Hunter Valley Events

Australia Day in Gloucester
Billabong Park Gloucester New South Wales 2422

Australia Day is a celebration of national pride and community spirit especially in Gloucester and the whole community is invited to join in the Day of events including the free breakfast and free entry to the pool for the Gala Evening. Gloucester Celebrations are in two parts, commencing with a free breakfast in Billabong Park at 7.30am running through until about 9pm and then an evening of fun and food at the Gloucester Olympic Pool.

Blackmores Mountain Man Tri Challenge
Gloucester/Barrington district Gloucester New South Wales 2422

It is a trial of skills, very different to those seen in classic triathlons. Known as the friendly triathlon, competitors battle 22 kilometres of farm tracks and up through forest and over the precipitous Bucketts mountain range on mountain bikes. At the Barrington River they swap their bikes for Kayaks and tackle 11 kilometres of the challenging Barrington River and rapids. Beyond the historic Barrington Bridge competitors take a nine kilometres run through farmland and follow Thunderbolts Way back into the Gloucester Township.

Christmas Day Lunch at Tuscany Estate
Tuscany Estate Corner Hermitage Road and Mistletoe Lane Pokolbin New South Wales 2320

Guests will enjoy a delicious three course lunch prepared by executive chef Scott Smith. Christmas lunch will commence with sparkling wine and canapes followed by a beautiful lunch. Enjoy the amazing views and atmosphere of Tuscany Estate. Bring the whole family and enjoy the Christmas Day Lunch at Tuscany Estate.

Carols by Candlelight - Newcastle
King Edward Park Ordnance Street Newcastle New South Wales 2300

This is a family oriented annual community event celebrating Christmas by song and candlelight under the stars at the outstanding King Edward Park. There will be entertainment by a wide range of performers, free carnival rides and spectacular fireworks. Candles and glow sticks will also be on sale. There is free parking available in the council car park in Bolton Street.

Hunter Valley Wine and Food Month
Various venues throughout the Hunter Valley Cessnock New South Wales 2320

The Hunter Valley invites you to join them in a month long celebration. Throughout June come to the Hunter Valley to taste and smell freshly pressed olive oils, learn the intricacies of cheese making, dine in awarded restaurants and sample the Hunter's many delicacies paired with premium Hunter Valley wines. Sample the Hunter Valley lifestyle: dine on local produce paired with a glass of Hunter Valley wine, taste wines from classic Hunter grape families with their makers at intimate Masterclasses, sup at the Winemakers Table, learn to cook Hunter-style with Hunter Chefs, join behind the scenes winery tours, relax at a wine and food fair, partake in a local produce tour, meet- the- makers tastings with cheeses, olives and wines.

Muswellbrook Local Art Awards
Muswellbrook Regional Art Centre Bridge Street Muswellbrook New South Wales 2333

Open to artists resident in the local government areas of Singleton, Muswellbrook and Upper Hunter. Featuring The Esther Bellis Youth Prize and the Max Watters Prize for ceramics. Muswellbrook Photographic Award - Features the Open Prize for photographers resident in Australia, as well as Local and Shire sections. Entry form and conditions for both awards will be available from the Arts Centre in early July.

Wollombi Markets
29 Inlet Road Progress Association Bulga New South Wales 2330

Visit historic Wollombi on the holiday Monday of each long weekend (Easter, June and October) and on Australia Day for this great market of over 100 stalls, including local produce and crafts, plants, clothes, tools, bric-a-brac and much more. Proceeds support Laguna Fire Brigade and other local projects via Wollombi Valley Progress Association. The markets feature antiques, tools, food and local fresh produce, clothing, cosmetics and household wares.

New Years Eve - Newcastle
Newcastle Foreshore Newcastle New South Wales 2300

Celebrate New Year's Eve with fireworks, amusement rides, food outlets and heaps of entertainment and more at the Newcastle Foreshore. Fireworks will light the skies at 9pm (for families) and midnight (for the young at heart). The Foreshore concert will kick start at 6pm. Free parking will be provided at the Court House Car Park, Bolton Street from 5pm till 7.30am. Some roads in the vicinity will be closed and a map of road closures is available on Newcastle City Council's website. Newcastle Buses are providing a special New Year's Eve timetable.

Surfest Newcastle
Merewether Beach Newcastle New South Wales 2300

Surfest originated in 1985 and has since become Australia's largest surfing festival. The premier surfing event at Surfest has always attracted the world's best surfers because of the city's unique hospitality and the distinct late March/early April possibility of north-easterly swells. Ideal conditions at Merewether Beach see southerly swells fanned by north-west winds barrelling through from third reef, providing rides where a surfer's ability can be fully demonstrated to crowds gathered in the natural amphitheatre that is Merewether beach.