Bendooley Estate, BerrimaCredit: Destination NSW
Special occasion retreats await across New South Wales, including amid wine country in the Southern Highlands town of Berrima.
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Whether you’re looking to celebrate a milestone anniversary with a loved one, or are planning a big birthday gathering with extended friends and family, regional New South Wales has memorable accommodation and dining experiences for all occasions. From the far North Coast of the state to far south, from wine country to snowy mountains, here are the destinations that will make your next event even more special.
Hunter Valley
With their earthy hues and pops of green and blue, the suites and cottage at Spicers Guesthouse nod to the surrounding countryside of the Hunter Valley, Australia’s oldest wine region 2 hours north of Sydney. Don’t miss a contemporary Italian meal at Eremo, headed by lauded chef Cameron Matthews.
And for a memorable outing, Usher Tinkler Wines offers indulgent wine tastings paired with fine meats and cheeses in a renovated church overlooking vines.
Blue Mountains
Located 90 minutes west of Sydney, The Old Leura Dairy in the Blue Mountains town of Leura has a range of self-contained cottages: the Straw Vale House has five bedrooms and three bathrooms, made with recycled materials and filled with antiques.
Celebrate with a high tea and panoramic views of Megalong Valley at the Hydro Majestic, a 10-minute drive from Leura. Served in the opulent Wintergarden Restaurant, it includes petite sandwiches scones — add on a glass of sparkling wine.
Orange
In the heart of Orange 3.5 hours west of Sydney, The White Place Home on Byng is a beautifully appointed cottage with four bedrooms, a full kitchen and living room, polished floorboards and a fireplace. All décor comes from homewares, fashion and lifestyle boutique The White Place, and everything you see is for sale.
With a modern, Scandi-chic vibe, Groundstone is the perfect choice for a relaxed brunch or lunch — the salads and burgers are particularly good. Sisters Rock Restaurant at Borrodell Winery is an elegant dining option, with ingredients either grown on the estate or supplied by regional growers and producers.
Mudgee
Peppertree Hill, a luxury farm stay surrounded by Mudgee’s wineries 3.5 hours northwest of Sydney, offers 10 cottages and a homestead, each individual in design. The Woolshed sleeps six, its modern amenities complemented by preserved original flourishes.
It’s hard to go past Pipeclay Pumphouse at the Robert Stein Vineyard for a special-occasion meal. Six-course degustations celebrate the surrounding land, with simple cooking techniques accentuating the freshness of produce.
Byron Bay
Set on a Byron Bay macadamia plantation in the far north coast, the grand 1096 Hinterland House homestead comes with soaring ceilings and original artworks, with space to sleep 16. The shared deck is the perfect spot to gather for a long lunch before a dip in the saltwater pool.
Take the 40-minute drive to Pottsville to try Pipit restaurant, a celebration of the relaxed Northern Rivers lifestyle, local produce and cooking over wood and charcoal. The three- and five-course menus change frequently.
Tweed Shire
A secluded sanctuary in the Tweed hinterland of far northern NSW, 9 hours' drive north of Sydney, Mistere at Urliup features three two-guest villas surrounded by lush rainforest. Sink into a spa bath to the sound of birdsong, meditate in the Zen garden, stroll the sculpture walk or head to nearby Cabarita Beach.
While you’re at Cabarita, linger at the award-winning Paper Daisy restaurant within Halcyon House. A shared set menu is available for groups of eight to 16; dishes such as grilled fish with Meyer lemon and coastal herbs will make it a memorable day.
Usher Tinkler Wines, Pokolbin Credit: Destination NSW
Salumi and cheese plate at Usher Tinkler Wines, Pokolbin.
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Usher Tinkler Wines, Pokolbin Credit: Destination NSW
Salumi and cheese plate at Usher Tinkler Wines, Pokolbin.
The Hydro Majestic Hotel, Medlow Bath Credit: Destination NSW
Enjoying high tea at the Wintergarden Restaurant at the Hydro Majestic hotel.
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The Hydro Majestic Hotel, Medlow Bath Credit: Destination NSW
Enjoying high tea at the Wintergarden Restaurant at the Hydro Majestic hotel.
Berrima
In the pretty Southern Highlands 1.5 hours southwest of Sydney, Bendooley Estate features luxurious cottages overlooking its vineyard, manicured gardens and lake. Order casual bites in the cellar door or enjoy seasonal fine dining in the restaurant.
Or head to Eschalot in nearby Berrima for dinner. This delightful restaurant takes home awards for its thoughtful menu, with much of the produce feature grown by the owners or sourced from local purveyors.
Gerringong
Close to the seaside town of Kiama, 1.5 hours south of Sydney, is boutique guesthouse Soul of Gerringong. There’s a farmhouse (sleeps 16) and cottage (sleeps 7), both decked out in a coastal country style with fireplaces and open living-dining areas.
Gaze over the vineyard and farm from the restaurant at Crooked River Wine, where the focus on seafood celebrates the South Coast. Opt for a two-course menu featuring local oysters, tiger prawns and ocean trout.
Jervis Bay
The Woods Farm in Jervis Bay, 2.5 hours south of Sydney, offers eight country-cool cottages each with its own personality, as well as bell tents for glamping. Explore the property on foot or on bikes, dive into the pool or simply relax with a glass of wine beside your private fire pit.
At luxury glamping option Paperback Camp, The Gunyah Restaurant offers a limited number of dining spots to non-residents, its three-course set menu served by candlelight in a peaceful bush setting.
Beowa National Park
Jutting from the southern section of Beowa National Park, near the far South Coast town of Eden, are the three Green Cape Lightstation Keeper’s Cottages. Each is beautifully restored with nautical interiors and open fireplaces. Two cottages sleep five people and share a kitchen; the larger cottage sleeps six guests and is equipped with a large kitchen and verandah for whale watching.
When you’re not hiking through rainforest or along clifftops in the national park, cook up a storm to enjoy overlooking the water.
Wagga Wagga
Stay on a working farm in a luxe recycled shipping container at Belisi Farmstay, 5 hours southwest of Sydney. The two-bedroom tiny home has plush beds and a freestanding windowside bath, its hillside perch affording views over fields of horses toward Wagga Wagga. Go for a ride or try equine therapy.
Why not bond over a cooking class? Food I Am can help you discover the art of preparing everything from pasta to tapas, Vietnamese favourites to Thai specialties.
Crackenback
Forty Nine Post Office Lane is a gorgeous, modern accommodation offering a formal lounge with a suspended fireplace and catering for up to 12 people. Located 5 hours southwest of Sydney, it’s five minutes from Kosciuszko National Park for warm-weather hiking, or equally close to Perisher’s Skitube if you’re keen to hit the slopes.
Crackenback Farm serves French farmhouse-style meals in a cosy setting; everything is made with local ingredients, including homegrown herbs and vegetables.
Kosciuszko National Park
Yarrangobilly Caves House is ideal if you’re celebrating with a large group of friends — this heritage house sleeps 24. Located 5.5 hours southwest of Sydney, Spend days hiking the Snowy Mountains, fishing or swimming in the thermal pool, then cook a feast using produce you pick up from The Market Jindabyne en route.
Robert Stein Cellar Door, Mudgee Credit: Ben Janeczko; Destination NSW
Robert Stein Vineyard offers a restaurant where meals celebrate the surrounds.
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Robert Stein Cellar Door, Mudgee Credit: Ben Janeczko; Destination NSW
Robert Stein Vineyard offers a restaurant where meals celebrate the surrounds.
Halcyon House, Cabarita Beach Credit: Destination NSW
Colourful restaurant Paper Daisy sits pretty in boutique hotel Halcyon House in Cabarita Beach.
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Halcyon House, Cabarita Beach Credit: Destination NSW
Colourful restaurant Paper Daisy sits pretty in boutique hotel Halcyon House in Cabarita Beach.
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Horse Riding, Jindabyne, Snowy MountainsCredit: Destination NSW
Horse riding in Jindabyne, Snowy Mountains. For media use only in Australian markets to promote NSW.
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Set course for adventure in Jindabyne, a quaint lakeside town in the foothills of New South Wales’ Snowy Mountains, and a great base camp for an energising, nature-based holiday. Delight in a range of exciting seasonal experiences, from action-packed days on the snow to summertime hikes that will leave you feeling fresh.
Pick your own adventure
There's an array of activities on your doorstep in Jindabyne – a five-hour drive southwest of Sydney. In warm weather, get your blood pumping on a mountain bike ride, or try your hand at rock climbing with K7 Adventures. Travelling when the mercury drops? Relish in the wintry scenery on one of K7’s snow-shoe expeditions. Alternatively, get a natural high on a guided horse trek at Snowy Wilderness Resort, set on more than 6,500 acres of awe-inspiring alpine high country just south of Jindabyne.
There’s also a whole lot of adventure to uncover in Kosciuszko National Park during summer. Revel in the sense of achievement hiking the summit of Mount Kosciuszko, Australia’s highest point at 2,228m elevation – it’s an 18.6km return trail from Charlotte Pass, so plan on spending a full day (six to eight hours) out in nature. If you’d prefer a shorter walk, the serene Rainbow Lake walk is a 2.4km-return trail that boasts stunning wildflowers during springtime.
Post-activity, take a deep breath and calm your mind during a hatha yoga session at Jai Yoga. Then further reward your day’s efforts with a celebratory schnapps made at Wildbrumby, which has a distillery door and restaurant overlooking a sculpture garden. Prefer a beer? Jindabyne Brewing bar and tasting room has views across Lake Jindabyne – find a scenic perch and enjoy the ultimate taste of the region as you sip. Another option for a refreshing swig of beer is Kosciuszko Brewery. Located at Jindabyne’s Banjo Patterson Inn, it’s the perfect spot to unwind after an exhilarating day of adventure activities.
Jindabyne, Snowy Mountains Credit: Destination NSW
Hiking in Jindabyne, Snowy Mountains For media use only in Australian markets to promote NSW.
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Jindabyne, Snowy Mountains Credit: Destination NSW
Hiking in Jindabyne, Snowy Mountains For media use only in Australian markets to promote NSW.
Wildbrumby Schnapps Distillery, Crackenback Credit: Destination NSW
The Wildbrumby Distillery & Cafe is a unique, boutique schnapps distillery located on the Alpine Way in the picturesque Thredbo Valley,
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Wildbrumby Schnapps Distillery, Crackenback Credit: Destination NSW
The Wildbrumby Distillery & Cafe is a unique, boutique schnapps distillery located on the Alpine Way in the picturesque Thredbo Valley,
Try out the local dining scene
Follow your nose to the delectable range of oven-fresh breakfast pastries on offer at Nimmitabel Bakery. The aroma of freshly brewed Axis Roasters coffee is just as difficult to resist at Birchwood, where you can also fill up before a big day in the great outdoors on cheese toasties, muesli bowls, moreish breakfast salads and more.
Self-catering? Head to The Market. At this part café, part market, you can choose between sinking your teeth into wholesome dishes or grabbing organic fruit and veggies and specialty grocery items to take away.
Cosy up at the end of the day at Bacco Italian Restaurant, which has been preparing pizzas and pastas for more than 25 years; kids are well catered for with a dedicated menu of tasty bites. Or take your palate on its own adventure at much-loved Cafe Darya, which dishes up welcoming Persian favourites including dips, pastries and stews. Pair zingy tacos with lip-smacking margaritas at Cucina Grill & Cantina, and treat your travelling companion to an intimate Japanese dinner at Takayama; kick off a memorable meal with a serving of succulent pork gyoza with ponzu dipping sauce.
Stay in quintessential Snowies lodging
Lean into farm life at Avonside Alpine Estate, a dreamy off-grid farm stay with a vegetable garden, chickens, sheep and highland cattle. The two- and three-bedroom cottages unite Scandi style with sustainable design, and boast calming country vistas, too.
Be soothed by the snow gums surrounding Ecocrackenback, just outside of Jindabyne, as you warm up by the fire in one of its 18 self-contained cabins. Or soak up the similarly scenic setting at Moonbah Hut, which offers two charming timber cottages near Jindabyne that sleep four or five guests. With one hut set on a lake and the other by a river, you can begin or end a summer's day with an invigorating dip, while the stone fireplaces, underfloor heating and exposed beams make the cottages feel particularly snug during the winter months.
The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service manages a number of lodges throughout Kosciuszko National Park, including Creel Lodge. Here you can bask in serene Lake Jindabyne views from the breakfast table. As the moon rises over the lake, indulge in the nostalgic pastime of roasting marshmallows over the outdoor fireplace for dessert.
Lake Crackenback, Thredbo Credit: Destination NSW
Kangaroos at Lake Crackenback, Thredbo.
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Lake Crackenback, Thredbo Credit: Destination NSW
Kangaroos at Lake Crackenback, Thredbo.
Lake Jindabyne, Snowy Mountains Credit: Destination NSW
Scenic views of Lake Jindabyne in the Snowy Mountains.
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Lake Jindabyne, Snowy Mountains Credit: Destination NSW
Scenic views of Lake Jindabyne in the Snowy Mountains.