Make the Journey Part of the Experience - Drive to Wine Country Lavender via Branxton

One of the best things about country drives is discovering the charming regional towns, welcoming cafés and locally owned businesses that turn a simple drive into a memorable day out. If you're staying at Wine Country Lavender or planning a visit to our regenerative lavender farm, we recommend taking the scenic route through Branxton - especially if you're travelling from Sydney, Newcastle or the Central Coast. Sometimes referred to as the gateway to the Hunter Valley, Branxton is the perfect place to pause, stretch your legs and experience some of the region's best local food, coffee and boutique producers before continuing your journey. From award-winning coffee and homemade country pies to boutique wines crafted with generations of French winemaking tradition, these are our favourite Branxton stops before arriving at Wine Country Lavender. After all, the best trips aren't just about the destination (although that is pretty good too if you are heading to Wine Country Lavender!) - they're about the places you discover along the way.

Stop One: Coffee Worth the Detour

Before heading our way, make time for a visit to Sidecar Roasters - a café that's helping redefine what a regional coffee experience can be. Their philosophy says it best: "Where the beans are roasted, the playlists roll, the art adorns the walls and the deliciousness flows with rhythm and intent. It's a space built for good conversation, local flavour, artistic inspiration and creative energy... where coffee meets art." More than just a café, Sidecar is bringing a vibrant creative culture to regional Australia. The walls showcase rotating works by local artists and photographers, the architecture is as thoughtfully crafted as the coffee, and every visit feels like discovering a new gallery that just happens to serve exceptional espresso.

Their coffee is roasted on-site in small batches and has quickly earned a reputation as one of the Hunter Valley's best brews. That reputation was recognised nationally when Sidecar was awarded Coffee Industry Heroes 2026 – Best New Café at the Melbourne International Coffee Expo. But what we love most is their commitment to supporting fellow local businesses. From stocking artisan sourdough by Just Roll With It to collaborating with regional producers and makers, Sidecar is building a community as much as it's serving coffee... and stay tuned for our upcoming blog to read more about a new flavour in town - a lavender latte (in collaboration with Wine Country Lavender!).

Sip something smooth. Devour some local sourdough or a pastry. Browse the art. Soak up the atmosphere. Then take a moment to chat with owner Ben, whose passion for coffee, design and community is evident in every corner of the café. We'll be sharing more of Ben's story in an upcoming blog, where you'll get to know the person behind one of the Hunter Valley's most exciting café destinations. If you're anything like us, great coffee is reason enough for a road trip - and Sidecar Roasters offers so much more. Find out more about Sidecar Raosters here.

Stop Two: Pies Worth Coming Back For

Just a few steps down the road you'll find Steamhouse Cafe - a welcoming country café that's quickly become a favourite with locals and travellers alike. The homemade pies are the talk of town - and we can't get over the brisket pie, counting days to go back for more! Slow-cooked, very generously filled and baked in-house, it's the kind of pie that has visitors planning their next stop before they've even left. Their original pies and hearty breakfasts have earned a loyal following, making Steamhouse an easy choice whether you're after breakfast, lunch or a satisfying bite on the road... hmm well, 'satisfying' is the understatement of the century - the flavour is mind-blowing - you just gotta go and try a few things out yourselves! Friendly service, generous portions and a relaxed atmosphere make Steamhouse feel like the sort of place where everyone is welcome. Steamhouse Cafe is well worth adding to your Hunter Valley itinerary - whether it's a quick bite at the cafe, or a grab & go, and come and enjoy your pies on your veranda at Wine Country Lavender - that is exactly what we do (pics below!).

Stop three: A Drop Worth Tasting

Before making your way to Wine Country Lavender, make a (booked) stop at Pierre's Wines - one of Branxton's best-kept secrets (although a lot of people know about it!). Tucked away just off the Hunter Expressway, this boutique family winery craft their own estate-grown wines since and locally purchased fruit, continuing generations of French winemaking tradition. Best known for their exceptional Méthode Traditionelle sparkling wines, Pierre's offers an experience that's refreshingly personal. Unlike many larger cellar doors, your tasting is guided by one of the winemakers, giving you the chance to hear the stories behind each wine, learn about traditional French winemaking techniques and taste wines made just metres from where you're sitting. It's relaxed, traditional, intimate and exactly the kind of authentic Hunter Valley experience we love recommending.

Whether you're a sparkling wine enthusiast or simply enjoy discovering boutique producers away from the crowds, Pierre's is well worth the stop.

Then Head to Wine Country Lavender

From Branxton, it's an easy 20-minute drive across the Hunter River and through Elderslie before you arrive at Wine Country Lavender. By now you've enjoyed a great coffee, a cracking pie and maybe even a glass of wine, so consider us the place to slow the pace a little. Wander around the farm, browse our handcrafted lavender products, join a workshop, sip a lavender tea or simply find a spot to sit and enjoy the view. There's no rush here. If you're staying in our boutique farm accommodation, even better. You can swap the car keys for a glass of something local, watch the sun dip behind the hills and wake up to birds instead of an alarm. Whether you're visiting for an hour or a whole weekend, we hope you leave feeling a little more relaxed than when you arrived. And if you happen to take home a bag full of lavender goodies... well, we won't judge.

A Hunter Valley Day Trip We Love

So what's our recommendation? Take the Wine Country Drive exit on the Hunter Valley Express way and make a day of it. Start with an excellent coffee (and a look around) at Sidecar Roasters. Wander across the road for one of the famous homemade pies at Steamhouse Cafe. Book a tasting at Pierre's Wines for a relaxed cellar door tasting before taking the scenic drive through Elderslie to Wine Country Lavender. Take your time exploring our farm, browse our lavender products, enjoy a cup of lavender tea, or simply sit for a while and watch the world slow down. Better still, book a workshop, and night or two in our farm-stay and turn a your trip into a proper country escape.

And if you've still got time, Singleton has plenty more to discover - from local cafés and wellness experiences to galleries, boutique shops and community events. Just ask us - we're always happy to point you towards a few local favourites. Our perfect itinerary looks something like this:

• ☕ Coffee and a wander through the art at Sidecar Roasters... with a touch of lavender!

• 🥧 A homemade pie from Steamhouse Cafe (trust us, you'll understand the hype).

• 🍾 A boutique wine tasting at Pierre's Wines.

• 🚗 A scenic drive through Elderslie to Wine Country Lavender.

• 💜 A workshop, farm visit, tea tasting or a browse through our lavender drying shed.

• 🛏️ Stay the night if you can. Country sunsets are underrated.

One of the things we love most about living here is the community. Every stop along this little itinerary is a locally owned business run by people who genuinely care about what they do. By choosing to stop in, you're helping small businesses, family farms and local makers keep doing what they do best. So next time you're heading our way, don't just drive through - make the way here part of the adventure!

Stop. Sip. Savour. Then come and smell the lavender. We can't wait to welcome you.

PS If you are heading to our farm at night time, or after sunset, we recommend doing this drive the next day or on the way home, as it's best enjoyed in daylight. In the evenings, the above experiences may not be available, the back roads can be a bit dark for a first-time visitor, and like anywhere in the coutnryside, you always have to watch out for kangaroos.