Visit Hunter

Mark Richards is one of those blokes that you could walk up to at a bar and ‘have a good old yarn’. He may even buy you a beer!

This 4 time surfing world champ is a living legend in the Newcastle area. For all those beach lovers and surf supporters out there, Mark is a true inspiration to aspiring young local surfers who want to brave the big waves like their idol.

Check out some info on Mark at our website: http://www.visithunter.com.au/Static/My%20Hunter/

Did you know that Lake Macquarie is 4 times the size of Sydney Harbour? Now that’s a lot of water! I’ve always wanted to take a boat out on the glistening water and soak up the sun.

Coming into spring with the weather slowly warming up, there’s some great little spots to visit. If you’re a massive seafood fan, I think it’s fair to say Lake Macquarie really is your oyster!

Oh, and another good thing about Lake Macquarie… it’s only 90 minutes from Sydney. You can be having fish and chips on the beach in no time.

My favourite part of Maitland and surrounds is the gorgeous countryside which encircles each outlying town. From the sandstone cobbled paths and boutique shops of Morpeth, to the magic of the Maitland’s city centre, as it comes to life with each street festival.

You can dream sweet dreams and sleep like Sleeping Beauty in a cosy guesthouse or B&B, find action packed adventure like Peter Pan and fall from the sky with Skydive Maitland, or drink tea like the Mad Hatter at a café, restaurant or gourmet eatery in Morpeth.

The Hunter Central Coast Tourism Awards were a great success last night. Congrats to all Tourism winners!

Health & Wellbeing Tourism – Shoal Bay Resort and Spa

Adventure Tourism – Balloon Aloft

Tour and or Transport Operators – Activity Tours Australia

Specialised Tourism Services – Newcastle Airport

Heritage and Cultural Tourism – Tocal Homestead

Ecotourism – Blackbutt Reserve

Tourism Wineries – Wyndham Estate

Tourism Education and Training – Hunter Valley Hotel Academy – TAFE

Tourist Pubs – Caves Beachside Hotel

Tourism Marketing – Barrington Tops Tourism Initiative

Festivals and Events – Christmas Lights Spectacular Hunter Valley Gardens

Meetings and Business Tourism – Shoal Bay Resort and Spa

Major Tour and or Transport Operators – Northern Highland Travel

Tourism Restaurants and Catering Services – Margan Restaurant

Tourist & Caravan Parks – Halifax Holiday Park

New Tourism Development – Treetop Adventure Park

Hosted Accommodation – Christina’s Bed and Breakfast

Unique Accommodation – Segenhoe Inn Boutique Hotel & Bed & Breakfast

Standard Accommodation – Scone Motor Inn

Deluxe Accommodation – The Vintry Country House & Vineyard

Young Achiever in Tourism Award – Rebecca Wilson

Outstanding Contribution to Regional Tourism by an Individual – Mary Rayner

Outstanding Contribution by an Individual – Andrew Margan

Ever feel like going for a good old fashioned drive in the country where you can breathe that fresh air, clean the cobwebs out from your busy mind and take in the natural beauty that surrounds you?

Just like Robert Frost, I too took the road less travelled and explored the spectacular Upper Hunter Country recently.

The most stunning scenery waited as I turned each new corner. Oh, and if you love a good picnic don’t forget to pack the rug and basket when you go – with so many great spots to enjoy this great Aussie tradition, it made me want to stay forever. Try it and let me know if you feel the same way.

The Barrington area is quite expansive and encompasses so many little villages, like Gloucestor, Dungog, Stroud, Copeland, Gresford, Vacy, Monkerai, Paterson, Clarence Town, Wards River and even Moonan.

There’s little quirky tales to be told at each village and the area is so rich in history from the original land owners with their huge homesteads to travelling by steam boat and horse and cart for half a day just to get to a hospital in Maitland.

The best part is that smiles and small talk will greet you in every town and you’ll find produce available at farm gates, straight from the paddock.

It seems people are flocking to the Newcastle Civic Theatre for some good old fashioned theatre productions.

This grand historic theatre was built in the art deco style of the 1920s and truly is a Newcastle icon. A stunning grand marble foyer, staircase and terrazzo balcony, adorned with a sparkling chandelier, makes for an unforgettable night at the theatre.

Musicals, dance, drama, comedy, cabaret and even children’s shows complete the diverse and colourful program.

So roll up, roll up for what’s in store next:

- Stop stewing and get to The Newcastle Civic Theatre for Wombat Stew! Mon 16 Aug.
- A Day in the Death of Joe Egg. Don’t miss out on this modern classic play. Fri 20 Aug.
- Don’t be a fool! See Shakespeare’s Fools instead. See the fools from 27 Aug to 11 Sep.

There’s something magical about the rich, vibrant colours of a sunrise or sunset; watching as your eyes ever so slowly adjust to the stunning array of colour that paints the Hunter’s skies every day.

Singleton sunsets in particular have a special place in my heart. My drives from Newcastle (where I now call home) to my childhood hometown of Tamworth has led me to see these natural wonders over the years.

Heading up over the ranges, just past Lochinvar, the sun decides to wake up and unleash it’s raw beauty in shades of pinks, oranges, purples and blues. Then Singleton opens up in the distance below the hue.

You really can unearth every single treasure in Singleton. Discover its magic today.

What is it about fire that is so attractive to the eye?

Fire represents passion, knowledge and warmth, and carries with it images of cosy fireplaces, with a couple curled up by a crackling fire drinking a good drop of Hunter Shiraz.

Well, the fire this time is a little off this picture perfect image; it’s the bonfire that will be blazing away in Newcastle’s Foreshore Park on Saturday 7 August from 7pm.

Come down and raise some money for the Salvos and St Vinnies.

Go to   http://www.newcastlesbiggestbonfire.com/ for more info.

See you there!

Congrats to Hunter Valley, looks like their proud new owners of the fabulous music festival CMC Rocks The Hunter.

This event has some major (major) acts in country music like Kasey Chambers, Felicity Urquhart, Gina Jeffreys and Beccy Cole.

The date has yet to be officially announced, but a heads up for the page in your calendar marked March 2011.

More news to follow as it comes about. Stay tuned.