'What's On' in the Hunter Region of NSW

FEBRUARY 2012

Events in Lake Macquarie

11 February, 5pm-10pm Rod Stewart
Hope Estate - 2213 Broke Road Pokolbin
www.hopeestate.com.au

4 & 5 February, 2pm Indulge your senses – Shiraz & Chocolate Tasting
Wyndham Estate Winery, 700 Dalwood Rd, Branxton. $5 p.p. 02 4938 3444
www.wyndhamestate.com

18 February, 4pm-10pm IL DIVO
Hope Estate - 2213 Broke Road Pokolbin
www.hopeestate.com.au

Events in Upper Hunter Country

Sun 6 February: Upper Hunter Fruit and Vegetable Festival
A fun day for the family. Fruit and vegetable displays and auction, market stalls, rides and entertainment. 12pm, Skellatar Park Race Track, Muswellbrook. Gold coin entry, for details including categories, stall holder enquiries call Les on 043 907 6489.

24 Feb: The Quirindi Akubra Cup Race Day
A great social event on the local calendar! The Quirindi Racecourse and the Quirindi Jockey Club feature different races each month with the two biggest races being the Akubra Quirindi Cup and G.A. Hill Lightning Handicap. Held in February each year, the 1600m Quirindi Cup is a $25,000 race which features many horses which have competed in the Walcha Cup a week prior. The G.A. Hill Lightning Handicap is a 1100 metre race which follows the Quirindi Cup.
The Quirindi racecourse is located on Wallabadah Road in Quirindi and is the show course of country races. Since 1946 the Quirindi Jockey Club has organised all the race meets with this 15 currently organised for each year. The racecourse is graded as a dead 4 track and features starts for 1000m races to 2000m races. For more info ph 0408 461 905.

Food and Wine in the Hunter Region NSW

Hunter Valley Wineries

Undercliff Winery – Winery, Gallery, Settlers Cottage
Fines wines, beautiful art and accommodation.
Sample fine hand made wines and enjoy beautiful artwork in a tranquil vineyard.
Yango Creek Rd Wollombi
Ph/Fax 02 4998 3322
www.undercliff.com.au

Stonehurst Cedar Creek
Great wines grown organically!
Explore the Wollombi Valley, taste the difference!
Stay in one of our delightful cottages.
Open 7 Days
Wollombi Rd Cedar Creek Ph: 4998 1576
www.cedarcreekcottages.com.au  

Draytons Family Wines
New Cellar door NOW OPEN
Oakey Creek Rd, Pokolbin.  Ph: 4998 7513
www.draytonswines.com.au

Wollombi Village Vineyard
Discounts on Cellar Door Sales
2971 Payne's Crossing Road, Wollombi
Ph: 0419 997 434
www.wollombivillagevineyard.com.au




Wollombi Wines
Family owned and operated. Open Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Public holidays
25 Charlton Street, Wollombi Road, Wollombi
Ph: 02 4998 3427  Fax: 02 4998 3472  Mob: 0408 410 772
www.wollombiwines.com.au




Noyce Brothers Wines - Taste Noyce Brothers beautiful and distinctive estate grown wines at our sales outlet in the heart of historic Wollombi Village.
Noyce Brothers are a boutique wine producer with our vineyards in Wollombi on land that was first settled in 1823. Through the unique combination of soil and climate our vineyards produce quite distinctive Hunter style wines, particularly our semillon and shiraz.
Our wines, including our Directors Cut Shiraz, are available in a select number of restaurants, independent bottle shops, the internet, mailing list and we now now sell direct to the public in Wollombi Village.
www.noycebros.com.au

Littles Wines offers a range of award-winning wines. The Reserve range of wines is made from grapes grown in their own vineyards while the Art series range combines their own grapes with those from other carefully selected premium wine regions. They are available from selected Sydney retail outlets and restaurants, cellar door, by mail order, or by ordering on line through the website. Open 10am - 4.30pm Fri, Sat & Public Holidays.
270 Palmers Lane, Pokolbin. Ph: 4998 7626.
www.littleswinery.com.au



Noonji Estate - Classic Hunter wine. Dry-grown vines are more than 40 years old produce grapes of outstanding quality. Open Sat & Sun from 10am for wine tasting and sales.
386 Wilderness Road, Lovedale.

Eating Out in the Hunter Region

Chinois Restaurant
For Chinese Food Lovers!
Open for lunch Tuesday to Friday. Open for dinner Monday to Saturday. Winner of the Restaurant & Caterers Assoc. Hunter Region Chinese Restaurant Awards for Excellence 2001-2006. Regional NSW winner 2005.
326 King Street (cnr Union Lane), Newcastle.  Phone 02 4926 2333



Lynkeys of Lovedale
Afternoon Tea woth Alpaca? Grinders coffee, tea or light refreshments. All day BBQ. Lynkeys also offers accommodation, self contained apartment set in bush land on a hobby farm with alpaca, mini horses, rabbits, chickens, ducks & dogs.
332 lovedale Rd, Lovedale.  Ph: 0411 715 843  
www.lynkeys.com.au




Hunter Valley Chocolate Company
One of the area's most popular destinations offering premium hand made chocolates, chocolate & fudge products.
Open 7 days, 9am - 5pm. Specialising in beautifully boxed wedding chocolate.




Oscars Cafe and Restaurant
Open 7 days for Breakfast and Lunch. Picnic Hampers, Gourmet Pizzas, Fresh Salads, Sandwiches, Take Aways and Pasta.
Shop 15, Hunter Valley Gardens, Pokolbin.  Ph: 02 4998 7355
www.thewinnerisoscars.com.au




Majors Lane Restaurant
Specialising in fresh, local produce including meats from our own smokehouse.
Indoor & alfresco dining with vineyard views. Fully licensed. Recommended by SMH Good Food Guide 2008.
Open Thurs to Mon. Dinner from 6pm. Lunch 11.30am - 4pm. Brekkie Sat & Sun 9am - 11am
64 Majors Lane Lovedale. Ph: 02 4930 7832
www.majorslane.com


Kurri Workers' Club
Chinese restaurant open 7 days (closed Monday night)
Entertainment every Friday & Saturday nights
Monday Madness 1st Monday each month. $10 includes lunch, raffle ticket + entertainment. Bingo Wed, Thu & Fri 11am + Thu 7pm
Raffles Tues 4.30pm, Fri 5.30pm, Sun 11am
209 Lang Street, Kurri Kurri. Ph: 02 4937 1542


Bolwarra General Store & Cafe
Old fashioned service with a smile
Mon- Fri 7am - 6pm • Sat - Sun 7am - 5pm. Breakfast all day 7 days
Gourmet Sandwiches & Wraps, Homemade Cakes & Slices, Award winning jams, pickles & sauces, Gluten free bread & cakes, Diabetic fruit cake
Quiet Courtyard. Belroma coffee, Variety of freshly brewed tea in a pot (our tea doesn't jiggle.)
22 Paterson Rd, Bolwarra. Ph: 4930 0988

CBC Bed & Breakfast & Cafe
Our luxurious country retreat, where you can step back in time and still enjoy the comforts of modern life, is waiting for you.  Be surprised by our unique range of gift items and home wares waiting for you in the Old Vault Shop and Gallery. When you’ve finished your browsing enjoy our selection of tasty bites in the beautiful historic surrounds of our café. Bookings are appreciated for dinner or small functions.
19 King Street, Paterson. Ph: 4938 5767


The Hotel Beatty
Bistro at The Beatty - Dine in or take away. Open for lunch & dinner Thurs to Mon. Quality B&B accommodation. ideally located in historic East Gresford, close to boutique vineyards, heritage sites and the magnificent Barrington Tops. Experience the friendly service and family atmosphere that the locals have known for generations!
Park St, East Gresford. Phone: 4938 9451


Clevedon B&B
Hosts Ellis & Belinda Richards welcome you to historic Clevedon. Open from 10am to 5pm, visitors can browse through the many quality items in the shop, tour the house and gardens, or enjoy morning or afternoon tea or a light lunch. Guests at Clevedon, can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Bed and Breakfast available. Bus Bookings Welcome.  
Gresford Road, East Gresford. Phone: 4938 9488

Noah's in the Valley
A friendly smile and inviting atmosphere greet you when you arrive at NOAH'S Bar & Grill. Enjoy a relaxing drink before dinner or liqueurs with coffee at our Cocktail Bar. NOAH'S Bar & Grill enjoys an excellent reputation amongst our regular visitors and is also well patronised by members of the local community.
Comfort Inn Noah's in the Valley
91 Bridge Street Muswellbrook. Ph: 02 6543 2833  Fax 02 6543 2170 
Choice Booking - Phone: 13 24 00
www.noahsinthevalley.com.au


Cessnock Supporters Club - Kee Ho Restuarant
Open Lunch and Dinner 7 days
1 – 7 Darwin Street, Cessnock
Ph: 02 4993 2655 Fax: 02 4991 1506
www.cessnockleaguesclub.com.au



Wollombi Tavern
Home of Dr Jurd’s Jungle Juice.
Counter lunches available 7 days, Dinner Friday and Saturday.
BBQ and dining area, log fire.
An old fashioned country pub.
Old North RoadWollombi. Ph: 4998 3261  Fax: 4998 3106
www.wollombitavern.com.au



Lovedale Smokehouse and Gourmet Pantry Discover our range of mouth watering, premium quality, grapevine smoked produce. Open Thursday to Monday 11am-4pm.
Located at Majors Lane Restaurant. 64 Majors Lane Lovedale. Ph: (02) 49307832
www.majorslane.com

The Hunter Valley Cellars Deli and Café Open 7days from 7.30am
The Café serves realistically priced breakfasts and light lunches
Shop 20 – 21 Hunter Valley Gardens Village
Broke Rd Pokolbin Ph: 4998 74 66

The Hunter Olive Centre - Featuring the Hunter Valley's largest range of Olive products. Also over 400 other locally produced delicacies, from olives, olive oil and olive oil products to jams, chutneys, dukkahs, vinegars, spices and much more. A purchase at the Hunter Olive Centre will entitle you to a further discount at Pokolbin Estate Vineyard. Pokolbin Estate Vineyard, 298 McDonalds Road, Pokolbin. OPEN 10am - 5pm 7 Days. Ph - (02) 4998 7524.

Hunter Valley Snails from Snails Bon Appetite - For that special Hunter taste sensation...try the Australian Escargot.

Carr's Traditional Butchery - Licensed Wholesaler and Retailer
Open 7 Days: Mon to Fri - till 6pm. Sat & Sun - till 1pm.
Family owned and operated. 137 Wollombi Road, West Cessnock. Ph 4990 1168

Pasta Making Classes at Sandalyn Estate - Experience a 3-hour hands-on Tuscan style “Pasta making class” under the direction of an experienced chef in our underground cellar.  Teaching you the traditional art of pasta making. Classes are held most weekends and during the week if you have 10 or more people. Bookings essential. Ph 4930 7611. 162 Wilderness Road, Rothbury/Lovedale
www.huntervalleyboutiques.com.au



Nagisa Japanese Restaurant. Lunch - Tues to Sat 11.30-2.30; Sun 11.30-3.30. Dinner - Tues to Sat 5.30-9.30 (last orders).
N2 The Boardwalk, 1 Honeysuckle Drive, Newcastle. Ph 4929 4122.
www.nagisa.com.au





Larnna Thai - Authentic Thai Cuisine. Lunch Tuesday to Friday 11.30am - 2.30pm, Dinner Monday to Sunday 5.30pm till late. Fully Licenced. Winner Restaurant and Catering's Hunter region award for excellence.
1 South Boardwalk, Honeysuckle Drive, Newcastle 2300. Ph: 02 4926 2481






The Lakehouse at Murrays Beach - For a truly great coffee made by professional baristas serving Ducale coffee. Open 7 days for breakfast and lunch. Handmade, preservative free cakes, muffins, friands and pies baked daily. Delicious soup and daily specials. Great breakfast and lunch menu. Perfect wedding venue. Private events/parties welcome
Murrays Beach, 2 minutes south of Swansea on Lake Macquarie. Ph 49 711 745
www.lakehousecafe.com.au



Tides Cafe & Restaurant - Modern Australian menu. Prices range from $15 to $32. Open 7 days 9am to 9pm Mon - Thurs; 9am to late Friday, 8am till late Sat; 8am till 8pm Sun.
Shop 3, Paris Apartments, 2 Belmont Street Swansea. Ph: 4971 5152.





Moto Cafe - Large range of gluten free and vegan options available. Function & Corporate catering available. Open Mon - Fri 8am to 4pm, Sat 8am to 3pm; Sun 8am to 3pm (weather permitting).
58 Victory Parade, Toronto. Ph: 4959 3355





The Gate Cafe at Lavender Gate Farm - Open Fri to Mon for breakfast and lunch from 8.30 to 4pm; Fri and Sat nights 5.00 to 8.30. Catering for weddings, functions, bus tours, car clubs, bike clubs, business lunches, birthdays. Gift shop with a variety of lavender products, giftware, jewellery, culinary products, art and old wares.
Reservations are required for bookings 4998 3377. 2480 Wollombi Rd, Wollombi

Wine Country Cafe - The first and last stop on your visit to the Hunter.
Wine Country Visitors centre, 455 Wine Country Road, Pokolbin. Ph: 4990 9208.
www.winecountrycafe.com.au

 Coffee in the Hunter Region


Cafe Loco - Maitland Railway Café and book store
Open 6:30am to 6:00pm Mon - Fri and 8:00am to 1:00pm Saturday.
Segafredo Coffee • Sandwich platters • Freshly made wraps Light meals • Homemade slices.
Cnr Church St & Railway Street Maitland Ph: 4934 4608



Suspension Espresso Coffee - Open 7 days – Mon to Sat 7am to 6pm; Sundays 8am to 5pm. Purchase a wide variety of freshly Roasted Coffee Beans. Sit and enjoy a relaxing coffee and delicious homemade cakes in our cafe. 3 – 5 Beaumont St, Islington  Ph: 4962 2717





River Roast Crafted Coffee - The Hunter’s Freshest Coffee Company. Gold Medal Espresso - Paterson Blend. 2009 Sydney Royal Fine Food Show. Ph: 0433 728 400 (Edwardo) or 0406 398 001 (James) www.riverroast.com.au






Your Coffee Retail Shop & Espresso Bar - Specialising in Gourmet Coffee and Equipment incl Bodum plungers and Professional Espresso Machines and Grinders for Home. Open 8 - 3 Mon-Fri, 8 - 12 Sat. Ph: 0416 004 586  www.realcoffee.com.au






Baristaba Espresso - Cakes, coffee, locally roasted Peaberrys gourmet coffee. Light lunches, breakfast, corporate catering, cheese and antipasto platters. Open Mon til Friday 7am-5pm, Sunday 8.30am til 4pm.
Shop 2 / 1 Honeysuckle Drive  Honeysuckle Ph 4926 2722  Fax 4926 5793




Cafe-Bar Twist - great food with a twist. Open 8-5 Monday, 8-10 Tuesday to Thursday, 8-11 Friday Saturday Sunday.
The Boardwalk Honeysuckle Newcastle. Phone 4926 1766

Galleries and Theatres in the Hunter Region

What's On this month in the Galleries


Lake Macquarie City Art Gallery

FATHOM THE DEPTHS: Until 5 February 2012
 Curated by Meryl Ryan, Where there is water…brings together 11 contemporary artists whose works explore the theme of water from diverse perspectives and using a wide range of media, from photography and digital video to sculptural installation, painting and printmaking. These artists examine their relationship with this mesmerizing subject, often using it as a metaphor to describe human emotion and states of being.
Through thought-provoking works by artists Narelle Autio, Deidre Brollo, Maria Fernanda Cardoso, Julia Ciccarone, Shaun Gladwell, Helga Groves, Jess MacNeil, Todd McMillan, Harry Nankin, Bill Viola, and Wukun Wanambi, the exhibition holds something for everyone.

WHITE GUMS AND RAMOXES: 10 February – 25 March 2012 
Ceramics by Merric & Arthur Boyd from the Bundanon Trust Collection
This exhibition presents the ceramic work of Merric Boyd (1888–1959) between 1910s and 1950s and that of his son Arthur (1920–1999) from the 1940s to 1980s. These will be supported by a selection of oil paintings, etchings and drawings by the artists. The title derives from two characteristic motifs in their work: Merric was preoccupied with interpretations of trees, while Arthur’s ‘ramox’ is typical of his interest in metamorphosed and hybrid figures.   

BEYOND THE DOT: 10 February – 13 May 
Since 2000, the gallery and its Aboriginal Reference Group have worked together  to promote, support, and celebrate Aboriginal culture in the region. This exhibition recognises the significant achievement of that collaboration through selected works from landmark exhibitions such as A Possum Skin Cloak by the Lake (2011),Yapang marruma: making our way (stories of the stolen) (2009), Stories (2006) and Passage (2004). Artists include Jonathon Jones, Doug Archibald and Mervyn Bishop.

Muswellbrook Australia Day

What's On this month in the Theatre

Waterchild
New Australian Drama at Newcastle Theatre Company

Water Child, a new Australian play by CONDA* and Guild Award** winning actress Emma Wood, explores these controversial questions and more.
A drama with comic touches, the play examines issues surrounding one couple’s desire to start a family later in life, including miscarriage, relationship and wider family tensions.
These questions will resonate with modern audiences, but are not often tackled on stage. Reactions to play readings to date have been complex and emotional, arousing in readers and listeners strong passions in response to the characters and their actions throughout the play. Professional Director Aarne Neeme, who will be involved with the production, describes it as ‘a fine piece of intense writing about fundamental issues!’
With a cast of some of Newcastle’s finest actors including: Rosemary Dartnell, Derek Fisher, Angela McKeown, Lynda Rennie and Nola Wallace and experienced director Richard Murray at the helm, the production promises to be challenging, controversial and passionate.
Water Child will premiere at Newcastle Theatre Company from 3-17 March 2012 as part of the 2012 season.
Performances will be staged Wed, Fri and Saturdays at 8pm, with matinees on Sun 4th and Saturday 10th at 2pm. Bookings on 4952 4958.

Tales of Tocal
Feb 17, 18, 24, 25

Markets in the Hunter Valley NSW

Hunter Street Markets, Newcastle
5 days every week, Wed - Sun 9am-3pm. Hunter St, Newcastle. Ph 02 99992226. www.organicfoodmarkets.com.au

The Olive Tree Market
First Sat of every month 9am - 3pm. Newcastle’s handmade artisans market. Held at the Junction Public School and operates Rain, Hail or Shine!
Ph: Justine on 0439 649 058.

Raymond Terrace Market
Third Sat of every month at Riverside Park, Raymond Terrace 9am to 2pm. Free entry. Selling a variety of fresh locally grown produce and handmade products.?Enquiries: 0412 721 723. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Medowie Market
Second Sat of each month from 8-12.30am outside the Bull & Bush Pub, Ferodale Road, Medowie. For more information please contact the Admin Office on 49829123.

Blackbutt Markets
Held at the Blackbutt Reserve on the last on the last Saturday of the month from 8.30am to 1.30pm. 51 stalls with top quality goods at this beautiful location in Richley Reserves car park.
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Swansea Market
Fourth Sat of the month. Quinn Park, Swansea next to pool. 7:30am - 12:30pm. Stallholders ph Val McCarter 4972 1705.

Laguna Markets
All local produce as well as hand spun wool, jewellery, vintage linen, bric-a-brac, secondhand books etc. Phone 4998 8244 or see the website for more info www.wollombimarkets.com

Farmers and Artisans Market  
3rd Sat of each month 10am-2pm  at Linuwel School 133 Morpeth Rd, East Maitland. Locally produced organic food and wine, quality handcrafts, music and wholistic services. Ph: Amelia 4936 6220. www.farmersandartisansmarkets.com.au

Gresford Community Markets
Third Sun of each month, new stall-holders welcome. Ph: 4938 9488.

Kurri Kurri Farmers Markets
2nd Sat of month:  Rotary Park, Kurri Kurri 8am-1pm. Ph: 4937 2640.

Gloucester Farmers Market
2nd Saturday of each month from June until 10th December. A selection of fresh fruit and vegetables together with olives, jams, honey, wine and other tasty foods! 8:30am til 12:00noon. When there is an opportunity, buy some fresh and tasty lunch to enjoy in the park!
Ph 6538 5250

Maitland Fair Market
First Sun of every month (except Jan); third Sun in Oct, Nov & Dec. Maitland Showground, Blomfield St, 8am - 2pm. Over 600 stalls. Australia’s largest and most successful regional Market.
Ph: 02 4962 5522.
www.maitlandmarkets.com.au

Maitland Fresh Food Markets
Every Thur in the Maitland Heritage Mall from 9am until 3.30pm. Live entertainment. Also visit and enjoy all of the local boutiques, local cafes and restaurants.

Branxton Lions Club Market
Saturday 16th April from 8am - 2pm at Branxton Community Hall,
Bowen Street, Branxton.

Parklea Markets Newcastle
Open Sat & Sun 8.30am to 4pm at corner Sunnyholt and Old Windsor Rds, Parklea. All the best Australia has to offer under one roof. Ph: 9629 3311 www.parkleamarkets.com.au

Morisset Mega Markets
Off the F3 Freeway, Morisset exit. Open Sat, Sun & Public Holiday Monday.?8.30am to 4.30pm. 3 acres undercover - 100’s of market stalls. www.megamarkets.com.au

Singleton Markets
4th Sat of every month at Singleton Showground. Ph: 6574 5390.

Singleton Farmers Markets
Corner York & Bathurst St, Singleton.
Buy direct from quality NSW farmers and producers. Ph: 4930 5159.

Muswellbrook Markets
2nd Sunday of every month (except Jan) at Muswellbrook Showground 8am to 1pm.  Home cooking, craft, soaps and second hand goods. Ph 02 6543 1141.

Denman Farmers Market
1st Saturday of each month except May. 8am to 1pm. Lions Park, Denman.
www.denmanfarmersmarket.com.au

Thornton Markets
First Saturday of every second month beginning in March and finishing in November, in the church grounds on the corner of Taylor Avenue and Government Road, Thornton, from 8am till 1pm.  Huge variety of stalls like craft, cakes, plants, bric a brac, jewellery, trash n treasure, and a BBQ to whet anyone's appetite! Site booking: Michelle 4966 3335.

Wyee Community Markets
2nd Sat of month, Wyee Hall Grounds, Cnr Wyee Rd & Hue Hue Road. Stall Holders welcome. Ph: Janet 4357 1426.

Quirindi Quota Club Markets
Second Saturday in the month at Rose Lea Park, Quirindi. Wide variety of stalls selling plants, cakes, honey, fruit, bric a brac, jewellery etc. 
For further information phone Jan Forscutt 6747 1490.
 

Handmade in the Hunter Markets
February Markets: 11th, 18th & 25th @Kevin Sobels Wines (cnr Broke & Halls Rds) Polkolbin. 9am-4pm.  Wide variety of unique items that are all 100% handmade and homegrown in the Hunter area by Hunter residents.
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Fairhaven Charity Markets
OURIMBAH RSL MARKET: Pacific Hwy, Ourimbah. Undercover market held inside the Club and flowing onto the verandah. Feb 25, Mar 24, Apr 28, May 26, Jun 23, Jul 28, Aug 25, Sept 22, Oct 27, Nov 24, Dec 15, 2012 (All Saturdays 10am-2pm.
DAVISTOWN RSL MARKET: (Sun 9am-2pm) 19 Murna Rd, Davistown. Undercover market held in the Club’s Auditorium and flowing onto the verandah. Feb 19, Mar 18, Apr 15, May–no market, Jun 17, Jul 15, Aug 19, Sept 16, Oct–no market, Nov 18, Dec 16  (Sundays 9am-2pm.)
POINT CLARE MARKET: 209 Brisbane Water Drive, Point Clare. Large Outdoor market.  Sat, May 5 (Combined Fete & Markets) 9am-3pm. Sat, Oct 20 (Spring Markets) 9am-2pm.