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This Hunter Valley walk takes you through 5 family-owned wineries

Kassia Byrnes Kassia Byrnes
Palmers Lane Estate’s walkable wine experience connects some of the best the Hunter Valley has to offer on one easy trail.

Who doesn’t love a picturesque walking trail? And who doesn’t love tasting some of Australia’s tastiest wines? Put the two together and things can only get better. This is exactly what you get with the Palmers Lane Wine EcoTrail, connecting five boutique, family-owned cellar doors along the lane.

What is the Palmers Lane Wine EcoTrail?

palmers lane estate
Discover the Palmers Lane Wine EcoTrail.

This self-guided walking and cycling experience connects five cellar doors along a 750-metre stretch in the heart of Pokolbin.

The trail is tantalisingly short, with only 15 minutes between stops for walkers, and under five minutes for cyclists, offering a sustainable way to experience local small-batch wines without driving (and what’s not to love about not needing a designated driver?). Not to mention you can make the pace entirely your own, and still get it done in one day.

Stops include Calais Estate, Horner Wines, John Wallace Wines, Moorebank Vineyard and Pokolbin Brothers Wines – all family-owned estates.

two women tasting wine at john wallace wines on the Palmers Lane Wine EcoTrail
Taste award-winning blends at John Wallace Wines.

Calais Estate offers educational wine experiences and events, like making your own sparkling wine and vineyard picnics. Linger longer to find unique, handmade and vintage wares in the on-site Come What May Homewares and Gifts.

Horner Wines specialises in small-batch drops, which can be experienced during a regular wine tasting, or book in for a wine experience – from behind-the-scenes tours or barrel tastings.

Pet- and family-friendly John Wallace Wines is perfect for a taste of award-winning blends. While Moorebank Vineyard specialises in easy-drinking, distinctive drops. Be sure to browse the range of handmade, wine-inspired condiments, spreads and sauces on offer.

Finally, Pokolbin Brothers Wines hand-pick grapes from the family’s own vines in Pokolbin, turning them into chardonnay, shiraz and cabernet merlot blends, as well as sweeter muscat and moscato.

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

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Stay along the way

accommodation at Palmers Lane Estate
Extend your stay at Palmers Lane Estate boutique accommodation.

Those looking to extend their stay can book one of 10 self-contained, boutique homes and lodges at Palmers Lane Estate – a 50-acre family-owned property in Pokolbin.

Ranging from one to six bedrooms (sleeping up to 97 guests across the property), it’s an ideal stay for families and larger groups. Each lodge features full kitchens, wood fireplaces, air conditioning, private BBQs, and free wi-fi.

When the days are warm and sunny, make use of the swimming pool and sun terrace, tennis court and children’s playground. Visiting in winter? Cosy up by the communal fire pit.

The details

Palmers Lane Wine EcoTrail walkers arriving at moorebank wines
Take an easy stroll between five unique wineries.

Bike hire: For those who choose two wheels, bike hire is available through Grape Mobile Bike Hire.
Trail details: To plan your trail experience, head to the official website.
Stay details: Make a booking online at Palmers Lane Estate

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Kassia Byrnes
Kassia Byrnes is the Native Content Editor for Australian Traveller and International Traveller. She's come a long way since writing in her diary about family trips to Grandma's. After graduating a BA of Communication from University of Technology Sydney, she has been writing about her travels (and more) professionally for over 10 years for titles like AWOL, News.com.au, Pedestrian.TV, Body + Soul and Punkee. She's addicted to travel but has a terrible sense of direction, so you can usually find her getting lost somewhere new around the world. Luckily, she loves to explore and have new adventures – whether that’s exploring the backstreets, bungee jumping off a bridge or hiking for days. You can follow her adventures on Instagram @probably_kassia.
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Dive into summer with hikes, great bites and wellness in The Tweed

    Kassia Byrnes Kassia Byrnes
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    Warmer days call for slowing down and relaxing in nature. Discover why The Tweed is the ultimate destination to do just that.

    As the end of the year draws near, the need for rest and restoration grows ever more prominent. For many, that means heading into nature – and there’s plenty of science to back up the benefits of doing so. It quite literally makes us happier as it reduces stress hormones, lowers our blood pressure and more. And what better place to lean into this feel-good effect than during summer in The Tweed (in the Northern Rivers region of NSW)? Blending sparkling beaches, riverside towns and hinterland villages, this area has nature covered, while also offering top activities and dining options.

    Slip, slop, slap.

    And of course, pack your SPF. We Are Feel Good Inc’s Ultra-Light Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 is a lightweight and fast-absorbing formula that keeps your skin hydrated and shielded, thanks to nourishing Coconut Oil and Vitamin E. But it’s also helping preserve the natural beauty around you on your Tweed vacation, thanks to 30 per cent ocean waste packaging.

    Discover eight experiences that make The Tweed the perfect place for summer.

    1. Underwater worlds

    two people swimming after turtle on the tweed
    Get a chance to swim with the locals.

    There’s something about the ocean that calls to us as humans, and what’s below the surface is even more magical.

    Green, hawksbill and loggerhead turtles (not to mention an abundance of other marine life) all use the protected waters around Cook Island, near Fingal Head, as their foraging ground, making it the perfect place to dive and snorkel to spot these adorable creatures.

    Join Cooly Eco Adventures on a guided snorkelling tour that combines unforgettable turtle encounters with an inspiring look into marine conservation.

    2. Farm-to-table dining

    table spread at Potager restaurant
    Treat your taste buds at Potager. (Image: Cara Sophie)

    Respecting the land and nature also means appreciating its abundance of food. From farm-to-table cafes and boutique breweries to river cruises and restaurants championing local produce, dining around The Tweed often means engaging with the best local producers.

    The award-winning Potager Restaurant, part of The Hinterland Collection, is the perfect example; beginning life as a kitchen garden, the passion to champion local producers is woven into every dish. Vegetables, fruit and herbs are picked from the garden or sourced from other local producers, the seafood comes from the Northern Rivers, and meat is sourced from ethical local producers. Even the cocktail list features local distillers.

    Extend your stay with a night (or several) at boutique on-site accommodation, Potager House. This French-inspired country four-bedroom retreat boasts stunning views of the surrounding hills and nearby ocean, as well as a large pool, outdoor entertaining area and infrared sauna.

    3. Water wellness

    Waterguru Mindfulness in the Mangroves summer on the tweed
    Find mindfulness in mangroves. (Image: Matt Johnson)

    You’ll find mindfulness while floating around the mangroves of Kingscliff’s Cudgen Creek at any time, but Watersports Guru offers an immersive experience to help guests do so with more intent. Join a 90-minute guided session on a stand-up paddleboard to reconnect with nature and relax through breathwork, gentle movement and sensory awareness.

    If you’re feeling more adventurous, Watersports Guru also offer Kayak fishing adventures or join a Sea Turtle Odyssey experience.

    4. Restorative seaside stays

    woman relaxing in spa at Halcyon Wellness, halcyon house
    Unwind at Halcyon Wellness.

    The Tweed encourages locals and visitors alike to slow down. To really indulge, a seaside stay is a must. Halcyon House has understood the assignment, blending a wellness philosophy centred on balance and self-discovery with luxurious surrounds. Stay in one of 22 rooms and suites (each individually designed by eclectic interior designer Anna Spiro) right on the beachfront. Book restorative treatments at the onsite spa, Halcyon Wellness, relax by the pool, dine at the hatted Paper Daisy restaurant and just let The Tweed work its magic.

    While Blue Water Motel offers a relaxed coastal escape, just steps from Kingscliff Beach. Settle in stylish rooms, recently restyled by Jason Grant, nodding to the cool of Kingscliff with a fun retro vibe. Hire a bike from reception to explore the surrounding area.

    5. Tasty drops

    Husk Farm Distillery
    Join a Farm to Bottle tour. (Image: Salsingh Photography)

    The owners at Husk Farm Distillery aren’t just about creating high-quality rum: they’re also farmers themselves. In fact, they create one of the world’s only single estate, farm-to-bottle spirits. Join a Farm to Bottle tour to discover the sustainable ‘full circle’ distilling practices used here, and even get hands-on with your own cane knife to help harvest and juice your own stalk of cane. And, of course, a welcome drink plus complimentary tastings along the way.

    6. Rail trail adventures

    Cycle the Northern Rivers Rail Trail.
    Cycle the Northern Rivers Rail Trail.

    Exploring the rolling green slopes and historic towns of the 24-kilometre Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail is one of the best ways to connect with the region’s lush hinterland and interesting heritage. In this section of the trail, discover the area’s railway history at heritage-listed Murwillumbah Railway Station, and traverse by 18 railway bridges and through two railway tunnels.

    Linking vibrant towns and villages with the larger hub of Murwillumbah, this section of the trail is covered in asphalt or compacted gravel, making it accessible for all ages and abilities, from prams to adaptive bikes. 

    7. Linger longer

    surfer at fingal heads the tweed
    Enjoy beachside locations, like Fingal Heads.

    Linger longer at one of the seven idyllic beach, river and creekside locations of Tweed Holiday Parks – including at Tweed Heads, Kingscliff Beach, Hastings Point and Pottsville South. All just steps from the water’s edge, they make the ideal base to unwind, or head out for exploration of The Tweed. Choose from luxury waterfront cabins, accessible cabins, surfari tents (yes, they are basically glamping tents) or spacious sites for caravans, motorhomes and campervans or tents.

    Tweed Holiday Parks
    Stay for longer and indulge in plat at Tweed Holiday Parks.

    Find your feel-good summer in The Tweed at visitthetweed.com.au.