Bridges Hill Park

Bridges Hill Park sits on Yango Street in Cessnock, the gateway town to the Hunter Valley wine country a drive from Newcastle. A lovely hilltop park, it's a much-loved local spot — combining grassy open space, walking paths and a popular lookout that offers sweeping views over Cessnock, the surrounding countryside and out towards the wine country.

The appeal is that combination of open parkland and a rewarding outlook: room to walk, relax and take in the scenery, with the elevated lookout offering lovely panoramic views, especially at sunset. It's a peaceful, scenic green space and a great spot to pause and take in the gateway to the Hunter Valley.

With a 4.8 rating from more than 250 reviews, it's a much-loved spot. The park and lookout are free and open, but conditions vary with the weather and the hilltop can be exposed, so it's worth checking before you go — and taking sun protection — while enjoying the open space and the sweeping views that make Bridges Hill Park such a rewarding stop at Cessnock.