Find your tribe and take the road less travelled to Broke Fordwich, the ultimate country tiny town to explore, savour and unwind
Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Yellow Rock escarpment, Broke-Fordwich is waiting to welcome you to unwind and reconnect to the simple life in its peaceful, secluded village. There’s so much to see and do in Broke Fordwich, from history and heritage to arts and culture, food and wine experiences and country charm.
One of the Hunter Valley’s many hidden treasures, Broke is nestled at the foothills of the Brokenback Mountain Range and is just a two-hour drive from Sydney via the road less travelled, the Tourist Drive 33 scenic route.
Travelling into this special pocket of the valley, you will immediately find yourself succumbing to a pace of leisure relaxation.This secluded, country charmed sub-region of Hunter Valley Wine Country boasts expanding grasslands, striking views and historical vines spanning across the land.
A small but significant village deeply-rooted in steep history; Broke Village was established in 1824 and was a vital stop on the old convict trail from Sydney to haul livestock. Shortly after, it was discovered that the region’s soil and climate were well-suited to grow wine varietals and vines budding with many classic Hunter grape varieties such as Semillon, Chardonnay and Shiraz slowly made their mark in the village. Now home to 17 cellar doors, award winning restaurants and the Hunter Valley’s largest organic winery, Broke is the place to experience the good life without the hustle and bustle of Pokolbin and Cessnock.
Unearth the Broke Fordwich Wine Trail which immerses you in a journey of gastronomical discovery to some of the Hunter Valley’s best kept secrets, from trophy-winning wines and delicious local cuisines to idyllic accommodation.
The Broke Fordwich Subregion can be found between the Upper Hunter Valley to the northwest and Pokolbin to the east. It geographic boundaries follow the catchment of Wollombi Brook (a tributary of the Hunter River), which flows from its source in the Brokenback Mountains/Great Dividing Range north through the towns of Broke and Fordwich. Vineyards were first planted here in the 1830’s and Broke Fordwich became an official Geographical Indication in 1997. The basis for the boundaries include its unique basalt- and iron-rich soil, the climate-calming effects of the Wollombi Brook, and the rain shadow provided by the Brokenback Mountain Range.
Take a moment to unwind and escape reality; from boutique fireside accommodation for that romantic mid-week getaway such as , to luxurious group housing that feels like a home away from home, Broke is the spot for you to let everything go and slow down.
Barefoot at Broke has the perfect set up for family or group of friends get together where the main bedroom and two other bedrooms are in opposite wings of the house so ensuring some privacy. Guests can come together in the centrally located (spacious with high ceiling) living, dining and gourmet kitchen area adjoining an outdoor entertaining deck with beautiful views of the country-side and mountain ranges.
Or, stay in style at Winmark Wines who offer a unique vineyard stay with a monumental sculpture walk throughout the whole property. 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. Cosy up near the outdoor fire pit whilst admiring the vineyard views and watching the sun set on the Brokenback Mountains.
Hunter Valley Stays offer a range of luxury properties scattered throughout Broke Fordwich. From intimate, cosy hideaways such as Yellow Rock Cottage to impressive homesteads made for entertaining such as Binbilla Estate or Arenridge, Hunter Valley Stays have plenty of accommodation offerings in Broke.
Dine in style at Broke Fordwich’s hatted restaurant, Margan Wines & Restaurant. Take a look behind the scenes from paddock to plate with the ultimate foodie experience followed by a degustation meal. Local produce is aplenty with many wineries offering food accompaniments with their exclusive experiences or at on-site restaurants and cafes. For something a little more on the casual side, pop into Mount Broke Wines for delicious woodfire pizza from 5:30pm onwards paired with delectable wines on the outdoor deck, framed by the stunning Brokenback Mountains and Yellow Rock.
With wineries and vineyards aplenty, there are plenty of option for wine tastings in Broke Fordwich.
Tucked away amongst the natural beauty of the Broke area, sits Whispering Brook, a boutique family-owned vineyard. 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.
Or if you are after a bespoke winery experience, be sure to stop by Krinklewood Wines. Starting conversion in 2002, Krinklewood vineyard and farm became Certified Biodynamic Organic in 2007. The whole property, including the winery, is certified with Australian Certified Organic and is audited annually to maintain biodynamic organic certification. The boutique cellar door offers guests a unique experience with award-winning biodynamic wines, provencal-style gardens, and an abundance of beautiful birdlife.
At Greenway Wines you will find a cute, little red barn on the banks of the Wollombi Brook. A family owned and operated, boutique vineyard, Greenway Wines offers an intimate wine tasting experience featuring a handful of unique varieties such as Fiano, Rose, Gewürztraminer and Shiraz.
Find the spirit of Provence in the Hunter Valley at Talits Estate. An award winning, family owned vineyard with a luxury Provencal house on the 50 acre estate, discover their range of boutique wines at the foothills of the Brokenback Mountain Range.
If you're seeking something other than wine and food, be sure to check out the Hunter Valley Lavender Farm. Tale a picturesque walk among the purple fields and learn how to harvest some of the estate-grown raw honey, or indulge in the lavender sweet treats available on site.
Whatever the occasion there’s something for everyone. Join in with this tight-knit community who hold a strong passion for their village at their regular food and wine and community events, from monthly markets to signature events such as A Little Bit of Broke; Smoke in Broke; and Broke Village Fair.
TOP 5 MUST SEE AND DO IN BROKE FORDWICH:
- Experience the Broke Fordwich Wine Trail and discover some of the Hunter Valley’s best cellar doors and restaurants.
- Meet the makers, go behind the scenes at a vineyard, winery, olive grove or restaurant and gain exclusive insights into the journey of a grape, from vineyard to glass, and the lifecycle of your meal, from farm to table.
- Appreciate the arts with a visit to Winmark Wines Art Gallery & Sculpture Walk or engage in an Art & Sip class at Greenway Wines. Looking to splurge on your loved ones, find local organic skincare products, Bare, produced sustainably in Broke.
- Join in with the locals and make memories with friends at one of the signature events or monthly markets.
- Take the scenic road less travelled from Sydney on Tourist Drive 33 to get to Broke through the historic town of Wollombi. Tourist Drive 33 showcases gorgeous countryside and steps back in time as you meander through the convict stone walls, bridges and culverts still in use today.
