Cessnock is known as the gateway to some of the best wineries in the country. The town’s restaurants and bars serve local produce and wines from the area. The colonial heritage buildings and rural surroundings are the other perfect ingredients for a relaxing holiday in the Australian countryside. Popular activities in the Cessnock area include skydiving, hot air ballooning and playing golf.
Cessnock, the largest town in the Lower Hunter Valley, was once a thriving mining town. Discover the history and creativity of the region at the town’s many cultural institutions, including the Marthaville Arts & Crafts Centre and the Cessnock Court House. Of course, most people come here for the gourmet food and drinks many wineries and farms are within a short driving distance from the township.
Explore the Hunter Valley’s famous wine region by renting a car or joining a coach tour. Visit the wineries and cheese factories in Pokolbin and Mount View, and stop at cellar doors and farm gates to taste fresh local produce. Many have on-site restaurants and some offer behind-the-scenes tours.
Cessnock is surrounded by natural beauty, with the Brokenback Mountains visible from the town. Nearby Werakata National Park is great for bushwalking and mountain bike riding, so pack a picnic and enjoy a day outdoors.
Bring your binoculars because Cessnock is situated within the Hunter Valley Important Bird Area, and is home to many endangered species. See if you can spot a regent honeyeater or the colourful swift parrot.
To get a bird’s-eye view of it all yourself, glide over the town in a hot air balloon as the sun comes up, or sky dive above the wineries. Book these adventures through one of the operators in the township. The Cessnock golf club is near the town centre and welcomes visiting players.
Cessnock is just over 50 kilometres (31 miles) from Newcastle, in the Lower Hunter Valley wine region. Visitors from Sydney can reach the town by car in about two hours or book a seat on the Rover Coaches bus service.
Cessnock Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Visit Cessnock
Cumberland Motor Inn
57-61 Cumberland St, Cessnock, NSW
The price is AU$115 per night from 3 Nov to 4 Nov
AU$115
includes taxes & fees
3 Nov - 4 Nov
Book a stay at this business-friendly motel in Cessnock. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 15 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (584 reviews)
"I was in Cessnock for a medical procedure. My room was set up for manging disabilities. I wasnt expecting a shower chair. Having it provided by the motel was a bonus. Small things made my stay moe pleasant than I expected when I asked for a ground floor room."
Reviewed on 26 Oct. 2024
Cessnock Motel
13 Allandale Road, Cessnock, NSW
The price is AU$119 per night from 11 Nov to 12 Nov
AU$119
includes taxes & fees
11 Nov - 12 Nov
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly motel in Cessnock. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Hunter Valley Gardens ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (294 reviews)
Helpful staff
"Resham (reception staff) was very helpful and pleasant, during our check-in. We arrived very late, due to a tyre puncture."
Reviewed on 22 Oct. 2024
Wine Country Motor Inn
5 Darwin Street, Cessnock, NSW
The price is AU$153 per night from 3 Nov to 4 Nov
AU$153
includes taxes & fees
3 Nov - 4 Nov
Stay at this 4-star motel in Cessnock. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (646 reviews)
"Clean and convenient."
Reviewed on 20 Oct. 2024
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Florence Cottage, 10 minutes from Hunter Valley Vineyards. Family friendly.
Cessnock
Stay at this cottage in Cessnock. Enjoy air conditioning. Popular attractions Hunter Valley Gardens and Oaks Golf Course are located nearby.
10/10 Exceptional! (25 reviews)
Charming cottage
"We absolutely loved our stay. The cottage is gorgeous. The beds so comfy and had everything we needed. Lovely warm feel as you walk in the door. Excellent location and not far from The Hunter. Would definitely stay there again."
Reviewed on 27 Oct. 2024
Pet Friendly Holiday Accommodation!
Cessnock
Stay at this cottage in Cessnock. Enjoy a garden, patios, and in-room jetted tubs. Popular attractions Hunter Valley Gardens and Oaks Golf Course are located ...
Memories On Mount View, Cosy Wood Fire, Big Games Room, Netflix.
Cessnock
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Cessnock. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a garden, and a pool table. Popular attractions Hunter Valley Gardens ...
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Popular places to visit
Oaks Golf Course
4/5(2 reviews)
Enjoy a round of golf in Cessnock at Oaks Golf Course. Amble around this relaxing area's picturesque gardens and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.
Activities
Hunter Valley: Uncork the Hunter Full-Day Wine Tour
AU$219
Per adult
100% of travellers recommend
From: Sydney - Hunter Valley Wine Tasting Guided Day Tour
AU$199
Per adult
Half Day Wine Tour with Light Lunch at Hunter Valley
AU$160
Per adult
Hunter Valley Wine Cheese Tour in Small-Groups from Sydney
AU$225
Per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Private Hunter Valley Wine Tour Departing from Newcastle
AU$650
Per adult
Premium Wine, Cheese and Handmade Chocolates HUNTER VALLEY PRIVATE TOUR
AU$1,200
Per adult
Reviews of Cessnock
4
Top destination
5/5 - Excellent
Verified traveller
I like Cessnock, nice town and easy access to the Hunter wineries
5/5 - Excellent
Verified traveller
Friendly, helpful staff in every shop we went into.
4/5 - Good
Ann
Horse riding was great - children enjoyed that - staff very friendly at horse riding next to hunter valley resort. Go carts Go were are too. Hunter Valley gardens are always great to walk through and smell the roses. Local shops and eateries great!
4/5 - Good
Verified traveller
Pretty town with a great atmosphere
4/5 - Good
Verified traveller
A lovely area with good shopping & road system. Very impressed with what we saw.
5/5 - Excellent
Verified traveller
Very nice cute small town
- Oaks Golf Course
- Lake Macquarie
- Hunter Valley Gardens
- John Hunter Hospital
- University of Newcastle
- Roche Estate
- Bimbadgen Estate
- The Vintage Golf Club
- Hunter Valley Wildlife Park
- Cypress Lakes Golf and Country Club
- Audrey Wilkinson Winery
- Hope Estate
- Wollemi National Park
- PepperTree Wines
- Maitland Showground
- Brokenwood Wines
- Blackbutt Reserve
- Hunter Valley Golf Club
- Ben Ean Cellar
- Speers Point Park
- Tocal Homestead
- Watagans National Park
- Petersons Wines
- Hunter Region Botanic Gardens
- Central Coast Hinterland
- Tempus Two Winery
- Maitland Gaol
- Krinklewood Vineyard
- Piggs Peake Winery
- Tyrrell's Wines