What to do in Millthorpe on one fine day

One-street towns aren’t usually graced with a hatted restaurant, but Millthorpe in central New South Wales is not your run-of-the-mill country town.

Just a short drive from food haven Orange and nestled in a cool-climate wine region, Millthorpe offers visitors a taste of the good life.

Local business owner, Mary Dowrick Debere runs a homeware store, Blue, as well as boutique accommodation. Here, she shares her top picks for a perfect day in this historic town.

Where exactly?

A three-and-a-half hour drive from Sydney, and just 20 minutes from Orange.

Population

Around 1109 people call the town home.

What’s it all about?

This heritage town is classified by the National Trust and nestled in a cool-climate wine region.

Why go?

To indulge in good food and cellar doors.

Mary’s hit list

9am: Breakfast and brew – Start the day at Millthorpe Providore and order a locally (Orange) roasted Bills Beans coffee and one of their breakie sandwiches.

10am: Check out the views – Stroll up Park Street, past the old bluestone primary school and fire station, and take in the views of Mount Canobolas.

11:30am: Window shopping – Wandering back down to town, stop by Bowerbird Old Wares, a beautiful collection of furniture, jewellery and collectables. Meet one of the warmest of locals, Julia, who collects and restores treasures from her shed.

12pm: Wine time – Before lunch try some local wines at Slow Wine Co (AKA Bantry Grove), a relaxed cellar door where you can learn about their hand-picked, cool climate wines. Don’t miss the pinot noir.

1pm: Stop for a local lunch – Hopefully an appetite has been built for lunch at The Old Mill Cafe. Your hosts Darren and Stacey produce all food in house. Their ‘Big Al’s pie’ is famous and you must leave room for one of their specialty cakes.

2pm: Take a stroll down Pym Street – There are various boutique stores along the way, but don’t miss Tomolly, where you will find an array of household goods and collectables. Then visit my store, Blue, named after the bluestone buildings and kerbs throughout the village. There has been a shop here for almost 150 years. The cottage in the garden, PYM23, is available for short stays.

3pm: Another little taster – Take your time at Angullong’s charming blue stone cellar door, taste their diverse range of 13 varietals.

7pm: A hatted must-do – Hatted Tonic is a Millthorpe icon and a trip isn’t complete without a dinner cooked by chef Tony Worland.

Later: Bed time – If you can’t book PYM23, spend the night at Rosebank Guesthouse.

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