Airbnb
Just two hours from Sydney’s CBD lies Australia’s oldest wine-growing region, where world-class wines, rich local culture, and epicurean delights combine to offer an all-encompassing experience. For many, the Hunter Valley is the perfect quick weekend escape – a chance to explore rolling vineyards, savour artisan cheeses, and enjoy lively local events, all set against the backdrop of stunning countryside.
Airbnb research conducted by YouGov reveals a 29 per cent increase in Aussies wanting to immerse themselves in an area’s rich local history and culture, while 26 per cent are seeking out local food and wine festivals or events. This growing desire for authentic experiences makes Hunter Valley’s diverse offerings an ideal match.
Lee McLean, CEO of Australian Grape and Wine, highlights what makes Australia’s wine regions so special: “Australia’s wine regions are special places, and initiatives like this help more people uncover the true essence of Australian wine country. Whether it’s a small family-run winery or a distinctive tasting experience, there’s something special waiting to be discovered.”
He adds, “We want more people to explore the unique cellar doors, family-run vineyards, and wineries so they can experience the incredible diversity of our wine regions and regional communities throughout Australia.”
Whether you’re after a cosy cabin nestled among vineyards or a luxurious retreat with sweeping valley views, Hunter Valley’s best Airbnbs cater to all tastes – ensuring your stay is as memorable as each drop of grape.
GT‘s top picks for Hunter Valley accommodation in 2025
- Best unique Hunter Valley stays: The Queen Mary (here’s why)
- Best Hunter Valley stays for couples: Billy’s Hideaway (here’s why)
- Best Hunter Valley stays for families and groups: ClonDara (here’s why)
Best Hunter Valley stays for unique experiences:
The Queen Mary
Sleeps: Four
This lovingly restored circa‑1920s steam train carriage is a unique stay for up to four guests, offering a glamorous homage to yesteryear. Tucked among 25-acres at The Station Hunter Valley estate, just a 15‑minute walk from Pokolbin Village in NSW’s wine country, this offering features the original hallways for you to roam through history, plus a plush lounge and dining area, kitchenette, private veranda with outdoor lounges, fire pit and wood‑fired hot tub.
“The Queen Mary is such a wonderful, unique experience,” wrote one guest who rated their stay five-stars. “The hosts have done the most amazing job converting the carriage into a stylish, clean and well-equipped space. The kids got such a thrill staying in a train overnight and loved seeing the kangaroos hop around outside.”
Location: Pokolbin
Billy’s Hideaway
Sleeps: Four
This charming two‑bedroom self‑contained cottage sets itself in the lush Hunter Valley wine country, close to Pokolbin and local vineyards. This intimate escape is favoured by food and wine lovers who desire a relaxing rural escape, surrounded by world‑class cellar doors, farm‑to‑table dining and scenic landscapes. Designed for couples, singles and small families, spend the day wandering through the pristine bushland before curling up on the bed with immersive views of the rural skyline.
This Airbnb has a 4.96-star rating over 154 reviews. One guest described this stay as “the perfect weekend getaway when you want a break from the city and to disconnect in nature. Love the beautiful location, fire pit and hot tub too! Michael was super helpful and accommodating. I highly recommend!”
Location: Wollombi
Best Hunter Valley stays for romantic getaways:
Bathhouse III
Sleeps: Two
Nestled in Lovedale within the heart of NSW’s wine country, and just two hours north of Sydney lies Bathhouse III: a refined boathouse-style cabin perched over a fringe lotus pond. Its unique and intimate offering includes your own private deck and elegant minimalist interiors for a warm and cosy respite. This sanctuary is ideal for oenophiles and gastronomy travellers craving restful luxury amidst world-class vineyards, leafy gardens and picturesque views.
This home is a guest favourite on Airbnb with a 4.98-star rating on 55 reviews. “We had an amazing stay in Kristy’s boathouse. The scenery was beautiful and peaceful and exceeded our expectations. The restaurant onsite was delicious, but there were also some great places to eat close by. It was a great weekend escape,” said one guest who rated their stay five-stars.
Location: Lovedale
Marygroves Cottage at Enzo’s Estate
Sleeps: Two
Marygroves Cottage is hosted as part of the renowned Enzo Estate, one of two boutique cottages surrounded by well-known cellar doors, restaurants, and major tourist attractions. This beautifully crafted one-bedroom, one-bathroom stone cottage boasts unique, timeless materials and treasured finds for a stay that feels both historic and serene. Features such as a fireplace, open‑plan living and kitchen, and a plush king‑bed suite make it an intimate choice for a winter escape – especially for culinary aficionados.
One guest described this stay as the “perfect cottage for a few days away from city life – peaceful, clean, and immaculate. Breakfast, firewood and wine were supplied, which was a bonus! I would highly recommend this property in the Hunter Valley for a romantic getaway. Cannot wait to come back!”
Location: Pokolbin
Best Hunter Valley stays for families and groups:
Forever Sunday
Sleeps: Eight
Forever Sunday is a private, off-grid home hosted by a local team passionate about sustainable hospitality. This four-bedroom, eco-friendly residence sits on 211 acres of land, offering panoramic views of the Moonabung Range within a protected wildlife corridor. Enjoy luxurious amenities, including a wood-fired hot tub, a fully equipped kitchen, and an outdoor fire pit, perfect for alfresco evenings or immersive nature dreaming.
“We spent a weekend here and never wanted to leave! This place had such a beautiful home-y feel to it while having every modern amenity you could need! The pool was absolutely amazing and the outdoor baths were a perfect way to end a relaxing day,” said one guest who rated their stay five stars.
Location: Paterson
ClonDara
Sleeps: 12
This refined farm-stay is the ultimate stay for revitalisation, offering four spacious bedrooms, an infinity pool, outdoor dining areas, yoga lawns and panoramic valley views. Nestled in Mitchells Flat, the stay is surrounded by rolling vineyard landscapes and is just minutes from key cellar‑doors. Perfect for large groups, this stay is 10-minutes from both Singleton and the township of Branxton, offering private respite amidst the vines.
One five-star review described their stay as “A beautifully styled home with an incredible vista. We saw wallabies and cows each day in the surroundings. A wonderful home away from home, a perfect retreat away from the city, and just a short drive from Singleton town shops.”
Location: Mitchells Flat
The Winery Lounge
Sleeps: Six
Just a few minutes from the heart of Hunter Valley wineries, near Cessnock in New South Wales lies The Winery Lounge: a fully private, pet‑friendly retreat to escape offering a relaxed stay. The tastefully renovated 1930s Federation‑style home features its original 3.2m-high ceilings, and is thoroughly curated with luxe appliances, air‑conditioning, crisp linens, and elegant interiors for a modern touch. The three-bedroom stay provides a peaceful interlude between vineyard tastings and rural wanderings.
This home is in the top 10% of eligible listings on Airbnb with a 4.97-star rating on 188 reviews. One five-review said: “Sally’s place is an excellent place to stay. It’s beautiful, spacious, super clean, and a prime location in Cessnock close to everything, and to top it off – it’s pet friendly! Our pooch thoroughly enjoyed the grassy outdoor area. We’ll definitely be back and hopefully for a longer stay.”
Location: Cessnock
The Villa at Leaves and Fishes
Sleeps: Four
A luxurious private boathouse ideal for couples, groups or creative escapes, this designer rainforest retreat showcases the best in luxury modern accommodation, featuring plush bedding, ambient lighting, spa-worthy bathrooms and expansive living spaces – all nestled amidst tropical greenery. Amorously situated in Lovedale, less than 2 hours north of Sydney and a forty-minute drive from Newcastle Airport, this restorative stay is for those who love a delicate mix of boutique luxury and scenic rural adventure.
One of five boathouses, this stay has an average 4.94-star rating on Airbnb. “We had a lovely stay at The Villa at Leaves and Fishes. The place is so thoughtfully curated with gorgeous furnishings and complimentary items to make the stay seamless,” says one review: “Kristy was an amazing communicator throughout. The location is great, close to plenty of places to explore. Would love to stay again.”
Location: Lovedale
Hunter Valley’s offerings are not limited by season, but by the mood your holiday leans into. Spring (September to November) is particularly popular, with lush vineyards, gardens bursting with colour, and mild weather – ideal for oenophiles and vineyard seekers. Summer’s vibrant energy brings larger crowds along with local festivals and concerts, though temperatures can peak. The grape harvest season, from March to May, boasts wine events and golden hues, while winter offers a quieter charm – think cosy fireplaces and intimate escapes where your stay truly brings the magic.
For vino lovers and country charm seekers, a weekend getaway of two to three days provides ample time to explore the variety of top wineries, epicurean delights, and scenic sights to fully immerse yourself in the region’s offerings. For those who crave a taste of adventure, such as hot air balloon rides, vineyard tours, spa treatments, and local art galleries, consider adding another day or two to your stay for the perfect balance of exploration and relaxation.
The Hunter Valley region can be divided into southern and northern sections. The southern areas of Pokolbin and Broke are better known for their wineries, cellar doors, restaurants, and hotels, while the more northern areas around Singleton, Muswellbrook, and Scone are predominantly agricultural and mining regions, and therefore tend to be less visited by tourists. Couples may prefer cosy cabins or private lodgings, while groups might opt for spacious houses with amenities like swimming pools or outdoor fire pits. For those planning to explore the many wine tours available, most local towns are within reach of drivers who can pick you up from your accommodation.
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