An Art Lover’s Guide to The Hunter Valley 

Hunter Valley is widely known as wine country, with its natural beauty and numerous vineyards. However, The Hunter Valley also draws in visitors for its emerging art scene. The region has a rich cultural heritage with a thriving creative community, making it the perfect place to spend the weekend and get inspired. Check out these art experiences in the Hunter Valley.

Art Experiences in the Hunter Valley

There are lots of places to explore in the Hunter Valley such as galleries, sculpture gardens, and local markets…and you can always enjoy a wine or two along the way! We have narrowed down our top 5 art experiences in the Hunter Valley, all sure to get your creative juices flowing. 

1. Visit the Singleton Arts and Culture Centre

Singleton is a small town situated on the banks of the Hunter River and is an absolute must-see for art enthusiasts. After over a year in construction, the Singletons Arts and Cultural Centre is set to open in March 2022. The $4 million project consists of 300 square metres of state-of-the-art gallery space and two artists’ workshops. The main gallery’s first instalment is ‘We are Singleton: Portrait of a Town’ by photographer Edwina Richards. The exhibition tells the story of the people in the town, with each portrait photographed in a location special to the subject. 

2. Tour the Kurri Kurri Mural’s 

Discover one of the best art experiences in the Hunter Valley. The Kurri Kurri Murals display the region’s incredible history and heritage, with over 60 outdoor public works of art. Take a tour by one of the local knowledgeable guides or grab a mural map at the Kurri Kurri visitor centre and enjoy a self-guided tour. The murals will take you on a visual journey, each one telling stories of the people, places, and events of the region. This is a perfect day out to learn about the history-rich culture of the Hunter Valley. Try to spot a kookaburra, the symbol of Kurri Kurri, which has been included in each mural. 

3. Go Gallery Hopping 

The Hunter Valley has a growing community of artists with several galleries to visit. Spend the day gallery hopping and discover the local talent. Start by heading over to the Maitland Regional Art Gallery, home to award-winning exhibitions, featuring a diverse collection of artworks from the 1850s to the present day. Next head to Pokolbin and drop into Watershed Gallery, displaying contemporary art by a diverse group of artists. It is a stunning space that is constantly changing, created to enjoy art and interact with artists. Finish off at Mistletoe Winery for great wine and art all in one place. The family-run winery features a cellar door, gallery, and sculpture gardens. 

4. Explore the Handmade in the Hunter Markets 

Take a stroll around the Handmade in the Hunter Markets. Held every Saturday between 9am – 3pm, this is a great place to meet local artists and find some unique products. There are up to 60 stallholders each week, from arts and crafts to delicious food and local produce. Just some of the specialist skills you will find are felting, painting, candle making, and photography. The markets are held on the grounds of the Sobel Wines in Pokolbin. After browsing the markets, pop into the Sobel’s cellar door to sit back, relax, and sample some of their finest wines. 

5. Get Creative at a Paint & Sip Class

What better way to immerse yourself in art experiences in the hunter valley than picking up a paintbrush yourself! The Hunter Valley offers ‘paint & sip’ classes, where you can develop your artistic skills whilst enjoying a glass of wine. Head down to the Pinot and Picasso studios, their classes are suitable for all skill levels and each ticket includes all the equipment required to create your masterpiece. You will be guided by a local artist and all you need to bring is a bottle of your favourite tipple.  

AUS Weekend Escapes’ Top Hotel Pick 

The Hunter Gateway Motel is the perfect base for your weekend escape. Conveniently located to have easy access to the vineyards, galleries, and historic attractions. The deluxe rooms offer ultimate comfort for your stay. Facilities include free Wi-Fi, onsite parking and even an outdoor pool where you can cool off after a day of exploring. 

More things to do in The Hunter Valley  

If you need more inspiration relating to things to do in The Hunter Valley check out our ultimate guide.