Hunter Valley Living: Neighbors with Kangaroos, Sleeping to the Scent of Wine

Hunter Valley Living: Neighbors with Kangaroos, Sleeping to the Scent of Wine Stepping into Hunter Valley in New South Wales, Australia, visiting a winery is an unmissable soul-stirring experience. Beyond wine tasting, if you wish to deeply immerse yourself in the tranquility of this land, consider staying at a winery for a day or two – The Lane Retreat at Bimbadgen Winery is an ideal dwelling nestled amidst the aroma of wine. Here, there are no conventional hotel buildings, only independent container holiday cabins scattered across the open green lawns, seamlessly blending with nature. Waking up to a view is commonplace; through the floor-to-ceiling windows, continuous rows of grapevines climb uphill, lush and green; some cabins are also built by the lake, with the water shimmering. In such a serene and elegant environment, even just sitting idly and letting time flow by won't feel boring at all. Waking up in the morning, the most delightful surprise is 'sharing breakfast' with wild kangaroos, watching them leisurely hop across the grass; as dusk settles, the sunset punctually bathes the vineyards in a warm golden glow, and the gentle breeze carries a faint scent of wine, elevating the day's tranquility to its peak. Additional Travel Tips 1. In-depth Winery Experience: Besides Bimbadgen Winery, you can also visit Hunter Valley's classic Tyrrell's Winery (with a century of history, famous for its Riesling) or Audrey Wilkinson Winery (offering panoramic views of the entire Hunter Valley). Participate in the winery's grape picking experience (seasonal, usually January-March), or sign up for a wine-making workshop to learn about winemaking firsthand. 2. Nature and Animal Interaction: In the morning, you can stroll along the paths of Hunter Valley Gardens, where thousands of flowers are planted, with the most vibrant blooms in spring (September-November); you can also visit Featherdale Wildlife Park to get up close with unique Australian animals like koalas and wombats, and even experience holding a koala for a photo (advance booking required). 3. Specialty Food Pairings: Restaurants in Hunter Valley often feature "farm-to-table" fresh ingredients. We recommend trying local roasted kangaroo meat (similar in texture to beef, served with red wine sauce), a cheese platter (paired with the winery's own wine), or enjoying a sunset dinner at a lakeside restaurant, a double treat for both your palate and your eyes. 4. Short Excursions: If you have ample time, you can drive to the nearby Barrington Tops National Park, which features ancient rainforests, waterfalls, and hiking trails, perfect for a light day hike to experience a wild natural beauty distinctly different from the wineries.