Nine Things to Eat, See and Do in Wollondilly Next Time You Need to Escape Sydney for a Day

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Situated between Wollongong and the Blue Mountains, Wollondilly is our latest discovery for a day-long out-of-the-city getaway. In fact, "there's something for everyone," in this expansive region — that takes in a number of small towns including Picton, Thirlmere, The Oaks, Appin and Wilton — an hour's drive from Sydney.

So, in partnership with Visit Wollondilly, we've handpicked the best nine things to help you plan a perfect day trip to the Dilly.

EAT

CLASSIC COUNTRY BAKERIES

Did you even road trip if you didn't stop for a handmade sausage roll? Wollondilly is home to a number of nostalgic country bakeries that focus on specialised, locally sourced and seasonal ingredients to give your classic vanilla slices, Vegemite scrolls and meat pies an artisan edge. Our picks are the Appin Bakery, which does a mean chocolate eclair, DeliciousLeigh Cakes in Thirlmere for the rotating cupcake selection and Picton's La Crema Cafe, where you can tuck into a more substantial meal like a fresh sandwich with a side of salad. 

OLD-SCHOOL PUB FARE (AND A PINT TO GO ALONGSIDE IT)

Extend your embrace of all things classic Aussie road trip by checking out one of Wollondilly's many great pubs. Pull up for a schnitty at George IV Inn, one of Australia's oldest pubs, check out the retro Camden Valley Inn, an 80-year-old former milkbar turned venue centre whose recently renovated rooms deliver breathtaking valley views, or make a booking at the Bargo Sports Club for a spot of barefoot bowls. 

SOMETHING MORE SOPHISTICATED

Lest you think that a trip to Wollondilly is limited to all things old-world, an emerging number of hospitality hotshots have set up shop around town and are showing off some seriously impressive skills. Like Picton's The Bowling Pheasant, where Sydney restaurant royalty (including former Rockpool executive chef Khan Danis) delivers a menu of honest, humble fare that celebrates the region's incredible local produce. Alternatively, keep it super simple by stocking up on a ready to go platter from local, fresh-food wholesaler, Pheasant's Nest Produce. 

The Dilly is also home to a number of impressive brunch spots. Stop by Picton Social for a hearty all-day breakfast and breakkie cocktail in front of its vibrant Instagram-approved mural, or nab an al fresco spot at vibey all-day spot Moses Barnes for a plate from its seasonally rotating menu that puts local ingredients front and centre.

SEE

COME TO CATARACT DAM

Warragamba Dam is Dilly's most well-known and well worth a visit. This engineering masterpiece is Sydney's main source of drinkable h2o, but serves a purpose beyond the practical — namely some very impressive views of Lake Burragorang. However, our recommendation is to also pop past picturesque Cataract Dam.  At the time of its construction Cataract Dam was one of the biggest engineering projects in Australia and remains popular today for its beautiful castle-like architecture. Commit to the 247-metre walk from one side of the dam to the other and you will be rewarded with magnificent views of the lake and Keele Island on one side, and the deep Cataract Gorge on the other. We highly suggest you stop half way to snap a shot of the charming Tudor-style valve house with slate-hipped roof and parapet gables in the centre of the dam. 

Other unmissable photo opportunities include a set of lovely cottages built at the time of the dam's construction, the remnants of ornamental gardens, grottos, and ferneries from the 1920s and 30s, and (if you're lucky), the outlets at the bottom of the dam wall 56 metres below which release giant plumes of water into the gorge below when open for a truly incredible sight.

SIG-NATURE DILLY

Wollondilly is packed with natural wonders just waiting to be discovered by urban dwellers seeking to escape the big smoke. These include the Picton Botanic Gardens (with a name that should naturally entice you to pack a basket of your favourite foods to be enjoyed under the sun!). However, if you're not about the picnic life, the Gardens also offer visitors the opportunity to cycle along bike paths or stroll through verdant walking tracks. As do Thirlmere Lakes National Park and Nattai National Park, with both green spaces featuring well-marked hiking trails to cater to all fitness levels. 

HISTORIC HOTSPOTS

A trip to the Dilly delivers a masterclass in regional Australian history. Sure, there's a fascinating backstory to some of Wollondilly's oldest sites — like Picton's heritage-listed Stonequarry Creek Railway Viaduct — but the best bit for non-academic types is that they simultaneously offer the opportunity to snap a couple of shots that look really good on the 'gram.

If modern history is more your style, then you'll be pleased to hear that the region is also home to contemporary public artworks and street murals that are sure to feature in the Dilly's history books somewhere in the future. Check them out at the Paint the Town Festival and make the effort to track down Animal Arches by Jimmy Dvate and the Floral Mural by Scott Marsh, both in Picton.  

DO

EMBRACE YOUR INNER ADRENALINE JUNKIE 

The open spaces that surround the Dilly make it the perfect destination to bring all your adventure-seeking dreams to life. If you're an aerial enthusiast, book a spot with  Balloon Aloft Camden Valley for morning views over the mountains or Sydney Skydivers for a heart-raising afternoon. Alternatively, get your thrills a little closer to the ground at Picton Karting or Ultimate Paintball, Sydney's largest paintball park that boasts 14 themed battlefields over its 120 acres. 

SHOP TIL YOU DROP

The Dilly, is definitely the place to discover a unique range of stores that you won't find anywhere else in the world. Like The Elephant Emporium, a fairtade retailer packed with homewares and eclectic Asian-inspired accessories; Ruuska, a boutique brimming with books, bags and everything in between; and Hippy Luxe, where you can stock up on beautiful bohemian jewellery, clothing and bric-a-brac from across the globe. 

ABSOLUTELY NOTHING AT ALL 

While it might not make sense to drive 90 minutes just to twiddle your thumbs, we do recommend basing a day trip to the Dilly around a range of relaxed, rejuvenating, no-effort-required itineraries. Like a visit to low-key Palms Springs-inspired wellness spa retreat The Bathhouse in Douglas Park. Other options include a massage, facial or mani/pedi at Enlightened Beauty, or a chilled-out gals (or guys) day at sweating it out in one of City Cave Float & Wellness Centre's signature saunas.  

To find out more about Wollondilly and discover more ways to experience this scenic destination, head to the website.