5 August 2022

From laid-back country pubs to mountain streams, get off the beaten track with five new Tablelands Trails

| Katrina Condie
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Follow the new Tablelands Trails to discover hidden gems in the NSW Southern Tablelands. Photo: Destination NSW.

Five new nature, cultural and foodie trails celebrate the many charms and undiscovered gems of the Southern Tablelands region of New South Wales.

Explore lush national parks, cool-climate wineries, paddock-to-plate produce, fascinating heritage towns and warm country hospitality along the Tablelands Trails hosted by www.visitnsw.com.

Visitors to the region can gain expert local advice on what to see and do in and around Lake George, Bungendore, Goulburn, Tarago, Collector, Laggan, Marulan and Queanbeyan.

Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade, Minister for Tourism and Sport and Minister for Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the trails provided a unique, easy-to-navigate online resource driving tourism to the region within an hour’s drive of Canberra.

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“I encourage everyone to go onto www.visitnsw.com and use this intuitive tool to map out an invigorating road trip with family and friends to explore this unique part of NSW,” Mr Ayres said.

“The five trails offer a diversity of experiences, with an abundance of local produce, atmospheric country pubs, invigorating natural and cultural experiences and interesting local attractions on offer.

“For those who are more time-poor, the trails run from a driving distance of 50 km up to 210 km, providing an option for everyone.”

Bungendore local Ben Jarret, co-founder of Contentious Character, which features in the trails, said the new resource offered visitors to the Southern Tablelands a multitude of reasons to stay and explore.

“The Tableland Trails are about putting the Southern Tablelands on the map as a standalone destination and a welcoming part of NSW to really explore as part of a multi-day getaway,” Ben said.

“Here at Contentious Character, we are ready with open arms to welcome guests to taste our boutique cool-climate wines and enjoy a menu full of fresh, local, seasonal produce.”

The five Tablelands Trails are self-guided, offering diverse itineraries to inspire the perfect day trip to uncover the region’s many charms.

Taking the Wine, Water, Wonder Trail, find hidden gems along the ultimate culinary escape, passing through Collector, Lake George and surrounds, Bungendore and Tarago.

Visitors can enjoy winery hopping, sample fresh local produce, try their hand at a cooking class, then stop off at Weereewa Lookout, offering an unparalleled vista of the vast Lake George.

The Vibrant Villages & Passionate Producers Trail offers a chance to rest, relax and rejuvenate on an adventure through the rolling hills of Crookwell, Laggan and Taralga.

Visitors can recharge at local pubs and cafes bound by a rich history, visit alpaca farms, meet local producers and linger a little longer with a peaceful farm stay.

The breathtaking Wild Hume: Nature & History Trail uncovers incredible views from daintily perched lookouts, and offers a chance to take a dip in freshwater rivers or wander through Bungonia National Park.

Couples can experience romantic “true time” sunrises at Marulan and families will love discovering the history and heritage of Goulburn.

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Lace up your boots for the Off the Beaten Track Trail, which takes in heritage and nature-based walks.

Marvel at the picturesque scenery of Majors Creek Falls, go for off-road adventures at Lowden Forest Park, discover historic mining towns with grand stories to tell, then cool down with the locals at the heritage-listed Albion Cafe in Braidwood, featured in several films.

The final trail, Recharge in the Great Outdoors, is a collision of nature, food and iconic experiences.

It starts with a climb through the inside of Goulburn’s iconic Big Merino, before pitching a tent and kayaking through lakes in Wyangala, getting up close to alpacas in Crookwell and ending the day with cheese and wine at Kingsdale Wines.

For more information on the Tablelands Trails and to plan your visit, go to www.visitnsw.com/things-to-do/southern-tablelands-trails.

The trails have been created with support from the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund established by the Australian and NSW governments.

Original Article published by Katrina Condie on About Regional.

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