The route: Canberra – Bungendore – Tarago – Marulan – Moss Vale – Mittagong – Bargo – Picton – Camden – Penrith – Springwood – Katoomba – Bilpin – Wisemans Ferry – St Albans – Wollombi – Broke – Pokolbin – Cessnock – Morisset – Gosford – Kincumber – Ettalong Beach – Palm Beach – Manly – Sydney – Royal National Park – Bulli – Wollongong – Kiama – Jervis Bay – Milton – Nelligen – Broulee – Moruya – Bodalla – Wallaga Lake – Bermagui – Tathra – Bega – Bemboka – Nimmitabel – Dalgety – Berridale – Cooma – Bredbo – Michelago – Canberra

Needing to use up some COVID leave (and with some encouragement from Mrs CyclingGravel) I decided to organise a bikepacking trip specifically tailored around visiting breweries. This proved an interesting challenge to organise as a loop, as many are on the NSW coastal stretch. But, having done some extensive Komoot planning, I was ready to go.

Day 1: Canberra – Mittagong

The first day was the biggest – getting through to the Southern Highlands was the target, and making it to Moss Vale meant I was pretty keen to get to Mittagong. This was a long day, involving first a route that I was quite familiar with (Canberra to Tarago), and then roads I have wanted to try for a while.

Highlights

Being a gravel enthusiast, the unsealed route between Tarago and Bungonia (Lumley Road) was epic. This super smooth gravel route offers farmland and lake views, and is a wonderful road to travel at a decent pace. Grey skies and showers were a bit of a dampener (sorry), but this did have the advantage of settling any dust that otherwise might have been kicking up.

Also, a special mention for the Bong Bong cycleway between Moss Vale and Mittagong, even if it is a little hard to follow once it enters Bowral. Like all great cycleways, this route takes you somewhere the road doesn’t, not just replicate the road.

Lowlights

A self-inflicted lowlight was missing the turnoff at Bungonia towards Marulan. I realised a few kilometres down the road I was heading to Goulburn. Take a right straight after the bridge crossing the creek as you head out of town!

I was expecting that another lowlight would be the Highland Way after leaving Marulan. Contrary to expectations this was OK, with plenty of space and polite traffic. I suspect that there are times when this is not the case, but I was really apprehensive before taking this road. I was glad to be proven mistaken.

The one true road lowlight was the very short distance on the Hume Highway – briefly into and out of Marulan. You would avoid this at all costs if you could – crap-filled verge and lots and lots of trucks.

Breweries

Southern Highlands Brewing (at the Taphouse, Moss Vale). One of the more up-market fit outs you will find in a brewery, this is a great place to find a lounge or sit at the bench outside and watch the world go by. Not many breweries have hand pumped beer either, so special mention for the pumped red ale.

Eden Brewery (Mittagong). The different touches in breweries is something that I really noticed on this trip – here the tap handles. I very much enjoyed the ESB, and a burger from the resident van was great too.

Other tips & recommendations

I was very pleasantly surprised by Mittagong Motel. The hotel’s website “loyalty club” rates offer a decent incentive to book direct, the price is super competitive with a pub-style stay, and the complimentary breakfast was both unexpected and really decent (help yourself to fruit, toast and cereal the night before). Plenty of space in the room for your bike too.

I also had the opportunity to visit the excellent Tarago cafe. This place is a hidden and unexpected gem that is well worth visiting just for the coffee and pastries. Like so many stops on my travels, the bike proved a conversation starter. Maybe you also can run into Phil the apiarist – super interesting bloke who is experimenting with Russian-style (or should we say Ukrainian-style?) bee hives.

Day 2: Mittagong – Katoomba

This day was tough – I really should have broken it in two – one day Mittagong – Penrith and the second day meandering up to Katoomba.

Highlights

I was really surprised by the old highway between Mittagong and Picton. This route made for a lovely ride – other cyclists, limited traffic and pretty decent verge. For those of us old enough, it is a reminder of places we used to see travelling to Sydney. I also found a really nice place for coffee in Bargo – Bean2Bargo.

Camden also provided a lovely cycleway to navigate to the other side of town. It was well used without being too busy and beat having to take the main roads.

On the flip-side I was really surprised by what it was like to travel on the Great Western Highway in the Blue Mountains. I was expecting this to be really awful and this just was not the case. For large parts of the trip there was massive verge, and the roads had speed limits of 60 or 80 km/h. I would definitely ride this road again, particularly as it often provided the best views.

Lowlights

The climb out of Picton was quite ok, with decent space between you and the traffic. The descent into Camden, however, was sketchier – I would probably have a go taking Mount Hercules Road from Anthony Hordern’s tree next time.

After the very nice cycleway in Camden, the Northern Road (A9) cycleway was a disappointment. Not because the cycleway was bad, but because of the complete lack of any indication as to where you need to cross over to the other side of the road. You need to do this regularly, and the only signal is when you suddenly find that the path stops. Or ends in a dead end (at Robinson Road). I get that there will still be more construction, but it shouldn’t be this hard to navigate. My recommendation is use the bus lane (which I did in the end, and was the recommendation of some cyclists I met in Camden). Such a waste.

I also have to say that the climb I chose to take going out of Penrith was a mistake. Whilst there was constant traffic, the super steep 2km stretch of Old Bathurst Road out of Emu Heights was just too tall an order on a 11-34 cassette. Given my experience of the rest of the Great Western Highway, I’d take a punt on that or Explorers Road next time.

I would also rate a lot of the backroads in the Blue Mountains as a lowlight. Whilst it is possible to cover a lot of the route on backroads, you do have to revert to the highway a lot. It is slower, more up and down, and whilst it had the advantage of less traffic it was the only part of the entire eleven day trip where I was verbally abused for cycling on the road.

Breweries

Rusty Penny Brewing Co (Penrith). I was delighted to visit this awesome brewery and American style BBQ. The best combination for a fruity hazy is a decent meat sandwich I say. Top class.

Brew Mountains Brewery (Springwood). I am a sucker for a NEIPA, and the Easy Rider on tap at Brew Mountains did not disappoint. Brew Mountains is only open a few days a week – try and fit it in if you can.

Mountain Culture Beer Co (Katoomba). I confess that there were a limited number of “must visit” breweries built into this trip, and MCBC was one of those. I really didn’t care what the food was because the beer was just that good.

If I had broken the day up, I might have fitted in Merino Brewing (which I cycled past, but too early in the day).

Other tips & recommendations

I found the accomodation options in Katoomba to be the most expensive of the trip. I ended up staying at the YHA, which was absolutely fine, but it is definitely worth doing your research and booking ahead.

Day 3: Mittagong – Wisemans Ferry

After the previous day’s tiring exploits I adjusted my route planning. I had expected to travel down Mountain Lagoon Road and Trail to the Hawkesbury, but my sense of adventure was a little low. As I was not able to find much about the trail’s condition, I stuck to roads. Maybe next time!

Highlights

What a road Darling Causeway is. Offering relatively gentle undulations with great views of the valleys, there was little not to like. Compared with Bells Line of Road the traffic was light, and to be honest the traffic on Bells Line of Road wasn’t terrible either. It also offers spectacular views and scenery, but with a lot more pinchy climbs before the wonderfully fun descent to Kurrajong. Sydney-siders have called me “bold” for riding this route, but I would do it again. A nice mid-point coffee stop is The Hive.

Lowlights

The Great Blue Mountains Trail is promoted by local government as playing an important role in safe cycling. Regrettably this overgrown, steep in sections and narrow in others trail is not going to promote much cycling. I gave up and reverted to the highway – pretty much sums up the route (at least between Katoomba and Blackheath).

Breweries

Whilst brewery options were scarce, Bilpin’s orchards offer cideries and I chose to stop at Bilpin Cider. Lovely views, great pork rolls and a variety of non-alcoholic choices that I really loved.

Other tips & recommendations

I was a little apprehensive about the traffic and route choice into Wisemans Ferry. What I failed to think about is that on a weekend afternoon the traffic is heading away from the Hawkesbury, so it was absolutely fine!

Day 4: Wisemans Ferry – Cessnock

Travelling routes pioneered in convict days just reinforce how much rivers were a barrier to early European settlement of NSW. Travelling through here ticked off a gravel cycling bucket-list route.

Highlights

I had been really looking forward to cycling the Wollombi Road from St Albans. I have previously visited this area for the Convict 100 (and Settlers Road is a lovely ride) and thought the trip up the valley would be pretty special. Thankfully it did not disappoint – this is just a lovely area to travel through. Yes, there is a decent climb as you head up towards Mount Manning and on to the Great North Road, but worth it.

I also enjoyed the backroad that is Wollombi Road between Wollombi and Broke. If you want to head more directly to Cessnock you can, but I was keen to head into Pokolbin for a brewery visit. Wollombi Road had some quite narrow parts which probably helps to explain the relatively limited traffic on route.

Finally, the cycling infrastructure that has been put in around Pokolbin is pretty nice. Certainly helps to remove any concern about cycling around the area.

Lowlights

None to really speak of. If I was to be really picky a little more cycle space as you enter Cessnock on Allandale Road would be useful, but I really enjoyed this day of cycling.

Breweries

IronBark Hill Brewing Co (Pokolbin). I can highly recommend the Pilsner at IronBark Hill, as well as the very nice location overlooking the vineyard. One thing to look out for is that they closed early on the day I was there so make sure you arrive well before ‘closing’.

Other tips & recommendations

One of the best value and nicest places I stayed on this trip was the Vine Valley Inn. Beautifully modernised rooms including ensuites, a massive kitchen where you can cater yourself (and there is a great complimentary breakfast), and central location make this a great stay. Very highly recommended.

Day 5: Cessnock – Central Coast

I thought that this would be one of the more challenging days because of the busy-ness of the roads and limited cycling infrastructure. With a little use of public transport, my fears proved unfounded.

Highlights

The backroads, and even the main roads, between Cessnock and Morisset were better than I expected. I wouldn’t say that they were a highlight in the context of the overall trip, but even the 11km on Leggetts Drive / Freemans Drive is fine.

The other highlight was using the train. Cutting out some of the busier parts of the trip between Morisset and Gosford, there is no shame in taking the safer and quicker option. The “bike space” is clearly marked and does lack some space, but how about that lilac upholstery? Catch it before it retires soon!

Lowlights

Navigating through the Central Coast on a bike is not simple. There are some cycle paths in parts (which are ok, but are not always well maintained), but in others not so much. There are also some attempts at signage to help you on the way, but at times it is difficult to follow.

Breweries

The Yard Brewery & Smokehouse. I really enjoyed my visit to the Yard – definitely one of the surprise packets of the trip. How cool are these taps?

Bay Road Brewing. Just near Gosford station, this place would be wicked if I was commuting to/from here – particularly with the happy hour. I really loved the wall art too.

Block ‘n Tackle. This brewery wins the prize for really thinking about what a beer drinker wants – something sensible to snack on that is not just a packet of chips. A really nice touch is the nuts & pretzel jars – combo them if you want, well priced, and more sustainable too. Top work.

Other tips & recommendations

I confess that I splurged on a mid-ride apartment with washing machine at the Mantra Ettalong Beach. It was great to wash all the kit properly, the (unexpectedly upgraded) view very nice, and the kitchenette allowed for budget off-setting self catering.

Day 6: Central Coast – Wollongong

One of the most memorable days of the trip, navigating the full length of Sydney to Wollongong was challenging, interesting, sight-filled and very rewarding. My advice? Don’t be daunted by cycling through here, as the sights are great and the cycling infrastructure is (mostly) pretty good.

Highlights

Catching ferries on this trip was a real highlight – both between Ettalong Beach and Palm Beach, and then in Sydney between Manly and Circular Quay. Providing a great way to get around, there was no additional charge for the bike.

Once you arrive at Circular Quay, an easy option is then to transfer to the train through Sydney – a logical station to get off would be Sutherland for the Royal National Park. I was really keen, however, to try the cycleways through Sydney. Those in the Sydney City Council area and the backroad routes in Bayside Council were really great. I would absolutely recommend them as a tremendous way to see the city – all the way through, down past the airport and on to Botany Bay. You aren’t going to set any speed records, but they were safe, separated, and logical to follow.

Once at Sutherland (which provides a wide range of choices for food – important as there isn’t much between here and Stanwell Park), the route is also excellent. Not only is there wide cycleway to the Royal National Park, but I also really enjoyed the gravel of Lady Carrington Drive. Whilst some parts were slightly rough, a gravel bike is totally ok and this road is a great way to really appreciate the park. The on-road sections within the park are also great for cycling.

The off-road cycling goodness also continues with the NSW Coastline cycleway – this starts around Austinmer. You get the chance to see lovely coastline, and whilst you may have to contend with ‘pedestrian traffic’, this is a lot more preferable to some of the busier roads around here.

Lowlights

Whilst the ferries were great, their main downside was the storage facilities for bikes. On the Palm Beach ferry it was a matter of “wedging” it as best as you could. On the Manly fast ferry there were racks, but these were really poorly designed – if you could lift your bike onto the hook your rear derailleur and disc brakes would be hitting the rack.

Northern Beaches navigation had so much potential, yet was difficult. Trying to follow some form of backroad route from Palm Beach to Mona Vale, particularly the part to Newport, was really confusing – notwithstanding random signage. I’m sure if I was doing this regularly I’d figure it out, but it was much more difficult than in really should be – including running into dead ends. Bayside council shows that this is not that hard – you don’t need the resources and separated cycleways of Sydney City to make this work. And it is such a shame as further on you can combine the cycle paths with on-road lanes and bus lanes. Sigh.

In a similar vein, the cycling lanes before you get to Austinmer have so much potential yet are sufficiently infuriating that you’d go on the road. I tried, but the gates on the descent at Coalcliff were the last straw. Thankfully the iconic Sea Cliff bridge is just epic.

Breweries

Resin Brewing. This classy location set a high standard for fit-out and location (just near Bulli station). I enjoyed a couple of hazys here, and would like to return to try out the full experience as the food menu looked really good. The whiteboard also shows you don’t need to invest heaps to provide really useful information to help you pick your brew.

Principle Brewing. Geez, $5 schooners on Wednesday are extraordinary value for money, particularly when the beers are good. No wonder the uni crowd arrives en-masse! Topped off with the J Winnfield burgers. Yum.

Day 7: Wollongong – Milton

Day 7 provided some real contrasts – between great off-road options and quiet beach side routes, to unavoidable and narrow highway.

Highlights

When in town for the 2022 UCI world championships I had used the NSW Coastline Cycleway between Wollongong and Kiama. I didn’t hesitate to use it again as it is really good: a great way to travel along the coast. Pretty idyllic views too. One thing to note is that whilst the route is clearly mapped (eg if you look at the komoot cycling map the route is obvious), it is not necessarily clearly signposted.

The other part of the route that was really nice for cycling was around Jervis Bay. Whether it was the roads or the cycleways (both beachside and roadside) this is a place that you can happily and easily cycle around. Unlike the Princes Highway….

Speaking of the highway, I was keen to find any sensible way to get off it, and found very nice gravel to help with this. Exiting the highway on the road to Sussex Inlet, there are gravel roads through the forest that were much more fun that highway running. The only thing I would note is that based upon the surface these may be challenging when wet.

Lowlights

The Princes Highway is not a great road to travel. Between Nowra and Jervis Bay Road there is either cycle path or really wide verge which is great, but from re-entry to the highway after Jervis Bay (from The Wool Road) the verge is mixed. This culminates in the terrifying final few kilometres as the highway narrows, winds and climbs into Milton – a stretch when there is no alternative. Awful.

Breweries

Flamin Galah. I was surprised to find two breweries almost next to each other in Jervis Bay – Flamin Galah and Jervis Bay Brewing. I confess that I based my selection based upon the menu options for food on this occasion – the options at the permanently on-site The Nest food van seemed more appealing, and would recommend!

Dangerous Ales. Located within The Milton Hotel (above which is also the very nice Rooms – a great renovation that is unrecognisable as what was pub rooms), this brewery is a must visit. Not only is the beer epic (don’t miss the rice lager, or the can’t-drink-many but oh-my it is good Lupo Max Fiasco hazy IPA), but the views and hotel food are standouts. If you fancy a meal (if your budget stretches) make sure you book ahead.

Other tips & recommendations

I did take the train between Kiama and Bomaderry, mainly driven by some ordinary weather rather than any specific concerns about the route. This is actually a good place to jump on as it is where the train changes – between the electric train from Sydney to diesel for the final stretch. This train has decent space for bikes.

Also, do yourself a favour and drop into the awesome Kraken Sourdough when passing through St Georges basin.

Day 8: Milton – Bodalla

Wow. So many Canberrans holiday at the south coast. On their doorstep is the epic completely off highway route between Mogo and Milton. Amazing gravel.

Highlights

Until I started planning this trip I had no idea that it was possible to travel from Milton to Nelligen off-highway, allowing connection to Runnyford Road that takes you all the way to Mogo. And from here, continued off-highway cycling is possible through to Moruya. This whole route was one of the highlights of the entire trip.

The major challenge of the route is Shallow Crossing. Despite being quite a fair way up river, the crossing of the Clyde is tidal, meaning that the depth will depend on when you arrive. The van above was quite bold crossing at this depth, but there is no issue walking across – even if it is up to your thighs. The crossing is concrete, and the water flow is very gentle.

Other than the crossing, the gravel riding is just brilliant, offering a range of different views and taking an undulating path through forest and farmland. This experience continues after Nelligen (and a coffee stop) on Runnyford Road – a route you are likely to have seen signposted if you have travelled along the Kings Highway from Canberra to the coast.

Lowlights

The worst part of the day is definitely the Princes Highway between Moruya and Bodalla. If you have the time and inclination, I can recommend the Little Sugerloaf / Western Boundary Roads route – but these are backroad gravel, add significant climbing, and still require the final few kilometres on the highway. Unlike the highway near Milton there is no really awful part of this highway stretch and generally there is decent verge – so whilst a lowlight it is a route I’d cycle again.

Breweries

Broulee Brewhouse. What a lovely place this is. I tried the hazy (pouring in progress above!) and the chicken and noodle salad lunch really hit the spot. Great for a sunny afternoon.

Malt Man Brewing. This is kind of a local for me as I visit Bodalla regularly. I really like the Kolsch. Check out the garden whilst here – they grow their own hops!

Other tips & recommendations

If you need some on-the-fly maintenance I can recommend Moruya Bicycles. I replaced a fraying rear derailleur cable on the previous evening (I always carry a spare), so I dropped in to get another and asked if they would trim and crimp the cable. No problem!

Unfortunately Bodalla doesn’t offer any accommodation options – I have friends to stay with here that solves this issue. If you are outside school holidays I can recommend the idyllic Beachcomber Holiday Park down near Potato Point – they have some cabins and camping options too. You will, however, need to self-cater and the cabins are not super cheap. The other alternatives are to stop in Moruya or Tuross Heads.

Day 9: Bodalla – Bega

When you add it all up, this day also shows how much of the route between Milton and Bega can be completed not only off-highway, but also on gravel road. Super nice.

Highlights

There were so many highlights of this day. Starting on Eurobodalla Road (with beautiful farmland scenery, the connection to Reedy Creek Road is initially a little concerning as after a little while it seems that it receives very little traffic. Whilst this does mean that there is a fair amount of debris (sticks, bark etc), the road is clearly more extensively used after the intersection with Morts Folly Road.

Soon, the route also passes some local farms prior to winding its way around behind Mount Dromedary (in Gulaga National Park). It is easy to see how this is a main entry/exit route from local properties and is well maintained – including when the road becomes Dignams Creek Road.

Although not a gravel road, Tathra Road is also a highlight – a route that offers wonderful beach views and undulating hills. If you are so inclined, there a number of places you could stop for a surf swim (but please only jump in if you are experienced and know how to read a beach as these are not patrolled).

Lowlights

Taking the highway for 8km between Dignams Creek Road and Bermagui Road was not brilliant – some places are narrow with limited verge. That’s about it. I expect that Tathra Road between Tathra and Bega can also get busy, but the narrowest bit (between Tathra and Kalaru) has a cycleway.

Breweries

Camel Rock. It would be a mistake to pass this place by just because it happens to be in a caravan park. Offering outside seating with mountain views and solid food choices, Camel Rock was good value.

Humpback. If there was a prize for the best view at a brewery, Humpback would be likely to win it. On a warm afternoon, this place is hard to beat. Somewhere I would like to return.

Other tips & recommendations

If you do nothing else, do not miss a treat from Honorbread. My word, if this place was based in a major city, there would be daily queues out the door. Absolutely sensational.

Day 10: Bega – Dalgety

I toyed with the idea of cycling up Tantawangalo Mountain Road for this trip. I would like to do that, but after some research and thinking decided that I would risk tackling Brown Mountain on the highway. This proved to be fine, and did allow sufficient time to get to the brewery….

Highlights

Leaving Bega there is the option to not jump straight onto the highway by starting on Coopers Gully Road. Do yourself a favour and do this. The views are great, and the gravel nice. Lovely in morning light.

Having said that, the Snowy Mountains Highway was actually fine. My calculation was that by heading off at 0530 on a Sunday morning the highway and then Brown Mountain climb would have very limited traffic. This proved correct. I have seen some pictures and commentary about Brown Mountain being poor for cycling, but I would say that given the low speed limit and picking a time with limited traffic makes for a safe climb. At no stage did I feel uncomfortable (other than from the fact I was cycling up a steep hill!).

Once on the Monaro plains after Nimmitabel, the roads are just epic. I reckon these highland roads are some of the most amazing in the country, and well worth a trip just on their own (the best roads fall in a triangle between Cooma, Nimmitabel and Dalgety – some more are covered in Day 2 here). Just make sure you do the gravel ones in the dry!

Lowlights

Once the climb is done, the Snowy Mountains Highway from Brown Mountain to Nimmitabel becomes just that – a high speed highway. Not terrible, but as the traffic picked up I was glad to be done with it when arriving at the Nimmitabel bakery.

Breweries

Dalgety Brewing Company. Getting to this brewery is an adventure – river crossings and steep climb and descent on a fire-trail style highway. But once there the views are matched with lovely beer at excellent prices.

Other tips & recommendations

Before launching into a Brown Mountain climb, stopping for a pie and coffee at the tremendous Bemboka Pie Shop is highly recommended.

The Buckleys Crossing Hotel was an unexpected delight. Offering traditional-style pub rooms, this extensively renovated pub exemplifies what you hope to find when travelling – great hospitality, nice meals, and comfy rooms. By the time you visit the last of the bathroom renos might be done – the rest are wonderful. The continental breakfast was also great.

Day 11: Dalgety – Canberra

An awful day matched with horrible highway segments. Was glad to finish.

Highlights

To be frank highlights were few and far between this day. The reason for that was the weather, which played havoc with alternative route plans and pace. Dalgety Road offered nice views and limited traffic, and even Kosciuszko Road through to Cooma wasn’t awful. But that’s about it.

Lowlights

I have to be honest, most of the day was a lowlight. The major driver of this was the weather – ripping crosswinds, storms, rain, and a highway being the alternative to a longer, higher but safer trip. The worst part is definitely Cooma to Bredbo, where there are parts of the road that are both narrow for traffic and lack verge. After Bredbo things do improve dramatically.

Breweries

Capital Brewing Co. I confess that I was extremely relieved to arrive home and drop into my “local”. I really rate Capital for two reasons: one of the very best NEIPAs (Hang Loose Juice) and a regular rotation of high quality seasonal special release beers. All happily paired with some Brod.

Summing up: key lessons learnt….

Ok, so what did I learn? Obviously I did a lot of kilometres on this trip. Too many really. Part of the challenge is definitely distances and time available, but I expect to plan less kilometres per day in future – more like 120km average per day or less, rather than over 140km. Why do I say this? There are a few drivers:

• It is just a bit more relaxed – it provides more opportunity to take a detour, spend more time on a stop, and provides more relax time at the end of a day.
• Weather. Things work fine when the weather is nice but when it is rainy, extra windy and stormy things can slow down a lot. Having some more contingency is really useful.
• Day-on-day adds up. Over longer trips you would build in rest days, but doing this day on day you do slow down, meaning how far you can go each day can reduce.

I also bit the bullet after this trip and upgraded my bike to a different cassette (11-42). This “mullet” arrangement necessitated a Wolftooth Goatlink, but has transformed climbing with a load without sacrificing on-road speed. I found bikepacking.com particularly useful here (become a collective member if you think it useful too).

Then on to the breweries. There are three breweries I wish were closer to where I live, as I would visit them regularly:

• The massive surprise of Rusty Penny Brewing Co. Beer is great, and the American BBQ wonderful. Regular dinners with the family would be had here.
• For a great setup and beer, The Yard Brewery & Smokehouse is hard to beat. It would be a favourite casual drop in.
• For just the best beer, topped off with a great restaurant and epic views it is impossible to go past Dangerous Ales. Without doubt the best brewery I’ve ever visited.

In addition I would absolutely go out of my way to re-visit a number of the others: Southern Highlands Brewing, Bay Road Brewing, Resin Brewing, Principle Brewing, Broulee Brewhouse, and Dalgety Brewing Company. Not to say that I wouldn’t want to go back to the others, just that these were ones with something else I really liked. Of course, this is a personal thing and your tastes may differ!

Finally, the pick of the accommodation? This was Vine Valley Inn (Cessnock), The Rooms (Milton), and Buckleys Crossing Hotel (Dalgety). If they fit in your budget and are on your route I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.