Food and Drink in Country NSW

If you don't gain a few kilograms while touring around Country NSW you're simply not trying hard enough. Taste the terroir of the region in the form of award-winning food, wine and artisanal produce, and meet the talented chefs, producers, winemakers and growers behind it.

Restaurants, pubs and cafes

In Country NSW, you can eat everything from bush tucker to haute cuisine. Start with the region’s award-winning restaurants, including:

• Zin House and Pipeclay Pumphouse in Mudgee
• Lolli Redini and Sisters Rock in Orange
• Tonic in Millthorpe
• Poachers Pantry in Yass
• The Argyle Inn in Taralga

For classic country fare, sit down for a meal at a cosy pub. Try The Sir George in Jugiong for a long Sunday lunch, sample local beef at the Willow Tree Inn near Tamworth, admire the art deco style of the Royal Hotel Queanbeyan and relax in the garden of the Burrawang Village Hotel in the Southern Highlands.

You’ll also find a strong cafe culture in Country NSW, so a good cup of coffee is never far away. Racine in Orange, Highlands Merchant in Moss Vale and Deadwood in Braidwood are local favourites. And don’t forget to stop off at small town bakeries for the perfect pie or vanilla slice.

Wineries and breweries

There are nine distinct wine regions to choose from in Country NSW, each producing their own signature varietals. Join a wine tour to hop between cellar doors, meet the makers, walk through the vines and stock up on a few bottles for the wine rack at home.

If beer, cider and spirits are more your thing, you won’t go thirsty in Country NSW. Head for Thirsty Crow Brewery in Wagga Wagga, Devil’s Hollow Brewery in Dubbo or the Mudgee Brewing Co.Black Gate Distillery in the Warrumbungle area specialises in whisky and rum, while Baker Williams makes delicious liqueurs.

Local produce

Go straight to the source and sample the best local produce. Farmers markets are held in many country towns and are a great place to meet the growers, and pick up fresh fruit, vegetables, meat and more. Follow a farm gate trail and see exactly where your favourites are grown.

Food festivals and events

What better way to celebrate the bounty of Country NSW than alongside lots of other happy foodies? You’ll find tasty festival all across the region, like Orange F.O.O.D Week, Pie Time in the Southern Highlands, Moree on a Plate, Taste Tamworth and the Mudgee Wine and Food Festival.