IF YOU’RE IN CANBERRA
Snowy Mountains
The peaks offer much more than skiing – think horseriding, fishing and first-rate accommodation.
Stay
Tinkersfield (tinkersfield.com. au), in Crackenback, between Jindabyne and Thredbo, is a self-catered destination that blends indoor comfort and outdoor adventure. There are luxury huts for couples or larger spaces for families and groups, all with rain showers and
European appliances. From here, explore the rugged high country on horseback or by foot.
Eat
Birchwood café in Jindabyne (birchwoodcafe.com.au) builds flavour-packed dishes using local fruit and veg with add-ons such as smoked mountain trout and free-range eggs. On the shores of Lake Crackenback, with views to the ranges, Cuisine Restaurant
& Bar (lakecrackenback.com.au) is renowned for its grill menu.
Drink
Nothing says “mountain resort” like a warming shot of schnapps. The Wildbrumby Schnapps Distillery (wildbrumby.com) in Thredbo also makes its own gin and vodka.
Play
The region hosts a number of festivals, including food and wine extravaganza Tumbarumba
Tastebuds in October and the Kosciuszko Craft Beer Festival at the end of summer. Or sign up for an alpine photography workshop in Kosciuszko National Park’s secret corners with local photographer Mike Edmondson (mikeedmondson.com.au).
The Riverina
With towns like Wagga Wagga and Gundagai, this region is one of the ACT’s great food bowls, reflected in its growing collection of restaurants and bars.
Stay
Kimo Estate (kimoestate.com), 10 minutes outside Gundagai, is a 2800-hectare working farm that offers a range of luxury accommodation options, including three off-grid eco huts that are positioned high on grassy hills looking over the surrounding countryside.
Eat
All your culinary pursuits lie a 50-minute drive away in Wagga Wagga. Thirsty Crow
Brewing Co. (thirstycrow.com.au) specialises in beer and pub grub but surprises with a thoughtful wine list that includes bottles from the vineyards at nearby Charles Sturt University. Or sit down for an organic feast at wholefoods café Planted Cootamundra (plantedcootamundra.com).
Drink
The hip Birdhouse Bar & Kitchen (birdhousebar.com.au) in Wagga Wagga does a signature New York Sour cocktail that’s a standout.
Play
Wagga Beach is an inviting stretch of lawn, sand and eucalypts on the banks of the mighty Murrumbidgee River. It’s a great place to go for a paddle, taking care of the strong currents. The Riverina punches well above its weight in fresh produce so do a gourmet cooking class at Food I Am (foodiam. com.au) in Springvale.