Peppers Convent, Hunter Valley
Things To Do In The Area
Nestled in the heart of Australia's world famous Hunter Valley wine country, Peppers Convent is surrounded by boutique wineries and endless outdoor recreation options.
Guests can also enjoy activities including hot air ballooning, golf, bushwalks, horse riding, 4WD tours and cheese tasting at the Hunter Valley Cheese Company. To discover even more activities and the many events staged in the region visit www.winecountry.com.au
Golf
The Hunter Valley offers some of Australia's best golf courses. The Vintage golf course is a truly spectacular 18-hole course designed by Greg Norman. The course stretches out across the Hunter Valley countryside providing not only a great golfing experience but also wonderful views.
The Vintage golf course has been created specifically to complement the area's unique natural environment. The course gently winds around undisturbed wetlands, water carries, eucalypts and the Bimbadgen vineyards.
Step onto the impressive practice range to warm up before a round or improve your technique with lessons from qualified instructors. Website www.thevintage.com.au
Winery tours and wine tastings
With over 100 wineries, the Hunter Valley is one of Australia's premier wine growing regions offering guests an opportunity to visit quaint, boutique wineries such as Tower Estate Wines, Audrey Wilkinson Vineyards, Ivanhoe Wines and Vinden Estate Wines or taste the wide selection made by some of Australia's largest wine producers such as Lindemans, McGuigan Cellars and Hope Estate.
We are happy to supply you with maps of the local area so you can tour the wineries by yourself. Alternatively we can contact one of our local tour companies on your behalf to organise a tour and private wine tasting for you.
Gourmet tours
Head out to discover gourmet beauty of the Hunter Valley with ‘Two Fat Blokes Gourmet Tours’. Light hearted in name and deeply situated in heart of the Hunter, you’ll enjoy an exquisite day of food and wine, hosted by Jan Molenaar (publisher of ‘Dining Out Amongst the Vines’, ‘Cellar Doors and more’ magazines and ‘Flavours of the Hunter’ cookbook) and Peter Firth (Sir Lunchalot), a Pokolbin resident for 25 years.
Vineyard Shuttle Service
Frank Lovett and his team will transport you through the vineyards and surroundings in air-conditioned comfort. They can also offer Horse and Carriage tours for something special.
Phone 02 4998 7779 Website www.VineyardShuttle.com.au
Hunter Valley Cheese Company
While on a wine tasting tour, stop off at one of Australia's finest handmade cheese factories. The maturation rooms are open daily enabling you to inspect the production process. A fine array of cheeses are available for sampling and purchase. Website www.HunterValleyCheese.com.au
Hot Air Ballooning
See the vineyards from above! Balloon Aloft operates sunrise flights featuring spectacular bird's-eye-views of the wineries and the surrounding region followed by a champagne celebration.
Flights run for 45 minutes to an hour and cost $320 per person.
Please ask Peppers Guest House reception for further details or contact Balloon Aloft on 1800 028 568. Website www.BalloonAloft.com
Wine Country Skydiving
For the ultimate adrenalin pumping activity, try skydiving from 14,000 feet above the Hunter Valley. Landing at either Hope Estate in Pokolbin, just five minutes drive from Peppers Guest House and Peppers Convent, or a private airfield 20 minutes north, you’ll experience breathtaking aerial views of the Hunter Wine Country.
For more information visit www.justjumpskydive.com.au
Helicopter Flights
Imagine being picked from Peppers Convent in your own private helicopter and being flown to the restaurant of your choice in the Pokolbin Lovedale area. Upon finishing lunch you than embark on a 15 minute scenic flight over the stunning Hunter Valley before returning to Peppers.
With Slattery Helicopter Charters you can enjoy this Hunter Valley experience for $450 in a R44 helicopter with your own private pilot. The package includes all transfers, pickups, scenic flight and can carry three adults or two adults and two young children. From $600 you can also choose to visit a winery of your choice and enjoy a private tasting.
For larger groups, two helicopters or a larger model can be used on enquiry. Packages can also be tailored to include transfers from Newcastle, Central Coast and Sydney.
Newcastle to Peppers Return $660 for up to 3 passengers
Central Coast to Peppers Return $960 for up to 3 passengers
Sydney to Peppers Return $1920 for up to 3 passengers including landing fees at either Sydney Mascot or Parramatta Heliport.
Horse & Carriage Rides
Visit the local wineries or experience an exhilarating cross country run in a delightful carriage. This unique activity is sure to enhance your Hunter Valley experience and is available for up to 16 passengers.
Ask Peppers Guest House reception for further details or call Hunter Valley Wine and Dine Carriage on 0410 515 358.
Mountain Biking
Experience the great outdoors on a mountain bike through the beautiful Hunter Valley countryside. There are plenty of opportunities for the experienced fit biker as well as the more leisurely rider. Mountain bike hire is available.