Girls’ Weekend in the Hunter Valley

Mark your 40th by starting on a literal high. Floating above the Hunter Valley at sunrise is a breathtaking way to welcome a new decade – the vineyards bathed in golden light, kangaroos hopping below, and the Brokenback Ranges on the horizon. After your flight, you and your best gal-pals will get to celebrate your adventure with a champagne breakfast at the renowned Peterson House.

Balloon Aloft, Australia’s longest-running ballooning company, is now celebrating 45 years of high-flying adventures. They’re also Tourism Australia’s Adventure & Accessible Operator of the Year, so you’re in very safe hands.

Location: Peterson House, Pokolbin

Price: From $299 per person (including champagne breakfast)

Pro Tip: For that extra special birthday experience,  why not book a private balloon for just you and your besties?

Turning 40 calls for a feast! Gather your girlfriends and indulge in a long vineyard lunch with great wine and even better views. The Hunter Valley has no shortage of iconic vineyard restaurants. Here are some of our top picks –

• Amanda’s on the Edge – Warm, welcoming and perfect for groups, with private dining rooms for up to 75 guests. (They even write “Happy Birthday” in chocolate on dessert plates!)
  • Location: 1039 McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin
  • Price: 3-course set from $120pp incl. wine
  • Pro Tip: Book a private room for milestone celebrations.
• Muse Restaurant – Refined, contemporary dining with artful plates and standout wine pairings.
  • Location: Hungerford Hill Winery, Pokolbin
    Price: From $160pp 5-course meal
    Pro Tip: Go for the wine-matched menu for the ultimate indulgence.
• Bistro Molines – French provincial flair with sweeping valley views, made for long, lazy birthdays.
  • Location: Tallavera Grove, Mount View
  • Price: Around $95–$120pp for 3 courses

Pro Tip: Grab a terrace table for picture-perfect scenery.

A 40th birthday deserves a special toast. Treat yourself to a private tasting with the girls at one of the Hunter’s boutique wineries. Many offer behind-the-scenes tours, barrel tastings, or blending classes where you can even create your own “birthday wine.”

Location: Brokenwood, Mercer Wines or boutique estates like Scarborough Wine Co.

Price: From $30–$100 per person depending on experience

Pro Tip: Ask about wine and cheese pairings – it elevates the tasting and feels like the ultimate indulgence.

After four awesome decades on the planet, you’ve earned some indulgence. Spend the day recharging with your favs at one of the Hunter’s luxury day spas. From hot stone massages to infrared saunas and outdoor mineral spas, you’ll leave relaxed, refreshed, and ready to  toast to the most blissful birthday weekend yet.

Location: Ubika @ Rydges Hunter Valley, The Spa Château Élan at The Vintage, Reflections Day Spa or Elysia Wellness Retreat

Price: Spa packages from $150–$400, depending on treatments

Pro Tip: Time your treatment in the afternoon, so you leave feeling blissed out and ready for a sunset drink overlooking the vines.

Add a unique touch to the girl’s birthday weekend with a guided horse riding adventure. With kangaroo sightings and sweeping views, it’s a fun and unique way to celebrate outdoors. Some tours even include wine tastings along the way (yes, wine on horseback is a thing here).

Group rides are ideal for marking a special milestone. Riding together is a fun way to connect, create lasting memories, and enjoy the outdoors as a team.

Location: Hunter Valley Horse Riding and Adventures

Price: From $95 per person

Pro Tip: Wear comfy shoes and long pants. If you’re celebrating with friends, book a group ride — it makes for hilarious, unforgettable memories.

Milestone birthdays call for milestone accommodation. Think private villas with infinity pools, outdoor fire pits, and floor-to-ceiling vineyard views. Waking up in wine country with your best gal pals around you makes the whole weekend feel like a true escape.

Location: Mount View Estate, Cedars Mount View or Hunter Valley Stays

Price: From $400–$900 per night

Pro Tip: Book accommodation with a fireplace if you’re visiting in winter — nothing beats toasting marshmallows with a glass of Shiraz.

Turn 40 in exciting style with a helicopter flight over the vineyards. Even better, many tours drop you straight at a winery for lunch or a private tasting. It’s adventurous, luxe, and the perfect way for you and your girls to arrive in style.

Location: Aero Logistics Helicopters, Cessnock Airport

Price: From $350 per person

Pro Tip: Ask about their “heli lunch” packages where you’re flown directly to a vineyard for a gourmet meal

Who says birthday cake has to be cake? In the Hunter, you can celebrate with artisan cheeses, handmade chocolates, and a glass of wine. It’s indulgent, fun, and delicious — the ultimate sweet-and-savory fix for your milestone day.

Location: Hunter Valley Cheese Factory or Cocoa Nib Chocolates

Price: From $15–$30 per tasting

Pro Tip: Pick up a cheese platter and chocolates to take back to your accommodation – it’s the perfect late-night birthday snack!

The Hunter Valley isn’t just about wine – it also has a lively music scene. Many wineries host weekend gigs, and there are regular festivals with big-name acts. A birthday spent sipping wine and dancing under the stars? Yes, please.

Location: Hope Estate, Roche Estate, Bimbadgen

Price: Varies by concert, from $50–$200

Pro Tip: Check event calendars when planning your trip –  it’s worth timing your birthday to coincide with a big show.

If you prefer an intimate birthday celebration at your self contained accommodation, you can go all-out and hire a private chef, to celebrate like the bougie queens you are. Many chefs source local produce and pair it with Hunter wines, turning your rental into  your own private fine-dining restaurant for the night.

Here are a few local favourites to check out:

• Hunter Valley Private Chef — A go-to for gourmet dining at home. They’ll design a three-course menu with seasonal produce and wine pairings, starting from around $150–$175 per person.
• Forty Feathers Private Chef & Catering — Chef Josh Seaward creates beautifully plated, restaurant-quality meals that feel special but relaxed. Pricing ranges from $135 to $335 per person, depending on your menu and group size.
• The Wilderness Chef — If you want something a bit different, these guys specialise in outdoor or fire-cooked feasts. Think long-table setups, open flames, and great local wines. Prices are customised based on your menu.

Pro Tip: Ask your chef to pair each course with wines from your favourite cellar door for a true “Hunter at home” experience.