Car Rental Cessnock Downtown

Cessnock is the gateway to the Hunter Valley Region. It is the largest and oldest wine-producing region in Australia and home to some of the best wines in the world. It sits a short 52 kilometre drive from Newcastle and a 2-hour drive from Sydney. It has nearly 4,500 acres dedicated to growing wine or “under vine”. To add to its new tourism economy, many restaurants, bars, pubs and cafes have opened up in the region and serve the local produce. The city of Cessnock has many other activities available, such as hot air ballooning, golfing, bike riding, hiking, performing arts and other art workshops and events. 

Drive around and see the various buildings listed under the Register of the National Estate - these are buildings with cultural and historical significance. These include courthouses, post offices, museums, schools and an Aboriginal rock carving site. One such rock carving site is the Baiame Cave, around a 40-minute drive west of Cessnock. The cave is located on the foothills of the Great Dividing Range. The cave is incredibly important to the Aboriginal people, especially the local Wonnarua people, as it displays an image of the ‘Creator’ or ‘Father Of All’, known as Baiame.

A Car Hire to Get Around Cessnock

There are so many wineries around the Hunter Valley; it would be impossible to see them all. The wine history of the Hunter Valley stretches back over 180 years and is now home to over 150 wineries. These 150 wineries offer Cellar Door experiences. The main wines grown in the region are Chardonnay, Shiraz, Semillon and Verdelho. But you will find just about every variety of wine on earth in the Hunter Valley.

The Hunter Valley has an international reputation in the wine world for a reason; it prioritizes quality above all else. But there is more than just wine in this region of the world; there is also world-class fine dining and restaurants. In fact, the Hunter Valley has been regarded as one of the best places to eat in Australia, with restaurants in the region regularly featuring in food and restaurant guides for Australia. You will find every type of eatery, from casual cafes and bakeries to fine dining four-course meals. Many of the wineries and cellar door experiences also come with restaurants on site. The Hunter Valley has turned into a destination for food just as much as it is for wine.

There are also a large number of accommodation areas around Cessnock and the Hunter Valley, from hotels, to motels, to Airbnbs. So enjoy your stay, and drive responsibly to see the wineries, restaurants, cheese makers, farms, and National Parks. 

Other Fun Attractions Available With a Rental Car

Once you’ve had your fill, there are many other attractions in the Hunter Valley outside of produce, with national parks, animal sanctuaries, hot air ballooning, bird watching, and more. Check out the Hunter Valley Zoo for close-up animal encounters with both native and exotic animals. The zoo is just a 10-minute drive from Cessnock, and offers free parking and free barbeque areas. All up you will find 34 different animal exhibits at the park, from Lemurs and Zebras to Camels and Capybaras. 

For a relaxing time in nature, see the Hunter Valley Gardens. The gardens comprise 25 acres of immaculately curated nature over 10 themes across the space. Stop off at the Garden Terrace Café and enjoy the sounds and smells of the garden.