By Brad East
For many, the Food Lover’s Loop is an unsung secret pleasure. It might be much longer than the standard drive between Sydney & Newcastle but the secrets discovered make up for the extra mileage.
The Food Lovers Loop is a 540km circuit that takes in some of Australia’s best-known food regions diving between famous wineries, rich dairyhouses and artisan breweries.
You aren’t just experiencing small country towns when embarking on this gourmet quest. You are discovering a region where food has been the way of life for generations.
This trip takes in numerous sites including world-famous regions such as the Hunter Valley Wine Region and one of the country’s largest dairy regions. That’s not even considering natural highlights like The Blue Mountains & Wollemi National Park.
So how should you explore the Food Lover’s Loop?
The ultimate Food Lovers Loop itinerary
Sydney & Hawkesbury Valley
The first part of the loop follows the Hawkesbury River out of Sydney. As you head out on Hawkesbury Valley Way, you will find the road sprawling with orchards and small farms. It’s a stunning spot to grab lunch. So don’t be afraid to stop at any local farm shop. But as you head out of the city, it’s more than just food.
The drive takes on Bells Line of Road. This stunning stretch of road winds its way through the spectacular Blue Mountains. Prepare for stunning vistas and backdrops as you traverse this iconic World Heritage Site. One of the obvious highlights along this leg is Mount Tomah. Not only do you cross the 1000m peak but also stop at the Blue Mountain Botanic Gardens. Here, you can see all the natural flora of the region growing in full beauty. A great way to break up the first day of travelling before finishing in Lithgow
Lithgow – Mudgee
The next leg of the trip takes you on a trip across the Mid-Western plains of New South Wales. Lithgow itself is a small town that is not just a traveller’s stop. It also has a rising scene as a home of organic produce. So take the time to savour rich cheeses and sweet ciders before hitting the road north towards Mudgee.
As you head north along the Castlereagh Highway, you will be treated to jaw-dropping scenery along the way. This includes sights of the iconic Capertree Valley – the second-widest canyon in the world. There’s no shortage of stunning vistas to explore. With no less than 4 national parks to explore, it’s this part of the Food Lovers Loop where nature steals the thunder. Once done taking in all these sights, it’s only a short hop to the town of Mudgee.
Mudgee & surrounds
Few towns in NSW celebrate food as much as Mudgee does. This small town’s reputation as a food haven stems from all local produce. It has over 40 wineries in its surrounds as well as a host of delightful restaurants and cafes showcasing local meat and dairy produce. All of this comes to fruition annually at the Mudgee Food & Wine Festival. Held every September, this festival attracts foodies from across Australia with the town’s population doubling when this event is held.
However, Mudgee isn’t just Mid-West NSW’s only food capital. If you head east, the old mining town of Rylstone has reinvented itself as a secret gourmet hideout. Rylstone has everything from famous vineyards to hidden yum cha eateries making it the perfect place to refresh. Alternatively, head south of Rylstone to further explore Wollemi National Park. The northern section of this great wilderness has plenty of spectacular canyons and gorges to explore. A perfect place for some bushwalking or wildlife spotting.
Rylstone – Muswellbrook
The trip from Rylstone to the Upper Hunter is one of the most scenic. As you cross the Bylong Valley Highway, the Food Lovers Loop winds itself through lush valleys and small towns. However, the end part of this scenic journey brings you to one of Australia’s biggest food regions: The Hunter Valley. The upper reaches of the Hunter Valley are about two things: local produce and great wine.
Your first port of call in the Upper Hunter is Muswellbrook. One of the larger towns, Muswellbrook has grown into a great hub for local produce. Be on the lookout for cheese shops aplenty with the town surrounded by dairy farms looking to showcase their best offerings. However, the hidden spot for foodies is Scone – just north of Muswellbrook.
Scone has thrived for decades as a farming community – a trend that continues today. You won’t be short of finding a great café in the town that champions local brands. It’s a great way to fill up before exploring the lower reaches of the Hunter Valley.
Muswellbrook-Newcastle
As the Hunter River winds east towards the coast, you will discover why this region is famous – for its numerous wineries. Just south of Singleton, the area around Broke is particularly active in the wine industry. Savour both red and white wine varieties as this small region showcases why it is so highly revered for its smooth drinks.
You will find more excellent wineries as you head further towards the coast. Near Cessnock, the Pokolbin wine valley is known for its famous red wines. It was here where wine giant Lindeman’s became famous and grew into an international brand. So stop and savour some of the iconic wines that enabled the Hunter Valley to become a world-leading wine region.
Newcastle & Surrounds
The Food Lovers Loop eventually winds its way into Newcastle – a town best known for its steel industry. But the city isn’t one to be overlooked. It has its own great food culture with the Newcastle Food Festival in April celebrating all things gourmet. From fine dining to local products, it brings the best of the Hunter Valley together and celebrates its offerings to the masses.
Of course, that’s not all the city has going for it. Both Newcastle & nearby Port Stephens have some stunning beaches on the Pacific Ocean. These offer a great way to relax and unwind after several days on the road. There are also several art galleries in the city that let you feed the brain too after a long trip. It’s the perfect way to end the Food Lovers Loop on a high.
Conclusion
On first look, the Food Lovers Loop may seem a little underwhelming. However, discovering the vast offerings on this trip quickly overcomes that. You still take in some of the main sights in the region such as the Blue Mountains and the Hunter Valley. However, this trip opens your eyes to fantastic feasts in buzzing towns like Mudgee and Muswellbrook.
If you throw in the chance to explore major hubs like Sydney & Newcastle too, it makes for the perfect long weekend to explore at your leisure. It’s why the Food Lovers Loop feeds both your heart and mind to satisfaction!
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