The perfect (undiscovered) Hunter Valley road trip route

By Kristie Lau-Adams
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It’s a well-trodden wine region but surprising nooks overflow along our unexpected Hunter Valley road trip itinerary.

We’re all familiar with the Hunter, NSW’s largest concentration of wineries, cellar doors, world-class restaurants and places to rest your head. But beyond the beaten track lie secret gems, many of which are accidentally stumbled across by driving too far or taking a wrong turn. Allow our Hunter Valley road trip itinerary to whisk you off on a getaway you never knew existed while still retaining the rollicking good times you’ve come to expect. 

Day 1: Wollombi to Broke

The small sub-region of the Hunter Valley serves as the first must-discover stop along our Hunter Valley road trip itinerary. A 30-minute drive from Pokolbin, you’ll bypass the usual gateways of Cessnock and Pokolbin altogether and arrive via Tourist Drive 33 by taking the Peats Ridge exit off the M1. Here is where to stop while you’re driving from Wollombi to Broke.

Twine Collective

Best for: Sustainable homewares.

A gorgeous store that stocks unique products from all over the world as long as they’re created sustainably or follow Fairtrade practices. Owner of Twine Collective, Kellie Jones, handpicks her treasures and you’ll find luxurious blankets and throws, kitchen and bathroom accessories, candles, storage solutions and one-of-a-kind fashion and jewellery within the heritage-listed Colonial building.

Address: 2881 Wollombi Road, Wollombi

Noyce Brothers Wine

Best for: Elegant wine tasting.

Noyce Brothers Wine is a boutique wine producer whose cellar door is housed in a beautiful 19th-century sandstone building in the heart of the historical Wollombi village. The vineyard is located just a few clicks up the road and is owned by Phillip Noyce (director of the Australian film Rabbit Proof Fence and TV series Revenge) and his brother Michael.

Address: 2884 Wollombi Road, Wollombi.

Wollombi General Store

Best for: Last-minute platter fillers.

Next door to Noyce lies Wollombi General Store, resplendent in its original 1860s building and picture-perfect from every angle. Inside you’ll find a selection of locally made honey, jams, oils and relishes plus gifts like chopping boards and delicious gelato. There’s also an on-site cafe serving up hot and cold snacks and very decent coffee.

Address: 2886 Wollombi Road, Wollombi.

Stonehurst Cedar Creek Vineyard

Best for: Vineyard wandering.

A popular spot for Hunter Valley weddings for obvious reasons, the stunning Stonehurst Cedar Creek Vineyard provides over 220 hectares of blissful wine country to bask in.

the cellar door at Stonehurst Cedar Creek Vineyard

Stonehurst Cedar Creek Vineyard sits on the prime and picturesque side of the wine region.

Producing a collection of organic drops, the team dabble in a few white varieties plus a rose and sparkling rose, reds and a handful of fortified creations.

a woman sipping red wine at Stonehurst Cedar Creek, Hunter Valley

Head to Stonehurst Cedar Creek Vineyard for a sip of their sparkling reds.

Address: 1840 Wollombi Road, Cedar Creek.

Accommodation tips

Grays Inn Wollombi for centrally located stays and Stonehurst Cedar Creek Cottages for ultra-tranquil self-contained cottages.

Day 2: Broke to Pokolbin

Meander from Wollombi along the rather windy road, originally built by convicts, to spy luscious farmland, charming country houses and barns, roadside cattle and sheep, farm-gate stalls touting local produce and clusters of weird and wonderful letterboxes. These tell-tale signs point to Broke, a 15-minute drive away from Pokolbin and arguably even prettier than Wollombi with mountain backdrops and vast bushland. This next stop on our Hunter Valley road trip itinerary is jam-packed with magical food and wine experiences.

Krinklewood

Best for: Spiritual transportation to the glorious vineyards of France.

Inspired by the Provincial charms of the French countryside, Krinklewood is an utterly romantic vineyard one should devote plenty of time to.

scenic grounds of Krinklewood Vineyard, Broke in the Hunter Valley

Visit Krinklewood for its Provincial charms and wine tastings. (Image: Nikki To)

Rose-speckled gardens, olive groves, sandstone sculptures, flowing fountains and a beautiful collection of biodynamic wine will keep visitors enchanted for far longer than they plan for. There’s even a resident peacock strutting its stuff across the grounds.

friends drinking on the al fresco grounds of KrinklewoodBiodynamic Winery, Broke in the Hunter Valley.

Settle in beneath huge umbrellas for an afternoon wine tasting. (Image: MJK Creative)

Address: 712 Wollombi Road, Broke

Mount Broke Wines & Restaurant

Best for: A killer shiraz.

Another gorgeous vineyard along our Hunter Valley road trip itinerary, Mount Broke Wines & Restaurant blends sensational small-batch varieties and there’s an on-site restaurant and bar dishing up a sophisticated a la carte lunch on Saturday and Sunday plus woodfire pizzas rolling out on Friday nights.

Address: 130 Adams Peak Road, Broke

Kawal Rock Distillery

Best for: Gin on the lawn.

One of the Hunter Valley’s best spirit distilleries, Kawal Rock Distillery concocts the hard stuff and a handful of wines out of their 60-year-old vines.

Kawal Rock Distillery at sunset

Stop by Kawal Rock Distillery for a sundowner.

Sample gins, moonshine and more on the property’s stunning vineyard where a cellar door opens up to a beautiful patch of grass littered with comfy chairs and wine barrels.

the cellar door at Kawal Rock Distillery

Kawal Rock Distillery produces hand-crafted bespoke spirits and wines.

Address: 260 Milbrodale Road, Fordwich

Nightingale Wines

Best for: Wine with a view.

Grab one of Nightingale Wines’ silky smooth drops and head straight for a table overlooking the vines. Not only does the procession feel limitless, but a horizon dotted with dramatic mountains makes for one seriously magnificent floor-to-sky marvel. If you’re hungry, there’s an on-site restaurant too.

Address: 1239 Milbrodale Road, Broke

Whispering Brook

Best for: Flavour-packed wine.

Follow an unassuming laneway to Whispering Brook, a stellar vineyard serving up highly acclaimed wines and one knock-out chardonnay. They prune their vines by hand, cutting back bunches of grapes so plants are free to plump up their blossoming fruit, resulting in amazing quality and flavour. There’s accommodation on site if your indulgences know no limits.

Address: Rodd Street, Broke

Margan Restaurant & Winery

Best for: Sustainable dining.

Placing a strong emphasis on sustainability is Margan Restaurant & Winery, a sprawling kitchen garden and orchard producing up to 90 per cent of the fruit and veg that feature on its menu.

an aerial view of Margan Wines and Restaurant, Broke in the Hunter Valley

Scenic views make the perfect backdrop at Margan Restaurant & Winery. (Image: Destination NSW)

They also raise free-range chicken and their own lambs, have beehives for fresh, unfiltered honey and an olive grove and they make their own wine. Anything they don’t produce on-site, they source locally.

food and wine served at Margan Wines and Restaurant, Broke in the Hunter Valley

Swing by for a long lunch on the patio with views of the Brokenback mountain range. (Image: Destination NSW)

Address: 1238 Milbrodale Road, Broke

Greenway Wines

Best for: Chocolate and cheese pairings.

You won’t miss the red barn in Broke, otherwise known as Greenway Wines, a small-batch winery and the only place you can devour its creations.

friends exploring Greenway Wines in Wollombi Road, Broke

Stroll along lush gardens fronting Greenway Wines.

Pair their excellent drops with the ultimate indulgence and book a chocolate and cheese-paired wine tasting, one of the best chocolate and cheese experiences in the Hunter Valley, before snapping a non-negotiable selfie in front of the fantastic red façade.

Address: 350 Wollombi Road, Broke

Accommodation tips

Nightingale Wines’ Luxury Villas feature private spa baths while the guesthouse at Whispering Brook includes a winery and olive grove tour of the grounds.

Kristie Lau-Adams is a Gold Coast-based freelance writer after working as a journalist and editorial director for almost 20 years across Australia's best-known media brands including The Sun-Herald, WHO and Woman's Day. She has spent significant time exploring the world with highlights including trekking Japan’s life-changing Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage and ziplining 140 metres above the vines of Mexico’s Puerto Villarta. She loves exploring her own backyard (quite literally, with her two young children who love bugs), but can also be found stalking remote corners globally for outstanding chilli margaritas and soul-stirring cultural experiences.
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A Hunter Valley stay with lakeside views, wine and a gourmet pantry

    By Katie Carlin
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    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

    Bimbadgen Estate in the Hunter Valley

    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.

    Pizzeria at Bimbadgen Estate

    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.

    Dessert from the autumn menu at Esca

    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.

    The gourmet platters at Emma's Cottage

    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?

    Lakeside views at The Lane Retreat

    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.