This rural village in the heart of the Hunter Valley offers wine tours, family-friendly gardens and farm visits against the backdrop of the Brokenback Mountains.
Pokolbin is a rural area north of the city of Cessnock and has been the central village of the Hunter Valley’s wine industry for nearly two centuries. The region is famous for its local produce so be sure to include visits to the area’s vineyards, breweries, olive farms and cheese factories. After a day outdoors, dine in quality restaurants to sample some of the best food in the area.
Pokolbin is a popular destination for those seeking a rural holiday experience within driving distance of Australia’s big cities on the east coast. Local accommodation options range from charming bed and breakfast rooms and luxury resorts with pools, to cabins in vineyards.
There is a championship golf course for sporty visitors while art lovers will enjoy the landscape paintings and sculptures in the local galleries.
Of course, the Hunter Valley is most popular because of its quality Australian wine. This is the birthplace of the nation’s wine industry and nowadays Pokolbin is surrounded by more than a dozen quality wineries and vineyards.
Visit boutique vineyards, like Saddler’s Creek or Mistletoe, or larger export wineries like Pepper Tree. Because nearly all cellar doors are in a rural setting, the area is best explored by car. You can pick up a map and brochures at the tourist information centre on the road to Cessnock to find out which wineries and farms suit your interests. For a fun and informative gourmet experience with a group and chauffeur, join the winery and lunch tours leaving from Sydney, Newcastle or Cessnock.
While in Pokolbin, don’t miss the Hunter Valley Gardens in the centre of town. Walk through the tranquil gardens and have lunch or a beer in the Irish pub. Let the children roam free in the Storybook Garden, where they can come face-to-face with world-famous nursery rhyme characters and listen to their stories.
Pokolbin is located 11 kilometres (7 miles) north of Cessnock and can be reached by car or bus. Rover Coaches has a regular bus service that connects the two towns.