Story by Helen
Between the Sauna and the Stars
Adventure in Cardiff South, Hunter Valley, NSW, AU
Some escapes ask you to go far - this one simply asks you to slow down.
Tucked away in a Newcastle suburb, this tiny house feels worlds away from the rush of Sydney - close enough for convenience, yet just far enough to exhale. We arrived mid-afternoon, dropped our bags, and immediately slipped into the rhythm of the place.
As the first evening slowly unfolded. With glasses of complimentary red in hand, we drifted between the warmth of the sauna and the cool autumn air, before settling by the fire pit as the sky gave way to night. We roasted marshmallows, spoke for hours, and admired the stars slowly appearing above us.
The following morning, we decided to chase sunrise a little further afield, making the early drive to Tomaree Head Summit Walk. A short but steep climb, the kind that wakes you properly, rewarded us with sweeping views over Port Stephens. An endless blue horizon, softened by the first orange light of day.
By afternoon, we were back where we started. Books in hand, sun on our skin, moving lazily between the bath, the sauna, and the quiet comfort of doing nothing at all. Cards were played as the fire crackled in the background, and the outside world felt far away.
On our final morning, over coffee and birdsong, we decided we weren’t ready to let it go yet, and decided to take a small detour through Hunter Valley on the drive home, where we shared a picnic in the gardens of Pepper Tree Wines.
A balance of stillness and adventure, we left feeling lighter than when we arrived and quietly eager to return!
Tucked away in a Newcastle suburb, this tiny house feels worlds away from the rush of Sydney - close enough for convenience, yet just far enough to exhale. We arrived mid-afternoon, dropped our bags, and immediately slipped into the rhythm of the place.
As the first evening slowly unfolded. With glasses of complimentary red in hand, we drifted between the warmth of the sauna and the cool autumn air, before settling by the fire pit as the sky gave way to night. We roasted marshmallows, spoke for hours, and admired the stars slowly appearing above us.
The following morning, we decided to chase sunrise a little further afield, making the early drive to Tomaree Head Summit Walk. A short but steep climb, the kind that wakes you properly, rewarded us with sweeping views over Port Stephens. An endless blue horizon, softened by the first orange light of day.
By afternoon, we were back where we started. Books in hand, sun on our skin, moving lazily between the bath, the sauna, and the quiet comfort of doing nothing at all. Cards were played as the fire crackled in the background, and the outside world felt far away.
On our final morning, over coffee and birdsong, we decided we weren’t ready to let it go yet, and decided to take a small detour through Hunter Valley on the drive home, where we shared a picnic in the gardens of Pepper Tree Wines.
A balance of stillness and adventure, we left feeling lighter than when we arrived and quietly eager to return!
Things We Did
- Walk
- Swim
- Winery
A short - yet quiet steep - climb to the top, where you’re rewarded with sweeping views over parts of the coastline and some of the many beaches Port Stephens has to offer. It’s a spot that truly shines at sunrise or sunset, though a clear sunny day is just as hard to beat.
Known as the largest ocean baths in the Southern Hemisphere, this iconic spot is well worth a visit. Grab a coffee from one of the many nearby cafes, take a seat, and watch as waves roll into the baths. Or better yet, slip in for a swim yourself - chances are, you’ll end up chatting with a few friendly locals along the way too!
A scenic drive through rolling greenery, vineyards, and grazing farm animals leads you to one of the prettiest spots in the region - Pepper Tree Wines. Set in the heart of Pokolbin, the cellar door offers a true Hunter Valley wine experience in a picturesque setting. We opted for a wine tasting followed by a charcuterie picnic on the grounds - the perfect balance of experiencing their wines while still enjoying a sense of quiet, private serenity for the afternoon.
Our Adventure Map
Where we stayed
Things we did
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