Cessnock is in the heart of the Hunter Valley wine-producing region, so most visitors end up doing tours of the vineyards. Most vineyards allow tourists to casually turn up and start tasting, however an organised tour is recommended. These tours tend to be in small groups, and have the advantage of coming with a designated driver!
The town of Cessnock is a good place to access basic services before heading into the vineyards. Banks, cheap lunches and internet access are all available on the main street, and two supermarkets stocking a wide variety of food and other necessities are also located in the centre of the town. A number of motels are also located along the main street of Cessnock which, while basic, are much more affordable than the accommodation available in Pokolbin and should be considered by anyone travelling on a budget.
As well as visiting the vineyards, visitors to Cessnock can take a hot air balloon ride over the town and Pokolbin, skydive, play aqua golf, go clay pigeon shooting, watch glass blowing, dine in one of Pokolbin's award winning restaurants, take a horse and buggy ride, visit one of Pokolbin's boutique art galleries, visit a gourmet cheese factory or shop at one of Pokolbin's many boutiques.
