There are 10 individually themed gardens, our favourite spots were the Italian Grotto and the Oriental Garden which had a peaceful feel. Flickr/James Walsh. Share the magic of a balloon flight with fellow balloonists, then celebrate your exciting adventure over a gourmet champagne breakfast at Peterson House winery. Thats right! Newcastle Baths. Step back in time in Wollombi 11. The Kindness of Strangers: 10 travel moments that restored my faith in humanity, What it's like to give it all up to travel in your 30's. Be spoilt for choice with a unique collection of boutique shops and a variety of delicious dining options for you to enjoy. Youve arrived. Joshua Tree is one of the best spots in southern California to try your hand at night photography. Once you get down there, on your right you open up this unreal world of rock formations, with huge swells smashing into them. Think about what you two love, and lets discuss locations that could suit. The service was not especially friendly, but we were there for the cheese so we still enjoyed it. So youve started down the road to planning a wedding? 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). Walk back down the hill and float on the pond in their canoe to get some sick aerial shots. Wedding Planning: The 5 Most Costly Mistakes Couples Make When Planning a Wedding, Wedding photography Top 3 myths brides need to stop believing, Budget wedding Creating the perfect wedding without spending too much, 4 Reasons Why a Pre-wedding Photoshoot Should Be Essential, Top 24 Engagement Photoshoot Locations in The Hunter Valley, Central Coast & Newcastle, Southern Highlands Engagement Photoshoot Locations. For more information on how an engagement photoshoot could be the best thing you do for your wedding, read here. The scenery is stunning and the food and wine are fantastic. The only downside with Audrey Wilkinson is the view does attract big crowds and if you visit on a busy weekend it will be heaving. It's a luxe location with classic country vibes. Audrey Wilkinson - Audrey Wilkinson has one of the best views in the whole of the Hunter Valley as its set on a hill where you can see for miles. Their 18-hole mini golf course winds through the landscaped grounds of the beautiful Hunter Valley Garden Village. Quickly turning into the hipster central of the Central Coast, Long Jetty is well worth checking out. So secluded and peaceful. Its pretty straightforward. Hunter Valley Theres a lot of beautiful flowers and formal gardens to explore, but what stood out the most for me was the fragrance. IVANHOE WINES. Less stressful you say? If youd like somewhere closer to Pokolbin weve heard amazing things about Bistro Molines, the view looks incredible and friends have said the food is outstanding. Family-Friendly Guide to the Hunter Valley With a large point that juts out into the ocean, this place is even more remote (and slightly more difficult to reach). If you are looking for privacy, well you found it! Youll head along the best preserved stretch of the Old Great North Road with information boards along the way, which give you lots of facts, but also true stories about the convicts that constructed the road. So what do you need to do with all this information? It's #1 of 89 things to do in Pokolbin on TripAdvisor thanks Show off your photography skills and take advantage of our regions natural beauty. The Barn is where you want your reception, unless you prefer outdoors in which case amongst the trees, and under the stars is the go. You get a little board with five different cheeses including a curd, brie, a blue cheese that didnt have blue veins (I didnt even know that existed), a vintage cheddar and a soft blue cheese. A comprehensive guide to the best restaurants and cafes in the region. Take a look at the photos below. It only adds 10 minutes to the journey if you stop at the spectacular Somersby Falls. They are the perfect way to get comfortable with your photographer, and for them to work out how to bring the best out of you. Now, it is just a beach, but it does have a few little extras included. There are a few iffy narrow bends that have no rail so take it very cautiously. If you are planning a wedding, check out my top 5 mistakes couples make when planning a wedding. If you're looking for the Are you noticing a trend here? Youre most likely to see them in the early morning or from around an hour before sunset. Every course was amazing and as we were visiting in winter we got to enjoy the real fire. 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. If youre tastings have been lacking that personal touch, then this is the place to come. You absolutely cannot go wrong with an old fashioned, family owned pizza at Papadinos Pizza. Spot some wild roos 12. So now you know. Honestly, there are so many amazing places and angles to shoot here, plus, it backs up onto an epic rockpool and sandy beach, so take your pick! Bragging both beach and bush locations, its a diverse location. Explore these 10 destinations if you want to be inspired by some of the most picturesque landscapes and authentic backdrops that the Hunter Valley has to offer. Vermont in Pictures: 25 Beautiful Places to Photograph The staff are knowledgable and happily answer any questions. Only one issue here, it does get busy. With over 8 kilometres of walking paths, winding through 14 hectares of flawlessly manicured themed gardens, waterfalls, statues, and murals. Gundog - Youre not coming for the views, but you are coming for the great service and fab wines. Here is where you get to enjoy the more vast scenery by getting more wide open shots! Long answer, yes! There is nothing but rolling dunes for as far as the eye can see (honestly, I think they go for like 20km). Enter the Munmorah State Park from any of the 2 entrances, and head towards Frasers Beach. 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. If you like the sound of a picnic but dont want to organise your own, Get Your Guide offer a picnic experience where all the food and wine is provided for you, along with a tasting and wine masterclass. All these spots in the Blue Mountains have stunning outlooks, amazing natural backdrops, and are just generally amazing. I will caveat this by saying, I think this is a sunrise place, so if you find it difficult to get up early, and are unwilling to try, maybe skip this one (also, dont be lazy get your ass out of bed and make it happen!). Many of whom actually have enquired about hosting their ceremony on the cliffs edge. Park up, get out and start walking towards the water, down the track. Its a little bit of a trek, but then again, nothing easy in life is worth doing (except ordering pizza onlineright?). Breathtaking food, wines and views make this one of the most photographed places in Wine Country. Stonehurst Cedar Creek - The tasting (also free) was a bit different here, you could just ask to try any you wanted. A family business that is owned and operated in the Hunter Valley, offering flights over the stunning wine region. Let me start this by saying that you should enter from the Martinsville Road side. It was actually a lot of fun and I tried some cheeses that I would never have picked out to try in a cheese shop. But if you are willing to get up early (cmon dont be lazy, I already told you), this can easily be one of the best locations for an engagement photoshoot, anywhere on the East Coast. The session itself is just us playing games, doing weird and at times, crazy stuff and laughing. Rustic barns, old 19th century homesteads, farm animals and gigantic fig trees. Sit on sunny balconies overlooking incredible wine-country scenery with glasses of local and delicious cheese boards. The trick with Bombo is to get there about 30 minutes before the sunrise, this way you allow yourself time to walk all the way down to the Quarry. There are endless amounts of photo opportunities as you learn to discover the natural beauty of the intricate details of the Hunter Valley Gardens. I recommend at least 30 minutes before the sun rises, so that you have a chance to wake up, get into it, and be ready for those stunning shots. Here are the top places that people love most from their memorable trips to Wine Country.. Flying high over the vines is one of those adventures on most people's bucket list it seems. 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. We were the only ones on the tour when we visited, which made it feel even more personalised. Big Kookaburra. Impressive wines and vines, and that obligatory selfie with the stunning views. The most famous vineyards are generally in Pokolbin, but there are huge numbers of less well known boutique options too. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive all of the above and more, Book your experience with a trusted local today, Copyright 2023 Hunter Valley and Tourism Association Powered by Bookeasy, Developed by Impartmedia. 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. Running and jumping down dunes, wrestling, piggyback racing across the dunesthis place is the definition of fun. There are a few spots that provide the best angle, but it is hard to explain in writing. The 19th century homestead is simply amazing and makes for stunning images. Id highly recommend giving it a go if youve never tried it before. Id go for tea and a couple of the chocolates next time! Winter in New England: Boston Photographer | Boston Photos See some of the best ancient rock art in NSW 4. 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. It really will depend on the vibe you want to go for, and the location. These are just a few of our favourites but we are always open to exploring! Out of nowhere, it will completely open up and you will be staring along the cliff lines. 15 Best Places In Vermont To Photograph Well that depends on what time of year, but ideally, being raised on a cliff, you will get about 15 additional minutes of sun. I know I said my favourite 5, but lets face it, My top 6 engagement photoshoot locations doesnt have the same ring to it does it? A temporary road closure will be necessary to undertake works in sections of Oakey Creek Road. Most Instagrammed Places in the Hudson Valley A cactus covered section of the dunes, which is super fun to shoot in. Take the scenic route via waterfalls and lookouts 15. Believe me when I say, you will probably be the only people out there for at least a 10km radius in any direction, so you have the entire mountain to yourself. Frasers Beach sits just off your shoulder, and you can watch the surfers rolling in through the waves, yet they cant see you. The same goes for photoshoots. I always shoot in places where there are a variety of backdrops. By getting there a little early, you get to enjoy 2 different styles of lighting (I know, boring photographer stuff, but hear me out). But it is way more than that. Tiny little Broke is a 20 minute drive away and is nestled at the foot of the mountains in Yengo National Park. Then look no further. But it offers something completely differentstrange that! Whoops, I lied! It's morning magic when you catch the sunrise from the skies. This one is easy to reach though. But most of all, be excited! Instead wed recommend heading to the below. You are going to want to whip your camera out for this one! The Green Mountain National Forest provides guests with picture-perfect Hunter Valley Zoo are a hands-on zoo, that allows you to get your wild ones closer to nature to connect and strive to love wildlife and commit to saving species in the wild. Just drive to the Caves Beach SLSC and walk down onto the beach and go right towards the cliffs. You can book online by clicking here. Upon arrival you will wind through the National Park for 5 minutes along the beautiful coast line. 11. Lets plan your engagement shoot in Newcastle! This is a perfect sunset location, so meet in Leura 90 minutes before sunset. 40. Hunter Valley - Accommodation, restaurants & wineries | Visit NSW On either side of you, pristine ocean and cliffs. 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. Some of our favourite things to do in the Hunter Valley are tucked away in this spot that the majority of people never visit! Immerse yourself in the rich colonial heritage and discover stunning sandstone gorges, razorback ridges, and towering passes. For obvious reasons, this is one of my absolute, all time favourite engagement photoshoot locations around the Hunter Valley & Central Coast. We encourage you to immerse yourself in nature and be charmed by this striking panoramic view. Do you have a favourite location from this list?? If coming by public transport you can take the train to Singleton, which takes just over three hours direct - but make sure you get on the fastest service or it can take a lot longer. Aside from the village which is a destination in its own right, youll find several excellent wineries which still have a relaxed feel. Word of warning, in winter, it is going to be cold down here, and to get to the caves you will need to get into the water up to probably your knees. If you enter from the other side, make sure your car is well suited to off road. There's a fascinating museum on site too. 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. This contrasts so beautifully with the blue of the water below you. Its a great place to change it up if you want a break from the wine! Make sure you either have an Annual Pass, or a day pass ($12 I believe) before you continue on to avoid a fine. Do you like good food? As an aside - were not mentioning Whispering Brook here as we talked a lot about them earlier, but they are a firm fave. This post is purely about the best engagement photoshoot locations though! My recommendation here is, wear active wear to get down, and then once down there (it is usually completely empty of all human life), you can get changed into your actual clothes (this way they arent dirty) behind a rock or tree (unless youre into full frontal nudity, in which case, I wont judge Ive seen it all before). On your way back (it will be pitch black by now, so take it easy on the trail) I highly suggest heading in to Katoomba and grabbing a well earned dinner with your partner. Avoid a lot of stress, and wasted money by following these simple guidelines! With its tall trees, denser canopy of leaves and dark oranges tones throughout, it really does provide some amazing contrast in your images. We think so! You could also take a tour from Sydney if you prefer. It is like being on the edge of the world. Its a bit further away so its best to do this as a separate day trip unless you have heaps of spare time. So to break it up a bit, wed recommend making a couple of stops along the way. Only a hop, skip and a jump from Sydney and well connected by train and plane, Australia's premier wine region invites you to enjoy the good life in the Hunter Valley. In order to get here, same directions as Snapper Point, but half way you will see a fork in the road, turn right towards Wybung and follow this dirt road until you get to the very end. Most people dont associate wineries with Wollombi, but it has a couple of gems that are well worth visiting. Audrey Wilkinson Vineyard Well, I know it sounds weird, but Carrington Industrial area might be the spot for you. If you are after something special, not just a day, but rather an entire weekend, check them out. WebThanks to the size of the parklands, there are so many great spots for wedding The 360 view flourishes a picturesque line of vineyards and glassy waters that showcase what the Hunter Valley has to offer. The easiest to spot are the two abandoned loops, the first is 7km south of Laguna and the second is not long after. But if you get it all on your own, it is amazing. An iconic Newcastle location featured in so many tourist Before you leave, take a minute and just stare at your surroundings. The cave houses a spectacular depiction of Baiame, the great spirit and creator of the land and every living thing. These scenes can have your followers thinking you are in a completely different part of the world! Tastings are $5 pp which is refunded on the purchase of any bottle (something which often isnt the case with the wineries). Continue driving down through the National Parks winding roads, past Audley, up past Wattamolla, until you get to the Garie Beach turn off. Its the ultimate foodies experience and will leave your followers green with envy! Its a must visit, whether you come to have a glass of wine and catch the sunset or for the tasting. It isnt a requirement that you be peak physical fitness, but be prepared to get a light sweat on. WebUncork the Hunter Full Day Hunter Valley Winery Tour 339 7 hours Free Cancellation From $149.36 Snapshot Half Day Hunter Valley Wine Tour 356 3 hours Free Cancellation From $64.79 Hunter Valley Wine Tour ex Hunter Valley - Lunch, Cheese, Chocolate, Distillery 70 6 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation From $163.00 Weve yet to experience this for ourselves, but we know people who have and say it is one of their favourite experiences in the Hunter Valley. When the sun is yet to fall behind the mountains, this is perfect for that perfect backlit shot. An absolute stunner if you are looking for a sunrise engagement photoshoot location. Hunter Valley Wedding Photographer Newcastle | Cavanagh Weve got all the details on visiting Somersby Falls in this guide. It is a remarkable outlook that overlooks the city of Cessnock and connects you to many bushwalks and mountain biking tracks within the beautiful Mount View sub region. It's #1 of 89 things to do in Pokolbin on TripAdvisor thanks to the gorgeous views from the back verandah, delish wines, gourmet cheese platters and the gaggle of geese who meet and greet all visitors. If you are into sandstone chapels (super cute by the way) and amazing vineyards perched on top a hill overlooking the rest of the Hunter, then Peppers needs to be on your list. The choice is yours. See the convict history from Sydney. Best time of day to shoot here? You can include this on your journey if you are driving from Sydney, which you can read more about at the bottom of this article. Many of the vineyards will let you picnic in the grounds as long as you buy something from the cellar door. It is a beautiful nature-based experience for local, national, and international visitors. The popular photography locations around Furnace Creek and Stovepipe Wells offer many excellent opportunities but comprise only a small sliver of Death Valley National Park. Top 10 most instagrammed spots in the Hunter Valley The tops are just 1.5 hours north of Newcastle. 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 10 Unmissable Death Valley Photo Spots (with Map) To be honest I got up just to watch the balloons and even that was special, so I can imagine being up there would be just amazing. The brekkie gets rave reviews, but unfortunately we didnt love it (we were staying for a wedding so it could have been different to the usual). This spot is going to give you what you want. Insta-Worthy Selfie Spots Capture the iconic Hunter Valley Once up there, I have only ever run into someone once, every other time we have had the entire sand dunes to ourselves. Youll probably notice from our picture that we arrived a little late for our sunset at Audrey Wilkinson (we blame being so relaxed at Whispering Brook that we literally didnt move from our tasting table for 2 hours!). The lookout offers the perfect back drop to capture the Hunter Valleys natural beauty for your next insta-worthy selfie! This keeps it interesting for you, and gives your images the variety you want. A detour via Marrowbone Road will be necessary around the construction zone between October 2022 until February 2023. 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. For bookings and more, visit their website. How to get here? Birubi Point is a super cool little beach up in Port Stephens, Anna Bay. Just stick to the cave rather than going for an explore! You can access your free e-book by clicking on this link. 7. Seriously, take my money! Feel free to include any other members of the family, try out multiple locations, bring along your furry friend, or anything you like! It would be easy to mistake being in the south of France, due to the wrought iron chairs and candelabras, the white painted cupboards and spontaneous flower arrangements, the paved courtyard, and the vines that stretch so far, it is all you can see. 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. And the Scarborough Instaframe is the top spot to pose for a pic. A temporary road closure will be necessary to undertake works in sections of Oakey Creek Road. This is a huge time in your life, and you will want to enjoy every second of it. If you take the last tour of the day, dont forget to walk down to the vines to look for the resident kangaroos. Hunter Valley If you love the chilled out vibes of the wineries in Broke, but also want a bit more of a town, then you should definitely head to Wollombi. Finchleys lookout offers amazing 360 views of the remote wilderness area and an insight into the Aboriginal cultural heritage of Yengo National Park. An absolutely iconic spot in newcastle. This location gives you the best of both worlds. They were all good and its the only time Ive ever liked a brie! Perfect spot to soak up the Hunter vibes. 1. If you do venture out, it does make for some really spectacular panoramic shots out to sea. A temporary road closure will be necessary to undertake works in sections of Oakey Creek Road. However, this can also mean crowds, as Pokolbin is the one area day-trippers flock to. Its on our list for one day! Maybe youve been going through this list and thinking, hmmm, loads of really nice natural locations, but thats not really me. They take shots of the 10 themed gardens but the Mad Hatter's Tea Party is a big hit too. This also tends to mean you get a lack of the one-on-one experiences that can make the Hunter Valley special. There is a range of factors to consider when doing this. With some cool little paths to climb further down the cliff and find different vantage points, you can explore for hours. We are going to cover some epic Newcastle photography locations, Port Stephens, some chill AF Hunter Valley photography spots as well as gorgeous engagement photoshoot locations on the Central Coast. Hunter Lookout in the Watagans National Park is spectacular, easily one of our favourite views in the area. You are going to wanna get to this one early. Its a great excuse for a day out. You get given a long list of gins, vodkas and schnapps and you can pick any six to try. Tours cost $20 pp including wine tasting or you can do the stand alone tasting for $10 pp. I mean, honestly, the Blue Mountains brings it every single time. Love the different place and your photos are amazing , Thanks so much Olivia! The same applies at Kurnell as does at Bombo Quarry about the lighting. Long roads, mountains in the background where the sun sets over, and vineyards as far as the eye can seeyes please. The 17 Best Photography Spots in Houston For Your Photoshoot Today the vast majority will charge a fee and you will try a set amount of wines, starting with sparkling, moving on to white, rose, red and finishing with a dessert wine. You hear the words farm to table and nose to tail said a lot nowadays, but Margan really embodies that philosophy and has done for the last 13 years. No matter where we walked it smelt absolutely divine, sometimes I couldnt even see any flowers nearby but the fragrance was still there! We were stunned when we saw Baiame Cave and it was like being whisked away to Kakadu! The onsite restaurant gets rave reviews. Before you leave check out the home of the original winemaker, EdwardTyrrell, which is just in front of the cellar door. So if you hate the water and the beach, dont do an engagement shoot on the beach. Best time of day to shoot here? It is complete peace and quiet. Firstly you have the beach. There are plenty of photography The Convict Trail is a 4km walk which feels like an open air museum. They are poured into little test tubes and youre given details on each and what mixers they work best with. However, if you have no idea, speak to your photographer. River Oaks Theatre. Not only are the spirits excellent - we cant go past the coffee vodka - but the service is amazing. A sunrise may only last a few minutes, but a photograph lasts a lifetime. 4. We love doing your engagement shoot, your way! WebWaterfield Photography service the Hunter Valley, New Castle, Central and North Coast Dense forest and bushland surrounds, with a gorgeous little mountain behind the venue where you can take some stunning wedding photos on later. Full list of Restaurants, Cafes & Eateries, Full list of Tour, Transport & Transfer Services, Full list of Breweries, Distilleries & Cider Houses, Full list of local Experiences, Attractions & Activities, Full list of Wedding Services & Providers, Bistro Molines at Tallavera Vineyard @nickjhenderson via IG, Brokenwood Wines @annobellbottomjeans via IG, The Muse Coconut at Muse Restaurant @31x30 via IG, Kirkton Park @urbanveggiepatch via Instagram, Hunter Valley Gardens @themakhouls via Instagram, Hunter Valley Balloon Fiesta @ohmymelb via Instagram, Copyright 2023 Hunter Valley and Tourism Association, The Hunter Valley's hidden gem Broke Fordwich, Mum's the word this May in the Hunter Valley, Wine & Food Events: What's on in Wine Country, https://www.gourmetontheroad.com/p/about-winsor-dobbin.html. Insta-Worthy Selfie Spots Capture the iconic Hunter Valley The picturesque heritage town of Wollombi is the other place we recommend visiting in the Hunter Valley, and its just 35 minutes from Pokolbin. Redhead Beach & Cliffs Another iconic Newcastle location! The gardens have been designed with families in mind, with lots of things to keep the kids entertained including rides and many exhibits scattered amongst the foliage. If you have more time to spend in Wollombi, weve got a full guide on the best things to do there. Lets do it! It offers cliff-side views coupled with beautiful sand and clear water. Beach, forest, or Urban? Such awesome locations, cannot wait to get back out to them all , Your work is absolutely amazing locations are so beautiful. If you are feeling up for it, bring a picnic and meet there early, you wont regret it. Visit their website to find out more information. Its a great backdrop for your engagement photography by taking advantage of the splash of colour and leading lines of the location. The rustic hut is a lovely piece of Hunter Valley history. I cant wait to hear from you! Wed also advise you to avoid the hot chocolate it was basically like sugary milk (something you really wouldnt expect at a chocolatier)! Whether it's the Ferris Wheel or the flowers, peeps love posting pics from this 14-hectare garden wonderland. Planted at the bottom of the Brokenback Mountain Ranges, Audrey Wilkinson is a must-see iconic Hunter Valley vineyard. Book your next tasting experience through their website. The tastings ($10pp) take place on individual tables in the stunning courtyard with lots of shady trees, resident peacocks and soft jazz playing in the background. There is so much to see and do in Wollombi Valley, if you want to find out more information about history and heritage, food and wine, accommodation, and more, visit their website. The information on Walk My World (www.walkmyworld.com) is for research and general informational purposes only. Some are incredibly quirky and some are literally like a time warp - youll see what we mean in the General Store! Same thing as if you are a bubbly person and shooting on a beach and you wear all black. Having climbed down a steep rocky track, you will come to the pass which takes you out onto the point.