New South Wales - Australia 2004 - page 194

Bunking Down in a Caravan, Man
Two trailer (caravan) parks offer reasonably comfortable accommoda-
tions in trailers and cabins. Cessnock Cabins and Caravan Park ( & 02/
4990 5819; fax [phone]), Allandale/Branxton Road, Nulkaba (2km/
1 1 ⁄ 4 miles north of Cessnock), has four on-site vans for A$30 to A$40
(US$20-US$26); a double and 12 cabins with shower from A$48 to
A$69 (US$31-US$45)—the more expensive prices for weekends. There
are also camping sites here for A$14 (US$9) and powered sites for
A$16 (US$10).
The Valley Vineyard Tourist Park ( & and fax [phone] ) on
Mount View Road (on the way out to the vineyards) has five trailers for
A$35 (US$23) and 12 cabins with shower for A$55 (US$36). Two two-
bedroom units cost A$75 (US$49). Powered sites cost A$16 to A$20
(US$10-US$13), and a camping site A$12 (US$7.80). There's a BYO
restaurant, a camper's kitchen, and a swimming pool on-site.
Vincent St., Cessnock (P.O. Box 714, NSW 2325). & 02/4991 2744. Fax [phone]. www.hunterweb.
com.au/heritageinn.html. 13 units. Weekend rates A$110-A$120 (US$72-US$78) per person with full break-
fast; 2-night weekend package A$180-A$200 (US$117-US$130. Midweek rates A$90-A$100
(US$59-US$65) double with full breakfast. AE, MC, V. Amenities: Tour desk; lounge room; nonsmoking
rooms. In room:A/C, TV, minibar, coffeemaker.
IN POKOLBIN
Very Expensive
Peppers Convent Hunter Valley Originally a convent for Brigidine
nuns in the early part of the 20th century, this building was transported some
600km (372 miles) from Coonamble in central New South Wales to its present
location in 1990. A year later, it opened as a hotel. Rooms are elegant and spa-
cious, with baroque decor, including plaster frieze ceilings, and thick, rich
drapes. French doors open onto private verandas overlooking patches of bush-
land. King rooms are larger and have wicker lounge areas. There is an elegant
sitting area where drinks are served, and a light and airy breakfast room serving
the best breakfasts in the Hunter. The Pepper Tree Complex includes Pepper
Tree Wines and the excellent Robert's restaurant.
In the Pepper Tree Complex, Halls Rd., Pokolbin, NSW 2320. & 02/4998 7764. Fax [phone]. www.
peppers.com.au. 17 units. Weekend rates A$323-A$387 (US$210-US$252) double per night (minimum stay
2 nights, either Fri-Sat or Sat-Sun). Midweek rates A$291-A$332 (US$189-US$216) double. Ask about pack-
ages and check website the week before for specials. Children under 5 stay free in parent's room; children
5-15 A$22 (US$14) extra; extra adult A$44 (US$29). AE, DC, MC, V. Amenities: Restaurant; medium-size
heated outdoor pool; outdoor lighted tennis court; Jacuzzi; bike rental (free); concierge; tour desk; car-rental
desk; business center; massage; babysitting; laundry service, cleaning service; nonsmoking rooms. In room:
A/C, TV, minibar, coffeemaker, hair dryer, iron.
Peppers Guest House This tranquil escape is set in beautiful bush gardens.
The spot is so peaceful that kangaroos hop up to the veranda in the evenings
looking for treats. The “classic” rooms downstairs have French doors that you
can fling open in abandonment, while upstairs rooms express just a tad more
old-fashioned charm and come with air-conditioning. All rooms have king-size
beds and are furnished with colonial antiques. Guests don't come here for
action; they come to relax. The Pampering Place offers massages and facials,