If you love animals and your looking for a great day out as a couple or a family The Hunter Valley Zoo is for you!

We have had the pleasure to visit this little gem twice now and are always impressed how there is always something new see and experience.

After our first trip here I was pleasantly surprised by the variety of animals, I honestly thought it was just another Australian Animal Collection with a petting zoo but I was so wrong!

The zoo boasts an amazing collection of birds in a variety of aviaries both Australian and Exotics, reptiles, monkeys, many African animals such as Meerkats, Fennec foxes and a pair Servals to name a few as well as a collection of farm animals such as sheep, goats, cows and chickens. Beware of the goats, they don't have manners! Neither do the ostriches!

For an extra couple of dollars you can buy a small bag of food to feed some of the friendly and hungry mouths about the zoo. Do keep an eye on your children though!! While the animals are friendly they easily get out of hand!

Very excited by the new addition of three very beautiful African Lions!! (From Sydney's Taronga Zoo)

All of the animals actually look happy! The enclosure are well kept, the staff are all very friendly and are happy to answer any questions you have!

A great day out! Lots to see! We've been here twice and I'd sure go back again! Tip - there are free bbq facilities so why not pack yourself a lunch!

Approximate cost: $29

My husband and I have seen the wetlands advertised on TV many times and never visited here even though we've been living in the Newcastle area for many years now so thinking we'd like to see some of the local attractions this made the list!

What a disappointment, I love birds and have a soft spot for ducks so what better place to visit than a wetlands to see all the animals in their natural environment.

The staff were friendly enough but not overly helpful, we paid our admission and armed with a map set out along our way. Just follow the signs echoing in our ears... The journey set out fair enough and straightforward but once you come across the first "cross road" you start wondering WHAT SIGNS?

We tried to follow the map best we could but ended up being more lost, the map described some rare dinosaur ducks we NEVER found and I was very keen to see very disappointed! After a while everything started to look the same, we actually seen VERY few birds and at one point had to run through the pathways before we we're carried off with a swarm of mosquitoes... even drowning ourselves in airoguard was not enough to deter them... This put a real damper on the whole experience!

There are a couple of "hide outs" along the paths which are nice points of interest but we didn't find a great deal to view in them.

Inside the centre is a nice collection of bird eggs and a few small animals such as frogs, turtles, stick insects and a small crocodile... free to view and no mosquitoes!

The Hunter Wetlands and Wetlands Environmental Education Centre is a very popular location for school excursions - Personally I wouldn't visit without being suited head to toe in a mosquito net! Over all very disappointing :(

Approximate cost: $5

Everything about this cafe sounds appealing, situated overlooking the Shortland wetlands boasting a cafe which apparently "serves up a deliciously fresh menu with welcoming hospitality"

I can't say I agree, this was our first visit to the Wetlands and we didn't really know what to expect but we'd seen the advertisements on TV and looking for something to do locally we thought why not give it a shot!

Before taking a walk around the wetlands we stopped in for lunch. First appearance is it's less like a cafe and more like a cafeteria the cafe is obviously catering more for large groups than couples with the only tables available seating large numbers.

When we arrived the cafe was almost abandoned with only one other patron on the deck.

There was long wait for our food, the waiter seemed very disinterested in his job... food was below average really nothing special, not really that fresh...my salad looked very lackluster and white my husband had a milk shake which was watery and obviously just syrup and milk...

Bottom line - Nice enough setting, over priced and poor service. I wouldn't eat here again.

For Australia day we decided to take a "country drive" through to the quaint village of Wollombi, we decided that we would stop in for lunch but the cafe we'd visited previously was close for the public holiday. We drove out and down the road took a left turn and began thinking we should turn around because there didn't seem to be ANYTHING on this road when we stumbled on a sign reading CAFE OPEN! What a delight!

When we arrived we we're told lunch service was not starting till 12 but they we're serving tea and scones we said that was fine we were happy to wait and just have drinks till we could order lunch.

It was more than obvious that the poor staff were overwhelmed with the amount of traffic walking through their door with it being the public holiday and they being one of the only two? places open for food! It was clear that they were not use to being so busy, yet they didn't stop and everyone appeared happy enough with the service.

We ordered drinks which were quickly delivered, we sat inside which was much cooler than the hot day it was outside!

We were not offered a menu so I went and got my own, My husband and I selected our meals and we wait for service. Now it did take some time before we could make our order and another tables order was almost taken before ours till the people seated their said those people have been waiting longer than us... the waitress quickly rushed over to take our order and was very apologetic for the delay.

My husband and I both choice to have an open sandwich, there was a wait but it was delicious and fresh though small meal. We waited a little longer and a little longer for our dessert it seemed that in the rush our dessert was forgotten about. Again the waitress was very apologetic.

Settler's Kitchen is opening for Morning/Afternoon tea, breakfast and lunch 7 days a week and Friday and Saturday nights for dinner.

There is a lovely view over the property from the deck but inside is well set out and keeps with the colonial style of the property. There is a lot of history here and if you visit you should take the extra time to visit the convict made well and "convict accommodation" down stairs.

Over all experience, I think we were there about 3 hours in total, the staff were all very nice, we were offered a complimentary glass of house wine as an apology for the delay. The meals are perhaps a little over priced for what you get but it was all fresh and tasted great.

We have driven past this place a thousand time and always thought one day we'll have to stop here! One afternoon on the way home from work, windows down, hot day... the smell coming from this little cafe was too irresistible! We're making it dinner next Wednesday my husband and I agreed!

Excellent!! We were greeted as soon as we walked in the door by one of the owners who was very friendly and offered some great banter while we looked over the many options for meals.

My husband ordered a burger and I chose the salt and pepper calamari. We took a seat and waited for our meals. We didn't have to wait very long before our meals we're brought to us, we decided to eat inside as we live about 20 minutes away and Newcastle was having yet another heatwave so this seemed the best option.

WOW! My husband's burger came out and I looked at it thinking WOW just how are you going to eat that! I opened my chips and calamari and thought it looked great! Well it tasted even better, so fresh and SO SO well cooked! My calamari was soft and flavorsome and the home made aoili on the side was a great addition! My husband was more than impressed with his GIANT burger! Everything was cooked perfectly, very very fresh with a side of amazing service :)

The owner came to our rescue with some napkins which were very much appreciated! It's really those little touches which show great service!

I'd recommend planing in advance a meal plan, good place to eat or if you live close taking your meal home as the cafe isn't really set up for an eat in dining experience more just take away.

We'll be back for sure! Great prices, great food, great service!

Approximate cost: $12

On a recent drive through the Hunter Valley, We noticed this quaint little cafe as we drove past. On the way back from our destination we decided to drop in for a light meal since we were going out for dinner that night we didn't want anything to large.

On arrival we were greeted at the door and asked if we would like to dine inside or out it was a VERY hot day so we decided that it would be cooler inside. This was a choice we soon regretted. The only seating inside was a bench against the window which was occupied and a large table in the centre (for about 6), the waitress said it was either this or sitting outside as they were in the middle of renovations we thought better this than outside in the heat. Soon we noticed the baby set up behind the counter. ..

We were given a menu and to be honest I was very disappointed by the selection the cafe boasts "We are a small cafe specialising in simple food and coffee done well" the menu consists of very few options and it's not what I'd call "simple food" mostly consisting of anti pasto style offerings, olives, ciabatta, salmon and cheese based selections for light meals.

Larger meals for lunch have options like steak, fish of the day, pasta and lamb shoulder offerings. Much more appealing but not suited when you just want a light meal.

I struggled to find anything on the menu and chose to have a bowl of chips and a coffee. My husband chose a burger.

We ordered our meals and waited, the waitress delivered our drinks. My husband had a soft drink and I had a coffee which come with a short bread biscuit on the side on which I found a hair this put me off and the baby began to fuss and cry... the waitress took the baby away and said "don't mind my child".

I honestly didn't feel comfortable eating in a cafe with child care on the side. It struck me as some what unprofessional. While I am sure it's a family run cafe... I'd sooner not had to deal with a side of crying with my meal by this time we were the only people in dining inside the cafe.

When our meals came out my chips did not come with the side of mayo I'd ordered, the chef I am assuming brought our meals asked if I'd like any sauce with my meal but by this time I just wanted to eat and run as I was not overly impressed by my experience so far.

My husband was very happy with his burger but it was VERY messy and we were not supplied with any napkins or serviettes (thankfully I had some in the car to clean up when we were done) I have to admit the chips were very good but the whole experience was very average.

I don't think I'd return here in the future, over all very disappointed.

Approximate cost: $16

Our car had a fluid leak and we chose to take it to BMR because it's about 2km from where we live. We tried calling but there was no answer for several day so we tried using the web form for contact (Wednesday) we were called on Monday and the car was booked in for Tuesday.

My husband drove the car down at 7am, was not offered a lift (we only have one car) so he walked home. A couple hours later we had a call and a quote, we said go ahead with the repair, we were told they would call when the car was ready to pick up.

By 3.30pm we had not heard anything so my husband called, the secretary informed him that there was "no one around" and she would call back.... By 5pm we had heard nothing so my husband called back when he finally got to speak to someone he was told they were just working on it now. Will it be ready to pick up at 5.30 my husband asked, they couldn't give him an answer but he told them he would have to come down anyways to pick up the keys because he needed them for work.

My husband arrived at 5.30pm the car was still not ready... so he waited till 6pm for the job to be finished. When he was told the car was done and went to pay the quote had blown out by $100 apparently there was "another repair required" but we were not informed of this before.

Bottom Line: It's too early to confirm the repair as been a success so I won't comment on their technical abilities for now. The service was terrible and compared to our usual repairer I found them to be expensive. Had it not been for convenience sake we would have took the car to our regular shop. Very disappointed over all. I would have at least expected to be phoned back and told of additional costs... and the fact they would have our car 11 hours when we understood the repairs would have been underway once we said go ahead...

Have you ever heard that old saying... "A house is made of brick and stone, but only love can make a home" this could be said about the Magical Manderley... Robyn is the heart of this beautiful home and welcomes you with love. The Manderley is your own private luxury, a home away from home.
Once again we had the pleasure to stay with Robyn, in her beautiful Manderley where magic really does happen. 2 Years ago now we stayed here for our honeymoon and returned this November for our anniversary.
This time we chose to stay in the Treetops, with its beautiful open plan, generous sitting area and kitchen, full size bed room and beautiful bathroom with a wonderful romantic spa for two. I even managed to make use of the kitchen cooking up a couple of my own meals in here during our stay, candle light and very cosy.
The Manderley is situated in the heart of Leura, just a short walk to the Leura mall which is so much fun to explore with its many shops, there is a market held on the corner over weekends, Woolworths is just a walk away for any supplies you might want to pick up, perhaps for a home cooked meal if you don't want to dine at one of the many restaurants or cafes, everything is well within reach while staying at the Manderley
There is nothing to fault here and I can imagine we will again return time and time again to the Magical Manderley. From the generous breakfast supplies to fluffy towels and beautiful spa supplies everything is luxury. Robyn even sneaks in to do a little housekeeping, keeping those towels and sheets clean and fresh while you're away. Both rooms are very private and off street parking is supplied.
Don't just take my word for it, book in and experience some magic of your own! Go on, it's the perfect place for a romantic getaway long or short, it is an experience you won't forget.

Approximate cost: $From $190/night

This little cafe was quiet a nice surprise, we had finished the tour and thought we would grab some lunch before going on our way to our next Blue Mountain's adventure.

This is a nice quiet cafe, with a lovely bush setting. The staff are friendly, the service we received was great. It was quiet and not too busy when we visited which made for a lovely atmosphere.

We had looked into their menu's on the website before coming but where pleasantly surprised by the specials and the mouth watering desserts on offer.

Really nice light meals for lunch at a good price!

Bottom Line - If your making the effort to go out and experience the gallery and grounds put the cafe on the list to eat at, even just a snack or morning tea, great experience!

My husband and I stayed here on our trip to the Blue Mountains, Leura is a lovely place to stay with lots to see and do. Broomelea is set in a lovely old house and run by a lovely couple Denise and Bryan.

Each room offers a little something different so it's worth looking at each to pick what you would like best.

Over all it is simply a bed and breakfast, I didn't think anything was a great stand out, the gardens are pretty and the rooms are well set out. It was nice to have cold water and soft drinks in the guest room as it was a very hot day when we arrived. The hosts are nice and the breakfast offered is quiet nice as well.

The real let down for me was the bathroom, it was well enough sized but not well set out. The bath/shower was small and the room very slippery! The glass door on the bath made me nervous on the slippery floor to boot with being short steeping over the wooden platform to get into the shower was a bit of a hazard.

It's good value given the average prices for accommodation for the area though I wouldn't class it as "luxury" to be honest.

Bottom Line - Fair priced B&B, not too many frills.

Approximate cost: $From $160/Night