The Hunter has upped the pedal power in its quest to become a cycling tourist mecca, revealing the route of a 100 kilometre trail to link vineyards to beaches.
The $89 million project is the brainchild of the Hunter Joint Organisation (HJO), composed of the region's 10 councils, which aims to tap into a growing cyclist tourism market already worth $3.2 billion annually.
The route starts in Belford, cutting through the vineyards of Pokolbin and Abermain, past Kurri Kurri to link with the historic Richmond Vale Rail Trail and across the Hexham wetlands.
It continues on to near Wallsend, where cyclists have the choice of pedalling all the way to Nobbys beach via Islington or cruise along Lake Macquarie's foreshore.
A business case for the trail, dubbed Shiraz to Shore, is expected to be used by almost 240,000 people a year, adding another $119 million into the economy and 200 jobs during its construction.
Data from Tourism Research Australia indicates cycle tourists spend more and stay longer, with an average of $832 per visit compared with $490 by domestic visitors.
HJO deputy chair and Cessnock mayor Jay Suvaal said the trail would span five councils initially, but the organisation had plans to expand it across the broader region.
Hunter Valley Resort and Farm owner Philip Hele labelled Shiraz to Shore "a legacy project" that would become an international destination for cyclists.
"To be able to connect the coast to the Wine Country - cycling through so many local communities along this historic route, would put us on the world stage," Mr Hele said.
The route will need several new cycle ways to be built, however, it has been designed to incorporate pre-existing trails, including the Richmond Vale Rail Trail, which supporters have been pushing for almost a decade.
Terry Lewin, vice-president of the Richmond Vale Rail Trail Supporters' Group, said the section would be a "critical link" and showcase three historic brick railway tunnels, heritage and conservation areas, and coastal wetlands.
"One of the most exciting aspects of this project is that we're not starting from scratch," Mr Lewin said.
The route will also be designed to be a "sustainable transport link" for everyday use.
Swansea MP Yasmin Catley and Hunter MP Dan Repacholi said the route would take in some of the best scenic landscapes in the region, while being a catalyst for economic growth.
"It's a great example of bringing together our region's natural beauty and existing infrastructure to create a sustainable tourism destination," Ms Catley said.
Tourism has been identified as a key economic priority by the HJO, which recently released a strategy outlining how to target international tourists in preparation for the Newcastle Airport's soon-to-be completed international terminal.
The Hunter Tourism Strategy reveals the area will brand itself as the "Hunter Region", which is "a slice of real Australia" and "where the locals hang out".
The group has a modest goal of increasing international visitation by 1 per cent in three years, worth an additional $268 million to the local economy.
The state government has already provided $387,500 to fund the Shiraz to Shore business case and concept design, paving the way for investment into detailed construction plans.
