Annoying Hunter Valley problem finally solved
Australia's oldest wine growing region has always been popular among Sydneysiders who want a quick weekend away as it's just a couple of hours north of Sydney.
It's far enough from the hustle and bustle with a variety of great food options, stunning scenery and of course, world-class wineries.
But, while it's a fabulous quick escape, some would argue one of the most annoying things about it is choosing who will be designated driver – because let's face it, if you're going to the Hunter, the main goal is to drink wine (and lots of it).
My sister and I decided to have a cute, sibling getaway last month – but the moment I told her we'd be going to Wine Country the first thing she said (and made clear) was, 'I'm not driving''.
Normally, that conversation would end up in an argument, but luckily (for her) we were staying at The Lane Retreat.
Apart from feeling like you're actually in Tuscany (we'll get to that later), the expansive 15-hectare accommodation offers complimentary transfers to and from Bimbadgen Estate and Emma's Cottage – two very popular venues in the region.
It actually allowed us to really appreciate the local wineries and enjoy our time together as it removed the worry over who will be driving.
I had a quick chat to Jordan Rodgers, general manager of Hunter Valley operations at Mulpha, the company that owns Lane Retreat, and he said one of the biggest challenges for visitors is transport between venues.
'Especially when everyone wants to enjoy wine tastings without worrying about who's driving,' he tells me.
'We wanted to remove that barrier by offering complimentary transfers … [and] we've
created a seamless experience for our guests that's both safe and enjoyable.'
It's just a taste of what you can expect at the secluded destination that boasts 60 luxurious studio retreats.
I mean, it's perfect for couples, and we did see plenty, but it's also a great option for friends (or siblings) who just want a peaceful getaway (in the grounds of Bimbadgen's 50-year-old vineyards).
The studios are also far enough apart that you don't have to worry about being too close to your neighbours.
Each has king bedding and a massive bathroom with a double vanity which comes in very handy when you're two sisters (if you know, you know).
The private deck was also a massive winner especially in the morning while we had our gourmet breakfast provisions (supplied daily). It was nice to be able to relax with a cuppa in hand and take in the calm and peaceful surroundings of Broken Back Range.
The room has a kitchenette with a coffee maker, toaster, microwave and mini bar – but if you prefer barista-made coffee then a walk to The Pantry is a must.
It's located on the property and also has a fridge stocked with local wine, spirits, grazing boards and artisanal gifts.
Free transfers
For our first night we headed to Esca Dining for a three-course meal with paired Bimbadgen wines.
It was as easy as letting the lovely staff know about 15 minutes before we wanted to leave to take us to the restaurant located at Bimbadgen Estate – talk about VIP service.
We wasted no time getting stuck into the truffle ravioli, beef tartare, spanner crab crumpet, confit duck leg, lamb shoulder and grilled pork belly – all great, tasty options.
While the dessert menu looked amazing, we decided to go all out on the seafood and meat options instead.
But, if you're a sweet tooth, I hear their chocolate mousse is a winner.
The next morning after our brekky and coffee, we did a (free) bike ride (provided by the accommodation) around the vineyards – it really gave Tuscany vibes.
We then returned to our studio and were greeted by two lovely ladies ready to give us a in-room one-hour massage, and boy was it a much-needed treat.
That's the other great aspect about the Lane Retreat – they work closely with local wellness professionals to offer personalised services like massages, yoga (perfect on your private deck) and guided meditation.
Jordan tells me it's all designed to bring relaxation and balance to guests' stay.
'Whether it's a solo retreat, romantic getaway or corporate wellness escape, these services are a huge drawcard and a key part of what sets The Lane Retreat apart,' he tells me.
Relaxed more than ever, we then rugged up and headed out to Alter Wines Cellar Door (housed at Emma's Cottage) for a much-needed wine tasting.
Again, we let the staff know when to pick up us up and they were right on time. It takes around five minutes to get to Emma's Cottage – super close.
We also got to enjoy a hearty charcuterie platter before being taken to Bimbadgen Estate for another round of wine tasting.
Safe to say, the wines were on point – we bought two bottles – Bimbadgen NV Sparking Semillon and the limited release Sangiovese 2023.
They also make their own spirits which is pretty cool including vodka, gin and rum.
By this point we were ready to carb up and headed outside to the Tuscan Courtyard to indulge in some woodfire pizzas.
It was a great evening chit-chatting away as we embraced the spectacular views to the Barrington ranges, and watched the sunset.
Once we were done, we let the staff know we were ready to head back home – and right on time they were.
We got our marshmallows out and headed straight to the on-site fire-pit taking in our last starry night among the vineyards, with a glass of wine in hand (of course), to top off what was a perfect mini-getaway.
The accommodation currently has a Winter Escape Package priced from $341 per night when staying a minimum of two-nights in a premium studio retreat – it's on now until August 31, 2025. It includes breakfast provisions, a bottle of Bimbadgen Shiraz, a Smore's Kit to toast by the outdoor fire pit and a wood-fired Pizza lunch at Bimbadgen for two.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
SBS Australia
12 hours ago
- SBS Australia
SBS Gujarati Australian update: 11 August 2025
SBS Gujarati is a part of SBS South Asian, the destination channel for all South Asians living in Australia. Tune in to SBS Gujarati live on Wednesdays and Fridays at 2pm on SBS South Asian on digital radio, on channel 305 on your television, via the SBS Audio app or stream from our website . You can also enjoy programs in 10 South Asian languages, plus SBS Spice content in English. It is also available on SBS On Demand.
News.com.au
14 hours ago
- News.com.au
Boss at iconic Australian resort reveals his one hiring rule
At one of Australia's most jaw-dropping remote resorts, landing a job might come down to a single question: would the boss have a beer with you? It sounds like a joke, but Leigh Curnow, the General Manager of Discovery Resorts Lake Argyle, is actually dead serious. 'I'd promote them if I'd have a beer with them,' he told 'Obviously they need the right qualifications, but personality is everything. That's what guests remember.' And guests are remembering. Tucked away in WA's East Kimberley, Lake Argyle isn't just off the beaten track, it's the destination. Ten hours from the nearest city, it's not the kind of place you stumble upon on your way somewhere else. You come because you've heard the hype. While the lake itself – a glimmering, seemingly endless expanse of water surrounded by burnt orange cliffs – steals the show, it's the human touches that set the place apart. The staff are warm and know how to make you feel at home, even when you're hundreds of kilometres from the closest Woolies. But you shouldn't be fooled by the remote, dusty location. Discovery Resorts Lake Argyle is far more than camping chairs and caravans. Its luxurious cliffside cabins are perched right on the edge of the escarpment and come with plush beds, polished interiors, and even Dyson vacuums on the wall. Mr Curnow said they were one part of the resort's more recent focus on delivering a world class luxury offering for the creature-comfort travellers. 'People who live in that middle-to-upper-class lifestyle expect a certain standard when they travel,' he said. 'Especially when they're paying $550 a night. They want to see those quality touches. It shows we care.' That attention to detail has only grown since the suites were introduced about five years ago under a $100 million injection into the Discovery Parks network. Now freshly refurbished, at a cost of about $2 million, and styled to perfection, the resort is planning to expand the offering to include more cliffside suites, including a fully accessible option. But what do guests get up to when they're not drinking in the stunning scenery? Bushwalks, birdwatching, stargazing, or just kicking back with a glass of wine. You could sit outside for hours and feel like you're watching a live painting as the cliffs change colour throughout the day. 'No two sunsets are the same,' Mr Curnow said. 'It never gets old.' Then there's the lake itself. Enormous, mostly lawless, and full of surprises. From houseboating locals who live on the water with their dogs, to the boat tours run by cheeky skippers, it's the kind of place where every turn offers a new story and a dazzling photo opp. And if you're a foodie, you'll be sorted soon too. A new cliffside dining experience is launching next year, offering a premium sit-down option to up to 40 guests on select evenings. Mr Curnow didn't mince his words in summarising what the chef would be bringing to the table. 'The food is sh*t hot,' he said. It's yet another way the resort is levelling up, without losing its laid-back charm. That balance between outback authenticity and high-end luxury is exactly why Lake Argyle is drawing a broader mix of guests than ever before. Families, couples, grey nomads with poodles in tow, and international travellers willing to go the extra mile (or thousand) for something unforgettable. Mr Curnow said the most spectacular time to visit the East Kimberly was between June and August, but suggested March to May or September to November for smaller crowds and slightly friendlier prices. He's quick to credit the staff for the resort's success. From the tour guides to the housekeepers, every member of the team plays a role in what makes the place special. 'They're the experience,' he said. 'And we try to hire people who just get it, who can talk to anyone, keep it relaxed, and genuinely care.' Whether you're travelling for views, vibes, or the chance to meet some charming people to share a coldie with, Discovery Parks Resorts Lake Argyle is calling. This writer visited Discovery Resorts Lake Argyle as a guest of G'day Group and Discovery Parks
ABC News
18 hours ago
- ABC News
South Australian businesses lose trade because of toxic algal bloom, survey finds
A tourism survey found about 40 per cent of South Australian businesses impacted by the toxic algal bloom have experienced a downturn in trade as the government's financial support starts to flow to those affected. The Tourism Industry Council SA (TiCSA) report showed the average year-on-year loss for a business in July was $52,000, with 14 per cent of respondents saying they lost more than $100,000. The survey results, submitted to the Copper Coast Council meeting last week, included responses from 93 restaurants, hotels and marine tourism operators in the Yorke, Eyre and Fleurieu peninsulas, Kangaroo Island and metropolitan Adelaide. The report found "negative perception of marine activities and destinations" had affected businesses where the algal bloom had not been present, with some respondents experiencing cancelled bookings for the upcoming summer and Easter next year. "If people cancel their holiday, go somewhere else, are they going to come back? Because a lot of these people are repeat visitors, they come every year," TiCSA chief executive officer Shaun de Bruyn told ABC North and West. "Fishing charters definitely have been heavily impacted and some of them have shut down on the Yorke Peninsula." SA Premier Peter Malinauskas on Sunday said five out of 24 businesses that applied for financial relief had been approved as part of a $28 million federal and state government support package announced to tackle the ongoing algal bloom. "We really want to make sure we're supporting businesses who are impacted by the algal bloom because it's directly impacting them," he said. "But if the algal bloom doesn't need to impact those businesses and it's only hurting them because of fear in the community, then that's a very sad state of affairs indeed." Dead marine life continues to wash up on SA beaches because of the harmful algal bloom. Health authorities say the toxins are not dangerous to humans but can cause short-term irritation. Jetski tour operator Nick Sciancalepore, who received a $10,000 government grant, said bookings at his business in Adelaide's north have dried up since April because of fears over the bloom. "We shut the doors on where we were renting and we're back working out of a van," he said. "We had a drastic 30 per cent minimum loss in the first month, down to 100 per cent loss from the following months." Mr Sciancalepore said despite clear waters in the Lefevre Peninsula, the phone has stopped ringing. "The water is like glass, the marine life is out there, there's seals on the rocks, there's dolphins coming in," he said. "We haven't taken a tour in months and there's no problem with what we have down here. "It's not just one business hurting, it's everyone." On Monday, federal environment minister Murray Watt offered an apology to those who thought the governments were too slow to act on SA's algal bloom crisis, which was first reported on the Fleurieu Peninsula in March. "What we were doing though in the run-up to that was working very closely with the South Australian government for weeks. "We are in uncharted waters as to how to deal with it and what support is needed. But when the South Australian government made its request of us, we turned that around within 24 hours." Mr Watt said he would be visiting Adelaide again this week to meet with affected businesses. On Monday, Mr Malinauskas said initial advice from marine biologists and scientists to the SA government indicated the bloom would have dissipated by May but "that didn't happen". "Then when we got to July, I think that invited some serious scrutiny that clearly we don't have a full appreciation of what is happening scientifically here and that invites a different response, and that is what we've been working very hard at delivering over the course of the last few months," he said. Last week, opposition environment spokesperson David Basham said the criteria for government algal bloom funding was limiting. He said beachfront kiosks and cafes were eligible for the funding but restaurants were not. "One street back isn't good enough," Mr Basham said. "I certainly understand that here in the city you wouldn't expect businesses in the CBD to be able to claim against this sort of thing but in a tourist town like Victor Harbor, Middleton, Port Elliott, Goolwa, they're all very much affected right throughout the community." Mr Malinauskas said exemptions could be made for businesses that might not fit the criteria. "What we've actually done is embedded a process that allows for exemptions to be made where people might fall just outside of the criteria," he said. "We're trying to err on the side of flexibility rather than inflexibility." The premier said funding was also being used to hold public information forums, like one held at Semaphore on Sunday, to communicate response and recovery efforts to the community. Community-led vigils were held at Glenelg and Brighton beaches on Saturday night to mourn the masses of marine life killed by the algal bloom since March. One vigil organiser, 11-year-old Eden Kolinac, said the event was a great opportunity for the community to get together. "To see our ocean suffer like this is devastating," she said. "It was really lovely just to see that we can honour the marine life we have actually lost tonight and in the past for how long this has been going for." Ollie Thomson, 13, said it was "upsetting" to see dead sea life along the beach he frequents. "It makes me feel really sad because especially how you see the number of animals and fish that were left along the beach, and even some swans."
