Less than two hours southwest of Sydney, the Southern Tablelands is home to rolling farmland, historic towns, cool climate wineries and produce-driven restaurants. The pace of life is a little slower here, but that’s how the locals like it. It means there’s more time to share a yarn over the bar of an old stone pub, lose track of time in search of antique treasures, follow a hiking trail along dramatic limestone clifftops or feel the unhurried joy of a long lunch stretching out over the afternoon.
The five new Southern Tablelands Trails take in the best of the region, with something for everyone to enjoy. Foodies, adventure-seekers, family travellers and those in search of authentic country experiences, can follow the trails as a day trip, use them as inspiration to plan their own adventures, or just hit the road to discover somewhere new.
Trail 1: Wine, Water, Wonder
Centred around the mysterious Lake George, this trail will give you a taste of the good life. Join the locals for coffee at the community minded Some Café in the tiny village of Collector before cruising along the aptly named Vineyards Road. Stroll between the vines and meet the passionate winemakers at Lerida Estate, Lake George Winery, Contentious Character and Lark Hill Winery. Feeling suitably serene, head into the town of Bungendore to refuel at The Gathering Cafe or pick up locally made pieces at Leather and Trading before rolling into the sleepy town of Tarago, where you’ll find vintage treasures, tasty eats and Yarralaw Springs, where the cellar door is made entirely of straw bales.
Trail 2: Vibrant Villages & Passionate Producers
Connect with the locals , chat over a beer and savour delicious local produce on this trail through the regions charming villages. Kick off your road trip at The Albion Hotel, in the heart of the village of Grabben Gullen, with a menu focused on seafood caught fresh by the local Fishing Club. In Crookwell, you can meet a member of the Lindner family, who have been making socks for almost 300 years. The amiable hosts at the Laggan Pantry will serve you an exceptional six-course meal made with produce grown in their kitchen garden and greenhouse. And in the historic town of Taralga, taste a tipple at one of two pubs dating back to the 1870s.
Trail 3: Wild Hume: Nature & History
Take things up a notch and feel your heart race along the Wild Hume trail, the most adventurous of the five. You’ll start slow, exploring the historic towns of Tallong and Marulan where the pretty streets are lined with 19th century buildings and bustling cafes. Then it’s time to hit the accelerator with a few laps of the Pheasant Wood Circuit, a professional standard racing track, before discovering Bungonia National Park where you can tackle Grade 3 hikes, lose yourself below ground in winding caves or set up camp in the remote bush where you’ll feel the peace of total solitude. Finally, embark on a self-guided Heritage Walk of Goulburn, Australia’s first inland city, where grand colonial buildings hint at an opulent past just waiting to be uncovered.
Trail 4: Off the Beaten Track
Take the slow road from Queanbeyan to Braidwood on a trail that invites you to feel free to linger in unexpected places. Step back in time and take the back road to Captains Flat, a historic town where heritage walks, sensory gardens and pristine nature await. Depending on your schedule and fitness levels, there are a number of walks to choose from in Lowen Forest Park and Berlang State Conservation Area. Make sure you talk to the publican at the Erlington Pub in Majors Creek – she’s also the village’s mailman and Justice of the Peace. Then take some time to explore Braidwood’s abundant charms, like chic cafes, delicious delis and stylish art galleries. If you’re spending the night, check in to the luxe Mona Farm just outside town.
Trail 5: Recharge in the Great Outdoors
This region is known for its tapestry of colour and this trail lets you drink in the natural beauty of the changing seasons. It’s also a fun one for the whole family, with farm visits, trout fishing and water sports. Start big, at the Big Merino in Goulburn, then continue exploring the great outdoors at nearby Markdale, a working sheep and cattle farm, followed by a stroll to the stunning five-acre Edna Walling Garden. Visit the aquatic playground of Wyangala Dam for kayaking, wakeboarding or water-skiing; for a longer escape, pitch a tent lakeside. Then, it’s on to Crookwell, where you can choose to hand feed alpacas, catch a trout or toast the sunset at Kingsdale Wines.
For more information on the Tablelands Trails and to plan your visit now, go to www.visitnsw.com/things-to-do/southern-tablelands-trails. Share your Tablelands Trails experience on social media using @visitnsw #feelnew #feelNSW
The Tablelands Trails The trails have been created with support from the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund established by the Australian and NSW Government.
