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.
The view out over the Brokenback Ranges surrounding Krinklewood. Photo – Nikki To for The Design Files.
Krinklewood Winery was established in 1981 and now is a certified organic biodynamic vineyard. Photo – Nikki To for The Design Files.
A cheese platter at their cellar door. Photo – Nikki To for The Design Files.
The French provincial aesthetic Krinklewood fits the gorgeous country location. Photo – Nikki To for The Design Files.
Wander the gardens at Krinklewood, which is also available as a wedding venue. Photo – Nikki To for The Design Files.
A peacock roaming among the grapes at Krinklewood. Photo – Nikki To for The Design Files.
The cellar door is closed on Tuesday and Wednesday; but open until 5pm on Friday and Saturday; and until 4pm on Sunday, Monday and Thursday. Photo – Nikki To for The Design Files.
The ivy covered barn. Photo – Nikki To for The Design Files.
A picture-perfect country estate! Photo – Nikki To for The Design Files.
Muse Kitchen is the sister restaurant of Muse Dining at Keith Tulloch Winery. Photo – Nikki To for The Design Files.
It’s a petit bistro-style restaurant serving local ingredients prepared with European techniques. Photo – Nikki To for The Design Files.
Muse Kitchen menu items include local market fish, pork cutlets from Bangalow and smoked potato croquettes. Photo – Nikki To for The Design Files.
Restaurant Kawul is owned by Kassidy and Scott Waters, who are Wanaruah people, and serves contemporary food with an emphasis on local and native ingredients. Their avocado on toast boasts pepperberry hummus and a finger lime garnish! Photo – Nikki To for The Design Files.
Restaurant Kawul is situated on the glorious wrap-around verandah at Calais Estate. Photo – Nikki To for The Design Files.
Artisan chocolatier Cocoa Nib is the lifelong dream of trained confectionery chef and Koko Black alum, Aymee Slaviero. Photo – Nikki To for The Design Files.
The Cocoa Nib shopfront is located at Keith Tulloch Winery. Photo – Nikki To for The Design Files.
Each chocolate from Cocoa Nib is handmade and painted in glorious colours. Photo – Nikki To for The Design Files.
Worn Out Wares cafe has been operating for 17 years. Photo – Nikki To for The Design Files.
The breakfast spread at Worn Out Wares is a destination throughout the region! Photo – Nikki To for The Design Files.
Owned and run by Louise Christensen and her three daughters, Worn Out Wares houses a cafe, homewares store and florist under the same roof. Photo – Nikki To for The Design Files.
The adjacent flower store at Worn Out Wares is called Wow Flowers. Photo – Nikki To for The Design Files.
A spectacular setting for a snack and a coffee. Photo – Nikki To for The Design Files.
A dark and moody detail corner of Worn Out Wares contains so much detail. Photo – Nikki To for The Design Files.
The gift and homewares store at Worn Out Wares. Photo – Nikki To for The Design Files.
Owners Sarah and Joel opened Fetch in 2014. Photo – Nikki To for The Design Files.
Fetch contains a great lineup of local designers, makers and artists as well as some favourite national brands. Photo – Nikki To for The Design Files.
The store is tucked into Peppers Creek Village beside Pokolbin. Photo – Nikki To for The Design Files.
Fetch owner, Sarah. Photo – Nikki To for The Design Files.
Such a colourful and expansive lineup of makers! Photo – Nikki To for The Design Files.
Leaves and Fishes started as a restaurant in 2004, and has now expanded to include a homewares shop and boutique accommodation. Photo – Nikki To for The Design Files.
Consisting of just four boathouses jutting out over the property’s pond, Leaves and Fishes is an incredibly intimate and secluded overnight spot. Photo – Nikki To for The Design Files.
The lilypond at Leaves and Fishes is a sight to behold from the deck of your own private boathouse. Photo – Nikki To for The Design Files.
Each boathouse is fitted with all the mod-cons to make your stay super comfortable. Photo – Nikki To for The Design Files.
The most beautiful, tranquil outlook imaginable! Photo – Nikki To for The Design Files.
The entrance to Leaves and Fishes restaurant, store and accommodation. Photo – Nikki To for The Design Files.
The store at Leaves and Fishes is a treasure trove of rustic pieces. Photo – Nikki To for The Design Files.
Gorgeous ceramic homewares for sale. Photo – Nikki To for The Design Files.
A rambling rustic aesthetic is on offer! Photo – Nikki To for The Design Files.
Watershed Gallery was opened by locals Ron and Lyn Hammond in 2019. Photo – Nikki To for The Design Files.
It features over 30 contemporary artists, whose works are available for display and sale. Photo – Nikki To for The Design Files.
The light, bright space at Watershed Gallery. Photo – Nikki To for The Design Files.
Formerly the Possum’s Retreat BnB, the site now holds Watershed Gallery and its adjacent accommodation. Photo – Nikki To for The Design Files.
The perfect afternoon activity! Photo – Nikki To for The Design Files.
The gallery is nestled in the bushy Pokolbin surrounds. Photo – Nikki To for The Design Files.
