What to do when staying in Laguna at Little Valley Farm Wollombi Valley

What to Do in Wollombi Valley & Laguna NSW - A Local Guide

This is a local's guide to things to do in Wollombi Valley and Laguna, NSW - written by Daniela, host of Little Valley Farm, an architect-designed alpaca farmstay in Laguna, 90 minutes from Sydney and an hour from Newcastle and the Central Coast. Whether you're staying at the Little Valley Summerhouse or just exploring the valley, this is everything I'd tell you in person: where to eat, drink, walk, wine trail, and why you should probably book ahead. Last updated 19 May 2026

Trading Post Laguna (4.5 km) It’s our local and our favourite place. So discover this hidden gem for your next coffee, lunch, tipples, or Friday night dinner. It is located just 4.5 km from Little Valley Farm, nestled along Great North Road near the Laguna Public School. Take a seat on the verandah and soak up the natural beauty of Laguna Village.

This unique establishment, run by Rosa, is a fusion of a bar, cafe and restaurant. You can start your day right with breakfast (brekkie rolls are a must), from 8 am and enjoy a casual lunch any day of the week.

They also sell frozen lasagna, curries, soups, and pizza, all of which are delicious if you want to bring back to the Summerhouse. There is also a Tesla charger on-site.

Note that dinner service is only on a Friday night. The last seating for dinner is 8:30 pm; reservations are recommended. Menu here. 4998 8244. The Trading Post

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Laguna Village Providore at the Trading Post Laguna

Laguna Village Providore has fresh produce, local treats, cheese and grazing platters.

You can also pre-order breakfast packs, grazing boxes, cheese platters and BBQ meat packs. Open until 4 pm daily. Give them at least one week’s notice and visit their website to order. If you can’t pick it up before 4 pm, drop me a note, and I will pick it up for you once you have processed the order with them.

For large grocery shops, the nearest supermarkets are Aldi Berowra (Sydney side) or Cessnock (40km north), but our Laguna Village Providore is a great backup.

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Wollombi Village, a 10-minute drive

Wollombi Village is just a ten-minute drive away. The village may be small, with only a few daytime dining options, but that's all we need and love it this way.

Wollombi General Store (Your first stop).

The Wollombi General Store has new owners and a whole new feel. Think great coffee, good casual cafe food and a spot you’ll want to linger. They’re pouring Peaberry coffee, scooping Carnival Gelato, and serving up classic café bites, (yes, there are GF and vegan options available). Nab a seat in the window of this beautiful 1851 building and watch village life roll by.

The menu changes daily, so check their blackboard. Delicious pizza, dine-in or takeaway, is also recommended. Open daily from 7 am. Wollombi General Store website here.

You will also find the Artisan Collective by the garden area.

The Wollombi General Store Est. 1851

The Artisan Collective at the Wollombi General Store Open 5 days (closed Tue/Wed)

SIP Wollombi Village from April 2026 was (Noyce Brothers Wine). Is now a curated tasting room showcasing boutique Hunter Valley wine, spirits and craft beer. Bookings recommended for a tasting experience, or pop in for a takeaway bottle service.

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 by this Georgian-style building. Closed Tue/Wed.

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TIP: Now, if you have reserved your stay at the Summerhouse via our Little Valley Farm website, you can book in a tasting and transfer to SIP. This service is not offered to bookings via Riparide/AirBNB and is exclusive to direct bookings only via our Little Valley Farm website.

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Myrtle & Stone is a gem of a country cafe that serves mouthwatering breakfast and lunch dishes, with warm, welcoming country hospitality, in this sunny 1832 building. Open seven days a week, you can enjoy their delectable menu starting at 7 a.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. on weekends. Be sure to stop by before their last lunch serving at 2 p.m.

Wollombi Tavern: The courtyard is a popular spot for afternoon drinks and live music.

“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.”

— Daniela

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Restaurants in Pokolbin, Lovedale, Mt View and Broke. 40-minute drive.

It’s best to self-drive to these places.

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 this place in advance as its always booked out.

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 as it’s a more formal dining experience.

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 restaurants to check out:

Margans, Pigs Peaks, Amanda’s on the Edge and Lovedale Smokehouse & EXP.

Cessnock (near Pokolbin) is a service town where you will find all the supermarkets, chemists, and petrol stations.

Drivng from / to Sydney check out

Saddles Mt White
If driving from Sydney along the M1, book an early lunch at Saddles Mt White. 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 casual.

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Wine Trail 

Make sure you drive the wine loop trail - self drive in this valley.

Laguna - Wollombi - Broke - Pokolbin or

Laguna - Wollombi - Cedar Creek - Mt View - Pokolbin

Start with a casual wine tasting at SIP Wollombi Village, then drive 2 kms 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.

Saddlers Wine Creek, I highly recommend…. VAMP by Lisa McGuigan. Have you tried the decadent, inspirational cellar door that takes you to another dimension? It's one of my favourites, so I highly recommend checking it out.

Audrey Wilkinson and Winemark Wines / Krinklewood Vineyard. Stonehurt Cedar Creek Wollombi

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Wine Tours/Transfers

Grape Experience Tours 0414 457 956 or Hunter Valley Small Group Tours 0439 766 441

Hunter Valley ToursNCargo 0499586877, The Suss Bus 0439766441 or The Andy Bus 0499558 288

Wine Fairy Tours 0419 181 816 - Will only pick up if there are 4 guests.

Hunter Valley Tours 0419 419 931 - Will only pick up if there are 4 guests.

Two Fat Blokes 0414 316 859 - Will only pick up if there are 4 guests.

Wine Party Tours 0480 451 733 (for large groups of 7 only from $880).

4WD Tours or transfer with Shane of Wollombi Valley Tours. 0438 712 840

There is no Uber out here, and Cessnock Taxi Company is not always available.

Please note that you’ll need to park your car on Watagan Creek Road, where our letterboxes are, and they will pick you up there, as they won’t drive down our driveway.

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

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, small hikes and art walk

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 definitely need a SUV/4WD.

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.

Art Walk in Wollombi Village

If you love art walks, start at the old Endeavour Museum. Across the road is the quirky The Forge for curious finds, The Fireshed for rotating art, and the Little Yengo Room for Indigenous Art. Then head up to Wollombi General Store for the Artisan Collective and Polina Karuso Art Gallery. Opposite the General Store, Jodie Usher Gallery prints of local birds and wildlife, and then walk down to Roadside Gallery near the old cemetery, then casually stroll back up to the village.

Photography

For those who love to take photos, check out Euan's photos of the Wollombi Valley on Instagram.

Join us on Instagram - Little Valley Farm Instagram here.

OTHER INFO

*Pokolbin vineyards, concerts, and hot air balloon rides are located 40 minutes away.

*Hot air balloon rides can be a 3-4 AM start so please do check with the event company.

*Rain equals mud at concerts and on the farm, so bring boots.

*No mobile reception in Laguna, only at Wollombi Village.  

*Fill up your car before you leave, as the Trading Post Laguna can run out of fuel.

*Businesses close early in the country, so pre-book and plan your dining options.

*Bring cash for small businesses, as Wollombi Village has no ATM.

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Book direct is best!

If you haven’t already, reserved your Little Valley summerhouse stay directly for up to four adults to enjoy our best rates and services.

Please note that booking via Airbnb/Riparide gives you a proxy mobile number for hosts, and we are not allowed to discuss direct bookings via their app messaging services. Yes, they read each message. So before you book any accommodation, Google it and try to book directly.

Please be advised that the prices above are recommendations only 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.

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Why You Should Take Tourist Drive 33 to Laguna Village

A wanderer’s guide to great food, alpacas, artist theatres, and a very stylish summerhouse

The tiny hamlet of Laguna

Slow Roads, Big Charm

If you’ve ever found yourself sighing at the sameness of highway travel, here’s some good news: Tourist Drive 33 is the scenic detour that makes the journey every bit as rewarding as the destination. And in this case, the destination’s pretty spectacular too.

Laguna Village is a small but striking pocket of the Lower Hunter Valley, full of charm, character, and more than a few surprises. Only 90 minutes from Sydney and one hour from the Central Coast, but it feels a million miles away.

Photo credit DuliliCo

Good Food, Coffee and Real Estate Daydreams

Your first stop? The Trading Post Laguna. Part café, part general store, part community lifeline. It’s where locals catch up, travellers refuel, and visitors often stay longer than planned.

The coffee hits the mark, the food is generous and satisfying, and whether you’re after a bacon-and-egg breakfast, a long lunch or something to take home for dinner, this is the place. There’s shady seating under the verandah and a friendly, laid-back atmosphere that makes it hard to leave.

Next door, Musgrove Realty quietly tempts you with leafy acreages, bushland retreats, and classic timber cottages. You’ll find yourself scanning the window listings and picturing your own front verandah in the valley. Be warned: Laguna tends to linger in the mind.

A few steps away, the Laguna Village Providore is a treasure trove of fresh produce, artisan goods, and locally made pantry fillers. Expect to walk out with armfuls of food and plans for a picnic, grazing the day away. 

A Hidden Summerhouse by the Pond

Just beyond the village, tucked into its own little valley, sits a surprise you won’t spot from the road.

The Little Valley summerhouse is an off-grid, architect-designed retreat handcrafted by its owners with a deep care for the land. Clean lines, timber decks, and floor-to-ceiling windows give way to sweeping bushland views. The soundtrack? Frogs by the pond, alpacas in the paddock, and birds calling from the trees.

This is more than a place to stay. It’s a place to properly exhale.

It’s also the home of Little Valley Farm, one of Wollombi Valley’s best-known alpaca breeders. If you’ve never met an alpaca up close, here’s your chance. They’re curious, expressive, and surprisingly photogenic. (Ask about Pansey the alpaca, now she has stories.)

When the owners aren’t welcoming farm-stay guests, they’re running hands-on alpaca workshops for new owners looking to learn more about sustainable life with alpacas. 

Little Valley summerhouse

Little Valley Alpacas

Where Pigs Fly

Laguna is also home to Where Pigs Fly, a sanctuary with a big heart. Animals rescued from neglect and abandonment find safety and care here. Visits are by booking only, usually on scheduled open days and they’re worth it. Kids love it. Adults do too. It’s not just a place to meet animals, it’s a reminder of compassion and second chances.

Photo credit DuliliCo

Gourmet Roots

Not far from the village is ValleyFields, a private farm project from renowned Paddington chef Armando Percuoco. While it’s not open to the public, its influence extends from kitchen gardens to olive groves, fostering a renewed appreciation for seasonal ingredients that farm stay guests get to experience. It’s a quiet, powerful reminder that good food begins long before it hits the plate.

Art, Theatre and a Fierce Community Spirit

For a village of its size, Laguna holds its own on the creative front. Valley Artists Inc., a long-standing local theatre group, has been staging productions in the transformed Laguna Community Hall for over 20 years. Think dramas, comedies, and stories that reflect the strength and humour of the people who live here.

And at the heart of it all? Laguna Public School and the Laguna Rural Fire Brigade. Whether they’re organising plays, fundraising dinners, or stepping up when fire threatens the valley, this is a community that looks out for its own. It’s genuine, grounded, and quietly inspiring.

Laguna NSW. Photo credit DuliliCo

Gravel, Grit and Two Wheels

Laguna has quietly become a haven for gravel riding. If you’re into bikes and backroads, you’ll want to bring your wheels.

There’s something for every level. Cruise the flat, tree-lined stretch of Watagan Creek Road, meander along Murrays Run dirt track, or if you’re feeling brave, then tackle the steep climb of Finchley Track, a favourite for more experienced riders looking for a challenge and a serious view at the top. It’s all unsealed, uncrowded, and wrapped in gumtrees. The kind of riding that feels like an adventure, not a workout.

Wildlife on the Way

The magic of Tourist Drive 33 is also in what happens between stops. If you’re paying attention, the journey itself becomes the attraction.

Wombats waddle across paddocks at dusk. Wallaroos graze in the distance. Lyrebirds dart into the undergrowth. Early mornings bring water ducks to the roadside and a chorus of birdsong that no freeway can compete with.

This road invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and take in the small, beautiful details.

Make the Turn

So, next time your GPS suggests the fastest way to the Hunter Valley, consider a more interesting route. Tourist Drive 33 doesn’t just lead to Laguna, it leads to farm stalls, artist sheds, sweeping bushland, and slow mornings that turn into long, daydreaming afternoons.

No need for a tight itinerary. Just a full tank, a curious heart, and maybe a cooler bag for everything you’ll want to bring home.

After the flood the Gang Gangs Cockatoos are back

This past weekend brought a deluge to the Hunter Valley, with floodwaters rising once again. The landscape changed almost overnight—paddocks turned to lakes, access roads became streams, and every step outside meant another battle with the relentless mud. But as the water slowly recedes, a sense of normality returns to the farm.

Today, Euan captured an incredible moment on video: a gang-gang cockatoo perched contentedly in the paddock tree, enjoying seeds scattered on the wet ground. Watching this magnificent bird reminded us of nature's resilience. Even after the chaos of the flood, life finds a way to settle back in, bringing a sense of normalcy and comfort.

The female gang gang cockatoo enjoys the seed from the liquid amber trees. SOUND ON when watching the video!

Why are Gang Gang Cockatoos important? These beautiful birds are endangered. Their population has dropped 70% in three generations, so they deserve some airtime on our page and a whole lot of bush food.

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When you reserve your summerhouse farmstay with us, be sure to bring your camera to capture the incredible birdlife and wildlife that surrounds the property—it's a truly special experience you won't want to miss.

Little Valley summerhouse Laguna, Wollombi Valley

Visiting an Alpaca Farm in the Hunter Valley – Little Valley Farm

Looking for an alpaca farm in the Hunter Valley? Visit Little Valley Farm in Wollombi Valley for an unforgettable alpaca experience, workshops, and off-grid adults-only stays.

Visiting an Alpaca Farm in the Hunter Valley: What to Expect at Little Valley Farm

If you’re searching for an alpaca farm in the Hunter Valley, you’ve come to the right place. Nestled in the peaceful Wollombi Valley, Little Valley Farm is a boutique alpaca farm offering a hands-on, heartwarming experience. Whether you’re here for a quick visit, planning a getaway weekend, or dreaming of starting your own alpaca herd. We’ve got you covered.

We’ve been farming alpacas since 2012, and every member of our herd has a name, a story, and (usually) an opinion. From our white alpaca who looks like she’s smiling to the babies (crias) learning how to pronk, there’s always something worth meeting.

What You’ll Find at Our Alpaca Farm 

Alpaca Owner Workshops

Interested in raising alpacas yourself? We run practical workshops for new and potential alpaca owners. You’ll learn everything from feeding to shearing set-up, fencing, shelters, body scoring, FAMACHA checks, and more. View dates here.

Fleece workshops

In 2025, we will be hosting an alpaca Dryer Ball Workshop that you can take home and use on your laundry. More info will follow shortly, so sign up to our VIP mailing list and watch this page.

Farm Products

We sell our alpaca yarn and wool, made right here on the farm. It’s soft, sustainable, and full of character. Just like the alpacas who grow it. Buy here

Also new in 2025 is our range of made in Peru knitwear and living. Coming soon!

Off-Grid Farm Stay

Make a weekend of it with a stay in our handcrafted adults-only summerhouse by the pond. It’s peaceful, private, and completely off-grid, built with passive solar principles and surrounded by alpacas and donkeys.

Meet the Alpacas (once a year, annual open day)

Visitors can get up close with our alpacas, learn about their personalities and how we raise them, and, if they’re feeling social, give them a gentle pat on the neck and a feed. They’re curious, calm, and very photogenic. Make sure to sign up for our annual open days and be on the VIP list.

Why Visit an Alpaca Farm in the Hunter Valley? 

People visit for all sorts of reasons. Some for the animals, some for the education, and some just to slow down for a bit and reconnect with nature. The Hunter Valley is known for wine and scenery, but we like to think alpacas are a pretty great reason too.

We’re only a short drive from Pokolbin (40 minutes) and then ten minutes from Wollombi village, making adding a farm visit to your weekend away easy. We are definitely off the beaten track, so please ensure you have the right vehicle for our bush track road. 

Due to our bio-security policy in place, we are available by appointment only and booked in advance. One last thing, closed shoes out on the paddocks.

Plan Your Visit 

We welcome visitors by appointment only to ensure the animals' (and your) relaxation and enjoyment. You will definitely need to book well in advance, as we don’t accept walk-ins and hope that people respect our bio-security policy.

To book an alpaca visit, a workshop, or our summerhouse accommodation, visit our website.

Whether you’re curious about alpacas, dreaming of your small farm, or just looking for a unique day out in the Hunter Valley. Little Valley Farm is a great place to start, but via appointment only as we are usually booked out in advance.

We’d love to welcome you to the paddock. Daniela

Daniela and here alpacas at Little Valley Farm

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Other alpaca places to book

Starline offers alpaca feeding and is set up for excellent family accommodation.

Iris Lodge on the Central Coast offers alpaca feeding sessions. Jump on their website to book.

If you are outside the Hunter Valley, NSW then jump on the Australian Alpaca Assocation to find a breeder near you or send me an email.

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Jump on the website for Little Valley Farm to book your alpaca workshop

Yoga with the Alpacas at Little Valley Farm

That’s right, we did it! I am not sure if we did impress our alpacas but we certainly had a great time trying, stretching and laughing.

It was absolutely relaxing doing yoga in the middle of the paddocks with the alpacas surrounding us. A huge thank you to Joy, (it was Pure Joy!) and our amazing three guests.

Let’s do it again!

Follow us for our next yoga-with-the-alpacas.

Book your four-person glamping weekend farm stay here.

Cycling around Laguna

Early morning ride from our farm into Laguna Village for a relaxing breakfast at Great Northern Trading Post is the right way to start the day.

You can now hire premium Cannondale bikes when you book your glamping stay with us. Simply contact Hunter Valley Bicycle Company or you can try-before-you-buy an E-bike - check out Cessnock Bicycle Company.

Laguna is home to the annual Gravel Grit Laguna so it has to be something special riding around the Watagans and Olney State Forest once its re-opens after Summer.

Photo credit Euan Wilcox