Hunter Valley & Southern Highlands

The sixth episode of New Neighbourhoods by OpenLot.com.au takes us on a regional New South Wales road trip, splitting time between the Southern Highlands and the Hunter Valley. Long favoured for cool-climate villages, vineyards and weekend escapes, both regions are now genuine property hotspots. With strong road and rail links to Sydney, Wollongong, and Newcastle, buyers are discovering a lifestyle that blends fresh air and space with everyday convenience.

Episode 6 highlights the region’s featured developments:

• Ashbourne
• Huntlee

Episode 6 showcases two featured developments that capture this momentum. In the south, Ashbourne at Moss Vale is a new masterplanned community envisioned as an open, nature-led address of around 1,200 lots delivered in stages. Framed by country vistas, the plan includes lakes, four new parks and an approximately 7.7 kilometre walking and cycling loop, together with a village feel that brings boutique cafes and local services closer to home. Larger lot formats and future turnkey options are designed to suit everyone from first home buyers to tree changers and downsizers, all within easy reach of Bowral, Mittagong and the Hume Motorway.

In the north, Huntlee at North Rothbury is the Hunter Valley’s first new town in more than 50 years, set among rolling hills and renowned wineries. With thousands of homes already registered and a vision for around 7,500 dwellings and 20,000 residents by the mid 2030s, Huntlee places families near jobs in Newcastle and the broader Hunter, with swift access via the Hunter Expressway. Everyday life is anchored by parks, a growing town centre and community facilities, while a new school precinct, planned from preschool through to secondary, is targeted to open from 2028. A mix of lot sizes, typically from the 300 to 700 square metre range in current stages, gives buyers flexibility to build for today and grow into tomorrow.

Throughout the episode, the team uses OpenLot.com.au to compare estates, track what is coming to market and explore display villages digitally before visiting in person. For buyers, this saves hours on the road and provides confidence through up-to-date listings, masterplans and local growth insights, helping turn inspiration into a practical shortlist.

As regional New South Wales continues to welcome new residents, the Southern Highlands and the Hunter Valley stand out for their balance of lifestyle and long-term value. With communities such as Ashbourne and Huntlee combining open space, amenity, and connectivity, now is an ideal time to explore your options.