Berry is all about charm. A mere two hours south of Sydney, this pretty little town has more to offer than cinnamon-dusted carbohydrate-loaded treats. Come along as we explore some of Berry’s best bits.
Setting the Scene
The main street looks like it’s out of a tree-change fantasy, with boutique stores, heritage buildings and restaurants that will leave foodies frothing at the mouth. A lush backdrop of rolling hills, vast valleys and dense mountains overlooks the whole scene.
The Hungry Duck
Enjoy the best of the NSW south coast at The Hungry Duck, where local and organic produce reign supreme. The modern Asian cuisine is divine, and highlighted by dishes like crab ravioli with seaweed salad and soy vinaigrette and the fresh turmeric curry of Wagyu beef brisket, root vegetables and herbs. A lush collection of Australian and New Zealand wines complement the menu and as such the restaurant has been cited in the Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide’s ‘Top 10 green eateries in NSW’.
Find them at: 85 Queen St.
Try the delicious dishes at The Hungry Duck (Image: James Horan / Destination NSW)
Mountain Ridge Wines
Pop into the stunning Mountain Ridge Wines for a spot of lunch (or breakfast for the early birds) and a bottle of the region’s finest vino. Share the Vineyard Taste Plate ($25), which includes smoked ocean trout, beetroot relish, blue cheese gratin, house marinated olives, grilled asparagus, dolmades and house bread. The restaurant operates on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, but if you can’t make it on one of these days, the cellar door is open seven days between 11am and 5pm.
Find them at: 11 Coolangatta Rd.
Enjoy a drink and a bite with a spectacular view of Mountain Ridge's vineyard
(Image: Facebook / Mountain Ridge Winery Restaurant)
SOUTH on Albany
SOUTH on Albany is a bustling hub of activity and gastronomic excellence that serves up a smorgasbord of seasonal dishes using local ingredients. Husband and wife team John Evans and Sonia Greig are the owners and driving force behind the business’s success. The confit duck with Jerusalem artichoke puree, chorizo sausage, cous cous, green beans and basil is a standout, as is the macadamia and hazelnut praline parfait with poached caramel apples and ginger beer granita.
Find them at: 3/65 Queen St.
The Famous Berry Donut Van
The Famous Berry Donut Van has seen locals and tourists stuff their faces for more than 55 years, and little has changed since the van’s early days. Made fresh to order, we suggest ordering at least a dozen cinnamon donuts, or two dozen if you plan to share.
Find them at: 73 Queen St.
A local institution – The Famous Berry Donut Van (Image: Facebook / The Famous Berry Donut Van)
Goldfish Toy Shop
Goldfinch Toy Shop is a cosy store with colour in abundance and toys by the bucket load. The designs are original and can be enjoyed by children or those young at heart. Indeed, you could drop by and pick up a couple of toys for the grandkids and a Madagascar weaved basket bag (exclusive to Goldfish) for yourself. A truly old-fashioned experience, the shop offers a nostalgic trip back in a time.
Find them at: 3/58 Albert St
The Treat Factory
Follow the sweet wafting aromas about one kilometre from the main street and you’ll find yourself outside the aptly named Treat Factory. Sweet and savoury goodies are handcrafted in store before entering the stomachs of patrons who marvel at the old school variety and sheer volume of treats, jams, chutneys, mustards and syrups.
Find them at: Lot 1 Old Creamery Ln.
Indulge your sweet tooth in Berry! (Image: Facebook / The Treat Factory)
Il Locale
For a sweet treat or light snack, visit Il Locale for gelato (from The Pines in Kiama and made from 70% Holstein cow’s milk), top-notch coffee and the new range of Mr Kombucha fermented tea with live pro-biotics. Healthy and delicious: what more could you ask for?
Find them at: 114 Queen St.
The Berry Pub
There’s nothing quite like an old country pub, and the heritage Berry Pub is one of the finest. The building was erected in 1863 and boasts the title of one of the oldest brick buildings in town. Patrons can choose between dining in The Coach House, The Courtyard or Our Café.
Find them at: 120 Queen St.
Soak up the atmosphere at the historic Berry Hotel (Image: Facebook / The Berry Hotel)
The Great Southern Hotel
Visit the quirky pub on the corner for an Aussie bistro experience with well-priced pub grub and drinks. ‘Top Pub’, as it’s now, enjoys a fully fenced playground for the youngsters, and cheap beer and wine for the adults. Settle in to the courtyard and watch the day drift by with a schooner in hand.
Find them at: 95 Queen St.
Nortje by Geraldine
South African designer Geraldine Nortje brings her classic and timeless style to Berry via a collection of contemporary, lightweight clothes, accessories and homewares. Combining South African style with Australian influences, locally sourced textiles are also available.
Find them at: 114 Queen St.
Silos Estate
Pack up your pets and belongings and spend the weekend at animal-friendly Silos Estate. The sprawling landscape welcomes boutique style accommodation (choose from the Spa Suite of Sitting Room Suites), a cellar door, restaurant and alpaca farm.
Find them at: Princes Hwy.
What is your favourite South Coast destination?
(Feature image: Destination NSW)
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