Wine Country Weekenders: The Ultimate Road Trip Itineraries for Hidden Australian Wine Gems

By Marie-Antoinette Issa.

If you’re craving a weekend escape steeped in stunning landscapes, delicious wines and exceptional food…but want to avoid the crowds of the major wine regions (or the cost and time required for an overseas escape), then these three lesser-known Australian wine regions are all excellent options.

From the cool-climate charm of Victoria’s Macedon Ranges to the boutique delights of Braidwood near Sydney and all the way west to the Great Southern in WA, we’ve dug deep into each destination to offer a perfectly curated itinerary for vino lovers ready to explore beyond the usual routes.

So, pack your bags, fill your glass and hit the road for your next great wine-country weekend! Just don’t drink and drive! 

 

 

Tucked just 90 minutes Northwest of Melbourne, the Macedon Ranges is an emerging cool-climate wine region prized for its elegant Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, plus charming country towns and breathtaking scenery.

It’s an ideal weekend escape for city dwellers seeking fresh air, fantastic wine and cosy accommodation.

Start your morning with a hearty breakfast at Mr Macedon, a local cafe with a cult following in the heart of Macedon town that offers seasonal dishes made from local produce. 

 

Follow up your am-fuelling with your first stop at Curly Flat, one of the region’s most acclaimed producers. Set on the slopes of Mount Macedon, Curly Flat’s cool climate produces complex Pinot Noirs and aromatic Chardonnays.

The cellar door experience is relaxed and intimate - perfect for learning about the terroir. If Pinot Noir and Chardonnay aren’t your flavours, explore neighbouring Bindi Wines - a family-run winery famous for biodynamic viticulture. The cellar door is charming and you can taste rich Pinots and elegant sparkling wines.

Alternatively, book your spot on the Laneways of Lancefield Wine Adventure and explore a series of charming wineries linked by winding dirt roads. Fans of two-wheeled travel can hire a bike and pedal their way through the day and discover this hidden gem, one glass at a time.

For lunch, reserve a table at The Hanging Rock Winery Restaurant, perched at the base of the iconic Hanging Rock Reserve. Enjoy a menu showcasing local ingredients, paired with their estate wines - a sublime way to soak in the region’s essence. 

Then, head to Hanging Rock Reserve for a sunset stroll up to the summit for panoramic views of the ranges - and a spectacular end to the day.

Spend the night at Macedon Views House & Garden. Set on two acres of meticulously landscaped gardens and designed for relaxation and refinement, this elegant rural retreat, with panoramic views of the stunning Macedon Ranges, blends natural beauty with modern comfort to offer guests a serene stay that soothes the soul and elevates the senses.

 

 

Just three hours Southwest of Sydney lies Braidwood, an authentic rural town that doubles as a gateway to an exciting, emerging wine region. With boutique wineries dotting the landscape and artisanal food producers nearby, Braidwood offers an unpretentious wine country experience.

The area's charm lies in its low-key vibe, quality small-scale wineries and countryside hospitality - ideal for those who want to unwind in a truly authentic regional setting.

Start your day with breakfast at The Albion, a cosy cafe and restaurant known for hearty breakfasts and local character. Ease into your weekend escape by exploring nearby Braidwood Estate, a family-run winery producing small-batch reds and whites that reflect the cool climate and rich soils. The cellar door offers an intimate and friendly tasting experience.

 

Come sunset, take advantage of Casanova Bakery and Cafe's Friday night pizza and wine evening - with sourdough offerings that are hard to beat. Perfectly chewy and crisp, these wood-fired creations range from classic Margherita to more gourmet combinations like mushroom with goat's cheese and pine nuts, or potato with gorgonzola and caramelised onion.

Venture a little further afield, exploring a range of wineries - all within a 40-minute to one-hour drive. Collector Wines is famous for its elegant Pinot Noir and Riesling, with beautiful grounds and a welcoming cellar door.

Halfmoon Winery offers boutique wines with a focus on cool climate varieties and is set in a stunning location overlooking the Shoalhaven River. While closer to Braidwood, Four Winds Vineyard and Old Wares Shed Wines are also worth a visit for tastings.

 

For dinner, head back into Braidwood township and take your pick from a range of renowned restaurants, with many emphasising seasonal, locally sourced ingredients with wine pairings that showcase the region’s best.

For those craving authentic Indonesian flavours, Java Braidwood serves traditional dishes crafted from locally sourced ingredients. If you're in the mood for Asian cuisine, Good Life Food Van provides a selection of flavourful street food in a casual setting.

For a classic pub experience, the Braidwood Hotel offers hearty meals in a historic ambience. Additionally, Smokey Horse presents a fusion of Nepalese and Indian dishes, ideal for those seeking a unique dining experience. 

 

 

One of the highlights at Braidwood is Mona Farm, an elegant farm stay and a unique wine-tasting experience. Hospitality Director Michael De Wet leads guests on guided tastings exploring the terroir of the region, showcasing a carefully curated selection of exceptional local wines. This personalised approach makes it a perfect introduction to the area’s wines.

However, for a fully immersive experience, stay the night. The accommodation here is boutique and peaceful.

Stretching across an expansive coastal region 4-5 hours Southeast of Perth, the Great Southern is one of WA’s oldest and most diverse wine regions, known for its pristine wilderness, stunning coastline and award-winning cool-climate wines, especially Riesling and Shiraz.

The historic port town of Albany offers a delightful array of breakfast spots to kickstart your weekend. Vancouver Street Cafe is renowned for its cosy ambience and hearty breakfast options, making it a local favourite.

For those seeking wholesome, plant-based meals, The Alkaline Cafe provides a fully gluten-free and vegan menu, perfect for health-conscious diners. Three Anchors, located by Middleton Beach, not only offers stunning ocean views, but also serves a diverse breakfast menu, catering to various dietary preferences.

Meanwhile, Kate’s Place is celebrated for its friendly service and delectable homemade cakes, providing a warm and inviting atmosphere. Each of these cafes bring its unique charm, ensuring a satisfying breakfast experience. 

From Albany, head inland to Plantagenet Wines, a family-owned estate nestled among the rolling hills of Mount Barker, just 30 minutes away. Known for its cool-climate varietals, the winery offers tastings of refined Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Riesling in a scenic cellar door setting surrounded by lush vineyards, before heading to Denmark for dinner. 

For a relaxed meal, Boston Brewing Co. provides a family-friendly atmosphere with a menu featuring wood-fired pizzas and craft beers brewed on-site. If you're seeking a more refined dining experience, Flame Trees offers a Mediterranean-inspired menu with native Australian influences, showcasing locally sourced ingredients in a cozy setting.

Along Denmark’s picturesque Scotsdale Road, you’ll find a cluster of welcoming cellar doors - including Rockcliffe, Rickety Gate Estate, Estate 807, Harewood Estate and Ducketts Mill. 

For a standout experience, settle in at Silverstream Wines for a hosted tasting session. The wine flight features four generous pours matched with a cheese platter and guided by a knowledgeable team member.

 

Other excellent options include Singlefile Wines, known for cool climate Riesling and sparkling wines, whose cellar door offers tastings paired with local cheeses and produce. While, Howard Park Winery in the nearby Porongurup region, one of WA’s premier wine estates, offers an exceptional cellar door experience, with tastings of premium Shiraz, Cabernet and Riesling set in beautifully manicured gardens.

For lunch, dine at The Lake House Denmark, an award-winning restaurant featuring seasonal and local ingredients, offering exceptional wines by the glass.

Finally, wrap up your afternoon with a walk through the Valley of the Giants. This breathtaking ancient forest is home to the famed Tree Top Walk, a suspended walkway that stretches 600 metres and soars 40 metres above the forest floor, offering panoramic views, while at ground level, the Ancient Empire Walk winds through towering 400-year-old red tingle trees, creating a truly immersive forest experience.

 

Following recent renovations, iconic coastal pub The Denmark Hotel - a part of the town since 1926 - has been lovingly transformed into a celebration of Western Australian heritage, seasonal produce and warm community spirit.

Under one roof, it now offers a classic bar and bistro, while The Lodge accommodation is ideal for weekend getaways or longer stays and Denmark drops.