Maz’s guidebook
Places of Interest
Soak up nature at its most stunning in the Hunter Valley Gardens. Enjoy the shopping village selling a unique collection of bespoke shops offering everything from delicious meals, lunchtime treats, coffee and wine to stunning glassware, jewellery and unique clothing.
The gardens are open 7 days a week from 9 am - 5 pm.
247 locals recommend
Hunter Valley Gardens
2090 Broke RdSoak up nature at its most stunning in the Hunter Valley Gardens. Enjoy the shopping village selling a unique collection of bespoke shops offering everything from delicious meals, lunchtime treats, coffee and wine to stunning glassware, jewellery and unique clothing.
The gardens are open 7 days a week from 9 am - 5 pm.
A fabulous small contained zoo with Lions, Cheetahs, Alligators, Australian native mammals, Birds and more. Definitely worth a visit and the kids can feed the camels too.
100 locals recommend
Hunter Valley Zoo
138 Lomas LnA fabulous small contained zoo with Lions, Cheetahs, Alligators, Australian native mammals, Birds and more. Definitely worth a visit and the kids can feed the camels too.
All types of cheeses for sale in their shop plus olives, crackers and boards for sale
34 locals recommend
Hunter Valley Smelly Cheese Shop
2188 Broke RdAll types of cheeses for sale in their shop plus olives, crackers and boards for sale
Newcastle is a harbour city and is only 50 minute drive to its plentiful beaches which are linked by the Bathers Way, a coastal walk stretching between Nobbys Beach and Merewether Beach. The Lighthouse at Nobbys Beach has spectacular views of the ocean.
There are also lots of new restaurants, bars and cafes in this new cosmopolitan city, definitely worth a visit if your thinking of staying with us for a few days.
31 locals recommend
Newcastle
Newcastle is a harbour city and is only 50 minute drive to its plentiful beaches which are linked by the Bathers Way, a coastal walk stretching between Nobbys Beach and Merewether Beach. The Lighthouse at Nobbys Beach has spectacular views of the ocean.
There are also lots of new restaurants, bars and cafes in this new cosmopolitan city, definitely worth a visit if your thinking of staying with us for a few days.
Sightseeing
What a wonderful way to view the Vineyards. You must book prior to arrival if you want to fly. Don't forget to bring a jacket or hoodie it can get quite cool up there.
30 locals recommend
Balloon Aloft
26 Lodge RdWhat a wonderful way to view the Vineyards. You must book prior to arrival if you want to fly. Don't forget to bring a jacket or hoodie it can get quite cool up there.
This is brilliant if you want to do a trek through the Vineyards, you may see a few Kangaroos on the way.
21 locals recommend
Hunter Valley Horse Riding & Adventures
288 Talga RdThis is brilliant if you want to do a trek through the Vineyards, you may see a few Kangaroos on the way.
Enjoy something a bit different by taking a Segway through the Vineyards, this has to be fun!
9 locals recommend
Adventure Centre Hunter Valley~ Segway Tours, Horseriding, Electric Bike Hire
917 Hermitage RoadEnjoy something a bit different by taking a Segway through the Vineyards, this has to be fun!
Experience the beautiful Hunter Valley in style as you roar around the three wine regions in 60 minutes aboard a custom made trike. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the valley as you see it from a unique view point. Stand out from the crowd and enjoy the personal service that comes with this fun tour.
5 star reviews, book on line in advance
Hunter Trikes
332 Lovedale RoadExperience the beautiful Hunter Valley in style as you roar around the three wine regions in 60 minutes aboard a custom made trike. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the valley as you see it from a unique view point. Stand out from the crowd and enjoy the personal service that comes with this fun tour.
5 star reviews, book on line in advance
Food scene
The Deck Cafe Restaurant & Bar on Lovedale Road is the perfect place for a Breakfast, Lunch, Tapas or Coffee and Cake.
Mediterranean cuisine and seafood dishes served in a breezy dining room or on the deck with views of the lake and the bush.
The food is amazing, one of our favourite places. We recommend the pancakes for breakfast or the tapas for lunch or early dinner.
Open times: 8.00 am - 2.30 pm the 5.30 - 7.30 pm
hours may differ.
Phone and book to make your reservation.
Ph: 02 4930 9007
41 locals recommend
The Deck Cafe Lovedale
701 Lovedale RdThe Deck Cafe Restaurant & Bar on Lovedale Road is the perfect place for a Breakfast, Lunch, Tapas or Coffee and Cake.
Mediterranean cuisine and seafood dishes served in a breezy dining room or on the deck with views of the lake and the bush.
The food is amazing, one of our favourite places. We recommend the pancakes for breakfast or the tapas for lunch or early dinner.
Open times: 8.00 am - 2.30 pm the 5.30 - 7.30 pm
hours may differ.
Phone and book to make your reservation.
Ph: 02 4930 9007
Enzo's is set in a Tuscan inspired village, among eclectic sandstone buildings in the of the Hunter Valley. A rustic dining spot with a courtyard, coffee and Italian dishes cooked with locally sourced Produce. Wine tasting is also available.
Open 7 days, Breakfast & Lunch 8.00 am - 4.00 pm
Booking on line highly recommended.
58 locals recommend
Cafe Enzo
Ekerts RoadEnzo's is set in a Tuscan inspired village, among eclectic sandstone buildings in the of the Hunter Valley. A rustic dining spot with a courtyard, coffee and Italian dishes cooked with locally sourced Produce. Wine tasting is also available.
Open 7 days, Breakfast & Lunch 8.00 am - 4.00 pm
Booking on line highly recommended.
Awesome place for Gourmet Pizza which is made in-house. They offer a Chef's selection of three pizza specials, changing daily. The menu also provides a Mediterranean style with share plates heavily influenced by Italian and Greek cuisine. For entree the Arancini balls are the best!
Attached to the restaurant is Ben Ean Cellar Door known as Lindemans for a little wine tasting before your meal.
Bookings recommended to prevent disappointment.
Ph: 02 4993 3700
13 locals recommend
Baumé Restaurant
119 McDonalds RdAwesome place for Gourmet Pizza which is made in-house. They offer a Chef's selection of three pizza specials, changing daily. The menu also provides a Mediterranean style with share plates heavily influenced by Italian and Greek cuisine. For entree the Arancini balls are the best!
Attached to the restaurant is Ben Ean Cellar Door known as Lindemans for a little wine tasting before your meal.
Bookings recommended to prevent disappointment.
Ph: 02 4993 3700
Oishii is situated at the Roche Estate. This place is a must if you like Thai or Japanese food. The food is fantastic and the service excellent also serves Gluten free food. No waiting too long between courses.
Booking is essential as they are always busy.
Open 7 days for Lunch or dinner.
Ph: 02 4998 7051
26 locals recommend
Oishii Japanese and Thai Restaurant
2144 Broke RdOishii is situated at the Roche Estate. This place is a must if you like Thai or Japanese food. The food is fantastic and the service excellent also serves Gluten free food. No waiting too long between courses.
Booking is essential as they are always busy.
Open 7 days for Lunch or dinner.
Ph: 02 4998 7051
If you like Italian food and ambiance, this place is for you. Excellent northern Italian cuisine. Must book prior to going as it gets very busy.
10 locals recommend
Il Cacciatore Restaurant
609 McDonalds RdIf you like Italian food and ambiance, this place is for you. Excellent northern Italian cuisine. Must book prior to going as it gets very busy.
The desserts are amazing to try or you can purchase a cake or two from their shop. Worth a visit.
45 locals recommend
Sabor Dessert Bar
2342 Broke RoadThe desserts are amazing to try or you can purchase a cake or two from their shop. Worth a visit.
Muse Restaurant
2450 Broke RdBeautiful food, fine dining
An Irish pub. Good atmosphere and stays open until late. Typical Australian pub food. Very good and plenty of seating indoors and outdoors.
46 locals recommend
Harrigans Irish Pub
2090 Broke RdAn Irish pub. Good atmosphere and stays open until late. Typical Australian pub food. Very good and plenty of seating indoors and outdoors.
This pub is 5 mins from our home. Great pub food and a place for families with children as there is a fantastic play area indoors for the kids. They also offer a shuttle bus service to and from our home if you want a few more cheeky drinks.
8 locals recommend
Huntlee Tavern
3 Empire StThis pub is 5 mins from our home. Great pub food and a place for families with children as there is a fantastic play area indoors for the kids. They also offer a shuttle bus service to and from our home if you want a few more cheeky drinks.
If you like fine dining with a special type of ambiance
19 locals recommend
Circa 1876 restaurant The Convent Hunter Valley
64 Halls RdIf you like fine dining with a special type of ambiance
Excellent food, famous for their steak. Always busy so book prior to arriving. Phone 02 4998 7550
Opening times lunch 12.00 til 3.00 and dinner 5.00 til 9.00
Also there is a courtesy bus which will pick up and drop off guests who are within a 10 minute radius of the Inn but you must book when making your table reservation.
8 locals recommend
Blaxland Inn
2198 Broke RdExcellent food, famous for their steak. Always busy so book prior to arriving. Phone 02 4998 7550
Opening times lunch 12.00 til 3.00 and dinner 5.00 til 9.00
Also there is a courtesy bus which will pick up and drop off guests who are within a 10 minute radius of the Inn but you must book when making your table reservation.
Goldfish Bar & Kitchen is a cocktail bar and restaurant situated on Roche Estate, Broke Rd, Pokolbin.
Good food and buzzy atmosphere with its dark timbers, low hanging lamps.
Booking highly recommended.
Opening times: 11.30 am - 10.30 pm
Ph: 02 4998 7671
39 locals recommend
Goldfish Hunter Valley Restaurant
2144 Broke RdGoldfish Bar & Kitchen is a cocktail bar and restaurant situated on Roche Estate, Broke Rd, Pokolbin.
Good food and buzzy atmosphere with its dark timbers, low hanging lamps.
Booking highly recommended.
Opening times: 11.30 am - 10.30 pm
Ph: 02 4998 7671
Winery and Cellar Doors
Hope Estate
2213 Broke RdGood for concerts and events. Check it out to see if there is a venue on the horizon. Also there is plenty of wine tasting going on and two good restaurants.
16 locals recommend
Roche Estate
McDonalds RoadGood for concerts and events. Check it out to see if there is a venue on the horizon. Also there is plenty of wine tasting going on and two good restaurants.
Wine tasting plus their winery restaurant Esca. They also do awesome Wood fired Pizzas on the terrace.
33 locals recommend
Bimbadgen Winery
790 McDonalds RdWine tasting plus their winery restaurant Esca. They also do awesome Wood fired Pizzas on the terrace.
Here you can have a wine tasting and food, ideal for a lunch time retreat. Highly recommend.
31 locals recommend
Brokenwood Wines
401-427 McDonalds RdHere you can have a wine tasting and food, ideal for a lunch time retreat. Highly recommend.
If you like food, champagne and chocolate, this is the place to visit. Besides drinking sparkling white and blush wine why not try their sparkling Shiraz or Merlot. Delicious served ice cold. There is also the Chocolate house to buy your favourite type of chocolate.
40 locals recommend
Peterson House
2457 Broke RdIf you like food, champagne and chocolate, this is the place to visit. Besides drinking sparkling white and blush wine why not try their sparkling Shiraz or Merlot. Delicious served ice cold. There is also the Chocolate house to buy your favourite type of chocolate.
Wine tasting at its best with a small chessboard to compliment the wine. Their wine is highly recommended.
Book your wine tasting on 02 4998 7293
6 locals recommend
First Creek Wines
600 McDonalds RdWine tasting at its best with a small chessboard to compliment the wine. Their wine is highly recommended.
Book your wine tasting on 02 4998 7293
Vamp it up. Go on a guided wine adventure and taste your way through the Lisa McGuigan wines collection approx 45 minutes.
VIP room for 10+ groups, approx 60 minutes.
Bookings recommended to secure your seat.
Book on line
9 locals recommend
Vamp by Lisa McGuigan
2198 Broke RdVamp it up. Go on a guided wine adventure and taste your way through the Lisa McGuigan wines collection approx 45 minutes.
VIP room for 10+ groups, approx 60 minutes.
Bookings recommended to secure your seat.
Book on line
City advice
Getting around
Taxi
Wine Country Taxis (02) 49901111