I say ‘Hunter Valley’ and you say ‘wine’! But there is more to this layered, historical slice of New South Wales countryside than viticulture (even though the first vineyards popped up here in the early 1800s!). 

Located just 120 kilometres north of Sydney, the area’s abundant, lush terrain and surrounding mountain range is its distinctive hallmark; but the Hunter region is actually on the fringe of the coast – at most an hour’s drive inland from Newcastle. It’s filled with florists, boutique shops, local providores and, of course, a smorgasbord of places to wine and dine. 

Let us be your guide to some of the hottest spots to visit.

DRINK

Krinklewood Estate

This winery dates back to 1981, becoming a certified organic biodynamic vineyard by 2007. Sip this unique, hyper-local drop on-site at the estate, or purchase straight from the cellar door. Krinklewood‘s rambling French provincial aesthetic is perfectly fitting against the mountainous Brokenback Range backdrop.

712 Wollombi Road, Broke

EAT

Restaurant Kawul

Owners of Restaurant Kawul, Kassidy and Scott Waters, are Wanaruah people, and have devised their breakfast, lunch and dinner menu to feature as many local and native ingredients as possible. Think salt-bush polenta chips, mushroom shepherd’s pie with wattleseed and Daintree barramundi with lemon myrtle.

Calais Estate, 151 Palmers Lane, Pokolbin

Muse Kitchen

This bistro-style restaurant focuses on simple food done extraordinarily well, using produce from local farmers and suppliers! Menu items at Muse Kitchen include a charcuterie board comprising meats from nearby Branxton, Bangalow pork cutlets and smoked potato croquettes. 

989 Hermitage Road, Pokolbin

Cocoa Nib

Artisan chocolatier Cocoa Nib is the lifelong dream of trained confectionery chef and Koko Black alum, Aymee Slaviero. Each chocolate is handmade from French couverture chocolate and hand-painted with incredible colourful designs.

Keith Tulloch Winery, 989 Hermitage Rd, Pokolbin

COFFEE

Worn Out Wares

February marked 17 years in the biz for cafe Worn Out Wares, which is run by local Louise Christensen and her three daughters. Besides a breakfast, lunch and snack menu made from locally sourced produce, the family operate their floral business Wow Flowers in the same space.

This gorgeous small business filled with love encapsulates the humble, uncomplicated vibe of the Hunter Valley!

41-43 George Street, Singleton

SHOP

Fetch

Nestled between wineries in the Peppers Creek Village beside Pokolbin, Fetch Store stocks art, homewares, furniture and design pieces by local makers and big name Australian brands. This is the kind of place you can’t help but leave with a knick knack or two… or three! 

1946 Broke Road, Pokolbin

STAY

Leaves and Fishes

Leaves and Fishes started as a restaurant in 2004, and expanded to include a stunning accommodation lodge in the following years. Housing just four couples at a time, each room is a standalone boathouse that cantilevers out over a lilypad-filled pond! The venue also boasts a beautiful rustic homewares and furniture store, with an adjacent snack nook offering coffee and cake.

Is there anything more serene than sitting on your own private deck and looking out over rippling water to the trees beyond?

737 Lovedale Rd, Lovedale

DO

Watershed Gallery

Run by locals Ron and Lyn Hammond since its opening in 2019, Watershed Gallery displays and sells art by over 30 contemporary artists.

There is also accommodation on-site, if you fancy a stay!

621 McDonalds Road, Pokolbin

Keen to gather your things and head straight to the Hunter Valley? Us too! Find out more about the Hunter Valley and the surrounding areas at winecountry.com. And for more NSW travel inspiration head to VisitNSW.com.