An Arty Escape

Wollongong, Southern Highlands + Shoalhaven

DAY 1

Morning:

  • Grab a coffee and a bagel at Opus Coffee Brewers, and enjoy their light-filled CBD space.
  • Stop at Wollongong Art Gallery – explore their collections, take in their rotating selection of exhibitions, or engage with creatives through a series of talks and workshops.

Late Morning:

  • Ngununggula Regional Gallery – Nestled in the grounds of Retford Park, this contemporary gallery is a cultural gem – a heritage-sensitive, state-of-the-art gallery offering a broad range of arts and cultural experiences.
  • Have a little extra time? Explore Retford Park’s sculpture garden.

Midday:

  • The Surveyor General InnAustralia’s oldest continuously licensed inn, serving up hearty pub fare with heritage charm. Think roaring fireplaces, rustic beams, and a glass of local red to warm your soul.

Afternoon:

  • Peppers Manor House – Check in to this elegant country estate. With its open fireplaces, manicured gardens, and old-world charm, it’s the perfect winter cocoon.
  • Bendooley Estate – A quick stop to browse the Book Barn, grab a coffee or enjoy a wine-tasting fireside.

Evening:

  • Eschalot Restaurant – A hatted dining experience in a historic sandstone cottage. Think candlelight, local produce, and a glass of Pinot by the fire. From an a la carte menu to an 8-course chef’s selection, you’re in for a truly memorable experience.

DAY 2

Morning:

  • Pick up a coffee and a locally-sourced breakfast snack from The What If Society in Moss Vale, then wind your way through misty valleys and rolling hills down through Kangaroo Valley and on to the Shoalhaven.

Mid-Morning:

  • Arrive at Bundanon Art Museum – A cultural and architectural highlight. Explore Arthur Boyd’s legacy, including the homestead, Boyd Gallery and the rotating contemporary exhibitions, as well as the stunning building that houses it all.
  • Take in the scenery from their on-site eatery, Ramox Café.

Afternoon:

  • Located in the heart of Nowra, the Shoalhaven Regional Gallery is home to an ever-changing roster of multi-modal works. Explore the exhibition, wander the courtyard and pick up something unique from the gallery gift shop.
  • Take the scenic Grand Pacific Drive route north, stopping at some of the many wineries along the way for a tasting or take-away – each with stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Evening:

  • Check in to Bangalay Luxury Villas, enjoy cocktails poolside or take a walk along Seven Mile Beach, or through the nearby National Park.
  • Book in to Bangalay Dining for your final dinner – a hatted restaurant with native ingredients only steps from the sand. The perfect winter lunch spot—refined, relaxed, and oh-so-delicious. Whether you sleep in and make use of the space for a remote working day, or hit the road and head home, the villas are the perfect place to relax.

road trip ideas

Dont miss these events

Here's what your grand escape could look like...