The nomination came in an annual national consumer poll by leading travel experience provider Experience Oz.

“Australia’s Top Destinations to Experience”, a major national poll now it its fifth year, has put the Hunter Valley on the shortlist alongside 44 other destinations within the “regional” category of the survey.

Renowned for its unique combination of an extensive array of high-quality wineries and breathtaking scenic views, the Hunter Valley was nominated due to roaring log fires and internationally acclaimed wines.

Statistics from Destination NSW indicates the Hunter received 174,200 international overnight visitors – up by 10.3 per cent from last year and that visitors spent nearly 3 million nights in the region, up by 7.6 per cent from last year. Experience Oz is the leading source for travel experiences in Australia and New Zealand.