Kimo Estate, NangusCredit: Destination NSW
Shearer's Quarters accommodation at Kimo Estate, Nangus near Gundagai.
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Take the kids, and maybe the pets too, to the Riverina, about a four-hour drive from Sydney, for a family farm stay. Then sit back to enjoy the scenery in Australia’s food bowl, or join in the farm work — life on the land is pretty good either way.
Recharge at Hillview Farmstay
The luxury Hillview Farmstay is pet-friendly and comes with all mod cons, including a Tesla charging station. Accommodation options include glamping safari tents and deluxe cottages. The 400-hectare property, at Mount Adrah, a 20-minute drive southwest of the country town of Gundagai (or four hours west of Sydney), is yours to explore. Don’t miss the buggy ride and animal feeding, in which kids can feed the cows, alpacas, miniature horse and more. There’s a swimming pool, tennis court, billiard table and fire pit for toasting marshmallows. While you’re here, make sure you visit Gundagai’s famous monument, the Dog on the Tuckerbox.
Find your inner jackeroo at Kimo Estate
A 2,800-hectare working sheep and cattle farm, Kimo Estate, a 10-minute drive west of Gundagai, has accommodation options that includes the Shearer’s Quarters, which sleeps 12, making it ideal for two or three families travelling together. If you have a dog, Windies and Daleys are two- and three-bedroom workers cottages that have fenced-in yards. Join a week-long Cattle Station Experience horse-riding adventure, or simply sit on your verandah, watching storms roll in, mobs of sheep and tractors trundle by, and the sun go down. Nearby cellar doors include Borambola Wines and Paterson’s Gundagai Vineyard.
Explore a sheep farm at Corynnia Station
At Corynnia Station, book a farm tour with Bruce, who will proudly show off his 7,000-hectare working farm. Meet the merino sheep flock, visit the 1920s shearing shed that’s still used to this day, and discover how he grows rice, cotton, rye grass and wool. This homestead, an hour’s drive west of Griffith, or a seven-hour drive from Sydney, boasts a pool, tennis court, bushwalking tracks and campfires. Pet-friendly accommodation options include The Barracks, a charming two-bedroom cottage with a queen and a twin room, and Maxie’s Retreat, a six-bedroom lodge.
Hillview Farmstay, Mount Adrah Credit: Destination NSW
Young boy feeding the farm animals at Hillview Farmstay, Mount Adrah.
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Hillview Farmstay, Mount Adrah Credit: Destination NSW
Young boy feeding the farm animals at Hillview Farmstay, Mount Adrah.
Kimo Estate, Nangus Credit: Destination NSW
Woman enjoying scenic views surrounding Kimo Estate, Nangus near Gundagai.
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Kimo Estate, Nangus Credit: Destination NSW
Woman enjoying scenic views surrounding Kimo Estate, Nangus near Gundagai.
Stay in a historic farmhouse at Catania Fruit Salad Farm
Family-owned Catania Fruit Salad Farm, a 10-minute drive south of Griffith, is one of the oldest farms in the district. You can stay in the original mud-brick farmhouse, built in 1912, which sleeps six, or a three-bedroom, self-contained cottage that sleeps seven. Join a farm tour and learn how hosts Joe and Sharon grow more than 60 types of fruit and nut — from pecans to sugar plums — and stop along the way to pick some straight from the source.
Witness regeneration at Wallendbeen Park Farm
Learn all about the sustainable practice of regenerative farming at the idyllic rural retreat of Wallendbeen Park Farm, a 20-minute drive northeast of the country town of Cootamundra, or about a four-hour drive from Sydney. Artists Annie and Christoph farm free-range heritage Berkshire pigs, Wiltshire horn sheep and cattle, and have turned a former schoolhouse into a guest cottage that sleeps two. The chemical-free farm provides guests with eggs, and you’re welcome to forage in the garden for produce. Help feed the pigs, join Annie for a farm tour or bird walk, and check out the art in the farm’s Green Room exhibition space.
Ride a horse and relax at Belisi
Whether you want to sit quietly with a cheese platter and a glass of wine, or join in farm activities, wellness sessions or a horse riding class, do so in style at the Belisi Farmstay Cottage, part of the Belisi Wellness & Equestrian Centre. A 15-minute drive east of Wagga Wagga, or a 4.5-hour drive southwest of Sydney, this luxury two-bedroom cottage, made from shipping containers, sleeps six, and includes a stone bath, private deck and kitchen (you can pre-order some local Riverina produce to stock your pantry). The lights of Wagga Wagga twinkle in the distance at night, and activities range from yoga sessions to private art and cooking classes.
Catania Fruit Salad Farm, Hanwood Credit: Destination NSW
Woman fruit picking at Catania Fruit Salad Farm, Hanwood on the outskirts of Griffith.
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Catania Fruit Salad Farm, Hanwood Credit: Destination NSW
Woman fruit picking at Catania Fruit Salad Farm, Hanwood on the outskirts of Griffith.
Belisi Farmstay, Wagga Wagga Credit: Caroline Cattle
Belisi Farmstay Cottage, near Wagga Wagga in the Riverina region.
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Belisi Farmstay, Wagga Wagga Credit: Caroline Cattle
Belisi Farmstay Cottage, near Wagga Wagga in the Riverina region.
More Inspirational Stories
Sea Cliff Bridge, CliftonCredit: Destination NSW
Sun rising over the Sea Cliff Bridge, Clifton.
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From surfing at beautiful beaches and driving across the iconic Sea Cliff Bridge to attending vibrant cultural events and dining on fresh seafood at waterfront restaurants, the Wollongong area is one of those destinations that has something for everyone to enjoy. Make the most of this summer by exploring this vibrant city with the following guide.
Eat and Drink
The Scarborough Hotel
With bush-covered escarpments backdropping what must be one of the most spectacularly located beer gardens in Australia, heritage-listed The Scarborough presides over the Pacific Ocean as its patrons sip ice-cold Riesling and peel prawns by the bucketload. As you drive into Wollongong after the Sea Cliff Bridge, this is the perfect pit stop anchored in good times.
Dagwood Bar & Kitchen
Take the greatest menu hits from all corners of Asia, from bao to bulgogi, shake it with some coastal classics and garnish with a Mexican-accented drinks list and you have Dagwood – a neon-lit, shiso-laced feast with a side of chips and edamame. It’s a mix tape of riotous fun and flavour in the city centre.
Juniper Bar
Another small city bar, this one is gin-centric with more than 60 different incarnations of the spirit. You’ll find your own good spirits here as you settle into a holiday state of mind.
Longboard Café
The beachside cafe at City Beach with a philosophy intention to craft food for the soul; made with the freshest local ingredients. Think classic café eats with a focus on whole food, plant-based, vegetarian and vegan options, from the earth, for the soul.
Lee and Me
Lee and me is a cafe operating out of a charming old terrace house. A must visit for breakfast, lunch, specialty coffee and cocktails. Freshly baked goods and takeaway available. Open 7 days a week.
Kneading Ruby
Nestled in the heart of Wollongong and participating in the town’s cheery seaside dining scene is Kneading Ruby on Crown Lane. Imposed from the outside with high brick walls, the inside is unassumingly elegant, with lofty ceilings giving an airy feel to pair with delicate vines draped across timber ceiling beams and polished floors. Naturally lit during the day for a breezy café feel and cast under a soft glow for more ambient evening dining.
Diggies
Perched on the edge of North Beach, Diggies is a bright, casual cafe serving fresh food and great coffee with coastal vibes. Aussie beach culture is brought to life via a seasonal menu sourced from high quality, local ingredients. Soak up the ocean breeze over an all day brunch menu, epic cocktail and wine list, plus a Little One's menu.
The Scarborough Hotel, Scarborough Credit: Destination NSW
Young people having an afternoon drink at The Scarborough Hotel in Scarborough on the Illawarra coast.
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The Scarborough Hotel, Scarborough Credit: Destination NSW
Young people having an afternoon drink at The Scarborough Hotel in Scarborough on the Illawarra coast.
Main Beach, Wollongong Credit: Destination NSW
People enjoying the sand and surf at Main Beach, Wollongong.
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Main Beach, Wollongong Credit: Destination NSW
People enjoying the sand and surf at Main Beach, Wollongong.
Play
Symbio Wildlife Park
Say hello to a motley crew of cheetahs, red pandas, lemurs and koalas at Symbio Wildlife Park on the outskirts of Royal National Park home - along with some less cuddle-receptive reptiles. Once you’re done ogling the residents, point the kids in the direction of the Splash Park and let the squeals ensue.
Hang Glide Oz at Bald Hill, Stanwell Park
If you feel inclined to check your adrenaline reserves, place yourself in the reassuring hands of Hang Glide Oz. The almost-theatrical beauty of the Stanwell Tops escarpment may be lost on you as you prepare to launch yourself off the edge, but no doubt, as the wind gently guides your descent and your pounding heart calms, you’ll find a moment to appreciate the landscape and an intoxicating sense of mid-air liberation.
Anita’s Theatre
This iconic Thirroul theatre, built in 1925, spent time as a roller-skating rink in the ’60s after a decline in theatre patronage until it was restored to its designated purpose as a venue and reopened in 2007. Since then, Anita’s Theatre has been the source of all hot tickets in town and surrounds.
Wollongong Art Gallery
Be in awe at one of the largest regional art museums in Australia. The Wollongong Art Gallery presents an exciting range of exhibitions and activities that showcase the energy and creativity of the Illawarra region, as well as touring exhibitions of national and international significance. The diverse and growing permanent Collection features important Australian, Aboriginal, Asian and contemporary art for visitors to really indulge in their creativity.
Explore
Wollongong Botanic Garden
As you tread the well-tended pathways of this half-a-century-old garden, allow your chattering mind to hand the reigns over to your senses. No matter your botanical preferences, there’s a garden here to satisfy your horticultural inclinations, from succulents and palms to natives and rainforest plants. Ascend to the annexed Mount Keira Summit Park to absorb the sweeping vista of Wollongong below.
Grand Pacific Drive
Threading through pins dropped at points of wonder, the Grand Pacific Drive road trip is a pilgrimage of veritable joys. Stretch out the journey for as long as you can to take in the Illawarra’s unrelenting charm. Starting from Sydney, navigate through the waterfalls and white cliffs of the Royal National Park, frolic in the waves of Wollongong’s beaches, ascend to a state of tranquillity in the Minnamurra Rainforest, sip local wines and slurp river-harvested oysters at Crookhaven River and delight in diving dolphins on a Jervis Bay boat cruise.
Symbio Wildlife Park, Helensburgh Credit: Destination NSW
The Symbio Wildlife Park in Helensburgh provided interactive animal experiences and an opportunity to explore the Conservation Splash Park Adventure Playground.
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Symbio Wildlife Park, Helensburgh Credit: Destination NSW
The Symbio Wildlife Park in Helensburgh provided interactive animal experiences and an opportunity to explore the Conservation Splash Park Adventure Playground.
Stanwell Park, South Coast Credit: Destination NSW
Aerial view of Stanwell Park on NSW's South Coast..
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Stanwell Park, South Coast Credit: Destination NSW
Aerial view of Stanwell Park on NSW's South Coast..
Stay
Novotel Wollongong Northbeach
Located in a front-row position to take in the ocean’s perpetual show, the Novotel is also close to many of the city’s best-loved attractions, such as restaurants, WIN Stadium and the Botanic Gardens. Hop from beach to bar and back again before returning to roost for the evening.
Headlands Austinmer Beach
Just minutes from Thirroul, Headlands Austinmer Beach features apartments ranging from studio to penthouse, offering gaze-lingering views of the ocean and the city’s protective Illawarra Escarpment. There’s a brasserie and bar, pizza and dumplings dispensed from an airstream caravan, and, of course, the turquoise beach right in front of you.
Hotel TOTTO
Hotel TOTTO is your latest escape smack bang in the centre of Wollongong. Steps away from world-class waves, they're your industrial-style home base for exploring the laidback Wollongong scene. Each of their 150 rooms is ideal for the ultimate chilled-out experience.
Austinmer Beach, Austinmer Credit: Destination NSW
Aerial overlooking Austinmer Ocean Pools, Austinmer Beach.
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Austinmer Beach, Austinmer Credit: Destination NSW
Aerial overlooking Austinmer Ocean Pools, Austinmer Beach.
Wollongong Botanic Garden, Wollongong Credit: Destination NSW
Wollongong Botanic Garden located in Wollongong is a natural beauty of the botanic garden containing 18 native and exotic collections and home to many native animals.
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Wollongong Botanic Garden, Wollongong Credit: Destination NSW
Wollongong Botanic Garden located in Wollongong is a natural beauty of the botanic garden containing 18 native and exotic collections and home to many native animals.