Kimo Estate, GundagaiCredit: Hilary Bradford
Unique accommodation at Kimo Hut on Kimo Estate, Gundagai in the Riverina region.
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The emerging wine regions of Gundagai and Tumbarumba are both located in the Snowy Valleys of New South Wales. An idyllic town in the Riverina region, Gundagai is home to The Dog On The Tucker Box. This iconic statue isn’t the area’s only attraction, though. Its reputation as a promising wine region is also on the rise, with a significant number of vines planted here since 1995. Shiraz and cabernet sauvignon are the primary grapes grown and they offer a good reason to drink up and visit the area’s cellar doors.
Close by is Tumbarumba, located along the foothills of the Snowy Mountains. It’s not only classified as a cool-climate wine-growing district, it’s actually the coolest one in the state. With its crisp summer nights, the area mainly produces chardonnay and pinot noir, often used in sparkling wine. The first vines were established here in 1982, making it a relatively new wine region.
Where to taste the region’s wines
When exploring Tumbarumba, which is surrounded by alpine scenery and boasts green backcountry and excellent bushwalking areas, you’ll want to make Courabyra Wines one of your stops. In 1993, its owners Cathy and Brian Gairn established pinot noir vines here, followed by chardonnay the next year. A family member bought Revee Estate a few kilometres away and they joined forces to produce pinot gris, grüner veltliner, pinot meunier and riesling together. Head to Courabyra’s cellar door and enjoy a ploughman’s plate with a glass of wine and impressive balcony views.
If you’re in the area, make a stop at Tumut. Its name comes from an Aboriginal word for “quiet resting place by the river”, which aptly describes this pretty town with great fishing spots and hiking tracks in Tumut State Forest. It’s also home to Tumut River Brewing Co., a microbrewery producing craft beers with regional ingredients. The Ginja Ninja is an alcoholic ginger beer that gets a fruity hit from the apples sourced from nearby Batlow, while a coconut-flavoured chocolate porter is aptly called Bounty Hunter.
Tumblong Hills, a 15-minute drive from Gundagai, is a large winery producing cabernet sauvignon, syrah, shiraz and chardonnay — it was originally established as a tribute to legendary winemaker Max Schubert, of Penfolds Grange Hermitage fame. Wine tastings here are available by appointment. Nearby, Paterson's Gundagai Vineyard welcomes cellar door visits at any time.
Nick Spencer Wines produces two reds from Gundagai, which channel the classic flavours of old Australian clarets and Burgundy wines. He also sources grapes from Tumbarumba to make chardonnay and grüner veltliner. In 2018, his vineyard was listed in the top ten best new wineries in James Halliday’s Wine Companion and although there’s no cellar door, you can look out for his products in local bottle shops.
Tumut River Brewing Co., Tumut Credit: Destination NSW
Bar menu displaying beer products brewed at Tumut River Brewing Co., Tumut.
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Tumut River Brewing Co., Tumut Credit: Destination NSW
Bar menu displaying beer products brewed at Tumut River Brewing Co., Tumut.
Tumblong Hills, Tumblong Credit: Destination NSW
Scenic views across Tumblong Hills vineyard, Tumblong near Gundagai.
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Tumblong Hills, Tumblong Credit: Destination NSW
Scenic views across Tumblong Hills vineyard, Tumblong near Gundagai.
Where to enjoy fresh fruit
Wilgro Orchards also taps into Batlow’s thriving landscape. The estate grows apples and cherries and makes cider, apple cider vinegar and jam worth adding to your pantry or fridge. You can also buy fresh fruit from its roadside stall during growing seasons: cherries, raspberries and blueberries from mid-December to late January, apples in late February to June, and chestnuts and quinces in late March to April.
For more apples — and walnuts, organic lemons and limes, too — drop by Mouats Farm. It cultivates these ingredients and holds regular pick-your-own apple days; it’s a good idea to check for updates to ensure your visit coincides with the scheduled fruit-gathering dates. For fresh, flavoursome blueberries, head to Jolly Berries.
Where to stay
For cutting-edge accommodation with scenic views of the Murrumbidgee River flats and surrounding hills, spend the night at Kimo Estate’s Eco Huts in Gundagai. These architecturally striking cabins have luxury features — sleek hot tubs, gourmet breakfasts highlighting local produce — while remaining off-the-grid and epitomising smart sustainable design.
Kimo Estate also offers local stays in farm cottages, shearers quarters and its new boutique Flash Jacks hotel, which is inspired by the Banjo Patterson poem of the same name. This grand 19th-century building has been beautifully restored and showcases stylish and rustic Australian design that’s also big on comfort.
Nimbo Fork sits between Tumut River and Nimbo Creek and its cheering suites and cottages make the most of its idyllic Snowy Valleys location. Enjoy the courtyard and river views from your balcony and make sure to reserve a table at its Three Blue Ducks restaurant. The outpost of the beloved Sydney institution (which first opened in Bronte a decade ago) reinforces the Three Blue Ducks ethos of highlighting fresh local ingredients and sustainable cooking: the smoked trout and tomahawk lamb chops are from the Nimbo area, there’s ethically farmed Provenir Beef on the menu and vegetables are often the stars of dishes, such as harissa-spiced cauliflower with chimichurri and hazelnuts or the roasted beets with almond cream.
Kimo Estate, Nangus Credit: Destination NSW
Wood fired hot tub outside the Sweeney's Eco Hut on Kimo Estate, Nangus near Gundagai.
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Kimo Estate, Nangus Credit: Destination NSW
Wood fired hot tub outside the Sweeney's Eco Hut on Kimo Estate, Nangus near Gundagai.
Nimbo Fork Lodge, Killimicat Credit: Destination NSW
Sun setting over accommodation at Nimbo Fork Lodge, Killimicat.
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Nimbo Fork Lodge, Killimicat Credit: Destination NSW
Sun setting over accommodation at Nimbo Fork Lodge, Killimicat.
More Inspirational Stories
Corowa Whisky & Chocolate, CorowaCredit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a visit to Corowa Whisky & Chocolate, Corowa.
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Feast on the riches of one of Australia’s most important food bowls on a road trip through the Murray, named after the mighty river that flows through this southwest area of New South Wales. Float down the river on a historic paddlesteamer wine cruise, stop by farm gates to sample incredible fresh produce, and dine at chic restaurants and bars in this unique culinary playground.
Take the back roads for gourmet treats
Head off the beaten path along The Backroads Trail, a 250km driving route that passes through the small pastoral towns of Barham, Moama, Mathoura and Deniliquin on the upper reaches of the Murray River. Sink your teeth into fresh olives, avocados, free-range pork, honey and citrus fruit from farm gates along its loops and trails, and taste the region’s wines at vineyards such as Restdown Wines. While you’re at this winery, venture out along the Restdown Wetland Walk to encounter Aboriginal cooking hearths and an old sheep camp.
Cruise along to The Old School Winery & Meadery in Womboota to pick up wine, pottery and honey mead. Or seek out Ivy Joyce in Barham to indulge in a warm space, offering local produce from farms for a truly paddock to plate experience in the heart of Murray River country. For more snacks and meaty fare such as British-style pork pies and sausages, head to Pacdon Park’s factory shop in Moama.
You can work up an appetite as you build your own itinerary on the theme of food, paddocks and produce, and find suggested routes and maps to Murray River farm gates, at the Echuca Moama Visitor Centre.
Wine and dine along the river
Embark on a wine tour by water in Moama, where the first steamboats made their way up the Murray in 1853. Take a Murray River Paddlesteamers Wharf to Winery Cruise from the town to Morrisons Riverview Winery for a leisurely lunch. Or drive along the river, stopping in at Three Black Sheep for risotto and woodfired pizzas, and tasting crisp dry whites and full-flavoured reds at St Anne’s Vineyards, where you can nibble on a cheese platter overlooking a scenic lake.
Head east along the riverside roads to rest and recharge in the town of Tocumwal, known for its riverside beaches, golf courses, glider flying and iconic Big Murray Cod statue. Start the following day with a solid foundation of breakfast pizza (topped with bacon, eggs and a hash brown) at The Old Bank and indulge in a scoop of ice-cream or sorbet from Tocumwal Ice Creamery – flavours include rocky road, green apple or macadamia. If you’re in town on a Saturday, pick up honey, fruit, vegetables, olive oil, dressings and other condiments made by local producers at the Tocumwal Foreshore Markets.
Continue your odyssey along the river to Corowa, the birthplace of Australian Federation. Immerse in the town’s rich turn-of-the-20th-century colonial heritage as you make your way to the former 1920s flour mill housing Corowa Distilling Co. Here you can book a whisky tasting and behind-the-scenes tour and buy locally made chocolates and sweets from sister shop Junee Licorice and Chocolate Factory. Work off an indulgent afternoon with a walk along the river before settling into the stylish Circa 1936 hotel, which is housed in an Art Deco former bank on the main street of Corowa.
Celebrate regional ingredients in Albury
From Corowa, follow the Riverina Highway eastward to the city of Albury, a food, wine and culture hub. Taste how seasonality and locality are expressed at The Proprietor, a former butcher shop turned cafe offering brunch treats such as fruit toast with Beechworth honey and whipped ricotta, and banana waffles with Gundowring vanilla ice-cream. Or try the all-day breakfast offering at Mr Benedict, from cheesy bacon waffle with popcorn chicken to one of its signature eggs benedicts, including one with cider-braised ham hock.
At The River Deck restaurant, local ingredients are celebrated alongside stunning river views, and dishes may include chicken Caesar salad with Milawa eggs or beef brisket braised in coffee by Albury roaster The Brothers Cup. At tiny and elegant Bistro Selle, complement warm Gooramadda olives with a buttery Australian chardonnay and fresh market fish. Yardbird offers a bold-flavoured menu featuring dishes like scorched Albacore tuna, along with meats grilled in a Spanish woodfired oven.
In between meals, stroll along the Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk and take in the contemporary artworks by Aboriginal artists that line the Wagirra Trail. Meander through the Murray Art Museum Albury’s contemporary photographic collection, Aboriginal art and works by renowned Australian artist Sir Russell Drysdale. Afterwards, order lunch or dinner at the museum’s excellent Canvas Eatery – try the saltbush lamb rump or one of their Neapolitan-style pizzas.
The Old School Winery & Meadery, Womboota Credit: Destination NSW
Couple taste tasting mead at The Old School Winery & Meadery, Womboota
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The Old School Winery & Meadery, Womboota Credit: Destination NSW
Couple taste tasting mead at The Old School Winery & Meadery, Womboota
Morrison's Riverview Winery and Restaurant, Moama Credit: Destination NSW
Food and wine available from Morrison's Riverview Winery and Restaurant, Moama.
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Morrison's Riverview Winery and Restaurant, Moama Credit: Destination NSW
Food and wine available from Morrison's Riverview Winery and Restaurant, Moama.
Corowa Whisky & Chocolate, Corowa Credit: Destination NSW
Corowa Whisky & Chocolate located in a 1920âs old flour mill in Corowa.
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Corowa Whisky & Chocolate, Corowa Credit: Destination NSW
Corowa Whisky & Chocolate located in a 1920âs old flour mill in Corowa.
Canvas Eatery, Albury Credit: Destination NSW
Food and wine available at Canvas Eatery in Albury.
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Canvas Eatery, Albury Credit: Destination NSW
Food and wine available at Canvas Eatery in Albury.