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A Hunter Valley stay with lakeside views, wine and a gourmet pantry

Katie Carlin Katie Carlin
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.

From lakeside sunsets and vineyard views to gourmet platters and cellar-door tastings, The Lane Retreat in the Hunter Valley is where wine-country dreams meet effortless luxury.

Location

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.

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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.

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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.

Katie Carlin
Katie Carlin is Australian Traveller's Head of Content and when she’s not travelling or behind her computer, she’s hosting a dinner party (likely cooking an Alison Roman recipe), at brunch, working on extending her running k’s, or has her nose buried in a book. She joined Australian Traveller in 2018 and is responsible for leading the editorial team across print, digital, social, email and native content. Her job is to make sure we create content that connects readers to incredible experiences in Australia and beyond. In addition to sharing her expertise on travel through industry speaking engagements, Katie appears onToday, A Current Affair and various radio segments. With a BA in Communications majoring in Journalism and a career that has spanned roles at Fairfax Media and Are Media writing for titles such as The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, and various lifestyle brands, she brings a wealth of experience to her role. Her most impactful trip to date has been swimming with whale sharks on Ningaloo Reef. For her next trip she is longing to experience the romance of train travel – hopefully on The Ghan or Indian Pacific.
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This surprising regional town is making its mark on the culinary world

(Image: Visit Griffith)

    Carla Grossetti Carla Grossetti
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    With more than 60 nationalities calling it home and a century of Italian influence shaping its paddocks and plates, Griffith is a regional Australian town with serious culinary cred.

    It might feel surprising to learn that Griffith is one of Australia’s leading food destinations. In-the-know Italians have understood this for generations, drawn to the Riverina region’s fertile soils that reminded them of the terrain they’d left behind more than a century ago. These days, Griffith supplies much of the nation’s pantry: 95 per cent of Australia’s prunes come from the region, it’s the country’s largest citrus-growing area, and it’s a leading producer of almonds and walnuts. Even the pickles in every McDonald’s burger nationwide are produced in Griffith. This is not just a farming town; the Griffith food scene is leading the way.

    Here, culinary confidence is rooted in migration. Italian families began arriving from 1913, with a second wave settling after the Second World War. Today, Griffith has the highest proportion of Italian ancestry of any Local Government Area in Australia. Add to that more than 60 nationalities represented across the community and you have a town where food is driven not by trends, but by tradition. Griffith’s motto, ‘Taste our culture’, isn’t marketing spin; it’s the reality.

    Where the vines tell a story

    A hand pouring wine into a glass, with a table filled with food.
    Uncover the stories behind every glass. (Image: Destination NSW)

    The Riverina has long been dubbed the food bowl of Australia, but it’s also a wine region that remains largely under the radar. What sets Griffith apart is that every one of its wineries is family-owned, many spanning generations.

    Calabria Family Wines is one of the region’s standard-bearers. The Calabria story began in 1945 when Francesco Calabria planted his first vines; today, the family continues to shape the region’s identity while also stewarding the historic McWilliam’s Wines brand. McWilliam’s was the first winery to plant vines in the area, and its barrel-shaped cellar door – complete with a soaring stained-glass window – remains one of the most distinctive in regional NSW.

    Yarran Wines, run by the Brewer family, showcases estate-grown fruit across Mediterranean varietals that thrive in the warm climate. Expect bold reds and textured whites that reflect both heritage and innovation.

    Set inside the old ambulance station, Harvest HQ is owned and operated by the Riverina Winemakers Association and pours a rotating selection of local wines under one roof. It also features spirits from The Aisling Distillery, reinforcing the region’s collaborative approach to craft.

    At the table

    A flat lay of a steak.
    Dine where tradition meets a bold new generation. (Image: Visit Griffith)

    If the vineyards tell one story, the dining rooms tell another. Griffith’s restaurants are where tradition and next-gen confidence meet.

    Zecca Handmade Italian occupies the former Rural Bank building, an imposing Art Deco landmark from the late 1930s. ‘Zecca’ means money print, and the name is a nod to the Zecca di Venezia in Venice. Here, find the Riverina’s only producer of dried artisan pasta and traditional Italian recipes. Importantly, the growers and producers supplying the kitchen are listed on the menu as a transparent expression of the region’s farm-to-table ethos.

    Established in 1977 and still run by the Vico family, La Scala puts authentic Italian cuisine on centre stage. Expect handmade pasta, traditional wood-fired pizzas, slow-cooked sauces and dishes that follow recipes guarded like family heirlooms. For something more contemporary, Bull & Bell in Gem Hotel is a shrine to the Euro-style steakhouse that works closely with local farmers and artisans to showcase Riverina produce.

    And then there are the institutions. Bertoldo’s Pasticceria, now in its third generation, draws locals daily for cannoli, biscotti, crostoli and house-made gelato, alongside classic sausage rolls and potato pies. La Piccola Grosseria feels like stepping into an Italian alimentari, its shelves lined with continental goods that wouldn’t feel out of place in Puglia.

    Meanwhile, Limone celebrates local and seasonal produce across breakfast and lunch menus, enriched by the produce and stories of Piccolo Family Farm. Find pastries and sourdough baked daily, and pop into the onsite retail pantry for products from regional producers – including the Piccolo family’s own wine range, Caro Piccolo.

    From the source

    A plated Aquna Sustainable Murray Cod dish.
    Taste world-renowned Aquna Sustainable Murray Cod, straight from its source. (Image: Visit Griffith)

    Behind every menu is a producer. Aquna Sustainable Murray Cod is perhaps Griffith’s most high-profile export; the brand’s Murray cod and Aquna Gold Murray Cod Caviar have achieved global recognition. In October 2024, Aquna presented its products to King Charles III and Queen Camilla at the NSW Premier’s Community BBQ in Parramatta. Impressed by the producer’s sustainable farming practices, the King requested the cod be sent to Buckingham Palace – not bad for a fish farm in regional NSW.

    Mandolé Orchard champions almonds grown on a family-run farm, transforming them into almond milk and value-added products. At Morella Grove, olives are pressed into premium olive oil and pantry staples that speak to Griffith’s Mediterranean heart. These producers are not peripheral; they are central to the town’s culinary ecosystem. Learn about local sustainable farming practices during a farm tour.

    Mark your calendar

    A woman walking past a food mural, something you can spot during A Taste of Italy Griffith.
    Plan your visit around A Taste of Italy Griffith. (Image: Visit Griffith)

    For a town that helps stock Australia’s supermarkets, Griffith has remained curiously absent from the national dining conversation. That’s beginning to change. If you’ve been searching for a regional food destination with substance, heritage and a clear sense of identity, you’ll find it here in the Riverina, right under your nose.

    Time your visit to the Riverina region to coincide with A Taste of Italy Griffith, held every August. This week-long celebration of Italian heritage and culture offers a wide range of Italian-inspired events and experiences to enjoy. Expect long-table lunches, wine tasting experiences, cooking classes and a Makers in the Piazza market. The headline event is a ticketed long lunch – Festa delle Salsicce (Salami Festival) – where winners of the best salami are announced.

    Start planning your foodie getaway at visitgriffith.com.au.