Enjoy a winter warmer.
In the late 1800s, you could have stayed at the old Bulli Railway guest house if you were looking for a warm, cozy place to stay on a cold night in the Illawarra, south of Sydney. Resin is a brewery that was established by two local beer enthusiasts and surfers in 2020. On Thursdays, the Winter Warmer Menu is available. It includes dishes like beef pot pies with Resin’s Imperial Stout 8 Shades and confit pork belly with celeriac purée and river mint. The words are paired with wines, and you will be in a deep state of contentment as you sit in front of the gas fires of a beautifully renovated heritage building.
Dinner by the Fire
Dining at the Crooked River Winery near Gerringong is a memorable experience, no matter the season. The floor-to-ceiling windows offer a stunning view of the vineyards. The wood fire is especially charming in the winter and early spring. There’s also a seasonal menu that includes wood-roasted beef fillet and spatchcock. The outdoor firepit is a great place to enjoy a glass or two of estate-grown shiraz, Chambourcin, or beer from Uncle Joe’s on-site. You can also enjoy the wine-tasting experience at the cellar door or around the fire pit.
Cupitt’s is the place to soak up the sun.
Nothing beats a warm bath in the summer when it’s still cool outside. The bathtub is on the deck of the luxury pod, which is situated in the rolling hills surrounding a South Coast Winery. This is pure bliss. The immersive accommodation is yours to take at Cupitt’s Estate Winery near Ulladulla. Early spring is a great time to visit when the vines have just begun to bloom, and the surrounding area looks lusher. You can indulge in many ways: a wine tasting or flight at the cellar door, a fine dining experience paddock to the plate either inside or outside on the lawn, or even a quick meal or paddock to the dish.
Book a playtime at Longstocking.
Enjoy a relaxing evening of board games, a wood-fired pizzeria, and live music in the Longstocking Brewery & Oyster Bar located just outside of the historic village of Pambula along the Sapphire coast. On Winter Wednesdays, bring out the chess boards and backgammon tables, light the table heaters, and welcome everyone (even your pet!) Enjoy a night full of old-fashioned fun. Live music, trivia, cocktails, and gin-tasting paddles are all available throughout the week. You can also try Sydney rock oysters and other drinks from the local estuaries.
Slow down in the Highlands
The Southern Highlands is a place where people know how to enjoy winter. There are many quaint towns and rolling hills to explore. The restaurant at Centennial Vineyards, located in Bowral, is the perfect place to enjoy a leisurely meal. The restaurant has a large open fire, and the menu is local-focused. It includes slow-cooked pork belly and cider-braised lamb. The restaurant is also available for high tea, lunch, and the renowned Devonshire Tea. You can also sample their winter reds in the cellar. Around 30 wines, including a delicious Shiraz, are available to taste.
Broulee is a great brew to try.
The beachside beer gardens are a great way to enjoy the cool season sun, even if you don’t want to go swimming in the ocean. Broulee Brewhouse is located just a few meters away from Broulee Beach and a 20-minute drive south of Batemans Bay. It opened late in 2021, offering a variety of beers as natural as Eurobodalla’s coast: handcrafted with no preservatives. You can watch the brewers at work, listen to live music, attend a trivia evening, or grab a seat in front of the fire and enjoy a Hazy Pale ale with some loaded fries.