Heritage Retreat

BARRINGTON TOPS WORLD HERITAGE NATIONAL PARK

The park is near the Retreat with diverse activities:

- Touring mainly on dirt roads that are city car friendly or serious 4WD adventures
- Picnic grounds that provide convienient facilities
- Walking trails
- River swimming holes

EVENTS

The Hunter Valley hosts a diverse range of events which are listed on the Retreats web site. Events include:

- Concerts that range from iconic international lead singers and bands to opera performed in stunning locations.
- Rodeos and campdrafts.
- Festivals that include the worlds biggest showing of Australian films, the spring gardens display and the annual Wine and Food month.
- Polo set in a relaxed picnic atmosphere.

Vehicle, coach, limousine and helicopter return transfers may be booked subject to availability from the Retreat.


GOLF

The Retreat has a golf driving net and chipping green.

Golf courses are within a 20 to 90 minute drive of the Retreat. Of the nineteen local courses four are ranked in Australias top one hundred.

For the couple who do not both play golf why not combine a round with an in room massage for your partner.

SWIMMING

Relax and cool off in the pristine Allyn River surrounded by the tranquillity of the wilderness.

Easy access by steps with handrail is provided adjacent to the Retreats car parking.

MASSAGE

Why not totally indulge yourself with a relaxing massage in the privacy of your suite and enjoy the warmth from the log fire?

HORSE TRAIL RIDES

Saddle-up and enjoy a peaceful trail ride through the lush green hills and forests taking in some spectacular views and scenery along the way. All rides are escorted by experienced horse guides.

Riders from beginners to advanced are catered for.

Long pants and heeled shoes are suggested.

FISHING

Fish species are diverse with varieties including bass, trout, perch, and catfish.

The trout season starts from the October long weekend and closes on the June long weekend each year. Dams are open all year.

If fishing is your sport then try your hand at the Retreat that provides easy access to the river. The Dilgry and Little Manning River in the Barrington Tops are local favourites as are Polblue, Moppi, Kerripit, Gloucester River (above the falls at Gloucester Tops) and at Trudgalong Farm.

HISTORIC TOWNSHIPS

Gresford Twin Towns

The townships were developed in the circa 1830s with the issue of land grants. The towns are bounded by the Allyn and Patterson rivers. Distinguished as the origin of Dr. Linemans Winery, Cawarra, in 1843 with a local winery continuing.

The townships are classic examples of country living, small with some historic buildings with of course a tavern and Churches that make for a relaxing short drive.

Dungog

Dungog is a quiet essential historic country town with its wide roadway complete with obelisk and shops that span the main street.

Many historic buildings remain including hotels, stores and historic houses all viewable on a pleasant easy stroll of the town centre.

Paterson

It is a quiet country village that is accredited as the first recorded settlement in the region. It is on the Paterson River below its confluence with the Allyn River.

The town was an important river port for boats from Morpeth and Newcastle and a trading post for farmers. Sitting above a beautiful picnic park the town is laced with historic buildings with the Paterson Tavern being a classic example of 1800s architecture.

Morpeth

It has an engaging village atmosphere with many historic buildings that are heritage listed. It originated as a river port that was the gateway to inland Australia. The area reflects its prosperous past.

A stroll of the village takes in an assortment of museums, antique shops and a peppering of numerous diverse shops with a pampering that include crafts, art, clothing, jewellery and eateries.