Broke Fordwich is the Hunter’s western sub-region, centred on the small village of Broke on Wollombi Brook. It sits on the far side of the Brokenback Range from Pokolbin, beneath the sandstone bluff of Yellow Rock, and has its own officially recognised wine identity.
The mood is different here: fewer visitors, almost no coaches and a cluster of boutique estates, several of them farmed organically or biodynamically. Red volcanic and sandy alluvial soils give Semillon, Shiraz and a growing list of alternative varieties.
Top things to do: Broke Fordwich
Taste at boutique estates
Margan, with its well-known restaurant and kitchen garden, and the biodynamic Krinklewood are among the best-known names. Most cellar doors are small, and several open by appointment — plan and book before you drive over.
Take in the scenery
The drive from Pokolbin along Broke Road crosses the range and drops into a broad valley ringed by cliffs. Yellow Rock glows in the late afternoon; the national parks of Yengo and Wollemi begin just beyond the vineyards.
Stay for lunch
A long lunch at a winery restaurant is the classic Broke day out. Tables are limited, so reserve ahead — and arrange a driver.
How to get there
- From Pokolbin: about 20 minutes by car, west along Broke Road.
- From Sydney: around 2.5 hours, either via Pokolbin or on the scenic route through Wollombi.
- By tour: few group tours come this far; a private tour or private driver is the usual way to visit without a car.
Insider tips
- Combine Broke with Wollombi for a full day away from the busiest part of the valley.
- There are very few shops and no rideshare cars to speak of — bring what you need and plan your transport.
- Accommodation is mostly cottages and vineyard guesthouses rather than hotels.
Best tours & tickets: Broke Fordwich
These top-rated experiences are the easiest way to enjoy Broke Fordwich and the rest of the Hunter Valley:
Local wine tour from A$239 Hunter Valley: Uncork the Hunter Full-Day Wine Tour
A full day of tastings for people already staying in the valley. A local guide collects you from your accommodation and takes you round a hand-picked set of cellar doors, with cheese and chocolate tastings along the way. It often sells out on weekends.
- Pickup from accommodation in the Hunter Valley
- Wine, cheese and chocolate tastings with a local guide
- A relaxed full day with no driving
Private tour Newcastle: Private Tailored Hunter Valley Wine Tour
A private day for your own group, starting and finishing in Newcastle: three seated wine tastings, a craft vodka and gin tasting and a cheese or chocolate pairing, with the route shaped around what you like to drink. Priced per group.
- Door-to-door from Newcastle, just for your group
- Three seated wine tastings
- A vodka and gin tasting plus a cheese or chocolate pairing
Small-group day trip from A$249 From Sydney: All Inclusive Boutique Hunter Valley Wine Tour
A small-group day from Sydney that concentrates on family-owned cellar doors rather than the big names. Lunch and a cheese tasting are included, so there is nothing more to pay on the day, and the guide explains what you are tasting as you go.
- Three boutique, family-owned wineries
- More than 20 wines to taste, with guidance from a wine expert
- Lunch and a cheese tasting included
