Charming Hunter Valley Airbnbs for a weekend getaway

Our guide to the best Hunter Valley Airbnbs includes a mix of romantic, luxury, family, pet-friendly and group getaway options close to wineries.

The best Hunter Valley Airbnbs offer proximity to wineries and great places to eat and drink. They also cater to an ever-changing demographic of travellers. There’s the couple who insist on an outdoor bath. The family who want a pool and chef’s kitchen. Then there are the friends who insist on a fire pit. Whatever your definition of luxury accommodation, here are some of the best Airbnbs in the Hunter Valley to bookmark for your next holiday.

In short

If you only stay in one Hunter Valley Airbnb, make it Forever Sunday , which is painted white to keep the space bright. The property has a deck with clawfoot baths and a designer kitchen.

Vico Monti

Best for: The homestead sleeps 13 and is perfect for a group getaway.

A soaring sandstone fireplace is the centrepiece of Vico Monti , a beautifully styled four-bedroom house with a one-bedroom studio located in the heart of the Hunter. Enjoy a good read or a good red while sitting around the hearth, which is central to the home’s identity regardless of the season. The Hermitage Road cycleway curls around the homestead, which was recently renovated and overlooks the Vico Monti single-estate vineyard that has been embroidered onto the earth around the valley.

Pollyanna and Nomad’s Nest

a cosy bedroom inside Pollyanna airbnb, Hunter Valley — Settle into the pretty Pollyanna.

Best for: Pollyanna sleeps six guests and Nomad’s Nest sleeps four, with a large backyard.

Interior decorator Anita Ellis turned to what excites her when she styled Pollyanna and Nomad’s Nest . Both luxury Hunter Valley Airbnbs have a lot of personality. Add pretty Pollyanna to your ‘Pinterest Board of Prettiest Airbnbs’ to book for your next winery weekend.

a spacious outdoor deck in Nomad’s Nest, Hunter Valley — Nomad’s Nest is a former military barracks.

Meanwhile, Nomad’s Nest is housed within an old Nissen Hut and a favourite for those looking for something a bit quirky. The prefabricated steel structure was originally used by the military as barracks.

The Cook’s House at Corunna Station

the entrance to Cook’s House at Corunna Station — Step into the charming Cook’s House at Corunna Station.

Best for: Although the Cook’s House only sleeps four, there are more beds available in the adjacent country house and homestead, so it is well suited for multi-generational escapes.

The Cook’s House at Corunna Station is one of the most delightful places to stay in the Hunter Valley. Although the cottage was originally used by the station’s cook to prepare food for hungry shearers, everything about the historic cottage feels very now. For starters, it is kitted out in a very contemporary style that has been fine-tuned to meet the needs of everyone from millennials to couples and families. The cottage, which has a wood-fired stove, offers superb views of Broken Back Range.  

Casa La Vina Pokolbin

Best for: Romantic escapes

Sante Fe in New Mexico is a long way from Pokolbin. But somehow this ponderosa doesn’t feel out of place in Pokolbin. And, in fact, the pueblo-style Casa La Vina Spa Villa 1 makes for a carefree base. While there are a lot of Hunter Valley Airbnbs to choose from, the beauty of this couples’ retreat is its tranquil bush setting. It’s also just minutes from some of the major concert venues and best places to eat and drink in the Hunter. The Grand Spa Villa is the go for a romantic escape to the Hunter as it features an outdoor spa and gas log fire.

Estate Tuscany

Best for: Estate Tuscany presents the ideal location for a wedding in the Hunter Valley.

Sit on your breezy patio overlooking the rolling hills of the Hunter and fantasise about your next trip to Tuscany. Estate Tuscany is sitting pretty in the foothills of the Broken Back Range in Pokolbin and offers a multitude of reasons to stay and play. Take a cooking class, burn along the Hermitage bike track or dine in the vines at The Mill restaurant. Take up the offer of a Tulloch Wine Package and you’ll be going home with six bottles of premium Hunter wine.

Tiny House 888

Best for: Group getaways. Although Tiny House 888 sleeps only two guests, there are five tiny homes dotted around the Tuckers Lane property.

Although Tiny House at The Vintry 888 is teeny, the self-contained studio maximises a sense of place. Because everything in the one-bathroom, one-bedroom tiny home is mini and has its place, the interior feels deceptively roomy. The Tiny House 888 is well-placed on the Vintry property. From here, you can make excursions to nearby wineries or simply stay put. City folk will appreciate sitting around the fire pit under a star-lit sky and seeing flash mobs of kangaroos each morning.

Harkham House

Best for: Special occasions for oenophiles who love minimal-intervention wines.

Harkham House is a stunning Hunter Valley Airbnb to call home. The four-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom duplex has been turning heads in the Hunter Valley since it opened in 2018 and makes for an excellent home base. From here, you can literally roll out of bed and walk to Harkham Estate, one of the most innovative wineries in the Hunter Valley. After stitching my days together touring and tasting, I like to head to Harkham Wine Bar to taste the terroir. Cabins on Halls (formerly Twin Trees) also offer direct walking access to Harkham Estate.

Billy’s Hideaway

Best for: Nature lovers. The tiny cabin is surrounded by bush and attracts native birds, kangaroos and wombats.

Billy’s Hideaway is a thoroughly modern rabbit hutch of a cabin embedded in the Wollombi wilderness. The standalone Hunter Valley accommodation is on a six-hectare parcel of land overlooking a billabong. It’s bathed in light throughout the day and its vast stacker doors open to the rambling forest outside. The luxury two-bedroom cabin blends country comforts with designer furnishings and features a wood-fired hot tub and fire pit, solar-powered heating and a hot rainwater shower. See Huch House on Instagram for inspo. Sleeps four.

Barefoot at Broke

Best for: The Hunter Valley Airbnb has an open-plan living area and kitchen that is perfect for entertaining.

An escape to the country never looked so chic. Bring Rover along for the ride to pet-friendly Barefoot at Broke retreat, which provides guests with the ultimate Hunter Valley getaway. The property is set on 10 hectares of bushland and walled on one side by Yengo Mountain Range, which jacks up into a craggy peak. My husband and I use Barefoot at Broke as a base to explore nearby vineyards in the Broke Fordwich region. The property’s pond is the perfect spot for a picnic where I like to laze listening to the creaking of the trees. Sleeps six.

Tiny home in Dalwood

Best for: Those who like to continue their contrast therapy while on holiday in the Hunter Valley.

Want a Hunter Valley Airbnb with an ice bath and sauna? This bougie one-bedroom Tiny home in Dalwood in the Hunter Valley will appeal to those who like to add wellness to their wine tastings. The property is perfectly located just a short drive from the main Hunter Valley hubs for wine tasting. Curl up with a book in the open-plan living area. Toast marshmallows around the large fire pit under a sky scattered with stars. Amenities include a pizza oven and BBQ and a Nespresso coffee machine with complimentary pods.

Nerreman Cottage

Best for: Families who want to travel light as it comes with a travel cot and highchair on request.

Just a 10-minute walk from the historic village of Wollombi, Nerreman Cottage affords guests a genuine get-away-from-it-all experience. The charming cottage, built circa 1919, has been given a new lease of life. Even the grassy paddocks that surround the beautifully restored 1919 farmhouse look like they’ve received a fresh coat of paint. Bring back a few bottles of wine from the nearby vineyards and get creative in the country kitchen to enjoy an al fresco feast on the deck. The three-bedroom cottage features original hardwood timber floors and French doors and is near to the bubbling Wollombi Brook. Sleeps six.

Maggie’s Cottage

Best for: It’s the key to unlocking a new side to the Hunter Valley and enjoying some country style.

You can make the most of the Hunter Valley’s bounty by stocking up on wine and cheese and enjoying a civilised picnic on the expansive grounds surrounding Maggie’s Cottage in the Wollombi Valley. Drive through the corridor of eucalypts that lead to the 40-hectare property, mere minutes from Wollombi and a handful of Hunter Valley wineries. Maggie’s accommodates four adults and four kids comfortably. There’s no wi-fi, so go old school and play charades around the fire pit, or bounce on the trampoline. Sleeps six comfortably.

Camellia Cottage

Best for: The well-equipped kitchen and porch for outdoor dining also make this a haven for groups of friends.

Camellia Cottage is a fairytale cottage with lots of heritage throwbacks as well as contemporary touches. The conveniently located cottage is just 10 minutes from Hunter Valley wineries and a short stroll to the main strip of Cessnock. From its French doors to its sash windows, stained glass and pretty, lilac trim, the charming holiday home is full of surprises. Take the indoor fireplace. The flower-filled vases. And the pretty camellia garden. Sleeps six.

The Old Church House

Best for: A sophisticated gathering of gourmands

An impressive approach through a poplar-lined dirt road leads to The Old Church House , which recalls this building’s history as a place of worship. It follows that this guesthouse, originally built in 1880, is furnished with church pews and features arched windows and vaulted ceilings that nod to that heritage. While the Old Church House has been sensitively converted for entertaining, the 4.8-star-rated retreat is also near to award-winning Margan Estate and Krinklewood Estate, two of the most acclaimed vineyards in NSW’s Wine Country.  Sleeps eight.

Rosebook Eco Tiny Home

Best for: The outdoor bath, deck with fairy lights, BBQ and fire pit sets the scene for romance.

This tiny home that lies on a hillside in the Hunter gives considerable attention to the environment with its architectural design leaving a small footprint on the land. The tiny one-bedroom home has views over the Hunter River and is a chic place to stay in the NSW countryside. Pick up some provisions in Pokolbin and then settle into Rosebrook with its fully equipped kitchen, premium linen, Tempur Cloud bed and bathroom with eco-friendly toilet. There’s also a dedicated workspace for wannabe digital nomads. Sleeps two.

Forever Sunday

Best for: The property will appeal to groups who want to book a NSW Wine Country getaway.

Plug the lower Hunter region into Airbnb and Forever Sunday will undoubtedly pop up. The pretty Paterson homestead is an off-grid 85-hectare sanctuary with a pool that sleeps eight.  And, as the name suggests, it’s about extending the joy of a lazy sleep-in to an everyday occurrence. The self-contained home has all the mod cons so you could travel here for pleasure and not need to leave for the entire weekend. In addition to the magnesium pool, there’s an infrared sauna, BBQ, pizza oven, fire pit and network of bush trails.

Handcrafted Cabin in the Vines

Best for: Families. It comes with its own soccer field.

This boutique Hunter Valley Airbnb was designed and built by an Austrian master craftsman. And it shows. It’s the kind of contemporary cabin you might expect to find while wandering through flower-filled meadows in the Alps. Want to spend the weekend visiting wineries? Or are you simply craving a change of scenery? The two-bedroom cabin will give you all the lumberjack-level inspiration you need to inspire a visit to the Hunter Valley. The cabin is fitted out with a sandstone fireplace, large picture windows, fully equipped kitchen and private patio.

Talits Estate Vineyard

Best for: Gathering with your fave posse of gals and saving the airfare to France.

This French-inspired homestead in Fordwich overlooks the beautifully manicured gardens and vineyard of award-winning Talits Estate. Designed by French architects, Talits nods to a replica of a château in Aix-en-Provence through the judicious use of shuttered French doors, pretty parterre gardens and rustic stone and stucco walls. Venture beyond the elegant homestead to the cellar door to sample wines produced by Daniel Binet, twice nominated for The Wine Society’s Young Winemaker of the Year.

The Treehouse by Cedars Mount View

a private tub with hinterland views at Cedars Mount View, Hunter Valley — Unwind in refined comfort.

Best for: Pulling off the most perfect wedding proposal in the Hunter Valley.

Wondering how to plan the most romantic and elaborate marriage proposal? A jaunt by helicopter to The Treehouse By Cedars Mount View should do it. The luxury split-level open-plan spa villa is designed for couples, and the website even has a section for Proposals on its drop-down menu. Not ready to put a ring on it? No matter. The Terrace is still a lavish place to stay, with mountain views from large picture windows and an abundance of wildlife on the doorstep.  Book a Hawaiian massage and private chef or take a return flight to lunch at a local winery.

The Studio on Pokolbin Mountain

Best for: Budding artists who want to practise painting en plein air.

The Studio on Pokolbin Mountain is one of two cottages at this Hunter Valley Airbnb that forces you to disconnect. Cobbled together in the 1990s from a range of recycled materials, it was once used as an artist’s studio and later as a retail space for a lavender farm. The Studio is still a working farm with cattle and horses dotting the surrounding fields. Hemmed in between groves of trees, The Studio is situated in the heart of the Hunter Valley wine region with wineries and concert venues just minutes away. Amelies is the sister property to the Studio.

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.

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.

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