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The perfect (undiscovered) Hunter Valley road trip route

Kristie Lau-AdamsBy Kristie Lau-Adams
It’s a well-trodden wine region but surprising nooks overflow along our unexpected Hunter Valley road trip itinerary.

We’re all familiar with the Hunter, NSW’s largest concentration of wineries, cellar doors, world-class restaurants and places to rest your head. But beyond the beaten track lie secret gems, many of which are accidentally stumbled across by driving too far or taking a wrong turn. Allow our Hunter Valley road trip itinerary to whisk you off on a getaway you never knew existed while still retaining the rollicking good times you’ve come to expect. 

Day 1: Wollombi to Broke

The small sub-region of the Hunter Valley serves as the first must-discover stop along our Hunter Valley road trip itinerary. A 30-minute drive from Pokolbin, you’ll bypass the usual gateways of Cessnock and Pokolbin altogether and arrive via Tourist Drive 33 by taking the Peats Ridge exit off the M1. Here is where to stop while you’re driving from Wollombi to Broke.

Twine Collective

Best for: Sustainable homewares.

A gorgeous store that stocks unique products from all over the world as long as they’re created sustainably or follow Fairtrade practices. Owner of Twine Collective , Kellie Jones, handpicks her treasures and you’ll find luxurious blankets and throws, kitchen and bathroom accessories, candles, storage solutions and one-of-a-kind fashion and jewellery within the heritage-listed Colonial building.

Address: 2881 Wollombi Road, Wollombi

Noyce Brothers Wine

Best for: Elegant wine tasting.

Noyce Brothers Wine  is a boutique wine producer whose cellar door is housed in a beautiful 19th-century sandstone building in the heart of the historical Wollombi village. The vineyard is located just a few clicks up the road and is owned by Phillip Noyce (director of the Australian film Rabbit Proof Fence and TV series Revenge) and his brother Michael.

Address: 2884 Wollombi Road, Wollombi.

Wollombi General Store

Best for: Last-minute platter fillers.

Next door to Noyce lies Wollombi General Store , resplendent in its original 1860s building and picture-perfect from every angle. Inside you’ll find a selection of locally made honey, jams, oils and relishes plus gifts like chopping boards and delicious gelato. There’s also an on-site cafe serving up hot and cold snacks and very decent coffee.

Address: 2886 Wollombi Road, Wollombi.

Stonehurst Cedar Creek Vineyard

Best for: Vineyard wandering.

A popular spot for Hunter Valley weddings for obvious reasons, the stunning Stonehurst Cedar Creek Vineyard  provides over 220 hectares of blissful wine country to bask in.

the cellar door at Stonehurst Cedar Creek Vineyard
Stonehurst Cedar Creek Vineyard sits on the prime and picturesque side of the wine region.

Producing a collection of organic drops, the team dabble in a few white varieties plus a rose and sparkling rose, reds and a handful of fortified creations.

a woman sipping red wine at Stonehurst Cedar Creek, Hunter Valley
Head to Stonehurst Cedar Creek Vineyard for a sip of their sparkling reds.

Address: 1840 Wollombi Road, Cedar Creek.

Accommodation tips

Grays Inn Wollombi  for centrally located stays and Stonehurst Cedar Creek Cottages  for ultra-tranquil self-contained cottages.

Day 2: Broke to Pokolbin

Meander from Wollombi along the rather windy road, originally built by convicts, to spy luscious farmland, charming country houses and barns, roadside cattle and sheep, farm-gate stalls touting local produce and clusters of weird and wonderful letterboxes. These tell-tale signs point to Broke, a 15-minute drive away from Pokolbin and arguably even prettier than Wollombi with mountain backdrops and vast bushland. This next stop on our Hunter Valley road trip itinerary is jam-packed with magical food and wine experiences.

Krinklewood

Best for: Spiritual transportation to the glorious vineyards of France.

Inspired by the Provincial charms of the French countryside, Krinklewood is an utterly romantic vineyard one should devote plenty of time to.

scenic grounds of Krinklewood Vineyard, Broke in the Hunter Valley
Visit Krinklewood for its Provincial charms and wine tastings. (Image: Nikki To)

Rose-speckled gardens, olive groves, sandstone sculptures, flowing fountains and a beautiful collection of biodynamic wine will keep visitors enchanted for far longer than they plan for. There’s even a resident peacock strutting its stuff across the grounds.

friends drinking on the al fresco grounds of KrinklewoodBiodynamic Winery, Broke in the Hunter Valley.
Settle in beneath huge umbrellas for an afternoon wine tasting. (Image: MJK Creative)

Address: 712 Wollombi Road, Broke

Mount Broke Wines & Restaurant

Best for: A killer shiraz.

Another gorgeous vineyard along our Hunter Valley road trip itinerary, Mount Broke Wines & Restaurant  blends sensational small-batch varieties and there’s an on-site restaurant and bar dishing up a sophisticated a la carte lunch on Saturday and Sunday plus woodfire pizzas rolling out on Friday nights.

Address: 130 Adams Peak Road, Broke

Kawal Rock Distillery

Best for: Gin on the lawn.

One of the Hunter Valley’s best spirit distilleries, Kawal Rock Distillery  concocts the hard stuff and a handful of wines out of their 60-year-old vines.

Kawal Rock Distillery at sunset
Stop by Kawal Rock Distillery for a sundowner.

Sample gins, moonshine and more on the property’s stunning vineyard where a cellar door opens up to a beautiful patch of grass littered with comfy chairs and wine barrels.

the cellar door at Kawal Rock Distillery
Kawal Rock Distillery produces hand-crafted bespoke spirits and wines.

Address: 260 Milbrodale Road, Fordwich

Nightingale Wines

Best for: Wine with a view.

Grab one of Nightingale Wines ’ silky smooth drops and head straight for a table overlooking the vines. Not only does the procession feel limitless, but a horizon dotted with dramatic mountains makes for one seriously magnificent floor-to-sky marvel. If you’re hungry, there’s an on-site restaurant too.

Address: 1239 Milbrodale Road, Broke

Whispering Brook

Best for: Flavour-packed wine.

Follow an unassuming laneway to Whispering Brook , a stellar vineyard serving up highly acclaimed wines and one knock-out chardonnay. They prune their vines by hand, cutting back bunches of grapes so plants are free to plump up their blossoming fruit, resulting in amazing quality and flavour. There’s accommodation on site if your indulgences know no limits.

Address: Rodd Street, Broke

Margan Restaurant & Winery

Best for: Sustainable dining.

Placing a strong emphasis on sustainability is Margan Restaurant & Winery , a sprawling kitchen garden and orchard producing up to 90 per cent of the fruit and veg that feature on its menu.

an aerial view of Margan Wines and Restaurant, Broke in the Hunter Valley
Scenic views make the perfect backdrop at Margan Restaurant & Winery. (Image: Destination NSW)

They also raise free-range chicken and their own lambs, have beehives for fresh, unfiltered honey and an olive grove and they make their own wine. Anything they don’t produce on-site, they source locally.

food and wine served at Margan Wines and Restaurant, Broke in the Hunter Valley
Swing by for a long lunch on the patio with views of the Brokenback mountain range. (Image: Destination NSW)

Address: 1238 Milbrodale Road, Broke

Greenway Wines

Best for: Chocolate and cheese pairings.

You won’t miss the red barn in Broke, otherwise known as Greenway Wines , a small-batch winery and the only place you can devour its creations.

friends exploring Greenway Wines in Wollombi Road, Broke
Stroll along lush gardens fronting Greenway Wines.

Pair their excellent drops with the ultimate indulgence and book a chocolate and cheese-paired wine tasting, one of the best chocolate and cheese experiences in the Hunter Valley, before snapping a non-negotiable selfie in front of the fantastic red façade.

Address: 350 Wollombi Road, Broke

Accommodation tips

Nightingale Wines’ Luxury Villas  feature private spa baths while the guesthouse at Whispering Brook  includes a winery and olive grove tour of the grounds.

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 Thredbo hiking experiences you can only have in summer

    Kassia ByrnesBy Kassia Byrnes
    Continue
    Thredbo in summer is a nature lover’s dream of show-stopping alpine beauty, cool mountain air and magical moonlit adventure.

    For many of us, Thredbo calls to mind shimmering slopes and snow-dusted gums, but come summer, this Alpine resort transforms into a playground of an entirely different kind. A cool mountain retreat despite the season, Thredbo summer hikes are astonishingly beautiful, criss-crossing over dramatic peaks, pristine glacial lakes and abundant flora and fauna.

    From approachable tracks for novice walkers to more challenging hikes across the Main Range and even journeys under moonlight, Thredbo puts on an unforgettable show of natural splendour all summer. Lace up your walking boots and take the chairlift from Thredbo village to embark on a self-guided exploration or a tour of the Snowy Mountains’ most compelling landscapes.

    These eight unforgettable hiking experiences are only available in summer and offer an alpine adventure like you’ve never experienced before.

    1. Full Moon Hike to Mt Kosciuszko

    Full Moon Hike to Mt Kosciuszko
    Stand atop Mt Kosciuszko at full moon.

    There’s something almost mystical about hiking by the light of a full moon. This guided experience begins with a 15-minute chairlift ride, where you’ll admire the Thredbo Valley below, bathed in the fading sun.

    Once at the top, you’ll pass rivers, alpine lakes and spot nocturnal wildlife on your way to the Kosciuszko Lookout and Lake Cootapatamba. By the time you reach the summit, sunset is well underway as you watch day give way to night and the alpine landscape magically illuminated by the lunar glow. Enjoy a hot chocolate here before following the path back to Eagles Nest, brightened by the night sky.

    This 13-kilometre hike will take place on 3 January, 2 February, and 2 April in 2026.

    2. Super Full Moon Hike

    Super Full Moon Hike in thredbo
    Take in the might of a super full moon.

    The only thing that could level up the celestial beauty of a full moon hike would be a super full moon hike . Following the same route, you’ll meet the moon when it is largest and closest to Earth by ascending to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko at an elevation of 2228 metres. From such a height, it almost feels as though you could reach out and touch its glowing surface.

    Given the rarity and splendour of the super full moon, limited spots fill up fast for this awe-inspiring hike, so be sure to book the 5 December in advance.

    3. Lunar Eclipse Hike

    Thredbo Lunar Eclipse Hike
    See dazzling celestial displays.

    What could be more extraordinary than witnessing a lunar eclipse from Australia’s highest peak? Whether you’re a keen astronomer or simply revel in nature’s beauty, this guided 13-kilometre hike will place you on top of Mount Kosciuszko just as Earth passes between the sun and moon, throwing shade over the lunar surface before transforming it with a deep-red hue.

    It’s an epic place to witness one of our galaxy’s most spectacular and rare light shows. Apart from the dazzling celestial display, you’ll also enjoy walking through the moon-bathed landscape, an evening chairlift ride, and a hot chocolate at the summit.

    Book now for 3 March.

    4. New Moon Hike

    New Moon Hike Mt Kosciuszko
    Catch the changing skies of a new moon.

    A stargazer’s delight, the darkness of a new moon gives the Milky Way full permission to dazzle with its shimmering display. Both astronomers and photographers will relish this opportunity to observe and capture the starry skyscape from the lofty height of Australia’s highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko. Departing Thredbo Village at dusk and leaving its twinkling lights far below, you’ll arrive at the summit in time to see the sun slip away and the stars appear.

    Catch this hike during the new moon lunar phase on 20 December, 19 January, 17 February, 19 March or 17 April.

    5. Thredbo River Track

    Thredbo River Track
    Take yourself along the Thredbo River Track.

    Embark on a gentle entry into the Snowy Mountain scenery with an amble along the Thredbo River. This self-guided hike hugs the river and wanders along the valley floor, revealing snow gum forests, swimming holes and little waterfalls that make for revitalising cold plunges in the summer heat.

    6. Merritts Nature Track

    Merritts Nature Track thredbo summer hikes
    Stop at swimming holes along the way.

    On warm summer days, venturing into the cooler air of Thredbo’s alpine tracks offers relief from the heat. Particularly if you set course for the four-kilometre Merritts Nature Track , where there are opportunities to take a refreshing dip in swimming holes along the way.

    The two-to-three-hour self-guided hike meanders through towering ancient trees (dubbed the ‘Pixie Forest’ by locals), takes in stunning mountain vistas and is soundtracked by the melody of birdsong. Stop for a picnic and discover a hidden natural infinity pool, the location of which is given away by the roar of a cascading waterfall.

    7. Mt Kosciuszko Summit Tour

    Follow a guide along Mt Kosciuszko's summit.
    Follow a guide along Mt Kosciuszko’s summit.

    While you can easily steer yourself to Australia’s most iconic peak without a guide, following an expert guide to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko will colour your experience with a deeper knowledge of the landscape and its wild inhabitants. The 13-kilometre return trail puts the alpine scenery on display with 360-degree views from the highest spot in the country.

    The walk begins at the top of the Kosciuszko Chairlift and takes around four to six hours to complete, but is gentle enough to be embarked upon by all ages.

    8. Snowies Alpine Walk Experience

    Snowies Alpine Walk Experience
    Join a two- or three-day experience along Snowies Alpine Walk.

    If you’re looking to truly untether from daily life and embark on a real immersion in Thredbo’s stunning alpine scenery, pack your hiking boots for the newest multi-day walk in the mountains. The Snowies Alpine Walk can be tackled over two or three days and includes nightly accommodation in the iconic Thredbo Alpine Hotel, daily buffet breakfast, packed lunch and dinner vouchers, plus daily transfers to and from trail heads in a brand-new Defender.

    The two-day experience covers 24 kilometres, while the three-day experience almost doubles that at 44 kilometres. Along the way, explore barely trod landscapes, vast high-country plains and uplifting mountain horizons.

    Discover the full offering of summer hikes in Thredbo at thredbo.com.au.