14 Hunter Valley Airbnbs for a Winery Escape

Sift through our top Hunter Valley Airbnb picks for a mix of romantic, luxury, family, pet-friendly and group getaway options close to the wineries of the Hunter Valley.

As well as providing an escape to the country, the best Hunter Valley Airbnbs offer proximity to wineries and great places to eat and drink. They also cater to an ever-changing demographic of travellers. There’s the couple who insist on an outdoor bath. The family who wants a pool and cook’s kitchen. Then there are the friends who insist on a fire pit. And the influencers who are looking to create compelling content from a recycled shipping container. Whatever your definition of luxury accommodation, here are some of the best Airbnbs in the Hunter Valley to bookmark for your next holiday.

1. Tiny House 888

Despite the fact Tiny House 888 treads lightly on the land, the small, self-contained studio seems to maximise a sense of place. And because everything in the mini one-bathroom, one-bedroom tiny home is mini and has its place, the interior feels deceptively roomy.

Tiny House 888 is a peaceful retreat in the woods.

The Tiny House 888 is located on the award-winning Vintry property, and, from here, you can make excursions to nearby wineries or simply stay put and chill. City folk will appreciate sitting around the fire pit under a star-lit sky and seeing flash mobs of kangaroos each morning.

an al fresco seating spot outside Tiny House 888

Take time to relax and take in your surroundings during your stay.

Although Tiny House 888 sleeps only two guests, there are five luxurious tiny homes dotted around the Tuckers Lane property in the heart of the Hunter Valley.

the bedroom at Tiny House 888, Hunter Valley

The bedroom is perfect for two.

2. Billy’s Hideaway

Need a break? Billy’s Hideaway can play a small part in facilitating this thanks to this thoroughly modern rabbit hutch of a cabin that is deeply embedded in the Wollombi wilderness.

the bed and cabin at Billy’s Hideaway, Hunter Valley

Escape from the city noise and tuck yourself into Billy’s Hideaway.

Some of the best accommodation in the Hunter Valley is stand-alone and this particular cabin is on a six-hectare parcel of land overlooking a billabong.

a couple relaxing in the outdoor tub at Billy’s Hideaway, Hunter valley

Soak in the outdoor tub while sipping wine.

It’s bathed in light throughout the day and its vast stacker doors open to the rambling forest outside. The luxury two-bedroom cabin blends country comforts with designer furnishings and fitting and features a wood-fired hot tub and fire pit, solar-powered heating and a hot rainwater shower. Check out Huch House on Instagram for inspo. Sleeps four.

a couple sitting by a small fire setup outside Billy’s Hideaway, hunter Valley

Spend the evening by the fire pit making s’mores.

3. Barefoot at Broke

An escape to the country never looked so contemporary. Bring Rover along for the ride to the pet-friendly Barefoot at Broke retreat, which provides guests with the ultimate Hunter Valley getaway. The property is set on 10 hectares of bushland and walled on one side by the Yengo Mountain Range, which jacks up into a craggy peak.

From here you can explore the nearby vineyards in the Broke Fordwich region, find a picnic spot near the property’s pond or simply curl up in barefoot luxury and listen to the creaking of the trees. The contemporary Airbnb sleeps six guests, and has an open-plan living area and kitchen.

4. Livy Lou’s Cottage

Livy Lou’s Cottage is paradise for families with fur babies. The boutique Hunter Valley accommodation has three bedrooms and a pretty picket fence that is best suited to small dogs who do not care to try and escape. For lovers of fine food and wine, the cottage is perfectly located near to one of the main Hunter Valley hubs for wine tasting.

the property exterior of Livy Lou’s Cottage

Step into the countryside charm of Livy Lou’s Cottage.

Curl up with a book in the open-plan living area, set the kids up with Netflix and roast marshmallows around the large stone fire pit under a sky scattered with stars. Amenities include an outdoor BBQ and coffee machine with complimentary pods. The pet-friendly stay sleeps six guests.

Relax on the sofa with a book in hand.

5. Nerreman Cottage

Despite being located just a 10-minute walk from the historic village of Wollombi, a stay at Nerreman Cottage affords a down-to-earth get-away-from-it-all experience.

the property exterior of Nerreman Cottage

Nerreman Cottage is a beautifully appointed holiday home.

The charming cottage, built circa 1919, has been given a new lease of life and it appears that even the grassy paddocks that surround the renovated holiday home have received a fresh coat of green paint.

The charming cottage is filled with vintage finds.

Bring back a few bottles of wine from the nearby vineyards and get creative in the country kitchen preparing a paired feast to enjoy while dining on the outdoor deck.

Spend slow days on the terrace.

The three-bedroom cottage features original hardwood timber floors and French doors and is located near to the bubbling Wollombi Brook.

Nerreman Cottage is built with hardwood timber floors and French doors.

6. Maggie’s Cottage

You can make the most of the Hunter Valley’s bounty by stocking up on wine and cheese and enjoying a civilised picnic on the expansive grounds surrounding Maggie’s Cottage in the Wollombi Valley.

an aerial view of Maggie’s Cottage, Hunter Valley

Stay amongst expansive greenery at Maggie’s Cottage in the Wollombi Valley.

Drive through the corridor of eucalypts that lead to the 40-hectare property, which is mere minutes from Wollombi and a handful of Hunter Valley wineries. Maggie’s accommodates four adults and four kids comfortably.

The comfy bed at Maggie’s Cottage guarantees a good night’s sleep.

There’s no wi-fi, so go old school and play charades around the fire pit, or bounce on the trampoline.

Let your kids bounce off their energy on the trampoline.

7. Camellia Cottage

Camellia Cottage is a fairy-tale cottage with lots of heritage throwbacks as well as contemporary touches just 10 minutes from Hunter Valley wineries and a short stroll to the main strip of Cessnock.

The French-inspired interior of Camellia Cottage evokes a whimsical feel.

From its French doors to its sash windows, stained glass and pretty lilac trim, the charming holiday home is full of surprises. An indoor fireplace, flower-filled vases, and a pretty camellia garden are all welcome additions. The well-equipped kitchen and porch for outdoor dining also makes this a haven for groups of friends dreaming of investing in their own fixer-upper. Sleeps six.

the property exterior of Camellia Cottage

Settle into this charming holiday home.

8. The Old Church House

An impressive approach through a poplar-lined dirt road will lead you to The Old Church House, which recalls this building’s history as a place of worship.

Gather around the fire pit and witness the skies change into fiery hues at dusk.

It follows that this guesthouse, originally built in 1880, is furnished with church pews and features arched windows and vaulted ceilings that nod to that heritage.

The Old Church House features the original arched doors and windows.

Best suited for a sophisticated gathering of gourmands, The Old Church House has been sensitively converted for entertaining. A quick scan of the reviews indicates epicureans also rejoice at the fact the 4.8-star-rated retreat is near to award-winning Margan Estate and Krinklewood Winery, two of the most acclaimed vineyards in NSW’s wine country. Sleeps eight.

a white-painted interior at The Old Church House

The white-washed interior at The Old Church House.

10. Rosebook Eco Tiny Home

This tiny home that lies on a hillside in the Hunter gives considerable attention to the environment with its architectural design leaving a small footprint on the land. The tiny home, which has views over the Hunter River, has just one bedroom, making it perfect for couples who want a secluded boutique stay in the NSW countryside.

Rosebook Eco Tiny Home is tucked on a secluded hillside in the Hunter.

Pick up some provisions in Pokolbin and then settle into Rosebrook with its fully equipped kitchen, premium linen, Tempur Cloud bed and bathroom with eco-friendly toilet.

an outdoor bathtub at Rosebook Eco Tiny Home

Spend time in nature while soaking in the tub.

An outdoor bath, deck with fairy lights, BBQ and fire pit set the scene for romance and there’s a dedicated workspace for wannabe digital nomads. Sleeps two.

the outdoor deck at Rosebook Eco Tiny Home

The outdoor deck is festooned with fairy lights.

10. Forever Sunday

Plug the lower Hunter region into Airbnb and Forever Sunday will undoubtedly pop up. The pretty Paterson homestead is an off-grid sanctuary with a pool that sleeps eight on an 85-hectare property in the Hunter Valley. As the name suggests, Forever Sunday is about extending the joy of a lazy sleep-in to an everyday occurrence.

Step into this impressive homestead.

The property will of course appeal to those who want to visit NSW’s wine country. But it’s also so self-contained that you could travel here for pleasure and not need to leave for the entire weekend.

Swim a couple of laps in the magnesium pool.

In addition to the magnesium pool, there’s an infrared sauna, BBQ, pizza oven and fire pit and luxurious surrounds that invite idyllic bush walks.

a self-contained accommodation Forever Sunday

Schedule in some time in the onsite infrared sauna.

11. Handcrafted Cabin in the Vines

This boutique Hunter Valley Airbnb was designed and built by an Austrian master craftsman. And it shows. It’s the kind of contemporary log cabin that you might expect to find while wandering through flower-filled meadows over summer in the Alps.

a bed facing the window at Handcrafted Cabin in the Vines

Stay at Handcrafted Cabin in the Vines for a change of scenery.

Whether you’re looking to spend the weekend visiting wineries or want to hunker down to enjoy a change of scenery, the two-bedroom cabin will give you all the lumberjack-level inspiration you need to inspire a visit to the Hunter Valley.

the outdoor terrace at Handcrafted Cabin in the Vines

Take in views of the vines from the deck.

The cabin is fitted out with hand-crafted timber furniture and includes a cosy sandstone fireplace, large picture windows, a fully equipped kitchen, private patio and even a soccer field.

the dining at Handcrafted Cabin in the Vines

This contemporary log cabin offers a memorable stay.

12. Talits Estate Vineyard

This French-inspired homestead in Fordwich overlooks the beautifully manicured gardens and vineyard of award-winning Talits Estate. Designed by French architects, Talits nods to a replica of a château in Aix-en Provence through the judicious use of shuttered French doors, pretty parterre gardens and rustic stone and stucco walls.

the property exterior of Talits Estate Vineyard

Talits Estate Vineyard looks like a château in Aix-en Provence.

Pass the vibe check by grabbing your fave posse of pick-me girls and matching your wardrobes with the spectrum of white, creams, blushes and pastel pinks.

the French-inspired interior at Talits Estate Homestead

Talits Estate Homestead takes pride in its charming French interior. (Image: @Brooketunbridge for The Freeman Journal)

Venture beyond the elegant homestead to the cellar door to sample wines produced by Daniel Binet, twice nominated for The Wine Society’s Young Winemaker of the Year. A votre sante.

a person holding a glass of wine with charcuterie board on the table at Talits Cellar Door

Head to the Talits Cellar Door to sample wines during your stay.

13. The Treehouse at Cedars Mount View

Those looking to get away from the hustle of the Hunter Valley but still be within close proximity to the cellar doors can camouflage themselves in the canopy of The Treehouse at Cedars Mount View. The contemporary accommodation with pinch-me-now views is one of five villas located on the 38-hectare property that was recently purchased by French owner-operators Christelle Chardin and Gilbert Ponlot.

Escape from the crowds and enjoy some R&R at The Treehouse at Cedars Mount View.

The pair engaged Newcastle-based interior designer Juliana Martin to project manage the multimillion-dollar renovation of Villa Lorea and The Treehouse and oversee the new build of Villa Stella – now so luxurious it is difficult to drag yourself away. A further two existing villas have undergone a soft refurbishment and are next in line for a full makeover.

a private tub with scenic views at Cedars Mt View

Soak in your own private tub at Villa Lorea.

14. The Studio on Pokolbin Mountain

The Studio on Pokolbin Mountain is one of two cottages on a property in the heart of the Hunter Valley that forces you to disconnect. Cobbled together in the 1990s from a range of salvaged and recycled materials, the building was once used as an artist’s studio and later as a retail space for the owners’ lavender farm.

the bedroom interior at The Studio on Pokolbin Mountain

Check into The Studio on Pokolbin Mountain to disconnect from the outside world.

The Studio is still a working farm with cattle and horses dotting the surrounding fields. Hemmed in between groves of trees, The Studio is situated in the heart of the Hunter Valley wine region with wineries and concert venues just minutes away. Amelies is the sister property to the Studio.

the bed at The Studio on Pokolbin Mountain

Bed down at The Studio on Pokolbin Mountain.

For more insider tips and must-do experiences, read our Hunter Valley travel guide.

The Lane Retreat gives guests VIP access to two of the region’s best wineries, an award-winning restaurant, an alfresco pizzeria, and an onsite gourmet pantry for a foodie-fuelled weekend that is low on fuss and big on value.

I’m watching kangaroos graze in the last light of day from the deck of my Lakeview Studio at The Lane Retreat, wine in hand. I arrived a couple of hours earlier with my husband for a two-night stay at the Hunter Valley’s newest winery accommodation.

I’ve been travelling to the Hunter Valley wine region for over 20 years, and I would like to think I’m well-versed in how to do it well, but one thing I’ve found it has often lacked is access to diverse accommodation options. That’s been slowly changing in recent years with the opening of unique affordable glamping sites, luxury stays in renovated vintage train carriages, and the new five-star-plus hotel planned for Ben Ean Estate.

The 60 lakeside studios scattered alongside the historic Palmers Lane vineyard at The Lane Retreat are the newest addition to the region, and I’ve heard nothing but good things since it first welcomed guests at the end of 2023. Now, I finally get to test it out firsthand.

Location

Aerial view of The Lane Retreat in Hunter Valley

The studio retreats are nestled between vineyards and a lake with the Broken Back Range as its backdrop.

Located on one of Bimbadgen’s award-winning vineyards on Palmers Lane in Pokolbin, The Lane Retreat claims the craggy mountain peaks of Broken Back Range as its backdrop, a picture-perfect lake frequented by paddling ducks and elegant black swans, plus kangaroos can easily be spotted bounding through the vineyards and grazing around the retreat. It’s an eight-minute drive to Polkolbin Village and is perfectly positioned for a visit to any of the region’s 90-plus wineries.

Style and character

External view of The Lane Retreat studios

The design of the studio retreats reflects the beauty of the environment from every angle.

The eco-conscious charcoal cabins (they’re fitted with solar panels and run on tank water) are designed to optimise access to the natural beauty of the property through the use of glass in the floor-to-ceiling windows, doors and panels. From the outside, the reflection of the mountains, vineyard and sky gives the illusion that the studios are blending into their surroundings. While inside, we’re treated to unbeatable Hunter Valley views – sunset and sunrise offer primetime entertainment. The 60 studio retreats, owned by the Mulpha Group, were originally built to offer onsite accommodation to complement the Bimbadgen Palmers Lane wedding venue. And if you’re lucky enough to be staying during a wedding, it makes for a lovely vibe on arrival, as the high energy and excitement of wedding guests are palpable.

Facilities and services

A free door-to-door shuttle service is provided to guests.

A complimentary door-to-door shuttle service transports guests between the group’s cellar doors for tastings and dinner reservations. A service we make use of on the first night of our stay for an early evening Signature Tasting at Bimbadgen Estate, followed by dinner at the winery’s pizzeria that connects to the tasting room via the Tuscan courtyard. It was such a treat not to force one of us to be the designated driver or pay extra for a shuttle service. While we also had access to the shuttle between Emma’s Cottage and the accommodation the next day, I decided I’d prefer to drive us, but booked the free service again for dinner that night at Esca back at Bimbadgen Estate.

A gourmet platter with goods from the Pantry at Lane Retreat

Pick up all manner of delicious supplies from the gourmet pantry onsite to enjoy back in your room.

It’s a five-minute stroll to The Pantry for a barista-made espresso coffee in the morning. But it’s also perfect for picking up a bottle of wine, beer, mixers, soft drinks or Night Merchant gin. There’s a range of snacks, including lollies and chips, as well as locally made treats like Cocoa Nibs chocolates and all the provisions needed to make a delicious cheese platter. I enjoyed browsing the homewares and gifts for sale, too.

View of the heated pool at The Lane Retreat

Pack swimmers to enjoy the heated pool all year round.

There is a heated swimming pool (that I wasn’t brave enough to use during my visit) at the heart of the retreat, and the metal water bottles supplied in your room can be refilled here with cold filtered water.

The room

Interior of Studio Retreat at The Lane Retreat in the Hunter Valley

The king-sized AH Beard mattress provides unbeatable comfort.

We stayed at No. 32 in a Lakeview Studio Retreat, and when it comes to standout features, I’m torn between the bathroom and the bed. The double showers with two rain shower heads are an indulgent touch given the size of the studio room, as are the double vanities, heated towel rails and toiletries by Melbourne natural skincare company Hunter Lab. The AH Beard king-sized mattress was extremely comfortable. Rarely do I prefer a hotel bed over my own, but this one delivered.

Bathrooms of studio retreats at The Lane Retreat

Oversized bathrooms are a much-appreciated indulgence.

Soothing greens and terracotta feature heavily throughout the interiors – from the art to soft furnishings and the sofa. There is also a dining table for two and a kitchenette that includes a fridge, microwave, coffee machine and kettle, as well as all the basics: cutlery, mugs, plates, bowls and glassware.

Food and drink

Breakfast provisions at The Lane Retreat

Delicious breakfast provisions are left for guests in the kitchenette.

There is no onsite restaurant, but The Pantry provides the perfect walkable option for snacks, coffee and drinks. Breakfasts are also taken care of with gourmet breakfast hampers included. We had Brookfarm muesli topped with Paris Creek Farms organic blueberry yoghurt, fresh sourdough with jams and butter and cold-pressed juice and milk.

Wood-fired pizzas are pumped out to happy customers in the Tuscan courtyard.

Bimbadgen Estate has two dining options: the award-winning flagship restaurant, Esca, and a pizzeria. The estate is a short drive away (make use of the free shuttle service) and we dined at both during our stay. The pizzas were cooked to doughy perfection and a glass of the 2019 Signature Shiraz paired with it beautifully.

The menu at Esca changes with the seasons. (Image: Katie Carlin)

Esca Bimbadgen delivered one of the best meals I’ve had in the Hunter. The award-winning fine dining restaurant’s menu changes with the seasons, and you can choose between the Signature Experience, which includes five courses and a wine pairing option or select from the à la carte menu. We opted for the latter and chose garlic buttered king prawns with romesco and capers; kingfish ceviche topped with sesame dressing, tomato water, strawberries and bonito flakes; and shared rosé panna cotta with candied pastry, rhubarb and macerated strawberries for dessert.

Build your own gourmet platter to enjoy alongside a tasting at Emma’s Cottage. (Image: Katie Carlin)

Emma’s Cottage, Bimbadgen’s other cellar door, serves up a build-your-own grazing platter to dine in or take away. The menu features Binnorie Cheese, salumi tuffle, Hunter Valley Foods quince paste, Pepe Sayo butter, Mount Zero mixed olives, as well as fresh baguettes, crackers, chutneys and more. But I’d recommend staying and enjoying your platter with a tasting of the Alter Wines, Bimbadgen’s alter ego; here, the winemakers get to be a bit more experimental with what they produce, with excellent results.

Does The Lane Retreat have access for guests with disabilities?

Yes. The Studio Retreat – Accessible features a fully accessible room and bathroom.

Is the Lane Retreat family-friendly?

The lakeside views are pretty even in the rain. (Image: Katie Carlin)

Families are welcome to book. The studio retreats are designed to sleep two and are more suited to couples or friends, but each studio is clustered together with three or four others, so you’ll be accommodated well when travelling as a group or for a multi-generational family getaway.

Is the Lane Retreat pet-friendly?

Dogs are welcome at The Lane Retreat for an additional fee per night. There are also terms and conditions to abide by.

Does the Lane Retreat offer wedding accommodation?

Yes. The Lane Retreat can accommodate up to 120 guests across 58 individual retreats. They also offer a Bridal Preparation Suite for the day, and if you host your wedding at Bimbadgen Palmers Lane venue, guests get a discounted rate for their stay.

Details

Friends by the firepit at The Lane Retreat

Take advantage of the winter escape package.

Best for: Romantic winery stays or Hunter Valley wedding accommodation

Address: 409 Palmers Lane, Pokolbin, NSW

Getting there: The Lane Retreat is a 2.5-hour drive north of Sydney. Newcastle Airport is a 50-minute drive from the Hunter Valley and direct flights are available from Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide.

Price: The Lane Retreat is currently offering The Winter Escape Package, priced from $341 per night when staying a minimum of two nights in a premium studio retreat. The package also includes breakfast provisions for two people, a bottle of Bimbadgen Shiraz, a S’mores Kit to toast by the outdoor fire pit, a wood-fired pizza lunch at Bimbadgen for two and a late checkout until noon. The offer is subject to availability, some blackout dates apply and is valid for stays until August 31, 2025.

Check-in process: You check in online prior to arrival and receive a unique code to access your studio (twin share and fully accessible options are also available).

Discover the best things to do in the Hunter Valley while you’re there.

14 charming Airbnbs in the Hunter Valley for a weekend getaway