The Undiscovered Hunter Valley Road Trip

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.

From serene natural beauty to vibrant nightlife, with plenty of arts and culture in between, the NSW Central Coast has been enjoying a serious glow up.

Just one hour from Sydney, the Central Coast has long been the perfect seaside getaway. And with its ECO Destination certification with a focus on sustainability, it’s a trip travellers can feel good about, too. Recently, new and exciting openings have turned the Central Coast into a place where incredible natural beauty is still on the table, but so is a vibrant and sophisticated arts, dining and nightlife scene.

Find out what’s new to discover on the Central Coast.

1. Gosford’s glow up

room at voco gosford — Book into voco and experience the best of Gosford.

Long-time Central Coast lovers will hardly recognise Gosford these days. While always boasting gorgeous water views, a range of revamps and new openings have turned it into a busy hub of arts and culture, with an increasingly diverse and vibrant nightlife.

Landmark lifestyle hotel voco Gosford is the perfect home base for a Central Coast getaway. At this IHG hotel overlooking sparkling Brisbane Water, guests can spend sunny days soaking in the rooftop pool (or just sipping a cocktail beside it). When it comes to meals, you can enjoy multiple venues serving up everything from modern Australian fare to fine-dining Japanese.

Venture out to lay eyes on the Central Coast’s first permanent Moving Image Gallery (MIG) . Opened this year inside the Gosford Regional Gallery , the immersive space is a showcase of screen-based and digital art. While at the gallery, wander around the Edogawa Commemorative Garden, a traditional Japanese strolling garden complete with teahouse, koi pond and an ornamental bridge.

Meanwhile, the revamped Gosford Regional Library has even more than books to discover. Now, it’s one of the best in the southern hemisphere – find exhibitions, historical archives and community initiatives for all ages at this perfect family-friendly escape.

2. Newcomers to the dining scene

table full of food at Amarilla restaurant terrigal — Treat yourself to sundowners and snacks at Amarilla.

The Central Coast has long been the perfect destination for gourmands, with everything from casual eats to fine dining elevating the local offerings. And three new destinations have been added to the map.

Amarilla at The Haven in Terrigal is the perfect seaside venue for sundowners, with blissed-out beats providing the soundtrack. Book in for golden hour and choose bites from a Spanish tapas menu made for sharing. Do as the locals do and wash it all down with sangria – the Sunday Sangria Sessions have become a local institution.

Also in Terrigal, Little Miss has brought a premium Mediterranean menu to the waterfront. Try the wagyu tartare with Greek caviar or butter-poached lobster and tomato bisque, paired with inventive cocktails and a handpicked selection of Lebanese wines.

Over in Ettalong, Bar Toto is perfect for pre- or post-dinner drinks. This award-winning cocktail bar is known for its creative concoctions, along with craft beer, wine and antipasti platters to snack on. The interior sets the mood, with dim lighting and wooden furnishings.

3. New Central Coast experiences

winemaker at Firescreek Botanical Winery — Book an experience at Firescreek Botanical Winery.

It’s entirely possible (and recommended) to spend a Central Coast getaway relaxing on one of its many peaceful and pristine beaches. But for those who crave more, there’s a long list of options to keep you busy.

Pop into the iconic Australian Reptile Park to see the new Weigel Venom Centre, a state-of-the-art facility that’s home to over 200 of the country’s most venomous snakes.

Get out on the water with Sail Central Coast , which offers 20 years of expertise in yacht charters. Book the Sunset Sail & Dine yacht charter for a private afternoon cruising the waterways of Bouddi National Park and Brisbane Water, stopping at Anchor on Hardys for a two-course meal with a cocktail.

For something completely different, Firescreek Botanical Winery is now offering an Aboriginal Storytelling and Wine Tasting Experience. Learn about local cultures, stories and traditions from an Aboriginal Elder, then enjoy a botanical-inspired wine tasting led by a local winemaking expert.

4. Central Coast accommodation

view from a cottage at Noonaweena — Sleep in the hinterland at Noonaweena.

There’s simply too much to experience on the Central Coast to only stay for one day. Turn your trip into a relaxing getaway by the beach.

Allawah , a retreat on the banks of the Hawkesbury River, is accessible only by boat. This secluded two-bedroom cottage is the perfect place to unwind, allowing you to spend lazy days fishing, kayaking, paddling or unwinding with a book on your own private jetty.

In the Kulnura hinterland, Noonaweena features a range of accommodation styles, from a luxe glamping bell tent to cottages and a treetop suite. It’s a leader in green travel, with 10 years of certification from Eco Tourism Australia. Relax in the onsite wellness centre or get active on various courts and in the gym facilities.

To stay by the ocean at Toowoon Bay, book into Kim’s Beachside Resort . This adults-only property offers a luxury escape nestled within a sub-tropical rainforest. Along with 36 private timber bungalows, indulge in massages or reiki treatments at the dedicated spa, or stop by the cocktail bar and à la carte restaurant.

5. Shopping on the Central Coast

Umina’s Centred Ceramics central coast — Try your hand at Umina’s Centred Ceramics’ pottery courses.

For those after unique trinkets, handmade treasures and beautiful homewares, the Central Coast is a haven.

Markets on the Central Coast have a special flavour. Wander the Umina Beach Markets at twilight, where you’ll find small businesses from the local areas, and the Norah Head Ocean View Markets , where you can soak up good food, live music and artisan finds by the beach after sunset. ‘Tis the season for the Christmas twilight edition of the Avoca Beachside Markets, celebrating the season with pop-up bars, tasty treats and plenty of unique gift options from local artists and producers.

Galleria Ettalong has also added to the Central Coast’s recent makers and creators renaissance, wrapping cinemas, a dining precinct and over 40 boutique shops into one area.

Sign up for a pottery course at Umina’s Centred Ceramics , or peruse the shop for a range of one-of-a-kind pottery made on the premises for a special souvenir.

For more eclectic arts and homewares, pop into Blue Bird Collective Co . This marketplace supports over 35 small, local and handmade businesses, artists and creatives. Take the time to check out fashion, jewellery and homewares that won’t be found anywhere else.

Start planning your coastal getaway at lovecentralcoast.com .

The perfect (undiscovered) Hunter Valley road trip route

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

Day 1: Wollombi to Broke

Twine Collective

Noyce Brothers Wine

Wollombi General Store

Stonehurst Cedar Creek Vineyard

Accommodation tips

Day 2: Broke to Pokolbin

Krinklewood

Mount Broke Wines & Restaurant

Kawal Rock Distillery

Nightingale Wines

Whispering Brook

Margan Restaurant & Winery

Greenway Wines

Accommodation tips

The best luxury accommodation in the Hunter Valley

Charming Hunter Valley Airbnbs for a weekend getaway

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

This hidden Hunter Valley lavender farm just opened for the summer

Your guide to what’s new and exciting this summer on the Central Coast

From serene natural beauty to vibrant nightlife, with plenty of arts and culture in between, the NSW Central Coast has been enjoying a serious glow up.

1. Gosford’s glow up

2. Newcomers to the dining scene

3. New Central Coast experiences

4. Central Coast accommodation

5. Shopping on the Central Coast