Local Attractions
Thistle Hill Guest House is right in the heart of the Hunter Wine Region, which includes numerous wineries, ranging from large multi-national to small family run operations, many of which are popular tourist destinations.
Attractions in the area include numerous wineries and Pokolbin Village. The Hunter Valley Gardens span over 25 hectares of land in the heart of the Hunter vineyards at the foot of the Brokenback Range. Potters Brewery, established in 2002, is the Hunter’s first microbrewery located in the heritage listed “Brick Beehive Kilns of Nulkaba“.
The Great North Walk, a long-distance walking track which runs from Sydney to Newcastle has an extension that goes to Pokolbin.
Hot Air Ballooning is very popular in the Hunter Valley and there are several agencies that offer package deals. Check out Wine Country Ballooning, Beyond Ballooning, Balloon Safaris and Balloon Aloft.
The Hunter Valley is one of Australia’s best known wine regions. The region has played a pivotal role in the history of Australian wine as one of the first wine regions planted in the early 19th century. Hunter Valley Semillion is widely considered the iconic wine of the region but the Hunter produces wine from a variety of grapes including Shiraz, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Verdelho.
There are countless vistas of charming vineyards for photographers and sightseers just waiting for you within walking distance or just a short drive from Thistle Hill Guest House.
A favourite destination for our guests is Wombat Crossing Vineyard – with rolling vineyards, scenic views of the Barrington Tops and eclectic artwork dotting the landscape, Wombat Crossing offers countless photo opportunities – and beautiful vantage points to relax and take in the scenery with great wines. Just a short walk from Thistle Hill.
Settle in for some fine wine and light snacks in the beautiful setting that is Wombat Crossing Vineyard. The property is home to a large assortment of artworks which dot the landscape offering up great photo opportunities.
Ian, Simon and Trish look forward to making you very welcome when next you visit Wombat Crossing’s Cellar Door. Personalised tastings of premium table wines are very popular – with cheese and biscuits to nibble.
Their cellar door has beautiful views over the vineyard and the distant Barrington Tops National Park. Wombat Crossing wines are not available in retail shops, so it’s a chance to taste some exclusive and unique Hunter varietal wines.
There are some truly wonderful attractions just within walking distance of Thistle Hill. A must visit for our guests is IronBark Hill Brewhouse where you can try hand crafted beers and delicious food options. They also make their own Apple & Pear Ciders and of course Peter Drayton Wines which you can sample and buy at their Cellar Door.
Enjoy excellent beer with great food and friendly service – available 7 days a week for lunch and Friday nights for dinner. Special beer and food packages are available – groups of 8 people or more require a booking.
Sticky BBQ Pork Ribs, Shoestring Fries and Garden Salad – what a feast! There’s a great selection of meals and light snacks – with gluten free pizza options.
With 13 beers on tap as well as pear and apple ciders – what more could you ask? How about some wonderful Peter Drayton Wines? Sit back and relax under the large covered outdoor dining area and watch the sun set over the vineyard.
Another wonderful destination for our guests is Yellow Billy Restaurant at Piggs Peake Winery at 697 Hermitage Road (15 mins by foot or 3 mins by car from Thistle Hill). Focusing on the art of cooking over fire, Yellow Billy’s draw card is a custom-made fire pit which is used daily. The food is delicious and the service is first class!
Baba Ganoush, Binnorie Goats Fetta, Pine Nuts and Flatbread – Yum! Yellow Billy has created a flexible sharing menu that is unlike anything else in the Hunter Valley. Matched to a progressive list of local, national and International wines that are desperate to be paired with anything off the grill.
Brussels Sprouts done to perfection – even the sides at Yellow Billy are standout dishes! If you are with a group try the 3 course Shared Banquet.
Crispy Potatoes, Garlic and Rosemary Salt – delicious! Yellow Billy also has three separate areas for special events and corporate functions.
Phone: (02) 6574 7217
info@thill.com.au
www.thill.com.au
Thistle Hill Guest House
591 Hermitage Road
Pokolbin NSW 2320