Inland from Sydney is historic town Orange, with its own devoted (and celebrated) heritage trail. It’s wine that tempts travellers (grab a glass at Philip Shaw wines) but there’s beer, especially of the craft kind at Birdie Noshery & Drinking Est. The dining scene is booming too – try Printhie Dining or The Union Bank, and dessert from Spilt Milk Bar.

Wine lovers will again be no stranger to Mudgee in the state’s central west where vineyards dominate. Spend your days trawling local favourites Gilbert Wines, Logan Wines and Burnbrae, working up an appetite ahead of a meal at one of its handful of farm to table venues – Blue Wren Farm and The Zin House are stand-outs – conveniently both have accommodation too.

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.

The luscious mid-north coast town of Bello (as it’s known) nudges the Bellingen River and idyllic swimming spot The Promised Lands. But town itself is also worth an explore – monthly community and weekly produce markets lure a crowd, while the ​​Old Butter Factory serves up a great coffee, Where to stay? The Lodge in Bellingen where the Three Blue Ducks now have residence.

A lesser-known gem within the Northern Rivers, Murwillumbah has a rising population of food stars among its healthy array of Art Deco architecture. After working up a sweat on the Northern Rivers Rail Trail, or paying a visit to the Tweed Regional Gallery, grab a coffee at Keith, a beer at the iconic pink Imperial Hotel, and dinner at the lauded Bistro Livi.

Nestled among the rolling hills of the Sunshine Coast hinterland is this quaint gem of a regional town laden with cafes, boutiques and even its own fromagerie. A wander down the main drag of Maple Street will introduce you to coffee fave Frank Food & Wine, or find something heartier at Brouhaha Brewery down the road.

Within easy drive of Noosa is picturesque Eumundi. The bi-weekly markets (one of the nation’s biggest arts and crafts congregations) form the main attraction of this town, but permanent fixtures (just as worthy of your time) include the Eumundi Coffee Roasters and Eumundi Brewery. Spend the night at art-devoted hotel HOLA.

Welcome to apple country! As one of Queensland’s coldest districts this is a place awash with orchards and vineyards, and within arm’s reach of the dramatic landscapes and granite boulders of Girraween National Park. But the dining scene is blossoming too thanks to the arrival of seasonal fine diner Essen.

Good food and Daylesford go hand-in-hand. The town is just an hour and a half from Melbourne’s CBD, nudging the base of the Great Dividing Range. After a wander of the Convent Gallery and a soak at the Hepburn Bathhouse, grab a bite at Alla Wolf-Tasker’s Wombat Hill House Cafe, or a pub feast at local fave The Farmer’s Arms.

History sits at the heart of this regional town which played a key role in the 1850s gold rush. Heritage buildings line the streets, and there’s plenty to do for the history buffs, including paying a visit to the Central Deborah Gold Mine, cruising the Victorian Goldfields Railway and perusing the Maldon Antique Fair.

Near neighbour (there’s a bike trail between them), Castlemaine is just as worthy of a visit. Especially if you’re food-inclined. Curb cravings for snacks and specialty drops at Boomtown Wine or Wild, or grab a beer at Shedshaker Brewing before settling in for the night at Riversdale Retreat.

This is a town with a reputation for orchards, in fact, most of the state’s apples are grown here. Base yourself at Cygnet Old Bank, with days spent exploring the surrounding Huon Valley and its offerings, from Pagan Cider, to the much-loved Fat Pig Farm and French bakehouse Poolish & Co.

Riesling is the star of the show in Clare (and the surrounding Clare Valley), but it’s not just wine you’ll find in these parts. Of course, taste-testing the region is important – grab a glass from 50+ wineries, including Pikes and Koerner Wines, before a meal at the regionally focused Seed and ever-popular Watervale Hotel.

A mingling of foodie offerings and natural wonders (we’re talking crater lakes) make Mount Gambier a great weekender. After a day’s explore of Warwar (or the Blue Lake), recharge with a meal at the recently refurbished South Australian Hotel before a tipple at Good Wine Bar Shop. Call it a night at the Mount Gambier Hotel.