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This luxury villa in the Hunter Valley is my new go-to

Rachael Thompson Rachael Thompson
Cedars Mount View stands out from the rest.

While there are some lovely accommodations in the Hunter Valley, one of the absolute standouts is Cedars Mount View for its sleek design and peaceful atmosphere. The adults-only retreat in Mount View offers private, self-contained accommodations perfect for couples or solo travellers looking to unwind in refined comfort.

The sprawling 38-hectare property features five self-contained accommodations: Villa Stella, Villa Lorea, Villa Alaia, the Treehouse and The Vue. I recently checked into Villa Lorea and it quickly became my new favourite accommodation in the region.

the exterior of Cedars Mount View Villa Lorea, Hunter Valley
Cedars Mount View is located in a gum-filled landscape.

The long driveway to the property takes us through a mountainous valley landscape where spotted gums thrive. As we pull up to the accommodation, I’m pleased and surprised to find it looks less villa-like and more house-like. The 100 square metres villa’s modern exterior sympathetically blends with the landscape, featuring Colorbond cladding and a sandstone entrance wall, surrounded by native plantings. I’m also pleased to find how separated the accommodation is from the others. The closest villa is too far down the hill to hear us, and we can hardly see it – this level of separation sets Cedars apart.

The property has been designed by Sydney-based architect Alexander Symes with interiors by Juliana L Martin Interiors. Inside, the villa is impeccably clean with pink lilies gently perfuming the space. The open-plan design helps make it feel extra spacious, while the contemporary design feels high-end with natural, earthy tones and textures prevailing.

the kitchen and dining at Cedars Mount View Villa Lorea, Hunter Valley
The well-appointed kitchen.

The living room is divided into two by a double-sided fireplace – one half taken over by a plush daybed that wraps the window, the other with a sofa, TV and, quite randomly, an infrared sauna. The sauna is a cosy little wellness nook that feels delightfully indulgent after a day of wine tasting.

During the day, nearby wineries beckon, but I can’t help but feel a strong pull to just head back and enjoy the property while we have it. Thankfully in the evening it gets cold enough for us to make use of the double-sided fireplace which instantly dials up the cosy vibes while we relax on the daybeds sipping our earlier purchases.

a plush daybed by the window at Cedars Mount View Villa Lorea, Hunter Valley
Admire bushland views from the daybed.

There’s a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher, gas cooktop and oven, microwave, designer dinnerware and breakfast supplies (bacon, free range eggs, orange juice, fresh milk, Baker’s Delight bread, a variety of Berrenberg spreads and Brookfarm muesli and granola, baked beans and pancake mix). French-born owner-operators Gilbert Ponlot and Christelle Chardin have stocked the fridge with Briar Ridge Vineyard bubbles, Binnorie Dairy cheese and a range of accoutrements which we devour on the spacious wraparound deck.

It’s here we spend a large portion of the weekend relaxing, admiring the bushland views and listening to the gentle calls of native birds. There’s also a Heston Blumenthal-designed BBQ for warm summer days, alongside a pair of daybeds where we while away the evenings stargazing. There are walking trails and paths across the property where we casually stroll with a glass of bubbles in hand.

the bedroom inside Cedars Mount View Villa Lorea, Hunter Valley
The bedroom features a plush king-sized bed.

Back inside, the bedroom features a plush king-sized bed with a bespoke wooden headboard flanked by two handmade bed lights crafted by Gina Ermer. The spa-like ensuite is huge, with a curvaceous freestanding bath, positioned to take advantage of vineyard and bushland views. The space features terrazzo stone surfaces, a separate bathroom, underfloor heating, dual rain shower and basins that thoughtfully match the shape of the bath.

a cosy living room interior at Cedars Mount View Villa Lorea, Hunter Valley
The sauna is a cosy little wellness nook.

Where many luxury accommodations in the region underwhelm, Villa Lorea at Cedars Mount View truly excels. Couples seeking a romantic weekend escape – or anyone craving privacy and a sense of disconnection – will find it hard to leave.

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

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Details

Best for: Couples

Price: From $ per night

Address: 60 Mitchells Rd, Mount View NSW 2325

Distance from Sydney: Approximately a 2-hour drive/174 kilometres from the CBD.

EV charging: There is a shared EV charging station on the property.

Nearest wineries: Briar Ridge Vineyard, Savannah Estate Wines and Petersons Wines

Extras: Helicopter pick up available on the field in front of the villa. Vineyard tours and transfer pick up available directly from the villa.

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Rachael Thompson
Rachael Thompson is Australian Traveller's Evergreen Editor and Hotel Addict. She's responsible for the foundational content on AustralianTraveller.com, helping to manage and grow the brand’s destination guides. With a background in design and travel media, Rachael is dedicated to curating content that is as much informational as it is beautiful. She began her career at Belle magazine, before taking up editorial roles at Homes to Love and Bed Threads. When she's not writing, editing or optimising content, Rachael enjoys exploring the city's newest restaurants, bars and hotels. Next on her Aussie travel wish list is Lord Howe Island.
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After dark: 6 experiences along the Murray lighting up the night

(Credit: Serena Munro)

    Gemma Kaczerepa Gemma Kaczerepa
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    See the Murray region in an entirely different light by exploring its night-time experiences and attractions.

    By day, the mighty Murray River is a majestic and ever-changing sight, with river red gums and wetlands stretching along 2500 kilometres. But by night, its cities, towns, villages and landscapes totally transform.

    From Albury Wodonga to Mildura, and everywhere in between, you’ll be in for a multi-sensory and memorable treat encompassing mesmerising light shows, guided ghost tours and vibrant celebrations that capture the nocturnal magic of the river.

    This is no ordinary nighttime adventure; the region becomes an entirely different world when the sun sets. Discover six must-do activities along the Murray that can only be enjoyed after dark.

    1. Share in ghostly tales

    Port After Dark tour Murray at night
    Hold on to your nerve when learning local ghost stories. (Credit: Campaspe Shire Council)

    If you’re up for something a little more spine-tingling, Port After Dark in Echuca is your best bet. Rumour has it that the Port of Echuca Wharf and the buildings around it have long been home to lingering ghosts and mysterious events – like the vengeful woman said to haunt an old tramway bridge and spirits searching for stolen money through the town centre.

    You can hear all about them on this guided lantern tour, which takes place on Wednesday and Saturday nights after dark. The stories are atmospheric and intriguing – you may even spot a ghost or two yourself. If you’d like a more intimate experience, private tours are also available to groups of 15 or more.

    2. Wander art installations

    Bruce Munroe's Fibre Optic Symphoinic Orchestra Murray at night
    See Bruce Munro’s immersive art installation. (Credit: Serena Munro)

    Right near the Perry Sandhills, sits an experience that feels almost otherworldly. Artist Bruce Munro (of Uluru’s Field of Lights fame) has created a Fibre Optic Symphonic Orchestra, a network of 80 Hills Hoists illuminated with fibre optic light combined with the sounds of an orchestra. The clotheslines glow and pulse in time to the specially composed score, immersing you in a dreamscape of light and sound.

    For a different light experience, you’ll find stillness at Trail of Lights, also curated by Munro. Located just 30 minutes away on Lock Island in Mildura, thousands of lights stretch over the landscape, spotlighting both the river and a series of Munro’s sculptures. The trail is intended to be a peaceful and meditative setting for wandering and reflecting.

    3. Learn through lasers

    Heartbeat of the Murray at night
    Travel 30 million years into the Murray’s past at Heartbeat of the Murray. (Credit: Ewen Bell)

    Discover a fascinating history in this dual act of lights and projections on the banks of the Little Murray River. Legends of the Mallee is a multimedia show in Swan Hill combining lasers and lights, which tells the story of the region’s rich past. Learn about the Wamba Wamba and Wadi Wadi Peoples who first inhabited the area, as well as the figures and events that shaped the Mallee of today.

    The river steals the spotlight in the Heartbeat of the Murray, a multimedia spectacle inside the Pioneer Settlement encompassing lights, lasers, sound and special effects against the natural backdrop. Through a sequence of large-scale animated projections, you’ll go back 30 million years to explore the Murray River’s formation before travelling to the present to learn how it supports modern communities.

    4. Light up the lake

    Lake Mulwala Laser Light Show Murray at night
    Watch the lights and lasers of Lake Mulwala. (Credit: Mulwala Water Ski Club)

    Travelling with kids? Head to Yarrawonga Mulwala and nearby Lake Mulwala for the family-friendly Laser Light & Sound Show. Lights and lasers are projected over the lake and onto curtains of fog, creating a colourful and high-energy visual display. The show suits all ages and tastes, set to a mix of songs that everyone knows and loves.

    You can take in the spectacle from either the grassy banks of the lake or book a table at the Mulwala Water Ski Club’s Malibu Deck Cafe, serving pub-style food and refreshing drinks, including excellent classic cocktails. If you’re watching from the foreshore, the show is entirely free, making it a great budget-friendly option.

    5. Be captivated by local culture

    Bullanginya Dreaming Murray at night
    Soak in the culture of the Bangerang People. (Credit: Laser Vision)

    Set aside an evening to explore Bullanginya Dreaming in Cobram Barooga – you’ll want ample time to take in the stories and symbolism of this immersive laser light and sound trail. The 1.8-kilometre trail explores the storytelling and culture of the Bangerang People, who have long cared for the lands around Bullanginya Lagoon in Barooga. The trail features 12 activations – each telling a different story – and combines dramatic lights and lasers with water and fire.

    Intertwined with the visual displays are Bangerang narratives, giving you meaningful insight into the area’s Indigenous heritage. It’s designed to be explored over 90 or so minutes, encouraging you to move slowly and thoughtfully.

    6. Discover a winter glow

    winterglow festival
    See the streets of Albury Wodonga come to life after dark. (Credit: Visit Albury Wodonga)

    Albury Wodonga comes alive as the weather drops, with an annual celebration of the season on Saturday, 15 August. WinterGlow takes over the CBD and features a vibrant program of things to see, do, learn, eat and drink.

    Take part in hands-on workshops that let you try different art forms and crafts. Feast on street food and winter warmers from local eateries. Browse for artisan wares at the night markets. Watch musical acts on the main stage. Or get involved in different activations, including a silent disco and giant maze. Artificial snow will be falling to add to the festive atmosphere.

    Even wandering the streets and laneways and soaking up the late-night energy will leave you feeling enchanted.

    Start planning a day-to-night adventure along the Murray at visitthemurray.com.au.