Taking the Princes Highway route from Sydney will make for plenty of alluring pit stops but our advice is to split the 5.45hr journey down the middle and stop at Dusty’s Garden Bar at Cupitts Estate, Ulladulla.

The estate’s more casual dining option is outdoors all year round so wrap up during winter or warm up with a wine from the cellar door and experience the farm-to-table philosophy brought to life through the estate’s appreciation of the unique local environment and community.

Cupitt’s ‘Sunset Sessions’ showcase talented musicians who will serenade you as the sun disappears and the glow of the firepit brightens up the night.  We recommend the alcohol-free ‘Grove Margarita’ for the driver.

If ‘alcohol-free’ isn’t how you holiday, Bega is a one-hour flight and 20-minute drive via Merimbula from Sydney. Friday afternoon departure options include the 2.15 pm with Rex or use up your points on the 12.05 pm Qantas flight to enjoy the lounge and bubbles before you board.

A bus or a taxi can take you the short drive to Bega from Merimbula airport.

The PeaNut Eatery on Ayres Street offers an inauguration to country life with a city-style reception. $12 tapas and $12 cocktails are only available on Fridays until 8.30 pm. The portions are generous and the menu is varied so it is perfect for groups, just book ahead for a party larger than six. Their menu champions local produce and even the cocktails are crafted with Sapphire Coast spirits.

Check out the South Coast Gig Guide on Instagram to see what’s happening while you visit. The social page offers all of the dates and times of live music sessions, helping to keep a healthy scene alive, which The PeaNut Eatery is very much a part of. 

Milson Keys, Charlotte and Ride the Wind are among a few of the artists that play at the restaurant and provide perfect after dinner entertainment. ‘Paint and sip’ evenings are also part of the venue’s schedule and are popular with locals. 

Start your Saturday at Nook on Carp Street. You can book a table for breakfast online which is wise as it does get busy at the weekend as other coffee shops are closed. Although, undoubtedly the words of wisdom you would receive from locals in the queue would make the wait easier. 

They’ll probably suggest you try Nook’s own, slow-brewed chai if they suspect you're from Bondi and well-versed in quality chai lattes. If you’re an early riser, you will be able to follow the smell as it infuses the arcade first thing.  

Keep in mind if you do like to get a jump on the day, the menu is quite restricted before 10am.

If you’re staying for longer than a weekend, definitely head to Osteria Da Franco on Auckland Street which does the best croissants by a country mile. Unfortunately they don’t open on weekends, which is a blow for lovers of a good brew every morning because their coffee is truly excellent. 

Walk off breakfast by meandering along the Bega river trail if you feel like keeping a peaceful pace. If you need more adrenaline inducing activities, head out for a 30 minute drive to discover the Biamanga National Park just north of the town. There are hiking, fishing and trail run options and plenty of opportunities to chase waterfalls. 

There are a few swimming spots near the Mumbulla Creek Falls too if you’re part of the ‘cold plunge crew’ but it’s important to only swim where signposted. Some of the deep, dark pools are unsafe and can be littered with leeches.

It might sound cheesy… but visiting the quaint Bega Heritage Centre is a ‘must do’ when in town. It showcases the region’s character and history including its award-winning agriculture. From the late 1840’s, the town’s production of rice, fruit, cattle, sheep and corn was flourishing in the district but it wasn’t until 1862, after several improvements in infrastructure, that the town was able to transport the region’s produce. As the valley’s independent farmers began to unite, the dairy developments came from the manager of Twofold Bay Pastoral Association, James Manning. Interestingly, he introduced American cheese making methods which helped to shape Bega into the brand it is today. 

Uncovering the history of the area will also have you working up an appetite for a Bega bite. The cafe creates lots of interesting recipes with the brand’s produce, but the ‘Wild Rye’ pies and sausage rolls on the menu from the nearby bakery in Pambula are mouthwatering. Don’t visit too close to closing time or they will be long sold out. Make sure you also pick up enough supplies from the shop to last the rest of the trip and make it back to Sydney. Imlay nuts, Eden Preserves and Tathra Beach dressings are essential items to add to your haul.

The most significant and undeniable asset of a stunning, pristinely peaceful countryside location like Bega compared to the city, is the sky’s deep darkness and ability to illuminate a staggering amount of stars. Watch them pop out one by one at North of Eden gin distillery, framed by the rolling hills of the Bega Valley. The tiny regional distillery produces award-winning gins and serves gin cocktails, beer and wine from its picturesque, outdoor bar. 

The distillery is 15 minutes drive from Bega so bear in mind you’ll need a driver as there’s little to no local taxi or Uber options in town.

Make sure you call and book ahead for gin tasting and confirm opening hours as they are not always as advertised.

Emma writes about travel with an unapologetic appreciation for alliteration and adventure. She loves interviewing people with opposing views and writing opinion pieces. (She’s got a lot of those…)