No road trip is complete for HUNTERhunter without filling up on all the best food and drink we can get our hands on. So, in true HH fashion, we’ve curated the ultimate guide on where to eat, drink, and shop on a road trip out to NSW’s famous New England region. 

Muswellbrook

Pukara Estate

A road trip isn’t complete without snacks so to make yours a little more localised, drop into a number of stops along the way to pick up some local produce. Pukara Estate located just outside of Muswellbrook’s town centre is filled to the brim with olive oils, vinegars, and food products perfect for that afternoon cheese platter you’re thinking of making. Drop into the olive-tree-lined venue and stock up on goodies for the trip (and to take home).

Where: 1440 Denman Rd
When: Mon-Sun | 10am-4pm
More Info: click here

Hunter Belle Cheese Café

Just a few minutes from Pukara Estate, is the famous Hunter Belle Cheese shop and café. Whether you want to take time for a pit-stop and top up on caffeine or an early lunch, or stock up on some goodies; a stop into Hunter Belle Cheese is a must.

From cheeses and cartons of milk to fresh juice from East Coast beverages and even trout from Nundle’s Arc-en-ciel Trout farm. If it’s a hot day on the road, we suggest picking up some of the café’s house-made gelato; delicious!

Where: 74 Aberdeen St
When: Mon-Sun | 9am-4pm
More Info: click here

Nundle

Arc-en-ciel Trout Farm

The aforementioned Trout farm is located off the beaten track just 20-minutes from the centre of Nundle. Drop into the Drunken Trout Café to sample some goods or even just pick up some of their local trout or smoked-meat from their sister brand; Nundle Smokehouse.

Where: 52 Shearers Rd
When: Sun-Fri | 10am-2pm
More Info: click here 

Machina Coffee & Donuts 

After a coffee pick me up? Just across the road, you can pick up a grab n’go coffee and donut from the shipping container café; Machina Coffee & Donuts.

Where: 80 Jenkins St
When: Tue-Sun | 6am-12pm
More Info: click here

Peel Inn Hotel

The gold rush pub sitting on the corner of Jenkins and Oakenville Street is the go-to watering spot in town with its decorative ironwork, a Wunderlich tin-lined balcony, and six-metre deep verandah.

Where: 89 Jenkins St
More Info: click here 

Tamworth

Hissy Fits Café

You’ve made it to Tamworth! Now, where to eat? A meal at Hissy Fits Café is an absolute no-brainer. The retro and quirky interiors are a reflection of owner Claire’s personality and enthusiasm. Think lots of 60s styled furniture and colourings with macrame and vintage styled artworks donning the walls.

Expect plenty of delicious options on the menu including lots of burger and burrito options (including vegetarian options) and the almighty loaded tots!

Where: 257 Peel St
When: Tue-Thu | 7am-3pm
Fri | 7am-2.30pm 5.30pm-8.30pm
Sat | 7am-2pm
Sun | 8am-1pm
More Info: click here

The Pig & Tinder Box

Just up the road is Tamworth’s go-to refreshed pub venue with a killer beer garden perfect for an afternoon beverage combined with some of the tastiest pub dishes in town.

Where: 429 Peel St
When: Sun-Thu | 9am-10pm
Fri-Sat | 9am-12am
More Info: click here

The Workshop Kitchen

Tamworth’s newest, and the fanciest restaurant in town, The Workshop Kitchen is now open! Situated inside the Powerhouse Hotel by Rydges, The Workshop Kitchen is renowned for being the only place in town to offer all-day dining; breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even drinks until late every day!

Where: 248 Armidale Rd
When: Mon-Sun | 6.30am-10pm
More Info: click here

Williamsburg 

Consider yourself a burger fiend? Look no further than Williamsburg. With a killer burger menu and all the toppings you could ever want, a trip to the go-to burger joint in town is a must for any visitors.

Our picks? The Sweet Hass with fried crispy chicken thigh, crispy bacon, avocado, swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, beetroot, aioli, and sweet chilli dressing; and The Love Shack (vegan) with sweet potato fries (on the burger), avocado, grilled portobello mushroom, lettuce, tomato, beetroot, and vegan aioli.

Where: 87-93 Brisbane St
When: Mon-Tue | 11am-3pm 5pm-9pm
Wed-Fri | 11am-3pm 5pm-9pm
Sat-Sun | 11am-8.30pm
More Info: click here 

Hopscotch Restaurant & Bar

Located on the edge of Tamworth’s Bicentennial Park, Hopscotch Restaurant & Bar is perfect for those with young families as it sits directly opposite the best park the region has to offer.

Sit back and enjoy great food and drinks in the outdoor dining or head inside to relax in air-conditioned comfort. 

Where: Kabel Ave & Hill St
When: Mon-Sun | 7am-2.30pm
More Info: click here

The Press 2304

The bar we’ve been looking for! The Press 2304, is Tamworth’s version of Newcastle’s hidden speakeasy Coal & Cedar. The cool basement bar is dedicated to all the best cocktails with a focus on whiskey; perfectly paired with the venue’s tapas menu.

Where: 179 Marius St
When: Tue-Thu | 4pm-10pm
Fri-Sat | 4pm-12am
More Info: click here 

Gunnedah

Bitter Suite Café

Make the time to drop into Tamworth’s neighbour and smaller city Gunnedah for brunch. Our pick? The quirky Grounds of Alexandria-Esque Bitter Suite Café. Sitting on the main road, Bitter Suite has its own open courtyard dining area complete with what seems like a nursery of its own.

The brunch menu features all you’re the Aussie favourites with the Avocado on Sourdough being our pick, paired with a freshly squeezed Watermelon juice.

Where: 235 Conadilly St
When: Tue-Fri | 6.30am-3pm
Sat | 8am-2pm
Sun | 8am-12pm
More Info: click here

Willow Tree

Plains Pantry

On the journey home, make sure to drop into the beautiful and quaint country town of Willow Tree. Call into Plains Pantry for a cup of coffee with beans from Glee Coffee Roasters and pick up some last-minute local produce from the retail side.

Where: 6 Cadell St
When: Mon-Fri | 7.30am-5pm
Sat-Sun | 8.30am-4pm
More Info: click here

Graze at the Willow Tree Inn

If you’re after a cool beverage or a hearty meal before you make the long trip home, jump across the road to Graze at the Willow Tree Inn; known for their award-winning Colly Creek steaks.

Where: 18 New England Hwy
When: Wed-Fri | 12pm-2pm 6pm-8.30pm
Sat | 12pm-3pm 6pm-9pm
Sun | 12pm-3pm
More Info: click here 

Murrurundi

Michael Reid

Finish the trip with a stop into the leafy suburb of Murrurundi and visit the Michael Reid Gallery & Café. One step through the iron gates and you’ll be transported into an unexpected green oasis. Wander through the venue’s grounds or stop into the retail space to browse local handmade goods or jump across to the art gallery.

Where: Cnr Boyd & Mayne St
When: Thu-Sun | 9.30am-5pm
More Info: click here