Because there's no such thing as too much wine-tasting, visit De Bortoli Wines’s original cellar door at Bilbul. Be sure to sample their range of wines, including their Noble One which was named one of New World's Top 10 Sweet Wines in 2019.

No visit to Griffith is complete without stopping by Limone Dining, whose finely crafted dishes speak to the heritage of the city's distinctive food and wine culture cultivated by many Italian immigrants who settled in Griffith after the First and Second World Wars. After tasting the fresh produce sourceddaily from nearby Piccolo Farm, the head chef’s family farm, be sure to take a self-guided winery tour.

For something a little different, take a detour to Whitton Malt House. Opened in 2020 and overlooking Lake Hulong, it brings together the various products that distillers, brewers and bakers produce from its malt under one architecturally designed roof. Book in for lunch at its restaurant – where inventive dishes include a starter of house-made pretzel made with malted flour topped with Murray River salt and a side of beer cheese – and maybe even check-in for an overnight stay.

Make the most of Narranderaby overnighting at Lake Talbot Tourist Park, which offers camp spots and cabins as well as kayak hire.

In the shady embrace of this town's river red gums, you’ll also find the Narrandera Nature Reserve, known locally as Koala Reserve for the 200 koalas that live and hang out here – sometimes literally, on branches overhanging the river.

Located in the town’s old flour mill, the Junee Licorice and Chocolate Factory is an icon; take a guided tour to see how its sweet treats are made and stop for hot chocolate made with melted organic Belgium-styled couverture chocolate at its on-site Millroom Restaurant.

Consider staying the night in or around town. Belisi Farmstay Cottage – 15 minutes’ drive north-east of town – offers country luxury in swish recycled shipping containers looking back over Wagga, the stunning Riverina countryside and the mountains beyond.

On your way out of town towards Tumut, 25 kilometres east of Wagga, drop into the cellar door at Borambola Wines for a tasting of its estate-grown wines, beer and cider, a platter of local produce, and a tale or two; Borambola Homestead has a storied history that includes royalty and bushrangers which owner-operator Tim McMullen is more than happy to share.

For a truly special experience, settle in for the night at Nimbo Fork Lodge, 20 minutes’ drive north of town, which offers raw natural beauty and a collection of luxury suites and cottages at the fork of Tumut River and Nimbo Creek. The latest addition to this former fishing lodge comes courtesy of Three Blue Ducks, the Sydney-based purveyors of authentic and ethical dining experiences. Here at their new Nimbo restaurant, this translates to exquisite dishes that hero Snowy Valleys produce including fresh local trout and nettles and herbs foraged straight from the property’s own riverbank.

Next up on the agenda is lunch at micro-brewery Tumut River Brewing Co, which serves gourmet pizzas and craft beer in a funky-feeling converted tyre shop.

At Crafty Cider you’ll also meet the motley crew of animals, camels included, that live on the property’s SMART Animal Sanctuary.

For lunch with a view visit Courabyra Wines, one of the original vineyards in this cool-climate wine region where you can sample white wines and sparkling as crisp, green and fresh as the landscape around you. Or give the designated driver a day off by booking a tour with Tumbarumba Touring Company, which customises small-group tours taking in the region’s vineyards for cellar door openings and wine tastings with a smattering of local food and produce.

Nest Cinema Cafe Books is a real hidden gem of the region that operates as a boutique cinema, artfully curated bookstore and cafe serving a creative menu of seasonal dishes and Friday night pizzas.

Next, descend into Kosciuszko’s deep green valleys for a dip in the Yarrangobilly Thermal Pool. Surrounded by nature and soaking in the 27˚C mineral waters, it’s the ideal way to wind down after such an extraordinary adventure.