Hunter Valley Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids

Hunter Region
New South Wales

View across the Hunter Valley

The mouth of the Hunter River at Newcastle

Hunter Region

Location in New South Wales

Population

620,530 (2011 census)

• Density

21.2911/km² (55.144/sq mi)

Area

29,145 km² (11,252.9 sq mi)

Time zone

AEST (UTC+10)

• Summer (DST)

AEDT (UTC+11)

Location

120 km (75 mi) N of Sydney

LGA(s)

- Cities (by population)
- City of Lake Macquarie
- City of Newcastle
- City of Maitland
- City of Cessnock
- Other LGAs (by population)
- Port Stephens Council
- Great Lakes Council
- Singleton Council
- Muswellbrook Shire
- Upper Hunter Shire
- Dungog Shire
- Gloucester Shire

State electorate(s)

Cessnock, Charlestown
Lake Macquarie, Maitland
Myall Lakes, Newcastle
Port Stephens, Swansea
Upper Hunter, Wallsend
Wyong

Federal Division(s)

Localities around Hunter Region:
North West Slopes	New England	Mid North Coast
	Hunter Region	Tasman Sea
Central West	Central Coast	Tasman Sea

The Hunter Valley is a large and important area in New South Wales, Australia. It is famous for its beautiful Hunter River, which flows right through it. This valley is one of the biggest river valleys along the NSW coast. It is well-known for its many wineries and busy coal mines.

The Hunter Valley is about 120 km (75 mi) to 310 km (193 mi) north of Sydney. You can drive there in less than 2 hours from Sydney. Around 590,000 people call the Hunter Valley home. More than half of these people live in the coastal cities of Newcastle and Lake Macquarie. Many other towns and villages are spread across the valley.

Exploring the Hunter Valley Region
Images for kids
See also

Exploring the Hunter Valley Region

The Hunter Valley is a diverse area with different landscapes and activities. From busy cities to quiet countryside, there's a lot to discover.

Major Cities and Towns

The region includes several important cities and towns. These places are where most people live and work.

Newcastle: A Coastal Hub

Newcastle is the largest city in the Hunter Valley. It sits right on the coast where the Hunter River meets the sea. Newcastle is a busy port city. It is known for its beaches and history.

Lake Macquarie: Australia's Largest Coastal Lake

The City of Lake Macquarie is next to Newcastle. It is home to Australia's biggest coastal saltwater lake. This lake is popular for boating, fishing, and other water sports.

Maitland and Cessnock: Inland Centres

Further inland, you'll find cities like Maitland and Cessnock. Maitland is one of the oldest towns in Australia. Cessnock is often called the "gateway" to the famous Hunter Valley wine region.

Local Government Areas

The Hunter Valley is managed by 11 different Local Government Areas (LGAs). These LGAs are like local councils. They help run services for the people living in their areas.

Cessnock City Council
Dungog Shire Council
Gloucester Shire Council
Great Lakes Council
Lake Macquarie City Council
Maitland City Council
Muswellbrook Shire Council
Newcastle City Council
Port Stephens Council
Singleton Shire Council
Upper Hunter Shire Council

What Makes the Hunter Valley Special?

The Hunter Valley is famous for two main things: its delicious wines and its important coal industry.

Wineries and Vineyards

The Hunter Valley is one of Australia's oldest wine regions. It has many vineyards where grapes are grown. These grapes are then used to make different types of wine. Many people visit the valley to try the local wines.

Coal Mining Industry

Coal mining is a big part of the Hunter Valley's economy. Large amounts of coal are dug up from mines in the region. This coal is then sent to other parts of Australia and the world.

Natural Beauty and Landscapes

The valley has diverse landscapes. You can find lush green areas, especially near the river. Some parts of the Upper Hunter Valley can be very dry. They might even experience drought conditions. The region also includes parts of the Great Dividing Range.

Images for kids

Lieutenant John Shortland was the first European to survey the Hunter River in 1797.
The Sydney Basin showing the Great Dividing Range, the Hunter Valley and the Barrington Tops to the north of the Hunter.
Parts of the Upper Hunter Valley can be very dry and experience drought conditions during the growing season.
A Hunter Valley vineyard