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Charming Hunter Valley Airbnbs for a weekend getaway

Our guide to the best Hunter Valley Airbnbs includes a mix of romantic, luxury, family, pet-friendly and group getaway options close to wineries.

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 want a pool and chef’s kitchen. Then there are the friends who insist on a fire pit. Whatever your definition of luxury accommodation, here are some of the best Airbnbs in the Hunter Valley to bookmark for your next holiday.

In short

If you only stay in one Hunter Valley Airbnb, make it Forever Sunday, which is painted white to keep the space bright. The property has a deck with clawfoot baths and a designer kitchen.

Vico Monti

a private plunge pool with sun loungers at Vico Monti, Hunter Valley
The homestead has its own plunge pool for a private dip.

Best for: The homestead sleeps 13 and is perfect for a group getaway.

A soaring sandstone fireplace is the centrepiece of Vico Monti, a beautifully styled four-bedroom house with a one-bedroom studio located in the heart of the Hunter. Enjoy a good read or a good red while sitting around the hearth, which is central to the home’s identity regardless of the season. The Hermitage Road cycleway curls around the homestead, which was recently renovated and overlooks the Vico Monti single-estate vineyard that has been embroidered onto the earth around the valley.

Pollyanna and Nomad’s Nest

a cosy bedroom inside Pollyanna airbnb, Hunter Valley
Settle into the pretty Pollyanna.

Best for: Pollyanna sleeps six guests and Nomad’s Nest sleeps four, with a large backyard.

Interior decorator Anita Ellis turned to what excites her when she styled Pollyanna and Nomad’s Nest. Both luxury Hunter Valley Airbnbs have a lot of personality. Add pretty Pollyanna to your ‘Pinterest Board of Prettiest Airbnbs’ to book for your next winery weekend.

a spacious outdoor deck in Nomad’s Nest, Hunter Valley
Nomad’s Nest is a former military barracks.

Meanwhile, Nomad’s Nest is housed within an old Nissen Hut and a favourite for those looking for something a bit quirky. The prefabricated steel structure was originally used by the military as barracks.

The Cook’s House at Corunna Station

the entrance to Cook’s House at Corunna Station
Step into the charming Cook’s House at Corunna Station.

Best for: Although the Cook’s House only sleeps four, there are more beds available in the adjacent country house and homestead, so it is well suited for multi-generational escapes.

The Cook’s House at Corunna Station is one of the most delightful places to stay in the Hunter Valley. Although the cottage was originally used by the station’s cook to prepare food for hungry shearers, everything about the historic cottage feels very now. For starters, it is kitted out in a very contemporary style that has been fine-tuned to meet the needs of everyone from millennials to couples and families. The cottage, which has a wood-fired stove, offers superb views of Broken Back Range. 

Casa La Vina Pokolbin

the cosy interior of Casa La Vina Pokolbin
The pueblo-style Casa La Vina Pokolbin is a cosy retreat in a tranquil bush setting.

Best for: Romantic escapes

Sante Fe in New Mexico is a long way from Pokolbin. But somehow this ponderosa doesn’t feel out of place in Pokolbin. And, in fact, the pueblo-style Casa La Vina Spa Villa 1 makes for a carefree base. While there are a lot of Hunter Valley Airbnbs to choose from, the beauty of this couples’ retreat is its tranquil bush setting. It’s also just minutes from some of the major concert venues and best places to eat and drink in the Hunter. The Grand Spa Villa is the go for a romantic escape to the Hunter as it features an outdoor spa and gas log fire.

Estate Tuscany

the exterior of Estate Tuscany, Hunter Valley
Be transported to Tuscany in the Hunter Valley.

Best for: Estate Tuscany presents the ideal location for a wedding in the Hunter Valley.

Sit on your breezy patio overlooking the rolling hills of the Hunter and fantasise about your next trip to Tuscany. Estate Tuscany is sitting pretty in the foothills of the Broken Back Range in Pokolbin and offers a multitude of reasons to stay and play. Take a cooking class, burn along the Hermitage bike track or dine in the vines at The Mill restaurant. Take up the offer of a Tulloch Wine Package and you’ll be going home with six bottles of premium Hunter wine.

Tiny House 888

the Tiny House 888, Hunter Valley
Stay in a tiny home in the forest for a change of scenery.

Best for: Group getaways. Although Tiny House 888 sleeps only two guests, there are five tiny homes dotted around the Tuckers Lane property.

Although Tiny House at The Vintry 888 is teeny, the self-contained studio maximises a sense of place. Because everything in the one-bathroom, one-bedroom tiny home is mini and has its place, the interior feels deceptively roomy. The Tiny House 888 is well-placed on the Vintry property. From here, you can make excursions to nearby wineries or simply stay put. City folk will appreciate sitting around the fire pit under a star-lit sky and seeing flash mobs of kangaroos each morning.

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

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Harkham House

the Harkham House, Hunter Valley
The stunning Harkham House makes for an excellent home base.

Best for: Special occasions for oenophiles who love minimal-intervention wines.

Harkham House is a stunning Hunter Valley Airbnb to call home. The four-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom duplex has been turning heads in the Hunter Valley since it opened in 2018 and makes for an excellent home base. From here, you can literally roll out of bed and walk to Harkham Estate, one of the most innovative wineries in the Hunter Valley. After stitching my days together touring and tasting, I like to head to Harkham Wine Bar to taste the terroir. Cabins on Halls (formerly Twin Trees) also offer direct walking access to Harkham Estate.

Billy’s Hideaway

a couple relaxing in the outdoor tub at Billy’s Hideaway, Hunter Valley
Soak in the outdoor bath while sipping wine.

Best for: Nature lovers. The tiny cabin is surrounded by bush and attracts native birds, kangaroos and wombats.

Billy’s Hideaway is a thoroughly modern rabbit hutch of a cabin embedded in the Wollombi wilderness. The standalone Hunter Valley accommodation is on a six-hectare parcel of land overlooking a billabong. 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 features a wood-fired hot tub and fire pit, solar-powered heating and a hot rainwater shower. See Huch House on Instagram for inspo. Sleeps four.

Barefoot at Broke

a bed with a view at Barefoot at Broke, Hunter Valley
Bed down at the pet-friendly Barefoot at Broke retreat.

Best for: The Hunter Valley Airbnb has an open-plan living area and kitchen that is perfect for entertaining.

An escape to the country never looked so chic. Bring Rover along for the ride to 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 Yengo Mountain Range, which jacks up into a craggy peak. My husband and I use Barefoot at Broke as a base to explore nearby vineyards in the Broke Fordwich region. The property’s pond is the perfect spot for a picnic where I like to laze listening to the creaking of the trees. Sleeps six.

Tiny home in Dalwood

the Tiny home in Dalwood airbnb, Hunter Valley
Spend a rejuvenating weekend away in a tiny home.

Best for: Those who like to continue their contrast therapy while on holiday in the Hunter Valley.

Want a Hunter Valley Airbnb with an ice bath and sauna? This bougie one-bedroom Tiny home in Dalwood in the Hunter Valley will appeal to those who like to add wellness to their wine tastings. The property is perfectly located just a short drive from the main Hunter Valley hubs for wine tasting. Curl up with a book in the open-plan living area. Toast marshmallows around the large fire pit under a sky scattered with stars. Amenities include a pizza oven and BBQ and a Nespresso coffee machine with complimentary pods.

Nerreman Cottage

the Nerreman Cottage, Hunter Valley
Nerreman Cottage is a beautifully appointed holiday home.

Best for: Families who want to travel light as it comes with a travel cot and highchair on request.

Just a 10-minute walk from the historic village of Wollombi, Nerreman Cottage affords guests a genuine get-away-from-it-all experience. The charming cottage, built circa 1919, has been given a new lease of life. Even the grassy paddocks that surround the beautifully restored 1919 farmhouse look like they’ve received a fresh coat of paint. Bring back a few bottles of wine from the nearby vineyards and get creative in the country kitchen to enjoy an al fresco feast on the deck. The three-bedroom cottage features original hardwood timber floors and French doors and is near to the bubbling Wollombi Brook. Sleeps six.

Maggie’s Cottage

a look inside Maggie’s Cottage in the Wollombi Valley
Enjoy some R&R in country-style at Maggie’s Cottage in the Wollombi Valley.

Best for: It’s the key to unlocking a new side to the Hunter Valley and enjoying some country style.

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. Drive through the corridor of eucalypts that lead to the 40-hectare property, mere minutes from Wollombi and a handful of Hunter Valley wineries. Maggie’s accommodates four adults and four kids comfortably. There’s no wi-fi, so go old school and play charades around the fire pit, or bounce on the trampoline. Sleeps six comfortably.

Camellia Cottage

a look inside Camellia Cottage, Hunter Valley
Camellia Cottage’s French-inspired interior exudes a whimsical feel.

Best for: The well-equipped kitchen and porch for outdoor dining also make this a haven for groups of friends.

Camellia Cottage is a fairytale cottage with lots of heritage throwbacks as well as contemporary touches. The conveniently located cottage is just 10 minutes from Hunter Valley wineries and a short stroll to the main strip of Cessnock. From its French doors to its sash windows, stained glass and pretty, lilac trim, the charming holiday home is full of surprises. Take the indoor fireplace. The flower-filled vases. And the pretty camellia garden. Sleeps six.

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The Old Church House

the whitewashed interior of The Old Church House with arched entry
The Old Church House has retained its original arched doors and windows.

Best for: A sophisticated gathering of gourmands

An impressive approach through a poplar-lined dirt road leads to The Old Church House, which recalls this building’s history as a place of worship. 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. While the Old Church House has been sensitively converted for entertaining, the 4.8-star-rated retreat is also near to award-winning Margan Estate and Krinklewood Estate, two of the most acclaimed vineyards in NSW’s Wine Country.  Sleeps eight.

Rosebook Eco Tiny Home

an outdoor deck with a tub at Rosebook Eco Tiny Home, Hunter Valley
Soak up the view from the breezy outdoor deck.

Best for: The outdoor bath, deck with fairy lights, BBQ and fire pit sets the scene for romance.

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 one-bedroom home has views over the Hunter River and is a chic place to stay in the NSW countryside. 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. There’s also a dedicated workspace for wannabe digital nomads. Sleeps two.

Forever Sunday

the twin outdoor tubs at Forever Sunday, Hunter Valley
Slip into the twin outdoor tubs for stargazing or relaxation.

Best for: The property will appeal to groups who want to book a NSW Wine Country getaway.

Plug the lower Hunter region into Airbnb and Forever Sunday will undoubtedly pop up. The pretty Paterson homestead is an off-grid 85-hectare sanctuary with a pool that sleeps eight.  And, as the name suggests, it’s about extending the joy of a lazy sleep-in to an everyday occurrence. The self-contained home has all the mod cons so you could travel here for pleasure and not need to leave for the entire weekend. In addition to the magnesium pool, there’s an infrared sauna, BBQ, pizza oven, fire pit and network of bush trails.

Handcrafted Cabin in the Vines

a single bed with a view at the Handcrafted Cabin in the Vines airbnb, Hunter Valley
Escape to the Handcrafted Cabin in the Vines.

Best for: Families. It comes with its own soccer field.

This boutique Hunter Valley Airbnb was designed and built by an Austrian master craftsman. And it shows. It’s the kind of contemporary cabin you might expect to find while wandering through flower-filled meadows in the Alps. Want to spend the weekend visiting wineries? Or are you simply craving 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 cabin is fitted out with a sandstone fireplace, large picture windows, fully equipped kitchen and private patio.

Talits Estate Vineyard

the pool at Talits Estate Vineyard, Hunter Valley
Relax by the pool surrounded by manicured gardens.

Best for: Gathering with your fave posse of gals and saving the airfare to France.

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. 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.

The Treehouse by Cedars Mount View

a private tub with hinterland views at Cedars Mount View, Hunter Valley
Unwind in refined comfort.

Best for: Pulling off the most perfect wedding proposal in the Hunter Valley.

Wondering how to plan the most romantic and elaborate marriage proposal? A jaunt by helicopter to The Treehouse By Cedars Mount View should do it. The luxury split-level open-plan spa villa is designed for couples, and the website even has a section for Proposals on its drop-down menu. Not ready to put a ring on it? No matter. The Terrace is still a lavish place to stay, with mountain views from large picture windows and an abundance of wildlife on the doorstep.  Book a Hawaiian massage and private chef or take a return flight to lunch at a local winery.

The Studio on Pokolbin Mountain

The Studio on Pokolbin Mountain, Hunter Valley
Check into The Studio on Pokolbin Mountain to disconnect from the hustle and bustle.

Best for: Budding artists who want to practise painting en plein air.

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

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Carla Grossetti
Carla Grossetti has written across print and digital for Australian Traveller and International Traveller for more than a decade and has spent more than two decades finding excuses to eat well and travel far. A prestigious News Corp cadetship launched her career at The Cairns Post, before a stint at The Canberra Times and The Sydney Morning Herald gave way to extended wanders through Canada, the US, Mexico, Central America, Asia and Europe. Carla was chief sub editor at delicious and has contributed to Good Food, Travel & Luxury, Explore Travel, Escape. While living in London, Carla was on staff at Condé Nast Traveller and The Sunday Times Travel desk and was part of the pioneering digital team at The Guardian UK.
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3 vintage train journeys to step back in time and explore NSW

(Credit: Krista Eppelstun)

From country landscapes to the coast, Vintage Rail Journeys blends the grandeur of the golden age of rail travel with immersive local experiences.

Travelling aboard the historic Southern Aurora train is the ultimate scenic journey through regional NSW. Operated by Vintage Rail Journeys, the former Southern Aurora is a step back in time, from the lovingly restored carriages to the Off Train Experiences that spotlight local history, artisanal crafts and regional producers.

Once the overnight express that ferried passengers between Sydney and Melbourne throughout the 1960s, this train has been revived to its former mid-century glory, from the cabin layouts to the original lettering. Today, the train takes passengers on scenic and historic five-day journeys – starting and ending in Sydney – through three distinct regions of NSW: The Riverina, Golden West and North Coast.

Vintage Rail Journeys Southern Aurora train carriage
Be transported into the golden age of travel. (Credit: Krista Eppelstun)

One of the most magical parts of travelling with Vintage Rail Journeys is waking up on the train. Each night, the train stables at a station so guests can enjoy a restful night’s sleep in stillness, before departing again at dawn. Passengers awake to the gentle motion of the carriage, flicking open the blinds to watch the landscape unfold at sunrise. There is no better way to start the day.

The onboard experience come evening time is just as picturesque. Guests enjoy the all-inclusive food and beverages, nursing cocktails in the Art Deco-inspired lounge carriage or lingering over a three-course dinner in the dining carriage. Outside the window, Eastern grey kangaroos bound across open plains and flocks of cockatoos scatter from the gumtrees. It’s an old-world way of travelling, a slower pace that’s increasingly rare amid the frenzy of modern life. From coastal sojourns to adventures through agrarian landscapes, these are the multi-day Vintage Rail Journeys itineraries transporting guests back in time.

The Riverina

Vintage Rail Journeys Southern Aurora train travelling through nsw
Travel through the agricultural heartland of NSW. (Credit: Krista Eppelstun)

The Riverina is the agricultural heartland of NSW. Over five days, Vintage Rail Journeys takes passengers through the region to experience its celebrated produce, wines and local history. Travelling in a loop through the Central West, guests can sample sweets at the Junee Liquorice & Chocolate Factory, housed inside a former flour mill, tour an olive grove alongside a second-generation olive farmer, and enjoy tastings at family-owned wineries where the grapes are harvested mere metres away.

The Riverina is also a region shaped by passionate local historians. The Fairground Follies museum in Bowral houses one of the world’s largest collections of mechanical music and carnival memorabilia – a riot of colour and nostalgia tucked away where you’d least expect it. Meanwhile, Temora Rural Museum offers a glimpse into the history of everyday life in rural NSW. It’s home to the NSW & ACT Ambulance Museum (yes, a museum within a museum), packed with ambulances that span the past 120 years (including horse-drawn!). And seeing it all aboard a vintage train makes it feel not just like you’re visiting history, but living inside of it.

North Coast

Forest Sky Pier
Take in the views from Forest Sky Pier. (Credit: Destination NSW)

This five-day journey is all about ocean views and slowing down in tune with the rhythm of coastal life. As you make your way north from Sydney, the water is never too far from sight, whether Vintage Rail Journeys is tracing the Gloucester River or travelling alongside sweeping stretches of coastline. You’ll want to sit by a window as the train passes through the Coffs Harbour region – it’s one of the most scenic stretches of the whole journey.

Guests can also disembark at Coffs Harbour to take in the beauty of the Great Dividing Range at the Forest Sky Pier – a surreal lookout point that looks like a runway disappearing into the sky. The train continues onward to Byron Bay, where guests can disembark to explore the iconic beach town at their own pace. And on the return journey to Sydney, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins – they’re known to frequent the Kooragang Wetlands near Newcastle, which guests visit on a lunch cruise on the final day.

Golden West

winery experience in new south wales
Jump off the train for a winery experience. (Credit: Krista Eppelstun)

Travelling through the Golden West by rail is like stepping into a Frederick McCubbin painting – a nod to the golden era of rail travel. This five-day journey evokes the era of Australian Impressionism, passing through some of the country’s most painterly landscapes while tracing a path through history.

Starting in Sydney, the train makes its way to the Hawkesbury River, where the train crosses a historic rail bridge over the bronze, glassy waters below. Guests disembark here to cruise the brackish inlet aboard a historic postal boat before returning to the train to continue into Gold Rush country. Ahead lie grand heritage towns and historic estates, including the 1870s Abercrombie House in Bathurst.

Special event journeys

meal onboard Vintage Rail Journeys Southern Aurora train
Enjoy all-inclusive dining and beverages on the way to special events. (Credit: Krista Eppelstun)

Regional NSW is home to some truly one-of-a-kind events, and Vintage Rail Journeys offers a memorable way to get there. Planning a trip to the Bathurst Repco 1000? Vintage Rail Journeys’ special itinerary combines accommodation, dining and transport into one seamless experience. Guests take the scenic route to Bathurst, where the train becomes a unique home base for the event, complete with transfers, all-inclusive dining and beverages, and three days of reserved grandstand seating before returning to Sydney Central Station.

For something a little more playful, guests can also join fellow Elvis enthusiasts on a special overnight journey to Parkes for the town’s iconic annual Elvis Festival. It’s a vintage rail journey – with a little added rock ‘n’ roll.

Step back into the golden age of rail travel at vintagerailjourneys.com.au.