Tower Lodge

Tower Lodge is a luxury lodge in Pokolbin, Newcastle, set among the vineyards and gumtrees of the Hunter Valley. The property is a Hope family estate, and the website describes an easy, welcoming atmosphere where guests are treated as friends. Its Spanish-style architecture, terracotta plaza and rustic-refined interiors give the lodge a strong sense of place, balancing grand details with a relaxed country setting.

Accommodation is arranged across 14 individually styled suites, each with high ceilings, king beds, luxury ensuite bathrooms, lounging areas and bespoke artwork. Several include open fireplaces, while the Tower Suite adds a rooftop hot tub, separate living room and a four-poster bed from Rajasthan. Around the property, guests can use the pool, sauna and gardens, with the surrounding Hunter countryside offering a quieter backdrop and the possibility of spotting kangaroos around sunrise or sunset.

Food and wine are central to the stay. The lodge’s restaurant is open to the public for lunch and dinner, with menus built around local produce and a wine list focused on the Hunter region alongside Australian and international varieties. Produce and drinks are sourced from local suppliers, as well as the family’s farm and kitchen garden. Guests can also book a private wine tasting in the library with a wine educator, visit the Tower Whiskey Distillery on the estate, or join daily masterclasses highlighting local produce and beverages.

Tower Lodge also works well as a base for exploring Pokolbin and the wider Hunter Valley. Its concierge can arrange culinary and wine-tasting outings, cellar-door visits, hot-air ballooning, gallery tours and scenic drives. On-site options include bike rides, archery, lawn games, picnics and in-suite massage, while other experiences include helicopter flights, golf lessons and vineyard visits. It suits travellers looking for a comfortable, food-and-wine-focused escape, whether they want to spend time around the lodge or use it as a starting point for discovering the region.