Lovedale is one of the tiny enclaves within the Pokolbin/Cessnock area of the Hunter Valley. Typified by cute wineries, cellar doors, boutique hotels and fine restaurants, it is the perfect place to get away from big city Aussie life for indulgence. The best way to enjoy it is to pre-book one of these fine resorts and explore the region by car. The drive is just a couple of hours or so from Sydney, less from Newcastle.
Lovedale is nestled between Pokolbin and Cessnock, both of which towns allow you to shop in boutique stores and enjoy high-end café culture.
If you can’t find accommodation in Lovedale, Cessnock is your best bet as it is the biggest town and has the most, and cheapest, choice. Pokolbin is altogether more expensive but is high quality, with stunning resorts and wineries.
There are many other towns and villages in the Hunter Valley region that can easily be explored from either place. The area is quite close-knit, typified by easily driveable roads.
Activities away from the wine include spas and massages, browsing in art galleries, horseback riding, golfing and even hot air balloon rides.
In addition to the wine and indulgent spa resorts of Lovedale, there is a great deal of nature. There are many state parks and national parks in this area. Within a few minutes are Pokolbin and Cessnock state forests, Werakat National Park and Watagans National Park, as well as the lofty Barrington Tops National Park in the Upper Hunter. They all have pleasant walking and resident kangaroos.
Accommodation at Lovedale
Most of the accommodation and cellar doors at Lovedale are small and personal, where you get to bend the grape-growers’ ears. But there is accommodation for most budgets, from bed and breakfasts up to luxury cottages with swimming pools. In addition, restaurants in Lovedale often feature high ratings on review sites like Tripadvisor.
Lilies Luxury Retreats
From $883
Lovedale Cottages
From $131
Adina Vineyard & Olive Grove
From $135
Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley
From $218
Vineyard Hill Resort
From $107
Marbles on Lovedale
From $794
