Located The expansive view is one of the very best in the area and the wines are also great. Hunter Lookout in the Watagans National Park is spectacular, easily one of our favourite views in the area. 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. With the gorgeous Port Stephens water behind you in the distance, this place is just stunning. A temporary road closure will be necessary to undertake works in sections of Oakey Creek Road. Hi! Capture the natural beauty of the enchanting Wollombi village and create endless memories. Some are incredibly quirky and some are literally like a time warp - youll see what we mean in the General Store! Of course it isnt! 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. It is a much prettier route and only adds on an additional 20 minutes to your journey. A cactus covered section of the dunes, which is super fun to shoot in. Its a great backdrop for your engagement photography by taking advantage of the splash of colour and leading lines of the location. 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. No matter where we walked it smelt absolutely divine, sometimes I couldnt even see any flowers nearby but the fragrance was still there! Feel free to include any other members of the family, try out multiple locations, bring along your furry friend, or anything you like! Many of the vineyards will let you picnic in the grounds as long as you buy something from the cellar door. Waves crashing into the rocks below you and birds flying overhead. The Muse Coconut is one of the country's most Instagrammed desserts. The rustic hut is a lovely piece of Hunter Valley history. And the Scarborough Instaframe is the top spot to pose for a pic. 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). Once you get down there, on your right you open up this unreal world of rock formations, with huge swells smashing into them. The balloon rides over at the Hunter have seen more than their fair share of proposals so its definitely a great choice for a special occasion. Audrey Wilkinson Vineyard If you want to learn more about how to avoid picking the wrong wedding photographer, read more here. Around 8 minutes later youll pass the small village of Laguna, which is home to Australias oldest wine bar. In my opinion I like to do these in locations that summarise my clients as a couple. In the heart of a stark, desolate desert landscape lies a densely-saturated region of lush, tropical palm trees. They have different events happening throughout the year including the popular Christmas Lights Spectacular. 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. The undisputed best place to splurge for a special celebration and don't skip dessert. But if you dont mind it or dont care, this spot is so much fun, and always leads to such sick shots. Many of whom actually have enquired about hosting their ceremony on the cliffs edge. However, its incredibly popular and can be very busy on a weekend. Tastings are $10 pp. Park here and start your walk (it is signposted) towards the mountain. The Hunter Valley Gardens are the largest display gardens in Australia but theres a bit of a twist. However, theres much more to do in the area beyond the famous wineries of Pokolbin, from ancient rock art to cheese tasting and even a historic village which feels like stepping back in time. There are so many vineyards and they are backed by a picturesque mountain range. We know 99.99% of people would never dream of doing so, but sadly some sites are tampered with. Flickr, 500px, and ShotHotspot. Whatever you do with this location, remember, you will have to walk along a rock cliffside to get to these locations. Another 10 minutes down this winding road to the bottom of the valley where the beach is. The Green Mountain National Forest provides guests with picture-perfect With its tall trees, denser canopy of leaves and dark oranges tones throughout, it really does provide some amazing contrast in your images. Youve earned it! 4. Visit the Zoos Facebook page or website to find out more information. There are an abundance of local offerings including fresh seasonal produce, quirky retail outlets, cafes and restaurants, country pubs, art galleries, and boutique cellar doors. There are 10 individually themed gardens, our favourite spots were the Italian Grotto and the Oriental Garden which had a peaceful feel. Short answer, no. If you are after something special, not just a day, but rather an entire weekend, check them out. The cave houses a spectacular depiction of Baiame, the great spirit and creator of the land and every living thing. Running and jumping down dunes, wrestling, piggyback racing across the dunesthis place is the definition of fun. As you walk around the mountain (again the path is pretty clear) you will come to a clifftop which is the perfect spot to get a photo as you and your partner stare out into the vast canyon, completely alone, just the two of you (and your photographer, probably 100m away). 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). 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. 2. This gives off a really stunning softer finish to your images. It really is a lot more simple than most people think. 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. Well, why not bring out your inner child on this one and head off to North Sydney? As an added bonus, this will give you a great opportunity to see how your photographer shoots in differing lighting conditions, which will be a very important thing on the wedding day (they will be shooting from broad daylight, all the way into complete darkness of night). top 5 mistakes couples make when planning a wedding. Turn around and it looks like a cool rocky Cliff shoot. Just stick to the cave rather than going for an explore! A perfect day for a wedding!!! For bookings and more, visit their website. This is a huge time in your life, and you will want to enjoy every second of it. I would recommend sunrise here, as the sun would be coming up behind the rocks over the water, however at sunset it will also be amazing with the super soft lighting created by the cliffs. Before you leave, take a minute and just stare at your surroundings. Enjoy the drive and the view (unless you are the drive, in which case enjoy the view of the road only), it really is spectacular. Youve arrived. We took a tour at one of our favourite wineries in the Hunter, Whispering Brook, which is a 20 minute drive from Pokolbin. 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. If you are looking for privacy, well you found it! 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. 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. WebWaterfield Photography service the Hunter Valley, New Castle, Central and North Coast This place has a plethora (its a real word, I can be smart too you know?) Its all part of the same giant rock slab that has been exposed by recent winds. The more difficult the location, generally speaking, the more spectacular the outcome. 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). Book your next tasting experience through their website. What this small village lacks in shops and cafes, it makes up for in beautiful vineyards with a personal touch. Head up the hill to a higher vantage point and get a beautiful view across the Hunter Valley to the mountain ranges. 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. WebHunter Valley Renewal in the vines Its one of the countrys pre-eminent wine Take the scenic route via waterfalls and lookouts 15. And yes, we do head in, play games, go on rides, and just generally have an epic time. Hey Steph! The staff are knowledgable and happily answer any questions. This one is subjective, but I personally like to do them about a few months out from the wedding. 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. Mix it up at the Hunter Distillery 9. Enjoy a picnic among the vines and relax as the sun sets over the beautiful mountain range. Walk My World provides highly detailed guides for those who love to explore independently and seek out hidden gems. Be spoilt for choice with a unique collection of boutique shops and a variety of delicious dining options for you to enjoy. They are a favourite for a reason. And get snapping! Its on our list for one day! A detour via Marrowbone Road will be necessary around the construction zone between October 2022 until February 2023. Impressive wines and vines, and that obligatory selfie with the stunning views. I cant wait to hear from you! See some of the best ancient rock art in NSW 4. 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. Check out Brooke & Alina if you need more convincing on this amazing location! This one is by far the most difficult to reach, but remember rule number 1, it is going to be worth it! 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. Long roads, mountains in the background where the sun sets over, and vineyards as far as the eye can seeyes please. Going back in time, if my wedding venue was not available, this would be where I choose to get married. With breathtaking views over Newcastle beaches, its an iconic wedding spot but can be great for engagement photos too! With some cool little paths to climb further down the cliff and find different vantage points, you can explore for hours. A huge drawcard for the region, Hunter Valley Zoo plays host to both Australian and exotic animals. This place quickly became one of my absolute favourites since moving up here. 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. 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? Finchleys lookout offers amazing 360 views of the remote wilderness area and an insight into the Aboriginal cultural heritage of Yengo National Park. Whoops, I lied! It is like being on the edge of the world. It literally takes about 30 minutes and is steep. WebA Hunter Valley wedding photographer offering fun, natural & awesome wedding Its the kind of place you come for a tasting but find yourself ordering a bottle and spending the whole afternoon there instead. Enter the Munmorah State Park from any of the 2 entrances, and head towards Frasers Beach. You will know you are in the right place if you se a sign stating the number of deaths at this location in the past 12 months. 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. 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. WebThanks to the size of the parklands, there are so many great spots for wedding So secluded and peaceful. The choice is yours. Visit their website for more information. There's a fascinating museum on site too. That makes it an expensive choice though and hiring a car would be preferable. Let me start this by saying that you should enter from the Martinsville Road side. Undercliff Winery - Our favourite in Wollombi is the Undercliff Winery, which has an absolutely beautiful view and the tasting is done with the owner, who is happy to have a good chat! 13. It is a beautiful nature-based experience for local, national, and international visitors. Do you like good food? If youre up for the drive its a wonderful place to get some stunning and dramatic photos! Long answer, yes! 4. Frasers Beach sits just off your shoulder, and you can watch the surfers rolling in through the waves, yet they cant see you. Such awesome locations, cannot wait to get back out to them all , Your work is absolutely amazing locations are so beautiful. There is something a little magic about this location, that offers the space to run and play! 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 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. There are plenty of photography When is the best time to visit Sydney & New South Wales? Its also worth driving a further two minutes down the road to Mcleans Lookout which offers another incredible view of the Hunter Valley. 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. Most people dont associate wineries with Wollombi, but it has a couple of gems that are well worth visiting. Dense forest and bushland surrounds, with a gorgeous little mountain behind the venue where you can take some stunning wedding photos on later. Our favourite is Margan Wines in Broke, which bases all its food on what it can produce in its garden and orchards. Instead wed recommend heading to the below. At just $20 for a family of four, this is the perfect kid-friendly activity in the Hunter Valley. An iconic Newcastle location featured in so many tourist photos over the years! At times the swell and the winds can really pick up, and people standing too close to the edge have fallen over the cliffs. Show off your photography skills and take advantage of our regions natural beauty. In the on season many people use this as a place for elopement ceremonies, or even wedding ceremonies (you can book it from the council). Roos are everywhere in the Hunter and youll probably spot them without trying too hard. The 19th century homestead is simply amazing and makes for stunning images. 1. If you're looking for the This cellar door takes home the prize for design derring-do, riveting wines, crazy tasty food and toe-tapping live music on the terrace every Saturday. One of the biggest and baddest ways would be to do an engagement photoshoot with someone you would consider as your wedding photographer. Having TWO photographers at your wedding! Now walk to the right another couple of hundred metres and you will reach another small beach, which is shadowed by a grassy hill pointing out to sea. Rolling vineyards and natural bushland. Initially, it is very flat and quite dark as the sun hides behind the clouds and giant rock formations. As well as Baiame you can see some clear hand stencils, boomerangs and one other picture we couldnt identify. We left completely relaxed and glad wed decided to spend just a little more on getting the extended experience. You will be blessed with 180 degree views of the ocean, as well as a stunning grassy backdrop (but that lush grassy, not that my dad just mowed the lawn grassy). It goes without saying but please dont step off the platform, it gets you close enough for an excellent look, and dont tamper with the paintings in any way. Wollombi Valley has an impressive mix of attractions from rocky national parks, picturesque villages, and boutique wines to a lively arts scene and ancient Aboriginal sites. Best time of day to shoot here? In the 20 minutes before the sun comes up, you will get stunningly soft light. Huge open roads with no cars on them to play on, really epic factories in the background, chain link metal fences, this might just have your name written all over it. It only adds 10 minutes to the journey if you stop at the spectacular Somersby Falls. Get our insider information on the top 10 venues for the most Insta-worthy spots in the Hunter Valley to capture that iconic Hunter Valley shot. Joshua Tree is one of the best spots in southern California to try your hand at night photography. However, this can also mean crowds, as Pokolbin is the one area day-trippers flock to. On top of this, there are so many beautiful spots to shoot down here. Did you know Visit their website for more information. The picturesque heritage town of Wollombi is the other place we recommend visiting in the Hunter Valley, and its just 35 minutes from Pokolbin. Rooms are clean and its particularly good value if you book in advance. Some of our favourite things to do in the Hunter Valley are tucked away in this spot that the majority of people never visit! We usually do a mix, with a few in Pokolbin, Broke and most recently in Wollombi too. 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! Experience the unique animal encounters, feed the animals, watch daily shows, cuddle a koala, watch the monkeys, touch a reptile, and so much more! 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. Go cheese tasting 5. 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. The landscape is just so simple, and so soft. Gundog - Youre not coming for the views, but you are coming for the great service and fab wines. The lookout offers the perfect back drop to capture the Hunter Valleys natural beauty for your next insta-worthy selfie! Shooting at your place offers such a personal experience and a chance to see you in your own setting, You will feel relaxed and comfortable and be amazed when you look back in 20 years at all your trinkets and photos around the house. They are poured into little test tubes and youre given details on each and what mixers they work best with. There are numerous reasons for this. I highly, highly recommend a 4WD for this one, even my Forester was a bit worrying. We encourage you to immerse yourself in nature and be charmed by this striking panoramic view. 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? Very similar to Flat Rock which I will go into below. 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. This post may contain affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, that we will earn a small commission if you click through and decide to make a purchase. Newcastle baths offer both beach and urban options to explore. 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. Rustic barns, old 19th century homesteads, farm animals and gigantic fig trees. Once the sun peaks over the rocks however, you will be blasted by this golden orange hue that floods the area. 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. After your shoot is over, head down Prince Charles Drive to Cook at Kurnellfor a nice hot coffee and a beautiful view of the water. As far as scenic locations go, this one takes the cake. 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. As a result, knowing the best spots means being able to create angles that look like you are standing right on the edge, when in fact, you are 5 metres from the edge (safety is cool kids). You can learn more about it here. 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. The same goes for photoshoots. 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. Its a great excuse for a day out. Seize that special moment as the sun begins to rise and touches the beautiful greenery of Australias oldest wine growing region. Photographer jargon aside, it is a stunning engagement photoshoot location. But if you get it all on your own, it is amazing. There are a few iffy narrow bends that have no rail so take it very cautiously. Maybe youre a bit more grungy, a bit more industrial a bit moodier. 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. You are going to wanna get to this one early. This also tends to mean you get a lack of the one-on-one experiences that can make the Hunter Valley special. Of course you can, there are no hard and fast rules. The Hunter Valley is one of Sydneys most popular weekend destinations for good reason. of amazing shots, in every direction, at every time of day! The courtyard has always been gorgeous, but now its on another level. We were stunned when we saw Baiame Cave and it was like being whisked away to Kakadu! Its also free which is incredibly rare for the Hunter nowadays. 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. Seriously, take my money! 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. Every course was amazing and as we were visiting in winter we got to enjoy the real fire. Avoid a lot of stress, and wasted money by following these simple guidelines! 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. You feel like youve suddenly landed in Europe. A family business that is owned and operated in the Hunter Valley, offering flights over the stunning wine region. 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. Its definitely a treat yourself experience at $110 for a five course menu, but we thought as a special experience it was well worth it. Best time of day to shoot here? The vineyard was established in 1866, making it the oldest vineyard site in Pokolbin, and one of the oldest in Australia. A sunrise may only last a few minutes, but a photograph lasts a lifetime. WebSave on cameras, lenses, printing, photo accessories, lighting, and more! This spot is going to give you what you want. So in Winter, I would start shooting here at 3.30pm, and in Summer, probably around 7pm. With so many choices, including the various lookouts, pine forests, trickling streams and possibly even some snow! With over 8 kilometres of walking paths, winding through 14 hectares of flawlessly manicured themed gardens, waterfalls, statues, and murals. As soon as you get engaged think about organising an engagement shoot, the honeymoon phase of engagement is the best! Wed also advise you to avoid the hot chocolate it was basically like sugary milk (something you really wouldnt expect at a chocolatier)!
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