Michelle Wills

Good morning, Craig.

How are you?

Absolutely.

Well, it was a big move, a big change from the big city in Sydney.

But we were really looking for more space and just a lot of open area for the kids to grow up in.

We found a lovely place in Lovedale, just under 30 acres.

So it's a full farm experience for the kids.

And it's just been a great move and we've never regretted it.

Yes, well, it really has changed so much, the Hunter Valley, over the last 20 years, since we first moved here.

It has been so exciting just to see the number of vineyards and distilleries, so the craft beer and gin distilleries that have been opening up in Pecolbin and Lovedale areas.

So that's been a really lovely change, but also some really exciting new cafes and restaurants that have been popping up as well.

So that's

I guess growing and growing and you can really see that the tourism industry is really thriving now.

So again, that's just a great opportunity for locals to get employment in the area, but also for people outside of the area to come and visit.

That's right.

My husband has a group of friends who religiously use the tracks in the national parks around here.

And there's so many people that are coming to the area to do that.

A lot of the locals are enjoying that opportunity just to get out amongst the nature and get some exercise while they're doing it.

So a lot of hidden gems out here in the valley that people can discover when they come to the Hunter Valley.

That's right.