Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Hunter Valley, Huntlee Estate offers a unique blend of modern living and natural beauty. This vibrant, master-planned estate is designed to provide residents with a lifestyle that balances convenience, sustainability, and a strong sense of community.
With its thoughtfully designed neighbourhoods, abundant green spaces, and amenities, Huntlee Estate is more than just a place to live; it's a place to thrive. Whether you're a young family looking for a safe and friendly environment, a professional seeking a peaceful retreat, or a retiree wanting to enjoy the best of urban and rural living, Huntlee Estate has something to offer everyone.
History of Huntlee Estate in North Rothbury
North Rothbury boasts a rich history that dates back to the early 19th century. Originally part of a larger land grant, the area saw its first European settlers in the 1820s, primarily engaged in agriculture and viticulture. Thanks to its fertile soil and the favourable climate of the Hunter Valley, North Rothbury developed into a close-knit rural community, ideal for farming and wine production to this day.
Huntlee Estate is the future of North Rothbury, blending the area's rich history with modern urban planning. Officially launched in the 2010s, Huntlee is the first new town in the Hunter region in over 50 years. The goal was to create a vibrant, self-sustaining community that respects the area’s historical context while providing state-of-the-art amenities and infrastructure for its residents.
This master-planned community covers a huge area and is designed to accommodate over 20,000 residents. Huntlee is carefully planned with residential villages, a town centre, parks, schools, and commercial spaces.
The development emphasises sustainability, with extensive green spaces, water-efficient designs, and initiatives to protect the local environment.
Daycare & Schools Around Huntlee Estate
Huntlee and the Hunter Valley offer a range of exceptional schools and preschools, ensuring families have access to quality education for children of all ages. From nurturing early childhood programs to highly regarded primary and secondary schools, the educational facilities in the area are dedicated to fostering academic excellence, personal growth, and a love of learning.
In June 2024, the NSW State Government also announced the provision of a new preschool, primary school, and high school in Huntlee Estate, thanks to the suburb’s growing popularity with young families and first-home buyers!
Daycare
Huntlee Early Learning Centre provides early childhood education and care for children from six weeks to six years old. Located in the heart of the Huntlee community, the centre offers a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment where children can thrive.
With a focus on play-based learning, Huntlee Early Learning Centre fosters curiosity, creativity, and a love for learning through engaging activities and experiences tailored to each child's developmental needs. The qualified and caring educators prioritise building strong relationships with families and the community, ensuring that each child receives the support and encouragement they need to reach their full potential.
Schools
Located in the heart of Branxton, Branxton Public School offers a nurturing and inclusive environment for students from Kindergarten to Year Six. The school focuses on fostering a love of learning and provides a well-rounded education with a strong emphasis on literacy, numeracy, and student well-being.
Rosary Park Primary School is a Catholic educational institution dedicated to holistic education, integrating faith and learning. The school prides itself on its close-knit community, promoting academic excellence and moral development through a supportive and values-driven environment.
Hunter Valley Grammar School is an independent, co-educational day school known for its exceptional academic programs and extensive co-curricular opportunities. Catering to students from Pre-Kindergarten to Year 12, the school emphasises character development, leadership, and preparing students for global citizenship.
Greta Public School, situated in the charming town of Greta, provides a supportive and engaging learning environment for students from Kindergarten to Year Six. Through a diverse and inclusive curriculum, the school emphasises academic excellence, community involvement, and the development of lifelong learners.
Australian Christian College, Singleton
Australian Christian College offers a Christ-centered education from Kindergarten to Year 12, focusing on character development and spiritual growth. The school provides a supportive community where students are encouraged to achieve their full potential and develop a strong moral foundation.
Hunter River High School is a secondary school that offers a diverse curriculum to meet the needs of all its students. With a focus on academic achievement, vocational training, and personal growth, the school aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary for their future endeavours.
Transport Around Huntlee
Huntlee offers convenient transport options for its residents. For example, Huntlee is strategically located near the Hunter Expressway, providing quick and easy access to major hubs like Newcastle, Maitland, and the Hunter Valley. This makes commuting by car a popular and efficient option for residents.
While direct public transport within Huntlee Estate is limited, nearby towns like Branxton and Greta offer train services on the Hunter Line, connecting to Maitland, Newcastle, and beyond. Residents can drive a short distance to these stations for broader access to public transportation.
Local bus services operate in the surrounding areas, connecting nearby schools, shopping centres, and other amenities. These services benefit residents who prefer public transport for shorter regional commutes.
Employment Opportunities
According to the most recent census of North Rothbury, 74.5% of the population was in the workforce, 62.1% worked full-time, 24.9% worked part-time, and 3.8% were unemployed. For the most part, employment in the area is much higher than the NSW and even Australian average.
The majority of the population (15.3%) worked as technicians, trade workers, machinery operators, and drivers in the coal mining industry.
When writing, 4,051 jobs were available within 50 kilometres of North Rothbury, including labourer work, accommodation services, retail and hospitality roles, and more.
Parks & Outdoor Activities
North Rothbury and Huntlee have well-maintained parks, playgrounds, and open green spaces for picnics, sports, and leisurely strolls. The scenic walking and cycling trails also provide opportunities for outdoor adventures, allowing individuals to explore the beautiful natural surroundings.
With a strong emphasis on community and recreation, North Rothbury and Huntlee are perfect for those seeking an active and vibrant outdoor lifestyle.
District Park features cube towers, swings, slippery dips, flying foxes, and even a basketball court, ensuring there’s something for all ages within a stone’s throw of home at Huntlee Estate. The park is also large and versatile enough to host food trucks, market stands, and more.
Hunter Valley Gardens is a 60-acre display garden located in the heart of the Hunter Valley. It features ten themed gardens that showcase a variety of beautiful landscapes and horticultural designs. Visitors can enjoy seasonal events, scenic walks, and a range of family-friendly activities, making it a must-see destination.
Take your furry friend down to Huntlee Dog Park (attached to District Park), where they can get some off-leash exercise in a safe, enclosed space. There’s a coffee shop backing onto the park, so everyone can have fun.
About 10 minutes from Huntlee, you’ll find the Hunter River Reserve, a popular hotspot for bushwalkers, birdwatchers, and photographers. This area is overflowing with native flora and fauna, challenging walking tracks, and views of Luskintyre and Lamb’s Valley (perfect for picnics).
This peaceful little park features ample shade from the tree line, a small playground for local kids, a sheltered recreation area, and tennis and basketball courts for those who like some friendly competition.
Singleton’s Rose Point Park has a state-of-the-art playground with crawling tunnels, spinners, balancing equipment, climbing walls, slippery dips, and even in-ground trampolines. The area has soft flooring and wood chips for your child’s safety.
Entertainment & Shopping
Huntlee offers a vibrant shopping experience designed to cater to the needs of its growing community. At the heart of the estate is Huntlee Shopping Centre, a modern retail hub with various stores, including a full-line Coles supermarket, medical practice, pharmacy, and other essential services. The centre provides residents a convenient shopping destination for daily necessities and unique local products.
The shopping centre's cafes and eateries are also perfect for socialising and relaxing.
With further development plans underway, Huntlee is set to expand its retail offerings, ensuring that residents can access a comprehensive range of shopping options at their doorstep.
For more recreational shopping, hop in the car and head to Maitland, Stockland Green Hills, or larger shopping centres like Kotara Westfield and Charlestown Square, closer to the Newcastle CBD. Here, you’ll find a wider range of fashion and lifestyle stores and a huge range of restaurants, cinemas, and entertainment opportunities.
Restaurants & Cafes
The foodie culture in Huntlee and the Hunter Valley has a rich blend of local flavours, innovative cuisine, and a deep appreciation for quality produce. Renowned for its world-class vineyards, the region offers gourmet experiences, from fine dining in vineyard restaurants to cosy cafés and bustling taverns.
Festivals, farmers' markets, and food tours further enrich the culinary scene, making the Hunter Valley a paradise for gourmands and casual food lovers.
Huntlee Tavern offers a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere for locals and visitors, featuring a modern pub experience with a diverse menu, live entertainment, and family-friendly facilities.
Meltdown Coffee is a specialty coffee shop known for its expertly crafted espresso drinks and warm, inviting ambience. It is a go-to destination for coffee aficionados and casual drinkers.
Jimmy Joans is a cosy café in Rothbury known for its artisanal coffee, delectable pastries, and friendly service, making it a favourite spot for breakfast and brunch enthusiasts.
NINETEEN Hunter Valley provides a refined dining experience in the heart of wine country. Its menu showcases the region's finest produce and extensive wine list, set against stunning vineyard views.
Enzo Hunter Valley combines rustic charm with contemporary flair. It serves Italian-inspired dishes in a beautiful courtyard setting, perfect for casual meals and special occasions.
The Deck Café Lovedale offers relaxed, al fresco dining focusing on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, providing guests a tranquil spot to enjoy breakfast, lunch, or a leisurely coffee amidst vineyard scenery.
Upcoming Infrastructure
Over the next 20 years, Huntlee will become home to 20,000+ residents, and the area has been planned down to the smallest detail. More than $1.3 billion will be invested in Huntlee to deliver affordable housing, infrastructure, services, support, and facilities. As mentioned earlier in this article, the NSW State Government only recently announced funding for a preschool, primary school, and high school in Huntlee!
Demographics & Housing Prices
According to the most recent census, 2,502 people lived in North Rothbury in 2021, a number which is expected to climb significantly in coming years (note: Huntlee itself would have been included in this area).
The median age was 30, and the average number of children per family was one. Around 45% were married, whereas 40.2% were single.
Regarding education, 23.9% of people achieved a Certificate III, followed by 16.2% of the population having completed a Bachelor's Degree or higher.
Retirement Villages
Green Ridge Hunter Valley (the closest retirement village to Huntlee) offers a serene and luxurious retirement living experience set in the picturesque landscape of North Rothbury. This boutique retirement village is designed for older citizens who appreciate the finer things in life, providing a range of high-quality amenities and services tailored to ensure comfort and convenience.
Residents can enjoy beautifully appointed villas, a vibrant community atmosphere, and various recreational activities that promote an active lifestyle. With its close proximity to world-class wineries, gourmet restaurants, and scenic attractions, Green Ridge Hunter Valley blends tranquillity and sophistication, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a fulfilling and enriched retirement.
Green Ridge Hunter Valley also has a strong sense of community, where residents can forge new friendships and participate in various social events and clubs. The village offers top-notch facilities, including a clubhouse, swimming pool, and wellness centre, ensuring health and wellbeing are catered to.
Building Options & Houses for Sale in Huntlee Estate
We offer an incredible range of house and land packages at Huntlee Estate, providing a seamless and convenient option for home buyers looking to establish roots in a growing community.
Our house and land packages are designed for a stress-free home building experience. Each package includes a block of land paired with a home design that maximises the site's potential. We offer flexible options, allowing you to tailor your new home to your personal tastes and requirements.
Plus, the estate's strategic location ensures easy access to local amenities, schools, parks, and transport links, making it an ideal choice for families and professionals alike. With a focus on sustainability and community, Huntlee Estate is more than just a place to live—it's a place to thrive.
Want to see what living in Huntlee Estate looks and feels like? Visit our two stunning display homes in Huntlee today! You can walk through the Avoca 210 and Avalon 220 with beautiful interior designs and the latest finishes, helping you make the decision to build with Montgomery Homes.
North Rothbury House and Land Packages
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