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This Hunter Valley walk takes you through 5 family-owned wineries

Kassia Byrnes Kassia Byrnes
Palmers Lane Estate’s walkable wine experience connects some of the best the Hunter Valley has to offer on one easy trail.

Who doesn’t love a picturesque walking trail? And who doesn’t love tasting some of Australia’s tastiest wines? Put the two together and things can only get better. This is exactly what you get with the Palmers Lane Wine EcoTrail, connecting five boutique, family-owned cellar doors along the lane.

What is the Palmers Lane Wine EcoTrail?

palmers lane estate
Discover the Palmers Lane Wine EcoTrail.

This self-guided walking and cycling experience connects five cellar doors along a 750-metre stretch in the heart of Pokolbin.

The trail is tantalisingly short, with only 15 minutes between stops for walkers, and under five minutes for cyclists, offering a sustainable way to experience local small-batch wines without driving (and what’s not to love about not needing a designated driver?). Not to mention you can make the pace entirely your own, and still get it done in one day.

Stops include Calais Estate, Horner Wines, John Wallace Wines, Moorebank Vineyard and Pokolbin Brothers Wines – all family-owned estates.

two women tasting wine at john wallace wines on the Palmers Lane Wine EcoTrail
Taste award-winning blends at John Wallace Wines.

Calais Estate offers educational wine experiences and events, like making your own sparkling wine and vineyard picnics. Linger longer to find unique, handmade and vintage wares in the on-site Come What May Homewares and Gifts.

Horner Wines specialises in small-batch drops, which can be experienced during a regular wine tasting, or book in for a wine experience – from behind-the-scenes tours or barrel tastings.

Pet- and family-friendly John Wallace Wines is perfect for a taste of award-winning blends. While Moorebank Vineyard specialises in easy-drinking, distinctive drops. Be sure to browse the range of handmade, wine-inspired condiments, spreads and sauces on offer.

Finally, Pokolbin Brothers Wines hand-pick grapes from the family’s own vines in Pokolbin, turning them into chardonnay, shiraz and cabernet merlot blends, as well as sweeter muscat and moscato.

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

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Stay along the way

accommodation at Palmers Lane Estate
Extend your stay at Palmers Lane Estate boutique accommodation.

Those looking to extend their stay can book one of 10 self-contained, boutique homes and lodges at Palmers Lane Estate – a 50-acre family-owned property in Pokolbin.

Ranging from one to six bedrooms (sleeping up to 97 guests across the property), it’s an ideal stay for families and larger groups. Each lodge features full kitchens, wood fireplaces, air conditioning, private BBQs, and free wi-fi.

When the days are warm and sunny, make use of the swimming pool and sun terrace, tennis court and children’s playground. Visiting in winter? Cosy up by the communal fire pit.

The details

Palmers Lane Wine EcoTrail walkers arriving at moorebank wines
Take an easy stroll between five unique wineries.

Bike hire: For those who choose two wheels, bike hire is available through Grape Mobile Bike Hire.
Trail details: To plan your trail experience, head to the official website.
Stay details: Make a booking online at Palmers Lane Estate

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Kassia Byrnes
Kassia Byrnes is the Native Content Editor for Australian Traveller and International Traveller. She's come a long way since writing in her diary about family trips to Grandma's. After graduating a BA of Communication from University of Technology Sydney, she has been writing about her travels (and more) professionally for over 10 years for titles like AWOL, News.com.au, Pedestrian.TV, Body + Soul and Punkee. She's addicted to travel but has a terrible sense of direction, so you can usually find her getting lost somewhere new around the world. Luckily, she loves to explore and have new adventures – whether that’s exploring the backstreets, bungee jumping off a bridge or hiking for days. You can follow her adventures on Instagram @probably_kassia.
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7 Lake Macquarie secrets the locals don’t want you to know

Credit: Beau Pilgrim

    Rachael Thompson Rachael Thompson
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    An untapped side to this popular holiday spot is hiding in plain sight.

    Laidback Lake Macquarie draws in holidaygoers and day trippers with its casual coastal allure and raw beauty. But even though it’s just 90 minutes from Sydney, most visitors have only scratched the surface of what this region has to offer.

    Foodie hotspots, quaint towns, tranquil waterways and compelling art are all waiting to be discovered. You just need to know where to find them.

    1. Most visitors don’t make it to the western side

    Explore beyond the western side. (Credit: Beau Pilgrim)

    While there’s no harm in walking the well-worn path in this idyllic pocket of the world, the area west of Lake Macquarie is defined by stretches of ancient rainforests and quaint towns with a more local feel. Toronto is the largest town on this side and features a golf course and sailing clubs, while peninsula-based Wangi Wangi is fantastic for bushwalking and swimming.

    2. There’s a booming arts scene

    Museum of Art and Culture, YAPANG
    Discover the Museum of Art and Culture, YAPANG.

    Lake Macquarie is a must-visit destination for creatives. Discover the Museum of Art and Culture, YAPANG; this modern gallery is set on a five-hectare sculpture park and showcases a free rotating program of exhibitions and events, with a strong focus on contemporary Aboriginal art. In Wangi Wangi, explore the Wangi Owl Trail, which includes Dobell House, the preserved home of prolific artist Sir William Dobell. And enjoy live music every Saturday evening at the recently renovated Toronto Hotel.

    3. It’s a nature lover’s paradise

    three people swimming in lake macquarie
    In and out of the water, find a natural paradise. (Credit: Beau Pilgrim)

    Lake Macquarie is a playground for nature lovers. It’s home to Australia’s largest saltwater lake, a 110-square-kilometre haven for swimming, fishing, boating and sunset views. Another oasis is the Lake Macquarie State Conservation Area, a 761-hectare protected reserve with wildflowers, Second World War heritage sites and spectacular views to Pulbah Island. The upgraded Toronto baths, complete with jetty decking and netting, make for a sheltered spot for a refreshing dip, while the Awaba Mountain Bike Park gives adrenaline junkies their fix.

    4. The dining scene is unbeatable

    8 at Trinity lake macquarie
    Treat yourself to 8 at Trinity.

    Gourmands are well looked after in Lake Macquarie. At Emerson’s on the Lake in Toronto, the modern Australian fine dining menu spoils seafood lovers with the freshest ocean produce and stunning lake views. Sitting on Trinity Point’s waterfront, 8 at Trinity is another standout offering, serving Mediterranean fare in an open-air setting. For a more relaxed affair, the microbrewery trail lets craft beer enthusiasts sip on inventive brews from The Yard, Lake Mac Brewing and Bread & Brewery.

    5. There are hidden coves and waterways

    kayakers on lake macquarie local secrets
    Get out onto the lake. (Credit: Beau Pilgrim)

    There’s no better way to experience Lake Macquarie than directly on its waters, and in doing so you’ll discover a world of hidden coves and secluded waterways. Jump in a kayak for a tour with the friendly team at School of Yak and paddle to Cockle Creek, Awaba Bay, Green Point and Fennel Bay, discovering underwater life along the way. Or go all in and stay the night on one of Lake Macquarie Houseboats’ spacious vessels or hire a BBQ pontoon boat for the day from Lake Macquarie Boat Hire to enjoy a feast in the sunshine while admiring the marine life and picturesque waterscape.

    6. It’s a birdwatcher’s paradise

    ll blue wren sitting on a tree branch
    Keep an eye out for local birdlife. (Credit: Walter Coppola)

    Twitchers are in for a real treat as hundreds of fascinating bird species such as Australian pelicans, black swans, white-bellied sea-eagles and superb fairy-wrens call this area home. Take a self-guided tour around top spots including Bird Cage Point and Lake Macquarie State Conservation Area (near Morisset) or be guided in a clear-bottom kayak through the waterways with Lake Macquarie Kayak Adventures, observing feathered friends as you go.

    7. The lake has islands

    sail lake macquarie
    Charter a boat to see Lake Macquarie’s islands.

    Hop on a private boat, kayak or charter around the lake to discover the plethora of small islands peppered around Lake Macquarie. The largest is Pulbah Island, a 69-hectare nature reserve home to goannas and sugar gliders with secluded beaches. Sandy islands such as Spectacle Island and Pelican Island have a tropical lagoon-like look to them as they sit in the tidal path of Swansea Channel, which filters the sand and creates a pristine environment. Stop by for a dip and a picnic.

    Start living like the locals at visitlakemac.com.au.