Lake St Clair

One of the Hunter region's premier picnic spots, Lake St. Clair sits around 30 minutes drive (25km) from the town of Singleton and is popular for outdoor activities. Not to be confused with its more famous brother down in Tasmania, the Hunter Valley's Lake St. Clair serves as a go-to place for locals as a hotspot for camping, boating, sailing, waterskiing and various other pursuits, with an ample grassed area and plenty of shade offered by its numerous trees. The area surrounding the lake is also dog-friendly for those looking to visit with their furry friend in tow, while also being immensely popular with fishermen and offering the chance at catching Bass and Perch in particular.

It's a lovely and panoramic spot from which to take in expansive views of both the lake's waters and the rolling countryside, with a number of bushwalks also available nearby. The area is also rich in native wildlife, especially the nocturnal variety - possums can be frequently spotted of an evening once the sun has gone down. If you're looking from a break from the typical winery experience or wanting to save on typical accommodation, Lake St. Clair and surrounds are one of the best "free" diversions from the main tourist route in the region.