Make 2026 the Year You Finally Take That Farmstay Break

Your Little Valley Summerhouse guide to maximising public holidays and annual leave

If you’ve already started daydreaming about slower weekends, quiet breakfasts, and a few days where your phone isn’t dinging at you, this is your sign to start planning your 2026 getaways. The good news? Next year is full of generous public holiday runs, and if you play it right, a handful of annual leave days can turn into proper holidays.

And if you’re going to escape, you may as well do it somewhere that actually feels like an escape. The Little Valley Summerhouse sleeps up to four adults and sits right by the pond, looking across the alpaca and donkey paddocks. Euan (my hubbie) built it, and it runs entirely on solar (actually, the whole farm is solar-powered), and it has that rare “arrive, exhale, stay awhile” feel.

To help you time your getaway, here’s your friendly cheat sheet for turning a few annual leave days into long, glorious breaks.

This is Big Teddy Bo Alpaca before shearing!

Your 2026 “Take a Few Days, Get a Lot More” Guide

January Long Break (January 24–February 1)

Take 4 days of annual leave and turn it into 9 days off.

  • Jan 24–25: Weekend

  • Jan 26: Public holiday

  • Jan 27–30: Annual leave

  • Jan 31–Feb 1: Weekend

Early in the year is perfect for a warm-weather visit and long evenings on the deck, the occasional alpaca side-eye, and easy, relaxing days. The Stoked hot tub can be used as a plunge pool to cool down in and at night, stoke it up!

Little Valley Summerhouse photo credit Euan Wilcox

Easter + Autumn Magic (March 28–April 12)

Take 8 days of annual leave and unlock 16 days away.

  • Mar 28–29: Weekend

  • Mar 30–Apr 2: Annual leave

  • Apr 3: Good Friday

  • Apr 4–5: Weekend

  • Apr 6: Easter Monday

  • Apr 7–10: Annual leave

  • Apr 11–12: Weekend

Autumn/Winter Summerhouse

Autumn at Little Valley Farm is one of the best times to visit. The light softens, the paddocks glow, and the whole valley feels settled and calm.


King’s Birthday Escape (June 6–14)

Take 4 days of annual leave for 9 wintery days off.

  • Jun 6–7: Weekend

  • Jun 8: Public holiday

  • Jun 9–12: Annual leave

  • Jun 13–14: Weekend

Cool nights, fires going, and the hot tub steaming away under the stars, it’s one of the coziest times to stay.

The entire farm turns a beautiful red-orange thanks to the autumn leaves. It’s a photographer’s delight to capture the farm in these colours.

Autumn Hunter Valley Little Valley Summerhouse farmstay

Little Valley Farm Autumn/Winter photo credit Euan Wilcox

Labour Day Spring Break (October 3–11)

Take 4 days of annual leave and score 9 days off.

  • Oct 3–4: Weekend

  • Oct 5: Public holiday

  • Oct 6–9: Annual leave

  • Oct 10–11: Weekend

Spring usually brings cria season, so there’s a decent chance you’ll spot a curious little face peeking around its mum in the paddock.

Christmas–New Year Mega Break (December 19–January 3)

Take 7 days of annual leave and enjoy 16 days off.

  • Dec 19–20: Weekend

  • Dec 21–24: Annual leave

  • Dec 25: Christmas Day

  • Dec 26–27: Weekend

  • Dec 28: Boxing Day public holiday

  • Dec 29–31: Annual leave

  • Jan 1: New Year’s Day

  • Jan 2–3: Weekend

This is the big one, a chance to slow right down, reflect on the year, and start 2027 feeling human again.

Why Plan Ahead?

The Summerhouse books out quickly, especially when public holidays line up like this. If you’ve spotted a run that suits your style, a long weekend, a cheeky mid-year break, or the mega Christmas stretch that is worth locking it in early.

Pack a good book, bring your favourite people, and enjoy a slice of the valley at your own pace

Make 2026 the Year You Finally Take That Farmstay Break

summerhouse calendar

Summerhouse with friends

Book early and book direct, pay your deposit now, with a reminder closer to the date.

The Summerhouse sleeps four adults.

We are only 90 minutes from Sydney and 1 hour from Newcastle or the Central Coast.

A Little December Breather at the Summerhouse

December always sneaks up, doesn’t it? One minute you’re packing away the winter chores, and the next you’re wondering how it’s already time for Christmas lists, end-of-year catch-ups, and that familiar “where did the year go?” feeling.

If you’re craving a quick reset before the chaos begins, the Summerhouse at Little Valley Farm is one of those easy escapes that works beautifully as a one-night stay. December is filling fast, but there are still a few nights open for anyone wanting to exhale, switch off, and wake up somewhere peaceful.

View from across the pond looking towards to the Summerhouse. Photo credit Euan Wilcox

Set beside the pond with the bush wrapping around you, the Summerhouse has that quiet, steadying energy people look for at this time of year. The Stoked hot tub’s always a favourite, warm at night, cool during the day, and you’ll have alpacas and donkeys grazing nearby as your unofficial welcoming committee.

If you like to choose the exact night that suits your plans, it’s best to book directly. One-night stays are open through December, and January 2026 has its own little window of availability as well.

It’s a lovely time to be in the Hunter Valley: warm evenings, long days, and that relaxed holiday rhythm that settles over the valley once the calendar flips.


Our Summerhouse sleeps up to four adults only, with one king bedroom and one queen bedroom, plus a full kitchen, a fireplace (for Winter), and plenty of spots to sit with a drink and listen to the frogs around the pond.

If you’re thinking about squeezing in a quick getaway, whether it’s a pre-Christmas breather or a slow start to the new year, now’s the time to lock it in.


Book direct for the best rate and the widest choice of dates.



Summerhouse deck overlooking the pond.

Australia Day Long weekend in the Hunter Valley

PS: Don't forget the long weekend coming up at the end of January, book for three nights for total relaxation and immersion.

Book the summerhouse
Source: https://www.littlevalleyfarm.com.au/summerhouse

New Singapore–Newcastle Connection Opens the Door to the Hunter Valley

Press Release 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE    14 November 2025

New Singapore–Newcastle Connection Opens the Door to the Hunter Valley


Singapore travellers will soon have a much easier way to reach one of NSW’s most scenic wine-and-country regions. Jetstar’s new Denpasar–Newcastle route, which launched on 21 October 2025, will connect with the airline’s daily Singapore–Denpasar service from March 2026.


With only a 90-minute layover in Bali, Singaporeans can fly to Newcastle on a single ticket. No Sydney airport, no long transfers, just a smooth hop straight into the Hunter. Jetstar is also increasing the Bali–Newcastle service to four flights a week, adding extra capacity ahead of the busy travel seasons.


From Singapore Life to Valley Living

For Daniela Riccio and Euan Wilcox, founders of Little Valley Farm in the Wollombi Valley, this new flight connection feels a little like the universe giving them a wink. The couple spent over ten years living in Hong Kong and Singapore before returning to Australia to build their alpaca farm from the ground up.


During her time in Asia, Daniela worked as an editor and marketing manager for LUXE City Guides, shaping travel content for Asia’s most design-savvy jetsetters. Those years left her with a strong connection to the expat community and a deep appreciation for how precious long weekends and quick getaways can be.


Today, Little Valley Farm is known for its alpaca herd, hands-on workshops, and a growing reputation as a peaceful countryside escape. Their newest addition, the Little Valley Summerhouse, overlooks a scenic pond and the alpaca and donkey paddocks. Architecturally designed and handcrafted by Euan, the two-bedroom house is entirely off-grid, featuring a full kitchen, a Cheminees Philippe fireplace, a Stoked hottub, and a passive-solar design that keeps it naturally comfortable throughout the seasons.

“The new route removes the last bit of travel friction,” Daniela says. “You land in Newcastle, grab your bags, and you’re in the valley before you’ve even processed that you’ve left the city.”

Little Valley Summerhouse Hunter Valley

Little Valley Summerhouse Photo credit Euan Wilcox


A Different Kind of Australian Escape

For expat Singaporeans who’ve done the classic Sydney and coastal itineraries, the Summerhouse offers something more grounded, fresh country air, wide-open views, and the rhythm of a working alpaca farm. 

Newcastle Airport is an easy 90-minute drive from the property, and the surrounding region is filled with boutique wineries, heritage villages, and plenty of space to unwind.

Bookings & Media Enquiries

Little Valley Farm, Wollombi Valley

Daniela Riccio, 0407224150 

dani@littlevalleyfarm.com.au

www.littlevalleyfarm.com.au 

You From Reggie

What else to discover when in Wollombi Valley by You Found Reggie.

Slow down this Christmas and spend the holidays in Wollombi Valley

If you’ve been craving a quieter kind of festive season, Wollombi Valley might be precisely what your head and heart need. Tucked in the southern end of Hunter Valley wine country, this little pocket of bushland offers the kind of Christmas where the soundtrack is birdsong, the neighbours are friendly, and you can finally breathe a bit deeper.

Christmas and New Year in the Bush: Slow Down, Stay Close, and Soak Up Wollombi Valley

huntervalley accommodation

Friend time at the Summerhouse

Visitors can choose from all sorts of stays, from camping under the stars, family-friendly cottages, romantic hideaways, and nature stays where you wake up to nothing but trees, hills and the occasional curious wallaroo. It’s the perfect valley to switch gears, settle in, and enjoy the holidays at a slower pace.

For anyone who likes their New Year’s Eve with a spark (literally), the Wollombi Tavern hosts its much-loved fireworks night. It’s a relaxed, family-friendly evening that brings locals and visitors together on the big grassy paddock out the back. Kids run around, grown-ups exhale, and everyone gets a dose of simple country fun.

Across the valley, you can wander through the historic village of Wollombi, circa 1830 and still proudly holding onto its heritage, or head down the road to Laguna, home to the iconic Trading Post. Good food, great coffee, and the kind of people who’ll remember your name if you pop in twice.

A Stay Made for Long Chats and Lazy Mornings

One standout option is the Little Valley Summerhouse, which sleeps four adults and sits in its own quiet pocket of bushland. It’s the kind of place you book for a friend’s escape or a family catch-up. Somewhere you can settle in, pour a drink, and watch the scenery do its thing. The deck looks out over the pond and across to the alpaca and donkey paddocks, so there’s always something cute wandering by. You’re only 5 km from the Trading Post and about ten minutes from Wollombi Village, but it feels far enough away that city life slips off your shoulders without you even noticing.

huntervalley farmstay

Little Valley Summerhouse Photo credit Euan Wilcox

Easy to Reach, Hard to Leave

Wollombi Valley sits an easy 90 minutes from Sydney, about an hour from the Central Coast, and an hour from Newcastle. Close enough for a spontaneous getaway, far enough to feel like you’ve stepped into your own quiet corner of the world.

Whether you’re planning a last-minute escape or setting up a new holiday tradition, Wollombi Valley is a gentle reminder that Christmas doesn’t need to be complicated. Sometimes the best gift is a few days in the bush, where time slows down and life feels easy again.

For more information, story requests, images or interview opportunities, please get in touch with Daniela.

Book the adults only Summerhouse here

The Little Valley Alpacas just after this September ‘25 shear

What'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 and yarn Australia

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

alpacas hunter valley littlevalleyfarm

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.

wollombi valley laguna new south wales

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.

@wollombigenearlstore

@The Trading Post Laguna

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.

See the summerhouse here.

Video credit Instagram @wollombivalley

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 wollombi valley

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.”
— Daniela

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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.

book summerhouse here
more insider tips here

See you in the valley!
– Daniela, Little Valley Farm

Little Valley summerhouse photo by Jade @heartandthesea