News & Media

“Iconic 1840 convict-built Guesthouse Mulla Villa will open its doors to the public this Sunday afternoon.

Don’t miss out as this historic monument is now being sold and entrusted to the next custodians.

The Magistrates House that David and Eliza Hamilton-Dunlop built, with the help of convicts has been owned by the Maul family for 25 years.”

 

Cessnock Advertiser | May 15, 2013 | Read more

“I have to say, I am a bit at a loss for words. Which, as you can imagine, doesn’t happen often. Because this wedding is basically a dream come true, and it comes to life in a beautiful fashion via the talented lens of The Robertsons. It’s so pretty, it almost doesn’t seem real, until you see the way the Bride and Groom look at each other, and then you know. This is one amazing love story.’’

The bride says, “We held the ceremony and reception in a rustic location just out of Wollombi, a little country town on the edge of the Yengo State Forest. Both the ceremony & reception were held outside in a field decorated with an eclectic array of jars of wildflowers, crocheted picnic rugs, hay bales, hessian and lace bunting and other vintage finds that tied in our rustic theme.”

Style Me Pretty Australia | March 13, 2013 | Read more

“It was out under a string of lights and the stars at Wollombi in the Hunter Valley that we heard some of the best wedding speeches ever. There were a few tears shed, lots of laughter and so, so much heart. We had spent time with these two before at their engagement shoot and we already knew they were awesome, but it was during those speeches that we understood why they are so incredible together.”

Another beautiful wedding at the Wollombi Barnstay.

 

And A Day Photographers | March 6, 2013 | Read more

“Torrential rain hit Cessnock City on Saturday, resulting in flash flooding and a number of road closures. Wollombi was one of the worst affected areas, as the large front travelled down from Northern NSW.  Caroline Maul of Mulla Villa Guest House was one of many Wollombi residents and local business owners who took to Facebook to warn travellers and advise drivers of the dangerous conditions.  “We were warned by the news to be ready for some heavy rain,” she said.  “Tourists and locals were able to move safely around Wollombi town up to about 10pm.  “Then as the night progressed we got the storm and by daybreak we were cut off from both directions.”  Several roads in the Wollombi Valley were under large volumes of water and according to a report on Facebook, the Brickmans gauge indicator showed eight metres – six metres over the safe level.’’

The Advertiser | February 27, 2013 | Read more

“Whilst I was back in Australia I had a lovely day out with my mum for her birthday which involved a drive to Wollombi on route to the Hunter Valley in NSW.

Wollombi is a tiny little town situated approximately 128km north of Sydney and although you can walk through it in 5 minutes there is an enormous amount of history within the area. Wollombi is an aboriginal term said to mean ‘meeting place of the waters’ and there are a number of historic Aboriginal sites in the surrounding countryside. It is thought that aboriginal people some of which who would travel hundreds of Kilometres would pass through Wollombi for Mount Yengo an ancient meeting place. Later in the 1800s the town became a farming settlement and it is the evidence of this that is still preserved today.’’

Rolling with the Demi-Gods blog | February 25, 2013 | Read more

Twine Home Store will be opening once a month on Saturday evenings for a set 3-course dinner. Head chef Simon Hoft has joined us and is a master at creating great menus and sourcing the freshest produce. That means great food at a fair price and each month we’ll bring something new.

Opening night – Saturday 23rd February, 2013 @ 7pm – $55. Wine available and BYO.  Places limited. Bookings essential by phone 4998 3331. Visit our Facebook page to stay up to date on which Saturday night the next dinner will be held, and have a look at our exciting February menu!

Karen Ledbury from Sydney Weekender visits Somewhere Unique in Wollombi, and also enjoys a tour with TimeTravellers Motorcycle Tours.

Imagine somewhere so unique it takes out the “Unique Accommodation” category in the NSW Tourism Awards. ‘Somewhere Unique’ is that place and it sure is unique.

If you feel like a day trip and want to continue with the unique theme, here’s a way to see the Hunter in a really special way. Jump on a classic Royal Enfield C5 Bullet and join a convoy of bikes winding your way through this spectacular countryside.

Watch us on YouTube!

“MUSIC legends Paul Simon and Robert Plant will perform at Hope Estate over the Easter weekend.  Paul Simon will play on Easter Saturday, March 30, including the Hunter Valley venue as part of a national tour. Former Led Zeppelin singer Robert Plant will perform on Easter Sunday.  Chugg Entertainment executive chairman Michael Chugg announced the concerts yesterday.

‘‘The Hunter offers an entirely different experience from the arenas and stadiums,” Mr Chugg said.  “It’s a beautiful location, acts love playing there and fans love the outdoors, the beautiful surrounds.’’

Newcastle Herald | January 18, 2013 | Read more

“Distinguished Australian film director Phillip Noyce is set to attend a special outdoor screening of his critically acclaimed 1978 film “Newsfront” on Saturday, January 19, 2013, in the garden of Grays Inn at the heart of Wollombi Village in Hunter Valley Wine Country.

The screening kicks off the summer series of Flicks on the Green, an event organized by boutique wine producer Noyce Brothers Wine (of which Phillip Noyce is partner) in celebration of classic cinema, great food and excellent wines in the historic setting of Grays Inn.”

Daily Markets | January 16, 2013 | Read more

The Hunter Valley has been named as one of the 10 Best Wine Destinations for 2013 by Wine Enthusiast Magazine!! “Each year, our editors travel the world to experience the best wine and food, and in turn, discover the most exciting places to visit. Our list for 2013 represents the wide swath of cultural and culinary experiences on the must-see list.

Whether your tastes lean toward the rustic climbing trails of South Africa’s Stellenbosch or a tour of a Puglian castle, this list promises outstanding travel experiences and unforgettable wines.”

Wine Enthusiast Magazine | January 8, 2013 | Read more

“The combined efforts of four local volunteer bushfire brigades to protect and educate residents have been recognised at the Resilient Australia Awards.

The Wollombi Valley Community Firewise Program – conducted by the NSW Rural Fire Service brigades of Wollombi, Laguna, Bucketty and Millfield (Group 8, Lower Hunter Zone) – won a highly commended award in the volunteer/community group category at the national awards in Canberra earlier this month after taking out the state award in October.”

The Advertiser | December 19, 2012 | Read more

 “The Hunter Valley is celebrating being recognised as a world-class wine and tourism destination in a bumper year of accolades. The region scooped up several awards at the NSW Tourism Awards, including the Gold Award for Brand Hunter Valley Strategy under the Marketing category.

Other local operators honoured at the NSW Tourism Awards included Somewhere Unique, Wollombi (gold, unique accommodation).”

 

The Advertiser | December 5, 2012 | Read more