Located a cruisey 90 minutes drive from Sydney, Bendooley Estate is the stuff dreams are made of. Set on a picture perfect rural property just outside Berrima, the estate boasts vineyards, cellar door, luxury accommodation and The Berkelouw Book Barn home to the most dreamy bookstore as well as the Estate’s restaurant and bar. You won’t want to leave!
The rustic luxe cottages are quirkily named after famous Australian authors and feature books and biographies in each of the individually styled cottages. The Henry Lawson is decked out in Instagram worthy interiors and a swoon worthy stone bath (#bathgoals). There’s a choice of one, two or three bedroom cottages, so it’s perfect for both romantic getaways for two or bringing your whole tribe.
The onsite restaurant is open daily for lunch where you can kick back fireside with a backdrop of beautiful books or enjoy an alfresco meal surrounded by the Estates gardens and vineyards. Wood-fired pizzas are their specialty and wash it down with some estate grown Merlot or two. Is this place even real life?
Spend your day exploring the surrounding villages of Bowral, Berrima and Burrawang or anything cute that starts with B in the Southern Highlands really. Don’t miss the epic Dirty Janes for vintage and antique everything, The Press Shop for bespoke letterpress stationary and cute AF café interiors and sip wine fireside and carb load at Harry’s on Green Lane.
Indulge in some wine tasting at picturesque wineries such as Mount Ashby Estate where you can sit around French Farmhouse tables within a restored original dairy and take in the vineyard views and grazing dairy cattle. Also, try Artemis Wines and Tertini for more great examples of cool climate wines.
Gourmands will also want to check out two hatted restaurant Biota Dining for inspiring degustation menus created by James Viles and team. For more relaxed dining, book one hatted Bistro Officina for European bistro style fare by Chef Nicola Coccia.
Return sated and take our advice and plan a simple romantic night in and order up a charcuterie board and cheese platter from the Bendooley team. Curl up with a book, sip some wine and eat your body weight in cheese for a heavenly gourmet getaway.
Read more about Sally’s travels at Alluxia.com
