By Marie-Antoinette Issa.
If you’re craving crisp countryside adventures and authentic regional cuisine to accompany them, then greater NSW is brimming with epic road trips just begging for a weekend escape that doubles as a delicious culinary journey.
So buckle up, bring an appetite and hit the road with these four regional NSW road trip tips - served with a side of suggestions for what to eat on the way!
Central West
Kick off your weekend in the Central West, where colonial charm, countryside and culinary delights meet rolling vineyards. Start in Bathurst, home to the iconic Mount Panorama race track and a surprisingly vibrant, flavour-filled food scene.
Enjoy breakfast at The Rockley Pub, where elevated pub fare by Matt Moran sets the perfect tone. Explore local wineries and distilleries like Renzagalia Wines and Bathurst Grange Distillery, or try your hand at gold fossicking with Jhob’s Gold Panning Tours. For additional dining options, stop by Bootleg Dining or Chicane Bar and Grill for refined, locally sourced dishes in a heritage setting.
Next, head to Orange, a cool-climate wine region brimming with heritage charm. Lunch at Printhie Dining to celebrate the region’s agricultural bounty with thoughtful seasonal dishes, visit The Agrestic Grocer for a quirky mix of local wine, produce and eats or try modern Korean and Chinese dishes with local ingredients at Mr Lim.
Wine lovers shouldn’t miss vineyards such as Philip Shaw, Ross Hill and Nashdale Lane, while culture enthusiasts can stroll through Orange Botanic Gardens or the Orange Regional Gallery.
End your weekend in Mudgee, a laid-back wine lover’s paradise. Indulge in seasonal, local produce at The Barn at Blue Wren Farm, enjoy breakfast, dinner or drinks at Gigi’s on the Clairfield Hotel grounds, or try a set menu long lunch in a modern farmhouse at The Zin House. Local craft beer fans can stop by Mudgee Brewing Co and for a truly elevated view, soar over the vineyards with Balloon Aloft.
Lose yourself in a luxe stay at The Clairfield Hotel, Evanslea Luxury Boutique Hotel, or glamp off-grid at Sierra Escape.
Central Coast and Hunter Valley
The Central Coast offers a refreshing mix of beaches, hikes and laid-back charm. Start in Terrigal at Yellowtail, a hatted restaurant serving Modern Australian cuisine with Middle Eastern and Mediterranean influences. For a quintessential country experience, head inland to Mount White for lunch at Saddles, showcasing paddock-to-plate Australian fare. Gin and coffee-liqueur fans can visit Distillery Botanica for handcrafted Moore’s Dry Gin and Mr Black Coffee Liqueur.
Then, drive to the Hunter Valley, renowned for world-class wineries and gourmet dining. Indulge at Muse Restaurant, two-hatted for fine dining with a seasonal five-course menu, or try Bistro Molines for French-inspired dishes paired with vineyard views.
Explore iconic wineries including Tyrrell’s Wines, Audrey Wilkinson, Bimbadgen and De Bortoli, or enjoy immersive experiences like Hunter Valley Horses for scenic trail rides and Wollombi Aboriginal Cultural Experiences for local heritage insights. Wander the themed gardens at Hunter Valley Gardens or enjoy a breakfast-on-landing hot air balloon experience with Beyond Ballooning.
Sleep in style by booking a stay at Spicers Guesthouse, Chateau Elan, or one of the romantic villas at Casa La Vina.
South Coast
New South Wales’ South Coast is a feast for the senses - sandy shores, seafood and seaside serenity. Start in Wollongong with brunch at Diggies, where ocean views and coastal vibes pair perfectly with avocado toast. Stretch your legs along the Grand Pacific Drive, taking in the Sea Cliff Bridge and scenic beaches.
Continue to Jervis Bay, famed for its white sand beaches and clear waters. Lunch at The Huskisson, which serves up local seafood with waterfront views - don’t miss the seafood platter, featuring oysters, prawns and Moreton Bay bugs.
Head further south in Shoalhaven and discover farm-to-table delights like Paper Daisy in Berry and satisfy your sweet tooth at Berry Gelato Company, or the iconic Berry Donut Van. For a unique experience, cruise Pambula Lake on Captain Sponge’s Magical Oyster Tours, tucking into the fresh seafood straight from the water.
Among the excellent accommodation options are Paperbark Camp, Hotel Australasia Eden or The Isla Batemans Bay for a coastal escape.
Southern Highlands
Finally, escape to the Southern Highlands for heritage villages, cool-climate wines and lush landscapes.
Begin in Berrima with fine dining at Eschalot, then explore Joadja Estate or Bendooley Estate, where the Book Barn Restaurant pairs incredible food with thousands of books. Take a heritage walk with Berrima Walking Tours, visit the Berrima District Museum, or check out contemporary art at Whitewall Art Projects.
Visitors to Bowral can enjoy Italian cuisine at Onesta Cucina, sip craft spirits at Millsheds Bar and Distillery or enjoy a very Instagrammable experience at Harry’s on Green Lane - which serves as a cafe and quirky lifestyle quarter, complete with Plantation Cafe, nursery and gift shop.
For scenic blooms, stroll Corbett Gardens and for vintage finds, check out Dirty Janes Antique Market.
Finally, in Mittagong, indulge in Thai fine dining at Paste, taste elegant wines at Artemis Wines and sip craft beers at Eden Brewery. Nature lovers can explore Lake Alexandra Park or Nattai Gorge Lookout and stay in comfort at Berida Hotel, Peppers Craigieburn or Links House.
Hit the Road Hungry
Each of these road trips offers more than just great scenery - they’re journeys through some of NSW’s most exciting and varied food landscapes. From the vineyards of the Central West to the oceanfront eateries of the South Coast, there’s a taste adventure at every turn.
So, pack your bags, prep your playlist and get ready to drive, dine and discover, because when it comes to regional NSW, the best pit stops are always delicious.
