To kick off your rural adventure, here’s a sample of farm stays that are bound to impress: Berry House, a perfect historic cottage, with a country feel that is surrounded by farm animals or you may like to book into a luxury estate experience and try Mindaribba Estate at Tocal, with its grand, high-end pastoral house, resting on the banks of the Paterson River. If it’s the perfect romantic spot you’re looking for, check out the enchanting glamping tent at Donnybrook Eco Retreat, nestled by a lovely dam where friendly alpacas and gentle, grazing Angus share the picture-perfect mountains.Â
Once you have settled in, start your day with a stop at Organic Feast Café for breakfast, the only certified organic store in the Hunter Valley, where the seasonal menu caters to every taste. Relax in the vibrant courtyard and grab some organic goodness.Â
Pair with their in-house freshly baked goods, an organic coffee or fruit smoothie, the aromas will have you sold. Try the slow sourdough, muffins and salads, all hand made from scratch. Whilst you’re there, don’t forget to stock up on some healthy road-trip snacks, with too many choices to mention, from Matcha drinks, trail mix or a sneaky organic chocolate for the day ahead. Â
Now that you’re fuelled for the day, take a scenic country drive to Dungog and visit Fosterton Retreat, nestled on 100 acres, with stunning Barrington Tops as the backdrop, this is a place to nuture in nature. Walk the ancient path on one of the four individually crafted labyrinths or stroll around the grounds and spot wallabies, koalas and local birdlife. Â
Look out for free open days and bring a picnic lunch, walk the Bellbird, lemon tree and dam trails and take a refreshing dip in the mountain river. Keep that inner peace momentum and book yourself into one of the workshops, available throughout the year, such as Stained Glass Art, Choice Theory and One Day Retreats.
Continue a short drive to Rock Frog Grange Winery in Clarencetown, offering a relaxed atmosphere on their boutique vineyard. It’s a great spot to sample local wines such as Verdelho, Chambourcin or Shiraz, all handmade and bottled on the premises. Rock Frog Grange offer free tastings, winery and vineyard tours with their friendly personal service. There is a large shady pergola area, a cosy bar and plenty of room for children to play. Â
Whilst you’re in the region, why not pop into In Our Hands at Seaham, where homesteading and permaculture sustain the famous farmgate honesty stall. Look for fresh eggs, local honey, jams, chutneys, bone broth, tea, soaps, seasonal ferments and other homewares. All items are produced following the principles of sustainable practices and made on-site and by local craftspeople. Â
After a busy day, treat yourself to a special dinner and visit award winning Boydell’s Restaurant and Cellar Door in Morpeth. The only challenge is what to choose from the locally sourced, seasonal produce menu, set in a warm and rustic character filled slab hut building. The newly renovated courtyard is the perfect spot to marvel at stars, sprinkled across the vast skies.Â
After a restful night, we recommend fuelling up for a day on the road at Heritage Gardens Cafe. Located within the beautiful Flower Power nursery, you can enjoy breakfast surrounded by lush greenery and flowers. Nestled within acres of curated greenery, the café is the heartbeat of the nursery. Grab a seat on the veranda, there’s nothing quite like watching the morning mist lift off the garden beds while you tuck into a plate of farm-fresh eggs and sourdough.  Â
A little way down the road, meet farm animals, like cheeky baby goats and feed the Alpacas. Situated in Butterwick is Gumnut Valley Alpacas, a boutique farm offering a range of fun, interactive activities with alpacas, goats, donkeys and chickens. Why not book a Workshop, Farm Feeding Tour, Paint & Sip with Alpacas plus Open Days throughout the year.  With so many options and experiences to choose from, it’s hard to know which one to try first. Â
A short trip will see you wandering around Tocal Agricultural College, set on 2200 hectares in the Paterson Valley. Take a guided farm tour and explore one of Australia’s oldest colonial working farms, where you’ll see production of food, Black Angus cattle, dairy Holstein-Fresian cows, Australian Stock Horse stud, fat lambs and a flock of Dohne sheep, so very contented, roaming the fields. Following the tour, enjoy lunch in the College Dining Hall which consists of a baked dinner, dessert, tea and coffee.Â
Before returning to the hustle bustle of everyday life, slow down and reconnect with nature at Tranquil Vale Vineyard and Cellar Door, where your immersive experience bridges the gap between wine in your glass and the soil it grew from. Savour the award-winning Hunter Valley wines, served with house made sourdough. The 2024 ‘Luskintyre Pink’ sounds delicious or perhaps your palate prefers a Semillon or Shiraz. Â
Take a stroll with resident viticulturist and see how ‘small batch’ looks during harvest. The spectacular views will enhance your escape, while you listen to the hosts’ captivating stories.Â
The journey isn’t just about where you go – it’s about how you feel when you get there.Â
The magic of reconnecting with nature, slowing down and nourishing your soul, is truly something special.Â