The local area
If you would like to venture a little further afield during your stay and discover more of the local area, there are lots of drives all within an hour or so, to explore the beautiful surrounding countryside and rural towns; our picks are as follows;
Walcha & Uralla
Approximately 1hr drive from Short Street is Walcha with a little further on to Uralla. Whilst in Walcha stop in for a coffee at Cafe Graze or get a take away from The Fruit Shop Walcha along with fresh produce, pick up some antique treasures from the treasure trove of Antiques Walcha, visit Walcha Gallery for amazing local artists’ works and Walcha Handmade for beautiful home made woollen throws made with locally grown New England wool, jewellery, clothing and lots more. If you need to stock up on provisions you pop in to the very busy local hub of IGA. Another 20 minutes on via picturesque farming land is the lovely New England town of Uralla which has become a mini destination on the New England Highway. Have lunch at The Alternate Root and shop at our favourite shops; Little Birdy, Melrose, Highland Living, Uralla Wool Room, Uralla Traders and the Uralla Gallery for more amazing local art and sculpture.
Nundle
One of our favourite day trips is a drive across to Nundle which is approximately 1hr 20min drive. Whilst there, do a tour of the famous Nundle Woollen Mill, have morning tea and do a spot of gold panning at Mount Misery Mine, shop for beautiful kitchenwares at Odgers & McClelland Exchange Stores or artworks and homemade treasures from Stormcrow Studios. Venture a little further up the mountain to Hanging Rock where you will find Sheba Dams which is lovely in the summer months for picnics and swimming, the Hanging Rock lookout for the most amazing views of the valley and the Arc En Ciel Trout Farm where you can try your hand at fishing or pick up some trout pate. Finish with a pub lunch in the ivy covered beer garden at the famous Peel Inn Hotel in Nundle and if you still have time on the way back, stop in at Chaffey Dam for a swim and kayak. Alternatively you can head back to the Cottage via Forest Way through the pine plantations and stop in at the beautiful Ponderosa picnic and camping ground.
Tamworth
Tamworth, the main regional town which is a 1hr drive from the cottage, home to the famous Country Music Festival also offers a vast array of shops, cafes and galleries. Some of our favourites are; Hopscotch Restaurant & Bar located on the edge of an amazing park and a water play area so great place to take kids for breakfast and a play. Ruby’s Cafe & Gift Store is a great spot for lunch in the outside courtyard area and Sonny’s Bakery for amazing sourdough bread and baked goodies. Campgrounds Speciality Coffee has an edgy vibe and transforms into a cool bar at night. For fine dining head to Goonoo Goonoo Station and its beautiful Glasshouse restaurant. Our favourite shops in Tamworth are Mae & June, Tarnished Interiors, Bungalow G and Botanique New England for beautiful flowers, gifts and Olieve & Oli products we use at the Cottage. If you are after home made pork buns head to Miss JuJu Foods. Finally, if you happen to be visiting on a Saturday you can pop in to the Tamworth Growers Market which is held from 8.00-12.30 every week by the riverside for fresh produce and yummy eats.
