My first stop on my trip to Hunter Valley Zoo. I always drive past this tree and I always get this feeling of such tranquility as the energy and the serenity that surrounds this spot is incredible, the isolated tree and the hills surrounding it, while the lake the tree resides behind makes for quite a captivating photo, I have been here both at Sunrise and Sunset. I have to say watching the last light of the day here with the light hitting the clouds and the ray of the sun shining through on the reflection of the lake is magical. Being so close to a city this place seems like a different world when visiting. I am yet to take that perfect photo to showcase this particular spot but I know when that moment will arrive it will blow me away. Patiently waiting for that perfect opportunity where the conditions will align perfectly.

My next stop after many numerous stops at local farms to pat the cattle and horses, Hunter Valley Zoo is home to many different species of cat, birds and Australian species, some of my favourites include the white lion, African serval, cheetah, maned wolf, the list goes on as for such a small park the countless experiences with all the animals will keep you entwined for the better part of a day. Hunter Valley is renowned for there wineries little do people know there is a zoo right in the middle of all of the wineries, definently recommended to check it out while you are there as it will only add to your experience of such a beautiful place

Adding to the adventure of the Hunter, my normal route to the zoo was blocked due to the floods, my little Kia Rio turned into a 4WD as I went along the backroads going over every pothole imaginable, it was so much fun as I tackled my way through 3 km of dirt, mud and waterholes, what was supposed to be a 10 minute drive turned into a 30 minute drive through backroads that were built for 4wd I can safely say the Kia Rio is built for off terrain.