14 charming Airbnbs in the Hunter Valley for a weekend getaway

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Sift through our top Hunter Valley Airbnb picks for a mix of romantic, luxury, family, pet-friendly and group getaway options close to the wineries of the Hunter Valley.

As well as providing an escape to the country, the best Hunter Valley Airbnbs offer proximity to wineries and great places to eat and drink. They also cater to an ever-changing demographic of travellers. There’s the couple who insist on an outdoor bath. The family who wants a pool and cook’s kitchen. Then there are the friends who insist on a fire pit. And the influencers who are looking to create compelling content from a recycled shipping container. Whatever your definition of luxury accommodation, here are some of the best Airbnbs in the Hunter Valley to bookmark for your next holiday.

1. Tiny House 888

Despite the fact Tiny House 888 treads lightly on the land, the small, self-contained studio seems to maximise a sense of place. And because everything in the mini one-bathroom, one-bedroom tiny home is mini and has its place, the interior feels deceptively roomy.

the property exterior of Tiny House 888
Tiny House 888 is a peaceful retreat in the woods.

The Tiny House 888 is located on the award-winning Vintry property, and, from here, you can make excursions to nearby wineries or simply stay put and chill. City folk will appreciate sitting around the fire pit under a star-lit sky and seeing flash mobs of kangaroos each morning.

an al fresco seating spot outside Tiny House 888
Take time to relax and take in your surroundings during your stay.

Although Tiny House 888 sleeps only two guests, there are five luxurious tiny homes dotted around the Tuckers Lane property in the heart of the Hunter Valley.

the bedroom at Tiny House 888, Hunter Valley
The bedroom is perfect for two.

2. Billy’s Hideaway

Need a break? Billy’s Hideaway can play a small part in facilitating this thanks to this thoroughly modern rabbit hutch of a cabin that is deeply embedded in the Wollombi wilderness.

the bed and cabin at Billy’s Hideaway, Hunter Valley
Escape from the city noise and tuck yourself into Billy’s Hideaway.

Some of the best accommodation in the Hunter Valley is stand-alone and this particular cabin is on a six-hectare parcel of land overlooking a billabong.

a couple relaxing in the outdoor tub at Billy’s Hideaway, Hunter valley
Soak in the outdoor tub while sipping wine.

It’s bathed in light throughout the day and its vast stacker doors open to the rambling forest outside. The luxury two-bedroom cabin blends country comforts with designer furnishings and fitting and features a wood-fired hot tub and fire pit, solar-powered heating and a hot rainwater shower. Check out Huch House on Instagram for inspo. Sleeps four.

a couple sitting by a small fire setup outside Billy’s Hideaway, hunter Valley
Spend the evening by the fire pit making s’mores.

3. Barefoot at Broke

An escape to the country never looked so contemporary. Bring Rover along for the ride to the pet-friendly Barefoot at Broke retreat, which provides guests with the ultimate Hunter Valley getaway. The property is set on 10 hectares of bushland and walled on one side by the Yengo Mountain Range, which jacks up into a craggy peak.

From here you can explore the nearby vineyards in the Broke Fordwich region, find a picnic spot near the property’s pond or simply curl up in barefoot luxury and listen to the creaking of the trees. The contemporary Airbnb sleeps six guests, and has an open-plan living area and kitchen.

4. Livy Lou’s Cottage

Livy Lou’s Cottage is paradise for families with fur babies. The boutique Hunter Valley accommodation has three bedrooms and a pretty picket fence that is best suited to small dogs who do not care to try and escape. For lovers of fine food and wine, the cottage is perfectly located near to one of the main Hunter Valley hubs for wine tasting.

the property exterior of Livy Lou’s Cottage
Step into the countryside charm of Livy Lou’s Cottage.

Curl up with a book in the open-plan living area, set the kids up with Netflix and roast marshmallows around the large stone fire pit under a sky scattered with stars. Amenities include an outdoor BBQ and coffee machine with complimentary pods. The pet-friendly stay sleeps six guests.

the sofa at Livy Lou’s Cottage
Relax on the sofa with a book in hand.

5. Nerreman Cottage

Despite being located just a 10-minute walk from the historic village of Wollombi, a stay at Nerreman Cottage affords a down-to-earth get-away-from-it-all experience.

the property exterior of Nerreman Cottage
Nerreman Cottage is a beautifully appointed holiday home.

The charming cottage, built circa 1919, has been given a new lease of life and it appears that even the grassy paddocks that surround the renovated holiday home have received a fresh coat of green paint.

the living area at Nerreman Cottage
The charming cottage is filled with vintage finds.

Bring back a few bottles of wine from the nearby vineyards and get creative in the country kitchen preparing a paired feast to enjoy while dining on the outdoor deck.

the outdoor terrace at Nerreman Cottage
Spend slow days on the terrace.

The three-bedroom cottage features original hardwood timber floors and French doors and is located near to the bubbling Wollombi Brook.

the bedroom at Nerreman Cottage
Nerreman Cottage is built with hardwood timber floors and French doors.

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6. Maggie’s Cottage

You can make the most of the Hunter Valley’s bounty by stocking up on wine and cheese and enjoying a civilised picnic on the expansive grounds surrounding Maggie’s Cottage in the Wollombi Valley.

an aerial view of Maggie’s Cottage, Hunter Valley
Stay amongst expansive greenery at Maggie’s Cottage in the Wollombi Valley.

Drive through the corridor of eucalypts that lead to the 40-hectare property, which is mere minutes from Wollombi and a handful of Hunter Valley wineries. Maggie’s accommodates four adults and four kids comfortably.

the bedroom at Maggie’s Cottage
The comfy bed at Maggie’s Cottage guarantees a good night’s sleep.

There’s no wi-fi, so go old school and play charades around the fire pit, or bounce on the trampoline.

the trampoline at Maggie’s Cottage
Let your kids bounce off their energy on the trampoline.

7. Camellia Cottage

Camellia Cottage is a fairy-tale cottage with lots of heritage throwbacks as well as contemporary touches just 10 minutes from Hunter Valley wineries and a short stroll to the main strip of Cessnock.

the interior of Camellia Cottage
The French-inspired interior of Camellia Cottage evokes a whimsical feel.

From its French doors to its sash windows, stained glass and pretty lilac trim, the charming holiday home is full of surprises. An indoor fireplace,  flower-filled vases, and a pretty camellia garden are all welcome additions. The well-equipped kitchen and porch for outdoor dining also makes this a haven for groups of friends dreaming of investing in their own fixer-upper. Sleeps six.

the property exterior of Camellia Cottage
Settle into this charming holiday home.

8. The Old Church House

An impressive approach through a poplar-lined dirt road will lead you to The Old Church House, which recalls this building’s history as a place of worship.

bonfire at The Old Church House
Gather around the fire pit and witness the skies change into fiery hues at dusk.

It follows that this guesthouse, originally built in 1880, is furnished with church pews and features arched windows and vaulted ceilings that nod to that heritage.

the bedroom at The Old Church House
The Old Church House features the original arched doors and windows.

Best suited for a sophisticated gathering of gourmands, The Old Church House has been sensitively converted for entertaining. A quick scan of the reviews indicates epicureans also rejoice at the fact the 4.8-star-rated retreat is near to award-winning Margan Estate and Krinklewood Winery, two of the most acclaimed vineyards in NSW’s wine country.  Sleeps eight.

a white-painted interior at The Old Church House
The white-washed interior at The Old Church House.

10. Rosebook Eco Tiny Home

This tiny home that lies on a hillside in the Hunter gives considerable attention to the environment with its architectural design leaving a small footprint on the land. The tiny home, which has views over the Hunter River, has just one bedroom, making it perfect for couples who want a secluded boutique stay in the NSW countryside.

the Rosebook Eco Tiny Home at sunset
Rosebook Eco Tiny Home is tucked on a secluded hillside in the Hunter.

Pick up some provisions in Pokolbin and then settle into Rosebrook with its fully equipped kitchen, premium linen, Tempur Cloud bed and bathroom with eco-friendly toilet.

an outdoor bathtub at Rosebook Eco Tiny Home
Spend time in nature while soaking in the tub.

An outdoor bath, deck with fairy lights, BBQ and fire pit set the scene for romance and there’s a dedicated workspace for wannabe digital nomads. Sleeps two.

the outdoor deck at Rosebook Eco Tiny Home
The outdoor deck is festooned with fairy lights.

10. Forever Sunday

Plug the lower Hunter region into Airbnb and Forever Sunday will undoubtedly pop up. The pretty Paterson homestead is an off-grid sanctuary with a pool that sleeps eight on an 85-hectare property in the Hunter Valley. As the name suggests, Forever Sunday is about extending the joy of a lazy sleep-in to an everyday occurrence.

the property exterior at Forever Sunday
Step into this impressive homestead.

The property will of course appeal to those who want to visit NSW’s wine country. But it’s also so self-contained that you could travel here for pleasure and not need to leave for the entire weekend.

the magnesium pool at Forever Sunday
Swim a couple of laps in the magnesium pool.

In addition to the magnesium pool, there’s an infrared sauna, BBQ, pizza oven and fire pit and luxurious surrounds that invite idyllic bush walks.

a self-contained accommodation Forever Sunday
Schedule in some time in the onsite infrared sauna.

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11. Handcrafted Cabin in the Vines

This boutique Hunter Valley Airbnb was designed and built by an Austrian master craftsman. And it shows. It’s the kind of contemporary log cabin that you might expect to find while wandering through flower-filled meadows over summer in the Alps.

a bed facing the window at Handcrafted Cabin in the Vines
Stay at Handcrafted Cabin in the Vines for a change of scenery.

Whether you’re looking to spend the weekend visiting wineries or want to hunker down to enjoy a change of scenery, the two-bedroom cabin will give you all the lumberjack-level inspiration you need to inspire a visit to the Hunter Valley.

the outdoor terrace at Handcrafted Cabin in the Vines
Take in views of the vines from the deck.

The cabin is fitted out with hand-crafted timber furniture and includes a cosy sandstone fireplace, large picture windows, a fully equipped kitchen, private patio and even a soccer field.

the dining at Handcrafted Cabin in the Vines
This contemporary log cabin offers a memorable stay.

12. Talits Estate Vineyard

This French-inspired homestead in Fordwich overlooks the beautifully manicured gardens and vineyard of award-winning Talits Estate.  Designed by French architects, Talits nods to a replica of a château in Aix-en Provence through the judicious use of shuttered French doors, pretty parterre gardens and rustic stone and stucco walls.

the property exterior of Talits Estate Vineyard
Talits Estate Vineyard looks like a château in Aix-en Provence.

Pass the vibe check by grabbing your fave posse of pick-me girls and matching your wardrobes with the spectrum of white, creams, blushes and pastel pinks.

the French-inspired interior at Talits Estate Homestead
Talits Estate Homestead takes pride in its charming French interior. (Image: @Brooketunbridge for The Freeman Journal)

Venture beyond the elegant homestead to the cellar door to sample wines produced by Daniel Binet, twice nominated for The Wine Society’s Young Winemaker of the Year. A votre sante.

a person holding a glass of wine with charcuterie board on the table at Talits Cellar Door
Head to the Talits Cellar Door to sample wines during your stay.

13. The Treehouse at Cedars Mount View

Those looking to get away from the hustle of the Hunter Valley but still be within close proximity to the cellar doors can camouflage themselves in the canopy of The Treehouse at Cedars Mount View. The contemporary accommodation with pinch-me-now views is one of five villas located on the 38-hectare property that was recently purchased by French owner-operators Christelle Chardin and Gilbert Ponlot.

The Treehouse at Cedars Mount View
Escape from the crowds and enjoy some R&R at The Treehouse at Cedars Mount View.

The pair engaged Newcastle-based interior designer Juliana Martin to project manage the multimillion-dollar renovation of Villa Lorea and The Treehouse and oversee the new build of Villa Stella – now so luxurious it is difficult to drag yourself away. A further two existing villas have undergone a soft refurbishment and are next in line for a full makeover.

a private tub with scenic views at Cedars Mt View
Soak in your own private tub at Villa Lorea.

14. The Studio on Pokolbin Mountain

The Studio on Pokolbin Mountain is one of two cottages on a property in the heart of the Hunter Valley that forces you to disconnect. Cobbled together in the 1990s from a range of salvaged and recycled materials, the building was once used as an artist’s studio and later as a retail space for the owners’ lavender farm.

the bedroom interior at The Studio on Pokolbin Mountain
Check into The Studio on Pokolbin Mountain to disconnect from the outside world.

The Studio is still a working farm with cattle and horses dotting the surrounding fields. Hemmed in between groves of trees, The Studio is situated in the heart of the Hunter Valley wine region with wineries and concert venues just minutes away. Amelies is the sister property to the Studio.

the bed at The Studio on Pokolbin Mountain
Bed down at The Studio on Pokolbin Mountain.
For more insider tips and must-do experiences, read our Hunter Valley travel guide.

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Carla Grossetti
Carla Grossetti avoided accruing a HECS debt by accepting a cadetship with News Corp. at the age of 18. After completing her cadetship at The Cairns Post Carla moved south to accept a position at The Canberra Times before heading off on a jaunt around Canada, the US, Mexico and Central America. During her career as a journalist, Carla has successfully combined her two loves – of writing and travel – and has more than two decades experience switch-footing between digital and print media. Carla’s CV also includes stints at delicious., The Sydney Morning Herald, and The Australian, where she specialises in food and travel. Carla also based herself in the UK where she worked at Conde Nast Traveller, and The Sunday Times’ Travel section before accepting a fulltime role as part of the pioneering digital team at The Guardian UK. Carla and has been freelancing for Australian Traveller for more than a decade, where she works as both a writer and a sub editor.
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8 ways to discover a new side of Port Stephens

    Kate Bettes Kate Bettes
    Aussies might think they know what Port Stephens is all about – but it’s time to take another look.

    You might’ve driven through this NSW coast town. Maybe even stopped for fish and chips or a quick dip. But spend a long weekend in the new Port Stephens, and you’ll seriously regret not doing it sooner. We’re talking treks across beaches, reef dives and up-close time with rescued koalas.

    All in all? It only takes a day before you see Port Stephens in a whole new light, and not much longer until it’s locked in as your favourite family destination.

    1. Stockton Sand Dunes

    Port Stephens incredible Stockton Sand Dunes are the largest moving sand mass in the Southern Hemisphere. They shift like an endless magic trick across the Worimi Conservation Lands, a 4200-hectare coastal co-managed by the Traditional Owners.

    Tear over them in a 4WD. Rev through valleys soft as melting ice cream on a quad. Carve down 30-metre slopes on a sandboard. However you choose to cross them, you’re guaranteed a seriously wild ride.

    Four rugged 4WDs kick up trails of golden dust as they charge across the sweeping desert landscape.
    Chase thrills across shifting sands. (Image: Destination NSW)

    2. Scale Tomaree Head Summit Walk

    A short climb through bushland opens up to the coastal drama of Tomaree Head. Spot Zenith, Wreck and Box Beaches. See the Fingal Island lighthouse and offshore rookeries where Australia’s rarest seabird, the Gould’s petrel, nests.

    History buffs can’t miss the WWII gun emplacements. And if you’re hiking between May and November, bring binoculars. Travelling whales might just be breaching below.

    Friends enjoying a scenic walk along the Tomaree Head Summit Walk in Tomaree National Park, Port Stephens.
    Climb Tomaree Head for jaw-dropping coastal views. (Image: Destination NSW)

    3. Watch out for whales

    You’ve seen the spouts of migrating humpbacks and southern right whales from shore. Set sail from Nelson Bay to see them up close. Cruise straight into the action, with tail-slaps, barrel rolls and all.

    And they’ve got competition from the local show-offs. Port Stephens bottlenose dolphins leap and play. Some tours even spot pudgy fur seals, spending lazy days soaking up the sun on Cabbage Tree Island.

    A whale’s tail on the sea’s surface.
    Watch for ocean tails. (Image: Destination NSW)

    4. Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary

    Pop into the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary to learn about the rescued koalas who climb, nap, snack and heal in this natural patch of bushland. Wander the immersive Sanctuary Story Walk to discover more about their habits, then head to the SKYwalk – a treetop platform constructed for spotting these eucalyptus-loving locals. Peek into the hospital’s viewing window, where sick or injured koalas may be resting in their recovery enclosures.

    Not enough time around these adorable marsupials? Stay overnight in silk-lined glamping tents.

    Koala sleeping in a tree at Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary, One Mile
    See koalas in their natural habitat. (Image: Destination NSW)

    5. Diving Port Stephens

    Port Stephens has some of NSW’s best dive spots. At Fly Point, float through sponge gardens and coral castles thick with nudibranchs (AKA sea slugs). Halifax Park has blue gropers and crimson-banded wrasse, while Shoal Bay’s seagrass meadows hide pipefish, cuttlefish and octopus.

    Accessible only by boat, Broughton Island is home to a vast array of marine (and bird) life. Snorkel with blue devilfish and stingrays at sites like The Looking Glass and North Rock. More experienced divers can head out with one of the many PADI-certified operators.

    At nearby Cabbage Tree Island, expect to see shaggy-faced wobbegongs cruising along.

    A couple suited up and ready to dive into adventure.
    Suit up and dive into Port Stephens’ vibrant marine life. (Image: Destination NSW)

    6. Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters

    Not quite ready to dive in? Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters is the perfect way to spot local marine life without getting too deep. But there’s no obnoxious glass tank tapping here. Instead, this interactive aquarium allows guests to wade into natural-style lagoons that mimic the real thing.

    Gently pat Port Jackson and bamboo sharks, hand-feed rays, and feel their sandpapery skin with your fingertips. It is all under expert guidance. If you want to go deeper, pop on a wetsuit and swim alongside tawny nurse sharks, white-tipped reef sharks and zebra sharks in the lagoon.

    Family enjoying an animal feeding experience at Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters, Anna Bay.
    Meet the ocean’s friendliest faces at Irukandji. (Image: Destination NSW)

    7. Fish the estuaries

    Fishing fanatics will fall for Port Stephens hook, line and sinker. Here, one of the largest estuary systems in the whole state sees tidal rivers and mangrove ecosystems. Waterfronts are thick with oysters, and residential fish that might include anything from bream, whiting and flathead, to blue swimmer crabs, kingfish and longtail tuna.

    If you prefer to choose your own adventure and fish offshore, you can hire a boat from one of the marinas and set your own course.

    three men fishing on a boat in port stephens
    Join a tour or chart your own fishing trip. (Image: Destination NSW)

    8. Taste new Port Stephens flavours

    With plenty of activity to fill your days, refuelling on delectable cuisine becomes equally important. And Port Stephens answers the call.

    Pop into Holbert’s Oyster Farm for fresh-farmed Port Stephens rock oysters and Pacific oysters, Australian king and tiger prawns, as well as a variety of tasty sauces to try them with.

    Take a group to Atmos for an authentic Greek experience over large shared dishes and Greek-inspired cocktails. Or feast on sea-to-plate, modern Australian dishes at the pet-friendly Restaurant 2317.

    A plate of fresh oysters.
    Slurp your way through the region’s best oysters. (Image: Destination NSW)

    Start planning your Port Stephens getaway at portstephens.org.au.

    14 Hunter Valley Airbnbs for a Winery Escape | Australian Traveller