Frommer's Australia from $50 a Day 13th Edition - To Parent Directory

THE HUNTER VALLEY: WINE TASTING & MORE 183
Bunking Down in a Caravan, Man
Two caravan parks offer reasonably comfortable accommodations in
caravans and cabins. Cessnock Cabins and Caravan Park (& 02/4990
5819; fax 02/4991 2944), Allandale/Branxton Road, Nulkaba (2km/1 1 ⁄4
miles north of Cessnock), has four on-site vans for A$30 to A$40
(US$20–US$26); a double and 12 cabins with shower from A$48 to
A$69 (US$3–US$45)—the more expensive prices for weekends. There
are also camping sites here for A$14 (US$9) and powered sites for
A$16 (US$10).
The Big 4 Valley Vineyard Tourist Park (&/fax 02/4990 2573) on
Mount View Road (on the way out to the vineyards) has five caravans
for A$35 (US$23) and 12 cabins with showers for A$55 (US$36). Two
two-bedroom units cost A$75 (US$49). Powered sites cost A$16 to
A$20 (US$10–US$13), and a camping site A$12 (US$7.80). There’s a
BYO restaurant, a camper’s kitchen, and a pool on the site.
IN POKOLBIN
Vineyard Hill Country Motel Motel is a bit of a misnomer for this place;
it’s more aptly described as a “fully self-contained chalet.” Units are modern,
with a separate bedroom, lounge and dining area, a full kitchen, and a balcony
with views across a valley of vineyards to the Brokenback Ranges in the distance.
It’s all terrifically rural, with cows wandering about and kangaroos and possums
creeping around at dusk. There’s no restaurant, but there is a gourmet deli on
the premises. In the garden are a large swimming pool and a spa.
Lovedale Rd., Pokolbin, NSW 2321.& 02/4990 4166. Fax 02/4991 4431. www.vineyardhill.com.au. 8 units.
Weekend A$155 (US$100) 1-bedroom unit, A$218 (US$142) 2-bedroom unit (for 4 people); midweek A$107
(US$70) 1-bedroom unit, A$165 (US$107) 2-bedroom unit. Extra person A$20 (US$13). Ask about midweek
and long-weekend packages. AE, MC, V. Amenities: Large outdoor pool; spa; room service; massage; babysitting;
free laundry service; nonsmoking rooms. In room: A/C, TV, kitchen, minibar, fridge, coffeemaker, hair
dryer, iron.
Worth a Splurge
Carriages Guest House Tucked away on 15 hectares (37 acres), a kilometer
off the main road, Carriages is a secluded retreat in the heart of Pokolbin.
A two-suite cottage called the Gatehouse is on a separate part of the grounds. In
the main two-story house, a veranda circles downstairs rooms, which are furnished
with antique country pine. Upstairs, the two lofty gable suites are centered
around huge fireplaces. The Gatehouse suites offer five-star luxury;
although relatively new, the stained-glass windows and rescued timber give them
a rustic feel (these two spa rooms share a lounge with a full kitchen and an open
fire). There are open fires in six of the rooms. (The two standard doubles don’t
have them.) Breakfast is served in your room, and Robert’s restaurant is next
door. The friendly owner, Ben Dawson, assures me he’ll take Frommer’s readers
up to the top of a nearby hill where they can see plenty of wild kangaroos.
Halls Rd., Pokolbin, NSW 2321. & 02/4998 7591. Fax 02/4998 7839. www.thecarriages.com.au. 10 units.
A$185 (US$120) double; A$240–A$265 (US$156–US$172) suite; A$285 (US$185) spa suite. Rates include
breakfast. Minimum 2-night stay on weekends. Ask about 10%–20% discounts midweek. AE, MC, V. Amenities:
Large outdoor pool; tennis court; spa; massage; babysitting, laundry service; nonsmoking rooms.
In room: A/C, TV, kitchenette, fridge, coffeemaker, hair dryer, iron.