Travel guide Hunter Valley & Barrington

Cypress Lakes Resort Cnr McDonald & Thompsons Roads Pokolbin Hunter Valley NSW This self-contained apartment is within the Cypress Lakes resort, but has a feeling of privacy and solitude, thanks to the elevated outlook and the leafy surrounds. Overall rating?      Excellent What makes Villa Merlot different? It is wonderful to be so close to all the facilities that a world-class resort offers, and yet feel separate and private. The upstairs location, coupled with the beautifully tended grounds and bushy outlook, means that you feel quite apart from the bustle of the resort – yet with access all the facilities you could want. Accommodation overview Villa Merlot has one spacious bedroom with a king-size bed and fine quality linen.  There is a d... Read more

81 Kia-Ora Hill Road Bowman Farm Gloucester NSW This lovely rural property is set high on a hill with spectacular views and is a home away from home with everything you need for a weekend or week away … relax with the abundant birdlife, kangaroos and get back in touch with nature – and yourself. Overall rating? Excellent What makes Dam It Getaway different? Its location in the Barrington Tops region means that everywhere you look there is another glorious view, and the property offers comfort, seclusion and serenity. The house is self-contained and milk, tea and coffee are supplied and the owners are happy to do a shop to set you up, if you arrange with them before arrival.  They also provide lovely hampers and picnics by arrangement. Accommodation overview T... Read more

Those who live in Sydney and surrounds are absolutely spoiled for choice when it comes to taking short breaks… there is an astonishing array of glorious beaches spreading north and south and the spectacular and majestic scenery of the Blue Mountains just to the west.  However, relatively few have discovered the rural gem that is Gloucester and the World Heritage-listed Barrington Tops – and this remnant of our timber cutting and dairy history is only a few hours away by car. Take the efficient (but dull!) F3 to the Pacific Highway, turn off onto the bumpy (and anything but dull!) Bucketts Way north of Raymond Terrace, and you will quickly feel that you have found a pocket of Australia thought long gone. Bucketts Way winds through towns with names reminiscent of the old ... Read more

8 Cook Street Gloucester  NSW Quality accommodation in a beautiful setting on the banks of the Gloucester River Overall rating?        Outstanding        What makes Gloucester Art House different? This is a fantastic house in a bushland setting that abounds with birdlife.  The Gloucester River runs through the bottom of the property, giving you all the ambience of being deep in the country, yet within a short walk to town. The art works displayed throughout the house give it a magical feeling and everything is supplied to ensure you have a great stay. Accommodation overview There are two bedrooms with queen-size beds, the main has an ensuite, there is a double bed on the landing on the way up to the art s... Read more

Belltrees Gundy Road, Scone New South Wales Space, space and more space – welcome to the country. Belltrees has been owned by the White family for 7 generations and is still run as a working farm.  It is one of Australia’s most famous rural properties and has a number of self-contained cottages that were originally used by farm workers and managers.  The reviewer was married on the property in 2001 and also enjoyed her honeymoon there, so returning for a family break with friends was a nostalgic trip. Overall rating?  Great What makes Belltrees different? Being a working farm means that this is much more than just a place to stay – it is an experience that allows kids to run around, swim in the river and see why farmers are still the backbone o... Read more

The Country House at Brunkerville Gills Road, Brunkerville, Hunter Valley New South Wales A country retreat with style. The Country House has a special feel about it… as you drive up to the property you have a sense of being welcomed to this spacious home set in classic Australian country at the southern end of the Cessnock Shire.  The house is 30 minutes to the vineyards, which is close enough to visit, but far enough to feel that you can enjoy the country ambience without the grapes! Overall rating?  Outstanding What makes the Country House different? I was travelling with 4 four friends and the house was ideal for that, but would equally suit the family as an ideal break away from the everyday.  The property is in a lovely private location and has a won... Read more

The Food and Wine of New South Wales Australia’s first vines Since the first grapevine was planted on the edge of Sydney Harbour in 1788, the New South Wales wine industry has flourished. Today, New South Wales produces world-famous Hunter Semillons, rich ripe reds from Mudgee, delicate cool-climate wines from Australia’s highest vineyards and sweet botrytis-affected wines that are amongst the best in the world. The diversity of climate and terrain in New South Wales has encouraged new and exciting wine regions to emerge alongside established ones such as the Hunter Valley, Orange and Mudgee. The spectacular growth of new wine regions is only matched by the enthusiasm of winemakers across the State who are experimenting with lesser known varieties such as Chambourcin, Gewur... Read more

Lovers of good Australian wine know that the Hunter Valley’s semillon is amongst the best in the world. The Hunter is the oldest continuously planted wine region in Australia. Fine wines are matched here by a determination to supply the freshest and best produce. So it’s not just great wine at the cellar door in the Hunter – visitors can  taste olives, cheeses, sourdough and other delicacies, all locally grown.   Fine golf courses – the Vintage Golf Resort was designed by Greg Norman – stylish spa retreats, outdoor pursuits such as hot air ballooning and 4WD tours into World Heritage Barrington Tops National Park make the Hunter Valley a perfect place to relax and enjoy.  Boutique accommodation is a speciality here with funky, designer guest... Read more

The Upper Hunter Valley and Barrington Tops region offers much in the way of both horses and wine appreciation. With over 70 fine horse studs breeding winners for major horse races across the globe. Kia Ora, founded in 1912 is the birthplace of seven Melbourne Cup winners.  All year round horse events are featured in the area with all disciplines being represented including polo, polocrosse, camp drafting, rodeos etc. These are brought together during the Horse Festival which runs for 16 days during May starting with a parade and ending with the Scone Emerites Cup which is the richest regional horse racing event in Australia. Tours of both Horse Studs and vineyards can be arranged. Wine tasting is available at the many surrounding vineyards including Rosemoun... Read more

Singleton – A Tidy Town Singleton, discovered in the 1820’s, prides itself on the rich heritage and natural country splendour that is ever present. The township is the centre of an area of strong farming, mining and military operations, and is dotted with preserved buildings and historic museums that provide a unique insight into life in Singleton at the beginning of the 19th century. Singleton can boast of being the actual geographic heart of the Hunter Valley. The town centre comprises numerous businesses, convenience stores and country pubs. Singleton’s central location on the New England Highway makes access easy and convenient and hence the town becomes a popular overnight stopover for travellers from inland New South Wales. However, if you wish to explore beyon... Read more