Highlights
- Ride a horse through the bush to experience pristine nature
- Truffle hunting in the countryside
- Stay in a country-style cottage and enjoy wine tasting.
- Enjoy a hearty meal in an historic homestead
- Honey wine and beekeeping: Learn more about the art of beekeeping.
- Retro treasures can be found in local boutiques
Long weekend in Murrumbateman & Queanbeyan
Discover this long weekend itinerary for the Murrumbateman-Queanbeyan area of Country NSW. There is so much to do, from horse riding to wine tasting, fine dining, and truffle hunting.
Day One: Friday
Enjoy the sweet life.
Day One Key Facts
Burnelee Excursions on Horseback can be found at:
- 320 Dicks Creek Road Murrumbateman NSW, 2582
- Murrumbateman is 17 minutes away.
Evening
Burnelee offers a morning horseback riding experience with instructors who are experienced. The ride will take you through a working property of grazing cattle. Picaree Hill is a biodiversity hub in the region with abundant wildlife and lush vegetation. You will traverse peaceful bushland on your way to Picaree Hill. Enjoy the quietness and stillness as you ride past grey gums, glossy dams, and other natural features. There’s a ride and horse for everyone, whether you’re an experienced rider or a novice.
Afternoon
The small family business that specializes in beekeeping and making mead, Win’s Creek Meadery, offers a truly unique experience. Mead, a delicate honey wine that is often flavoured by fruits and spices, is a great way to enjoy the summer. Win’s Creek Beekeepers transport their bees from Cootamundra, to the South Coast, and up the Snowy Mountains. They produce honey like yellow box, spotted gum, red stringybark and tea tree. The Travellers Rest Inn circa 1879 is the perfect place to sample the pure honeys. Enjoy a platter with homemade mulled mead. Browse the boutique after lunch to find beeswax candle, honey-infused cookie or a beekeeping set.
Evening
After a day of exploring this beautiful region, you can stay the night at Tallagandra Hill Winery near Gundaroo. You’ll have the opportunity to sample their single vineyard wines ranging from shiraz, tempranillo, and viognier. Mary and David will host you in their wine bar, where they’ll share fascinating stories with you. The fire is roaring. Tallagandra has three modern country cottages that are stocked with books, board games and record players. Grab your favorite bottle of Tallgandra Wine, and relax by the fire pit while enjoying olives, cheese and crackers.
Day Two: Saturday
Cycling through cool climate vineyards
DAY TWO: KEY FACTS
Helm Wines is located at:
- 19 Butts Road Murrumbateman NSW, 2582
- Murrumbateman is only a 4-minute drive away
Evening
It’s a great way to experience the beauty of this area. Hiring an E-bike will allow you to explore the surrounding countryside and meet local winemakers and producers. Ken, the owner of Helm Wines and passionate winemaker, will share his knowledge about the art of making wine, and allow you to taste smooth cabernet straight from the barrel. Ken and Judith founded Helm Wines in 1973. The cellar door is located in the Toual Schoolhouse circa 1888. This building was listed as a heritage site and inspired the bell logo on the wine labels.
Afternoon
Keep cycling under blue skies, over rolling hills to Shaw Wines and enjoy a new experience in its ultra-modern taste room. Enjoy a crisp reisling with a spread of cheeses and olives while enjoying charcuterie and a generous selection of olives. The next winery you should visit is Clonakilla. This winery, which is one of Australia’s top producers, has a rustic, stone-clad cellar door made from wine barrels. John Kirk, the owner of this winery, planted his first vines in 1971 on forty-four acres. His shiraz viognier has been rated as one of Australia’s best.
Evening
The light begins to fade, and it’s dinner time at Poachers Pantry. This is one of the best smokehouses on the continent, located amongst flowering gardens, on a working ranch. The Smokehouse Restaurant offers house-smoked meats and Poachers peppery Shiraz.
Day Three: Sunday
Truffle hunting and historic hotels
DAY THREE: KEY FACTS
Turella Truffles can be found at:
- 204 Bungendore Road, Bungendore NSW
- Bungendore is 17 minutes away
Evening
Wear your gumboots and sharpen your sense of smell to go on a morning truffle hunting expedition at the Lake George Basin. Turalla truffles’s resident Jack Russells will be on the hunt for the black winter truffles buried in the grass. Turalla grows Perigord Truffles that are pungent and have a musky aroma. Once you find your prize it will be shaved on top of freshly cooked eggs to make a deliciously earthy breakfast or part of the degustation menu with owner’s favorite truffle dishes.
Afternoon
Then, stroll through the streets of Bungendore and past antiques and handmade items. Stop at the Lake George Hotel to enjoy a delicious meal in front of the fireplace. The George Bar & Dining is one of Australia’s most historic pubs, with a rich and inviting history. Village Antiques has a wide selection of antiques to take home as a souvenir. Browse the shelves to find glassware, jewellery and beautiful homewares. You can also find gardening essentials.
Evening
Le Tres Bon French Restaurant is the perfect place to end your romantic and restorative weekend. Chef Christophe Gregoire, along with his wife Josephine, celebrates the local producers of Bungendore by hosting special truffle dinners in the winter. Your Tallagandra Cottage awaits you for a peaceful sleep.
