At more than 20,000 square kilometres, the Hunter Valley is, safe to say, huge. In that space, there’s more than 150 vineyards, botanic gardens, boutique accommodations, farms and artisan shops that have put this region in New South Wales firmly on the weekend getaway map.
But, being that large, it’s impossible to see it all in a weekend.
We’ve been to the Hunter Valley more times than we can count now, and have stayed in a handful of places in different parts of the region. To help you figure out where to stay next time you go, we’ve narrowed it down to four areas to stay in: Pokolbin, Broke, Lovedale and Cessnock. Here’s what each can offer.
Pokolbin
Where is it? 174km from Sydney or 65km from Newcastle
Wineries in the area: Hanging Tree, Audrey Wilkinson, Piggs Peake, Tamburlaine Organic Wines, Tulloch Wines, Pepper Tree Wines
Gentle rolling hills lined with grape vines set the scene here. And on a sunny day, it’s easy to get lost in a Tuscan day dream in Pokolbin. But, alas, you’re only a few hours from Sydney.
The unofficial centre of the Hunter Valley, Pokolbin is where many trips to state’s premier wine region take place, whether on a tour of a DIY adventure. But, aside from the dozens of vineyards here, Pokolbin is home to the Hunter Valley Gardens, distilleries and hot air balloon rides.
Many of the larger and more touristy vineyards can be found in this area, so don’t be surprised to see bus tours rolling in during your tastings here. If that’s not your vibe, there are still plenty of boutique vineyards or smaller, family run estates that don’t cater to larger crowds. So, yes, quiet cellar doors are still available here. You just might need to dig a little deeper to find them.
Here, you’ll find many of the region’s larger resorts, too. So if you’re wanting to turn a Hunter Valley weekend into more of a getaway with pools, spas, restaurants and even golf courses all at your accommodation, you’ll want to look at Pokolbin stays.
Some of our favourite Hunter Valley wineries can be found in this area.
Consider staying at these Pokolbin accommodations
- Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort (Agoda | Booking.com): A sprawling resort with various room types, a pool and a golf course.
- Hunter Valley Resort (Agoda | Booking.com): Ideal for family stays, the Hunter Valley Resort features horseriding, pools, tennis courts and a sprawling vineyard.
- Chateau Elan at The Vintage (Agoda | Booking.com): With plenty of European flair, this resort is a relaxing retreat complete with a spa and golf course.
✅ We’ve stayed at Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort and Talits Estate.
Things to do in Pokolbin
- Taste wine at the many cellar doors
- Stroll through the Hunter Valley Gardens
- View the vineyards from above aboard a hot air balloon ride
- Sample chocolates at the Hunter Valley Chocolate Company or cheese at Hunter Valley Smelly Cheese
- Learn something new with a class at the Hunter Valley Wine School
Broke
Where is it? 167km from Sydney or 82km from Newcastle
Wineries in the area: Krinklewood Biodynamic Vineyard, Running Horse Wines, Talits Estate, Whispering Brook, Winmark Wines
If you want something a little bit off the wine trail, consider heading to Broke. If coming from Sydney, you’ll turn off the M1 sooner and have plenty of countryside views along the way. From Newcastle, it is a few minutes further, but it’s a lot more rural in feel.
Less tourist-centric than nearby Pokolbin, Broke is home to sculpture parks, a national park and even alpaca farms… along with wineries! It you want more of a farm-like feel to your getaway, this is where to go.
For bushwalks between walks, consider heading into the world Heritage-listed Yengo National Park where you’ll find Aboriginal cultural sites and rock engravings.
Consider staying at these Broke accommodations
- Nightingale Villas (Agoda | Booking.com): Simple villas on a scenic vineyard and within walking distance to a few others.
- Talits Estate (Agoda | Booking.com): A luxe, Mediterranean-inspired private accommodation that’s great for groups with a nice-sized pool.
- Starline Alpacas (Agoda | Booking.com): If you like alpacas (and let’s face it, who doesn’t), then this is the stay for you. It’s accommodation on an alpaca farm within easy reach of wineries.
✅ We’ve stayed at Nightengale Vilas and Talits Estate.
Things to do in Broke
- Get up close to friendly alpacas
- Go for a bushwalk in Yengo National Park to find indigenous engravings
- Stay in a cosy, self-catered accommodation
- Check out the works of art at the Winmark Sculpture Park (at Winmark wines)
- Sample organic and biodynamic wines
Lovedale
Where is it? 183km from Sydney or 53km from Newcastle
Wineries in the area: Gartelmann Wines, Lucy’s Run, St. Clair Wines, Stomp! Wines, Tatler Wines, Wandin Family Estate
Home to the Lovedale Long Lunch (which we highly recommend!), this area’s got family-run wineries, great food and cosy cottages. It’s somewhere got the best of both words, when comparing it to Broke and Pokolbin.
A few of the wineries around here also feature restaurants, making it a great place for those looking to pair the Hunter Valley’s fine wines with the best of the region’s local produce.
Many of the accommodations in this area are cottages, homes and small hotels right on the vineyards. So if you want to wake up amongst the vines, check them out.
Consider staying at these Lovedale accommodations
- Adina Vineyard (Agoda | Booking.com)
- Emma’s Cottage Vineyard (Agoda | Booking.com)
- Lovedale Cottages (Agoda | Booking.com)
Things to do in Lovedale
- Winery hop during the Lovedale Long Lunch
- Book a stay at a luxury home right on a vineyard
- Indulge in delicious local eats at one of the area’s many restaurants
Cessnock
Where is it? 160km from Sydney or 50km from Newcastle
Wineries in the area: None in Cessnock itself, but the closest are just 5km away.
The largest town in the Hunter Valley brings with it plenty of amenities, like grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants and shops, without being far from the area’s wineries.
While there aren’t any vineyards within the city limits, a Cessnock stay will have you as little as five kilometres from the likes of Mount View, Nulkaba and Pokolbin.
If you’re on a budget, this is likely going to be your best bet. In Cessnock, you’ll be able to find affordable motels, budget hotels and pub stays. There’s even hostels, if you’re really tight on cash (or just want to save it for the wine).
Consider staying at these Cessnock accommodations
- Wine Country Motor Inn (Agoda | Booking.com): Right in the centre of town, you can walk to the town’s main shops from this motel.
- Vine Valley Inn (Agoda | Booking.com): If you’re a fan of colourful, funky stays, check out this eclectic Cessnock stay.
- Hotel Cessnock (Agoda | Booking.com): One of the most affordable options, this pub stay has rooms for less than $100 per night.
Things to do in Cessnock
- Get your shopping done
- Join a winery tour to further-out destinations in the Hunter Valley
- Check out the local arts and culture scene at the Marthaville Arts and Cultural Centre
When were we last in the Hunter Valley?
We last visited the Hunter Valley for an overnight stay in January 2024. Over the years, we’ve visited the region many times for both day visits and overnight stays. When we’ve stayed overnight, we’ve chosen accommodation in either Pokolbin or Broke.
