A sweetheart of the famously quaint Southern Highlands, Bowral is a favourite of Sydneysiders seeking escape from the big smoke. But its antique stores and boutiques aren’t the only drawcard; there’s a flourishing dining scene too. Enjoy your breakfast at The Press Shop, or grab a cup of coffee on the go at Nick’s or Early Bird. And then there’s the surplus of vineyards to explore; go for a tasting in the barrel room at the award-winning Centennial Vineyards, or visit the historic Bendooley Estate, a favourite among those tying the knot. Dinner is best enjoyed at the likes of the Berida Hotel’s sophisticated Bistro Sociale, conveniently close to its stylish suites. Or make the short drive to Bundanoon’s Osborn House, a brightly dressed historic house with a duo of eateries; the Latin American Fire Kitchen and every day haunt George’s.

Coffs Hinterland resident Bellingen is renowned for being a bohemian neighbourhood with idyllic creeks to explore. But its number of eateries are just as tempting of a visit; start with a coffee and pastry at Hearthfire Bakery, or a sophisticated brunch at all-day diner Fiume. Later on, nibble on share plates and specialty cocktails at Bruno’s or stick with rustic Italian at Charlie’s on Church. After a craft schooner (or two) at the aptly eco-focused Bellingen Brewing Co, sleep off all of that feasting at The Lodge. The luxe accommodation sits sprawled across a manicured property just outside of town, where a Three Blue Ducks eatery has also taken up residence.

Orange needs no introduction. A history in wine production and a growing number of locally hosted food festivals has helped to long attract the masses. When you’re next in town, keep an eye out for Hey Rosey, with its charcuterie and small plates, and specialty roaster Academy Coffee. Other non-negotiables include historic pub The Gladstone for a pint, Mr Lim for Korean-Chinese cuisine, and The Schoolhouse Restaurant at Union Bank. Or stick to trawling the vineyards; Ross Hill Wines and Mortimers Wines are stand-outs. After an afternoon tasting cool climate wines, roll into your accommodation; retro-fitted Oriana, heritage Rosedale Farm and historic homestead Yallungah Boutique Hotel are popular options.

It’s country music which has traditionally attracted the crowds to Tamworth, but New England has more to offer the food-focused. Historic venues and heritage buildings abound around here, many now hosting restaurants and hotels; Goonoo Goonoo Station is a heritage pastoral village transformed into accommodation and a fine diner, while casual haunt Pig and Tinder Box dwells in an 1848 space. Though it’s the beverage space where Tamworth has really flourished, with specialty coffee options galore – try Camp Grounds Coffee for fresh brew and toasties, or Hopscotch Restaurant & Bar tucked among the foliage at Bicentennial Park. If you fancy something stronger there is a resident craft brewery too for Armidale creation The Welder’s Dog.

South Coast darling Milton has long been loved for its places to eat and drink. Garden-to-plate eatery Milk Haus, housed in a former cheese factory, is arguably its most famous venue and for good reason. But there is more to see and do (and eat) here; snack plates and specialty wines form the heart of Small Town Provisions, while the flavours of the Middle East have shaped the menu of more recent addition Nomah. Then there’s Bar Yuki, a jazz-playing record space with Japanese dishes, and local taphouse, The Milton Hotel. If it’s wine you have a soft spot for, Milton has that too. Cupitt’s Estate is an easy drive away, and offers wine-tasting tours, a sophisticated onsite restaurant, as well as accommodation in a handful of intimate villas.

The ‘biggest little town in Australia’ has a reputation for the uber alternative, but it’s also overflowing with great venues to grab a bite. Make a beeline for a buttery baked goods from Baker and Daughters – don’t let the queue scare you, it moves quick. Or cater to your craving for ramen at Timbo Mullum in the industrial estate. Evening meal options are abundant; Ottilies plates up wood-fired pizzas, while Euro-style aperitivo and natural wines dominate the menu at Mullumbimby Continental. The Middle Pub is also worth a mention, an eclectic watering hole in the centre of town, perched opposite bathhouse The Banya (complete with its own bar for a margarita post-soak). In Mullum on a Friday? Don’t forget to visit the legendary Farmers Markets out back.

Come for the Three Sisters, stay for the drinking and dining potential – the Blue Mountains village of Blackheath has a healthy population of cafes, bars and restaurants. Pre-wander of the famed Grand Canyon Track, grab brunch at the locally-focused Hounslow Café, or make the short trip to Black Cockatoo Bakery for one of their sweet and savoury pastries. Just make sure you leave room for goods procured from the Blackheath Growers Market, a smorgasbord of fresh local produce and flowers hosted every second Sunday. There’s plenty of dinner potential after a day on the road; Ates has a penchant for fire cooking and share plates, while Frankie and Mo’s Wine Bar takes a wine-forward approach to dining. There’s also Blaq Restaurant & Bar, housed in the equally stylish Kyah Hotel.

Synonymous with grapevines, Mudgee is well-known for its wine production. Thankfully, vineyards and adjoining cellar doors are abundant, allowing guests to taste their way through local drops, before they pay a visit to the in-house restaurant for a bite to eat. There’s the biodynamic-focused Lowe Family Wine Co (and acclaimed restaurant Zin House), Robert Stein Winery and its equally adored Pipeclay Pumphouse, and Gilbert Wines (with its cellar door) among them. Of course, lavish dining can be done away from the vines; Blue Wren Farm makes for a dreamy lunch destination among manicured gardens, while Roth’s Wine Bar is a local favourite for pub grub and cocktails closer to town centre. As for where you can spend the night, try the stylish bed and breakfast, Balabudgee Farmhouse, complete with kitchen garden.

This fellow Northern Rivers resident is an Art Deco town flanked by sugarcane country. Rich in history, this riverside district has more than its fair share of old pubs; The Imperial is the salmon pink stand-out, with decent fare and 29 hotel rooms to spend the night. Within walking distance is the creative M Arts precinct, home to acclaimed fine diner Bistro Livi, and fromagerie Kat Harvey Cheese. More deli goods (and homemade pasta) can be procured just down the road at Pasta Bah. Local produce is the real specialty around here; stop by the Murwillumbah Farmers Markets on a Wednesday morning for organic fruit and veg, or sip your way through local gins and rums at Husk Distillery, where spirits are made from ingredients grown on site.

This pastoral town steeped in Irish heritage isn’t just appealing to the history buff thanks to a handful of great places to drink and dine. The family-run Marsden St General is a must for great coffee and breakfast options (not to mention deli goods). The Magistrates Tea Room is a CWA-esque scone and jam haven in the 1886 Court House, and then there’s The Occasional Wine Bar, a book store and drinking den in one. Slightly further afield (but worth the drive) is The Cranfield, a space paying homage to the grape creations of the surrounding Hilltops district. Of course it’s also experiencing Boorowa’s links to the wool industry with a visit during Irish Woolfest in October, where the renowned Running of The Sheep takes place down the main street.

The Southern Highlands is as rich in eateries as it is in romantic landscapes, and Berrima is no exception. Drop into the award-winning Eschalot, housed in a sandstone cottage in town. Vineyards also abound; Joadja Estate is the oldest in the Southern Highlands, while biodynamic pioneer Tractorless Vineyard offers walking tours of its grounds, and Bendooley Estate is as famous for its lavish grounds as it is the bookstore. It’s not only fine dining though; breakfast and local goods are the specialty of Berrima General Store and Cafe, while The Cupcake Co has a soft spot for elaborate cakes and traditional tea time. The award-winning Gumnut Patisserie is also worth a look in if you’re sweet of tooth.

An influx of Italian immigrants to the Riverina destination of Griffith has ensured that its food offerings still boast a strong Mediterranean streak. Special mention goes to Bertoldo’s Pasticceria, a fourth-generation family bakery with a focus on traditional bread, biscotti, cannoli and gelato. There’s also the panini and antipasti at all-day eatery Limone Dining, and homemade pasta to be enjoyed at casual eatery Zecca (which sells takeaway to cook at home). And don’t forget that annual food festival A Taste of Italy takes place every August, an immersive way to experience Griffith’s history, as well as indulge in local Italian treats.

Famous for its gold rush heritage and as the home of Australian Motor Racing, Bathurst is fast becoming a dining destination in its own right. This being a historic country town, pubs are plentiful. The Victoria is a stand-out, as is The Rockley Pub just outside of Bathurst’s borders, a place with elevated pub fare courtesy of new owner chef Matt Moran. Though spirit lovers may prefer to pay a visit to the award-winning Bathurst Grange Distillery just outside of town’s borders. But drinking isn’t just reserved for alcoholic tipple – Bathurst boasts ample coffee potential too. A vine-laden courtyard in Brooke Moore Centre plays host to Moubar Vintage, while you’ll find the pastel-hued modern cafe and roaster Enso Specialty Coffee on the main street.