Located less than two hours drive north of Sydney, the area of Cessnock includes small towns such as Paxton, Millfield and the wonderfully named Bellbird. Originally, Cessnock was a service district for travellers and farmers but has built its more recent reputation as a mining centre. It is also adjacent to Pokolbin one of New South Wales' most vital wine-making areas, so a short trip out of Cessnock is as far as you need go for a pleasant afternoon spent tasting the local produce.