Your Next Girls’ Trip Needs to be in the Hunter Region, Here’s Why

POPSUGAR Australia has teamed up with Stockland Green Hills to help you feel the winter magic this year.

In a world that’s constantly buzzing with responsibilities and to-do lists, it’s essential to carve out time for yourself and your besties. Enter the girls’ trip – a chance to break free from everyday chaos and create lifelong memories with your closest friends. While jet-setting to far-off lands has its allure, that sort of travel is expensive and we’re deep in the throes of a cozzie livs crisis. Luckily, we live in Australia, and there are plenty of idyllic destinations just beyond your backyard. Just two-ish hours north of Sydney, you’ll find the perfect girls’ trip destination: the Hunter Region.

The Hunter Region has the charm of regional Australia with pockets of lavish living sprinkled about, meaning there’s something for everyone. From food to views to experiences (and to food again), here’s what the Hunter Region can offer you and your girls on your next trip.

Instagram-ready Scenery

The Hunter is a place that recognises the importance of maintaining historic charm, while not compromising on modern luxe. From the hub of Maitland to the step back in time at Wollombi to the cascading hills of Dungog, there’s plenty to explore in the area. But beyond these small towns where the sense of community is palpable, you’ll see glistening green landscapes as far as the eye can see.

If you can rise early enough, you can even book a hot air balloon ride and make for one of the most mesmerising experiences the sky can offer.

Food You Know and Love

Of course, the Hunter Region is famous for its wineries, and we’re sure you’re already well across that. But, the range of places you can indulge in food, especially this winter, means you might have to come back for another trip. Stockland Green Hills, the shopping hub of the area, is putting on some serious winter magic in 2023, and you’re invited to join.

Stockland Green Hills’ Courtyard has you covered from breakfast to dessert, with affordable eateries and cafés like Hydration, Lorong Malaysia, Lee’s Kitchen, Tella Balls Dessert Bar, and even the American icon that is TGI Fridays. Don’t want to be delayed by dining in? You can also grab and go with a range of delicious eats under $10.

Or, if you’re feeling up to the challenge this winter, you and the girls can also take on the kitchen and participate in adult cooking classes, learning how to make Nasi Goreng, brownies and a cocktail mixology class. Eating great food on holiday is one thing, but learning how to make great food and taking those skills home with you is priceless.

Retail Therapy

It’s hardly a girls’ trip if you don’t take home a few (or many) souvenirs with you, and the Hunter has ample spots for you to browse and find those special items that’ll always remind you of the trip away you so desperately needed. Stockland Green Hills, being an absolute shopping mecca, will have you browsing for hours, with brands you already love like Cotton On, H&M, and Mecca Maxima. But, there are also iconic Hunter institutions at Stockland Green Hills, like Carla Swimwear and Cupcake Espresso where you can find the perfect gift for someone (or yourself).

So what are you waiting for? Get the girls together and explore what the Hunter has to offer, and be sure to stop over at Stockland Green Hills for that all-too-important food and shopping fix.