Think you know the Hunter Valley? Think again. This Hunter Valley Dining Safari flips the script on the region’s usual wine-first reputation and puts the food centre stage—one plate, one venue, one flavour-packed stop at a time.
This immersive bus tour and hotel-stay experience celebrates the Hunter’s most creative kitchens, finest ingredients, and warm hospitality, proving that the region’s culinary scene stands proudly alongside its world-class wines. A hosted bus tour takes you through the region as you are treated to insightful commentary of the region and stop along the way.
From bustling restaurants to serene vineyard dining rooms, each stop delivers its own unique atmosphere, presentation and flavour story. You’ll judge and enjoy every element— service, ambience, creativity, plating, taste, texture, value—as you journey across the valley.
What’s Included – the experience costs $250 per person + accommodation. Stay at the Leisure Inn Polkobin and you can join the tour that begins there.
What you’ll get:
✔️ Participation Certificate
✔️ Smallmouth Gin Gift
✔️ Bus hire that collects you from the accommodation for and for your host between all venues
✔️ $50 dinner voucher per person (couples receive $100)
✔️ A dining experience across 6 locations
✔️the chance to focus on the food experience, whilst the wine takes a complementary role
The stops:
🥂 Stop 1: Goldfish Restaurant
Kick things off with a bold flavour hit: Flathead & Mushroom Tacos, beautifully crisp, fresh, and perfectly balanced. Paired with a handcrafted refreshing margarita cocktail, it’s the ideal opener to set the tone for a day of gourmet delights.
🍣 Stop 2: Oishii
Next up, a crowd favourite. Settle in for Oishii’s Chef’s Selection Platter — a generous spread showcasing their best Japanese and Thai flavours. It’s light, fresh and healthy too. Enjoy it with a small glass of Soji for a touch of authenticity and warmth. The view here is serene and calm, and quite spectacular of the Polkobin region.
🦞 Stop 3: Twine Restaurant
A hero dish awaits: Rock Lobster & King Prawn Ravioli. Rich, silky, and indulgent, this plate is all about coastal luxury. Sip on a perfectly paired glass of wine while taking in Twine’s scenic surrounds.
🥩 Stop 4: Blaxland Inn
For the meat lovers — this one steals the show. A succulent 21-day Dry Aged Scotch Fillet, cooked just the way you like it and with a potato puree and red wine jus. Served with a glass of red wine, the Peterson House still Shiraz. Here, it’s rustic Hunter Valley comfort elevated.
🍰 Stop 5: Dessert (Location surprise)
Your sweet finish is a surprise! But expect something decadent and memorable to round out the experience.
🍸 Stop 6: Small Mouth Distillery
End your culinary adventure with a spirited twist — a free gin and vodka tasting. Small Mouth’s creative sparking craft spirits are vibrant, smooth, and the perfect final note to the safari. They’re great for a Christmas present too!
🌿 This is the Hunter Valley like you’ve never tasted it — a celebration of flavour, creativity, and local talent. The food shines at every stop
Beginning 31 January 2026: https://www.leisureinnpokolbinhill.com.au/offers/dining-safari-experience/
We thoroughly recommend, for its great value for money, great company and a chance to see a different side of the Hunter.