Planning a winter escape but not sure where to start?
Check out these eight charming and unique towns in NSW and Victoria for outdoor wonders, historic attractions, boutique wineries, and everything in between.
Bowral
Situated in the Southern Highlands of NSW, Bowral is home to beautiful natural attractions and delicious local delicacies. The cool air and snug indoor offerings make it a romantic place to spend a weekend in winter.
Bowral is part of the Southern Highlands book trail, which features cosy nooks such as The Bookshop Bowral, the Phoenix Bookstore, and the Berkelouw Book Barn, just 10 minutes from Bowral with a range of delicious woodfired pizzas and drinks to be enjoyed while surrounded by books.
Along the town’s main street, you will also find several antique shops selling curiosities of every kind. It’s easy to lose hours wandering the twists and turns of Dirty Janes, where handmade homewares and vintage furniture abound.
Of course, no trip to Bowral is complete without stopping in at Corbett Gardens, a historic garden home to more than 75,000 vibrant tulips.
Mudgee
This country gem is one of Australia’s best kept secrets, home to some of the best wines in the country. With more than 35 family-owned cellar doors in Mudgee, it can be hard to decide where to begin.
Lazy Oak produces a range of award-winning drops, including Australia’s only White Merlot. The rustic cellar door offers amazing views of the surrounding vineyard, and is a great place to stop in for a hearty winter lunch.
Mudgee is also a popular spot for beer lovers, and Mudgee Brewing Co has been serving the community for almost 20 years. At the pub and restaurant, you can sample all of the craft beers made in the iconic 100 year old building. The gold larger, pale ale and IPA are also expertly paired with hearty pub classics at the on-site restaurant.
Before leaving Mudgee, make sure to check out the weekend markets to discover fresh seasonal produce, handmade goods, vintage clothing, local wine, and much more.
Bellingen
Bellingen is a magical town on the NSW Coffs Coast, known for its waterfalls and rainforests. Winter is the perfect time to explore these natural wonders, as cooler temperatures means smaller crowds and escape from the harsh Aussie sun.
Dorrigo National Park is an easy 30-minute drive from town, home to a canopy of 600-year-old trees, colourful fungi, and beautiful native birds. On the Crystal Shower Falls walk, you will wander beneath the lush rainforest, and across a suspension bridge to tuck behind the waterfall in a rocky cavern. From here, expect unbeatable views of the cascading water and the light sound of birdcalls from surrounding trees.
Never Never Creek is another must-visit spot in Bellingen. This popular swimming river boasts crystal-clear waters and rope swings for adventurous spirits looking for an adrenaline rush. It’s impossible to overstate the beauty of this hidden oasis, which was once a bathing spot for local Aboriginal women, and today carries on the tradition of swimming and bathing for both locals and tourists.
Blackheath
Blackheath is a small town located near the highest point in the Blue Mountains, and providing easy access to incredible hiking trails, charming cafes, and stunning lookouts.
The Cliff Top walking track is an ideal morning hike following the cliff edge from Govetts Leap lookout to Evans lookout. You’ll start by wandering through a rich heathland of oaks, banksias and scrubs, before opening out to cliff-edge views over Grose Valley and its waterfalls. Make sure to bring a camera, because you’ll definitely want to snap some photos.
Blackheath is also home to an eclectic shopping scene. Victory Theatre Antique Centre offers antiques, collectables, and vintage clothing with almost 60 dealers sharing their wares. Hungry shoppers will also love This Little Piggy Deli, which is full of goodies such as artisan bread, fresh-baked mud cakes, thinly sliced cold cuts, and warm soups perfect for winter afternoons.
Port Fairy
Port Fairy is the final destination on Victoria’s Shipwreck Coast, featuring streets lined with 19th century cottages and old stone buildings. In fact, there are more than 50 buildings in town classified by the National Trust, which showcase the beauty of 1800s architecture.
On the self-guided historic walking trail, you will discover white-washed cottages built by whalers, Georgian-style merchants’ homes and historic wharf attractions. Port Fairy was once a major maritime and whaling town, and today retains much of its history in the old Lifeboast Station, 1860s Customs House, and 1859 Griffiths Island Lighthouse.
As well as being a hub of historic attractions, Port Fairy also boasts a thriving art scene. The Glyph Gallery and Creative Space is a not-for-profit organisation providing space for local and regional artists to showcase their work in exhibitions which rotate monthly.
Music lovers should head to the Port Fairy Folk Festival, for an all-star line up of folk music, as well as interactive workshops, theatre shows, films, exhibitions and more.
Daylesford
Tucked into the heart of Victoria’s spa country, Daylesford is a great place to chase away the winter blues by accessing some of the best wellness facilities in the country.
The heritage-listed Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa was established in 1895, and has been providing relaxation and rejuvenation ever since. Soak in the mineral-rich waters drawn from their natural source, treat your skin to a deluxe massage and facial package, and take in the beauty of the elegantly restored building.
Outdoor lovers should embrace the peace and quiet of Daylesford’s surroundings by hiking to Hanging Rock (yes, like the namesake from the 1967 Gothic novel). The volcanic rock formation was created more than six million years ago, and today the summit provides incredible panoramic views over the town.
At the Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm, you can explore the rows of lavender, European-style gardens, historic buildings and homestead spread out across the 100-acre property. There’s also an on-site bar and eatery that serves lavender-inspired treats, including lavender scones.
Inverloch
The Australian coast comes to life in winter, with stunning sunsets and cool beach walks for everyone to enjoy. Those looking to try a new water sport with love Inverloch, as the still waters of Anderson Inlet are great for wakeboarding and windsurfing, while Eagles Nest is perfect for surfing.
If you’d rather stay on land, take a short drive to The Caves beach just outside of town to discover more than 15,000 dinosaur bones, teeth, and other fossils. The Dinosaur Dreaming dig site dates back around 126 million years ago, starting with a large dinosaur footprint near the carpark.
To explore the coastal and inland beauty of Inverloch, wander along the foreshore walking track. This pathway offers amazing views of Andersons Inlet and Point Smythe, with plenty of cafes and bars along the way for a well-earned drink. Those travelling with kids will love the Rainbow Park playground and BBQ area, perfect for an early dinner while you take in the sunset.
Healesville
Healesville may be one of Victoria’s lesser known food and wine regions, but it certainly punches above its weight. There are several beautiful wineries to visit in the area, including some of Australia’s biggest brands.
A visit to Chandon means sampling an extensive collection of méthode traditionelle sparkling wines, and taking in breathtaking views of the Yarra Ranges. At the winery, you can also dine at the restaurant, which uses the best local ingredients, share a drink with friends at the lounge bar, or go behind the scenes to learn tips and tricks from expert winemakers.
Pick up the best fresh produce from the weekend markets, and venture into Bicentennial National Park for a picnic unlike any other. Here the dense forests, deep valleys and rivers will help you feel a thousand kilometres away from civilisation, making for a romantic day outdoors.
Can’t get enough of these amazing towns in NSW and Victoria? To read about the best things to see and do in Orange, click here.
