What’s On in the Hunter Valley
Mother's Day
Sunday 11 May 2025, 12:00pm - 3:30pm
CELEBRATE MUM IN STYLE THIS MOTHER'S DAY
JOIN US FOR A SPECIAL MOTHER'S DAY CELEBRATION AT LEGENDS RESTAURANT, AND INDULGE IN A BEAUTIFUL LUNCH WITH THE WHOLE FAMILY TO COMMEMORATE ALL THE WONDERFUL MOTHERS IN YOUR LIFE.
Indulge in a delicious lunch with your loved ones - lunch bookings from 12:00pm to 3:30pm.
A sweet macaron gift for every Mum, Nan & Aunty - because they deserve a treat!
Looking for the perfect gift to show mum you care? Gift her the gift of relaxation with a Spa Gift Voucher!
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Ford NSW Open
13-16 November 2025
The Ford NSW Open is heading to the Hunter Valley.
The Greg Norman-designed The Vintage Hunter Valley, nestled in the state's premier wine region, will host the storied championship from November 13th to 16th, 2025.
No stranger to tournament golf, The Vintage Hunter Valley has hosted the tournament four times from 2007 to 2010. Like last year, this year's championship will carry a minimum purse of $800,000.
Stuart Fraser, CEO of Golf NSW, was thrilled with the decision to return to The Vintage for the first time in over a decade.
"This year's Ford NSW Open presents a fantastic opportunity for us to ensure the tournament continues to be the most prestigious state championship on the Australian golf calendar.
"Murray Downs was a fabulous venue for last year's tournament, and the crowds we saw throughout the week proved how thirsty the public are for elite-level golf.
"The general public of the greater Newcastle and Hunter region has a real love of world-class sport, and we know fans of the game will throw their support behind our flagship event," Mr Fraser said.
Ripper GC Star Lucas Herbert confirmed his status as one of Australian golf's best in November last year with a three-shot win over his Ripper GC teammate and 2022 Open Champion Cameron Smith, Sydneysider Alex Simpson, and the Hunter's own Corey Lamb.
"Lucas' win last year at Murray Downs captured the imagination of fans nationally, while Corey, or 'Chops', established himself as a crowd favourite with his quest for the Kel Nalge Cup. Hopefully, we'll see them battle it out again this November," he added.
Ambrose Henderson, Director of Marketing at Ford Australia, was excited that Golf NSW is building on the success of the 2024 Ford NSW Open by taking it back to the Hunter Valley region, where Ford has great connections with the local community.
“Since we started our partnership with Golf NSW late last year, we have already seen how golf in regional areas of NSW connects with the local community, and we are proud of the important role Ford and our Ford Dealers play in these communities too.”
“The 2025 Ford NSW Open promises to be a spectacular event, with the anticipation of Lucas Herbert's return to defend his title adding a dynamic edge. It's thrilling to see such talent continue to grace our tournament, underscoring its prestige in the realm of Australian golf.”
“This week we celebrate 100 years of Ford in Australia. As we stride into a new century, partnerships like Golf NSW are vital in our mission to support and uplift local communities through sport,” Mr Henderson added.
Jodie Staples, Director of Sales & Marketing at The Vintage Golf Club, said the organisation was delighted to host the state’s premier golf championship again, adding the opportunity to display to the world what a fantastic destination The Vintage, and indeed the Hunter region, was.
"The Vintage Golf Club is thrilled to host the Ford NSW Men’s Open on our course, and we can’t wait to welcome the players and guests to the Hunter Valley. It’s an exciting opportunity to showcase our beautiful grounds while celebrating the sport we love. We look forward to hosting an incredible event in November.”
Nick Dastey, PGA of Australia’s General Manager of Tournaments and Global Tour Relationships, noted the Ford NSW Open's importance on the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia schedule and highlighted the excitement of returning to the Hunter Valley region.
“The efforts of Golf NSW to elevate the Ford NSW Open in recent years have been tremendous, and when combining the tournament’s history with the increased prize money, it makes it a highlight of our schedule,” Mr Dastey said.
“Everyone from the players to our staff thoroughly enjoyed Murray Downs in 2024, and I am certain it will be a similar story this year as we return to the Hunter Valley, where the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia has strong ties.”
Tournament Facts:
Host Venue: The Vintage Hunter Valley
Dates: 13 - 16 November 2025
Prize Fund: AU$800,000 (Min)
Website: www.nswopen.com
The Venue
Nestled in wine country, The Vintage is widely regarded as the Hunter Valley's premier golf destination.
The Greg Norman and Bob Harrison masterpiece combines bold bunkering with rolling terrain and strategic hazards, creating a challenge that rewards skilled play.
At 6,310 metres (par 71), this exceptional course ranks among Australia's finest, testing golfers with holes that demand complete mastery of your game.
History
The New South Wales Open has a rich history stretching back to 1931, predating the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge.
First held at Manly Golf Club, the tournament was initially played as a 'close' format championship, meaning it was open only to residents of New South Wales.
Tom Howard, Sam Richardson, and Charlie Gray finished in a three-way tie in the inaugural event, with Gray lifting the title after a 36-hole play-off.
The Open grabbed the NSW public's attention during the Great Depression when many had little to look forward to other than cheering on our sporting heroes.
It quickly evolved into the tournament 'They All Wanted to Play' and soon became one of the big three tournaments, alongside the Australian Open and the Australian PGA Championship.
Legends
The list of players crowned NSW Open Champion is impressive and includes some of the greatest names in Australian golf, such as World Golf Hall of Fame inductees Kel Nagle, Greg Norman, and Peter Thomson.
Six amateurs, including five-time champion Jim Ferrier, Owen Beldham, Tony Gresham, Rick Kulacz, Ben Eccles, and Harrison Crowe, are also on the honour roll.
Notable Past Champions
1976, 79 Jack Newton
1981 Bill Rogers
1984 Ian Baker-Finch
1978, 83, 86, 88 Greg Norman
1987, 92 Craig Parry
2004 Peter Lonard
2015 Ben Eccles (a)
2017 Jason Scrivener
2018 Jake McLeod
2019 Josh Younger
2021 Bryden MacPherson
2022 Harrison Crowe (a)
2023 David Micheluzzi
2024 Lucas Herbert
The Ford NSW Open is proudly supported by the NSW Government's tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW.
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Picnic Baskets
Picnic Baskets are here!
Relax in the great outdoors with a Château Élan at The Vintage picnic hamper. Enjoy your picnic at one of our picturesque onsite locations, a selected Hunter Valley winery or secret location of your own.
HUNTER HAMPER $70 (Suitable for 2 people)
Local Hunter Valley cheeses and antipasto
Dried fruits, nuts, olives and crackers
Chef selection of sandwiches
Chocolate brownies
2 bottles of still water
SIGNATURE HAMPER $110.00 (Suitable for 2 people)
Local Hunter Valley cheeses and antipasto
Dried fruits, nuts, olives and crackers
Chef selection of sandwiches
Chocolate brownies
Chocolate dipped strawberries
Fresh fruit salad with seasonal berries
1 bottle of local wine
2 bottles of still water
Additional Extras
Sparkling mineral water 750ml $8
Soft Drink 330ml $5
Local Wine $50
Beer or Cider $10
Bookings can be made with accommodation reservations or with the Spike Bar on 02 4998 2632 or via restaurant@thevintage.com.auA minimum of 24hrs notice will be required for all hampers. All hampers are returnable and come with cutlery, crockery, glassware and picnic rug. A refundable deposit of $50 will be applied to each hamper. Hampers are available for collection from 10am from the Spike Bar. Winery location is Mount Pleasant Estate, 401 Marrowbone Road, Pokolbin. A premium wine tasting booking is required and must be made in advance.
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Balloon Aloft
Balloon Aloft is celebrating 30 years of flying over the beautiful Hunter Valley. Friendly staff, exceptional service, modern equipment and a true local knowledge will ensure your balloon experience will be one to remember. The sunrise flights depart daily, enjoy spectacular views of the Pokolbin, Lovedale and Rothbury wine regions. Group flights plus exclusive VIP flights for two people are also available. All flights finish with a gourmet champagne breakfast at Peterson’s Champagne House.
To book or find out more information, please phone 02 4998 2510 or email concierge@thevintage.com.au
Stay n’ Sip
Unique luxury wine experiences specially curated for corporate retreats. Stay n’ Sip offer unique and private wine tasting experiences in the comfort of your accommodation or function space and available even after-hours. Book your team in for a session of wine education perfectly paired with team building and ice-breaking games. It's the new way to enjoy the Hunter Valley. Click here for more information.
Hunter Valley Wildlife Park
Hunter Valley Wildlife Park, formerly Hunter Valley Zoo, features a wide variety of Australian and exotic mammals, birds and reptiles. At an easy 15 minute drive from Chateau Elan, it's a must visit for families!
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Hunter Valley Gardens
Hunter Valley Gardens is a beautiful, nature based, experience for local, national and international visitors.
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Concert Accommodation
Did you know that Chateau Elan is conveniently located near Roche Estate, Hope Estate and Bimbadgen concert venues, making our venue the perfect play to spend the night or stay the weekend. Rover Coaches offer convenient transportation from the Clubhouse.
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Helicopter Tours
Take a flight over the Hunter Valley with Aero Logistics Helicopters. Their services will have you seeing the amazing views from an amazing helicopter, with packages that include wine tastings, breakfast and lunch.
If you wish to book a flight call concierge on 02 4998 2510 or email concierge@thevintage.com.au