Viva - NSW Wine Series

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HUNTER VALLEY

Australia’s oldest & best known wine region

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HUNTER VALLEY

The Hunter Valley is Australia’s oldest and best known wine region with over 150 great wineries.

The Hunter Valley wine region is renowned around the world for its award winning Semillon and Shiraz wines, produced here since the 1800s.

HUNTER VALLEY

The Hunter Valley has an impressive range of accommodation on offer, with everything from vineyard cottages, to luxury guesthouses and expansive resorts. For a classic resort, stay at Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley or Voco Kirkton Park Hunter Valley, or for something more boutique, book into Spicers Guesthouse, Degen Estate, H Boutique Hotel or Estate Tuscany. For larger groups looking for their own private oasis, check out Corunna Station, Allawah Estate and Arenridge. To find out more about our favourite stays, visit us instore or go to www.hot.co.nz/hunter

Apart from grapes, the Hunter Valley region also produces cheeses, olive oil and olives.

World-famous wineries, acclaimed restaurants, tantalising local produce and luxurious hideaways await two hours’

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drive from Sydney in Australia’s oldest wine region, the Hunter Valley. With more cellar doors than any other wine region in Australia, one of the great pleasures of wine tasting in the Hunter Valley is the incredible breadth of flavour and character amongst its wines. But it’s not just award-winning vino that the Hunter Valley brings to the table;

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exceptional dining, unique tours and experiences, plus luxurious accommodation are all on the menu.

EXPLORE

DRINK While Hunter Valley semillon and shiraz have long been famous, the Hunter Valley today also lets you sip distinctive and innovative wines, from classic chardonnay to newer varietals including sangiovese and tempranillo. You can taste these wines at one, or many, of the 150-plus wineries and cellar doors in the region, including Brokenwood, Pepper Tree Wines, Tyrrell’s Wines, Gundog Estate, Usher Tinkler Wines, Tamburlaine Organic Wines and Hungerford Hill. If you’re travelling with kids, don’t miss Tulloch Wine’s Junior Tasting Experience, where kids get to taste soft drinks and snacks as parents taste wine. The Hunter Valley also boasts some of the most innovative craft brewers and distillers in the country. Head to Ironbark Hill Brewhouse for beautifully crafted beers, Pokolbin Cider House for a crisp Classic Apple Draught and certified organic Hunter Distillery to sample a range of spirits including vodka, liquor and schnapps.

7-DAY HUNTER VALLEY INDULGENCE

So close to Sydney but far enough to escape the hustle and bustle, the Hunter Valley offers so much to see and do. Our 7-day suggested itinerary will ensure you make the most of this spectacular region.

SYDNEY — HUNTER VALLEY — PORT STEPHENS — NEWCASTLE Credit: Destination NSW

For a truly unforgettable Hunter Valley experience, join a sunrise hot air balloon flight with Balloon Aloft and soar high above the vineyards.

Take in panoramic views of the Hunter Valley before enjoying a champagne breakfast back on ground. After breakfast, join a tour with Two Fat Blokes and explore local vineyards, meet the makers and learn all about the wines and surrounding

region. For something a bit different, tour the Hunter Valley on horseback with Murchessons Horseback Wine & Dine Tours. Tour vineyards and enjoy wine tastings and bites along the way.

Or if you’re more about learning some local epicurean secrets, check out one of the Hunter Valley’s many cooking schools such as Majors Lane Cooking School, which covers every cuisine from Thai to Mexican.

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See the world-famous Sydney Harbour Bridge also known as the ‘Coathanger’ or even better why not climb it! An incredible experience and spectacular views.

DAY 2:

Venture out to Bondi Beach, Sydney’s most famous beach and also home to the most photographed ocean pool in Australia.

DAY 3:

To avoid the Sydney morning traffic enjoy a leisurely breakfast before starting your Hunter Valley adventure — we highly recommend Firestone at the Rocks. Drive two hours north from Sydney to discover the beauty of the Hunter Valley. Enjoy the wineries and award winning restaurants.

DAY 4:

EAT Fresh local produce abounds in the Hunter Valley.

Pop into Binnorie Dairy for delicious soft cheeses and labneh, and explore a range of delectable smoked meats and fish from Lovedale Smokehouse. For those with a sweet tooth, try artisan chocolates from Cocoa Nib, including its signature bon bons and colourful chocolate blocks.

For lunch, visit one of many

DAY 1:

Get up early and watch the sunrise soaring local eateries such as Leaves and Fishes, Yellow Billy Restaurant, Muse Kitchen or The Wood Restaurant, or collect a bottle of Audrey Wilkinson wine and a picnic hamper of local produce to enjoy a picnic amongst the vines. The Hunter Valley’s fine dining scene includes many notable restaurants for a special evening out, including Muse Restaurant at Hungerford Hill Winery, Bistro Molines and Margan Restaurant.

high above the vineyards and enjoy panoramic views from a hot air balloon.

DAY 5:

Drive one hour to Port Stephens where it’s all about the sea and sand! Hire a kayak and cruise through the waters of Shoal Bay.

DAY 6:

Head down to the sunny-natured Newcastle, famous for its beautiful surf beaches, vibrant arts scene, and plethora of dining options.

DAY 7:

Pop into one of many cafes on the water’s edge for breakfast before your 2-hour drive back to Sydney.

For this and more great Hunter Valley holiday inspiration, talk to your local House of Travel consultant.

~HOT TIP~ We highly recommend the Hop on Hop off bus — visit over 60 Hunter Valley venues at your own pace!

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“LET’S START PL ANNING YOUR 2021/2022 NSW WINE ADVENTURES, TOGETHER”

Credit: Destination NSW

ADVERTORIAL STAY

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MUDGEE

Mudgee has many unique offerings when it comes to places to rest your head. Perry Street Hotel, housed in a historic turn-of-the-century building, offers beautifully appointed self-contained apartments located in the centre of town. If it’s solitude you’re after, glamping amongst the rolling hills at Sierra Escape is just the place. The eco glamping tents are designed for comfort and luxury, with wood fireplaces and outdoor bathtubs. Or if you’re travelling with friends, Mudgee also has you covered — book the five-bedroom Blue Wren Farmhouse for a classic country retreat, or Evanslea, complete with an outdoor swimming pool.

For more of our favourite stays, visit us in-store or go to www.hot.co.nz/mudgee

MUDGEE Idyllic wineries and foodie delights, heritage streetscapes and boutique stores. Mudgee in Country New South Wales has all the ingredients for a delightful food and wine escape. Set on the banks of the pretty Cudgegong River, this charming town is reachable by short flight or a 3.5-hour drive northwest of Sydney.

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There is no shortage of things to do in Mudgee. The town is packed with character and charm, with tree-lined streetscapes, regal colonial buildings and local boutiques, and the surrounding rolling hills are home to award-winning cellar doors and eateries.

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EXPLORE

Winemaking in Mudgee dates back to the 1850s, with the region’s temperate climate allowing for the slow ripening of grapes, producing robust wines. From hidden gems to household names, today, Mudgee has more than 40 cellar doors to visit. Lowe Wines is an organic and biodynamic vineyard, winery and farm specialising in small-batch wines and known for its zinfandel varietal. Book in a tasting at Robert Stein to enjoy worldfamous riesling and check out the vintage motorcycle display, or stop in at boutique winer y, Burnbrae Wines, for a glass of rosé and a picnic lunch. Located in the valley of the Apple Tree Flat, Logan Wines’ modern tasting room has stunning views of the Great Dividing Range to drink in while you enjoy a tasting. If beer is more your style, head to Mudgee Brewing Co. for locally made craf t beer.

7-DAY MUDGEE ADVENTURE

DAY 4:

SYDNEY - MUDGEE BLUE MOUNTAINS DAY 1:

Start your day with a delicious breakfast before you drive 2 hours to the Blue Mountains. Be amazed when you see the iconic Three Sisters and hear the story behind it.

DAY 2:

EAT Fuel up with coffee and a bite to eat at locals’ favourite, Alby & Esthers. Located on a cobblestoned corner of Mudgee, the circa 1873 stone terrace is always buzzing with activity, and the cafe’s mouth-watering menu features local ingredients. For a leisurely lunch, visit Zin House at Lowe Wines. Its modern farmhouse restaurant takes in sweeping views of Tinja property and uses farm fresh produce for seasonal dishes. Pipeclay Pumphouse Restaurant at Robert Stein is one of Mudgee’s premier fine dining establishments.

Chef and owner Andy Crestani’s inventive dishes reflect the passion and quality of Mudgee’s local producers. In nearby Rylstone, drop into Rylstone Olive Press to sample its award-winning olive oil.

And no visit to Rylstone is complete without some delicious dumplings from 29 Nine 99, serving authentic yum cha in a sunny courtyard.

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Mudgee provides a tasty mix of country charm and a flourishing food and wine scene. Our 7 day suggested itinerary will ensure you make the most of this enchanting region.

Grab brekky from any of Sydney’s funky cafes and hit the streets or take a hop on hop off water taxi and explore the harbour.

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wineries are set on rolling hills serving award-winning drops.

Pick up a bargain from Pitt Street Mall. Watch the sunset from Mrs Macquarie’s Point, a view from the waterfront like no other of the sun setting over the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

DAY 3:

Drive 3.5 hours to Mudgee, one of the country’s great wine towns where

Make your mornings memorable during your Mudgee visit — take a hot air balloon flight over vineyards with Balloon Aloft, and enjoy a serene paddle on nearby GanguddyDunns Swamp with Southern Cross Kayaking. Be sure to pay a visit to Mudgee’s local boutiques, including Whatever Mudgee, Edited and Co.

A day well spent where you will be rewarded with fine restaurants, farm fresh produce and more than 40 elegant wineries.

DAY 5:

MUDGEE Country charm & epicurean delights

DAY 6:

Explore the Blue Mountains by foot – marvel at the vistas, soak in the waterfalls along one of the easy walking trails.

DAY 7:

Visit an art gallery or one of the many gardens, before your 1 hour drive back to Sydney.

For this and more great Mudgee inspiration, talk to your local House of Travel consultant.

and Cherry Red, where you can pick up everything from local treasures to designer wares. At Mudgee Honey Haven you’ll find local honeys, mead and preserves, and can even enjoy a round of putt putt golf. End your day with a visit to the Mudgee Observatory for a view of the region’s stellar night skies.

Grapes were first grown around Mudgee from 1858, reaching a peek of 55 vineyards in 1893.

The original Aboriginal inhabitants named this part of Australia Moothi, which was Anglicised to Mudgee, meaning Nest in the Hills.

Mudgee is famous for its rich, intensely flavoured red wines.

Cabernet Sauvignon is the signature varietal that is at times blended with Merlot and Shiraz.

~HOT TIP~ Roll up your sleeves and dive into Mudgee’s newest long lunch experience at The Little Cooking School. Create a three-course seasonal menu then enjoy lunch and matching wines.

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“LET’S START PL ANNING YOUR 2021/2022 NSW WINE ADVENTURES, TOGETHER”

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STAY

ORANGE

Boutique accommodation is something Orange is not only known for, but does better than most regional towns in Australia. Choose from charming cottages at Mayfield Vineyard, glamping at Nashdale Lane Wines, or spend the night in a converted shearing shed at Black Sheep Inn. Hotel accommodation in the city centre is also available at Quest, Oriana, de Russie Boutique Hotel and Byng Street Boutique Hotel.

For more of our favourite stays, visit us in-store or go to www.hot.co.nz/orange

ORANGE Gourmet wineries, rolling countryside & historic towns

Winemaking in Orange NSW is relatively new dating back to the early 1980’s and a much larger wave at the turn of the millennium.

This wine region is cool by definition, all of the vineyards in it are at altitudes above 600m, some approaching 900m.

ORANGE

The Orange region is widely commended for their production of fruits — namely apples, pears, cherries and wine grapes.

With a well-deserved reputation for excellent food and wine, stunning landscapes and a fascinating history, Orange needs to be top of mind for your next NSW food and win ne holiday. Famed for its cool climate wines, fresh produce, colourful foliage and snowy winters, Orange has a lott to offer the curious Kiwi traveller. Less than 3.5

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hours’ drive from Sydney, here you will discover award-winning g restaurants, boutique shops, beautiful gardens and bustling markets, all set in the shadow of an ancient volcano.

EXPLORE

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7-DAY ORANGE DISCOVERY

Orange is technically Australia’s youngest wine region and also known as ‘Australia’s Food Basket’. The region is a haven of vineyard-dotted hills and abundant stonefruit and orchards. Our 7 day suggested itinerary will ensure you make the most of this fascinating region.

SYDNEY - ORANGE BLUE MOUNTAINS DAY 1:

DAY 4:

Tantalise your taste buds as you discover award-winning restaurants, boutique shops and bustling markets.

DAY 5:

Head to the Blue Mountains. Located at Echo Point Katoomba is an iconic visitor attraction – The Three Sisters which sits over 3000 feet above sea level.

DAY 6:

Start your morning with a sunrise kayak under the Sydney Harbour Bridge, such a glorious opportunity for that perfect Instagram shot.

Set out on a bushwalking trail or explore some of the world’s finest and oldest cave systems at the Jenolan Caves, in the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains.

DAY 2:

DAY 7:

Find a world of new experiences in Barangaroo; the reinvented western waterfront of Sydney’s CBD.

DAY 3:

EAT You’ll find incredible regional produce in Orange, from apples, pears and exotic fruits to cheese, meat and craft beer. Start your day at one of Orange’s renowned cafes, such as Byng Street Local Store, Groundstone, The Agrestic Grocer, or Bills Beans in East Orange. For fresh bread and delectable pastries Racine Bakery is a favourite for those in the know, and gelato fiends must indulge their sweet tooth at Spilt Milk Bar. Get handson with Orange’s fresh produce during a Barrel and Larder cooking class at Ross Hill Wines, or join Country Food Trails for a food tour to meet the growers and pick your own seasonal fruits and vegetables. For dinner, try Charred, whose chefs use “Lucifer”, a wood and charcoal oven, to impart a unique flavour on local produce, or Mr Lim, offering a fusion of Korean, Chinese and Australian cuisine, as well as late-night karaoke.

In nearby Millthorpe, the award-winning Tonic Restaurant serves a seasonal chef’s choice menu that is sure to impress.

DRINK

With a high altitude and rich volcanic soil from nearby Mt Canobolas, Orange has ideal conditions to produce cool-climate wines such as chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, shiraz and cabernet sauvignon. Orange’s many wine trails will lead you to more than 60 vineyards and 40 cellar doors, including Heifer Station Wines, Swinging Bridge, Rowlee Wines and Ross Hill Wines. A couple you shouldn’t miss are the award-winning Philip Shaw Wines and Philip’s latest venture, Hoosegg. If you have trouble choosing, take a bespoke tour with Orange Wine Tours and mix things up by visiting Parrot Distilling Co., which offers gin-tasting experiences in its Aviary tasting room.

Walk the cobblestone streets of the Rocks District, there’s a story around every corner – give your legs a good stretch before you drive the 3.5 hours to Orange.

Before your 1 hour drive to Sydney, visit the stunning Blue Lake, a result of the mineral laden water seeping through the limestone caves.

For this and more great Orange holiday inspiration, talk to your local House of Travel consultant.

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Great shopping is a big drawcard for visitors to Orange. The Sonic offers an exciting selection of clothing, accessories and homewares from some of Australia’s top designers in a stunning space, and a short stroll down the street at The White Place, you’ll find stylish furniture, cushions and rugs. History buffs will love exploring the historic villages in the Orange region, including

Millthorpe and Carcoar. Stroll the quaint streets of these heritage-listed towns and admire the 19th century buildings, and don’t miss the lovingly curated homewares at Tomolly. Whilst in the region, make sure to stop in the beautiful Nangar National Park for a bushwalk — keep an eye out for the local wildlife, including kangaroos, wallabies, peregrine falcons and wedge-tailed eagles.

~HOT TIP~ Credit: Destination NSW

“LET’S START PL ANNING YOUR 2021/2022 NSW WINE ADVENTURES, TOGETHER”

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fer Statio on Wines Hire a bicycle when you visit Heif Heifer Station enjoy self-guided vineyard and enj joyy a two hour self-g guided vineya ard tour and cheese platter

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Besides its reputation for shiraz, the Canberra District is known for its riesling, hosting the International Riesling Challenge each year.

CANBERRA DISTRICT STAY

Just a hop, skip and a jump from Sydney is the Canberra District, a rustic wine region with sprawling vineyards, award-winning cellar doors, locavore restaurants and a flourishing community of growers, makers and artisans. In less than three hours you’ll find yourself in charming heritage towns full of delicious bounty. From sipping elegant wines to tasting fresh produce to unique cultural outings, get ready for a journey that will satisfy all the senses.

Rest your head in the heart of the Canberra District wine country at Abode Murrumbateman, a stylish apartment hotel with generously equipped rooms, a modern guest lounge and free bicycle use. Or opt for a more immersive experience and settle in at the Tallagandra Hill Winery Cottages, nestled in the scenic grounds of a boutique family-owned winery in Gunderoo.

To find out more about our favourite stays, visit us instore or go to www.hot.co.nz/canberra.

DRINK

Credit: Destination NSW Foodies will love shopping in the Canberra District for gourmet souvenirs.

Pick up bottles of mead, jars of honey, and hand-crafted beeswax candles at Win’s Creek Meadery; learn how to make your own Belgian chocolates at Robyn Rowe Chocolates; and find fresh produce at the Murrumbateman Village Market.

Get inspired at Suki & Hugh Gallery, showcasing modern Australian art with a focus on glass, ceramics, paintings

and paper works, or find a treasure to bring home at Village Antiques in the historic town of Bungendore. Adventure seekers can saddle up for a horseback ride through the Australian countryside with Burnelee Excursions on Horseback; or head to the pastoral town of Yass to try water sports at Burrinjuck Dam and explore Careys Cave, a spectacular limestone landscape with beautiful rock formations.

EXPLORE 7-DAY CANBERRA & SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS ADVENTURE

Though the Canberra District is a young wine region — the first vines were planted in 1971 — it has grown up fast and is now home to more than 140 vineyards and 30 cellar doors. Make your first stop at the acclaimed winery hub of Murrumbateman where you can book a tasting at Clonakilla’s relaxed countryside cellar door and sample its shiraz viognier which has been awarded Wine of the Year multiple times by Australia’s leading wine critics. Nearby at Helm Wines, order a wine and cheese platter to accompany its acclaimed tasting experience, or visit the chic cellar door at Shaw Wines and sip their zesty signature riesling beside sweeping views of the hills. At Four Winds Vineyard, relax on sprawling lawns with wood-fired pizza and live music and try the riesling gin, a happy transformation of the smoke-tainted grapes from the bushfires. At the preserved colonial village of Gundaroo, Gundog Estate Cork Street cellar door invites guests into its heritage former stables and delivers a personalised tasting experience complemented with cheese and charcuterie.

Canberra’s inland location and altitude combine to provide a smorgasbord of seasonal food delights, delicious local produce and renowned wines from the Canberra District Wine Region.

Our 7 day suggested itinerary will ensure you make the most of this Capital City

SYDNEY — SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS — CANBERRA DISTRICT DAY 1:

DAY 5:

DAY 2:

DAY 6:

Marvel at the Sydney Opera House located on the edge of Sydney Harbour — it’s the most iconic site in Sydney.

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Check out the Sydney Fish Market —indulge in some delicious seafood or join a cooking class hosted by Australia’s leading chefs!

DAY 3:

Drive 1.5 hours to Bowral — the largest town in the Southern Highlands, known for its antique treasures.

DAY 4:

Enjoy a coffee at the much-loved Highlands Merchant in Moss Vale before your 2 hour drive to Canberra.

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EAT

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Winemaking in the region first started 160 years ago, with a resurgence in the 1970s pioneered by scientists using carefully researched viticultural methods

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CANBERRA DISTRICT

CANBERRA DISTRICT Capital City to Heritage Towns

The towns and villages in the Canberra District are a treasure trove for food lovers, showcasing the very best of the region’s artisan producers, providores, cellar door restaurants and growers’ markets hawking local specialties such as apples, nashi pears, olives, truff les and exotic mushrooms.

Taste what’s in season at Smokehouse Restaurant which you’ll find at the family-run Poachers Pantry. Here, meats are cured and smoked in-house, organic produce is grown in the kitchen garden and wines are made in the surrounding vineyards. Olleyville, at Shaw Wines, boasts a refined gastronomic experience with a four-course set menu; Lake George Winery’s Westering off ers decadent charcuterie boards to share in their

rustic space next to the vines; and Grazing uses premium produce — think saltwater barramundi and Black Angus beef — served up at a former former travellers’ inn dating from the 1830s. Spend a romantic night in Yazzbar, a cosy country wine bar showcasing the region’s finest food, wine and entertainment. And pick up road-trip snacks in-between wines at Clementine Bakery, where the sourdoughs, croissants and pastries often sell out.

~HOT TIP~

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A great way to get oriented with the city of Canberra is by cycling the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, the city’s masterpiece.

Drive 2.5 hours to Jervis Bay, located in the Shoalhaven region, home to some of the whitest sand beaches in the world and gentle aqua waters.

DAY 7:

Just over a 2-hour drive from Jervis Bay to Sydney — take your time and soak in the natural beauty of Jervis Bay as you head back to the hustle and bustle of Sydney.

For this and more great Canberra inspiration, talk to your local House of Travel consultant.

For a unique experience visit The Truffle Farm – perfect for food and dog lovers! You’ll learn all about their history and enjoy a truffle hunt experience.

“LET’S START PL ANNING YOUR 2021/2022 NSW WINE ADVENTURES, TOGETHER”

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SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS

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With plenty of accommodation on offer, you can take your pick in the Southern Highlands. From two or three-bedroom cottages at Bendooley Estate, elegantly designed rooms at Berida Hotel, impressive golf resort Peppers Craigieburn, the charm of a converted highlands estate at The Loch, a stylish self-contained cottage at The Hidden Door Bowral or five-star luxury at Milton Park Country House Hotel and Spa, the choice is yours.

For more of our favourite stays, visit us in-store or go to www.hot.co.nz/southernhighlands

SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS Credit: Destination NSW

DRINK

Take a 90-minute drive south from Sydney and you’ll find yourself in the foodie wonderland that is the Southern Highlands. With rich volcanic soils supporting a range of produce, including high-end beef, dairy and truffles, the fast-developing wine region’s high altitude is perfect for cool-climate wines and it boasts more than 17 cellar doors.

Pinot pioneers Artemis Wines, award-winning Tertini Wines near Mittagong, and the beautiful Centennial Vineyards and Joadja Estate near Berrima are among the best vineyards in the Southern Highlands, but don’t miss Eling Forest Estate and Southern Highland Winery near Sutton Forest, which both produce a variety of premium cool climate wines. Also worth a visit near Exeter are small-batch producers Cuttaway Hill Wines and St Maur Wines. If you’d prefer to explore the region’s cellar doors at your own pace with someone else doing the driving, sign up for a bespoke tour with The Grape Escape or try a unique wine experience such as Tractorless Vineyard’s tour to meet its “woolly workers” — the friendly sheep that help to keep the vineyards tidy in a sustainable way — and enjoy a back-ofthe-ute wine-tasting. Beer fans will want to head to Eden Brewery in Mittagong and Southern Highlands Taphouse in Moss Vale, while spiritenthusiasts should try Joadja Distillery, one of the few single malt distilleries in the world to grow its own barley onsite, which also boasts its own natural water spring.

There is always something to do in the picture-perfect villages of the Southern Highlands. In Bowral, renowned for its colourful tulips, carefully curated boutiques and delicious restaurants, you can learn about the greatest cricketer of all time, Sir Donald Bradman, at the Bradman Museum and International Cricket Hall of Fame,

as well as hunt for treasures in unique antique store, Dirty Janes.

The region is also blessed with awesome natural attractions, including the dramatic Fitzroy and Belmore Falls located in the Morton National Park near the town of Robertson, where you can enjoy a range of bushwalks and exhilarating cycling tracks.

EXPLORE 7-DAY SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS

Food and wine lovers can live out their epicurean fantasies amongst the rolling green hills and quiet hamlets of NSW’s Southern Highlands. Our 7 day suggested itinerary will ensure you make the most of this colourful region.

SYDNEY – SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS DAY 1: Credit: Destination NSW

Enjoy an experience of a lifetime by climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Pop into The Rocks for a drink or two to celebrate your achievement.

DAY 2:

The Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk is a stunning walk featuring stunning views of cliffs, bays and rock pools.

SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS Credit: Destination NSW

EAT Foodies can live out their fantasies amongst the rolling green hills and quiet hamlets of the Southern Highlands. Start your day with breakfast at Ludo or The Press Shop in Bowral, Highlands Merchant in Moss Vale, or The Shaggy Crow in Mittagong. After a morning exploring, satisfy your hunger with lunch at Bendooley Estate’s restaurant Berkelouw Book Barn, then enjoy a tasting at its on-site cellar door. If fine dining is what you’re after, try Eschalot in Berrima, Birch in Moss Vale or Paste Restaurant in Mittagong.

And for a taste of the whole region, join a food tour with The Highlands Tour Co. or Wild Food Adventures to meet local farmers and producers from the area.

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Picture perfect villages & colourful natural attractions

The town of Bowral was home to Sir Donald Bradman, who was an Australian international cricketer, widely acknowledged as the greatest batsman of all time.

Tulip Time is a historical flower festival in Bowral where nearly 100,000 tulips that are planted in Bowral’s Corbett Gardens bloom into flowers in late September and early October.

DAY 3:

Time to depart Sydney and drive 90 minutes to the Southern Highlands, where there is delicious food and excellent wines.

DAY 4:

The Southern Highlands grows a huge range of delicious produce. Indulge in local specialties including Angus beef, Toulouse geese, Wessex saddleback pigs and cheeses.

DAY 5:

It’s not all about the wine, Southern Highlands has excellent craft beers to satisfy the beer lovers.

DAY 6:

Visit the Bradman Museum and International Cricket Hall of Fame. The fascinating memorabilia, interactive touch screens and audio-visual displays will provide hours of entertainment for all sports fans.

DAY 7:

Gumnut Patisserie has a bit of a reputation for being a must stop in the area! So before you embark on your 90 minute drive back to Sydney, pick up some yummy treats and a coffee for the road.

For this and more great Southern Highlands inspiration, talk to your local House of Travel consultant.

~HOT TIP~ Visit The Mill Courtyard at Tractorless Vineyard and sample a tasting plank of wine, beer or cider plus a Black sheep smoked meats sampler.

“LET’S START PL ANNING YOUR 2021/2022 NSW WINE ADVENTURES, TOGETHER”

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Kangaroos on the beach are a common encounter.

Pebbly Beach, is known as the home of the surfing kangaroos

SHOALHAVEN COAST Whether you’re after wine time or want to have a whale of a time, Shoalhaven is the ultimate playground for curious travellers. Just a two-hour drive from Sydney, here you can visit cellar doors, swim with marine life and feast on some of Australia’s most sought-after seafood. With the sweeping ocean on one side and soaring mountains on the other, Shoalhaven’s wine region offers scenic road tripping at its best. Head south from Sydney along the Grand Pacific Drive, one of Australia’s prettiest road-trip routes, to discover 18 wineries, 100 extraordinary beaches and incredible national parks in one of the most pristine parts of New South Wales’ South Coast.

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DRINK

The Shoalhaven region is part of Australia’s Oyster Coast, which means some of the best oysters in the world can be sampled here, plucked straight out of crystal-clear waters.

At Shoalhaven Heads, book the premium Oyster Experience at Bangalay Dining to sample Sydney Rock oysters paired with local wine and spirits, or visit Jim Wild’s oyster farm to join a tour and sample the bivalves freshly shucked from the sea. You’ll find more spectacular seafood in Mollymook at Rick Stein at Bannisters; think fragrant

Oyster lovers rejoice!

Shoalhaven is part of the Oyster Coast Trail so you can enjoy oysters fresh from the farm gate.

The area offers every kind of stylish stay from bushland glamping to boutique hotels. Cuddle up in the deluxe glamping tents at Paperbark Camp in Jervis Bay, find a beachside haven at Bangalay Luxury Villas at Shoalhaven Heads, or take in cliff top views at Bannisters by the Sea in Mollymook. You can also camp or book a cabin in one of the national parks and wake with the kangaroos surrounded by nature.

To find out more about our favourite stays, visit us instore or go to www.hot.co.nz/shoalhavencoast.

Sri Lankan salmon curry or rich bouillabaisse enjoyed alongside cliff top ocean views. For fine dining by the vines, Cupitt’s Estate Restaurant offers produce-driven menus, wine and cheese experiences, and wood-fired pizzas on sunlit lawns. Inland, visit the heritage streets of Milton for an upscale lunch at Small Town; thoughtful, vegetarian fare at Pilgrims; and paddock-to-plate dining at Milk Haus in Woodstock. Closer to Sydney, Berry has a range of modern eats. Try French bistro classics with a coastal twist at Queen St Eatery and organic sourdough breads and pastries at Milkwood Bakery.

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Where vineyards meet the ocean.

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SHOALHAVEN COAST

SHOALHAVEN COAST

Credit: Destination NSW Shoalhaven boasts more than 100 stunning beaches so there’s ample coast to swim, surf and paddleboard in, plus you can kayak in the region’s quieter inlets and estuaries. Jervis Bay is famed not only for its white sands, but also for the friendly marine life that lives in the fringing azure waters. Cruise the coast with Jervis Bay Wild to spot dolphins and whales, or head underwater with Dive Jervis Bay. Shoalhaven’s national parks

EXPLORE 7-DAY SHOALHAVEN COAST ADVENTURE

Shoalhaven is an adventure for the tastebuds. The picturesque region is overflowing with breweries, wineries, restaurants and incredible beaches – it’s the place to be for foodie must-dos!

Our 7 day suggested itinerary will ensure you make the most of this picturesque region.

SYDNEY — SHOALHAVEN COAST DAY 1:

Visit Sydney’s harbourside playground Darling Harbour, where you can eat, drink and shop!

DAY 2: Credit: Destination NSW

Stroll down to Circular Quay and jump on the iconic Manly ferry and enjoy the scenery of Sydney Harbour as it glides by.

DAY 3:

Drive 90 minutes South of Sydney to Wollongong also known as ‘Seas of the South’. A bustling hub of art, food and entertainment.

DAY 4:

Exploring on foot is one of the best ways to get around. Meander down Globe Lane for a spot of boutique shopping, fitting in a cake stop at delicious Hungarian bakery, Kutosh; or check out the street art on Coombe Street.

Credit: Destination NSW Shoalhaven is New South Wales’ only coastal wine region, making for a truly idyllic setting to hop from vineyard to vineyard.

Start your vino journey in Gerringong at Crooked River Wines, nestled in a valley with both mountain and ocean views, before heading to Berry to visit the cellar door at Silos Estate where you can taste the cool sea breezes of the Shoalhaven region right in the glass. At Shoalhaven Heads, visit the historic Coolangatta Estate Winery, built in 1822 by convicts on the foothills of Mt Coolangatta, and Two Figs Winery which boasts panoramic views of the Shoalhaven River. In Ulladulla, drop by the award-winning Cupitt ’s Estate, complete with cellar door, brewery and fromagerie onsite, to sipping cool climate wines on the grassy hilltop.

~HOT TIP~

Credit: Destination NSW

DAY 5:

Make a stop in Kiama, enjoy getting sprayed by the Kiama Blowhole. On arrival in Shoalhaven, tantalise your taste buds with freshly shucked oysters from Australia’s Oyster Coast.

DAY 6:

Take a morning stroll along Jervis Bay seeing up close its resident dolphin and seal population.

Explore the regions many cellar doors.

DAY 7:

Before your 2 hour drive to Sydney, take an early swim at Green Patch Beach, the area is famous for having some of the whitest sand in Australia which makes the water crystal clear.

For this and more Shoalhaven Coast inspiration, talk to your local House of Travel consultant.

Treat yourself to a luxurious High Tea Experience at Cambewarra Estate — enjoy delicious sweet & savoury treats and bubbles whilst relaxing next to chardonnay vines.

“LET’S START PL ANNING YOUR 2021/2022 NSW WINE ADVENTURES, TOGETHER”

Credit: Destination NSW

provide a deep connection to the land — hike to rock pools, spot native animals in Booderee National Park, or see native flora and fauna at Booderee Botanic Gardens, the only Aboriginal-owned botanic gardens in Australia. Explore the cliff s, headlands and sun-soaked beaches of Murramarang National Park, where bird watchers can spot peregrine falcons and sea eagles, and you can fish right from the beach.