Keen explorers have found the ultimate hidden gem; Port Stephens Hinterland. The area is full of magical moments from boutique accommodation and retail stores to hands-on workshops and memory-making experiences.

Plan a day experience to see the sights or extend your day. Wind through the incredible Port Stephens Hinterland as you discover charming towns and villages and pass rolling pastures and rivers.

To entice you to explore this iconic secret spot in Port Stephens, we’ve dropped into, shopped with, taste-tested, chatted with, stayed at, and experienced all of the best on offer. Get your friends together and get that Hinterland holiday planned!

Urban Connection Life Skills

To start your Hinterland trip, book an upcoming workshop and farm stay at Eagleton-based venue, Urban Connection Life Skills. Owner, Alecia invites groups of all shapes and sizes, to book the venue as a whole, or individually into their workshops with the aim to gather, reconnect, de-stress, and catch some downtime.

“We called the business Urban Connection because this is a space where urban people can meet and re-connect with themselves and others in nature,” Alecia said.

Opening in November 2020, the venue offers both retreats and workshops, as well as accommodation, and team events. Whether you’re after a girls’ getaway, hen’s weekend, baby shower, or a corporate team event; Urban Connections offers a truly unique experience.

Accommodation

If it’s just accommodation you’re looking for, Urban Connection’s Farm Retreat is the quaint and cosy space you need for a little ‘back to nature’ getaway. The three-bedroom cottage is freshly renovated and offers all your typical creature comforts plus more.

Enjoy an afternoon bush walk on the grounds, sit around the campfire, tap into your inner child or remember your childhood as you swing on the outdoor set, or relax by the bush in the comfy hammock; serenity is all over this place. 

Workshops, Activities, & Retreats

For those wanting to delve further into Urban Connection’s offering, the team update their collection of activities, workshops, and retreats on a regular basis. Be sure to check out the website here.

Floral Workshops & Gourmet Grazing with Absolutely Beautiful Flowers 

Alecia of Urban Connections works closely with Sarah from Raymond Terrace-based florist, Absolutely Beautiful Flowers to deliver one of the most beautifully crafted workshops.

“We began collaborating with Alecia from Urban Connection in early 2021 after we discovered our mutual obsession with plants. Alecia is a qualified horticulturalist and as a qualified florist myself, we realised that we had so much to show each other and our customers about our shared industry,” Sarah said.

Whether you’re creating a Christmas-themed dried floral wreath or a dried floral hanging, you’ll be working with incredible florals whilst being treated to a sumptuous grazing platter.

Absolutely Beautiful Flowers

Where: 33B William St, Raymond Terrace
More Info: click here

Urban Connection Farm Skills

Where: 204 Six Mile Rd, Eagleton
More Info: click here

Seaham Shared Pathways

Further indulge yourself in nature with a wander through the beautiful Seaham environment. The legacy of the late Brian Gilligan, the recently proposed Seaham Shared Pathways is aimed to establish a walking and cycle trail connecting local points of both historical and environmental interest.

Continued on by Brian’s family, the Seaham Shared Pathways is evolving into a way for both Seaham locals and visitors alike to connect with the local natural environment and historic points of interest.

“Over 40 years ago, he campaigned to have the Seaham Swamp gazetted into its current Nature Reserve status. His goal had always been to establish pathways to provide linkages between the Nature Reserve and Seaham Park for the community to enjoy,” the Gilligan family shared.

Start your bird swamp walk at the Seaham Birdwatching Hut as you look out across the green landscape keep an eye out for local wildlife. Follow the signage around to St Andrew’s Anglican Church before making your way through to the historic Tom McLellan’s Slab Cottage.

“This four-room dwelling was moved here in 1921 from its original setting on ‘Brandon’ some two kilometres to the south-east… the cottage had no running water or electricity. Tom McLellan and his mother both worked for the Fisher family on ‘Brandon’ and Tom lived here in the cottage until 1975. He died in July 1982, aged 84 years.”

The Seaham Shared Pathway is a truly memorable experience, connecting both the unique environment and history across an expansive area. Whether you love a little birdwatching, exploring through the bush, connecting with local history, or discovering somewhere new, the Seaham Shared Pathway is a must for your Hinterland holiday. 

Where: Seaham Rd, Seaham 

In Our Hands Family Farm

Keen to get your hands dirty? Maybe you’re an avid at-home preserver? Interested in learning about permaculture? Or just need to pick up some local produce whilst driving through? Drop by In Our Hands Family Farm and book-in an upcoming workshop or browse their Farmgate open daily.

With owner, Jacqui Purcell at the helm, this Port Stephens local business has been continually changing the local permaculture landscape since its inception in 2019. 

Guests are invited onto the grounds and into the home of Jacqui and her family to learn all about what goes on at In Our Hands Family Farm and be a part of the overall process.

Permaculture Preserving

Learn three to four different techniques and preserve only what’s in season and abundant. Every workshop is a different experience depending on what is available. Upcoming dates can be found on their Instagram here and Facebook here.

Cost: $50pp
When: 8.30am-2pm

Garden Rambles 

This free offering welcomes keen individuals to come help in the garden for the day through harvesting and minor maintenance chores. Bring your own gloves, boots, and hat. You’ll also have the opportunity to gather cuttings that you might like to add to your own garden, and at the end of the day, you’ll be able to enjoy and share in the harvest of produce. For upcoming dates, head to their Instagram here and Facebook here.

Cost: FREE
When: 9am-2pm

School Holiday Workshops 

Get the family together and learn all about what happens at In Our Hands Family Farm and play a part in the overall production process. For more information on dates and availabilities, keep updated on their Instagram here and Facebook here.

In Our Hands Farmgate

Need to pick up some supplies for your getaway? Drop by the farm gate on Giles Road and browse the goods available in this incredibly stocked space. The honesty system invites people to drop in and collect their goods, and pay via transfer or cash.

What can you expect? Almost everything you can imagine! Fresh herbs, eggs, teas, jams, pickles, preserves, gift packs, and so much more.

Where: 13a Giles Rd, Seaham
More Info: click here

Shepherd’s Corner

Shepherd’s Corner features a beautiful historic stone church, character-filled timber hall, and undercover deck and is home to one of the Hinterland’s most iconic wedding venues.

The stunning property offers much more, with plans to bring a selection of live music events and more to the Woodville community. Located on two acres and surrounded by dense farmland, Shepherd’s Corner is the perfect spot to celebrate and unwind.

With owners, John & Hannah Rorke, having only recently taken over this magical spot on the corner of Clarence Town Rd, and Paterson Rd, have big plans for this spot so whether you’re planning on booking a wedding or big celebratory party, or are keen to check out their next live music act, Shepherd’s Corner is worth the visit.  

Where: 235 Clarence Town Rd, Woodville
More Info: click here 

Woodville Store

Gone are the days of picking up your holiday groceries from the big supermarkets. When you head on out to the Port Stephens Hinterland, you’ll want to invest in some good old-fashioned country hospitality and help support a small-town local business.

One spot that should be your absolute go-to for all things snacks, meals, local goods, and everything else in between is none other than The Woodville Store.

“The Woodville Store is believed to be one of Australia’s oldest continually running businesses, still carrying on the same services it was licensed for in the mid-1800s and has been in its current location since 1863.”

The local gem of a spot has been serving the community since its inception back in mid-1800s and with current owners, the Kirwan family taking over in April 2020, the boutique grocery and retail space continues to shine a light on local produce.

Wandering around the store you’ll notice an abundance of local products including polymer clay earrings and accessories by Molly Moo & Co, fresh sweet honey from Largs Honey, fresh bread from Hunter Sourdough, a range of cuts from Hungerford Meat Co. and so much more.

Need a caffeine hit? Drop by The Coffee Cubby just next door and sit by Paterson River and take in that crisp countryside air.

Where: 229 Clarence Town Rd, Woodville
More Info: click here

Vintage Steel Accommodation

Is it time to hit the hay yet? One little tidbit that many holiday seekers seem to miss, is that the country town of Hinton is actually home to some of the cutest and most spectacular country accommodations. Our pick? Vintage Steel Accommodation.

This renovated warehouse is truly a hidden gem and is perfect for a short getaway with friends or to celebrate a special occasion. The property’s 120-year-old history brings together the very best of modern living alongside those quirky vintage points of difference.

With eight bedrooms, three bathrooms, an outdoor plunge pool, numerous cosy nooks throughout, a custom-made fireplace, and character galore, Vintage Steel Accommodation is the venue you didn’t know you needed.

Situated on the main road in Hinton and only a short walk to the local pub and a short drive to everywhere you’d want to be exploring across Port Stephens’ Hinterland, it’s the perfect spot to set up camp.

Where: 31 Paterson St, Hinton
More Info: click here

Victoria Hotel

When you think of a local country pub, what do you envision? Is it the large wraparound outdoor deck overlooking the river? Thoughtfully curated spots for the venue’s history featured throughout?

Well, you might be surprised to note that Hinton’s Victoria Hotel offers all of this and more, all whilst serving you with that iconic Aussie country hospitality.

Set up on the upstairs terrace and overlook the Paterson River and Hinton Bridge, or pull up a table out in the bistro and enjoy a traditional pub meal and a cold beverage before calling it a night.

Where: 2 Paterson St, Hinton
More Info: click here

Take some time to seek out those authentic and special experiences found only in the Hinterland. Delight in picking your own fresh produce, partake in carefully crafted boutique activities, find quiet spots to ponder and nap, explore at your own pace, and perhaps you’ll even find a different hidden gem or two of your own on your upcoming Port Stephens Hinterland holiday.