NEW SOUTH WALES
Tasting Room
If you haven’t yet discovered the delights of Jugiong, here’s something for your must-do list. The little town on the Murrumbidgee is just a few minutes drive off the Hume Highway (along the road to Gundagai) and is home to countless retail gems – the newest of which is Tasting Room. From the team behind one of our all-time favourites, Long Track Pantry (and just around the corner from it), it’s a shrine to their outstanding smallbatch food range. The cellar-door style shop offers tastings of the Pantry’s 30-plus home-style creations. Shoppers can sample fruit jams, marmalades, chutneys, dressings, sauces, honeys, olives, granolas, vinegars, caramels and cordials, to name a few — plus, of course, that signature smoked trout pâté (trust us: once you try it, you’ll buy it). Owners Juliet and Huw Robb, keen to share the best of the Hilltops region, feature local producers in-store on a rotating basis, and there’s also a spying window into the export-accredited commercial kitchen for learning tricks and tips. Whether you’re stocking your own pantry, need the perfect small gift or a glorious gourmet hamper, you’ll find boxed-price and mixed-dozen discounts here. And once you’ve explored the rest of the village (all within a short walk), there’s handy takeaway coffee for getting back on the road. Unit 3, 4 Doors Up, Jugiong Road, Jugiong, (02) 6945 4144, longtrackpantry.com.au
Design & Detail
Breathe in the Alpine air and immerse yourself in mountain country via Design & Detail, Jindabyne. Locals and visitors to the gateway town to the NSW winter wonderland have been enjoying the store’s stylish offerings for 17 years. Designer Diana Mcinnes describes the feel of her shop as “Ralph Lauren meets Swiss chalet, in a uniquely Australian environment”. Looking over the Snowy Mountains from the warmth inside, shoppers can browse Diana’s chic selection of earthy, muted colours and tactile textures. “People come to me to furnish their mountain home, chalet or lodge, as well as to buy personal items for themselves,” says Diana. Our top picks include stunning Pendleton blankets depicting Native American designs, Sabé Masson soft perfumes from Paris (ideal for après ski), an eclectic range of vintage cowboy boots from the US, Akubra hats, and snug children’s knitwear by Bow & Arrow. All products are available online. Shop 6, Snowy Mountains Plaza, Jindabyne, 0418 499 704, designdetail.com.au
QUEENSLAND Palm Noosa
This cute weatherboard shopfront on Hastings Street has Hamptons-style good looks and is in fine company location-wise. With Noosa institution Massimo’s Gelateria on one side and cocktail hotspot Locale across the road, it’s no surprise regulars at the beach destination already know and love Palm Noosa. Opened in 2018, the relative newcomer to the strip sells luxe linen garments and playful resort wear, designed by founder Pippa Hannon and handcrafted in India. Bright prints and feminine flourishes sing of summer, evoking thoughts of balmy nights and Mediterranean >
holidays. Shoppers walk in year-round with sandy toes to browse dresses, matching separates and accessories, plus a range of men’s shirts and shorts. Follow @palm.noosa on Instagram to preview coveted new seasons before they land; and if you’re not planning a trip to Noosa soon, you can shop online. Shop 3, 71 Hastings Street, Noosa, 0457 170 000, palmnoosa.com.au
Charlotte’s Nest
There’s no shortage of fun to be had at this social spot in outback Queensland. Charlotte’s Nest was originally an outlet for owner Courtney Bylett to sell her millinery creations, but quickly expanded into a gift and homewares store. “We do enjoy the finer things in life, despite our isolated location!” jests Courtney. The hub also serves coffee with a reliable rotation of homemade sweets. “Our regulars all know which day is which treat,” says Courtney. “God forbid there are no macarons on a Monday or Anzac caramel squares on a Friday!” A woman of many talents, Courtney moonlights as a flight nurse for the Royal Flying Doctor Service. She fondly credits her team of ‘birds’ at the Nest, plus numerous family members, with getting her business to where it is today. She suggests it takes a village, and it’s clear there’s great community spirit in Charleville. “Walking into the shop is like coming home — we know everyone’s names and coffee orders,” says Courtney. “There’s plenty of space to wield a pram and we try to be as wheelchairfriendly as possible — easily accessible for everyone.” 77–81 Galatea Street, Charleville, 0457 602 405, charlottesnest.myshopify.com
“Our regulars all know which day is which treat. God forbid there are no macarons on a Monday or Anzac caramel squares on a Friday!”
SOUTH AUSTRALIA Alabaster Store
With five children between them, long-time friends and business partners Skye Underwood and Donna Montgomerie admit that running Alabaster Store — open seven days — brings extra chaos to their lives. Not that you’d know by stepping inside. The pair have created a neat, breezy, light-filled sanctuary of fashion and homewares in the Barossa town of Tanunda. Whitewashed floors offset cool designer brands, on-trend colours and lots of indoor plants. Be sure to check out the lush linen wear by Alessandra, great dresses by Zoe Kratzmann and, of course, pieces by beloved SA label Binny (known to sell out within 24 hours). Add Mrs Fisher’s Pottery to the mix, plus Castle textiles, and it’s your one-stop shop for gifts, too. Alabaster Store sells online and ships Australia-wide. 69 Murray Street, Tanunda, (08) 8563 0857, alabasterstore.com.au
VICTORIA Frankie & Mae
Having experienced first-hand the joys of a country childhood, Michelle Murrell wanted to provide the same upbringing for her children, prompting a move to the idyllic town of Trentham in 2015. It wasn’t long before she opened Frankie & Mae, a womenswear store that’s named after her two girls and specialises in natural fibres. “It felt like an opportunity to draw on my extensive retail experience with a more sustainable approach,” explains Michelle. Natural colours, artistic prints and textured fabrics reign, with a focus on fine details and finishes. Follow@ frankie and mae_ trent ham for some fabulous daily outfit inspiration. 46 High Street, Trentham, (03) 5424 1609, frankieandmae.com.au >