Must-visit NSW regional towns that will make you feel like a local

Bermagui 

Why visit: A bit of a hidden gem on the Sapphire Coast, Bermagui melds dazzling natural beauty with the charm of a seaside village. From its sculptural rocky outcrops and crystal-clear swimming spots to its alluring mix of places to stay, eat and caffeinate, Bermagui ticks all the boxes when it comes to mastering that live-like-a-local vibe at every time of year.   

Must-see attractions: It’s hard to pass up Bermagui’s natural wonders: the millennia-old Horse Head Rock and Camel Rock are particularly awe-inspiring at sunrise. The beach itself is frequented by surfers and swimmers, and the Blue Pool is an ocean-fed rock pool that’s a beautiful, protected swim spot. You’re also within reach of the hiking hotspot of Mimosa Rocks National Park as well as Wallaga Lake – the largest lake in southern NSW – which is a go-to for fishing, stand-up paddle boarding and swimming.  

Where to eat: Start the day at Honorbread and either eat in or take away some delectable baked goods and breads, which some consider the best in Australia. Moving on to lunch, you’ll find good, hearty fare care of Octopii, while Elsewhere has small grazing plates and pizzas with water views. If you’re visiting on the weekend, take your dining experience up a notch with the elegant Italian stylings of Mimosa Wines. And don’t miss the Sapphire Coast’s famed oysters while you’re there. 

Where to stay: If dinner is your main event, you can stay in one of the two cottages on the Mimosa Wines property. You’ll also find apartments on offer at The Anchorage, which is just a few hundred metres from the harbour. For a luxury glamping experience, head to Tanja Lagoon Camp or set up your tent or caravan right on the shore of Wallaga Lake at the Regatta Point Caravan Park.  

Tip: If you can’t resist a market, you’ll find much temptation in Bermagui. There’s the Bermagui Growers and Makers Market every Thursday (October to April), the Bermagui Monthly Market on the last Sunday of every month and the Tilba Market every Saturday morning, where you’ll find fresh produce, jams, preserves and more.

Milton 

Why visit: Milton is a warm and welcoming place to visit in the Shoalhaven, especially for food lovers. Dotted with cafes, restaurants, cellar doors and charming pubs, Milton’s passionate producers make magic with the bounty of the land. Plus, you’re within reach of the beautiful waters of Mollymook and Lake Conjola so, whether you’re lured by food or nature, you’ll find a community in tune with all of the above.  

Must-see attractions: While the food scene is Milton’s real drawcard, you’ll find the nearby Morton National Park ideal for hiking, with walks including the Mt Bushwalker Walking Track and the Pigeon House Mountain Didthul Walking Track. Hiking through forest and heathland, you’ll be wowed by the views.

Where to eat: You’re spoiled for choice in Milton. Coffee aficionados will find their people at Kindred, a retro-style mint-green caravan in a church’s grounds (dogs are allowed). Open since 1980, you’ll find nourishing brekkies and lunches at Pilgrims Vegetarian Cafe or head to Milk HAUS to taste the best of the onsite kitchen garden. Cupitt’s Estate comprises a winery, brewery, farm and restaurant while Bar Yuki is an uber-cool cocktail and snack spot with punchy bites like pork katsu sandos.    

Where to stay: If you’re looking to luxe it up, you might want to check into Cupitt’s Estate Villas where you’ll find sleek standalone stays – four of them with outdoor bathtubs. You’ll also find two artfully curated cottages made to help you settle into local life: one-bedroom Gwen and three-bedroom Mavie will make it hard to leave. For tent or campervan accommodation, Milton Valley Holiday Park puts you between the buzz of the village and Mollymook Beach. 

Tip: If you’ve tackled one of the Shoalhaven’s hikes or just want to feel the stress melt away, head to The Heal Zone Milton for a sauna and cold plunge. 

Young 

Why visit: The rich soils of Young see its history spanning early gold mining, grazing and fruit growing, and today it stands proudly as the cherry capital of Australia. Here you’ll find beautiful colonial architecture, markets stocked with local treasures and nearby vineyards and orchards bursting with fruit, all complemented by a local community with deep roots. Young is a friendly place to stay for a little or a long time.  
 

  
Must-see attraction: You can’t miss Young’s iconic Big Cherries or picking your own at Ballinaclash Fruit and Wine. If timing allows, the National Cherry Festival in early December is a wonderful celebration of local history, community and produce. Over three days, the festival brings together live music, rides, markets, fruit-picking and, of course, cherries showcased in many forms.   

Where to eat: Head to Hussy Specialty Coffee and Kitchen for a breakfast of champions before heading out for a day in the vineyards. Book a wine tasting at Freeman Vineyards to try Italian varietals grown in the Hilltops Region or stop by Bulla Creek Brewing Co on a weekend to try the beers and bites from the food trucks that roll through. For elegant plates and drinks that hero local ingredients, The Cranfield in town is a lovely dinner spot.  

Where to stay: The Cherry Blossom Motor Inn and the Young Federation Motor Inn are well-located stays to keep you connected to the action. And, if you’re camping, caravanning or looking for a cabin, the Young Tourist Caravan Park is your best bet. If you’re after a little more luxury, The Old Brick Pub blends Gold Rush-era heritage with designer details for a delightful stay for one to four.  

Tip: If you have an eye for design, you can scout the area’s history via the Hilltops Architecture Trail. Highlighting the grand homes, charming pubs, antique stores and colonial landmarks throughout the region, this trail runs through towns including Young, Boorowa, Wombat and Harden. The Lambing Flat Chinese Tribute Gardens will be up your alley too.  

Scotts Head 

Why visit: Whether you’re heading north on a road trip or looking to settle in for a few days, Scotts Head is a beautiful place to relax and unwind. Less than an hour from Coffs Harbour, this under-the-radar coastal village is awash with mellow vibes and surrounded by natural beauty, meaning you’ll ease right into local life. 

Must-see attraction: Nature absolutely dazzles in Scotts Head. From the top of the regal headland, you’ll see Little Beach on the right and the sweeping shores of Scotts Head Beach on the left. This is part of Gaagal Wanggaan (South Beach) National Park, which stretches for kilometres – all the way to Nambucca Heads. There are plenty of beach tracks and forest hikes, as well as the calm waters of Warrell Creek, ideal for canoeing, kayaking, swimming and birdwatching too.  

Where to eat: The relaxed pace of life in Scotts Head is mirrored in its handful of dining options. Head to Driftwood Wholefood Cafe for cracking brekkies and lunches made with fresh local produce or swing by Club Scotts for pub classics, pizzas and a game of lawn bowls. If you’re hungry for more, you’re 45 minutes’ drive from Bellingen, which is home to lots of choices including The Thirsty Dumpling for bang-on breakfasts, Bruno’s Mediterranean Kitchen for big flavours made with local produce and Fiume for elevated Italian.  

Where to stay: With tiny homes, cabins and powered sites, Reflections Scotts Head puts you right on the water in the pad of your choosing with dogs allowed too. There are also three elegant suites on offer at Driftwood Villa, where you’ll be just 50 metres from the sand.  

Tip: Immerse yourself in the ancient story of this land on the 1.5-hour Gaagal Yuludarla (ocean dreaming) experience with Unkya Local Aboriginal Land Council Cultural Eco Tours. Here, your Aboriginal guide will share the Gumbaynggirr people’s deep spiritual connection as you walk onto the headland hearing creation stories and learning about traditional foods, hunting methods, medicines and language.  

Rylstone 

Why visit: If you’re drawn to history, wining, dining and proximity to nature, Rylstone will warmly welcome you. Set within the rich farming land of the Mudgee region, Rylstone is well situated for wine tasting and boasts stunning local produce and eateries. Dotted with historic stone buildings and full of charm, it’s a lovely spot where you can get to know the locals.

Must-see attraction: Ganguddy-Dunns Swamp is an incredible site of natural beauty and cultural significance just outside of Rylstone. There are walking tracks (one is suitable for wheelchairs and prams) and the tranquil waters of the Cudgeong River are ideal for kayaking, canoeing and swimming and pagoda rock formations are awe-inspiring. This is a really special place. To see it and get acquainted with all the stunning surrounds, the four-day Rylstone and Wollemi National Park Self-Guided Cycling Tour is a great option. 

Where to eat: Stop past The Country Plate to pick up handmade sweets, sauces, chutneys and relishes made with local ingredients. To sample more of the region’s fruits, book in a tasting experience at the 180-year-old cellar door of De Beaurepaire Wines. When it comes to lunch, don’t miss yum cha at 29 Nine 99 – a local institution that serves more than 30 types of dumplings, steamed buns and desserts – or head to The Globe Hotel for pub classics. 

Where to stay: Ease into local life with a stay atop The Globe Hotel or find a powered or unpowered site at Rylstone Caravan Park. If you want a bit more seclusion and the perks of two outdoor bathtubs for relaxing and stargazing, Into The Wild Escapes – Tiny Maggie is a gem. 

Tip: The third Sunday of every month is when you can peruse local wares at The Rylstone Sunday Morning Community Markets in The Globe Gardens and The Historical Society grounds.   

Tamworth 

Why visit: Not only the home of the largest and longest country music festival in the Southern Hemisphere, Tamworth has so much to offer beyond a jam-packed events calendar. Whether you’re keen to get to know the locals at the Tamworth Marsupial Park, connect with fellow music lovers or get a taste of the agricultural bounty of the high-altitude New England region, you’ll find so much to delight.  
 

Must-see attraction: From the Big Golden Guitar, the Australian Country Music Hall of Fame to the Toyota Tamworth Country Music Festival in January, the sounds of Tamworth are celebrated all year long. 

Where to eat: Slide into all-day breakfast and relaxed lunch at The Bell House or check out Hissy Fits Cafe for on-point coffee and big-flavoured bites. To take your pick from prime Australian beef, head to The Workshop Kitchen, where the woodfired Argentine parrilla grills are put to good use. And, for elevated breakfasts, dinners and weekend lunches, Goonoo Goonoo Station is a standout.   

Where to stay: Check into a villa, cabin, powered or ensuite site at BIG4 Paradise Tamworth – Paradise Tourist Park and you’re 10-minutes’ walk from the Australian Country Music Hall of Fame. If you want to immerse yourself in the local community, book a stay at The Tamworth Hotel, which offers free parking and easy access to the bistro. To lean into luxury, there’s the five-star Powerhouse Hotel Tamworth by Rydges (where you’ll also find The Workshop Kitchen). 

Tip: The Tamworth area’s events calendar is worth checking out before your trip. From rodeos, live music and comedy, to local markets and livestock sales, there’s so much happening here.