8 regional NSW spots to try New England wine, beer and spirits

Heading up to New England High Country? Make sure to check out these wineries and distilleries in one of Australia’s finest wine areas

New England High Country is well known for gorgeous national parks and a distinct four seasons. But did you know New England wine is also famous for its cool climate offerings? With lush tablelands, cool winters and warm summers, it produces some of the best drops in the state.

Breweries and distilleries have also turned up to the bar – with small-batch botanical gins, inventive liqueurs, and Indian Pale Ales crafted with love in New England High Country. If you’re ready to take a detour on that road trip from Sydney to Brisbane, here are the best boutique winery, brewery and distillery stops to make.

Discover cute decor and tasty drinks in New England High Country. (Image: Deepwater Brewing)

1. Petersons Armidale Winery and Guesthouse

Staying in a winery has a two-fold benefit. Not only do you have more time to linger and soak up the country atmosphere, but it eliminates any issues you might have securing a responsible driver after you’ve had a glass or two.

Book a romantic getaway at Petersons Armidale Winery and Guesthouse , and you can simply walk down to the cellar door, checking out the vines and English-style gardens on your way.

Wines from the Armidale region are on offer, including award-winning wines like Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and more. Follow a tasting up with dinner, with plates that change day-to-day, depending on what local ingredients are available, and retreat to one of the seven rooms. Rich with old-world style, there are charming details, as well as full-sized spa or clawfoot baths in the five suites.

Want to taste New England produce, but can’t stay overnight? You can book in for lunch on the weekend. In summer this can be served outside under the trees.

Petersons Armidale Winery and Guesthouse — Dine outside under the trees.

2. Topper’s Mountain Wines

Follow this mini-Australian wine trail to Topper’s Mountain Wines , an hour or so north drive from Petersons, in Tingha. You’ll have to book ahead to visit this boutique cellar door, but believe us, it’s worth it.

Rare varieties are cultivated here, like full-bodied Nebbiolo, dry Gewürztraminer, and the smoky Tintas Kvevri – which is fermented underground in clay amphorae. Classics like Sauvignon Blanc and Shiraz, and signature red and white blends, are also available at this cool climate winery.

As well as picking out how many bottles (or boxes) of Topper’s special varietals to take home, another must-do activity at this winery is joining the owners as they explain their process to create and maintain the vines at this extraordinary vineyard.

Finish up with a cheese and charcuterie board to accompany the tasting of these one-of-a-kind wines.

Toppers Mountain Wines, Tingha — Stop in for something unique at Topper’s.

3. Reedy Creek Estate

Drive up to the NSW-Queensland border, to the very edge of northern New England. Here, you will find the Reedy Creek Estate , where the area’s Mediterranean-style climate has been used to create Reserve Old Vine Shiraz (which comes from vines that are over half a century old), Chardonnay with hints of passionfruit and lemongrass, and delicate Prosecco with a glamour of apples and pears.

The Reedy Creek Estate cellar door is open seven days a week, and you can order antipasto boards and traditional Italian sweets to accompany tastings. Need a solid meal after your time on the road? You can also request a pasta lunch if you book in advance.

If you are after a secluded getaway for a special anniversary, the independent winery has a cottage on the property . You can also contact the owners and book the campsite by the Dumaresq River.

4. 2Wild Souls Meadery

If you’re keen to try a drop that is a bit different, swing in at 2Wild Souls Meadery . Located at Torrington, this cellar door specialises in handcrafted mead, created from local honey created by bees who visit the blossom on the property.

If you’ve never tried the ancient drink before, expect a preservative-free, refreshing drink, that uses the ‘Ancestral Method’ to produce the naturally sparkling taste.

Due to the nature of using bees and honey in the mead, you can expect each season to taste slightly different – a fantastic excuse to come back again and again. Dogs are welcome on the property, which is open Wednesday to Sunday. For other times, book ahead for an appointment.

labels being put on bottles at 2Wild Souls Meadery — Taste handcrafted mead at the family-owned 2Wild Souls.

5. Deepwater Brewery

Head north of Glen Innes to sink a cold one at a country craft brewery. Overlooking the Deepwater River Reserve, the Deepwater Brewery creates a wide range of beers, including IPAs, kolchs, ales, stouts and spicy ginger lagers.

Curated for locals and road-trippers looking to kick back over the weekend, this dog-friendly brewery is open on Fridays and Saturdays, with delectable pizzas served up.

pizza and beer at Deepwater Brewing — Wash down your pizza with locally crafted brews.

6. New England Brewing Co.

Grab the growler and make your way to Uralla for this boutique brewery. New England Brewing Co ’s centrally-located shed has fun vibes in spades.

In summer, cool off with their selection of beers, like locally brewed milk coffee stouts and peach and cherry sours. In winter, order one of their taster paddles and settle next to the fire. The beers are served from the tap and as takeaway cans, if you want to bring a taste of New England High Country home with you.

Grab some classic beer snacks like pork crackling and pickles, or pick out cheeses and cold meats from the fridge. Not a beer fan? Alcoholic ginger beer, wine from Topper’s Mountain and Petersons , as well as non-alcoholic kombuchas are available.

: Beers available from the New England Brewing Co., Uralla — Taste a bit of everything with a New England Brewing Co. tasting paddle. (Image: Destination NSW)

7. Glen Gowrie Distillery

For the fans of cocktails or a good gin and tonic among you, head to the Glen Gowrie Distillery . Here, products are handcrafted by this family-owned business from start to finish, using Sebago potatoes, blueberries and molasses instead of commonly used grains. The result? Preservative-free gins and liqueurs, defined by regional flavours, with varieties as wide-ranging as olive leaf gin or oak and whisky liqueur.

Located near the Celtic capital of Glenn Innes on a working farm, the cellar door is open Wednesday to Sunday. Take a tour of the distillery with the head distiller, indulge in a guided tasting journey through five gins, or simply relax under the trees with a gin and tonic.

For nibbles, the Glen Gowrie Distillery has a selection of locally smoked trout, jerky, cheeses and cured meats for grazing boards.

Glen Gowrie Distillery, Glen Innes — Sip on these small-batch, family-made creations.

8. Dobson’s Distillery

No chance of missing out on local liqueurs if you find yourself in Kentucky (that’s in New England, not the U.S.). Seven days a week, Dobson’s Distillery ’s speakeasy and tasting bar is open for business.

Pull up a chair at this jazz and blues bar where there is something for everyone. Its gins, whiskeys and rums are award-winning, and if you’re more of a beer drinker, they brew that onsite too.

Come weekends, make sure to book a table for lunch in advance. With cured meats infused with gin botanicals, home-smoked salmon with local pickles, and a ploughman’s lunch that includes slow-cooked barbecue meats, pate, cheeses, freshly baked bread, and more, you better believe it fills up quickly.

stills at Dobson's Distillery — Soak up the atmosphere and award-winning liquors.

Thredbo in summer is a nature lover’s dream of show-stopping alpine beauty, cool mountain air and magical moonlit adventure.

For many of us, Thredbo calls to mind shimmering slopes and snow-dusted gums, but come summer, this Alpine resort transforms into a playground of an entirely different kind. A cool mountain retreat despite the season, Thredbo summer hikes are astonishingly beautiful, criss-crossing over dramatic peaks, pristine glacial lakes and abundant flora and fauna.

From approachable tracks for novice walkers to more challenging hikes across the Main Range and even journeys under moonlight, Thredbo puts on an unforgettable show of natural splendour all summer. Lace up your walking boots and take the chairlift from Thredbo village to embark on a self-guided exploration or a tour of the Snowy Mountains’ most compelling landscapes.

These eight unforgettable hiking experiences are only available in summer and offer an alpine adventure like you’ve never experienced before.

1. Full Moon Hike to Mt Kosciuszko

There’s something almost mystical about hiking by the light of a full moon. This guided experience begins with a 15-minute chairlift ride, where you’ll admire the Thredbo Valley below, bathed in the fading sun.

Once at the top, you’ll pass rivers, alpine lakes and spot nocturnal wildlife on your way to the Kosciuszko Lookout and Lake Cootapatamba. By the time you reach the summit, sunset is well underway as you watch day give way to night and the alpine landscape magically illuminated by the lunar glow. Enjoy a hot chocolate here before following the path back to Eagles Nest, brightened by the night sky.

This 13-kilometre hike will take place on 3 January, 2 February, and 2 April in 2026.

2. Super Full Moon Hike

Super Full Moon Hike in thredbo — Take in the might of a super full moon.

The only thing that could level up the celestial beauty of a full moon hike would be a super full moon hike . Following the same route, you’ll meet the moon when it is largest and closest to Earth by ascending to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko at an elevation of 2228 metres. From such a height, it almost feels as though you could reach out and touch its glowing surface.

Given the rarity and splendour of the super full moon, limited spots fill up fast for this awe-inspiring hike, so be sure to book the 5 December in advance.

3. Lunar Eclipse Hike

Thredbo Lunar Eclipse Hike — See dazzling celestial displays.

What could be more extraordinary than witnessing a lunar eclipse from Australia’s highest peak? Whether you’re a keen astronomer or simply revel in nature’s beauty, this guided 13-kilometre hike will place you on top of Mount Kosciuszko just as Earth passes between the sun and moon, throwing shade over the lunar surface before transforming it with a deep-red hue.

It’s an epic place to witness one of our galaxy’s most spectacular and rare light shows. Apart from the dazzling celestial display, you’ll also enjoy walking through the moon-bathed landscape, an evening chairlift ride, and a hot chocolate at the summit.

Book now for 3 March.

4. New Moon Hike

New Moon Hike Mt Kosciuszko — Catch the changing skies of a new moon.

A stargazer’s delight, the darkness of a new moon gives the Milky Way full permission to dazzle with its shimmering display. Both astronomers and photographers will relish this opportunity to observe and capture the starry skyscape from the lofty height of Australia’s highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko. Departing Thredbo Village at dusk and leaving its twinkling lights far below, you’ll arrive at the summit in time to see the sun slip away and the stars appear.

Catch this hike during the new moon lunar phase on 20 December, 19 January, 17 February, 19 March or 17 April.

5. Thredbo River Track

Embark on a gentle entry into the Snowy Mountain scenery with an amble along the Thredbo River. This self-guided hike hugs the river and wanders along the valley floor, revealing snow gum forests, swimming holes and little waterfalls that make for revitalising cold plunges in the summer heat.

6. Merritts Nature Track

Merritts Nature Track thredbo summer hikes — Stop at swimming holes along the way.

On warm summer days, venturing into the cooler air of Thredbo’s alpine tracks offers relief from the heat. Particularly if you set course for the four-kilometre Merritts Nature Track , where there are opportunities to take a refreshing dip in swimming holes along the way.

The two-to-three-hour self-guided hike meanders through towering ancient trees (dubbed the ‘Pixie Forest’ by locals), takes in stunning mountain vistas and is soundtracked by the melody of birdsong. Stop for a picnic and discover a hidden natural infinity pool, the location of which is given away by the roar of a cascading waterfall.

7. Mt Kosciuszko Summit Tour

Follow a guide along Mt Kosciuszko's summit. — Follow a guide along Mt Kosciuszko’s summit.

While you can easily steer yourself to Australia’s most iconic peak without a guide, following an expert guide to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko will colour your experience with a deeper knowledge of the landscape and its wild inhabitants. The 13-kilometre return trail puts the alpine scenery on display with 360-degree views from the highest spot in the country.

The walk begins at the top of the Kosciuszko Chairlift and takes around four to six hours to complete, but is gentle enough to be embarked upon by all ages.

8. Snowies Alpine Walk Experience

If you’re looking to truly untether from daily life and embark on a real immersion in Thredbo’s stunning alpine scenery, pack your hiking boots for the newest multi-day walk in the mountains. The Snowies Alpine Walk can be tackled over two or three days and includes nightly accommodation in the iconic Thredbo Alpine Hotel, daily buffet breakfast, packed lunch and dinner vouchers, plus daily transfers to and from trail heads in a brand-new Defender.

The two-day experience covers 24 kilometres, while the three-day experience almost doubles that at 44 kilometres. Along the way, explore barely trod landscapes, vast high-country plains and uplifting mountain horizons.

Discover the full offering of summer hikes in Thredbo at thredbo.com.au.

8 incredible wineries and distilleries in regional NSW