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The perfect (undiscovered) Hunter Valley road trip route

Kristie Lau-AdamsBy Kristie Lau-Adams
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
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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Where to eat, sleep and visit on Grand Pacific Drive, and beyond

    Kassia ByrnesBy Kassia Byrnes
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    The ultimate road trip begins and ends on NSW’s stunning Grand Pacific Drive.

    Whales, charming villages, fine wine and stunning natural vistas: there’s a lot to love about a road trip along the Grand Pacific Drive in New South Wales. Winding from the Royal National Park through Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama and Shoalhaven before heading inland to the Southern Highlands, this scenic drive makes for an unforgettable road trip.

    But like all great road trips, it’s not just about the drive but the stops made along the way. From incredible farm-to-plate (and grape-to-glass) dining options to unbeatable natural vistas and quaint towns with beautiful accommodation, there’s plenty to explore en route.

    Shellharbour Marina
    Spend time in Shellharbour Marina.

    Where to eat

    What is a road trip without incredible food? Whether you’re after fresh seafood, slow-cooked paddock-to-plate feasts or delicious wines, you’ll find something around every bend along Grand Pacific Drive.

    Restaurant Santino is a local Wollongong secret we can’t keep quiet any longer. With a fresh take on Italian cuisine, servings are hearty and flavours are comforting. The chitarra with blue swimmer crab, garlic, chilli, parsley and crustacean oil is a crowd favourite.

    Keep it local in Shellharbour with a menu all about fresh local produce at Relish on Addison . From South Coast oysters and blue swimmer crab linguine to crispy pork belly, surf and turf takes on an elevated meaning here.

    Kiama’s neighbourhood wine and cocktail bar, Little Betty’s , is just as good for a tasty share plate as it is for creative cocktails. The signature Grilled Octopus with burnt honey, garlic confit and sautéed Asian greens is worth a trip on its own.

    Only the best will do in Shoalhaven, where multi-award-winning Bangalay Dining uses native Australian ingredients to bring its dishes to life. Start with the Smoked trout croquette before moving on to the sautéed potato gnocchi. Don’t forget the white chocolate mousse for dessert.

    Meanwhile, the Southern Highlands are full of culinary highlights. From dining on incredibly fresh, local fare (we’re talking ingredients plucked from the team’s on-site kitchen garden or sourced through local producers) at Eschalot Restaurant in Berrima to creating gin blends at Millsheds Distillery .

    bangalay dining shoalhaven
    Taste native flavours at Bangalay Dining.

    Exploring nature

    Scenery is everything when hitting the road, and Grand Pacific Drive serves it up in spades. Drivers don’t even have to leave the car to enjoy the iconic ocean views from Seacliff Bridge (but several lookouts make it easy to stop).

    Seaside Kiama boasts stunning beaches and famous blowholes. But travellers can also swap ocean for rainforest when taking the Minnamurra Rainforest walk, culminating in a picturesque waterfall. Or soar overhead at Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures .

    The scenic coastal drive along Sea Cliff Bridge, Clifton.
    Cruise along the stunning Grand Pacific Drive.

    Between May and November, 30,000 whales make their way passed the South Coast between May and November. Spot them from the coastal shores or join a whale-watching cruise from Shellharbour Marina or Jervis Bay. Dive in with Woebegone Freedive .

    Shellharbour’s Killalea Regional Park is home to a traditional bush tucker and medicine walk with Aboriginal tour group, Gumaraa . Learn Indigenous healing practices and gain a deeper appreciation for the rich heritage and wisdom of the land’s Traditional Owners.

    Wollongong is the perfect place for hikers, with the 6.5-kilometre Wodi Wodi track serving up views, settler history and a variety of landscapes in one loop. If you prefer, skip the walk and pull up at Bald Hill Lookout for expansive views south towards Wollongong (and a hang-glider or two).

    For something truly unique, join the Highland Cow experience at The Swallow’s Nest in the Southern Highlands. In a brand-new offering, get a taste of farm life and help groom and feed these gorgeous creatures.

    kiama coast walk people with dog
    Wander the Kiama Coast Walk.

    Unique experiences

    No need to choose between an adrenaline rush or a culture fix, Grand Pacific Drive serves up both.

    Soar into aviation history at Shellharbour’s HARS Aviation Museum .  Tour the museum, then join a guided walk onto the wing of the record-breaking Qantas Boeing 747 and see the significant historic aircraft up close.

    If ever there was a place to skydive, it’s in Wollongong. Dive from 15,000 feet (tandem, of course) with Sky Dive Wollongong and see the coastal beauty of this region from above.

    Shoalhaven’s Bundanon Art Museum has to be one of the most unique offerings in the country. The legacy of artist Arthur Boyd and more than just a gallery, find eco-accommodation, fine dining, award-winning architecture and community here.

    Kiama’s Crooked River Estate is about more than just delicious wine.  Grab a picnic blanket and enjoy casual food and drinks with live music at Kick Back Fridays , every week.

    Between June and August, the Southern Highlands’ Robertson attracts novice truffle hunters. Join the hunt at family-owned and operated Robertson Truffles (alternatively, you can order truffle treats online, if your sense of adventure isn’t up for it).

    Freshly dug truffles at Terra Preta Truffles, Braidwood.
    Discover hidden gems beneath the soil in the Southern Highlands. (Image: Destination NSW)

    Where to stay

    Road trips are the ultimate promotion for slow travel, encouraging visitors to take their time, enjoy the journey and stop along the way to really immerse themselves in local towns.

    Find history and elegance at Berida Hotel in the Southern Highlands. Intimately set amongst gardens, but still close to the main street of Bowral, this 1920s private residence turned boutique hotel is the perfect stay.

    Stay in one of Barranca’s private villas with views of rolling farmland overlooking the dramatic escarpment at Kangaroo Valley or be surrounded by native bushland (a short walk from the beach) in Jervis Bay.

    Speaking of beachside escapes, Headlands Hotel Austinmer Beach delivers unrivalled access to Wollongong’s beaches. These serviced apartments enjoy coastal views from spacious balconies.

    For something completely different again, check in at Cicada Luxury Camping . Stay in safari-style or large bell tents, each with a private fire pit and top-notch kitchen facilities. Outside, enjoy spectacular countryside views.

    Cicada Luxury Camping
    Unwind at Cicada Luxury Camping. (Image: DNSW)

    Discover more and plan your ultimate road trip along the Grand Pacific Drive and beyond at grandpacificdrive.com.au/grand.