Experience
Highclere is the perfect getaway destination.
On the Farm
An afternoon of Boule or Croquet on the Dam terrace and then watch the sunset after a long and relaxing day.
Eat breakfast al fresco as you gaze out over the valley watching – nothing and everything!
Wander through the landscaped gardens. Sit under tree or lie back in the grass and contemplate the open sky.
Walk a little further through the paddocks to the North Glade paddock and read a good book or lunch or both or – don’t forget the picnic!
Maybe wander down to the river bank leisurely swim in the water holes of the Paterson or for the less adventurous try the Dam!
Afterwards, retreat back to the homestead to an open fireplace, with a glass of wine or a cool cocktail at sunset.
In winter, enjoy the easy to operate gas fire, comfortable seating in two sitting rooms with a good book and enjoy the smell of slow cooking from the fully equipped kitchen. Your only interruption will be peak hour Highclere style – a family of wedge tailed eagles, your own passing wallabies and wood ducks, and visiting Blue Herons or the Rosellas.
Off Farm
If you must leave why not visit:
- Hunter Valley Vineyards www.winecountry.com.au – 55km
- Dungog (Dungog Show , Rodeo and community markets) www.visitdungog.com.au – 35km
- Morpeth (Historic River Port) www.morpethhuntervalley.com.au – 37km
- Paterson (Historic River Port) www.visitnsw.com/destinations/hunter/hunter-valley/paterson – 19km
- East Gresford & Gresford (Gresford Show , Gresford Rodeo and Gresford Billycart Derby and community markets) www.gresfordnsw.com.au – 9 km.
Other things to do:
- Dungog Polo www.wirragullapoloclub.com
- Camyr Allyn Wines, a premium winery www.camyrallynwines.com.au
- Barrington Tops National Park www.barringtons.com.au
- Tocal Homestead and Agricultural College www.tocal.nsw.edu.au
- Bunna Bunnoo Olives on Fishers Hill Road which produces a well-known local Olive Oil operated by an Italian family www.bunnabunooolives.com.au
History, this valley is where:
- Dorothea Mackellar the writer of the famous poem “I love a Sunburnt Country” lived in Torryburn near Gresford www.dorothea.com.au
- Captain Thunderbolt wandered Tocal and Maitland www.thunderboltbushranger.com.au
- The James Theatre Dungog still operates as the oldest purpose-built cinema in Australia www.jamestheatre.com.au
Provisions:
- Groceries; Either Woolworths Maitland or Foodworks in Paterson or East Gresford for a top up
- Local Butcher: If you are feasting be sure to buy local meat at Paterson Butcher as the basis of your delicious meals. 7 Duke St, Paterson (02) 4938 5455