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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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8 insider experiences to discover the offbeat in Newcastle

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Discover vibrant culture and creativity, gorgeous nature spots and more in lively Newcastle.

Newcastle/Muloobinba has a lot going for it beyond its big skies and beautiful beaches. The city’s creative types are now heading downtown, taking over and transforming warehouses and terraces to offer a more alternative vibe. From its nightlife to secret swimming spots, art to architecture, here’s our insider’s guide to Newcastle in New South Wales.

1. Learn to sail on Newcastle Harbour

The harbour has always shaped Newcastle, so it seems like the most obvious place to start your weekend. Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club offers a range of programs that provide instruction for both novice and experienced sailors. This is an inspired classroom that sets off past the Honeysuckle Foreshore up the Hunter River, with views towards a seemingly infinite vista of blue stretching to the horizon. It’s the perfect way to savour your time by the sea. Other water activities include surfing, swimming in one of the secret ocean baths or whale-watching with CoastXP .

Aerial view of Newcastle Harbour.
Join Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club’s programs. (Image: City of Newcastle)

2. Underground jazz scene

Follow the lively sound of the saxophone bubbling up to find The Underground . The popular basement-level bar, with its dim lighting and speakeasy aesthetic, schedules live jazz performances every Tuesday and Thursday. Newcastle is known around the country for supporting live music and this late-night New York-style jazz bar is, like the city itself, both approachable and sophisticated. For fans of live music, Queen’s Wharf Hotel , King Street Newcastle , Mad Poet and The Lucky Hotel are all popular pubs for their roster of live music.

 

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3. The city as a canvas   

The streets of Newcastle present like an outdoor art gallery , adding beauty to the everyday with large-scale works by artists such as Fintan Magee, Inari Meyers, Tom Henderson and Sophia Flegg. Hire a Flash E-bike and pedal around the streets to find treasures such as Bronte Naylor’s Mirror Ocean in Civic Square or Sky & Ocean at South Newcastle Beach Skate Park. You can also join Newy Tour Co.’s Discover Newcastle tour to explore city highlights, architectural gems and street art with an expert guide.

Friends take in Newcastle Street Art.
Admire stunning works of art displayed all around you. (Image: Destination NSW)

4. An artist’s view of Newcastle

There’s a real sense of optimism around Newcastle, stemming from its many grassroots art galleries and organisations. The city is home to an eclectic array of artists who gravitate toward different mediums; see their works on show at independent galleries such as The Lock-Up , which operated as a police station from 1861 until 1982, and Lighthouse Arts Newcastle in the light-filled cottages on Nobbys Head/Whibayganba. Stop by The Creator Incubator to see the Little and Big gallery spaces. Newcastle Art Gallery will soon reopen after a recent expansion, so keep an eye out.

5. Newcastle after dark

The small bars confetti’d around Newcastle are a sign of the times. Visitors to the compact city will find a concentration of bars within a small radius, all of which are within easy walking distance or accessible via the light rail. The after-dark experience, which includes theatre and live music, is designed for visitors who are in search of the offbeat and want to celebrate the city’s creativity.  Whether you’re visiting for business or pleasure, the bars that dot most neighbourhoods will tempt you with everything from happy hour to their alt attitude. 

A bartender expertly crafting a drink, with a stunning library of spirits in the background.
Enjoy a night out at a lively bar. (Image: City of Newcastle)

6. Indulge in great gastronomy

Newcastle’s proximity to the Hunter Valley has helped establish it as a sophisticated getaway for gourmands with a passion for provenance. Dining options in the city are diverse, with everything from casual cafes to cantina-style Mexican eateries such as Antojitos , through to fine diners such as Flotilla and Jana Restaurant & Bar at QT Newcastle . Visit during Newcastle Food Month  to get a snapshot of the local culinary scene – you can take note of the many world-class restaurants and cafes that warrant a return visit. Humbug , Peregrin and Bistro Penny should also be on your radar.

The dining area at Flotilla in Newcastle NSW.
Savour a world-class dining experience at Flotilla. (Image: Flotilla)

7. Crystalbrook Kingsley

Crystalbrook Kingsley is another great example of Newcastle’s new wow factor.  Staying at the hotel – in the heart of the cultural centre – makes exploring a breeze, with vintage bikes for guests who want to check out the city streets on two wheels. The design-savvy Crystalbrook Collection reimagined the Roundhouse building while adhering to its ethos of sustainable luxury. The hotel is also a magnet for foodies, with the rooftop Roundhouse restaurant and cocktail bar, Romberg’s, two of the best spots in the city for wining and dining.

The Roundhouse by Crystalbrook Collection.
Step into the reworked Roundhouse by Crystalbrook. (Image: Crystalbrook Kingsley)

8. Newcastle’s creative side on show

Save the date for New Annual , a festival of art, music and ideas from 26 September – 5 October. The program is jam-packed with 10 days of art, culture and creativity. This year’s festival will celebrate the power art has to connect people. Expect to see a diverse program including music, theatre, workshops, and performances in iconic Newcastle locations. Visitors will find a concentration of events within a small radius, all of which are within easy walking distance or accessible via the light rail.

Dancers performing gracefully, accompanied by a live orchestra.
Celebrate migration, community and belonging at New Annual.

Plan your next trip to offbeat Newcastle.