FAQ

So, how does it work?
The Yellow Brick Guide uses GPS-based satellite narration software to link what you hear with what you see through your windscreen as you go. As you drive, the guide plays the winemakers commentary, as well as giving directions. It's just like they're in the car with you...  except that they're invisible. 



Is it easy to use?
It's really simple. You plug it into your car's cigarette lighter and tune in your FM radio to a specific frequency. Then you choose your tour and off you go.



So you hear it through your car stereo?
That's right. You get really nice sound - which is important. The music changes with the landscape as you travel. It's quite a cinematic experience.



Did anyone pay to be included in The Yellow Brick Guide?
Absolutely not. We're completely independent and no money changed hands in the making of the tour! We literally said to Jim, Dan and Usher (our winemaker guides): "Take us to the places you take your friends and family to when they come to visit." And that's what they did. We wanted it to be really honest, fun and come from the heart.  There's over 100 cellar doors and other attractions in the Hunter. The ones on these tours are the winemakers' favourites, for reasons they explain as you go. 



Do you have to be really into wine to enjoy this type of thing?
To be honest, it's more about the fun of travelling and getting to know the locals than anything else. You'll quickly discover the winemakers are down-to-earth Aussie blokes who love a laugh and a beer after work. They're just passionate about their neck of the woods and the community the live in.  But you will see the landscape through their eyes - and learn lots of interesting things you wouldn't have discovered on your own.  
 


Where do I pick it up from?
You pick up The Yellow Brick Guide from the Hunter Valley Visitors Centre (455 Wine Country Drive, Pokolbin).Then just drop it back when you leave. All tours start and finish from the the Visitors Centre car park. Book online here.



Can I download it to my own satnav or smartphone?
No. The Yellow Brick Guide is a custom GPS device running unique satellite narration software. You pick it up from your accomodation or the Visitors Centre and keep it with you while you're there. Then just drop it back when you leave.



How long are the tours?
Each tour is a loop of around 40kms. How long it takes depends on what you do, how often you stop and how much time you spend at the attractions on route. We'd suggest allowing half a day for each tour. If you're in a rush, you could do a tour in a couple of hours. Tours start and finish where you picked up the device. 



What does each tour cover and how many stops are there?
We tell you about lots of cellar doors, restaurants, lookouts, galleries etc on each tour. Where you stop is up to you. It depends on what takes your fancy and how much time you've got. It's all about flexibility and following your instincts. For a list of all the places passed by the tours, click here.



What if I want to go somewhere that's not on the tour. Or stop and return to it later on or the next day?
That's fine. The guide pauses if you go off the route. When you get back on route, it automatically picks up from where you left off.



Does it matter how fast or slow I drive?
No, it adapts to whatever speed you're travelling at.



I've done the tour. Where can I leave feedback?
Great. You can post to Trip Advisor - here



How can I get The Yellow Brick Guide for another region?
We'd love to hear what you have in mind. Email us here



Got a question we haven't covered? Send it to us and we'll get right back to you.