This hidden Hunter Valley lavender farm just opened for summer- Australian Traveller

Something beautiful is blossoming in the Hunter Valley this summer.

Hitting the beach, tackling a coastal hike, firing up the barbecue with friends – they’re all classic ways to fill your summer weekends. But if you’re craving a change of pace, we know of a soothing little detour that’s well worth the drive.

Just two hours north of Sydney, the picture-perfect Hunter Lavender Farm is hidden in plain sight among the region’s undulating green vineyards. The property bursts to life come summer, but the window to experience its fields in full bloom is surprisingly short.

The Hunter’s best-kept summer secret

Chances are, you haven’t heard of Broke. The tiny Hunter Valley town is oft-overshadowed by big crowd pleasers like Wollombi and Pokolbin – where visitors flock to check out the region’s famed wineries. But venture off the tourist route just a little and you’ll find it, as well as the Hunter Valley’s only lavender farm.

Hunter Lavender Farm in the Hunter Valley, NSW — Hunter Lavender Farm is tucked in the tiny town of Broke, NSW.

Backdropped by the Yellow Rock Escarpment and Brokenback Ranges, this peaceful pocket of paradise spans 14 acres – with rows upon rows of blooming lavender. You’ll catch it on the breeze before you see it, the heady scent greeting you at the gates and invoking an instant air of calm.

The farm is run by local couple Marianne and JR, who combined their love for the Hunter Valley, where they married, with their memories of a honeymoon in Provence, France. After starting off small, the duo now cultivates three species of lavender – English, Lavendin and Spanish – all grown using organic methods of farming and permaculture.

Lavender flows in bloom — Three species of lavender are grown at the farm. (Image: Getty/Kisa Markiza)

It’s a sustainable approach that’s helped Hunter Lavender Farm flourish, with the property now preparing for its fourth season. Like many lavender farms across Australia, the flowers here typically bloom between early and mid-summer, leaving roughly four weeks to catch the fields in full colour. So while the window may be small, it’s officially open!

Your guide to Hunter Lavender Farm

Hunter Lavender Farm is designed for unhurried days, with more to experience than you might expect. Kick things off among the rows of blooms, like a sea of purple stretching out in all directions. For just $16 per person, you’ll get full access to the lavender fields for an hour.

For anyone celebrating, the mini photo session delivers the perfect keepsake. A professional photographer will guide you through a 20-minute shoot, from which you can choose up to 15 images. You’ll then have the next hour to wander the fields at your own pace, snapping as many photos as you like along the way.

If you want something more hands-on, sign up for a beekeeping workshop. Held at the farm’s sustainable beehive, you’ll learn the basics before donning a protective suit and inspecting the hive for yourself.

Or try your hand at honey harvesting, where you can collect your own raw honey from the hive to take home. Classes are priced at $115 and $65, respectively.

For those keen on reaping the natural benefits of their surrounds, join a morning yoga class among the blooms for $88 per person. Breathe in the calming scent of lavender as you bend into downward dog, stretching your body and awakening your senses.

The 60-minute guided session is completed with a ceremonial cup of lavender cacao, followed by a soothing sound bath and breathwork lesson. Held on 31 December, it’s the ultimate way to release the year that was and welcome 2026 with a fresh perspective.

On your way out, be sure to stop in at the Farm Shop. All products are made using lavender from the farm, including perfume, candles, oils, eye pillows, soap sets, honey, tea and lollies.

Know before you go

Hunter Lavender Farm is located in Broke, a 2.5-hour drive from Sydney or just over an hour from Newcastle. It is now open for the summer season, running from 6 December 2025 to 4 January 2026, 10am–5pm. It will close for Christmas, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

The best way to reach the farm is by car, with plenty of parking available on-site. The nearest train station is in Singleton, around half an hour away by taxi. For bigger groups, local charter bus companies are the best option.

To ensure each guest/group has the time and space to enjoy their experience properly, bookings are essential and walk-ins are generally not accepted. To make a reservation, head to the Hunter Lavender Farm website.

Address: 125 Adams Peak Road, Broke, NSW 2330.

Discover the magic of a Sydney staycation in summer at The Fullerton Hotel Sydney.

Sydney City is magical in summer. Warm summer evenings beg to be spent sipping cool cocktails at one of many al fresco and rooftop bars. Ferries and buses are ready to transport travellers to the best nearby beaches for salty days on the sand. National parks and rainforests are waiting to be explored. And the city’s events calendar is packed, from live music to cultural attractions. All elements that call for a Sydney staycation.

Discover where to eat, stay and play for the perfect local getaway.

Where to stay

The Fullerton Hotel Sydney

Amid the bustle of the perfect Sydney staycation, one needs a place to escape to and recharge. Enter, The Fullerton Hotel Sydney . The hotel is an icon in its own right – nestled inside the 151-year-old building that was originally Sydney’s General Post Office, its heritage-listed sandstone walls and Victorian renaissance grandeur have been carefully preserved – providing a rare chance to sleep within Sydney’s history.

Despite its fascinating history, the hotel isn’t short on modern, luxurious comforts. Rooms and suites are available in both the modern high-rise with gorgeous views over the clock tower and lively city below, or inside the historical post office building itself.

the Fullerton Hotel Sydney Heritage Long Suite bathroom — Heritage rooms maintain their old-world style.

Either way, guests can enjoy sophisticated touches, including a deluxe bed and pillow menu, Harman Kardon Bluetooth speakers, a digital concierge, a Vittoria coffee machine and amenities from the Balmain bathroom collection.

The team at this five-star hotel provides excellence and a quality experience for all their guests, while amenities like a gym help with a well-rounded stay. For a peaceful moment with sweeping city views, enter The Fullerton Club Lounge on level 28. This private haven for dining and relaxation is available to any guests staying on the hotel’s club floors and suites.

Add to this a central location in the CBD’s Martin Place, with easy access to Sydney’s top attractions, and convenience meets style.

Where to drink & dine

1. The Bar

the Fullerton Hotel afternoon tea at the bar — Indulge in the Fullerton Signature Afternoon Tea.

Inside The Fullerton Hotel Sydney’s lobby, The Bar does more than sling a few delicious cocktails (although it certainly does that well). Its brown leather chairs and glass ceiling create the perfect, almost al fresco, setting for the Fullerton Signature Afternoon Tea .

Served daily from 12 to 4 pm, the afternoon tea is a nod to the cherished social occasion it once was during the Victorian Renaissance era. People like to dress up for this afternoon tea, and if you’re lucky, a pianist often sits down at the on-site grand piano, just adding to the elegance.

The afternoon tea is served high tea style, offering reimagined British flavours of the Victorian Renaissance era with a unique blend of Australia’s culinary heritage. A sweet layer offers delights like a Malted Milk Envelope (a milk mousse layered between two biscuits), Bakewell Pudding (a super tasty egg-based pudding), and Apple Charlotte.

On the savoury layer, expect finger sandwiches with fillings like cucumber, egg and smoked salmon. While classic pinwheels and stuffed eggs almost make the menu. And, of course, all finished off with traditional scones served with cream and mixed berry jam.

Can’t fit in a whole afternoon tea? Be sure to at least order a slice of the 32-layered chocolate cake, a decadent mix of dark chocolate crémeux, fresh whipped cream, and Valrhona Azélia chocolate sauce. ⁣

2. The Place

the Fullerton Hotel the place dining — Dine in the stunning GPO atrium.

On level one of The Fullerton Hotel Sydney lives The Place – the hotel’s restaurant, in an atrium overlooking the former GPO. Here, dine on Modern Australian cuisine – think fresh, local seafood and a Riverina steak sandwich – along with a touch of Singaporean signature dishes, like Thai-style green curry or chicken satay. All in the shadow of the GPO clock tower, enjoying the GPO atrium’s natural light.

3. Local gelato

Couple enjoying ice-creams at First Fleet Park, The Rocks — Enjoy ice cream in the sunshine. (Image: Destination NSW)

What is summer without ice cream and/or gelato? Luckily, there are plenty of options just a short walk from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, whether you’re craving a midday pick-me-up or an after-sun treat.

What to do/see

1. GPO Heritage Tour

the Fullerton Hotel Sydney lobby — Be awed by the building’s history.

Want to know more about the building you’re staying in? The Fullerton Hotel Sydney offers a complimentary 90-minute GPO Heritage Tour. Follow a knowledgeable tour guide to discover the stories, tales and legends of the former Sydney General Post Office building.

From the iconic clock tower (completed in 1891) to the black-and-white tiled staircase at 1 Martin Place, which was once the main entrance to the GPO and today serves as a prominent feature of the building to the 24 stone faces (mascarons) on the Martin Place side of the building. Part of the 1880s-era facade (designed by architect James Barnet), each represents different states, countries and continents.

2. Circular Quay

aerial of circular quay sydney — Catch a ferry from Circular Quay. (Image: Destination NSW)

An easy walk or light rail ride away from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, lies the bustling Circular Quay. Here, you can sit for a drink and nibbles at the Opera Bar, or head into the iconic house itself for a show. It’s also a major ferry port, becoming your gateway to Sydney’s beaches, Luna Park and even Sydney Zoo.

3. Royal Botanic Gardens

view of circular quay from Sydney's Royal Botanic Garden — Wander through Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. (Image: Destination NSW)

Just beyond Circular Quay, discover Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. Wander through this 30-hectare, heritage-listed, botanical garden – exploring its differing sections, from Australian native botanicals to garden beds of vibrant flowers to towering groves of international trees.

It’s also the perfect place for a picnic, so pick up supplies before you come and enjoy a spot on the grassy meadow looking out into the harbour.

4. Theatre Royal

Just a one-minute walk from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, take in a show at Theatre Royal. Built in 1976, the theatre has been offering a broad range of entertainment since the 1990s. Expect a show roster that ranges from the classics (like Cats) to the modern) like Pretty Woman: The Musical).

Start planning a summer stay in Sydney worth remembering at fullertonhotels.com/fullerton-hotel-sydney.

This hidden Hunter Valley lavender farm just opened for the summer