Epic Ale Trail: Hunter Valley Breweries and Pubs

Come away from the Hunter Valley with a new sense of reverence after bouncing between its best breweries and pubs.

There are plenty of places to entice along the Hunter Valley’s burgeoning ale trail which is dotted with great breweries and pubs. Take your pick from our list of must-visit stops and trade in the well-travelled winery trail to experience a different side to the Hunter.

1. The Valley Brewhouse

It’s a bar, it’s a bistro, it’s a beer garden. This grain-to-glass taphouse, which was recently revamped and renamed (formerly The Mighty Hunter Valley), is where you will find a range of the brewery’s own beers on tap.

a classy dining interior at Mighty Hunter Valley — Dine inside the classy indoor setting.

Set amid the historic brick beehive kilns in the old Potters Hotel, in Nulkaba, The Valley Brewhouse is a hub for craft brewers and the ideal environment for large groups with individual needs as there’s something for all. Book a tour on Fridays and Saturdays or a guided tasting on Wednesdays to Saturdays.

an al fresco setting at Mighty Hunter Valley — The Valley Brewhouse is situated on sprawling grounds.

Address: Wine Country Drive, Nulkaba

2. 4 Pines at the Farm

There is something about arriving in the Hunter Valley that invites escape. And while it’s a region best known for its award-winning wines, breweries such as 4 Pines at the Farm are proving a draw for lovers of craft beer, too.

The fact you can stay and play at this family-run Hunter Valley brewery based at the Hunter Valley Resort means you will have a new appreciation for all the great things that are brewing here. All up, there are 12 quality beers on tap at the family-friendly brewery, which overlooks the crumpled folds of the Broken Back Ranges.

an aerial view of the 4 Pines at the Farm property — Check out what’s brewing at 4 Pines at the Farm.

Address: Corner Hermitage Road & Mistletoe Lane, Pokolbin

3. Peter Drayton Wines and IronBark Hill Brewhouse

Silence settles like a blanket over this boutique Hunter Valley winery and brewhouse when the crowds thin out and you’ve settled into your villa at the IronBark Hill Retreat. And in addition to being a picturesque place to tap into the Hunter Valley’s craft beer scene, you can taste small-batch Australian gin at the new Wildstreak Distillery and niche wines such as Tyrian, Montepulciano and Barbera at Peter Drayton Wines and IronBark Hill Brewhouse , at the foot of the Broken Back Range. The Brewhouse features 12 of the brewery’s own beers and ciders on tap and from Wednesday to Sunday, the onsite Wildstreak Pizzeria and Kitchen serves up piping hot gourmet pizzas from its outdoor pizza oven, as well as its famous wings alongside salads and small plates. Bookings are recommended.

friends enjoying food and drinks at IronBark Hill Brewhouse — Take your tasting outside at IronBark Hill Brewhouse. (Image: Destination NSW)

Address: 694 Hermitage Rd, Pokolbin

4. Sydney Brewery Hunter Valley

Go behind the scenes at the Sydney Brewery Hunter Valley , which produced its first batch of beer in 2014. The independent brewhouse, which has a sister venue in Surry Hills, is a large-scale brewery that is built on the back of Lovedale Bar & Bistro located at the Rydges Resort Hunter Valley, one of the most family-friendly places to stay in the Hunter Valley.

the indoor setting of Lovedale Bar & Bistro — Snag a spot inside Lovedale Bar & Bistro.

Enjoy pub classics such as fish and chips alongside a pint of Lovedale Lager while overlooking the 9th and 10th hole of the Hunter Valley Golf course.

a bartender holding a cold beer at Sydney Brewery — Quench your thirst at Sydney Brewery.

Address: 430 Wine Country Dr, Lovedale

5. The Caledonian Hotel

There’s nothing that inspires a thirst more than pulling into Singleton and seeing this iconic pub with its long verandahs and cast-iron balustrades.

the exterior of The Caledonian Hotel — The Caledonian Hotel dates back to the early 1900s. (Image: Pink Donkey)

The Caledonian Hotel is one of Australia’s great classic Aussie pubs and popular with high-vis brigade who converge here to play pool and scoff great Thai starters like satay skewers, fish cakes and pad Thai.

the entrance door at The Caledonian Hotel — Step inside the iconic Caledonian Hotel. (Image: Pink Donkey)

Rumour has it that the hotel is one of the most haunted places in Australia so if you’re a scaredy cat, you might need to ghost your mates and find alternate accommodation in the Hunter Valley.

a spacious al fresco dining spot at The Caledonian Hotel — Dine al fresco under huge umbrellas. (Image: Pink Donkey)

Address: 40 George St, Singleton

6. The Pourhouse

The Pourhouse in Maitland is primarily an alehouse but is also part live music venue and eatery. Craft beer, classic cocktails, and considered pub grub coexist here in perfect harmony. Housed in the former Exchange Hotel, established in 1866, it operated as a hotel and then an antique emporium until 2013 when two Maitland mates decided to buy it. The Pourhouse gives off inner-west Sydney vibes. There’s great food, live music, craft beer and cocktails and all manner of nooks in which to kick back.

Address: 327 High Street, Maitland

7. The Imperial Maitland

Have you even been to the Hunter if you’ve not stopped off at The Imperial Maitland ? The Irish-themed pub is one of the mainstays in the region with its roster of karaoke nights and live entertainment. The wine list here includes a lot of Hunter Valley wines as well as pub classics such as cheeseburgers, salt and pepper squid and parmy toppers. Enjoy a walk along the historic Hunter River, find the best place to have coffee in the Hunter Valley and then make it to Maitland for a pub meal.

Address: 458 High Street, Maitland

8. The Royal Hotel

The Royal Hotel is an unpretentious Hunter Valley pub that is filled with families putting away fish and chips and schnitties and burly country blokes bending the elbow at the bar. There is an impressive range of beers on tap as well as locally made wines that give a sense of place to the act of raising a glass to the Aussie pub. The Sunday lunch here is legendary, and there is a weekly roster of trivia, live music and happy hours. Best of all you can bunker down at the simple pub-style room if you’ve had one too many to drive.

Address: 84 George Street (New England Highway), Singleton

9. Pokolbin Ciderhouse

Pokolbin Ciderhouse now has a 200-seat outdoor area that looks over the gnarled vines of this picturesque property in Pokolbin. Be sure to book ahead for a paddle tasting and ploughman’s lunch: start with a Pear Perry, progress to Sweet Apple and Passionfruit Perry and onto The Dark Grape at the ciderhouse located in the heart of Hunter Valley Wine Country.

friends dining at Pokolbin Ciderhouse — Dine next to scenic vineyards at Pokolbin Ciderhouse.

The ciderhouse hits the sweet spot with its dedicated dessert bar, Sabore, and regular Sunday acoustic sessions.

Address: 2342 Broke Road, Pokolbin

10. Hope Brewery, Pokolbin

Lovers of both beer and wine will want to hang out in the Hunter Valley that little bit longer when they visit the completely revamped cellar door at Hope Estate.

the Hope Estate signage in the Hunter Valley — Hope Estate is situated at the heart of the Hunter Valley.

If escapades with your tribe include big-ticket music events such as the Gin & Jazz Festival or the Beer & BBQ Festival hosted by Hope Estate, then this is the cellar door for you. In addition to the regular roster of music events, Hope Estate has nine brand-new artisan gins, vodka and moonshine to try as well as 14 wines and a range of 30 beers on tap.

drinks at Hope Brewery, Hunter Valley — Order a tasting paddle at Hope Brewery.

Address: 2213 Broke Road, Pokolbin

11. Wollombi Tavern

Get out your favourite red-checked flanno and get down to this brilliant boozer in the colonial village of Wollombi.

the vintage interior of Wollombi Tavern, Hunter Valley — The interior of Wollombi Tavern screams vintage.

While the original tavern founded in 1868 was destroyed by fire, thirsty travellers have included the current outpost in their bar crawls since the 1950s thanks to the allure of Dr Jurd’s Jungle Juice, an iconic elixir that dates back to 1929.

people dining outside Wollombi Tavern, Hunter Valley — Find an airy spot to sit on the deck.

While Wollombi Tavern is the gateway to NSW’s Wine Country, you could do worse than park yourself here in the beer garden for pizza and a few pints.

Address: 2994 Great N Road, Wollombi

12. Harrigan’s Hunter Valley

The honeyed light that hits Harrigan’s on a sunny Sunday afternoon makes it a beacon for those looking for the best places to have a pint in the Hunter. Drop in at the weekend to see live music in the beer garden where you can eat al fresco under the terrace festooned with fairy lights and meet some of the chatty locals.

Previously known as the Tallawanta Hotel, Harrigan’s has been going strong since 2000 as it’s the only pub located within the vineyards. It’s also two minutes from the Hunter Valley Gardens, one of the best places to visit in the Hunter Valley, and offers both accommodation and dining.

an al fresco terrace at Harrigan’s Hunter Valley — Enjoy a pint and a stellar pub feed at Harrigan’s. (Image: Destination NSW)

Address: 2090 Broke Rd, Pokolbin

13. Morpeth Brewery inside the Commerical Hotel

Morpeth Brewery, an offshoot of the River Port Brewing Company, anchored in the community at the historic hotel in the heart of beautiful Morpeth. The family-run business brews more than 40 different styles of beer, including the popular Black Tractor Dark Ale, the Close Call Pale Ale, and the Big Easy Vienna-style lager.

The grand hotel is an institution, first licensed in April in 1881, when patrons would arrive at the popular Hunter Valley pub by horse and cart. The hotel has a bistro as well as the moody Miss Mullens Bar, the elegant upstairs bar. It also has a pet-friendly beer garden.

a chalkboard sign at Morpeth Brewery — Head to Morpeth Brewery for a beer served inside a slice of history. (Image: Destination NSW)

Address: 127 Swan Street, Morpeth

For more delightful drinks to try in the Hunter, follow our gin distillery Hunter Valley trail and read up on the best wineries to visit.

Underpinned by grassroots hospitality and award-winning organic produce, the Central Coast’s gastronomy scene is thriving, with the region quickly becoming one of the best destinations in NSW for epicures.

Revered for its rugged natural splendour and laid-back seaside charm, NSW’s Central Coast has soared in popularity in recent years, becoming a top choice for an affordable slice of weekend escapism for Sydneysiders. Just a short 45-minute drive north of Sydney, it’s the kind of place that, no matter how many times you visit, leaves you with the sense that there’s always more to uncover. But while the ocean pools, bushwalks and beaches have (rightly) taken the spotlight, it’s the Central Coast food offerings which have been quietly simmering in the background.

From fresh-as-it-gets seafood and juicy organic citrus you can pluck yourself, through to regenerative farming and reputable farm-to-fork dining, this coastal gem has become an idyllic foodie mecca. Here are some of the best ways to immerse yourself in grassroots hospitality and gastronomic glory on the NSW Central Coast.

vegetables in a basket at Bells Garden at Bells At Killcare — From picking your own, to farm-to-table, discover the best Central Coast food experiences. (Image: Remy Brand)

Central Coast oyster experiences

From humble grub to opulent delicacy, oysters have ascended into a league of their own. Epicureans are fascinated by them – willing to pay upwards of $35 per dozen (double at some of Sydney’s reputable fine dining restaurants) – and ‘shuck bars’ seem to be popping up at every milestone celebration.

But it’s rare to find places that really draw back the curtain on how they’re farmed and why everyone is mad for these molluscs. The Central Coast , however, is home to several of these venues. With its pristine waters, mild climate and nutrient-rich estuaries, it’s the perfect breeding ground for oysters.

Learn about oyster farming and, importantly, how to shuck them at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours . Nestled on the Hawkesbury River at Mooney Mooney, Sheridan Beaumont and her team offer a hands-on foodie experience where you can feast on dozens of oysters (white tablecloth and all) while wading through the calm waters. You can even bring your own bottle of bubbles to wash them down.

guests in the water for an experience at Sydney Oyster Farm - Central Coast food — Learn tricks of the trade at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours. (Image: Remy Brand)

Elevate your oyster knowledge even further by heading north over the Hawkesbury River Bridge to the Hawkesbury River Oyster Shed . Tour their scenic oyster leases and saltwater paddocks by boat to uncover the distinct characteristics of the Sydney rock oyster and creamy Pacific oyster. They’ve also partnered with Broken Bay Pearl Farm to offer a one-of-a-kind oyster and pearl farming guided tour, showcasing the Central Coast’s very own pearl oyster, the Broken Bay ‘Akoya’. But if you’re simply in the mood to devour a dozen delectable oysters while soaking in the tranquil river views, pull up a chair at the shed. It’s friendly in every sense of the word: pets, families and BYO welcome.

shucking oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm — Taste freshly shucked oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm. (Image: James Horan)

Central Coast farms to pick your own fruit

While the Central Coast is known for its breathtaking 40 beaches and 80-kilometre coastline, its lush hinterland is equally impressive – abundant with orchards and agriculturally rich farmland. And when it comes to the simple joy of picking your own fruit, the Central Coast is a ripe playground.

Family-owned Meliora Farm at Peats Ridge is an orchard that blends conventional, biodynamic and organic philosophies. Third-generation farmer Tim Kemp and his wife Elise are dedicated to honouring the family legacy by growing a rich variety of oranges, lemons, limes, mandarins and avocados. In late May, roam the sustainable and nutrient-dense property during ‘Pick Your Own’ weekends.

Eastcoast Beverages is another bountiful citrus orchard boasting over 60 hectares of fruit. From June you can learn about the cultivation of high-quality ingredients – like lemons, limes, grapefruit and oranges – by touring both the farm and factory before setting out and picking your own straight from the source. You can also sample an array of citrus-inspired sweet and savoury treats at their on-site cafe, Bambino’s .

If it’s just juicy oranges you’re after, Cedar Farm in Dooralong is a must-visit. Located about 30 minutes north of Peats Ridge, it features 15 flourishing orchards and over 3000 orange trees – with take-home bags during the season (from July) at low prices. Not bad for a fruity weekend haul.

woman picking oranges at Oranges at Dooralong — Pick your own citrus fruits on the Central Coast. (Image: James Vodicka)

Organic dining

What makes the Central Coast hinterland so special is the unwavering respect the communities have for their cherished backyard. Locally owned and operated farms are all striving for more sustainable practices and methods to both enhance biodiversity and reduce environmental impact, each with a heartwarming food philosophy.

The Food Farm in Wyong Creek believes good food is worth both the work and the wait. Devoted to regenerative farming, first-generation ‘farmily’ Tim Eyes and Hannah Greenshields are recognised for their grass-fed, grass-finished beef and pasture-raised, gold medal-winning chickens. With an open gate policy, The Food Farm encourages visitors to swing by and try some of their slow-grown produce at their small ‘honesty’ farm shop. With no staff, you can pick up a few quality cuts of meat and pasteurised eggs, leaving the owing amount in cash or via eftpos.

Keeping the spirit of generational organic farming alive is Fanelli Organics . Nestled in the Central Coast’s scenic and sleepy Mangrove Mountain, founders Eden and Louise Fanelli own over 45 hectares of plentiful farmland and orchards that produce a huge range of organic fruit and vegetables, like purple Dutch carrots, blood oranges, broccoli and Tuscan kale. A true home-grown operation, Fanelli Organics shares its fresh produce with local restaurants and community markets, including the beloved markets at Like Minds Cafe at Avoca Beach every Wednesday afternoon.

farmers holding fresh produce picked at Fanelli Organics — See where your food comes from at Fanelli Organics.

Paddock-to-plate dining

High-quality ingredients go hand in hand with premium dining, and the Central Coast is home to several paddock-to-plate restaurants that showcase its diverse and rich agriculture. Paired with warm, grassroots hospitality, there are culinary triumphs, new menus and revered chefs constantly popping up, putting the local dining scene firmly on the map.

Award-winning Mount White restaurant Saddles is a quintessential Australian dining destination, dedicated to country-style cooking and seasonal produce. Nestled in thick bushland with wraparound verandahs, floral gardens and an idyllic dam, the gourmet homestead and bakehouse is unlike any restaurant on the Central Coast. Here, head chef Reece Collins and his team serve up an impressive breakfast and lunch menu that oozes rustic charm. Pull up a comfy armchair on the expansive deck, listen to birdsong, and tuck into flavoursome dishes like the farmhouse Benedict with honey-cured ham, lemon myrtle hollandaise and Warrigal gremolata, or the hearty beef brisket pie with confit garlic potato purée and rainbow chard.

woman writing in notebook next to a table of food at Saddles, Central Coast food — Taste country-style cooking at Saddles. (Image: Destination NSW)

Delivering a slice of sophistication and luxury to the shores and bushland of Bouddi Peninsula is Bells at Killcare . One of the few boutique resorts on the Central Coast, it’s known for its premium service and five-star suites, as well as its bountiful kitchen gardens that boast an orchard, olive trees, avocado trees, free-range hens and a honey bee hive.

Cameron Cansdell has returned to Bells at Killcare as head chef, bringing his expertise to the casual yet refined menus that feature a raw bar with Oscietra caviar, freshly shucked Sydney rock oysters and Moreton Bay bugs, all served alongside optional matched wines. Sample some of Australia’s best regional wines and standout dishes, like roasted Wollemi duck with grilled leeks, rocket, grilled grapes and 10-year-aged balsamic, or the shareworthy salt-crusted snapper with herb salad and salsa, before roaming the picturesque gardens, wine in hand.

cocktail at Bells At Killcare — Sample incredible wine, cocktails and dishes at Bells At Killcare. (Image: Nikki To)

Plan your next visit to the delicious Central Coast.

The ultimate ale trail: 13 Hunter Valley breweries and pubs