The Ultimate Autumn Escape | Hunter Valley Resort + 4 Pines at The Farm

A spacious outdoor café with tables and chairs on green grass, adjacent to a large building under a clear blue sky with setting sun.

As the vines turn golden and the crisp autumn air settles over the Hunter Valley, there’s no better time to explore one of the region’s most complete and captivating destinations: Hunter Valley Resort + 4 Pines at The Farm.

Set on a sprawling 100-acre estate, this exceptional property blends adventure, flavour, and comfort into one unforgettable experience— showcasing the very best of the Hunter Valley.

What began in 1991 as a humble 30-room motel with a small restaurant has been transformed by Philip Helé and his family into a vibrant, multi-faceted retreat. Today, it proudly stands as the last family owned and operated resort in the Hunter Valley, with two generations working in the business every day.

“Over the years, we’ve continued to evolve, with extensive renovations to our guestrooms and the opening of our tasting facility and taproom,” Helé explains.

“Our vision has always been to create the premier family-friendly destination in the Hunter Valley, offering experiences that engage all the senses.”

At the heart of the property is 4 Pines at The Farm, a unique collaboration offering innovative craft beers and hearty bistro meals— breakfast, lunch, and dinner, seven days a week. It’s one of the only venues in the region open for all-day dining every day.

Child on a pony wears a plaid poncho and helmet, guided by an adult in a cap. They're in a rustic corral under a blue sky.

Panoramic vineyard views create the perfect setting for tasting the estate’s own Hunter Farm Wines, which are made from grapes grown on-site. Visitors can also sample top drops from Margan, Lisa McGuigan, and Tranquil Vale.

To dive deeper into local wine culture, guests can join daily vineyard tours, a hands-on Wine School, or take part in grape stomping and barrel rolling. The Wine Theatre offers a relaxed and engaging introduction to the region’s renowned winemaking.

Adventure seekers can try their hand at archery, axe throwing, or laser clay shooting, explore the property on a Segway, or enjoy horseback rides. Families especially love the interactive Farm, with animal feeding, pony rides, and friendly encounters that make it one of the Hunter’s few truly family-friendly venues.

Culinary options are a major draw. Guests can enjoy candy-making and pizza-making or join a professional Cooking School. The 4 Pines Bistro covers casual fare, while the Barrel Bistro’s dinner menu is a highlight. Crowd favourites include Southern Fried Calamari, Pork Belly Skewers, and Half Shell QLD Scallops. Mains feature Beef Short Rib Rendang, Crispy Skin Fish of the Day, Miso Glazed Eggplant, and premium steaks like the Sirloin MB2+ and Rump MB3+. Add pizzas, pastas, and desserts like the Warm Skillet Cookie, Affogato, and Ricotta Fritters, and you’re spoiled for choice.

Two women and two children walk along a path under a canopy, with trees and a lawn in the background. Women hold wine and smile.

The resort’s success is rooted in a legacy of European hospitality. Helé’s great-grandparents owned the Grand Hotel in Copenhagen, his grandparents catered to King Frederik IV of Denmark, and his parents held senior roles with Hilton Hotels worldwide. This tradition of excellence earned Helé an Order of Australia Medal in 2014 for his contributions to Australian tourism. In 2022, he was named the Hunter Valley’s Living Legend by his peers.

“The ‘Mr. Hunter Valley’ nickname comes from my work in international inbound tourism,” he says.

“I worked hard to ensure the Hunter was included in nearly every overseas travel agent’s itinerary for Sydney.”

Accommodation is tailored to every traveller. Choose Hunter or King Rooms near the pool and tennis court, enjoy a private escape in a Spa Cottage Room with a two-person spa and kitchenette, or spread out in a Two-Bedroom Cottage—ideal for families or small groups. Direct bookings offer the best value, including a $15 breakfast voucher daily and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Helé credits his passionate team for the resort’s success. “We operate as a unified team, with everyone contributing to our success,” he says.

“That spirit helped us earn recognition as Tripadvisor’s Best 4-Star Hotel and the #1 Resort in Pokolbin, along with the Travellers’ Choice Award for six consecutive years.”

Autumn is a beautiful time to visit—cool mornings, golden afternoons, and harvest celebrations fill the air. Whether sipping just released wines, enjoying a cooking class, or unwinding in the vineyard breeze, the experience is always authentic and unforgettable.

If you’re planning a romantic getaway, family trip, group retreat, or just a great day out, Hunter Valley Resort + Farm brings together everything you love about the Hunter Valley—all in one place. Visit huntervalley.com.au for the best rates and exclusive packages.