Maree

Maree is a quiet, sunbaked pocket of the Hunter Valley that feels a world away from the cellar-door crowds. Here, the landscape rolls out in soft, golden paddocks, and the pace slows to a languid country rhythm. It’s a place for travellers who want to trade tasting-room queues for a peaceful picnic under a spotted gum, or to simply watch the light change over the Brokenback Range.

Highlights & What to See

• Maree Creek Walk: A gentle, shady trail that follows the creek through remnant bushland – perfect for a morning stroll with birdlife.
• Maree Community Hall & Markets: Held on the first Saturday of each month, these small markets are a treasure trove of local produce, artisan breads and handmade crafts.
• Brokenback Range Lookout: A short drive from Maree, this unfenced viewpoint offers a sweeping panorama of the valley and vineyards below.
• Maree Olive Grove: A family-run grove where you can taste estate-grown extra virgin olive oils and learn about the pressing process.
• Historic Maree Cemetery: A poignant, overgrown burial ground dating from the 1860s, with headstones that tell the stories of early settlers.

Suggested Time to Spend

Maree is best savoured as a half-day detour from the main Hunter Valley wine trail. Arrive mid-morning to walk the creek, browse the markets (if it’s a Saturday), and then settle in for a long, lazy lunch at one of the local farm-gate stalls. If you’re a keen photographer or history buff, you could easily stretch it to a full day – especially if you combine it with the lookout and the cemetery.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Pokolbin: Just 20 minutes south, the heart of Hunter Valley wine country, with dozens of cellar doors and fine-dining restaurants.
• Cessnock: A historic coal-mining town with a revitalised main street, antique shops and a lively weekend produce market.
• Broke: A charming village at the foot of the mountains, known for its wineries, equestrian events and scenic drives.
• Wollombi: A quirky, artsy hamlet 30 minutes west, famous for its Dr Jurd’s Jungle juice and colonial-era pub.
• Hunter Valley Gardens: Near Pokolbin, these sprawling formal gardens offer a colourful contrast to Maree’s wild landscapes.

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