It’s a favourite for a reason. Not only is the Hunter Valley very close to Sydney, it’s also home to Australia’s oldest wine region. There’s some 150 cellar doors, 60 plus eateries and at least four hatted restaurants. There’s everything from cheese, chocolate, beer and gin to the region’s world-famous aged Semillon and delicate, complex reds. Gourmet must-visits include Muse, Bistro Molines, Margan Restaurant and EXP. For the vino lovers, there’s non-stop cellar doors, including Brokenwood, old-school Tyrrell’s Wines, biodynamic and organic fave Krinklewood, Margan, Briar Ridge and bastion of the new wave of Hunter Valley winemakers, Usher Tinkler Wines.

A definite contender for Australia’s prettiest town, Orange is well-worth a visit on any weekend. Just 3 hours from Sydney or a short half-hour flight, with Qantas and Rex’s new regional routes, Orange is a food and wine lover’s paradise. Choose from plenty of wineries and cellar doors, you can find our top picks here. If you’re after a private, curated food experience, look no further than Country Food Trails. Founder Nicole Farrell is an experienced international tour guide and a local, so she knows where to find the best of everything. Aesthetes will adore chic retail establishments like The White Place, Hawkes General Store and The Sonic, and there’s plenty of top notch restaurants and bars — like newcomer Hey Rosey, Mr Lim, and The Schoolhouse — to keep your belly full and your tastebuds tingling. Love coffee? Head to Good Eddy for the best. And make sure you visit nearby Millthorpe, which is a burgeoning food and wine hub in its own right. If you’re looking to treat yourself to a luxurious stay, look no further than Basalt. Plan your trip here.

The Blue Mountains is famous for its breathtaking escarpments, towering waterfalls and endless bush walks and trails. You’ll find one of the. best croissants you’ve ever eaten at Black Cockatoo Bakery in Leura. And if you’re still hungry, head to artisan sourdough bakery Bakehouse on Wentworth, which has locations in Leura and Blackheath.

Mudgee may not be as well known as the Hunter Valley, but when it comes to history – and damn good wines – this slice of NSW is punching well above its weight. The landscapes are breathtaking, vineyards and olive groves as far as the eye can see. On a sunny morning, a footpath table outside Market Street Cafe is hard to beat. Head to the Alby + Ethers for hearty breakfasts, lunch and coffee. For a rustic winery lunch, you can’t go past Di Lusso Estate for graceful Italian varietals and great woodfired pizzas. Make sure to stop by the Mudgee Brewing Company for fine, handcrafted ales and good quality, beer-friendly food. Pipeclay Pumphouse serves up plenty of incredible local produce with a seasonal menu and locally focused wine list. There’s plenty of amazing cellar doors to visit, including Logan Wines, Lowe Wines, Robert Stein and Mudgee’s first winery, Robert Oatley Vineyards. When it comes to accommodation, Sierra Escape is a truly unique glamping experience that combines nature and luxury.

Sitting in Shoalhaven on the South Coast is Jervis Bay. With its crystalline waters paired with bright white sands (most evident at Hyams Beach) this place is certainly easy on the eyes. Throw in a handful of national parks, a lighthouse, and a brewery and you have the makings of a great beachside escape.

An oldie, but a goody. Most Aussies can recall a family trip or two to Berry. Approximately two hours from Sydney, this country town ticks all the boxes. After good wine? Head to the award winning cellar door and vineyard, Silos Estate, or Two Figs. Want to take in the country while kicking back on a luxurious estate? There’s Linnaeus Farm for that. Keen to taste some delicious Aussie produce? South on Albany source local food cooked with a European twist. And if you have a sweet tooth, you can’t leave Berry without a stop at The Famous Berry Donut Van, which has been serving up deliciously fresh cinnamon donuts since 1964.

Just under two hours’ drive from Sydney, the slew of lush accomodations offerings in this country town prove it’s a hot spot for Sydneysiders. For old-timey luxury visit Milton Park Country House Hotel & Spa Bowral, for art-deco-meets-contemprary-design head to Berida Hotel, which is found in a private residence built in 1925, and for country charm there’s no better than Peppers Craigieburn Bowral. But it’s not all luxury stays. Bowral is known for its antique shopping and incredible international food offering, also. Fine-dining Thai dishes are plated up at Paste, while Leila’s at the Grand serves up modern take on traditional Lebanese food.

Perched off the South Coast In the Shoalhaven region sits the foodie mecca of Milton, with more than its fair share of eateries. Grab breakfast at Milk Haus and some baked goods from Flour Water Salt before you explore its mingling of antique shops and galleries – Turnbull Bros Antiques, Nulladolla Pottery and Milton Village Showground Markets come recommended.

Located on the New South Wales mid-north coast, Port Macquarie boasts some 17 beautiful beaches, lush hinterland, a variety of attractions including Koala Hospital, Billabong Zoo, Sea Acres rainforest, river cruises, and plenty of accommodation from 4-5 star luxury hotels right through to camping by the beach. Top it off with one of the best year-round climates and boy howdy, that’s a banger of a short break right there.

A charming country village just an hours’ drive from Sydney with good food and wine options and cute accommodations? Sign us up! If you plan on spending a weekend put The Sir George and Long Track Pantry on the top of your must-visit list. Built in 1852, the historic The Sir George has been restored to create a warm and relaxed space where old meets new with accommodation, restaurant, boutique bar and artisan bakery. Next door you’ll find Long Track Pantry where you’ll be able to stock up on local produce and indulge in a hearty brunch.

When Osborn House opened its doors in 2022, the country retreat put Bundanoon on the radar of Sydneysiders. The chic estate is an easy hour and 40-minute drive, surrounded by rolling hills, sweeping bushland and lush gardens in the Southern Highlands. Interiors are a perfect mix of old and new and stays true to Bundanoon’s Scottish ambience of tree-lined streets and historic sandstone buildings. Dine in at Fire Kitchen where dishes are cooking over open fire showcasing the best local produce through a Latin American-inspired menu.