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21 luxury accommodation in the Hunter Valley

Visit cellar doors for tastings, sample the region’s culinary delights and then book into the best luxury accommodation in the Hunter Valley.

Punch ‘luxury accommodation Hunter Valley’ into the Google machine and it will scatter pins like confetti around Australia’s oldest wine region. From classy boutique hotels and family-style resorts to elegant Airbnb listings that bring a new level of luxury to the Hunter Valley, there are now more reasons than ever to put a weekend aside and make the two-and-a-half-hour drive out of Sydney.

Booking a night in boutique luxury accommodation in the Hunter Valley means you don’t need a designated driver. You’ll even find accommodation options sewn into the patchwork of Hunter Valley wineries so you can savour the Hunter Valley terroir in situ. Here’s our guide on the best luxury accommodation in the Hunter Valley.

1. The Lane Retreat

For city folks, there is nothing quite like the spectacle of staying in luxury accommodation when visiting NSW wine country. The Lane Retreat was one of the most anticipated openings of 2023 in the Hunter Valley region. With a little planning, you can make the most of your trip to the Hunter Valley by building your itinerary around the luxury Bimbadgen Estate property, its restaurant, Esca Bimbadgen, and cellar door, where you can book an exclusive tasting.

the bedroom with glass doors and windows at The Lane Retreat
There are 60 luxurious studio retreats.

The retreat on Palmers Lane in Pokolbin features 60 luxurious studio retreats, a luxury swimming pool, bespoke store and pantry with the Broken Back Range as the backdrop.

the pool at The Lane Retreat
Relax poolside.

Address: 409 Palmers Lane, Pokolbin

2. Tower Lodge, Hunter Valley

The newly reimagined 14-suite luxury Tower Lodge  beckons in the heart of the Hunter. The luxury lodge was first conceptualised by the late winemaker Len Evans in the 1990s and remains casually evocative of a hacienda under the helm of its new owners, the Hope family of nearby Hope Estate.

an aerial view of Tower Lodge, Hunter Valley
Tower Lodge has been reimagined as a 14-suite luxury hideaway.

Hole up in this five-star luxury Hunter hideaway, with its stucco tower and terracotta tiles, to enjoy world-class wines that hum of the Hunter. While first impressions of Tower Lodge might be that it’s an architectural anomaly, with its eclectic furnishings and palatial Spanish styling, it’s also somewhat of a secluded sanctuary.

a wooden outdoor tub at Tower Lodge, Hunter Valley
The secluded sanctuary features private hot tubs for guests.

Book dinner at Tower Lodge restaurant run by Hope Estate Group Chef Anthony Fullerton (Regional Chef of the Year in 2022) if you want to remain in a Basque Country bubble.

the pool at Tower Lodge, Hunter Valley
An oasis in the valley.

Address: 6 Halls Rd, Pokolbin

3. Little Orchard Cottage

Robert and Sally Molines are highly regarded restaurateurs in the Hunter Valley. And now, in line with the evolution of restaurants with rooms in regional Australia, the couple behind the much-loved Bistro Molines have opened the doors to a cottage that makes for a stylish sleepover nearby.

the living room at Little Orchard Cottage
Little Orchard Cottage is Robert and Sally Molines’ newest venture.

The light-filled two-bedroom Little Orchard Cottage  has all the comforts of home just a short stroll away from the hatted restaurant with all the French flair we’ve come to expect from Bistro Molines.

a stylish bedroom at Little Orchard Cottage
The quaint cottage is full of provincial charm.

The cottage is gorgeous, styled just so by Sally and like the restaurant, a love letter written in flowing French script to the surrounding countryside.

Address: 749 Mount View Road, Mount View

4. Emma’s Cottage

If you’ve done your homework, you will have heard of Emma’s Cottage , surely one of the prettiest boutique Hunter Valley accommodation offerings available. Why rush a tasting at Alter Wines’ newly renovated cellar door when you can spend the night nearby in two-, three-, four-bedroom cottages or the five-bedroom guesthouse?

the property exterior of Emma's Cottage
Emma’s Cottage is a stone’s throw from the Alter Wines cellar door. (Image: Bryce Noone Photography)

Emma’s Cottage will take your wine-country weekend in the Hunter Valley to the next level. This luxury Hunter Valley accommodation is a participant in the progressive Lovedale Long Lunch, one of the most popular premium events held in the Hunter Valley each year. Don’t feel like catering? Head to The Larder to customise your own charcuterie board.

a spacious garden in front of Emma's Cottage, Hunter Valley
The boutique accommodation is located on the sprawling grounds of Alter Wines. (Image: Tim Pascoe Photo)

Address: 438 Wilderness Road, Lovedale, Hunter Valley

5. Yarrimbah Cottage

Yarrimbah Cottage  is 100 per cent off-grid, making it a haven for the many Australian Traveller readers who aspire to enjoy a luxury eco-conscious stay in the Hunter Valley. The self-contained luxury Hunter Valley cottage accommodates up to two guests and is sited at Jindalee Estate.

the living and dining interior at Yarrimbah Cottage, Hunter Valley
Yarrimbah Cottage offers a luxury eco-conscious stay.

But there are also two additional accommodation options with gas fireplaces for cosy winters, which the best accommodation in the Hunter Valley will always include. Up to 12 people can stay at the estate, which affords 180-degree views of Broken Back Mountain and is an idyllic setting for romantics, families, and large groups. Foodies will appreciate the fact they can wander down the lane to The Mill Restaurant.

the bedroom interior at Yarrimbah Cottage, Hunter Valley
The main bedroom boasts picturesque views and an oversized bathtub.

Address: 140 Mistletoe Lane, Pokolbin

6. Vico Monti

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.

the pool at Vico Monti
The luxe stay also gives guests access to a pool.

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.

empty seats inside Vico Monti
There are several places to gather as a group for feasting.

The Hermitage Road cycleway curls around the beautiful boutique accommodation, which was recently renovated.

The luxury homestead overlooks the Vico Monti single-estate vineyard that has been embroidered onto the earth around the valley. The homestead sleeps 13 and is perfect for a group getaway.

an al fresco dining setup at Vico Monti, Hunter Valley
Tranquil dining from the patio.

Address: 634 Hermitage Rd, Pokolbin

7. The Cook’s House at Corunna Station

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 the hungry shearers working on the farm, everything about the historic boutique Hunter Valley cottage feels very now.

the door entrance at The Cook’s House
This historic boutique accommodation has been effortlessly styled to perfection.

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.

a spacious outdoor deck at The Cook’s House
Groups can spill out onto the outdoor dining area.

Although the Cook’s House only sleeps four, there are more beds available in the adjacent country house and homestead. The cottage, which has a wood-fired stove, offers superb views of Broken Back Range.

the living room interior at The Cook’s House
Modern meets contemporary style at The Cook’s House.

Address: 59 Hermitage Rd, Belford

8. Château Élan, Rothbury

The Hunter Valley is known for its semillon and chardonnays and there’s no better way to enjoy the wines produced in this idyllic landscape than with a stay at the Château Élan , boutique Hunter Valley accommodation set amid rolling vineyards.

Get in the swing of things at the resort with a round of golf at the Greg Norman-designed 18-hole course, The Vintage Golf Club. Follow up with an afternoon of pampering at the award-winning spa.

Want to book a couple’s escape? Taking a loved one to Legends Restaurant is par for the course at this luxury Hunter Valley accommodation.

Address: Vintage Dr, Pokolbin

9. Spicers Vineyard Estate

You will feel right at home in the Hunter when you book a luxury stay at Spicers Vineyards Estate . That is of course if your home resembles a five-star retreat. The retreat offers all the amenities you’d expect of the Spicers brand – such as a lap pool and swanky spa – and Restaurant Botanica is just a short stroll away.

lavender flowers in front of Spicers Vineyard Estate
Lavender blooms by Spicers Vineyard Estate.

Order the tasting menu and then sit on the winery’s serene verandah or your private balcony to enjoy views over the valley.

a couple dining by the vines at Spicers Vineyard Estate
Dine by the vines.

The retreat is too cool to keep quiet about. Book a girls’ weekend away in the Hunter Valley to coincide with one of the region’s annual events such as the Hunter Culinary Association Food Fight .

pool with sun beds at Spicers Vineyard Estate
Sunloungers offer a serene spot by the pool to watch the sunset.

Address: 555 Hermitage Rd, Pokolbin

10. The Convent, Pokolbin

The Convent  Hunter Valley is hugely popular with discerning oenophiles who return to the luxury Hunter Valley hotel each year at harvest time so they can wander around the estate’s vineyards, help harvest the grapes and of course taste the wines the property produces.

an aerial view of The Convent, Pokolbin
The former nunnery has been transformed into a luxury retreat by the vines.

The Escarpment Group hotel is housed in a former nunnery and has a relaxed feel about it with sink-right-in sofas, vineyard views, and suites that have been set up in a cosy, contemporary style that also reflects the building’s history and heritage. The Convent is also an especially lovely place to stay thanks to its proximity to Circa 1876.

the premier room balcony at The Convent, Pokolbin
Stylish details give the stay a sophisticated feel.

Address: 88 Halls Rd, Pokolbin

11. Greystone Estate

Greystone Estate is your go-to if you want to escape for a group getaway with family and friends. The luxurious property is flooded with light and has carefully curated interiors: we love the soaring cathedral ceilings and wide parquetry floor in the cottages, and the raw timbers and natural textiles in the adjoining heritage homestead, Gow House. While the fireplace works for chilly evenings, the pool is an oasis on a hot day in the Hunter. The property has 15 bedrooms, 17.5 bathrooms, a games room, and about three hectares of manicured lawns and gardens. There’s also a sister property in Lovedale.

the living room with windows at Greystone Estate
Greystone Estate exudes a quaint yet charming countryside appeal.

Address: 617 Hermitage Rd, Pokolbin

12. Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort

If chasing a little white ball around is your idea of fun then you will find your happy place at Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort , which was included in the Golf Digest list of Top 100 Golf Courses in the world. But the iconic 40-hectare property is also a perfect jumping-off point to explore some of the region’s premium wine producers, such as Audrey Wilkinson, Brokenwood, Pokolbin Estate, Tamburlaine and Roche Estate.

a living room with a fireplace at Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort
Guests have access to various communal spaces at Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort.

In addition to the golf course and country club, there are two bars, two restaurants, three pools and two tennis courts. You will find the one-, two- and three-bedroom villas set against a stunning backdrop of the Broken Back Mountain Range.

a cosy bedroom with balcony at Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort
The oversized villas feature private balconies overlooking the golf course.

Address: 15 Thompsons Rd, Pokolbin

13. Voco Kirkton Park Hunter Valley

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has installed Tesla charging stations in the car parks of all of its Crowne Plaza hotels in Australia and New Zealand, which makes the voco Kirkton Park hotel a popular detour for drivers of electric vehicles. Recharge yourself in the pool or voco spa or over dinner at Locavore, where the menu follows the seasons.

The hotel is in Pokolbin and overlooks the Broken Back Range and surrounding countryside, which changes colour with the light and the seasons.

Address: 336 Oakey Creek Rd, Pokolbin

14. Anita’s at the Vines

Anita’s at the Vines was one of the first Airbnb properties on offer in the Hunter Valley. And it proved so popular that its interior decorator owner Anita Ellis added Pollyanna  and Nomad’s Nest to her listing. The charming country stays are perfect for couples or wine lovers looking for luxury Hunter Valley accommodation that has a bit of personality.

The main bedroom at Pollyanna Airbnb Hunter Valley
Pollyanna blends charm with personality.

While Pollyanna is one of the prettiest Airbnbs to add to your wish list when on a winery weekend, Nomad’s Nest is a favourite for those looking for something a bit quirky. The accommodation is housed within an old Nissen Hut, a prefabricated steel structure originally used by the military as barracks. It sleeps four guests and has a large backyard.

the bedroom at Nomad's Nest in Anita’s at the Vines
Nomad’s Nest is housed within an old Nissen Hut for a quirkier stay.

15. Wild Edge Retreat

So you’re searching for accommodation in the Hunter Valley for a special occasion? Want to spend long evenings around the fire with your new flame? Wild Edge Retreat is couples’ only accommodation that is as far away from the everyday as it gets. In fact, we’d recommend doing a tour of the wineries before checking in so you can flop and drop here and drink in your surrounds. Each of the four pavilions has a pool and spa and is designed with privacy in mind on the edge of the Wollombi wilderness. Oh, and there’s no need for range anxiety: there are Tesla charging stations onsite.

Address: 260 Craft Rd, Wollombi

16. Rydges Resort Hunter Valley

One of the greatest luxuries at the Rydges Resort Hunter Valley is the fact it’s located in Lovedale. The fact the four-star hotel is family-friendly also earns it a few brownie points.

the lounge of Rydges Hunter Valley
The hotel ambience evokes contemporary and country-chic.

It’s near to wineries for the adults, has a waterpark for the kids, and an 18-hole golf course and spa to help you reset and rejuvenate. Book a double room with pool access for its open-air terrace furnished with sun loungers. Or book the two-bedroom villa so you can self-cater in the kitchenette. In addition to the swimming pool, there’s a restaurant, bar and gym onsite at the 414-room resort.

one of the rooms at Rydges Hunter Valley
Bed down in one of the contemporary rooms with pool access.

Address: 430 Wine Country Dr, Lovedale

17. The William Arnott Hotel, Morpeth

The William Arnott Hotel  is a slice of authentic Australian history in Morpeth, on the fringes of the Hunter Valley. While the walls of The Historic Arnott Bakehouse display old signs and artefacts from the former Arnott’s factory, where Australia’s favourite biscuit brand began, the rooms in the boutique hotel are pared-back and contemporary, befitting of a hotel that ranks on our listicle of Unique Places to Stay in NSW.

the Morpeth sourdough in Arnott Bakehouse
The Historic Arnott Bakehouse is home to Morpeth sourdough.

Start the evening with dinner at Boydell’s before retreating back to your SAO Suite for a Tim-Tam slam dessert. The bakehouse is now home to Morpeth sourdough, where you can join an artisan baking class.

Address: 148 Swan St, Morpeth

18. Estate Tuscany

Sit on your breezy patio overlooking the rolling hills of the Hunter and fantasise about your next trip to Tuscany. Estate Tuscany  has a lot of hotel features worth noting, not least of which is the fact it presents the ideal location for a wedding in the Hunter Valley.

Whatever the occasion, Estate Tuscany is sitting pretty in the foothills of the Broken Back ranges 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.

Address: Cnr Hermitage Road & Mistletoe Lane, Pokolbin

19. Elysia Wellness Retreat

Long bush walks, yoga, meditation, massage, nourishing meals. This Hunter Valley wellness retreat offers a range of programs and packages designed for personal development.

the balcony overlooking the sunset at Elysia Wellness Retreat
Elysia Wellness Retreat boasts scenic views over the valley.

Whether you want to reset your circadian rhythms or start an exercise program in a safe, friendly space, Elysia Wellness Retreat  is designed to help you be the best version of yourself.

a group doing an exercise program at Elysia Wellness Retreat
A range of wellness sessions are on offer.

Choose from a range of low- and high-intensity activities, from Pilates to fitball, bocce and tai chi, designed to promote wellness and wellbeing. The minimum stay at the resort is three nights which is ample time to restock your stores of cheerfulness at the restaurant, relaxation lounge, and resort-style pool.

the pool at Elysia Wellness Retreat
The retreat pool offers a quiet space to relax.

There is also a range of day spa experiences you can book in the Hunter Valley if a three-day retreat isn’t quite right for you.

an aerial view of Elysia Wellness Retreat
Elysia Wellness Retreat from above.

Address: 165 Thompsons Rd, Pokolbin

20. Casa La Vina Pokolbin

Sante Fe in the state of New Mexico is a long way from Pokolbin. But somehow this Pokolbin ponderosa doesn’t feel out of place. And in fact, the pueblo-style Casa La Vina villas make for a carefree base where relaxation and escapism are the name of the game.

a jacuzzi at Casa La Vina
Casa La Vina features a private jacuzzi. (Image: Muse Photography)

While there are a number of fantastic luxury places to stay in the Hunter Valley, the beauty of this couples’ retreat is its tranquil bush setting. It’s also right in position, 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 indoor gas log fire.

the bedroom at Casa La Vina
Check into the Pueblo-style Casa La Vina villas. (Image: Muse Photography)

Address: 657 McDonalds Road, Pokolbin

21. Mercure Resort Hunter Valley Gardens

The No. 1 reason people visit the Hunter Valley is to sip and sample wine. But there’s plenty more on offer in addition to the vineyards and rolling hills. Mercure Resort Hunter Valley Gardens  caters to all comers, not just those into a weekend of wineries. Yes, it’s in the heart of NSW’s wine country.

the outdoor setting at Mercure Resort Hunter Valley Gardens
Well-manicured gardens surround the property.

And while it’s not over-the-top luxe, the resort has had a soft refurbishment and is a great launching pad from which to experience the best things to do in the Hunter Valley.

the bathroom inside the family room at Mercure Resort Hunter Valley Gardens
The family suite has a separate bath and shower.

Book a hot air balloon ride. Dine at a hatted restaurant. Pick up gourmet provisions and a few bottles of plonk. And take a stroll around the resort’s theme park gardens.

the pool at Mercure Resort Hunter Valley Gardens
Mercure Resort Hunter Valley Gardens features a large pool.

Address: Cnr Broke And, McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin

For more insider tips and must-do experiences, read our Hunter Valley travel guide.
Carla Grossetti
Carla Grossetti avoided accruing a HECS debt by accepting a cadetship with News Corp. at the age of 18. After completing her cadetship at The Cairns Post Carla moved south to accept a position at The Canberra Times before heading off on a jaunt around Canada, the US, Mexico and Central America. During her career as a journalist, Carla has successfully combined her two loves – of writing and travel – and has more than two decades experience switch-footing between digital and print media. Carla’s CV also includes stints at delicious., The Sydney Morning Herald, and The Australian, where she specialises in food and travel. Carla also based herself in the UK where she worked at Conde Nast Traveller, and The Sunday Times’ Travel section before accepting a fulltime role as part of the pioneering digital team at The Guardian UK. Carla and has been freelancing for Australian Traveller for more than a decade, where she works as both a writer and a sub editor.
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Why the Central Coast is a foodie mecca

Underpinned by grassroots hospitality and award-winning organic produce, the Central Coast’s gastronomy scene is thriving, with the region quickly becoming one of the best destinations in NSW for epicures.

Revered for its rugged natural splendour and laid-back seaside charm, NSW’s Central Coast has soared in popularity in recent years, becoming a top choice for an affordable slice of weekend escapism for Sydneysiders. Just a short 45-minute drive north of Sydney, it’s the kind of place that, no matter how many times you visit, leaves you with the sense that there’s always more to uncover. But while the ocean pools, bushwalks and beaches have (rightly) taken the spotlight, it’s the Central Coast food offerings which have been quietly simmering in the background.

From fresh-as-it-gets seafood and juicy organic citrus you can pluck yourself, through to regenerative farming and reputable farm-to-fork dining, this coastal gem has become an idyllic foodie mecca. Here are some of the best ways to immerse yourself in grassroots hospitality and gastronomic glory on the NSW Central Coast.

vegetables in a basket at Bells Garden at Bells At Killcare
From picking your own, to farm-to-table, discover the best Central Coast food experiences. (Image: Remy Brand)

Central Coast oyster experiences

From humble grub to opulent delicacy, oysters have ascended into a league of their own. Epicureans are fascinated by them – willing to pay upwards of $35 per dozen (double at some of Sydney’s reputable fine dining restaurants) – and ‘shuck bars’ seem to be popping up at every milestone celebration.

But it’s rare to find places that really draw back the curtain on how they’re farmed and why everyone is mad for these molluscs. The Central Coast , however, is home to several of these venues. With its pristine waters, mild climate and nutrient-rich estuaries, it’s the perfect breeding ground for oysters.

Learn about oyster farming and, importantly, how to shuck them at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours . Nestled on the Hawkesbury River at Mooney Mooney, Sheridan Beaumont and her team offer a hands-on foodie experience where you can feast on dozens of oysters (white tablecloth and all) while wading through the calm waters. You can even bring your own bottle of bubbles to wash them down.

guests in the water for an experience at Sydney Oyster Farm - Central Coast food
Learn tricks of the trade at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours. (Image: Remy Brand)

Elevate your oyster knowledge even further by heading north over the Hawkesbury River Bridge to the Hawkesbury River Oyster Shed . Tour their scenic oyster leases and saltwater paddocks by boat to uncover the distinct characteristics of the Sydney rock oyster and creamy Pacific oyster. They’ve also partnered with Broken Bay Pearl Farm to offer a one-of-a-kind oyster and pearl farming guided tour, showcasing the Central Coast’s very own pearl oyster, the Broken Bay ‘Akoya’. But if you’re simply in the mood to devour a dozen delectable oysters while soaking in the tranquil river views, pull up a chair at the shed. It’s friendly in every sense of the word: pets, families and BYO welcome.

shucking oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm
Taste freshly shucked oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm. (Image: James Horan)

Central Coast farms to pick your own fruit

While the Central Coast is known for its breathtaking 40 beaches and 80-kilometre coastline, its lush hinterland is equally impressive – abundant with orchards and agriculturally rich farmland. And when it comes to the simple joy of picking your own fruit, the Central Coast is a ripe playground.

Family-owned Meliora Farm at Peats Ridge is an orchard that blends conventional, biodynamic and organic philosophies. Third-generation farmer Tim Kemp and his wife Elise are dedicated to honouring the family legacy by growing a rich variety of oranges, lemons, limes, mandarins and avocados. In late May, roam the sustainable and nutrient-dense property during ‘Pick Your Own’ weekends.

Eastcoast Beverages is another bountiful citrus orchard boasting over 60 hectares of fruit. From June you can learn about the cultivation of high-quality ingredients – like lemons, limes, grapefruit and oranges – by touring both the farm and factory before setting out and picking your own straight from the source. You can also sample an array of citrus-inspired sweet and savoury treats at their on-site cafe, Bambino’s .

If it’s just juicy oranges you’re after, Cedar Farm in Dooralong is a must-visit. Located about 30 minutes north of Peats Ridge, it features 15 flourishing orchards and over 3000 orange trees – with take-home bags during the season (from July) at low prices. Not bad for a fruity weekend haul.

woman picking oranges at Oranges at Dooralong
Pick your own citrus fruits on the Central Coast. (Image: James Vodicka)

Organic dining

What makes the Central Coast hinterland so special is the unwavering respect the communities have for their cherished backyard. Locally owned and operated farms are all striving for more sustainable practices and methods to both enhance biodiversity and reduce environmental impact, each with a heartwarming food philosophy.

The Food Farm in Wyong Creek believes good food is worth both the work and the wait. Devoted to regenerative farming, first-generation ‘farmily’ Tim Eyes and Hannah Greenshields are recognised for their grass-fed, grass-finished beef and pasture-raised, gold medal-winning chickens. With an open gate policy, The Food Farm encourages visitors to swing by and try some of their slow-grown produce at their small ‘honesty’ farm shop. With no staff, you can pick up a few quality cuts of meat and pasteurised eggs, leaving the owing amount in cash or via eftpos.

Keeping the spirit of generational organic farming alive is Fanelli Organics . Nestled in the Central Coast’s scenic and sleepy Mangrove Mountain, founders Eden and Louise Fanelli own over 45 hectares of plentiful farmland and orchards that produce a huge range of organic fruit and vegetables, like purple Dutch carrots, blood oranges, broccoli and Tuscan kale. A true home-grown operation, Fanelli Organics shares its fresh produce with local restaurants and community markets, including the beloved markets at Like Minds Cafe at Avoca Beach every Wednesday afternoon.

farmers holding fresh produce picked at Fanelli Organics
See where your food comes from at Fanelli Organics.

Paddock-to-plate dining

High-quality ingredients go hand in hand with premium dining, and the Central Coast is home to several paddock-to-plate restaurants that showcase its diverse and rich agriculture. Paired with warm, grassroots hospitality, there are culinary triumphs, new menus and revered chefs constantly popping up, putting the local dining scene firmly on the map.

Award-winning Mount White restaurant Saddles is a quintessential Australian dining destination, dedicated to country-style cooking and seasonal produce. Nestled in thick bushland with wraparound verandahs, floral gardens and an idyllic dam, the gourmet homestead and bakehouse is unlike any restaurant on the Central Coast. Here, head chef Reece Collins and his team serve up an impressive breakfast and lunch menu that oozes rustic charm. Pull up a comfy armchair on the expansive deck, listen to birdsong, and tuck into flavoursome dishes like the farmhouse Benedict with honey-cured ham, lemon myrtle hollandaise and Warrigal gremolata, or the hearty beef brisket pie with confit garlic potato purée and rainbow chard.

woman writing in notebook next to a table of food at Saddles, Central Coast food
Taste country-style cooking at Saddles. (Image: Destination NSW)

Delivering a slice of sophistication and luxury to the shores and bushland of Bouddi Peninsula is Bells at Killcare . One of the few boutique resorts on the Central Coast, it’s known for its premium service and five-star suites, as well as its bountiful kitchen gardens that boast an orchard, olive trees, avocado trees, free-range hens and a honey bee hive.

Cameron Cansdell has returned to Bells at Killcare as head chef, bringing his expertise to the casual yet refined menus that feature a raw bar with Oscietra caviar, freshly shucked Sydney rock oysters and Moreton Bay bugs, all served alongside optional matched wines. Sample some of Australia’s best regional wines and standout dishes, like roasted Wollemi duck with grilled leeks, rocket, grilled grapes and 10-year-aged balsamic, or the shareworthy salt-crusted snapper with herb salad and salsa, before roaming the picturesque gardens, wine in hand.

cocktail at Bells At Killcare
Sample incredible wine, cocktails and dishes at Bells At Killcare. (Image: Nikki To)

Plan your next visit to the delicious Central Coast.