Berry

With the Cambewarra ranges as its spectacular backdrop, Berry is a sweet little country town of fresh air, historic buildings, antiques shops and cosy pubs with roaring fireplaces – an idyllic weekend escape and only two hours’ drive south of Sydney, or three hours by South Coast train.

Check into the Berry Hotel where a room including a slap-up brekky can cost as little as $75 per person. 120 Queen St, Berry 2535. You’re right across the road from the Berry Museum, housed inside a 1885 bank designed William Wilkinson Wardell (architect of St Mary’s in Sydney). It’s crammed with artefacts and fascinating local history. 135 Queen St, Berry 2535. Sat 11am–2pm; Sun 11am–3pm. The Heritage Trail takes you past the town’s lovely old buildings including the 1891 Court House. Cnr Victoria & Albany Sts, Berry 2535. 

Berry has a famous 60-year-old Donut Van where they make fresh hot donuts to order. Queen St, Berry 2535. There are several lolly shops but the best place to get delicious things is 1km out of town at the Treat Factory where they make and sell high quality chocolates, fudge and confectionary as well as jams, sauces, pastes and mustards. Unit 6, Old Creamery Ln, Berry 2535.

Roots and Wings Design is the best of many craft and homewares stores. 83 Queen St, Berry 2535. (02 4464 2811). Dine at Hungry Duck, a modern Asian restaurant that’s one of the best in regional NSW. 85 Queen St, Berry 2535. (02 4464 2323). Then stake out your place near the fire at the pub and think about excuses never to move.