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 and 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. Perfect the art of slow, seasonal dining at their on-site restaurant Cezan which dishes up Mediterranean farm-to-plate meals.
Krinklewood Biodynamic Vineyard - Credit: MJK Creative
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.
Olive Long Table lunch at Whispering Brook - Credit: Whispering Brook
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.
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 garden tours and tasting experiences.
Margan Wines and Restaurant, Hunter Valley
In a picturesque red barn, try handcrafted, small batch drops at family-run vineyard Greenway Wines. Enjoy a chocolate and cheese paired wine tasting or opt for the luxe vineyard picnic package. With breathtaking views, nearby Cael's Gate has transformed a charming rustic cabin into a contemporary cellar door. A boutique winery, meet the family behind this award-winning vineyard over a ploughman's lunch on the deck.
For mead made from local, raw, untreated honey, head to Honey Wines Australia Meadery. Book a tasting to enjoy flavours such as cherry and coconut, coffee, and orange and grapefruit, or join a stargazing evening to sip as you get a tour of the night sky.
Greenway Wines, Broke - Credit: MJK Creative | Greenway Wines
Animals and 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.
Starline Alpaca Farmstay, Hunter Valley
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.
Chapman Valley Horse Riding, Howes Valley - Credit: Chapman Valley Horse Riding
Each summer, Hunter Lavender Farm transforms into a sea of purple. Book into a Lavender Field Walk and Tour to learn about the fragrant flower, take photos among the beautiful blooms and even do yoga in this dreamy setting.
Hunter Valley Lavender Farm, Broke - Credit: Mist in Island Photography | Hunter Lavender Farm
Local events
In June, enjoy Smoke in Broke, a weekend of street food, boutique wine, craft beer and market stalls. The Broke Village Fair and Vintage Car Display showcases hundreds of vintage and classic cars every September.
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.
