Laguna & Wollombi Valley
Hungry for adventure? Check out my picks of the tastiest eats and things to do in Wollombi Valley.
In Laguna, there is only one pub/cafe available. And in Wollombi Village, there are two cafes, one restaurant, and only one pub. However, you should be prepared as they all close early. It's important to note that there is no supermarket in the village, so make sure to bring your own supplies (BYO).
The Hunter Valley is a VAST region, and we are in the stunning bush setting of Wollombi Valley in the TINY hamlet of Laguna.
The Trading Post Laguna
Discover a hidden gem for your next coffee, lunch, tipples or a Friday night dinner. It is located only 4.5 km from us and is nestled along Great North Road, just past the Laguna Public School. Take a seat on the verandah and soak up the natural beauty of Laguna Village.
This unique establishment is a fusion of a bar, cafe and restaurant. You can start your day right with breakfast from 8 am and enjoy a casual lunch any day of the week. Dinner is only served on Friday night, so book online. The last seating for dinner is 8:30 pm. Menu here. Phone 4998 8244
Wollombi Village, a 10-minute drive
The serene Wollombi Valley includes Laguna and boasts a charming bushland backdrop, rich cultural sites, and a laid-back ambience, offering a perfect refuge for those searching for a peaceful getaway. The village may be small, with only a few daytime dining options, but its beauty and serenity are bound to leave a lasting impression on visitors.
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*Wollombi Kitchen & NEXT DOOR Cafe. If you're in the mood for some delicious daytime coffee, sandwiches, or cakes to enjoy in or take out, this welcoming spot is located in the heart of Wollombi Village, next to Noyce Brothers Wine.
The NEW Wollombi Kitchen is a small restaurant, so make sure you book early. Book the garden or back verandah on lovely days, and on cool nights, book inside seating. Lovely restaurant with great food!
*Noyce Brothers Wine Head over to the cellar door to get your hands on some exquisite wine and do a tasting with Julie. While you're there, take a moment to appreciate the breathtaking formal garden at the back and indulge in a fun game of giant chess. Closed Tue/Wed.
Myrtle & Stone, This gem of a country cafe, serves up mouthwatering breakfast and lunch dishes with warm and welcoming country hospitality. And the best part? It's only a quick ten-minute drive away! Open seven days a week, you can enjoy their delectable menu starting at 7 am on weekdays and 8 am on weekends. Be sure to stop by before their last lunch serving at 2 pm.
*Wollombi Tavern: The courtyard area is a popular spot for locals to enjoy drinks and live music. It's a good, relaxing, unpretentious place for an afternoon beer. The venue offers casual pub lunch and dinner but go early to beat the rush. Menu here. The last food is served by 7 pm mid-week and 8 pm on weekends. Seating is outdoors, so rug up on cool nights. Phone 4998 3261.
*Undercliff Vineyard - Wollombi Wine-tasting cellar door + check out made in Wollombi, Incy Wincy Cyder. Just ask Peter, the cellar door owner. Phone first to ensure they are open, as it’s a 2 km drive from Wollombi Village.
*One Tomato Private chef, Nathan Cooper, will come and cook up a storm for you and your friends. Suitable for 4 guests. Plant-based meals and on-site cooking classes are options. Catering starts from $150++ pp. (This is only suitable for our train carriage guests, not the studio).
“Make sure you plan and book in advance, as some businesses are not open daily and cafes and restaurants close early in Wollombi Valley. So be prepared.”
Restaurants in Pokolbin, Lovedale, Mt View & Broke. 40-minute drive.
Are you looking for unique dining spots along the wine trails? Check out these fantastic eateries just a short 40-minute drive from us.
Bistro Molines, - quintessentially Hunter Valley and an outstanding lunchtime experience with amazing vineyard views. Secure your booking via their website, or you will miss out. It’s a dining experience not to miss when in the Hunter and one of our favourite places. Casual chic dress code. BOOK EARLY!
Autumn Image thanks to Bistro Molines
Muse Restaurant, - outstanding and the finest place to dine for true food connoisseurs. Book late afternoon or early dinner and make it a memorable dining experience not to be missed for foodies. Smart casual attire. BOOK EARLY.
Leaves & Fishes is a charming casual restaurant in Lovedale with great light snacks, friendly service, and a relaxing location. Go for a casual lunchtime sitting by the dam. Table service on the balcony can be booked early, or you can drop in to enjoy a light snack in the serene garden area.
Other places to check out:
Margans, Muse Kitchen, Pigs Peaks,
Amanda’s on the Edge and Lovedale Smokehouse.
Saddles Mt White is my favourite bakehouse.
If driving from Sydney along the M1, book an early lunch at Saddles Mt White, and check in at the farm at 3-4 pm. It is a must for foodies and people who appreciate elegant Australian homestead architecture. The design is inspiring, and the food and service are always outstanding. There is a coffee van, so you can sit by the lovely dam if you want something more day time casual.
Tours
*Grape Experience Tours. Looking for a delightful tour experience? Grape Experience Tours offers mini-bus tours with friendly, experienced guides Melissa and Mark. They even provide pick-up and drop-off services for your convenience. If you need transportation for a wedding, Grape Experience Tours also offers transfers. To book, get in touch with Melissa here or phone 0414457956.
*Hunter Tesla Tours up to 5 adults. Luxury, eco-friendly. Ph1300 080 315.
Please note that all taxi/minibus pick-ups are on Watagan Creek Road. So park your car near our letterbox, and they will collect you there. They won’t drive to the cabins, so you must meet them there.
Also, there is no Uber service here.
Photo credit Tourist Drive 33
Get Active
BYO Bicycles. The best and most relaxing rides are down Watagan Creek Road, which are road & gravel (20-40 km). Wollombi rides are for experienced riders only, especially on the weekends when there is a lot of traffic on the narrow road between Laguna and Wollombi.
Horse Riding in the Hunter
If coming from Sydney or the Central Coast, book a horse riding experience at Glenwoth Valley, just off the M1 on the Tourist Drive Route 33.
If you are heading up to Pokolbin or Lovedale, book horse riding at Hunter Valley Horses, about 40 mins from our farm.
Bush lookout and hikes
Finchley Lookout. Looking out across the remote wilderness from Finchley lookout, you would never know you were just a few hours from Sydney or Newcastle—drive time approx 35 minutes.
*If there has been rain, expect some creek crossings, and you will need a SUV/4WD for this drive.
The other lookout and hike is Flat Rock Lookout Correbare State Forest. Hikes and lookouts. Please Google and do your online research for this, as you could get very lost on a hike.
Wollombi Village Brook is an easy 1 km nature walk. Start at the village Museum and head down to the brook. Download the map here.
Wollombi Tennis Club
If you're staying midweek, you can book a court in Wollombi Village, just a 10-minute drive away. Rates start from $15 but check online to book. After the game head to Wollombi Kitchen, Myrtle & Stone or Wollombi Tavern for refreshments.
Creative Workshops
Join Heather for Art and Sip workshops at Hollybrook in Wollombi. You can either book in advance for Heather to come to you, or you can visit her beautiful Wollombi studio at Sweetmans Creek, which is approximately 15 minutes from our farm. Heather offers a range of prices from $80 to $150+ per person. You can paint anything you like, including an alpaca - just ask Heather. And if you're on your way to the studio, don't miss the opportunity to stop by the Stonehurst cellar door for some wine tasting. Remember to book in advance to secure your spot.
*Girri Girra Aboriginal Tours Wonderful tours and an amazing smoking ceremony for large groups on the farm. A great way to appreciate the valley environment and honour the past. Private walking tours up to Finchley. https://girrigirra.com.au
Wine tastings @ Little Valley Farm
No need to travel as they come to you!
*Sip & Stay offers the luxury of a private wine experience in the train or studio from 6 pm.
Approximately $250+ for four people, so gather your friends and book the entire farm stay with us for four adults. Sip and Stay book via their website in advance and confirm their rates. withwww.staynsip.com
Wine Trail
Start with a casual wine tasting with Julie at Noyce Brothers Wine in Wollombi, then drive 2kms to Undercliff Vineyard (phone first), in Yango Creek Road; a must-visit is Krinklewood in Broke (40 mins drive); there are heaps of places to stop and enjoy, so take your time. Next, check out the Mt View drive and head to Pokolbin, where all the big cellar doors are and lunchtime places. Drive back via the loop road Cessnock-Wollombi or vice versa. You can use google maps once you are in the mobile range in Wollombi.
Other places to enjoy around Pokolin and Lovedale, Broke.
VAMP by Lisa McGuigan. Have you tried the decadent and inspirational cellar door that takes you to another dimension? It's one of my favourites, so I highly recommend checking it out.
OTHER INFO
*Pokolbin vineyards, concerts, and hot air balloon rides are located 40 minutes away. If you have booked a balloon ride, note that it requires a 3:30/4 am start time, but you should confirm the time with the event company.
*Rain equals mud at concerts and on the farm, so bring boots. Bringing indoor and outdoor shoes when staying in the cabins is recommended for cabin hygiene reasons.
*No mobile reception in Laguna, only at Wollombi Village.
*Businesses close early in the country, so pre-book and plan your lunch & dinner options. The Hunter is all about long lunches, so book a place and pick up a simple grazing platter for dinner to enjoy back at the cabin.
*Bring cash for small businesses as Wollombi Village has no ATM.
Firewood
*If you want more firewood for the bonfire or fireplace, you can order in advance and pick it up from Laguna Luxe, Wollombi General Store or Bunnings along the way. The price is around $25 per bag. You can pre-order with Laguna Luxe on 0420 312 517. We will always leave you with firewood, so it’s up to you if you want more.
Notes
Large grocery shops are best done before getting here. The closest large grocery shop is Aldi (Syd) Berowra or Cessnock, to the North is 40 km from us. If coming from the Central Coast, pick something up there.
If travelling down the M1, expect Friday night traffic delays. Plan at least 2.5 hours. If there is rain, expect a more extended trip and follow LIVE TRAFFIC for travel times.
Kindly be advised that the prices above are merely recommendations and are subject to change by the service providers. It would be best to contact them directly for accurate & updated information. We sincerely thank you for supporting the local businesses in the valley.
Laguna and Wollombi surrounded by National Parks and State Forest.