Bannisters by the Sea

Where: Mollymook

At hotel Bannisters by the Sea in Mollymook, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic sea views from your clifftop perch, as well as coastal-chic rooms and suites that showcase the ocean eye-candy outside. English celebrity chef Rick Stein’s restaurant sits inside this boutique hotel and the views from the light-filled dining room are just as delicious as the meals. The chef is known for his dedication to cooking sustainable seafood like Bermagui swordfish, Jervis Bay rock lobster and Shark Bay scallops.

Bannisters by the Sea, Mollymook

Osborn House

Where: Bundanoon

A restored 1892 manor in the Southern Highlands, Osborn House has rooms with forest views and baths that’ll melt away an afternoon - plus there’s an in-house spa and pool worth their own trip. Then there’s the dining experience, split between two beautifully styled restaurants: George’s (a relaxed bistro) and Fire Kitchen (a Latin American restaurant where food is cooked over flames). The real showpiece, though, is Fire Feast, a spectacular, fortnightly Argentinian open-fire barbecue featuring the best of the region’s meat and produce.

Osborn House, Bundanoon - Credit: Osborn House

Halcyon House

Where: The Tweed

Look out over Cabarita Beach or relax poolside at Halcyon House with a cocktail in hand, before venturing to the onsite acclaimed restaurant, Paper Daisy. Led by executive chef Baxter Newstead, who trained at Vue de Monde and Michelin-starred Ekstedt in Stockholm, the team at this two-hat establishment creates masterpieces from local produce and sustainably caught seafood. Order the chef’s menu with paired wines to enjoy bay lobster with finger lime and brown butter, lemon myrtle cured kingfish and avocado parfait.

Paper Daisy, Cabarita Beach

Nimbo Fork Lodge

Where: Nimbo

Imagine a picturesque lodge nestled in the hills of a misty Snowy Mountains valley with lush interiors, views of the surrounding countryside and baths next to ceiling-high windows. Now imagine that experience punctuated by meals at Three Blue Ducks, a restaurant run by the acclaimed farm-to-table and sustainability-focused hospitality group of the same name. The menu is a mostly Mediterranean expression of Riverina produce, besides its Sunday lunches, where you’ll find a modern take on a British roast.

Nimbo Fork, Killimicat - Credit: Cut Above Productions

The Brooklet

Where: Ballina

The Brooklet offers a dine and stay package that sells out – which is understandable as it's a luxury lodge in the Byron Bay Hinterland, with oversized two- and three-bed villas on offer, in addition to a magnesium pool, cold plunge, sauna, hot tub and tennis court. Enjoy an intimate eight-course dinner at Pipit, which has been awarded two hats for its woodfired cooking. With a maximum of ten guests and only adults allowed, there’s nothing to distract from the majesty of its long-tail tuna with ume, Scorched Bay lobster with bunya nut and dry-aged Northern Rivers duck with fig.

Pipit, Pottsville - Credit: Sabine Bannard

Hidden Valley Farms

Where: Goulburn

Rows of pear, apple and quince trees scattered around lush farmland await at Hidden Valley Farms near Goulburn. A stay in one of the self-contained wooden cabins includes a private farm tour, a farm-to-plate gourmet experience, fishing in Wollondilly River and mushroom picking in the property’s pine forest, not to mention a farmer’s basket full of seasonal vegetables and fruit. During the truffle season, join a hunt to help trained dogs find these culinary gems before feasting on a four-course truffle lunch with wine.

Hidden Valley Farms, Goulburn - Credit: Hidden Valley Farms

Spicers Guesthouse

Where: Hunter Valley

In the heart of Australia’s oldest wine region, Spicers Guesthouse welcomes guests with modern country farmhouse charm. Dine at its Italian restaurant éRemo, where generous servings of classics are dished up. Expect fried zucchini flowers stuffed with ricotta, buffalo mozzarella with autumn tomatoes, potato gnocchi with gorgonzola, and tiramisu at this hatted restaurant.

éRemo Restaurant, Pokolbin - Credit: éRemo Restaurant

Paperbark Camp

Where: Jervis Bay

Tucked away amid the native forest, Paperbark Camp’s canvas tents sit amongst the eucalypt and paperbark canopy with hardwood floors, ensuites, freestanding baths and comfy beds so you can glamp in comfort. Breakfast at its treetop dining room The Gunyah is included in your stay. Start your day with a three-course meal complete with cooked-to-order hot dishes and an espresso. Book in for dinner to enjoy a menu that heroes native produce. 

The Gunyah at Paperbark Camp, Jervis Bay - Credit: Dick Sweeney

Raes on Wategos

Where: Byron Bay

On the edge of Wategos Beach, you’ll find seven luxe suites at Raes on Wategos, where personalised service means you can relax in style. Venture downstairs to enjoy flavours of the Northern Rivers region at Raes Dining Room. Offering a three- or six-course menu with a focus on seafood and native ingredients, this two-hat restaurant serves modern Australian cuisine with a Mediterranean influence. Keep an eye out for celebrities dining there, too.

Raes on Wategos, Byron Bay - Credit: Raes on Wategos

Belle Bois

Where: Capertee Valley

This elegant bed and breakfast designs its entire food experience around regional produce. Start your stay with a full hot breakfast or homemade muesli with local fruit then spend the day exploring the biodiverse Capertee Valley by hiking the land or kayaking the river. Return to homemade treats and espresso coffee, then end the day with a two-course dinner overlooking the countryside. You may even spot an echidna or wombat from your table.

Belle Bois, Capertee Valley - Credit: Belle Bois

Bangalay Luxury Villas

Where: Shoalhaven Heads

With 16 villas featuring views of the garden or Shoalhaven Heads Golf Club, Bangalay Luxury Villas’ stays include design perks such as fireplaces and north-facing decks. Best of all, you can dine at one-hat restaurant Bangalay Dining. Inspired by the surrounding natural bush environment, its menu features native ingredients like finger limes, pickled quandong, lemon myrtle, wattleseed and strawberry gum. 

Bangalay Dining, Shoalhaven - Credit: Bangalay Dining

Cupitt’s Estate Villas

Where: Ulludulla

Cupitt’s Estate Villas in Ulladulla has a variety of accommodation options including one-bedroom villas - featuring outdoor baths and perfect for a romantic getaway - and a four-bedroom farmhouse decked out with a pool and fire pit, which is great for groups. Explore the estate’s award-winning wine garden and dining room. Enjoy a farm-to-table dining experience featuring ingredients freshly harvested from the on-site kitchen garden. Pair your meal with the estate’s wines for the full experience.

Cupitt's Estate, Ulladulla

Crystalbrook Kingsley

Where: Newcastle

The first five-star hotel to open in Newcastle, Crystalbrook Kingsley is committed to sustainability with everything from its pressed-cardboard coat hangers to its paperless processes being considered, eco-friendly choices. The restaurant uses native and local ingredients wherever possible, with all unused food donated to OzHarvest. Positioned on the rooftop of Newcastle’s iconic Roundhouse, soak in views of the harbour as you feast on modern Australian cuisine.

Crystalbrook Kingsley, Newcastle