Golf Club. The golf course is placed in one of the most scenic spots in the area, and players here not only get to indulge in their favorite sport, they can also get to appreciate nature at its glory. Strolling along the course, visitors can see views of wetlands, creeks, vineyards, and nearby forests.

At the corner of Wine Country Drive and Wilderness Roads is the Ogishi Craft Centre, the gallery and studio of renowned glassmaker Setsuko Ogishi. His art glass studio is one of the few in the country that welcomes visitors who wish to see the process behind glassblowing. Different glass designs are exhibited and some are available for sale at the nearby gallery.  

Rothbury is also a well-known destination of those with gastronomic interests. Visitors can participate in the Hunter Valley Olive Trail, which organize outings to different estates and vineyards producing olive oils. Every last weekend of September, Rothbury comes alive with the Feast of the Olive. During the festival, the locals showcase the different uses of olive and visitors can purchase several products offered.

There is also no shortage of accommodations in Rothbury. Along Wilderness Road is the Warraroong Estate, which comprises of a Georgian house set inside a vineyard. For $150 per night, visitors will get to enjoy stunning vistas as well as an abundance of recreation activities, like cycling, horse riding, and bird watching. At the Hunter Homestead, located on Talga Road, visitors can unwind and relax in its serene ambience. They have a choice of having cottage-style or homestead-style accommodations. As value-added features, visitors can stroll in its olive groves and may spend the rest of the day sitting at the verandah and appreciate the sun setting at the nearby Brokenback Range.