A wellness weekend in the Hunter Valley

Food is a big part of how we nourish ourselves and the Hunter Valley knows how to do it well. At Margan Wines & Restaurant, a commitment to sustainability underpins every plate. Their kitchen garden and orchard supply much of the menu, ensuring each bite is bursting with seasonal flavour and local pride. Book in for the Ultimate Margan Experience and learn more about their organic farming principles before you dine.

Craving a refined paddock-to-plate experience? Circa 1876 at The Convent serves up a seasonal menu shaped by its own organic kitchen garden, all in the charming setting of a historic cottage nestled in the Roscrea Estate.

For something more casual but equally thoughtful, Myrtle & Stone in Wollombi is a must. Known for its all-day breakfast and local produce-driven lunch menu, it’s a perfect stop between winery visits or bushwalks. At Muse, located at Hungerford Hill Estate, you’ll find a beautifully curated multi-course menu celebrating Hunter producers. Book in for dinner and experience a five- or seven-course set menu that takes you on a delicious journey of the region’s best.

Tower Lodge brings a social twist to nourishment, offering shared tasting experiences using produce from local growers and the Hope family’s own Angus farms. Long lunches and dinners here are all about connection – with each other and with the land.

And for something truly elemental, head to Yellow Billy in Pokolbin. Cooking over fire is their signature and the custom-built fire pit is the heart of every shared banquet. Proteins and vegetables are flame-kissed, rustic and packed with flavour – a fitting nod to the region’s bushranger past.

Sometimes, the best thing you can do for your wellbeing is to simply get outside. The Hunter region is home to some truly stunning landscapes, from the mossy trails of the Watagans to the rocky lookouts of Yengo National Park. Cool off with a dip in Lake St Clair, or spend a morning birdwatching in Wollemi or Mount Royal National Parks. The fresh air and sweeping views are a balm for busy minds and tight shoulders.

Prefer something a little more manicured? Hunter Valley Gardens offers a different kind of nature immersion, with themed garden displays, floral archways and serene walking paths made for meandering. There’s a gentle joy in wandering past fragrant roses and lily-covered ponds – a slower kind of sightseeing that invites calm with every step.