Featuring an array of adventure tours, fishing spots and monumental heritage, Cooma is a welcoming gateway to the Snowy Mountains. Head here in the skiing and snowboarding seasons for a Winter Wonderland, or alternatively, plan to fill your calendar outside the colder months with everything from a wildflower walk or alpine hike.

Stroll the Lambie Town Walk and have a picnic in Centennial Park. Join the https://www.snowymonaroflyfishing.com.au/ team on a guided tour, or https://www.riverguide.com.au/ for white-water rafting on the Snowy River. If walking isn’t your thing, hit the high country on horseback with https://www.horseridingnow.com.au/listing/yarramba/.

For food and dining options, https://visitcooma.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Cooma-Region-Dining-Guide-2019-1.pdf for a complete restaurant guide.

There is plenty on offer that makes Leura so special: from a winning combination of regal gardens, to toys in a mansion, sweet shop delights and impressive arts and crafts stores.

http://www.leuramall.com/ features semi-abstract artworks, craftworks, furniture and trinkets. There’s the Leura Toy Shop (a major hit with kids) and a famously antiquated https://candystore.com.au/ in which rows of tantalisingly transparent jars loaded with traditional candies, licorice and chocolates generate a constant flow of giddy clientele.

https://www.toyandrailwaymuseum.com.au/, a bright, white 19th-century mansion ringed by gardens and overlooking the Jamison Valley, is jam-packed with fabulous toys from the last century. A visit to Leura also isn’t complete without a bushwalk (Leura Cascades is an idyllic starting point) or a visit to the expansive 1930s’ designed https://www.nationaltrust.org.au/places/everglades-house-gardens/.

Once a thriving provincial centre, home to steam boats and traders who frequented the area in the 1850s, Bairnsdale is now a thriving hub of East Gippsland. Stop here for a history lesson, or to explore the arts, food and retail scene. https://cv.vic.gov.au/organisations/krowathunkooloong-keeping-place/ is home to the heritage and culture of the traditional Gunaikurnai people in Brabawooloong Country.

The https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/explore/parks/macleod-morass-w.r. features 520 hectares of wetlands, rich in animal life, a boardwalk, bird-watching and a walking track. If you get hungry, Northern Ground on the main street dishes up big flavours. Try https://www.facebook.com/mainhotelbairnsdale/ for some great pub grub.

Country Victorian towns rarely get cuter than this. The https://www.orbostexhibitioncentre.org/is a mighty drawcard, particularly as its found smack-bang in the picturesque Forest Park.

Also found inside is https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Slab-Hut/1736803229893802, a fully furnished period settler’s home built in 1872. And don’t leave the region without stopping at Grandview Lookout, perfect for sweeping views of Orbost and the surrounding Snowy River.

Spend your days exploring Croajingolong National Park, filling up your esky at http://www.surfshack.com.au/ and the local IGA. For shopping, the affectionately-known http://www.suesbribes.com/ is the home for gifts. You can also browse the racks at one of the local op shops: https://www.facebook.com/mallacootacommunityopshopinc/ and the St Peter’s Op Shop are our picks.

Another major ‘Coota drawcard is the April’s https://www.wildharvestseafoodfestival.com/, which celebrates some of Australia’s freshest and most outstanding local seafood, produce, beer and wine. And while you’re in town, don’t leave without turning your radio dial to the https://3mgb.org.au/. The team was an instrumental source of news, alerts and comfort for communities, broadcasting 24 hours a day during the fires.

If you’re interested in a day trip with plenty of picturesque views, local history and a chance to truly switch off, Tharwa is our pick. Create a custom knife at https://www.tharwavalleyforge.com/, Australia’s largest bladesmithing school.

Or check out the http://tharwastore.com.au/, an adorable treasure trove of antiques and the perfect place to stop for a country pie.

Kangaroo Island is a destination for gourmands and gadabouts. A 540km-long stretch of rugged multi-hued beauty, largely preserved in its natural state thanks to its Ark-like remoteness yet still offering the comforts of modernity thanks to mindful businesses embracing everything seasonal, sustainable and the artisanal. Seals, whales, dolphins, birds… take your pick.

Kangaroo Island’s ocean life is as diverse below sea level as it is on land. http://kimarineadventures.com.au/ takes visitors directly to the action all-year long.If you’re hungry, feasting is all part of the KI fun. The two major pubs – https://www.penneshawhotel.com.au/ and https://www.auroraresorts.com.au/Aurora-Ozone/index.php – are worthwhile, with great views for sunset dining in warm weather. http://www.bellacafekangarooisland.com.au/ is a favourite among locals, and you’ll find https://www.kifseafoods.com.au/, which is actually in the Caltex, has the best fish and chips on the island. Whiting is the KI fish to order.

One of KI’s best producers, http://dudleywines.com.au/, has a cellar door opposite the http://iev.com.au/. Alternatively, The Islander Estate Vineyards is the most celebrated local winery.

Visit Bright anytime between April and May and you’ll witness its incredible https://www.brightautumnfestival.org.au/ with the streets lined with trees ablaze with red, orange and copper-coloured leaves. If you’re feeling the stride in your step, then make your way through https://www.victoriashighcountry.com.au/listing/bright-canyon-walk/. https://gingerbaker.com.au/ whips up amazing and drool-worthy breakfasts each morning.

https://what-you-eat-cafe.business.site/ is a completely vegan and vegetarian eatery that will knock your socks off. The https://ringerreef.com.au/ is a small-operated winery and vineyard that has a gorgeous view of Mt Buffalo and the Buckland Valley. Head to https://www.reedandcodistillery.com/ for dinner and try to nab a seat at the bar right in front of the open kitchen.

If you’re thinking of staying a couple of days in Bright (definitely the right choice), then consider the http://www.chaletslumineux.com.au/ on Back Porepunkah Road. These self-contained spaces are sitting within lush lawns and gardens for optimal privacy.

Come for the white-water kayaking and platypus spotting, stay for the array of community charm at your fingertips. Stop at https://www.facebook.com/nymboidacoffee/ for a morning pick-me-up before your day of adventure, and be sure to hire all your wares from the local https://nymboidacanoecentre.com/ centre.

If you base yourself in https://www.australiantraveller.com/nsw/north-coast/grafton/, make it in late October and early November for the annual https://www.australiantraveller.com/nsw/north-coast/grafton/. It’s at this time when the streets and parks are transformed as the colourful jacaranda trees explode in all their purple glory. You’ll also find plenty of arts both visual (http://bit.ly/2Kqfg5H) and performing (http://www.saraton.com/Page/Home) to fill your itinerary with.

Beechworth is by far the best-preserved 19th Century gold-mining town in Australia. Not a single building in the town’s centre feels 20th, let alone 21st, century.

Hidden behind the Ford Street shops is a 150-year-old coach house where Ned Kelly used to park his (stolen) horse while drinking at the pub. Now, its home to craft-beer haven, http://bridgeroadbrewers.com.au/. Browsing the shops, cafes and museums can easily fill a day or more; you’ll be trying on clothes, enjoying a wine (or two), tasting honey, eating sweets, shopping for antiques and revelling in quirky finds.

Try https://www.thepressroomwinebar.com.au/menu for upscale fare, or https://www.empirehotelbeechworth.com.au/ for relaxed dining. Gundowring is a worthy day trip, home to https://gundowringfinefoods.com.au/, where the licorice flavour was just voted the best in the country. That’s a pretty big deal.

A beautiful seaside town at the mouth of the Clyde River, Bateman’s Bay is tucked between beaches perfect for fishing, swimming and paddling. Navigate the Clyde’s 38 km of river, which winds through national park.

Visit oyster farms along the way (https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/south-coast/batemans-bay-and-eurobodalla/batemans-bay/food-and-drink/oyster-shed-wray-street, https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/south-coast/batemans-bay-and-eurobodalla/batemans-bay/food-and-drink/pearly-oyster-bar-and-farm, https://www.facebook.com/ralstonbrosoysters.com.au/). At the beach, there’s kayaking, scuba diving, surfing and rock-wall fishing. Head to local favourite https://www.facebook.com/northstreetcafeandbarbatemansbay/ for chef Drew Tweedie’s refined fare using local produce, or Sam’s Pizza for a classic pie enjoyed take-away. http://www.clyderiverhouseboats.com.au/ are great value if you’ve got a big group.

On dry land, https://www.joalah.com.au/ offers quiet waterfront cabins in the Murramarang National Park. Or https://lincolndowns.com.au/ Inn is a country-style homestead by the sea.

The Hills are alive with diversity. It’s a little bit country – expect rolling hills, curvy mountains and vineyards galore. It’s also a little bit suburban, with heritage homes and colonial gardens galore. And of course there’s the region’s cultural heritage, which makes it extra special.

A guided tour through The Cedars is a must for art-lovers, as well as the Aptos Cruz Galleries and http://hahndorfacademy.org.au/.

If food is more your thing, spend a day at the https://www.stickyricecookingschool.com.au/, or book a table at one of the many (many) restaurants. While there are too many to name, we shall try our best: http://www.thewhitehousehahndorf.com.au/ for inexpensive French-style fine dining, https://www.locavore.com.au/ for great wine and tapas, The Stirling Hotel for bustling pub bistro, http://www.harrissmokehouse.com.au/home.html for a smoking showcase, https://www.beerenberg.com.au/61/Pick-Your-Own-Strawberries serves so much more than strawberries, and for cheese, try wither http://woodsidecheese.com.au/ or Udder Delights.

Filled with pristine beaches, natural bushland and a community of inspired artists, Two Rocks (and neighbouring Yanchep) is filled with promising itinerary fillers. Visit the https://parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au/park/yanchep, which frames the town, only stopping for a picnic by Wagardu Lake.

Experience the underground world of Crystal Cave, a limestone cave which you can peruse on a 45-minute guided tour. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, taste the local produce at one of the many dining options on offer.

The http://www.tphtworocks.com/ is a local fave, as well as https://www.facebook.com/2rocks2/ and http://www.oscarandsons.com.au/.

Nestled within the heart of Australian heritage, take a trip to the gateway of both the New England and Northern Rivers regions. Stroll the historical streets on the town’s self-guided heritage walk, making your way through antique buildings with plenty of stories to tell.

Be sure to stop at the Sir Henry Parkes Memorial School of Arts, now a https://www.tenterfieldtourism.com.au/business-details.php?bid=2 where the colonial politician made his famous 1889 speech calling for Australia’s federation. There are a breadth of eating opportunities on offer.

https://www.ourplacewinebar.com/ sources local food and wine or, for a more casual option, try https://www.facebook.com/tenterfieldgourmetpizza/. Visit the first pub in NSW, The https://www.tenterfieldtourism.com.au/business-details.php?bid=132 or The http://www.tenterfieldtavernmotorinn.com.au/ for classic, hearty fare.

You might recognise Cranbrook for a couple of reasons. Firstly there are the incredible pink salt lakes that dominate the region – well worth exploring on a trip here. Second is Bluff Noll. It’s the highest peak in southern WA, with more than 1000 species of wildflowers, including a range of carnivorous sundews – step off the track at your own peril.

When you’re done exploring the natural landmarks, set your sights on some of the local vineyards. The https://franklandriverregion.com.au/ is a must-do while in town, as is a visit to http://www.alkoomiwines.com.au/, Bobtail Ridge Winery and Ferntail.

The https://www.australiantraveller.com/nsw/south-coast/best-activities-to-do-on-the-nsw-south-coast-in-winter/ town of Milton is not as ‘secret’ as it used to be, but still serves up plenty of adorable low key charm. The newly-renovated https://www.shoalhaven.com/products/milton-hotel serves as a part restaurant, part brewery, helmed by local chef (ex-Bannisters) and pro body boarder Damien Martin.

https://cupitt.com.au/restaurant/ is much-loved winery with a vineyard setting perfect for kids and dogs. In Ulladulla, https://theruse.com.au/ overlooks the harbour, serving up an inspired menu inspired by Central American flavours.

For shopping, Milton village hosts a number of reasonably priced homeware stores. https://spaces2538.com.au/ is a generously sized local favourite, as well as retro furniture store https://www.facebook.com/pages/Revival-Old-Furniture-Homewares/547644082080500.

When in the Southern Highlands, do as the locals do: eat (and drink) well. Moss Vale’s http://birchrestaurant.com.au/ is a beautifully conceived offering with award-winning chef Lachlan Houghton (Vue de Monde, Three Blue Ducks) heading the kitchen.

Head to the ivy-covered https://www.rcoffeeco.com.au/ in Mittagong for cracking coffee and classics with a twist (prosciutto blue cheese sandwich with caramelised fig jam, anyone?) Bowral’s http://www.ludobowral.com/ is an Instagram beacon of beautiful blues and Parisian-chic fittings. And don’t miss Moss Vale’s exceedingly pretty https://www.highlandsmerchant.com.au/. https://harryswinebarbowral.com/ wine bar and bistro is an idyllic slice of Parisian-salon-meets-Raffles style.

In Moss Vale, the new https://www.southernhighlandsbrewing.com.au/ is part beer-hall, part bistro. Mittagong’s https://www.edenbrewery.beer/brewery serves up its handcrafted beers using green energy; and the historic http://www.burrawanghotel.com/ is a refreshed watering hole.

Known as the birthplace of the legendary Man From Snowy River, there is plenty more to Corryong than poetry and fiction. Head to Playle’s Lookout for panoramic town views, taking in the nearby Snowy Mountains and Kosciuszko National Park.

And if all that nature works up an appetite, https://www.facebook.com/blacksheepcorryong/ is a trendy cafe with views of Mt Mittamatite. https://www.facebook.com/Legendsonhansen/ also lives up to its name, or try the http://facebook.com/UpperMurrayCommunityBakery/ for some take-away goods.

https://www.facebook.com/treatitnaturally1/ serves as a gift shop and massage therapist all in one – just for those who deserve it!

Begin your Gippsland Lakes boating journey in Sale. Here you’ll have access to the entire lakes region, eventually connecting to the ocean at Lakes Entrance.

Back on land, explore the precinct’s selection of cafes and restaurants, or check out town talents at the https://www.gippslandartgallery.com/. There’s also plenty of history to discover at the http://www.gippslandarmedforcesmuseum.com/.

‘Go big or go home’ or so the expression goes and Taree certainly received the memo. In town you’ll find the iconic Big Oyster, opened by Nick Greiner in 1990. Obviously worth the trip on its own, there are a few options to fill your stomach while you’re in town. https://www.facebook.com/Raw-Sugar-166025930075638/ is a breakfast favourite, as well as https://www.facebook.com/CafeThymeTaree/. For a nice view, try https://sailos.com.au/sailos-restaurant-at-the-club/, or https://m.facebook.com/twohans.taree for sushi.

To wash it all down, there are an array of Manning Valley vineyards that deserve a little attention. http://visitmanningvalley.com.au/listing/jacaranda-estate-vineyard/ takes its name from the two magnificent old Jacarandas at the front gate, or try https://villadesta.com.au/, the place that produces using traditional Hungarian winemaking techniques.

Fine surfing beaches, access to the Shoalhaven River AND surrounded by wineries – the charms of Shoalhaven Heads on the NSW South Coast are evident. By day, play 18-holes at the scenic https://theheadsgolf.com.au/, or pack a locally shopped picnic in the Native Botanic Gardens – The Dairy Bar, Table Talk Cafe and Pizza Loco are great places to stock up.

https://www.bangalayvillas.com.au/ gets a lot of attention from locals and visitors, for both its restaurant and accommodation; it’s one of the prime spots to eat, play and stay on the NSW South Coast. https://www.coolangattaestate.com.au/ is another standout in the region, with an appetising modern Australian menu alongside a cellar door. https://mountainridgewines.com.au/ is also fun for live music once a month.

If you’re frequented a bottle-o in the last, oh 100 years, you’re likely to know all about Rutherglen. Boasting more than 20-award winning wineries (alongside outstanding restaurants and cafes) thirsty holiday-goers should put this town high on their to-do list.

Scratch the surface on a long history at cellar doors (https://www.joneswinery.com.au/restaurant/, https://chambersrosewood.com.au/, https://www.debortoli.com.au/we-love-wine/our-cellar-doors/rutherglen/, https://www.morriswines.com/), sit down for a wine and dine (https://www.allsaintswine.com.au/terrace-restaurant, http://www.stleonardswine.com.au/, https://www.pickledsisters.com.au/) or sleep among the vines (https://www.moodemerewines.com.au/, https://www.cofieldwines.com.au/glamping/, http://www.mountophirestate.com.au/).