Willow Tree

Willow Tree is a tiny, sun-bleached hamlet on the New England Highway, 40 minutes north of the Hunter Valley wine region. It’s the kind of place where you stop for a pie and a stretch and end up lingering, seduced by the quiet rhythm of country life and the big, empty skies of the Liverpool Plains. The main street is a single strip of heritage pubs, a bakery famous for its steak-and-kidney pie, and a general store that sells everything from fishing tackle to local honey. For travellers on the drive between Sydney and Brisbane, Willow Tree offers a genuine slice of rural New South Wales without any tourist gloss.

Highlights & What to See

• The Willow Tree Inn – A classic country pub with a wraparound verandah, cold beer, and a menu that champions local beef and lamb. The Sunday roast is a local institution.
• Willow Tree Bakery – Legendary pies, especially the steak-and-kidney and the pepper steak. Grab one for the road or sit at a picnic table out front.
• Liverpool Plains Lookout – A short drive east of town offers panoramic views across the patchwork farmlands to the distant Warrumbungle ranges. Best at golden hour.
• Werris Creek Station – 15 minutes north, this historic railway precinct has a small museum and beautifully preserved steam-era buildings. A must for train buffs.
• Local produce shopping – The general store stocks artisan cheeses, olive oils, and honey from nearby farms. Also look for the roadside stalls selling fresh stone fruit in summer.

Suggested Time to Spend

Willow Tree is a quick stop rather than a destination. Allow 30–45 minutes to stretch your legs, buy a pie, and snap a photo of the pub. If you want to explore Werris Creek and the lookout, budget an extra hour. Most travellers break here for lunch on a north–south road trip; it’s also a pleasant overnight pause if you’re in no rush, with a couple of basic motels and the pub offering rooms.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Murrurundi – A pretty heritage village 20 minutes north, with antique shops and the remarkable Murrurundi Folk Museum.
• Tamworth – Australia’s country music capital, 45 minutes north-west. Visit the Big Golden Guitar and the Australian Country Music Hall of Fame.
• Hunter Valley wine region – 40 minutes south. Combine Willow Tree with a day of cellar-door hopping around Pokolbin and Cessnock.
• Warrumbungle National Park – An hour west, this dark-sky park offers superb hiking and stargazing among volcanic peaks.
• Liverpool Plains – The vast, flat agricultural plains themselves are worth a scenic drive, especially after rain when the crops are emerald green.

Please check official sources for current details.