Visit Wollombi Valley and what to do on your stay in the Hunter Valley

If you're planning a trip to Laguna, Wollombi Valley NSW, get ready for a nature stay surrounded by National Parks and State Forests. Feel hidden away on your getaway and explore this tiny hamlet and what it offers. 

Laguna and Wollombi are small towns in the Hunter Region of New South Wales, Australia. They are only 90 minutes from Sydney and Newcastle and under one hour from the Central Coast along Tourist Drive 33.

Your host, Daniela Riccio of Little Valley Farm Alpaca farm in Laguna, will give you the insider scoop on what's happening and what to do when visiting this charming hamlet. 

Firstly, book your accommodation directly with your host and avoid overseas booking platforms. Think of it as keeping it all local, helping the circular economy and grabbing a better deal for yourself.

Little Valley Farm BEST UNIQUE STAY Finalist 2023 by Airbb

Check out the 1950s Glamping Rustic Train Carriage overlooking the alpaca paddocks, or go for the beautifully built Shearer's Studio with this own wood-fired Finnish Dry Sauna for something unique. 

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Here's a basic itinerary to help you make the most of your trip:

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

Morning/Afternoon: Arrival

• Arrive in Laguna and enjoy brunch or a tipple at the Trading Post Laguna. This charming pub, cafe and restaurant should always be your first stop in Laguna, plus a little retail splurge thanks to the Laguna Luxe lifestyle.

Afternoon: Explore Local Attractions

Explore the historic town of Wollombi Village, known for its heritage buildings and art galleries. Grab an ice cream from the Wollombi General Store and enjoy walking around the tiny hamlet.

Take a casual nature walk around the Wollombi Brook, and enter Negro Road just past the Tennis Club House. 

Wine Tasting at Noyce Brothers Wine and a quick coffee top-up at Wollombi Kitchen Next Door cafe or lunch at Myrle and Stone or Wollombi Tavern.

Evening: Dinner

• Have dinner at a local restaurant or pub. Wollombi Tavern is a popular choice on beautiful evenings with its casual outdoor courtyard or go for something special up the road at Wollombi Kitchen and be spoilt for culinary delights thanks to Chef Rhomney. 

Day 2: Nature and Adventure

Morning: Breakfast and Wineries

• Start your day with breakfast at the local cafe, Myrtle and Stone, perched up on the hill in Wollombi Village. 

• Visit nearby wineries like Stonehurst Cedar Creek or Undercliff Winery for wine tasting.

  Afternoon: Outdoor Activities

• Head to Yengo National Park for hiking or bushwalking. The Finchley Cultural Walk is a great option. Make sure you have the right type of vehicle for this track of creek crossings and dirt roads. 

• Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the natural beauty of the park.

• Book a game of tennis at the Wollomb Tennis Club. 

Photo credit: The Trading Post Laguna, Wollombi Valley. 2023

Evening: Relaxation

• After your outdoor activities, relax at your accommodation or enjoy a quiet evening in the serene surroundings. 

Day 3: Art and Culture

Morning: Breakfast and Gallery Visit

• Have breakfast and explore local cafes.

• Visit local art galleries, such as the Wollombi Cultural Centre or forage for a while at The Forge, curious finds and antiques and a casual stroll down to Roadside Gallery by the old world of 1881 Wollombi School and 1849 Wollombi Cemetary. 

  Afternoon: Local Markets

• If your visit coincides with local markets, like the Wollombi Market Day, explore the unique offerings from local artisans and producers. They are usually held on long weekends; otherwise, you can head up to Pokolbin for their markets. It is a 40-minute casual drive, and do check out the Wine Loop trail when heading up there.  

  Evening: Farewell Dinner

• Have a farewell dinner at a different local restaurant or pub. Wollombi Kitchen, The Trading Post, Wollombi Tavern. 

Day 4: Departure

Morning: Leisure and Packing

• Take a leisurely morning to enjoy the surroundings or do any last-minute exploring.

• Check out of your accommodation and start your journey back home, and if you are heading back to Sydney, take a detour via Mt White and stop in at Saddles for lunch or coffee to ease getting back into the Sydney rush. 

Remember to check for any local events or festivals during your visit, as they can add a special touch to your trip. Additionally, always consider the current travel guidelines and conditions and plan accordingly.

Daniela has listed her favourite places to eat, drink, and shop in Wollombi Valley and the Hunter Valley surrounding area. 

Along the Harvest Trails this weekend with Simon Marnie

Get ready for an exciting adventure! I recently had a chat with Simon Marnie from ABC 702AM Weekend Morning about the thrilling harvest trails for you and your family this long weekend.

Discover the highlights of our conversation and embark on an unforgettable journey along the harvest trails. Listen to Simon Marnie, ABC 702AM Weekend Morning Show every Saturday. Get the listen App.

Markets 

Wollombi Valley Market Day 

Monday 2nd October, 8 am to 2 pm. 

This is where we live in the Hunter Valley and a great place for us to catch up and connect with our community. Find antiques, bric-a-brac, fresh produce, fresh bread, and activities for the kids at our community market day. Market day raises funds for our Laguna RFS and community facilities.

NEW Markets at Stanmore

Stanmore Community Markets 

Grand Opening TODAY - Saturday 20th September 2023 

Artisan and Gourmet Food + Fresh produce. 8 am to 1 pm. 

Stanmore Road, Stanmore 

https://www.facebook.com/stanmorecommunitymarkets

http://www.stanmorecommunitymarkets.com.au/

Carriageworks Farmers Market 

Every Saturday, 8 am to 1 pm

The market is a Sydney institution providing the freshest seasonal produce from the best growers and producers from around NSW. Talk to the farmer firsthand and learn the stories behind your food. Find organic and biodynamic produce, artisan breads, boutique wines, single-origin coffee, herbal teas, meat and freshly cut flowers. 245 Wilson Street, Eveleigh

Stallholder list: https://carriageworks.com.au/events/carriageworks-farmers-market

Organic Food Markets

Open-air markets are right across Sydney. 

Find Certified Organic food, artisan gourmet produce and conventional fresh fruit & veg, freshly baked bread and patisserie, seasonal produce from the farmer and other delicacies. In fact, all the goodies you love to eat are at the markets every week, rain or shine.

Newcastle - Friday & Saturday, 9 am to 3 pm

Leichhardt - Saturday, 8:00 am to 1:00 pm

Marrickville - Sunday, 9 am to 3 pm

Mona Vale - Sunday, 8:30 am to 1:00 pm

Seaforth - Sunday, 8:00 am to 12:30 pm

https://www.organicfoodmarkets.com.au/

Family Fun Events 

The Giving Farm Jilliby 

Is a small family farm on the Central Coast by Missy and Anthony. 

They are running lots of school holiday workshops, bee education days and also growing delicious blueberries, sunflowers and seasonal flowers such as the pretty Dutch Iris.

Monday 2nd October 2023 

Buzzzzyyyy Bee Session for the kids – Native Bees & Bee Hotel Making workshop. $55. 

Learn all about our native bees and pollinators.

• Learn about native bees and the difference between pollinators

• Learn about the importance of bees and how we can help pollinators

• Build a bee hotel to take home. (all materials supplied)

• Plant some seeds in a pot to take home

• Try to find some native bees and pollinators in their blueberry orchard.

The Giving Farm. 147 Durren Rd Jilliby. 

COMING UP…. Pick Your Own Spring Flowers. 

https://thegivingfarm.com.au/product/buzzzzyyyy-bee-session-native-bees-bee-hotel-making-fun/

Anderson Farm 

Pick your own fruit morning sessions

2 hrs |$5 entry adult $10 bucket of Oranges. 

951 Sackville Ferry Road, Sackville North,

https://andersonfarm.com.au/online-bookings

Watkins Family Farm

PYO and have fun and get their fruit picked. 

FINAL WEEKEND for PYO, so don’t miss out. 

Open all long weekend - Open Saturday, Sunday & Monday. 

No need to book, lots of free parking and plenty of fruit to pick.

They had so much fun last weekend making juice & munching ice cream that they are doing it again. Watkins Family Farm 

1006 Singleton Road, Laughtondale

https://watkinsfamilyfarm.com.au

COMING UP & New

Central Coast Edible Garden Trail

EXPLORE – CONNECT – LEARN

Inspirational gardens – growing a community & growing food naturally

Explore edible gardens on the Central Coast 

21st + 22nd October, 2023

An annual ticketed, self-guided weekend event showcasing home and community gardens growing food naturally. Ticket buyers can visit the gardens that interest them and plan their weekend to suit.  All gardens grow food naturally, and many demonstrate a range of permaculture systems. Visiting gardens across Gorford, Woy Woy, Killcare, Bateau Bay just to name a few. 

A great way to encourage people to try growing food naturally at home by providing a direct connection between new and experienced gardeners, bringing opportunities to share knowledge, inspire and grow the community. 

The first Edible Garden Trail took place in 2018 in the Blue Mountains, the brainchild of Susanne Rix, this wonderful initiative has grown into a movement with new Edible Garden Trails popping up all over Australia. 

The Central Coast Edible Garden Trail is ticketed event so hop on their website. 

https://www.facebook.com/CentralCoastEdibleGardenTrail

https://centralcoastediblegardentrail.org.au/

I will be back next month with more things along the harvest trails and more…..

Thank you, Daniela

Thats me having a chat with Sukki and the girls at feeding time

Stay N Sip at Little Valley Farm Hunter Valley

Escape to the tranquil wilderness of Hunter Valley by staying with us in the lush bushlands of Laguna. Embrace the natural surroundings and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature. With the long weekend just around the corner, gather your closest companions and reserve the entire farm for an unforgettable getaway.

Only a two-hour drive from Sydney, but it feels like a world away. Spend time with alpacas and donkeys, basking in the sun and enjoying evenings by the bonfire, making delicious wood-fired pizzas for dinner. We have the glamping train with a queen bed and the shearers studio with a King bed. Cabins are separate so you can come with your friends and have your own space. Come together for brekkie, lunch and Dinner.

Try something different, perhaps?

For a unique experience, book a STAY n SIP adventure on the train deck. Stay n' Sip offers exclusive in-house wine-tasting experiences. They bring the best wines from various boutique cellar doors, all in one experience, right to our cabins. The selection of seven wines can be tailored to your palate.

All of their products are sourced from local businesses, ensuring an authentic and unique experience for our guests. Book our accommodation directly with Daniela to save on platform booking fees. Also, book your Stay N Sip experience directly with Pierre and Mercedes for a whole lot of fun and not worry about driving around.

Fun, Fun, Fun with Pierre and Mercedes Stay N Sip experience.

Book our accommodation early with Daniela and then book your Stay n Sip; otherwise, you will miss out on all the fun.

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Please note that we are only suitable for adults. No children/infants/pets are allowed on our farm due to safety and our bio-security policy. We currently sleep four (4) adults and have two bedrooms and two bathrooms with a large kitchen in the glamping train alongside amazing facilities that you can enjoy all to yourself. You can read more about this on our FAQs.

Lovedale Long Lunch 2023

Get ready to indulge in a weekend of delectable dishes and flavorful wines at the Lovedale Long Lunch!

Foodies can experience all that Lovedale has to offer as seven wineries come together with some of the Hunter Valley's top chefs, along with plenty of local entertainment for an extraordinary occasion. So make some memories - gather your friends, escape to Little Valley Farm, hop on board, book a bus tour, and taste every flavour imaginable from these delightful vintages and gourmet offerings- it’s time for you to embark on this epicurean adventure!

Spend your day in Lovedale, then return to Little Valley Farm for an unforgettable afternoon of rest and relaxation. We offer a traditional Wood-fired Finnish Dry Sauna, an outdoor bath with views of grazing alpacas, wood-fired pizza ovens (BYO pizzas), that will delight your taste buds, plus cozy bonfire nights complete with marshmallows!

Little Valley Farm is a 40-minute drive to Lovedale, but you can book your minibus with Melissa and Mark of Grape Experience tours.

Book your tickets to Lovedale Long Lunch Here

Book your accommodation for four people—message Daniela to secure your two cabins for two nights, as we have a special cabin rate just for you.

The train has a queen bed, and the studio has a king bed. Four adults only. Read more here on our cabins.

Mountain Biking in The Hunter Valley With Hunter Valley Tours And Rentals

Calling all adventurers!

Now is your chance to explore the beautiful Hunter Valley on two wheels with Hunter Valley Tours and Rentals. With guided mountain bike and ebike tours available in Laguna and Wollombi, you can see the best the valley has to offer at your own pace. And for the more experienced riders, you can go further afield to explore even more of this stunning region. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and get active!

Talk about beautiful scenery in Laguna!

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Here's a quick video that Euan took on his eMTB Guided Tour this month. From Laguna up to Dead Dog Hill, then into Wollombi with a stop at The Trading Post Laguna. This ride was only 30kms on an eBike, and now he is addicted.

What to wear? Don't stress this; just wear your active gear and closed shoes, preferably old trainers.

Adventure means adventure, so be prepared to discover or dip into small creek crossings, especially after the rain. Have fun. That's what it's all about.

What you need: Reusable water bottle that fits into the bike carriage. Please avoid buying one-time-use plastic bottles for the sake of this planet.

Where to book?

Book the package tours where they supply everything bike-y such as eBike, helmet and tour guide.

Check out their tours and book to your fitness level. There are beginners, intermediate and advanced, including Black Diamond for the hardcore riders.

Price?

Beginner Tours from $50 and upgrade to an electric MTB for even more fun. For only $30 more per person, you'll get a premium eMTB that makes light work of the hills. Advanced Tours from $80.

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We know you will enjoy your stay with us. Whether it's a rustic glamping train adventure or our shearers studio, Little Valley Farm has something for everyone!

The best part? You can book directly through Daniela and save on platform fees when booking direct - get your dates in early so you can secure our two cabins and start planning your adventure away.

A Day on the Green Sting Concert February 18th, 2023

With events all booked in for 2023 for our region, now is the time to secure your ideal accommodation getaway and pair it with fantastic concert up in Pokolbin with your favourite friends.

With so many fun things coming our way in 2023, you won't want to miss out on some serious fun in Laguna.

We are 40 mins from concert events, so you can book your minibus transfer with Melissa and Mark of Grape Experience Tours. Make sure you book Grape Tours early also, so you don't miss out.

Other things to do at Little Valley Farm before or after the concert. Get active with Hunter Valley Bicycle Tours and Rentals and enjoy a MTB or eMTB bike ride in the valley. Go your own way with a simple bike hire or book an awesome action-packed tour guide so you can discover the Wollombi wilderness cycle route’s secrets. Jump on the HVBR website to check out rates and book your bike tours online.

Don’t sweat it, there are bike rides for everyone over the age of 18 and of various fitness levels. Go the eMTB tour guide for an epic experience.

Bike hire and tours start from only $50.

At Little Valley Farm, we are now taking direct bookings for 2023 events for four (4) adults sleeping in our rustic glamping Train carriage and our new Shearers Studio. Two nights, four adults, $1500*

You will have the opportunity to enjoy a relaxed Friday night by our wood-fired pizza oven (BYO Pizza) and bonfire so that you are ready and refreshed for your Saturday concert. When you book for 4, you will enjoy early check-in and late afternoon check-out so you can make the most of your stay at Little Valley Farm.

A Day On the Green featuring the STING concert is on Saturday, 18th February 2023, so grab your three buddies and get organising.

This offer is for four adults only. Price is subject to seasonal change.

“Hunter Valley is the perfect place for a weekend getaway. With so much to do, you and your buddies will be sure to have a great time. There’s something for everyone in Hunter Valley: Concerts, and awesome MTB bicycle routes. So what are you waiting for? Grab your buddies and head on over for a weekend of fun!”

— Daniela