The Must-Do Hunter Valley Chocolate And Cheese Trail

Elevate all that liquid gold with the finest Hunter Valley chocolate and cheese.

Milk and cookies. Beer and burgers. Coffee and cake. Drinks just taste better washed down with their ultimate counterparts and when it comes to wine in the Hunter Valley, we’re spoiled for choice. NSW’s premier wine country has cottoned on plenty-fold, overflowing with sensational Hunter Valley chocolate and cheese either masterfully crafted locally or sourced from the most famous European producers. Here, we round up the most delicious chocolate and cheese retailers and experiences in the region.

Hunter Valley Chocolate Company

No visit to the Hunter Valley is complete without sampling local chocolate and these guys have been churning out the silky-smooth stuff for more than 20 years.

The Hunter Valley Chocolate Company prides itself on using the most premium Belgian ingredients blended with Australian fruit and nuts, and crowds can’t get enough of it. In fact, the team have expanded their operations with Twenty-3-Twenty, their boutique factory and chocolate-making facility where you can catch Willy Wonka himself, Peter the chocolatier, spin his magic and enjoy his treats in the comfort of an on-site cafe.

Peter the chocolatier at Hunter Valley Chocolate Company — Peter the chocolatier at work on his edible creations.

For the original experience, head to Petersons Champagne House where a quaint store overflows with edible art. Blocks, bark, bars, brittles – you name it, they nail it.

desserts and pastries at Hunter Valley Chocolate Company — The Hunter Valley Chocolate Company serves an array of desserts and pastries.

Bestsellers include chocolate-coated pretzels, chocolate-coated coffee beans and bags of rainbow-dusted ‘Speckles’ but there’s truly an option for every taste bud. Milk chocolate ginger, anyone?

Address: The original location remains at Petersons Champagne House, corner Broke and Branxton Roads, Pokolbin, and the other is a showroom off their new factory located at 2320 Broke Road, Pokolbin.

Cocoa Nib

What started as a passion project for pastry chef Aymee Slaviero at Newcastle’s Olive Tree Markets blossomed into her very own shopfront in 2012.

Now selling her exquisite handmade creations out of a flagship store on Keith Tulloch Wine in the heart of wine country, Cocoa Nib ’s founder has built a reputation for crafting some of the most splendid sweets in the state.

artisan chocolates at Cocoa Nib in vivid colours — Cocoa Nib’s chocolates come in a range of vivid colours. (Image: Nikki To)

The Hunter Valley chocolate brand utilises a premium French couverture (that’s a word for bloody fancy chocolate, FYI) to whip up Cocoa Nib’s crowd favourite, melt-in-your-mouth artisan bonbons splashed Jackson Polloch-style with vivid colour, and an array of beautiful bites. Tarts, desserts, endless barks, bags of coconut rough, peanut brittle, honeycomb and so many more classics are just heavenly.

Address: Keith Tulloch Wine, 989 Hermitage Road, Pokolbin.

Hunter Valley Smelly Cheese Shop

A smorgasbord of the world’s finest cheeses, Hunter Valley Smelly Cheese Shop is a non-negotiable in wine country. Built with the only fromageries in the region and filled with a far larger range than any other Hunter Valley cheese retailer, it opened its doors in Pokolbin Village in 2004 and it wasn’t long before the passionate team began drawing loyal crowds.

Drop in to stack your charcuterie with the likes of blue (don’t miss the strong and sharp yet utterly melty Saint Agur), cheddar and hard and soft varieties including the standout Fromager d’Affinois Le Fromager in all its pudgy, buttery goodness.

Cured meats, top-notch olives, pastes, tapenades, pates and other delicious platter accompaniments can also be found and the team’s edit is so renowned that they’ve opened a second location within Roche Estate further down the road.

a look inside Hunter Valley Smelly Cheese Shop — Shop the world’s finest cheeses and platter accompaniments. (Image: Destination NSW)

Address: The original Smelly Deli is at Shop 3, Pokolbin Village, 2188 Broke Road, Pokolbin and there’s another outlet within Roche Estate Complex, 2144 Broke Road, Pokolbin.

Pokolbin Chocolate Company

Once you’ve stocked up on savoury, hop next door for your sweets. The Pokolbin Chocolate Company houses an impressive collection of Hunter Valley chocolate and it’s located one door down from the Smelly Cheese gang.

Putting smiles on dials for more than 21 years, these chocoholics sell a beautiful range of hand-painted Belgian chocolates, gooey fudge, jams and chutneys, chocolate-dipped fruits and nuts, classics like rocky road and truffles, and a handful of out-of-the-box products including chocolate pasta. They’ve also got an unusual range of sweet teas.

Address: Right next door to Hunter Valley Smelly Cheese Shop at Pokolbin Village, 2188 Broke Road, Pokolbin.

Sabor Dessert Bar

After winning hearts through their original Hunter Valley Dessert Bar in Lovedale, the team’s Sabor Dessert Bar on Broke Road’s Lambloch Estate has cemented their status as local confectionary and sweet pastry heroes.

Growing their inventive edit of Hunter Valley chocolate and desserts to a menu filled with 50+ creations, these local wizards are renowned for the award-winning Sabor Portuguese Chocolate Mousse plus other Instagram-friendly showstoppers.

Don’t miss the glistening Green Apple Royale or the Flaming Choc Caramel Brownie, which you can savour on-site in the Bar’s large seating area or take away for at-home indulgence.

They even offer a tasting plate of their favourites and a kids’ menu for the littlest of visitors. Large groups and parties (including hens’ celebrations) are welcome as set menus and packages are available to order with seven days’ notice.

Address: Lambloch Estate, 2342 Broke Road, Pokolbin

Hunter Valley Cheese Company

The Melbourne-bred Curtis family is the brains behind the much-adored Hunter Valley Cheese Company . Located at McGuigan Wines on McDonalds Road and established by the late Peter Curtis and his wife Rose Lambert in 1995, it churns out its own seasonal handcrafted ranges that span the award-winning Hunter Gold Washed Rind, cheddar, gorgonzola, brie, goat’s cheese and more.

Leaving a busy city life behind them in favour of something entirely new, the team honed their skills in their very own factory and now attracts visitors from all over the world for their standout Aussie cheese crafted from local cow and goat milk.

Pop in for a tasting of five paired with olives and preserves or upgrade your visit by booking a two-person lunch tasting of their seasonal best paired with a range of delicious accompaniments.

people entering Hunter Valley Cheese Company — The standout Aussie cheese is available to purchase.

Address: McGuigan Wines, 447 McDonalds Road, Pokolbin.

Binnorie Dairy

Famed for its ultra-creamy, completely irresistible labna and multi-award-winning marinated feta, Binnorie Dairy is always a good idea before heading home with your wine haul.

The Hunter Valley cheese pit-stop was opened by cheesemaker Simon Gough in 2003 after he’d spent significant time making it in Europe and the Yarra Valley. His Hunter Valley digs are home to so many indulgences including those aforementioned superstars plus several goat’s cheeses, washed rines, a triple cream brie and homemade sweet treats.

a cheese plate at Binnorie Dairy — The specialty cheese plate. (Image: Destination NSW)

Drop in to see the team hard at work through a viewing window or grab a table on the deck to soak up the peaceful scenery before retreating.

cheese products available for sale at Binnorie Dairy, Lovedale — Cheesemaker Simon Gough is the mastermind behind Binnorie Dairy. (Image: Destination NSW)

Address: 25 Lodge Road, Lovedale.

Hunter Belle Cheese Room

Geoff and Tania Chesworth, a pair of passionate dairy farmers, bring a wealth of experience to their Hunter Belle Cheese Room . But it might just be the next Chesworth generation, led by Annie and Jason, who are really putting their mark on the region.

While Geoff and Tania run the wonderful deli, bar and cafe located right next to De luliis Wines on Broke Road, Annie and Jason produce Hunter Belle Dairy Company’s dairy range in a factory in Scone.

House-made bries, cheddars, yoghurts, fetas and more can be found at the Hunter Belle Cheese Room which offers multiple experiences including picnic packs, wine and cheese tastings, beer and cheese tastings, a very punny ‘High Cheese’ and relaxed dining in the licenced cafe.

There’s plenty of lush grass to laze upon if you choose the picnic route and you’re right next to the vines so every vantage point is quintessentially Hunter Valley.

Address: 1616 Broke Road, Pokolbin

D’Vine Treats and Fat Cow Cheese

Climb upstairs at Ben Ean Winery and stumble into a boutique Hunter Valley chocolate shop that offers tastings and a separate section dedicated to cheese.

D’Vine Treats , which has expanded with the introduction of Fat Cow Cheese, is packed full of handcrafted chocolate including liqueur varieties using hard stuff from Petersons Family Wines and Savannah Estate.

The Fat Cow Cheese portion of the store gathers some of the region’s finest cheese, cured meats, olives, olive oils and sauces while the sweets branch out to fudge, lollies, gelato and more. It’s a wine country pit stop that’s really got it all.

Address: Ben Ean Winery, Shop 1, 119 McDonalds Road, Pokolbin

Chocolate Escape Room at Sutton Estate

Inspired by the original Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory film, Sutton Estate’s Chocolate Escape Room is unlike any other chocolate-tasting experience you’ve ever encountered.

Locked in a room within Sutton Estate winery in Rothbury, you and your group of no larger than six people must decode a series of puzzles in 60 minutes to uncover your exit and some of those puzzles include tasting chocolate. Sounds bizarre? It is, and we’re here for it. A ‘love of chocolate’ is required to unlock clues and five tastings are included in each session which costs $60 per person.

With axe throwing, a smash room inviting you to literally smash stuff and electric bike rentals to be found elsewhere on the property, it’s clear to say these guys offer a totally unique take on the whole Hunter Valley experience.

Address: Sutton Estate Hunter Valley, 381F Deasys Road, Rothbury.

Wine and chocolate pairings

While they’re better known for fermenting and ageing than tempering, a string of vineyards offer ultra-delicious wine and Hunter Valley chocolate pairings.

Tulloch Wines stages a 45-minute wine tasting of five blends paired with five local handmade chocolates, priced from $30 per person.

Wild Wren Wines does a ‘Birds of a Feather’ wine and chocolate pairing which lasts for one hour and costs $22 per person. Treat yourself to three wines matched with French and Swiss truffles.

the bar counter at Wild Wren Wine Room — Pull up a chair at Wild Wren for a glass of wine paired with truffles. (Image: Wren Wines)

Binet Family Wines offers a wine and chocolate tasting at around $30 per person including four to five premium wines served with Cocoa Nib’s signature bon bons.

Glandore Wines does a one-hour chocolate and wine pairing experience priced at $30 per person that includes six wine samples and handmade chocolate to match.

chocolate and wine pairing experience at Glandore Estate Wines — Glandore Estate Wines offers a delicious chocolate and wine pairing experience. (Image: Time Out)

Address: Various wineries in the Hunter Valley

For more delicious dining options, make your way through our definitive list of the best Hunter Valley restaurants.

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 .

The must-do Hunter Valley chocolate and cheese trail