There’s something new for everyone in NSW this month, from luxury farm stays and coastal resorts to natural wine bars, zero-waste bistros and quirky vintage stores.

NEW ACCOMMODATION

Family on the farm
Set on the outskirts of the charming village of Berry in the Shoalhaven region, Linnaeus Farm is a luxurious new self-contained property tailormade for a family or group getaway. Sleeping up to 14 guests across five bedrooms, the lakeside house also has a playground for kids and a resort-style pool. Guests can soak up the serenity of the surrounding green farmland, find their Zen in the overwater meditation hut, wander through the immaculate edible gardens or head for the white sands of Seven Mile Beach, just 10 minutes away.

Fresh look for The Lodge
A sprawling South Coast resort dating back to the 1970s has been reborn as The Lodge Jamberoo Resort and Spa. Set on nine acres of landscaped gardens, it features 43 rooms, extensive day spa facilities (like a sauna, steam room, vichy showers and float tanks) for complete rejuvenation, an outdoor pool and tennis court. A riverside chapel also makes it the perfect spot for a joyous wedding. It’s just a few minutes’ drive from Jamberoo Action Park and 10 minutes from the coast at Kiama.

Ranch on the river
The Oaks Ranch will be an idyllic new addition to the South Coast’s crop of boutique luxury hotels when it opens in September. Set on the peaceful Tomaga River in Mossy Point, south of Batemans Bay, there are just 14 minimalist suites overlooking the mountains of Deua National Park, as well as a magnesium pool and nine-hole golf course. Culinary expert Josh Tyler will be at the helm, drawing on his years of experience as executive chef at Mona Farm in Braidwood and manager at The Ungasan Clifftop Resort in Bali.

Basalt beauty
Perched 1,100 metres above sea level, Basalt will be the highest accommodation in the Orange region – with breathtaking views over valleys and vineyards to wake up to. With just three architecturally designed studios on a working cherry orchard, it’s a chance for guests to immerse themselves in country life without sacrificing any comforts. Basalt is set to open in spring, just as the surrounding cherry trees burst into a riot of pale pink blossoms.

NEW FOOD AND DRINK

Waste not, want not
One of Australia’s leading sustainable chefs, Matt Stone is bringing his unique brand of zero-waste cooking to Bangalow with the opening of You Beauty. Paying homage to Australia’s beloved corner bars, You Beauty will be part wine bar, part European bistro, with a hyper-local, produce-driven menu of share plates and larger dishes so diners can connect with their surroundings. Opening August 12, the new restaurant will take over the space of local favourite, The Italian Diner, and is just a few doors down from Stone’s other venture Ciao, Mate!

Raising the bar
Expect some of the world’s most precious natural wines to be poured at Byron Bay’s new Bar Heather when it opens in late October. Owners James Audas and Tom Sheer are wine importers and have been saving their favourite bottles to serve in their first bar, where the vibe will be Paris-chic-meets laid-back Byron. Chef Ollie Wong-Hee (ex-Sixpenny and Ester) has created a snack-style menu that enhances the wine list.

Taralga’s treasures
Wine, books and beautiful things – 36 Orchard St has all of life’s essentials covered. This beautifully renovated space on the main street of Taralga offers a curated collection of goodies from Brown Paper Wine, Bookshop and Grace and Thorne homewares. It’s fast becoming a place where locals and visitors connect over a wine tasting, pop-up ramen dinners, supper club and afternoon tea, or lose themselves for a few hours browsing.

NEW EXPERIENCES

The trail best taken
The new Central Coast Makers Trail takes visitors on an indulgent journey to the region’s best artisan producers. See pristine pearls pulled from the waters of the Hawkesbury at Broken Bay Pearl Farm, taste botanical wines at Firescreek, go over to the sweet side at The Chocolate Factory and pick up award-winning cheeses at Little Creek. Each maker has also created a series of immersive experiences that take guests deeper into their offering, from behind-the-scenes tours to foraging workshops, Aboriginal storytelling and hands-on classes.

Feel the love
Clothes, jewellery, furniture, artwork and more are all waiting to be uncovered at Love Vintage, a new vintage store in Taralga. The stock changes regularly and shoppers could easily spend hours browsing the beautifully decorated rooms. Along with 36 Orchard St just next door, it’s part of the ever-growing range of stylish shops in this delightful village.

Choose your own adventure
There’s plenty to see in the Southern Tablelands and five new bespoke trails will guide travellers through the best of it. Families, foodies and adventurers can uncover their passions along the routes, meeting local producers and seeking out authentic rural experiences. Tackle a trail in a day or mix and match to discover something new in this beautiful region.