31 May 2016
Australia's oldest and most iconic wine region, the NSW Hunter Valley will play host to Karl Stefanovic and Lisa Wilkinson as they broadcast the TODAY Show live from Hunter Valley Gardens on Thursday 2 June, as part of the ongoing “We Love Australia” series.
Set against the breathtaking, rugged backdrop of the Brokenback Ranges, the Hunter Valley is renowned for its unique food, produce and wine, events and outdoor activities including golf, horse riding, cycling and hot air ballooning. The diversity of the region will be profiled across the 3.5 hour show by TODAY hosts Karl and Lisa, accompanied by Richard Wilkins and Ross Greenwood.
Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events Stuart Ayres said the broadcast was secured by the NSW Government's tourism and major events agency Destination NSW and will promote the Hunter Valley as a must-visit destination to 1.3 million viewers around the country.
“The Hunter is the oldest and most established wine region in Australia, attracting 9.4 million international, domestic and day trip visitors in 2015*. We are excited to welcome the TODAY Show to the Hunter and am sure the extensive exposure will entice even more people to the region to experience the 150 plus top-class wineries, vineyards and cellar doors and great restaurants,” he said.
Destination NSW CEO Sandra Chipchase said: “The Hunter Valley has established itself as a regional event destination, hosting a number of events across the year. The Hunter Valley Wine and Food Festival is on now through to the end of June, the kids will love Snow Time in the Garden in July, nearby Wollombi will host Sculpture in the Vineyards in October, Opera in the Vineyards is also in October at Roche Estate plus Hunter Valley Wine Festival in June and Lovedale Long Lunch in May.”
The TODAY Show will broadcast live from Hunter Valley Gardens, one of the region's most popular attractions. There's over 60 acres of spectacular international display gardens to explore including The Storybook Garden, Oriental Garden and Rose Garden, Aqua Golf, Train rides, shopping and accommodation on site.
Plan a visit to the Hunter Valley now and experience the region like The TODAY Show are. Destination NSW suggests trying some of these activities:
- Float above the Hunter Valley at sunrise in a hot air balloon for a truly memorable experience
- Take a Food and Wine Lovers Tour with Two Fat Blokes visiting 4-5 wineries including lunch and a 'make your own wine' experience at Mc Williams
- Dine in one of the regions premier restaurants including EXP, Margan, Muse, Bistro Molines and Circa 1876
- Taste test local produce including cheese at Binnorie Dairy and Hunter Valley Cheese Factory; do a smoking masterclass at Lovedale Smokehouse before tasting a range of smoked goods from the Gourmet Pantry; chocolate at Cocoa Nib or Hunter Valley Chocolate Company and olive oil at the Hunter Olive Centre
- Attend the Hunter Valley Wine and Food Festival or one of the many annual events held in the Hunter Valley every year
- Book early for tickets to one of the outdoor concerts at Hope Estate, Roche Estate or Bimbadgen Estate
- Play a round of golf on the Greg Norman designed course at The Vintage, or the nearby Hunter Valley Golf at Crowne Plaza or Cypress Lakes
- Zip around the Valley on a Segway Tour from Hunter Valley Resort
- Visit the organic Hunter Distillery and taste test vodka, liqueurs, schnapps and the award-winning Copperwave Gin; and
- Take a unique wine tour in a horse drawn carriage with Hunter Valley Horses or hire a bike from Grapemobile and cycle between vineyards at your own pace
For more information on things to see and do in the Hunter Valley go to visitnsw.com.
Book a travel package to the Hunter Valley now with Sunlover Holidays. From $539** per person twin share including:
· 2 nights at the Crowne Plaza Resort Hunter Valley
· 1 hour Hunter Valley Sunrise Balloon flight for 2 people
· Breakfast daily
Valid for travel 1 Jun – 30 Sep 2016. To book call Sunlover Holidays on 1300 665 060. Conditions apply.
*Source: International and National Visitor Surveys, year ending December 2015
**Conditions apply. Offers ends 13 Jun 16, unless sold out prior. Availability is limited. Prices correct as at 24 May 16 but may fluctuate if surcharges, fees, taxes or currency change. Agents may charge service fees, rates vary. Payments by credit card will incur a surcharge. Weekend and peak surcharges apply, rates vary. All savings are included in the advertised price. Price based on check in on Friday or Saturday. Offers may be withdrawn without notice and are not combinable with any other offers unless stated. Please check all prices, availability and other information before booking. Qantas Holidays and helloworld booking terms and conditions apply, see in-store for details. Stella Travel Services (Australia) Pty Limited (ABN 84 003 237 296) trading as Helloworld.
#ENDS
Note to editors: A selection of images to accompany this story is available on request.
Media contact: Elissa Tyrrell
P: 02 9931 1426, 0421 130 440
