The Best Couples Getaway Ever!
Nestled beneath green rolling hills, just a stone’s throw from the coast, the township of Berry oozes character, warmth and charm just two hours south of Sydney and three hours from Canberra. Located in the Shoalhaven on the South Coast of NSW. Dharawal Country, Berry is also the earliest settlement of the South Coast by Alexander Berry. Enjoy the old-world charm of heritage architecture, and gardens combined with great food, magnificent stays, fresh country air and a myriad of possibilities. Berry is the perfect escape from the city for couples looking for a luxe country getaway!
Itinerary
Why not start your weekend early, reaching Berry before lunch and kick things off with a relaxed bite to eat at The Garden. Appreciate the artwork by local artists on display and enjoy their locally sourced seasonal produce – it’s the ideal meeting place for locals and visitors alike.
The Garden, Berry
After enjoying a romantic walk around the town admiring the historical buildings on Queen Street (Why not take the self- guided Berry Historic Walking Tour to learn more about the historic town), it will quickly be time to pop up the hill to Mt Hay Retreat. Check into your luxury suite at the retreat, with your hosts Louise and Anthony. Enjoy uninterrupted views across the landscaped grounds and countryside of Berry all the way to the sparkling ocean. Champagne on arrival is an optional but welcome personal touch if you are celebrating something special. Outdoor tranquil baths, garden views and their sky-scraping cloud swing will have you in awe of this beautiful 360 acre escape.
After a drive it’s always good to stretch your legs, so take a short stroll around the grounds of Mt Hay or a dip in their indoor heated pool and spa before scrubbing up for dinner in town.
The Pool at Mt Hay Retreat
As the afternoon light starts to fade, why not head down to Berry for a gourmet dinner at the highly acclaimed, hatted restaurant South On Albany. Your hosts John and Sonia craft a set weekly seasonal menu that highlights the best of the South Coast produce with a contemporary, relaxed, and honest vibe. Before heading back to your Berry home to relax and reflect on your day, take a short stroll up the road to meet Mark at Berry Bottle Shop who will help you make a guided selection from unique wines and craft beers including local varieties.
Sonia and John, South on Albany
If you prefer a quiet night-in, swap the gourmet dinner for a delicious selection of goodies from Flavours Berry to devour as you watch the colours of the setting sun.
Day Two
Wake up early to get a jump start on your day. Take the 10 minute drive into town to pick up a coffee to-go and pastries from Milkwood Bakery Berry – best known for their divine croissants.
Milkwood Croissants
Another short scenic drive down bucolic Beach Road and you arrive at Seven Mile Beach, a long stretch of pristine sand and clear water offering that tranquil coastal lifestyle you’ve been craving. Enjoy the sand track walk through the ancient and untouched forest at Seven Mile Beach National Park (one hour each way)! Or book in for a surf lesson or horse ride with Regal Riding along the beach to balance out the country air with coastal vibes.
After working up an appetite why not embark on a food and wine tour from midday getting picked up from your accommodation. Taking in Silos Estate Winery, the newly renovated Two Figs Winery (request a spot next to the floor to ceiling window with views of the Shoalhaven River) before ending at Mountain Ridge Winery for a late paddock to plate lunch experience, shuttled by your friendly and expert guides at Foodscape Tours. An hour will be spent at each winery where you can learn about the harvesting process, try the region’s hero red Chambourcin and enjoy views of the vineyards.
Wineries
After a delicious meal, a quick drive to Old Creamery Lane a 1950s styled The Dairy Bar for either an afternoon coffee, gelato, sundae or milkshake made on the premises from award-winning South Coast Dairy milk while watching cows graze in the nearby paddocks.
Don’t forget to pop next door to the beloved Berry Treat Factory to pick up some sweet Maxwells treats made on the premises for your friends (and maybe some for yourself) before you head back to your accommodation for a relax and a play on the ‘Sky Scraping cloud swing’ taking in the breathtaking views from an incredible vantage point – and of course get that insta-shot to show your friends at home.
The Treat Factory, Berry
After a relax and maybe a cheeky snooze the best way to round of the day is with a massage at your accommodation, Mt Hay Retreat with local masseuses available to set up in your suite.
On your last day, you need to fuel up before the drive, so enjoy a delectable breakfast at Queen Street Cafe is on the cards! The Kings Breakfast will do the trick!
Queen Street Cafe, Berry
If you’re there on the first Sunday of every month take a stroll around the Berry Markets at the Berry Showground on your way into town with 200 market stalls selling handmade and hand-produced products, arts and crafts, locally grown vegetables and produce to name a few.
Continue your retail therapy at the many unique independent gift, homewares, fashion, and other stores that line the main street of Berry. To make sure you’re truly full before you leave, enjoy morning tea and a full slice of home-baked cake at The Berry Tea Shop while perusing the huge range of teas blended on the premises. But don’t forget! Your Berry tour is not complete without a steaming hot and tasty cinnamon and Nutella doughnut from the Famous Berry Donut Van for the drive home and see for yourself what all the fuss is about.
The Berry Donut Van
Whether you’re from Sydney or Canberra, head over Woodhill Mountain, down Wattamolla Road and towards Kangaroo Valley for the prettiest of scenic drives stopping by Fitzroy Falls where water plunges over 80 metres to the valley below. Take the slow way back to Sydney or Canberra via the Southern Highlands to make your last day stretch that little bit longer.
Click here to select your suite or check availability….there’s plenty to enjoy in Berry!
Louise, Mt Hay Retreat
