Pokolbin, Australia Travel Journals & Blogs

Australien 🇦🇺🦘🐨
- Show trip
- Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
- Share
- Oct 23, 2024, 9:56 AM
- ☀️ 32 °C
- Altitude: 142 m
- Australia New South Wales Cessnock Pokolbin -32.773117, 151.27282132°46’23” S 151°16’22” E
2 2 2 2
Day 42
Weinproben und Vogelangriffe🍷🦅
October 23 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 32 °C
Nach unserem Besuch im Koala-Hospital ging es direkt weiter ins Hunter Valley, eine der drei bekanntesten Weinregionen Australiens. Als wir am Nachmittag ankamen, machten wir uns gleich auf zum ersten Weingut: “Audrey Wilkinson”. Dieses Weingut ist nicht nur für seine hervorragenden Weine, sondern auch für die atemberaubende Aussicht berühmt. Natürlich durfte eine köstliche Käseplatte zum Wein-Tasting nicht fehlen. 🧀🍷

Das Wetter war perfekt – strahlend blauer Himmel und 30 Grad! 🌞 Am nächsten Morgen liehen wir uns E-Bikes und machten uns auf, die Weingüter zu erkunden. Doch unser erster Stopp war ein gemütliches Café, um uns zu stärken – das war absolut notwendig!

Der nächste Halt war das Weingut “McGuigan”. Anstatt der versprochenen sechs Weine bekamen wir acht zum Probieren – warum, wissen wir bis heute nicht. Entweder hat sich der Kellner verzählt oder er wollte uns einfach noch ein paar seiner Lieblingsweine zeigen. 😄 Ausserdem bekam Chiara einen 10-Dollar-Rabatt, weil sie sich nicht nur für die Premium-Weine entschied – die süsseren Weissweine aus dem nicht-Premium-Sortiment schmeckten ihr einfach zu gut! 🍇💸

Dann ging es weiter mit dem Velo zum nächsten Weingut. Die Fahrt durch das Hunter Valley war wunderschön und hat sich total gelohnt – trotz eines kleinen Zwischenfalls. Wir hatten von den berüchtigten Vogelangriffen gehört und sogar Fahrradfahrer mit Kabelbindern auf ihren Helmen gesehen (sah aus wie Stacheln!). Aber wir konnten es nicht so recht glauben… bis es uns selbst passierte. 🙈 Yannic wurde am Ohr von einem Vogel angepickt! 😳😂 Chiara konnte ihren Angreifer abwehren – doch zur Belohnung wurde sie auf den Kopf „getroffen“! 💩😅

Unbeirrt fuhren wir weiter zum bekanntesten Weingut der Region, “Tyrrell‘s”. Hier entdeckte Chiara ihre Liebe zu den leichten Shiraz-Weinen und auch die berühmten Semillons der Region haben uns überzeugt. 🍇 Der Abschluss war ein Besuch im kleinen, charmanten Weingut “Lake’s Folly”.

Am Ende des Tages fuhren wir müde, aber glücklich, zurück zu unserem Van. 🚐🍷😊Read more
See translation
Traveler 😂
3wReply
Traveler Degu hend er voll im Griff 🍷🤣
2wReplyTranslate
Yannic Wild Natürlich 😍
2wReplyTranslate
7 more comments
9 likes
Traveler Reise ins Ungewisse
- Show trip
- Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
- Share
- Jan 21, 2024, 4:42 PM
- ☀️ 39 °C
- Altitude: 175 m
- Australia New South Wales Cessnock Pokolbin Jacksons Hill -32.834432, 151.29667532°50’4” S 151°17’48” E
Day 1,143
Hunter Valley
January 21 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 39 °C
Raus aus den Warrumbungles - rein ins nächste Weingebiet. Das bekannte Hunter Valley ist die bisher größte Weinregion, welche wir in Australien besuchen. Bei etwa 160 Weingütern lohnt es sich schon, sich mehrere Tage Zeit zu nehmen. Da das Hunter Valley sehr touristisch ist, müssen wir unsere Tastings auch gut vor planen. Deshalb beschäftigen wir uns am ersten Tag zunächst ausgiebig mit der Infobroschüre, die mehr Buch als Broschüre ist. In den vier darauffolgenden Tagen stürzen wir uns hinein ins Wein-Abenteuer dieser Region, die vor allem für ihren Shiraz bekannt ist.Read more
See translation
2 likes
Adventuring Down Under
- Show trip
- Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
- Share
- Mar 12, 2024, 10:08 AM
- ☀️ 73 °F
- Altitude: 308 ft
- Australia New South Wales Cessnock Pokolbin Hunter valley -32.772861, 151.29655532°46’22” S 151°17’48” E
Day 92
Pokolbin: Hunter Valley Gardens
March 12 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 73 °F
A hot day — high of 92F. But beautiful nonetheless with blue skies and sunshine. A perfect day for visiting the Hunter Valley Gardens.

Built in 1999, the gardens are situated on what used to be horse paddocks and vineyards. Encompassing 14 hectares, the gardens are home to a variety of themed areas — a Sunken Garden with a 33-foot high waterfall; a Storybook Garden where larger-than-life nursery rhymes are brought to life; a Rose Garden … dedicated to grandmothers everywhere; a Formal Garden … influenced by designs from France and England; a Border Garden designed in the classic French parterre style; an Indian Garden flanked by bronze elephants; an Oriental Garden trimmed and manicured with natural curves; a Chinese Garden incorporating traditional elements; and an Italian Grotto featuring a statue of St Francis of Assisi.

We began with a stroll on the lakes walk and then ventured into the different gardens, following meandering paths. The grounds were beautifully manicured … lush green. But colorful blooms were at a minimum. Talking to one of the gardeners, it became obvious that we were here between seasons, with winter plantings currently in progress.

Regardless of the lack of blooms, we enjoyed the serene nature of the gardens. And later wrapped up our outing at Café Enzo … recommended by one of the locals. Delicious food.Read more
Traveler Oh what fun. Love the varied themes of the gardens
3/13/24Reply
9 likes
OZ & NZ McCartneys on tour
- Show trip
- Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
- Share
- Sep 5, 2024, 11:21 AM
- 🌬 22 °C
- Altitude: 104 m
- Australia New South Wales Cessnock Pokolbin Hunter valley -32.774319, 151.2969232°46’28” S 151°17’49” E
Day 10
Hunter Valley- Kalamatra Retreat Villa
September 5 in Australia ⋅ 🌬 22 °C
We set off at 9.30 am, dropped Bobby the dog off at Jacqui's friends for the weekend, and headed to the beach cafe for lunch. Wow, what a place, great food, great wines & great views. With an hour & half to go, we carried on to Pokolbin and our Villa for the weekend. It was better than the pictures we had a look around and Ben and Jacqui left the oldies with a cup of tea and went to do the shopping. Callum and Mhari turned up at 8.30 pm.Read more
Traveler So glad they are spoiling you both. I know it means so much for them to have you there. Xxx.
9/9/24Reply
4 likes
Est de l'Australie
- Show trip
- Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
- Share
- Apr 29, 2023
- ☁️ 21 °C
- Altitude: 101 m
- Australia New South Wales Cessnock Pokolbin Hunter valley -32.772658, 151.30296932°46’22” S 151°18’11” E
1
Day 28
Hunter Valley
April 29, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 21 °C
On a mangé et bu, voilà voilà.

Hunter Valley est une région réputée pour ses vins et sa gastronomie. Tous les environs tournent autour de cette activité touristique : visites, dégustations, tour operator, boutiques souvenir,... Il y a de quoi faire.

Le matin, on fait 3 stops pour des dégustations de fromage et/ou vins. On avait oublié à quel point le fromage, le vrai, comme on en trouve en France, nous manque, c'était trop bon!

L'aprem on fait le tour des boutiques, on jette notre dévolu sur un plateau de dégustations de fromage et un peu de vin et cidres, ça fera notre repas du soir !

Notre déception, c'est qu'il n'y a pas de réelles découverte des lieux de production. En préparant la journée, on s'attendait trouver des visites montrant la création du vin, comme on a pu faire à Hennessy pour leur cognac. Mais il fait se contenter de la degustation, c'est peut être dû à l'âge des institutions, tout est assez récent, contrairement à ce qu'on peut trouver en France.Read more
See translation
Traveler Ça devait sentir bon dans le van après ça 😅
5/1/23ReplyTranslate
2 likes
Traveler Australia
- Show trip
- Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
- Share
- Mar 3, 2023
- ☁️ 28 °C
- Altitude: 100 m
- Australia New South Wales Cessnock Pokolbin Hunter valley -32.774249, 151.29329332°46’27” S 151°17’36” E
Day 13
יצאנו מסידני🙌🏼🚐
March 3, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 28 °C
תחילת המסע עם שוזי !
קראנו לרכב שלנו על שם שוזי הכלבה של רועי כי היה לנו כלכך קשה לעזוב אותה (גם את רוקי אבל הוא היה סנוב אלינו). אז בגדול לא ידענו מה נעשה ואיפה נעבוד עדיין אבל היעד שלנו היה ביירון ביי ששם סמדר עוד חברת כיתה של אבא גרה שם ( מצחיק לבוא להתארח אצל אדם שאתה לא מכיר ושאתה הזמנת את עצמך אליו ) אז מסידני לביירון זה 9 שעות נסיעה החלטנו לעשות את זה בצ׳יל ולא לנסוע יותר משלוש שעות ביום. יום ראשון נסענו למקום שנקרא Hunter valley עם מלא כרמים ויקבים. מקום יפייפה גם עם המון סוסים הרים ירוקים. הרגשנו באיזה סרט והחלטנו גם לעצור כל יקב ולחפש עבודה, המקום הראשון שנכנסו אליו אמר לנו שהם לא צריכים עובדים אבל הם היו כלכך חמודים שלפו מפה של האיזור וסימנו לנו כל מקום שהם חושבים שיצטרכו עובדים. כלכך שמחו על בעזרה שלהם והלכנו לפי הסימונים אבל בשום מקום לא היו צריכים עובדים , לאט לאט הבנו שאוסטרליה פשוט נחמדים ברמות כי כל אחד שאומר לנו לא על עבודה עוזר לנו לחשוב על מי אגיד לנו כן ואפילו מחפש בקבוצות בפייסבוק משהו הזוי כמה שהם נחמדים פה!
אז לא מצאנו עבודה אבל לפחות שתינו יין ואכלנו גבינות כמו שאנחנו אוהבים 🧀🤤
מצאנו את הספוט שלנו לישון בשוזי וגם ראינו בפעם הראשונה שלנו שלושה קנגרו חמודים כלכך
יום למחרת התחלנו המשכנו לנסוע והגענו בצהריים למקום שנקרא Port Macquarie עיירת חוף חמודה ששם העברנו את הלילה השני שלנו.Read more
See translation
5 likes
Traveler Australia
- Show trip
- Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
- Share
- Dec 19, 2016
- ☀️ 22 °C
- Altitude: 384 ft
- Australia New South Wales Cessnock Pokolbin Hunter valley -32.762937, 151.28980132°45’47” S 151°17’23” E
Day 35
The Jack: Day 1
December 19, 2016 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C
So for those of you who don't know I'll give you a quick idea of what 'The Jack' is.
My Uncle Jack is an ex pro golfer who was doing really well until he had a little accident with a plane propeller and lost his right arm and eye and other major damage was done to the rest of his body. In 1978 he set up The Jack Newton Celebrity Classic Pro Am which has now been bringing together pros, amateurs and celebrities for 38 years for 3 days of golf, fun and fundraising for junior golf in Australia and Diabetes. The whole family is involved in the organisation and presentation of the event and I was lucky enough to go to my first one while I'm here this year. It was just the most amazing experience, I've had to spread it out over 3 posts to get some of the best pictures in but it'll never really do it justice.
So Day 1 was just a bit of a welcome day. Players are registered and introduced to their partners for the tournament. Groups are made up of 1 celebrity, 1 amateur, 1 sponsor and 1 pro, with the pros changing teams on the second day of play depending on how they are doing. A BBQ is held in the evening with fireworks by the Foti brothers who do the Sydney Harbour NYE fireworks every year and a great flyover show by a red bull trick pilot. The evening has a rugby league or "football" theme so everyone has to wear a jersey, I bent the rules slightly and wore my American football jersey in support of my beloved Eagles.
Most of the pictures I've attached for this day are of my family, I'm hoping to get a bunch more up on Facebook soon and of course, the professional snaps will be out soon so I'll post them when I see them.Read more
2 likes
Traveler Australia
- Show trip
- Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
- Share
- Dec 20, 2016
- ☀️ 29 °C
- Altitude: 384 ft
- Australia New South Wales Cessnock Pokolbin Hunter valley -32.762937, 151.28980132°45’47” S 151°17’23” E
Day 36
The Jack: Day 2
December 20, 2016 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C
So 6am the morning of day 2 and I'm hard at work serving champagne (it is Australia after all) on the 10th hole. On the same hole is a $15,000 massage bed that's yours if you can get a hole in one. So what do you get when you mix celebrities, champagne and a bed? A lot of unrepeatable jokes and pictures... but I've put the clean ones on here. Its a fancy dress golf day so I was visited in the next 8 hours by Donald Trump (Frankie Barratt), The Mad Hatter (James Tobin), Side-Show Bob (Richard Champion), Superman, Batman, Batgirl, Wonder Woman, a few Santas and a few questionable looking women. It was a great opportunity for me to get to know everyone and get over the star struck feeling when I met a few of the tv stars, home & away actors, comedians and big time sports people.
That evening was a formal cabaret dinner including speeches from my Uncle Jack, some charities supported by the event and of course the charity auction. The stand out speech came from ex Prime Minister Bob Hawke who is about 1,000 years old but still managed to play a whole day of golf and get up on stage and get the whole room singing Walzing Matilda.
There was also a visit from some of the Olympic Gold Winning Rugby 7's Girls (complete with Rio Gold Medals) and a shirt signed by the whole team for auction. Music from The Voice runner up Joe Moore rounded up the formal part of the evening before everyone moved onto the bar and got so blindingly drunk I was walking past some of them coming home on my way out to the course the next morning.Read more
2 likes
Traveler Australia
- Show trip
- Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
- Share
- Dec 21, 2016
- ☀️ 26 °C
- Altitude: 384 ft
- Australia New South Wales Cessnock Pokolbin Hunter valley -32.762937, 151.28980132°45’47” S 151°17’23” E
Day 37
The Jack: Day 3
December 21, 2016 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C
Most of this day was a blur of exhaustion, a slight hangover and goodbyes for me but I'll do my best to describe it.
On the hole again, serving champagne to a very delicate looking bunch. Uncle Jack put everyone to shame with his one-armed game. Matt Stieger (pictured below with Jack) won the tournament with Jake Higginbottom (great name) coming in second. We had some great entertainment from comedian Tahir Bilgic, musicians Kram, Angry Anderson and Rowland Salley and there was more dancing and drinking into the wee hours of the morning.
I'm pretty proud of my family for organising such a massive event and raising so much money for such a good cause. I'm just bummed it's over already!Read more
2 likes
Lena Brandt Meine große Reise
- Show trip
- Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
- Share
- Mar 22, 2017, 11:47 AM
- ☁️ 26 °C
- Altitude: 91 m
- Australia New South Wales Cessnock Pokolbin Hunter valley -32.76854, 151.312132°46’7” S 151°18’44” E
Day 207
Hunter Valley- Hope Winery
March 22, 2017 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 26 °C
Ein kleiner Stop vor dem Lunch (ganz schön übel 😊) und ein paar Weine durch probieren. Leider waren die Roten nicht so mein Geschmack, sehr sauer und wenig Geschmack. Auch mit ein paar extra Weinproben konnte der nette Herr nicht meinen Geschmack treffen. Also entschied ich mich für einen Weißwein.Read more
See translation
2 likes