09:00 Mon 29 April - till - 17:00 Mon 13 May.
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TAKE THE ROAD LESS TRAVELLED!
EXPLORE, SAVOUR, AND UNWIND AT BROKE FORDWICH, HUNTER VALLEY
Discover a whole new world of wines, local produce, sculpture, art and culture, breathtaking scenery, and country boutique accommodation at Broke, the ultimate country tiny town in the iconic Hunter Valley.
As the Broke Village celebrates its bi-centennial year in 2024, come celebrate with the locals. Meet the makers and chefs passionate about single vineyard estate wine, and new and delicious locally and organically sourced produce and discover new arts, sculpture, culture, and farm experiences.
Relax and unwind in country retreat style accommodation, just perfect for friends or family celebrations or the romantic getaway. Enjoy 5-million-star views of the night-time sky or wake early to watch the sunrise over the hills, as you take a balloon ride in the early morning mist.
Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Yellow Rock escarpment, Broke is waiting to welcome you to unwind and reconnect to the simple life in its peaceful, secluded village. There’s already so much to see and do in Broke Fordwich, but 2024 is extra special as Broke Village celebrates its 200th year. Visit the Bi-centennial Broke Village Fair and Vintage Car Display in September or the historic celebrations during October which will include the illumination of the iconic Yellow Rock.
One of the Hunter Valley’s many hidden treasures, Broke Fordwich is nestled at the foothills of the Brokenback Mountain Range, just a two-hour drive from Sydney via Tourist Drive 33 scenic route. It’s the ultimate place to experience the good life without the hustle and bustle of Pokolbin and Cessnock.
A small but significant village deeply-rooted in First Nations and settler history. This ancient land has been home to the Wonnarua/Wanaruah People for millennia and the surrounding rock caves are rich in Aboriginal art.
Broke Village was established in 1824 and was a vital stop on the old convict trail from Sydney to haul livestock. Shortly after, the region was found to have rich soil and a climate well-suited to grow vines with many classic Hunter varieties such as Semillon, Chardonnay and Shiraz planted from the 1830’s. Broke Fordwich became an official Geographical Indication in 1997.
Today, local progressive winemakers have expanded into new varieties for wine lovers to explore and is home to 17 cellar doors, award winning restaurants and the Hunter Valley’s largest organic winery. Immerse yourself in the Broke Fordwich Wine Trail, a gastronomical journey as you experience some of the Hunter Valley’s best kept secrets, from trophy-winning wines and delicious local cuisines to idyllic accommodation.
Dine in style at Broke Fordwich’s hatted restaurant, Margan Wines & Restaurant. Take a behind the scenes paddock to plate ultimate foodie experience followed by a degustation meal. Local produce is aplenty with many exclusive experiences at on-site restaurants, cafes and wineries. Don’t forgot to pop into the local gin distillery too.
Take a moment to unwind and escape reality; from boutique fireside accommodation for that romantic mid-week getaway, to luxurious group housing that feels like a home away from home, while you take the time to let everything go and slow down.
Explore Winmark Wines Sculpture Park, Art Gallery, and shop. With sculptures from award winning artists be inspired in beautiful surroundings. Take time out at Bare or the local lavender farm for beautifully handcrafted natural products and gifts, or visit the alpaca farm too.
Whatever the occasion there’s something for everyone. Join in with this tight-knit community who hold a strong passion for their village, from monthly markets to signature events such as A Little Bit of Broke; Smoke in Broke; and Broke Village Fair. Make 2024 the year to visit as the locals celebrate this bi-centennial historic event.
LOVING BROKE?
Vote for this top town in the 2024 Top Tourism Town Awards
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Day 1: Food & wine with a side of arts & culture
Aim to arrive in Broke by 11am. Take the road less travelled from Sydney via Tourist Drive 33. Broke Fordwich region is 2.5 hours from Sydney.
Not to be fooled by its size, Broke village may be small but is filled with incredible places to stay, eat, drink and see. From the overall history of the town to the individual histories of the cellar doors, restaurants and accommodation venues, there’s always a story to hear and a memory to make.
Target Audience: A group of couples seeking a weekend escape to celebrate together – a landmark birthday, anniversary or multi-generational family get together. Broke offers the perfect place to reconnect with family and friends and discover the road less travelled.
STAY
Winmark’s sophisticated homestead, Mio Monte, is the perfect abode for a group of friends seeking a luxurious vista to celebrate a special occasion in the intimate village of broke.
The entire of Winmark Wines estate has recently been renovated and refurbished, adding an on-site art gallery, sculpture walk and cellar door. Cosy up near the outdoor fire pit whilst admiring the vineyard views and watching the sun set on the Brokenback Mountains.
PLAY
You’ll find that you can easily make your way between cellar doors, restaurants and your accommodation as most places are only a 5-minute drive from each other.
11am – 1pm
Whispering Brook – Wines & Olives
Just a 7-minute drive from your accommodation at Winmark Wines, tucked away amongst the natural beauty of the Broke area, sits Whispering Brook, a boutique family-owned vineyard.
Start your day with one of their more exclusive experiences, the educational tour + tasting.
Your experience begins with an educational tour of the vineyards and olive groves followed by a seated tasting experience of 6 artisan wines and olive oils. Complete your experience with a beautiful seasonal snack platter and a glass of sparkling shiraz.
1 – 3pm
Committed to their ‘estate grown, estate made’ ethos, indulge in the ultimate lunch and experience meals from a menu carefully curated by the harvest on hand from their one-hectare kitchen garden and orchard.
Vegetables, fruits and herbs are all grown on the sustainable farm, whilst the chickens and lambs that freely roam the area are also incorporated to their menu for the complete award-winning paddock to plate dining experience.
3-5pm
Winmark Wines Sculpture Walk and Wine Tasting
Head back to your accommodation and swing past the Winmark Wines Cellar Door to sample some premium Hunter chardonnays. On your walk back up to the Private Residence, take the time to explore the sculpture walk throughout the property at your own pace, open to guests of Winmark Wines.
6pm onward
Enjoy a hassle-free dinner and experience the Private Residence in all its’ glory and let a local hatted chef cook you up a delicious dinner in the comfort of your new home away from home.
Be sure to book with Tinonee Vineyard Estate in advanced to let them know that you wish to book an in-house dining experience during your stay.
TWO DAYS IN BROKE
Take a moment to unwind and escape reality; from boutique fireside accommodation for that romantic mid-week getaway, to luxurious group housing that feels like a home away from home, while you take the time to let everything go and slow down.
Broke is waiting to welcome you to unwind and reconnect to the simple life in its peaceful, secluded village.
Take a moment to unwind and escape reality; from boutique fireside accommodation for that romantic mid-week getaway, to luxurious group housing that feels like a home away from home, while you take the time to let everything go and slow down.
Broke is waiting to welcome you to unwind and reconnect to the simple life in its peaceful, secluded village.
