Broke
Margan Wines and Restaurant, Hunter Valley
Broke
A beautiful village in the tranquil Broke-Fordwich pocket of Australia’s oldest wine-making region, Broke is known for having some of the best boutique and sustainable wineries in the area, as well as acclaimed fine dining, World Heritage-listed wilderness and ancient Aboriginal rock art.
Highlights
Vineyards & restaurants
There are around a dozen wineries sprinkled across the Broke region, all within just a few kilometres of each other. Krinklewood Biodynamic Winery is a little piece of Provence in the Hunter, creating French-style wines with a holistic, minimal intervention ethos. Talits Estate also has a distinctly French feel, with an authentic stone farmhouse, olive groves and fields of lavender. Don’t miss the annual Olive Table Lunch at Whispering Brook, with long tables set up among the groves.
Krinklewood Biodynamic Vineyard - Credit: MJK Creative
At Winmark Wines, they are as passionate about art as they are about grapes. After you’ve sampled the award-winning chardonnay, head out to explore the vast outdoor sculpture park or admire local works in the on-site gallery. At Running Horse Wines, the unique cellar door is made up of six shipping containers overlooking the stables. Mount Broke Wines is set inside the remnant of an old dairy, which transforms into a wine and pizza bar festooned with fairy lights on Friday nights.
One of the Hunter Valley’s most famous restaurants sits on the outskirts of Broke. Margan Wines and Restaurant is on 100 hectares of sustainable vineyard and farmland. There’s a hyper-local focus on the menu, with most of the fresh produce, plus chickens, lamb and honey, grown just steps from your table. They also host a range of immersive food experiences, farm tours and cooking schools throughout the year.
Margan Wines and Restaurant, Hunter Valley
Animals & the great outdoors
Starline Alpacas is a working farm tucked in between the Brokenback Ranges and national parkland. Come for a day visit to meet the friendly alpacas, hand feed them and discover their unique personalities. There’s also farm stay accommodation if you’d like more time to embrace the tranquillity of country life.
Chapman Valley Horse Riding will take you through the enchanting landscapes of their 6,000-acre property in the Howes Valley, around 40 minutes southwest of Broke. Take a scenic drive to Yengo National Park for views of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area from Finchley Lookout. On the Finchley Cultural Walk you will see Aboriginal engravings at one of Australia’s finest Aboriginal cultural sites. Explore the park further by 4WD or mountain bike.
Starline Alpaca Farmstay, Hunter Valley
Local events
Discover gourmet local produce at the Broke Village Market, held on the first Sunday of the month. The Broke Village Fair and Vintage Car Display showcases hundreds of vintage and classic cars every September. In June, Smoke in Broke is a weekend of street food, boutique wine, craft beer and market stalls.
Smoke in Broke Barbecue Festival, Broke - Credit: Smoke in Broke Barbecue Festival
Where to stay
Extend your stay and check in to a luxe holiday house, cosy vineyard cottage or stylish glamping tent. If you wish to sleep among the vines, options include The Residence and The Dairy Cottage at Tinonee Vineyard Estate, Whispering Brook House and accommodation at Winmark Wines.
Tinonee Vineyard Estate, Broke - Credit: Tinonee Vineyard Estate
Getting there
Broke is only a two-hour drive from Sydney and 70 minutes west of Newcastle Airport. Trains also depart regularly from Sydney for Maitland, Morriset and Singleton, with connecting buses to Wine Country.
