22 May 2023
The launch of Rydges Resort Hunter Valley today welcomes a new era for tourism in the Hunter Valley region, with new managers EVT planning to establish this Hunter Valley hotel as one of NSW's premier destination resorts.
True to Rydges refreshingly local approach, EVT plans to boost the well-established resort with vibrant hospitality, entertainment and events to further enhance the Hunter Valley's reputation as NSW's most dynamic wine tourism region.
Hotel owner and Schwartz Family Company director, Dr Jerry Schwartz, welcomed the arrival of Rydges to the resort, saying that EVT would utilise their events and entertainment expertise to build further the resort's attraction for leisure and conference guests.
"The Hunter Valley should be one of Australia's most preferred tourism destinations and we believe that EVT and Rydges can build on its current popularity and elevate it even further," said Dr Schwartz.
"The resort is pivotal to the Hunter Valley's recalibration away from its former mining background to a new era based on tourism. There are so many attractions and activities available at the hotel and throughout the surrounding region, which makes it ideal for couples, families, groups, conferences and incentives.
"Our goal is to make Rydges Resort Hunter Valley NSW's premier destination resort. It will embody everything that is special about the region and its attractions,” said Dr Schwartz.
Norman Arundel, EVT Director of Hotels and Resorts, said: “As the fifth SFC property under EVT's management, the synergy between Dr Schwartz's passion for the Hunter Valley region and our operational expertise, will deliver a truly unique guest experience. The property is a sprawling playground in the heart of wine country and a destination in its own right, with something for everyone,” said Mr Arundel.
Perfectly positioned in the heart of the Hunter Valley a wide range of initiatives are planned over the next twelve months, including:
New fully electric passenger train: in line with the resort's commitment to sustainability, a fully enclosed air-conditioned electric train will be introduced next week to transport guests around the expansive resort;
New tour celebrating local artists of the Hunter Valley: to enhance guests' experience of the local area, a 'Hunter Valley Art, Wine and Food Hop' tour will be offered every Saturday, on the hour between 10am-5pm, visiting eight locations showcasing the best of art, scenery, food and wine. The totally flexible hop-on hop-off tour will be available for $35 per adult/$20 per child. https://www.huntervalleyarthop.com.au/
Substantial expansion of family fun facilities: the resort's extensive existing children's facilities such as the Water Dragon Kids Club, train rides, pony rides and year-round heated water park will be expanded further with the addition of a new Ferris wheel, new 8-metre high, 22-metre long, 3-lane water slide, new roller coaster, new pirate ship and jumping castles in 2023;
Three new self-guided walking trails have just been introduced with the Creek, Vineyard and Estate Walks giving guests the opportunity to appreciate the stunning countryside and peaceful vistas;
New equestrian facilities: have been created to cater for adults and children wanting to participate in the sport. A first event, Equestrian in the Vines, was held recently and proved highly popular, and permanent facilities including a grandstand will be developed over the next year to cater for future events.
Hunter Valley Wine & Beer Festival: the 11th event being staged at the resort on 24 June, showcasing the region's finest wine, craft beer, and for the first time – distilleries. https://www.huntervalleywinefestival.com/
Glamping: Plans are underway for the addition of glamping facilities and cabin accommodation for school groups.
Ends
About Rydges Resort Hunter Valley
- 417 guest rooms including villas and suites
- 15 conference rooms and the Hunter Valley Conference and Events Centre, accommodating up to 1,600 guests
- Renowned Ubika Spa, an 18-hole championship golf course, tennis courts, resort pools, a range of restaurants including the award-winning Redsalt Restaurant.
- On-site Sydney Brewery Hunter Valley offering regular tours, a tasting room and onsite distillery.
Rydges Hotels and Resorts are brought to you by EVT.
About Rydges
Rydges Hotels operate quality city, suburban and resort-style hotels in key destinations across Australia and New Zealand, with a refreshingly down-to-earth approach. For more than 30 years, Rydges have provided genuine local hospitality with quality essentials alongside its trademark 'too easy' service.
The group accommodates more than one million guests each year across a range of market segments, including corporate, conference, government, leisure, inbound and domestic groups and international travellers, with a focus on creating a home-away-from-home for every guest.
Community minded, Rydges is committed to supporting the local areas in which they operate, while delivering exceptional service that is guaranteed to exceed guest expectations and make the day better.
The Rydges portfolio appeals to both leisure and business travellers looking for quality and value and sits alongside the broader EVENT stable of hotel brands including Atura Hotels, QT Hotels and Resorts, Lylo and Independent Collection by Event.
About EVT
Entertainment businesses that excite every sense. Commercial Ventures driven by a passion for new opportunities. Travel businesses that always feel local and authentic.
In a world of cookie-cutters, EVT is reshaping what's possible in experience and commercial opportunity. Backed by our team of Daymakers, we go all the way to elevate our people, customers, communities, and environment every day.
Entertainment: 140+ Cinema Experiences | 150+ Bars and Restaurants | Wellness
Event Cinemas AU & NZ | BCC Cinemas| Rialto Cinemas | The Embassy | CineStar Germany | Moonlight | Skyline Drive In | Cinebuzz OnDemand | State Theatre | SpaQ |Thredbo leisure Centre & Golf Course | Rydges Formosa Golf Course
Ventures: ~$2B Property Portfolio | Partnerships
EVT Property Development| EVT Hotel Management | EDGE CT | EVT Media & Sponsorship | EVT Partnerships |The Parlour Lane Company
Travel: 70+ Hotels | Australia's number 1 Ski Resort
QT | Rydges| Atura| Lylo | Independent Collection by EVT | Thredbo
ASX top 200: EVT | ~$1Bn Annual turnover |$2Bn+ Market Cap | Team of ~9000
Get to know us better at evt.com
