'Bush Ink' is a range of hand-printed and hand-painted pieces by Watagan local Linda Wilkinson, inspired by the patterns and forms she finds in the bush around her. Rather than chasing perfection, Linda embraces the variation that comes with the making process — each piece carries the uniqueness and organic rhythm of the natural world it comes from.
Rosemaree Wills came to painting through sculpture and installation, with an early fascination in the ancient Nazcan civilisation shaping her thinking about mark-making and earth. A lifetime of outdoor adventures and camping in remote parts of Australia has since become the deeper source — her current work moves with the colours and rhythms of the Australian landscape, finding something elemental in its surface.
The Church of Saint Michael the Archangel is located in Hunter Valley Wine Country in the historic village of Wollombi, two hours drive north of Sydney and only one hour and 15 minutes from Newcastle and the Central Coast. Built of hand-hewn local sandstone, construction of the church began in 1840, and recent restoration work has uncovered the original decorative interior.
Sold by the Catholic Church in 1991 it is now a private Catholic chapel owned and maintained by the local community, and welcomes Catholic, other Denominational and Civil ceremonies. Ideally situated in the heart of the village, it is the perfect choice for an intimate and memorable wedding in a country setting.
Most locals know the old barn behind the Wollombi General Store. Over the years, it's been used for all sorts of things, but it's now starting a new chapter.
The space has been transformed into the Artisans Collective, a working hub for local makers and craftspeople from across the valley.
Rather than simply being a place where finished products sit on shelves, the barn will be a place where work actually happens. Painters, textile artists, jewellers, leather workers and other artisans will use the space as studios, creating their work on site, while visitors can see the process up close.
The aim of the collective is to celebrate and support the creative talent that already exists within the valley. By bringing a group of artisans together in one shared space, the barn becomes both a working studio and a place where visitors can discover locally made work and connect directly with the people behind it.
Workshops will also be held in the barn, giving locals and visitors the chance to learn directly from the artisans themselves. You can book your workshop via the Wollombi General Store website.
Save the date, as the first Saturday of every month will be the Artisan Collective market. Come join them in the garden of the Wollombi General Store and Artisan Collective.
Nestled in the heart of the historic Wollombi Valley, the Artisan Collective at Wollombi General Store is a curated community of local makers, artists, and craftspeople showcasing the creative talent of the region. From handcrafted leather goods and antiques to original artwork, ceramics, and unique homewares, the Collective brings together a rotating showcase of artisans who call the Wollombi Valley home.
Beyond the market and retail experience, the Artisan Collective runs monthly hands-on workshops for both adults and children, offering visitors and locals alike the chance to learn a new craft, try their hand at a creative skill, or simply enjoy a relaxed afternoon making something with their hands. Workshops vary month to month and have included leatherwork, art, and other artisan crafts led by the makers themselves.
Groups are welcome to book in for scheduled workshop events, or get in touch directly to arrange a private group session — perfect for celebrations, team outings, school groups, or anyone looking for a hands-on experience in a beautiful village setting.
Whether you're after a special gift, a unique find, or a creative day out, the Artisan Collective is a warm, welcoming stop on any visit to Wollombi.
Laguna Leather is part of the Artisan Collective at The Wollombi General Store. Book a workshop and learn the wonderful art of leather crafting. Gift vouchers available and bookings for 2-8 people are welcome. Make a belt, bag or learn the art of tooling beautiful designs onto leather. Reach out for more info or booking in for a delightful 2.5 hour workshop at a time that suits your stay in the Wollombi Valley or Hunter.
Polina Karuso Art Gallery is a working studio/gallery of a local Artist Polina Karuso.
At Polina Karuso Art gallery you can witness the Artist in action, purchase her work and even get your own portrait painted while you wait!
Polina Karuso runs various creative workshops at the Gallery. To book go to Wollombi General Store website.
Jodie Usher Gallery sits nestled in the centre of Wollombi village in an 1890's slab shed opposite the iconic Wollombi General Store. The Gallery features the work of bird artist Jodie Usher, whose work is held in private collections worldwide. Jodie is especially well known for her works on raw linen, and her Gallery showcases both original work and limited edition and collectors edition prints spanning her 15 year artistic career. Jodie's work is an invitation to return to the bush, and a reminder that nature is patient, never in a hurry . A visit to Jodie's gallery is perfectly paired with a cuppa on the verandah at Myrtle and Stone and a stroll along the high side of the street. Nestled between the always beautiful Waterhen Traders and the Old Post Office building, Jodie looks forward to welcoming you next time you visit Wollombi.
The Roadside Gallery in Wollombi, Hunter Valley, provides a glimpse of this valley's extraordinary creative spirit.
Showcasing a collective of exceptionally talented local and feature artists and makers, the gallery is known for exhibiting playful and imaginative 3D art. Celebrating diverse mediums, creativity spills out in unexpected shapes and forms.
A short stroll from Wollombi's historic village, you'll feel like you've made a very special discovery.
Looking out across the remote wilderness from Finchley lookout, you would never know you were just a few hours from Sydney or Newcastle.
Take in the spectacular views and perhaps enjoy a cold drink, or a cup of tea from the picnic basket in the car. Look closely and you might just see a wedge-tailed eagle soaring high above in search of prey.
Marvel at the majestic Mount Yengo standing tall in the distance and read about the rich Aboriginal heritage in the park and surrounding area.
Then, why not head to the nearby Finchley campground? Be sure to take a short stroll and see the fascinating Aboriginal rock engravings.
Visit the sanctuary for an unforgettable, magical experience. Meet the rescue animals, learn their inspiring stories of survival and see first-hand the dedication that goes into ensuring these animals receive the best possible care.
Set on 100 acres in the picturesque Wollombi Valley they have over 200 rescued animals including goats, pigs, horses, donkeys, alpacas, ducks, hens and sheep. All animals have been rescued.
A visit to the sanctuary is the perfect opportunity to connect with rescue animals, nature and enjoy leisure time with family and friends in a beautiful, serene setting.
An easy walk that can be enjoyed by pretty much everyone, the Finchley cultural walk gives people a real understanding and respect for one of the best Aboriginal sites in Australia, the Finchley Aboriginal engravings.
It’s a short walk with informative signs along the way giving insight into the Aboriginal culture of the area.
Come in spring or autumn when conditions are ideal in this lush bushland setting. When the sun is out, you’ll see heaps of goannas, and, in spring, the red and yellow grevilleas and cream and yellow geebungs add gorgeous colour to what is already a stunning landscape.
'The Watagans' refers to a collection of State Forests - Watagan, Olney, Heaton, Awaba, Ourimbah and Wyong State Forests. These are part of a chain of State Forests which start from Ourimbah in the south and stretch to Cessnock in the north.
These State Forests are considered nature's playground for the wide range of nature-based activities within beautiful mountain scenery: from day-trippers to bushwalkers, four wheel drivers and trail bikers, to campers and horse riders. Mountain biking is popular in Ourimbah & Olney State Forests due to the extensive Club-managed track networks in these forests. For more information on mountian biking in the area, check out Central Coast MTB & Hunter MTB Assocation websites and social media.
Your visit to State Forests of the Watagans is free, including all State Forests campgrounds. There are paid experiences available in the area including Treetop adventures and zipline (Ourimbah State Forest) and Deltaforce Paintball (Awaba State Forest).
The Watagans is popular with visitors from nearby Newcastle, Central Coast and the Greater Sydney basin areas, being within an hour drive of most locations.
To get to the Watagans travel from Wyong via Dooralong Road and pick up the Watagan Forest Road. From Cooranbong travel via Martinsville and pick up Martinsville Hill Road or Freemans Drive and then onto Mount Faulk Road.
Visitors can see a working olive farm 'River Flats' and shop a diverse range of hand made produce, made from and on the farm e.g hand made olive oil soap, balms, olives, oil and gifts. A family owned farm operated by Mum (Marian) and daughter Michelle Waite. The shop is a sensory delight loved by visitors and locals. Offering unique and personalised farm experiences and workshops.
Want to experience the great outdoors at its best? For breathtaking views across the Hunter Valley you can hike up to the top of Pokolbin Mountain or even take the easy route and drive. The views from the top are spectacular and are definitely worth a visit. The lookout provides a snapshot over some of the Hunters oldest Vineyards.
The Winmark Art Gallery is an art lovers wonderland amongst Winmark Wines Cellar Door, sculpture park, gift store, coffee cart and event space and is located just a stones throw from the historic village of Broke in the Hunter Valley.
Winmark is a unique celebration of wine, art and nature and is a must visit destination when in the Hunter Valley.
Owner and vigneron Karin Adcock has always been a passionate art collector, and has now been able to realise a long held dream of curating a gallery introducing some of the amazing Artists and Sculptors discovered through her travels.
The Gallery is proudly representing Rebecca Pierce, Felicia Aroney, James Ainslie, Erik Flygenring and Sculptors David Ball, Michael Purdy, Ulan & Rachel and Katarina Wells to name but a few. With sales of these pieces steadily growing throughout the day, Winmark Wines are looking forward to regularly adding new pieces to the Gallery from these artists, and indeed Karin will no doubt be discovering more talents on her journeys that she will wish to share with all.
The Winmark Art Gallery was officially opened on 13th February 2021, by Danish Ambassador Pernille Dahler Kardel.
A coffee cart and wine tasting room sit alongside the gallery.
Spanning 130 exquisite acres in the heart of the Hunter Valley, Winmark is not just a premium Chardonnay producer but a destination. Owner and Vigneron Karin Adcock have been avid collector of art and sculptures. ‘Biosis’ is another of David Ball’s monumental sculptures in the series with Fissure, and now finds its home at Winmark.
David Ball’s monumental Biosis was the first of many sculptures to find their home at Winmark, and with David’s view that “Wine and Sculpture both age well” it is delightful to see a second sculpture from his series ‘Celest’ being the latest installation. It will keep fine company along with the People’s Choice sculpture ‘Fight or Flight’ exhibited at the Wollombi Sculpture Festival that now resides at Winmark.
Newly installed Ceramic Lollipops and the red Portals of Illusion, join Bronze Flower, Field of Aggies, Paper Rock Scissor and Ceramic Totem Poles scattered across the property. Winmark is also home to natural landmarks of historical significance.
Situated in the tranquil side of the Hunter Valley, with fields of lavender blending with the surrounding vineyards against a backdrop of the majestic Yellow Rock Escarpment and the Brokenback Ranges.
At the Hunter Valley Lavender farm Marianne and JR grow lavender using organic methods of farming. They combine permaculture and holistic management techniques to produce top quality lavenders without causing harm to the environment.
This beautiful rest area is the perfect spot for a family picnic or a stretch of the legs. With the amazing views over the Hunter Valley this newly renovated and vamped up outdoor space is a great snapshot of Wine Country. Why not break up your day of wine tasting and exploring by enjoy the views and picnic facilities of the Pokolbin rest area.
This lofty vantage point was named by the local Hall family, long-established landowner graziers. They would use the steep narrow track to lead their horses up onto the escarpment from well below the lookout.
Today, the name has stuck, but there's no need to saddle up for a visit. It’s easily accessible by car and is popular with 4WD tourers, or it can be accessed on foot as part of Great North walk.
Positioned high amidst dry grassy woodland with prominent rocky outcrops and scree slopes below, The Narrow Place lookout offers scenic northern views over Hunter Valley towns including Quorrobolong, Paxton, Ellalong, Cessnock and Kurri Kurri.
A truly idyllic spot, it's a favourite with Watagans National Park visitors and offers inspiration for photographers, sightseers and trekkers alike.
Keep an eye out for wildlife when you visit, too. Endangered brush-tailed rock wallabies are known to sun themselves below the escarpment, and birdwatching is at its best in summer when mighty wedge-tailed eagles take to the skies.
McNamara Park is located in the township of Broke in the Hunter Valley. You can camp in this park for two nights. Toilets are available on-site. Playground, skatepark and barbeque facilities are available at the nearby Stewart McTaggart Park.
The park is surrounded by beautiful bushland and borders the Wollombi Creek. Park is in walking distance to a General store and in close proximity to great restaurants and cellar doors.
No bookings can be made for this location. No water or power is available.
Poppet Head Park is located 5 kilometres south of the town of Cessnock and is classified as a Regional Park in the Cessnock local government area.
This site holds the historic Poppet Head of the Aberdare Central Colliery at Kitchener. The dam close by to the park and Poppet Head is also a remnant of the local mining history and is now home to a variety of wildlife including mallards, black swans, native wood ducks and red bills. This park is an amazing picnic location full of history and fun for all ages.
Set among the vineyards of the Hunter Valley, Avani Cypress Lakes Golf Course is a picturesque 18-hole, par-72 championship course designed by Steve Smyers.
Stretching 6,487 metres from the championship tees, the course combines a links-style front nine with tree-lined, sloping fairways on the back nine for a varied and rewarding round.
Located within Avani Cypress Lakes Resort, golfers can turn a day on the course into a complete Hunter Valley escape with spacious villa accommodation, resort dining, AvaniWell experiences and some of Pokolbin's best-known cellar doors nearby.
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