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This hidden Hunter Valley lavender farm just opened for the summer

Taylah DarnellBy Taylah Darnell
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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Hunter Lavender Farm in the Hunter Valley, NSW
Mini photo sessions provide the perfect souvenir.

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.

Hunter Lavender Farm in the Hunter Valley, NSW
Learn the basics of beekeeping with a hands-on workshop.

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.

Hunter Lavender Farm in the Hunter Valley, NSW
Reset your mind and body with a guided yoga session among the blooms.

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.

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

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.

Taylah Darnell
Taylah Darnell is Australian Traveller's Writer & Producer. She has been passionate about writing since she learnt to read, spending many hours either lost in the pages of books or attempting to write her own. This life-long love of words inspired her to study a Bachelor of Communication majoring in Creative Writing at the University of Technology Sydney, where she completed two editorial internships. She began her full-time career in publishing at Ocean Media before scoring her dream job with Australian Traveller. Now as Writer & Producer, Taylah passionately works across both digital platforms and print titles. When she's not wielding a red pen over magazine proofs, you can find Taylah among the aisles of a second-hand bookshop, following a good nature trail or cheering on her EPL team at 3am. While she's keen to visit places like Norway and New Zealand, her favourite place to explore will forever be her homeland.
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Your guide to what’s new and exciting this summer on the Central Coast

    Kassia ByrnesBy Kassia Byrnes
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    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 .