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17 Hunter Valley caravan parks and luxe glamp sites to escape to

Save on accommodation and pour more pennies into wine with a Hunter Valley caravan park stay.

Dreaming of blazing sunsets spent gazing over the vines? A Hunter Valley caravan park, camping ground or glamping experience offers the most affordable accommodation in town. With many providing super convenient locales, a string of activities, surprisingly luxe amenities and private sanctuaries immersed in natural wonders, you’ll more than appreciate the dollars saved when your wine-hopping itinerary swings into gear.

Hunter Valley caravan parks

1. Ingenia Holidays Hunter Valley

Distance from Pokolbin and wineries: A 10 to 15-minute drive.

Caravanners and budget-conscious families will be familiar with Ingenia’s wide-reaching stable of Aussie caravan parks and its Hunter Valley outpost is filled with everything you’d expect from the reliable chain. The Ingenia Holidays Hunter Valley  caravan park, one of the best options in the region, offers powered camping sites in addition to simple but sufficiently stacked one, two and three-bedroom cabins.

a powered astro turf site at Ingenia Holidays Hunter Valley
Ingenia Holidays Hunter Valley has powered astroturf sites for campervans. (Image: Showcache)

A restaurant, large swimming pool, giant jumping cushion and playground for kids, camp kitchen and cafe are also found onsite. Pets are welcome if you’re caravanning, camper vanning or tenting, but they’re mostly banned from cabin life all bar the entry-level one-bedroom stays.

an outdoor pool at Ingenia Holidays Hunter Valley
Enjoy a morning dip in the pool. (Image: Showcache)

Address: 137 Mount View Road, Cessnock

2. Wine Country Tourist Park

Distance from Pokolbin and wineries: A 10-minute drive.

The best Hunter Valley caravan park in terms of proximity to wine time, Wine Country Tourist Park  welcomes tents, caravans, motorhomes and campers to its tidy grounds. It also houses a range of cabins.

the cabin interior at Wine Country Tourist Park
Settle into one of the modern cabins at Wine Country Tourist Park.

All sites are powered, including tent sites, and all cabins feature private bathrooms and kitchen facilities. Amenities include a swimming pool, camp kitchen, barbecue facilities, laundry and bike hire, and pets are welcome at the discretion of staff.

Address: Wine Country Drive and O’Connors Road, Nulkaba

3. Country Acres Caravan Park

Distance from Pokolbin and wineries: A 30-minute drive.

A large unpowered grassy area provides a very basic spot to rest your head a little way out of central wine country. Climb the accommodation ladder at Country Acres Caravan Park  and you’ll also find powered concrete slabs for motorhomes and caravans plus one and two-bedroom cabins with or without private bathrooms. This Hunter Valley caravan park is a far cry from the finest option around, but handy amenities include a swimming pool, laundry, dump point, barbecues and a camp kitchen.

Address: 58 Maison Dieu Road, McDougalls Hill, Singleton

4. Singleton Caracourt Caravan Park

Distance from Pokolbin and wineries: A 25-minute drive.

Clean lawns and a variety of camping sites ensure this Hunter Valley caravan park attracts a regular stream of visitors. The Singleton Caracourt Caravan Park  features unpowered and powered sites with some including an ensuite bathroom, plus one and two-bedroom cabins fitted with cooking facilities, TVs and air conditioning. Extras are basic and include one outdoor barbecue, a dump site and a communal outdoor lounge but guest laundry facilities and wi-fi incur additional costs. A good option if the bigger caravan parks are booked up.

Address: 20 Newton Street, Dunolly

5. Wangi Point Holiday Park

Distance from Pokolbin and wineries: Just under one hour’s drive.

A Hunter Valley caravan park with many of the bells and whistles you’re hunting for, Wangi Point Holiday Park  is a really slick operation. The only hitch is you’re about a 57-minute drive from the wineries. If you can cope with the extra travel, you’ll be rewarded with a range of villas, cabins, and sizeable powered and unpowered campsites for caravans, trailers, campers and tents.

a campervan at Wangi Point Holiday Park
Set up camp at Wangi Point Holiday Park.

You’re situated right on the shores of Lake Macquarie, so water views are visible from several angles and amenities include a camp kitchen, a kids’ playground, multiple barbecues, a dump point, a nearby boat ramp and free wi-fi.

a couple holding hands on Lake Macquarie
Take in pristine lake views.

Address: 2a Watkins Road, Wangi Wangi

Glamping in the Hunter Valley

6. Cranky Rock Wollombi

Distance from Pokolbin and wineries: A 35-minute drive.

You might’ve bookmarked Cranky Rock Wollombi  for its gorgeous cottage accommodation but the charming working farm is also home to family-sized glamping tents and a campground. Sleeping up to four people per tent, the unpowered Hunter Valley glamping site provides two queen beds in each tent as well as linen, toilet paper, hand towels, a septic toilet and gas for shared barbecue facilities.

You’ll also share a kitchen, showers and a fridge with fellow guests. There’s a creek on the property and walking tracks to explore.

Address: 2214 Wollombi Road, Sweetmans Creek

7. Broke Estate

Distance from Pokolbin and wineries: A 16-minute drive from Pokolbin proper but you’re smack bang in the wine country matrix given Broke Estate is a winery itself.

A canvas bell tent and accompanying amenities pod are the newest attractions at Broke Estate , one of the region’s most celebrated wineries. Launched in 2022, this lavish Hunter Valley glamping combines the simplicity of a tent stay with sumptuous creature comforts at your doorstep.

a luxe glamping setup at Broke Estate, Hunter Valley
Relax outside your glamping tent at sundown.

The tent itself features a queen bed, record player and cushy seats while the pod, built on wheels, is where you’ll find your private fully equipped kitchen, bathroom, breakfast bar and daybed. There’s also a gorgeous timber deck with more chairs, an outdoor fireplace, a large umbrella and mountain vistas.

a modern kitchen inside the glamping tent at Broke Estate
The pod at Broke Estate is equipped with modern amenities.

Address: 1260 Broke Road, Broke

8. On Bell Glamping

Distance from Pokolbin and wineries: A 5 to 10-minute drive.

Two eco-friendly tents can be found at On Bell Glamping , a romantic Hunter Valley glamping experience set on a working 100-acre organic farm.

two wine glasses on the table at On Bell Glamping
Immerse yourself in nature during a stay at On Bell Glamping.

Choose from the Speckled Warbler or the Grey-Crowned Babbler tents, named after the endangered birds that reside onsite, both fitted with a king bed, a separate bathroom packed with toiletries, a kitchenette, insect screens and a private deck with a barbecue. You can also order a breakfast package, cheese platters and meat packs sourced direct from the farm itself.

On Bell Glamping at night
Find the glamping site hidden in the middle of a forest.

Address: 352 Bell Road, Lower Belford

9. Donnybrook Eco Retreat

Distance from Pokolbin and wineries: A 25 to 30-minute drive.

Situated on the banks of the Hunter River, Billabong at Donnybrook Eco Retreat  is a remote glamping tent on a 100-acre farm.

Billabong at Donnybrook Eco Retreat by the banks of the Hunter River
Billabong at Donnybrook Eco Retreat is situated on the banks of the Hunter River.

Billabong is fitted with a double bed, ensuite bathroom, fridge, basic utensils and cooking facilities including an electric hotplate, private verandah, outdoor fireplace, electric blankets and heaters in winter and power.

And you’re more than welcome to introduce yourself to the nearby alpacas, pigs, goats, chooks and Casper the pony if you’re up for socialising.

Address: 702 Luskintyre Road, Luskintyre

10. Jilliby Creek Glamping Tent and Redwood Glamping Tent

Distance from Pokolbin and wineries: Just over one hour’s drive.

Two spacious glamping options, the Jilliby Creek Glamping Tent  and the Redwood Glamping Tent , offer serenity on a remote property in the Dooralong Valley. But you need to be comfortable sharing a bathroom and kitchen with your neighbours.

the Jilliby Creek Glamping Tent in Hunter Valley
Feel the serene vibe at Jilliby Creek Glamping Tent.

In each tent, however, you’ll spy a queen bed, day bed, wood-fired stove, fan, wi-fi and a deck with a hammock and firepit. Towels, linen and toiletries are also provided in both options.

kangaroos outside Redwood Glamping Tent
Be greeted by resident kangaroos at Redwood Glamping Tent.

Address: 1577 Dooralong Road, Lemon Tree

11. The Beltree

Distance from Pokolbin and wineries: A 5 to 10-minute drive.

Arguably the most high-end Hunter Valley glamping experience to discover, The Beltree is located right in the thick of wine country and features five state-of-the-art tents. Awarded the Best Wine Country Glamping Experience 2024 in the APAC Insider’s Australian Enterprise Awards, you know you’re in for a treat.

Inside the Beltree glamping tent in the Hunter Valley
Stay in one of the five state-of-the-art tents at The Beltree.

A dream getaway for couples, each tent features its own outdoor hot tub, ensuite bathrooms with bathtubs, private balcony, air conditioning, queen bed, walk-in robe, kitchenette and fire pit.

The Hot Tub at Beltree Hunter Valley
Soak under the stars of an evening.

The 100-acre property itself is home to award-winning Semillon-producing vines, olive groves, cattle and horses so there’s plenty to gaze at if you can break away from your beloved.

S'mores by the firepit at Beltree.
Indulge in S’mores around the campfire at night.

Address: 266 Hermitage Road, Belford

Camping options in the Hunter Valley

12. McNamara Park

Distance from Pokolbin and wineries: A 13-minute drive.

Free camping for up to three days is a bargain you’ll struggle to refuse if you’re dead keen on a DIY tent holiday. McNamara Park in Broke features a flat grassy area and some facilities including flushing toilets, picnic tables and rubbish bins. A playground and barbecue are within walking distance, making the spot very kid-friendly, and there are plenty of shady spots if your Hunter Valley adventure beckons in the sunnier months.

Address: 1273 Milbrodale Road, Broke

13. Wattle Valley Farm

Distance from Pokolbin and wineries: A 35-minute drive.

Don’t mind sharing your digs with the odd echidna, roo or wombat? Wattle Valley Farm  is a 100-acre property surrounded by beautiful Wollombi Brook. The Hunter Valley camping spot takes tents and trailers but no caravans due to limited access roads.

the Wattle Valley Farm surrounded by trees
Stay amongst the trees at Wattle Valley Farm.

You’ll find shared toilets and showers onsite, plus there are three self-contained cabins elsewhere on the property with modern furnishings and air conditioning.

Address: 2579 Paynes Crossing Road, Paynes Crossing

14. Gap Creek Campground

Distance from Pokolbin and wineries: Just under one hour in the car.

A soothing waterfall and serene walking tracks are on tap at Gap Creek Campground , about a 57-minute drive from Pokolbin in the Hunter Valley. Tents, camping beside your vehicle and camper trailers are welcome at this free camping site, however a $6 booking fee will secure your spot.

the Gap Creek Campground in the forst
Go off-grid at Gap Creek Campground.

Facilities include toilets, a car park, picnic tables and barbecues, but it should be noted there’s no phone reception in the area so you’re really going off-grid.

Address: North-eastern section of Watagans National Park, entry via Bangalow Road turnoff just past Bangalow camping area.

15. Cessnock Showground

Distance from Pokolbin and wineries: A 15-minute drive.

Did you know you could set up camp at the home of the annual Cessnock Show? If its central location floats your boat (because it should be noted, the grounds are nothing much to look at), the Cessnock Showground  offers powered and unpowered sites for caravans and motorhomes. There’s toilets, barbecues and showers to be found and pets are allowed in case that seals the deal.

Address: 111 Mount View Road, Cessnock

16. Bulga Recreation Ground

Distance from Pokolbin and wineries: A 25-minute drive.

Well-maintained grounds and mountain scenery, plus good proximity to Hunter Valley’s hottest attractions, make Bulga Recreation Ground a decent and free option for caravans, tents and trailers. But you’ll only find toilets onsite here, no showers, so it’s a spot for the truly brave at heart. Barbecue areas are on offer, so that’s a plus, and they allow pets.

Address: 19 The Inlet Road, Bulga

17. Bangalow Campground

Distance from Pokolbin and wineries: A 55-minute drive.

Three individual campsites can be found within Bangalow Campground , which invites tents and camping beside your vehicle. The peaceful bushland features a car park, toilets, picnic tables and barbecues and it’s situated close to Monkey Face lookout which offers stunning views of the region. It’s free to camp but a Watagans National Park booking fee of $6 applies.

Address: North-eastern section of Watagans National Park, entry via Bangalow Road.

For more insider tips and must-do experiences, read our Hunter Valley travel guide.
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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Why the Central Coast is a foodie mecca

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.