The Summerhouse is now top 5% of homes on AirBnB
Read MoreWhat's happening in Wollombi Valley
Good morning, alpaca lovers,
We’ve got some lovely updates to share from Little Valley Farm, starting with our summerhouse, which is quietly transforming into a little micro-retreat (if we can call it that!).
From the end of October/early November, guests will be able to enjoy our wood-fired pizza oven and wood-fired sauna. Perfect for doing absolutely nothing for your slow-stay with us, which we highly recommend. Bring a book, light the fire, and let the valley work its magic.
Our summerhouse sleeps four adults and can be booked directly for better rates for you to enjoy. More on the summerhouse here.
Inside our Little valley summerhouse
Alpaca knitwear
The weather’s been cooler lately (just how I like it), which means I get to pull out my favourite alpaca knitwear. Here I am in one that was handspun & knitted for me. I'm also wearing our La Sierra alpaca scarf. They’re a fav, & you can find the range here here.
Wollombi Village
We are loving the new-look Wollombi General Store. Chef Shea is delighting both hearts and appetites with her new café offerings, alongside excellent local coffee and Carnival Gelato. It’s worth a visit, and the store also features an excellent little gifting section. You can choose to dine in or take your food to go. What I have indulged in so far… super fresh sandwich roll, veggie soup, proscutto toasties, vegan lentil pie and gelato. Photos thanks to @wollombivalley
Our alpacas
Say hello to little Miss Rosebud the alpaca.
As for the alpacas… the babies are growing too fast, as usual. We’re getting ready for spring shearing in September and looking forward to longer days and warmer weather.
Shearing 2025
Shearing is happening the weekend of 26th to 28th Sept and the dates are currently available to book your summerhouse stay.
If you’ve been thinking about a return visit (or your first stay), now’s a great time to book. Nightly rates will increase next month, but you can still secure your preferred dates at the current price if you book now. And remember, booking direct via our website means better rates for you.
Alpaca Workshop
Our next events will be on Sunday, 14th September, and then on 12th October. Book your place here as spots are limited, and this is best suited for new or potential owners.
Photography
And if you're curious about Wollombi Valley or maybe fell a little in love with it on your last visit, then check out Euan’s photography page on Instagram: @wollombivalley.
Photo credit @wollombivalley
He captures the quiet beauty of this place in a way words can't quite manage.
Euan will also be part of the upcoming Laguna Art Show, which helps raise funds for our wonderful small public school in Laguna. The show will run from 15th to 17th August, 2025. It's well worth a visit if you’re in the area, and for a great cause. https://www.instagram.com/lagunaartshow
If you want more info, just send me an email. Hope to see you in Wollombi Valley soon. Daniela and the alpacas.
The Other Hunter Valley: Discovering Wollombi Valley
If you’ve only ever explored the vineyards of Pokolbin, you might be surprised to learn there's another side to the Hunter Valley. Slower, greener, and full of character. It's a small yet historic village for those who want to escape the crowds. Welcome to Wollombi Valley.
In this short video, we share a few beautiful moments captured this week. Rolling paddocks, misty mornings, and the calm that only comes with getting truly off the beaten track.
Let’s answer a few common questions about this peaceful little pocket of NSW...
Where is Wollombi Valley?
Wollombi is tucked into the southern end of the Hunter Valley, about 90 minutes from Sydney and just under an hour from Pokolbin. It’s where the wine region meets the bush. Think historic, quiet, and rich in charm. You’ll pass sandstone cottages, working farms, and winding country roads, that sometimes have cows, roos, water ducks and of course wombats passing by and where time slows.
Where can I stay in Wollombi Valley?
If you're after something a bit different to your standard wine country accommodation, Little Valley Farm’s summerhouse is a great base for those discerning travellers. It’s a fully off-grid, architecturally designed home by the pond, and has alpacas and donkeys wandering just beyond the deck. There are also a few boutique stays and farmhouses scattered through the valley. No resorts here, just peace and space.
How is Wollombi different from Pokolbin wine country?
It’s less commercial, more relaxed, and feels like a real (small) country town. You’ll still find great wine, Noyce Brothers in the village is worth a stop, but instead of big-name cellar doors, you’ll meet winemakers in boots also at Undercliff Vineyard. The village itself has a fantastic little general store, a classic pub, an art gallery and long weekend markets are held three times a year. You come to Wollombi to exhale.
Hit play on the video below and see it for yourself. If you’re ready to slow down and try the other side of the Hunter, we’re always happy to welcome you here.
Video credit Instagram @wollombivalley
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.
What to do when staying in Laguna at Little Valley Farm Wollombi Valley
Sips, Sights and Local Delights -INSIDER TIPS from Daniela.
A Little Valley Guide to Wollombi Valley.
Plan ahead - food & fuel are limited in the valley, so stock up before you arrive. These are my favourite local places
The Trading Post Laguna (4.5 km)
Discover a hidden gem for your next coffee, lunch, tipples, or Friday night dinner. It is located just 4.5 km from Little Valley Farm and 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 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.
Friday night dinners are a must. The last seating for dinner is 8:30 pm, so please make an online reservation in advance. Seating can be semi-outdoors, so be sure to rug-up on cold nights. Menu here. 4998 8244. The Trading Post
Breakfast from 8 am, Lunch 7 Days and dinner on Friday nights only.
Laguna Village Providore (fruit and veg shop) at the Trading Post, Laguna.
Explore the excellent yet small selection at Laguna Village Providore, where an array of fresh fruits and vegetables takes centre stage. Indulge in a delicious locally made cheese platter or a grazing platter.
Grazing platters, pizza bases/toppings, meat packs, breakfast packs and fruit packs can be purchased through their website and picked up before 4 pm daily. Please check this time with them at time of your order. If you need a birthday celebratory cake, you can order through them, but it's best to book one at least one week in advance. Contact Michelle at (02) 4038 5004 or shop the website here: Laguna Village Providore. Any probs with pick-up times, just send me a note and I can grab your pre-paid items.
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.
Wollombi Village, a 10-minute drive
The serene Wollombi Village is just a ten-minute drive away. The village may be small, with only a few daytime dining options, but its beauty, serenity and history are bound to leave a lasting impression.
Wollombi General Store (Your first stop).
The Wollombi General Store has new owners and a whole new feel. Think great coffee, good 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 options). Nab a seat in the window of this beautiful 1851 building and watch village life roll by. Slow and charming, just how we like it. Go on, treat yourself. Open daily from 7 am to 5 pm.
Wollombi General Store, Cafe style
Noyce Brothers Wine: Head over to the cellar door to get some exquisite wine and do a casual wine 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 by this Georgian-style building. Closed Tue/Wed.
Myrtle & Stone is a gem of a country cafe that serves up mouthwatering breakfast and lunch dishes with warm and 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 area is a popular spot for locals to enjoy drinks and live music. It's a good, relaxing, unpretentious place for an afternoon beer.
“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 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.
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 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.
Wine Trail
Make sure you drive the wine loop trail
Laguna - Wollombi - Broke - Pokolbin or
Laguna - Wollombi - Cedar Creek - Mt View - Pokolbin
Start with a casual wine tasting with Julie at Noyce Brothers Wine in Wollombi, 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
Wine Tours/Transfers
Grape Experience Tours. Looking for a delightful tour experience? Grape Experience Tours offers mini-bus tours with friendly, experienced guides, Melissa and Mark. To book contact Melissa here.
4WD Tours with Wollombi Valley Tours.
There is no Uber service out here so book Grape Experience Tours in advance.
Please note, you’ll need to park your car on Watagan Creek Road where our letterboxes are, and they will pick you up from 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 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 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.
Relax
Enjoy a rejuvenating in-house massage with Jo Potter, a highly skilled Massage Therapist, Reiki Master, and Remedial Therapist based in the Wollombi Valley. Relax and unwind as Jo brings her expertise to our doorstep, offering a holistic approach to wellness in the comfort of the summerhouse: request rates and bookings via Jo’s website or 0437977798.
Also in the Hunter, you’ll find Chloe Alexander of Healing Hands of the Hunter. A local gem when it comes to massage therapy. Chloe brings calm wherever she goes, whether you’re in need of deep tissue magic or just a good reset. You can find her on Instagram @healing_hands_of_the_hunter.
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.
Local Art Roadside Gallery Wollombi Village. Read more 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 over the weekends.
*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.
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.
If you haven’t already, book your Little Valley summerhouse stay directly for up to four adults to enjoy our best rate. Thanks Daniela
Cows along Watagan Creek Road - Image: by Euan
Nature Lovers, Bird Watchers & Lens Chasers – Welcome to Wollombi Valley
Nature Lovers, Bird Watchers & Lens Chasers – Welcome to Wollombi Valley
By Daniela from Little Valley Farm
If you’re a twitcher, a nature lover, or someone who sees the world best through a camera lens - Wollombi Valley is the kind of place that whispers “stay a while.”
Here at Little Valley Farm, we’re up with the birds - literally. Mornings in the valley are something special. The light breaks gently across the hills, mist hovers over the paddocks, and the stillness is only interrupted by the soft rustle of feathers or the distant call of a black cockatoo. It’s peaceful, slow, and impossibly beautiful.
For bird watchers, the diversity is stunning. From tiny wrens darting through the scrub to wedge-tailed eagles soaring above the hills, there’s always something to spot. Just grab your binoculars and a thermos, wander a walking trails or sit quietly by the dam, and the birds will come to you.
Photographers, you’re in for a treat too. The way the early light plays off the valley. Golden across the grass, bouncing off the gums, or silhouetting our alpacas and donkey - is magic. The mornings offer that rare kind of light: soft, low, and golden. It’s when time feels like it pauses, just long enough for you to really see.
Need a little inspiration? Check out @wollombivalley on Instagram or Euan’s own photography site at Dulili.co shot around Wollombi Valley. They beautifully capture the rhythm and raw beauty of the valley through all seasons—and might just help you plan your perfect shot.
So whether you're here to unwind, photograph the landscape, or listen to birdsong with your morning coffee, the Wollombi Valley will make you feel part of something wilder, gentler, and deeply grounding.
Bring your camera. Bring your curiosity. And let the valley do the rest.
Autumn Feels and Foodie Adventures in the Lower Hunter Valley
There’s something magical about autumn at Little Valley Farm. The alpacas are fluffier, the mornings are crisper, and the golden hues rolling over the paddocks make everything feel like a painting. With the cooler weather now settling in, we’ve been leaning into all things local—especially when it comes to food and wine. And trust us, the Lower Hunter Valley has some absolute gems.
This season is all about slow travel, long lunches, and cosy nights by the fire with a glass of something red and a delicious grazing platter close by. So we thought we’d share a few of our favourite local spots—places we love and happily recommend to guests staying in our summerhouse or popping in for an alpaca workshop.
🥂 Destination Dining: Bistro Molines, Mount View
If there’s one place that captures the essence of autumn indulgence, it’s Bistro Molines. Just a scenic 45-minute drive from the farm, the road there is half the joy—meandering through Wollombi village, past the vineyards of Cedar Creek and up into the misty heights of Mount View. It’s one of those drives where you’ll want to pull over and soak up the view.
As soon as you step inside Bistro Molines, you're transported to the South of France. Think: wrought iron chairs, fresh blooms on every table, terracotta tiles underfoot, and views that sweep out across the vines. The food? Flawless. Whether you're celebrating a birthday with a mini croquembouche or sipping on one of Sally’s sparkling cocktails, you’ll be wrapped in warm Hunter hospitality from the moment you arrive.
✨ Pro tip: Reservations are essential—this is a beloved institution!
🍽️ 2-course menu $100pp | 3-course menu $130pp
📍 Mount View Road, Mount View
Photo credit Bistro Molines Mt View
🧀 The Valley’s Best Grazing Platters: Laguna Village Providore
Only five minutes from Little Valley Farm, Laguna Village Providore is a must for those who’d rather unwind by the fire than cook. Located next to the Laguna Trading Post, this charming local store curates the most beautiful grazing platters, showcasing seasonal produce, local cheeses, cured meats, and sweet treats.
Pre-order a platter for two or four and time your pick-up to coincide with your check-in. It’s the perfect way to start your off-grid retreat—no fuss, all flavour.
🕰️ Open 7 days, 10 am–4 pm
📦 Pre-order is essential for the best selection
Wine Tasting in the Heart of Wollombi Village
No trip to the valley is complete without a local wine tasting—or two. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or just here for the scenery and a swirl, Wollombi has two cellar doors we adore:
Noyce Brothers Wine, located right in the heart of historic Wollombi village, offers an intimate cellar door experience. Taste your way through their elegant range of reds, whites, and moscato —crafted with care and a focus on preserving the character of the fruit. Open Thursday to Monday, it’s the perfect stop after browsing the village boutiques or visiting the local museum. Don’t miss their Shiraz or Tempranillo blends!
Noyce wine photographed in the summerhouse by Jade @heartandthesea
🕰️ Open Thurs–Mon
📍 Wollombi Village
🌐 noycebros.com.au
Just a few minutes down the road, nestled along the tranquil bends of Cedar Creek, you’ll find Stonehurst Wines—a boutique vineyard framed by sandstone cliffs and rows of century-old poplar trees. Their organically grown wines are handcrafted and reflect the wild beauty of this part of the valley. It’s a wine tasting experience you’ll want to linger over.
🕰️ Open daily
📍 1840 Wollombi Road, Cedar Creek
🌐 stonehurst.com.au
Stonehurts Cedar Creek photo by DuliliCo
Whether you’re booking a romantic weekend, a cosy friend getaway, or booked into one of our workshops, autumn in the Lower Hunter Valley is the perfect time to explore, taste and slow down. From mountaintop meals, eating days and relaxing at night. We’re here for all of it.
Insider Indulgence
Craving the kind of Hunter Valley experience that only a local would know? When you book your stay at the summerhouse, you’ll receive Daniela’s handpicked guide to the region’s hidden gems—think elegant long lunches, boutique wineries, and scenic drives only the locals whisper about. Prefer a personal touch? Just drop me a note, and I’ll tailor recommendations to your perfect escape.
See you in the valley!
– Daniela, Little Valley Farm
Little Valley summerhouse photo by Jade @heartandthesea