At the end of July this year I hit the road, travelling throughout regional NSW to promote my coffee table book Small Pleasures. Being a country girl at heart and growing up in the Hunter Valley for the first 20 years of my life, I was excited to explore our some of these beautiful country towns we are blessed to be able to visit. So after covering off 2000km’s solo in my trusty hilux - I want to share with you a range of stays, places to eat and sunbox photographic moments along the way. From Quirindi, Dubbo and down to orange, up to Bowral and across to Sydney and of course - nonetheless, my home town, the Hunter. Please Enjoy and I hope it inspires you to hit the road. All stays are linked and located at the end - happy travels!

Departure

Ok first things first, when I left Brisbane I chose to drive the in-land New England way first as I think there’s so many stunning country moments to stop in, along the way. So here’s my short list of favourite spots below!

Stonefruit - Bar and cafe in Tenterfield
The Alternate root - Cafe, Uralla

Pictured:

Row 1 - Stonefruit

Row 2 - The Alternate Root

Row 3 - Uralla details

Stay 01 - Gilay Estate

Welcoming you to this luxury off grid retreat located in the heart of Quirindi known as Gilay Estate. If slowing down, a good fire, a hot tub, a scenic view and woodfired pizza is your jam, then this stay is for you. I’ll let the Sun Box snaps do the talking because she is a stay to be seen.

Quirindi > Dubbo

I drove to Dubbo firstly because I have always wanted to visit the beautiful Foray Design store, a stunning homewares store in town owned by the lovely Jemima Aldridge. Secondly - we always used to head out to Dubbo family holidays and horse shows when I was a little kid. So here’s a few recommendations if you’re calling in!

Shop - Foray Design, I would also stop by their beautiful leather goods store - Saddler and Co.

Eat and Caffeinate - Press Cafe Dubbo

Pictured:

Row 1 - Foray, Row 2 - Press Cafe

Dubbo > Orange

After popping into Dubbo I made my way down to Orange. Everyone raves about this country town and boy is she not only chilly but super cute!

Stay 02 - Basalt

If staying in a beautiful villa at the top of a family owned cherry farm overlooking Orange wasn’t on your to do list. It now should be. Waking up to first light as the sun comes up with a burning fire and kangaroos mazing through the orchard makes her pretty spectacular. Enjoy some of these special moments as we take you BTS of this incredible stay.

When popping into town into orange, I’d highly recommend visiting Racine Bakery for delicious pastries, Academy coffee to get caffeinated, Dirty Janes if you love curated antiques and beautiful bits and bobs as well as visiting Jumbled.

Orange > Bowral

One of my all time favourite places to visit when down south is Bowral, located in the Southern Highlands. With so many gorgeous shops, cafes, and picturesque houses, she makes you feel like you could be in the English Countryside.

When in town, have coffee and breakfast at The Plantation Cafe, peruse the rows of books at the Bowral Bookstore and eat dinner at the local Italian - Etcetera.

Stay 03 - The Potting Shed

I stayed at the most gorgeous Airbnb called The Potting Shed, located 3-5 minutes from the main street, a stay that is not only idyllic but also convenient.

Bowral > Sydney

A hot little hit list of some of my favourite spots I visit when I’m in the big smoke in Sydney!

Coffee/Breakfast: Barbetta - Paddington, Humble - Surry Hills.

Dinner: Fratelli Paradiso - Potts Point, Seans, Bondi

Shopping: Paddington

Sydney > Maitland

I had to include some home gems for you guys whether your passing through, stopping for a glass of wine or going for a dip in the Newy Ocean - there’s some definite to-do’s for you!

Coffee: Cafe Seraphine, Icky Sticky Patisserie and Worn out Wares.

Swim: Newcastle Baths or Mereweather Beach

Vineyards/Dining: Bistro Molines

Peruse: Maitland Art gallery

Travel Guide - Road Tripping Regional NSW