Hunter Valley's Ben Ean estate set to gain super luxe resort

A new retreat is coming to the Hunter Valley, and it’s set to redefine the meaning of five stars.

Hunter Valley is a well-known and loved wine region in Australia, but many will agree that while its accommodation options are wonderful, there has definitely been a gap in the ultra-luxury offering. Not for long. HVL Hotels has announced a new five-star-plus offering coming to Ben Ean Estate , the oldest vineyard in the country.

The 65 architecturally designed suites of this development, in partnership with Figure 8 Capital, will be set on the grounds of the original Lindeman’s Estate within Ben Ean. Each will be spacious, between 49 and 58 square metres, with stylish features including a sunken lounge area and panoramic views of the vineyard.

“We believe the hotel will set a new benchmark in luxury hospitality in Australia," said HVL Hotels’ CEO, Mr Dominic Lambrinos.

pool deck render of proposed luxury accommodation at ben ean estate — A 25-metre lap pool will be just one of the ways to relax.

The $120 million hotel and tourism complex will also feature wedding, conference and outdoor event facilities. The group has a design philosophy of integrating “with the natural landscape and existing vineyards" to ensure a visually stunning result with minimal disruption to this historic site.

But it’s not just the rooms that are meant to inspire relaxation. An on-site, two-storey spa will be designed for total rejuvenation, modelled after European style.

Upstairs will be the dry area, with special spa treatments incorporating some of the world’s best treatment machines (designed in Germany and popular in Europe and the Middle East, this will be the first time these machines are in Australia).

Downstairs is the wet area: find Finnish and infrared saunas, plus steam, salt and snow rooms. For the brave, there will be a “super ice bath".

couple holding hands and walking thropugh vineyard at hunter valley nsw — And all with stunning views of the vineyard. (Image: DNSW)

There will also be a magnesium pool, which, in another Australian first, will be able to be used indoors and outdoors. Outside the spa, find a gym and a 25-metre swimming pool.

Stay on dry land by exploring the planned large-scale outdoor sculptures and contemporary art installations by renowned artists Gillie and Marc.

And what is wellness without a satisfied belly? The hotel’s restaurant, White, will offer a poolside cocktail bar by day, turning into a nightlife space after dark – DJ and all. What’s more, there’s an 80s theme brewing, with specialty food carts coming back to guest tables. This vision will be led by celebrity chef Justin North.

“Justin will be managing nine food outlets, including a signature restaurant, with specialty food carts brought to the tables of guests," added Lambrinos.

render of proposed luxury accommodation at ben ean estate — The accommodation is set to take up 6558 square metres.

And all this while winemakers Brian McGuigan and Col Peterson continue to operate their award-winning vineyards at Ben Ean Estate.

“We have put together a first-class team, including wine experts Brian, Col and Jon Osbeiston, as well as former Managing Director of Spicers Retreats, David Assef as head of Hotel Operations and well-known restaurateur Justin North," finished Lambrinos.

No open date has yet been set, though building is planned to begin in June 2025. But when it is, be ready for the ultimate Hunter Valley getaway with these incredible wineries and our top pick of local restaurants.

Aussies might think they know what Port Stephens is all about – but it’s time to take another look.

You might’ve driven through this NSW coast town. Maybe even stopped for fish and chips or a quick dip. But spend a long weekend in the new Port Stephens , and you’ll seriously regret not doing it sooner. We’re talking treks across beaches, reef dives and up-close time with rescued koalas.

All in all? It only takes a day before you see Port Stephens in a whole new light, and not much longer until it’s locked in as your favourite family destination.

1. Stockton Sand Dunes

Port Stephens incredible Stockton Sand Dunes are the largest moving sand mass in the Southern Hemisphere. They shift like an endless magic trick across the Worimi Conservation Lands , a 4200-hectare coastal co-managed by the Traditional Owners.

Tear over them in a 4WD. Rev through valleys soft as melting ice cream on a quad. Carve down 30-metre slopes on a sandboard. However you choose to cross them, you’re guaranteed a seriously wild ride.

Four rugged 4WDs kick up trails of golden dust as they charge across the sweeping desert landscape. — Chase thrills across shifting sands. (Image: Destination NSW)

2. Scale Tomaree Head Summit Walk

A short climb through bushland opens up to the coastal drama of Tomaree Head . Spot Zenith, Wreck and Box Beaches. See the Fingal Island lighthouse and offshore rookeries where Australia’s rarest seabird, the Gould’s petrel, nests.

History buffs can’t miss the WWII gun emplacements. And if you’re hiking between May and November, bring binoculars. Travelling whales might just be breaching below.

Friends enjoying a scenic walk along the Tomaree Head Summit Walk in Tomaree National Park, Port Stephens. — Climb Tomaree Head for jaw-dropping coastal views. (Image: Destination NSW)

3. Watch out for whales

You’ve seen the spouts of migrating humpbacks and southern right whales from shore. Set sail from Nelson Bay to see them up close. Cruise straight into the action, with tail-slaps, barrel rolls and all.

And they’ve got competition from the local show-offs. Port Stephens bottlenose dolphins leap and play. Some tours even spot pudgy fur seals, spending lazy days soaking up the sun on Cabbage Tree Island.

A whale’s tail on the sea’s surface. — Watch for ocean tails. (Image: Destination NSW)

4. Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary

Pop into the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary to learn about the rescued koalas who climb, nap, snack and heal in this natural patch of bushland. Wander the immersive Sanctuary Story Walk to discover more about their habits, then head to the SKYwalk – a treetop platform constructed for spotting these eucalyptus-loving locals. Peek into the hospital’s viewing window, where sick or injured koalas may be resting in their recovery enclosures.

Not enough time around these adorable marsupials? Stay overnight in silk-lined glamping tents.

Koala sleeping in a tree at Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary, One Mile — See koalas in their natural habitat. (Image: Destination NSW)

5. Diving Port Stephens

Port Stephens has some of NSW’s best dive spots. At Fly Point, float through sponge gardens and coral castles thick with nudibranchs (AKA sea slugs). Halifax Park has blue gropers and crimson-banded wrasse, while Shoal Bay’s seagrass meadows hide pipefish, cuttlefish and octopus.

Accessible only by boat, Broughton Island is home to a vast array of marine (and bird) life. Snorkel with blue devilfish and stingrays at sites like The Looking Glass and North Rock. More experienced divers can head out with one of the many PADI-certified operators.

At nearby Cabbage Tree Island, expect to see shaggy-faced wobbegongs cruising along.

A couple suited up and ready to dive into adventure. — Suit up and dive into Port Stephens’ vibrant marine life. (Image: Destination NSW)

6. Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters

Not quite ready to dive in? Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters is the perfect way to spot local marine life without getting too deep. But there’s no obnoxious glass tank tapping here. Instead, this interactive aquarium allows guests to wade into natural-style lagoons that mimic the real thing.

Gently pat Port Jackson and bamboo sharks, hand-feed rays, and feel their sandpapery skin with your fingertips. It is all under expert guidance. If you want to go deeper, pop on a wetsuit and swim alongside tawny nurse sharks, white-tipped reef sharks and zebra sharks in the lagoon.

Family enjoying an animal feeding experience at Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters, Anna Bay. — Meet the ocean’s friendliest faces at Irukandji. (Image: Destination NSW)

7. Fish the estuaries

Fishing fanatics will fall for Port Stephens hook, line and sinker. Here, one of the largest estuary systems in the whole state sees tidal rivers and mangrove ecosystems. Waterfronts are thick with oysters, and residential fish that might include anything from bream, whiting and flathead, to blue swimmer crabs, kingfish and longtail tuna.

If you prefer to choose your own adventure and fish offshore, you can hire a boat from one of the marinas and set your own course.

three men fishing on a boat in port stephens — Join a tour or chart your own fishing trip. (Image: Destination NSW)

8. Taste new Port Stephens flavours

With plenty of activity to fill your days, refuelling on delectable cuisine becomes equally important. And Port Stephens answers the call.

Pop into Holbert’s Oyster Farm for fresh-farmed Port Stephens rock oysters and Pacific oysters, Australian king and tiger prawns, as well as a variety of tasty sauces to try them with.

Take a group to Atmos for an authentic Greek experience over large shared dishes and Greek-inspired cocktails. Or feast on sea-to-plate, modern Australian dishes at the pet-friendly Restaurant 2317.

A plate of fresh oysters. — Slurp your way through the region’s best oysters. (Image: Destination NSW)

Start planning your Port Stephens getaway at portstephens.org.au .

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