Slow Fashion Picks and Local Dining Secrets for your next NSW Adventure
Have you been itching to get out on the town or hankering for an excuse to get out of your jammies and into something fabulous? With lock-down measures beginning to lift, that chance may be here soon! We've scouted around to find some of the coolest and cosiest independently owned establishments across New South Wales for that date night or weekend with the girls you've been dreaming of - along with some of the hottest sustainable fashion finds to make sure you look the part!
1.Retro Fun at Aunty Ed's Katoomba
For many Sydney-Siders the Blue Mountains is the quick escape of choice. With so much natural beauty to explore as well as an abundance of cosy heritage stays and restaurants making it an ideal winter destination.
Retro-themed bar and restaurant is a (literally) hidden gem, concealed down Katoomba Street in a basement! Booths, outlandish colour schemes and an eclectic mix of memorabilia and Australiana make for a perfectly retro atmosphere and the retro-inspired menu with cocktails, spiders and milkshakes take it to the next level. On top of this, Aunty Ed's offers live music and offers over 40 independent Australian craft beers and regional wines.
Our ethical vintage inspired ensemble: Swedish Stockings Svea Premium Tights in Regal Yellow (also available in Dusty Blue), Retrospec'd Cable Knit Jumper in Ice Blue, Tami Skirt by Souten, Brookleigh Colour Essentials fabric coloured earrings and Mia Blue Heels by Elise Designs.
2. Courabyra Wines, Tumbarumba in the Snowy Mountains
Whether you're able to ski or not, the Snowy Mountains remain one of the ultimate winter destinations even if its just to take in the sight of the majestic alpine peaks. Its also a premium destination for micro-breweries and boutique wineries such as family-owned Courabyra Wines at the foot of the mountains in Tumbarumba.
Courabyra has a restaurant boasting seasonal local produce where you can get cosy amongst stunning views of the pristine countryside and sample their signature cool climate sparkling wines.
With so many beautiful ethically-made labels from Australia and beyond, you don't have to skimp on style just because it's cold outside. Our high country selection is Scandi-Chic with an Aussie twist: Swedish Stockings Gerda Premium 200 Denier Leggings, Swedish Stockings Freja Bio-Wool Knee-Highs, La Sierra Maggie hand knit cable baby alpaca jumper, Otto & Spike Basketcase Lambswool Scarf and Lucky Beanie, Patagonia Womens Insulated Powder Bowl Jacket.
3. Dulcie's Cottage, Meriumbula NSW South Coast
Anyone who has travelled along the South Coast of New South Wales knows it's stunning natural beauty and the charm of it's seaside villages. Many loyal South Coast holiday goers have been longing to return since so much of the area was devastated by bushfires over the Summer period and to the support the businesses which have suffered as well now with the impact of Covid-19.
A favourite spot along the Sapphire Coast is Merimbula and a gorgeous restaurant which personifies all that coastal charm is Dulcie's Cottage. The cottage, an original weatherboard, was built by Arthur and Dulcie Goodsill in 1925 and is where they raised their eight children! Now, a bustling watering hole with harbour views, the homely appeal of the cottage has been carefully retained and the decor pays homage to the Goodwill family. Dulcie's offers an irrisistable winter South Coast experience with fresh local oysters, burgers, craft beer and a roaring log fire!
The South coast oozes a relaxed natural appeal as do our slow fashion picks for this location: Swedish Stockings Josefin Drop Tights (also available in ivory or as socks), Ulutham Jacket by Ricepaper the Label, Ophelia Tunic in natural fawn linen blend from Bird & Kite and Zouri Mahi Mahi Linen sustainable sneakers.
4. The Tasting Room at The Loch, Berrima, Southern Highlands
Rolling green hills, farms, wineries, stone cottages and magical gardens - how could we forget the Southern Highlands? And with a grand nod to the area's historical Scottish influence, we have chosen The Tasting Room at The Loch in Berrima. Not only for it's rustic beauty and warming ambience, but also for the sustainably sourced local produce crafted into tantalising seasonal menus. The Loch is also committed to achieving the goal of zero-waste with composting of food scraps and even offering flexible portion sizes to minimise left-overs.
Rich, deep hues and luxurious textures perfectly evoke the romance of the highlands. For a slow fashion outfit to accompany your slow food experience, try: Swedish Stockings Olivia Premium 60 Denier Tights in bordeaux, Bec + Bridge Chichi Long Sleeve Knit Mini Dress, Lois Hazel Scrunch Trench in toffee and R.M. Williams Crafstman Boots.
5. Three Blue Ducks, Ewingsdale, Byron Hinterland area
If you've got some time on your hands and you're up for a road trip, the lush pastures and bohemian feels of the Byron Hinterland may just be calling to you! Byron is well known far and wide for its temperate, surf-worthy beaches, but just as alluring are the quaint Hinterland towns scattered amongst winding inland roads. Just inland of Byron township you will find The Farm, a "Slow Foodie's" paradise consisting of a working farm, local micro-businesses and social enterprises.
The Farm acts as a true community, offering education as well as events and not least, food - of which the Three Blue Ducks is famed for. The restaurant is owned by five mates with a passion for "real food" - organic, sustainably-farmed, local and seasonal. Need any more convincing?
Heading North you can make the most of the temperate sub-tropical climate, embracing the free-flowing local boho style, with layers to add as the evening chill sets in. Our ethical boho picks: Swedish Stockings Liv Net Tights, Violet Fish Sunny Hollow Dress in Midnight print, Spell & the Gypsy Joan Jacket in Copper and Ladies Cognac Greta Stitching Boots by Frankie Rose & Co.
This article was really difficult to write as there are so many amazing spots across New South Wales regional areas to choose from! If you have a favourite, especially somewhere locally-owned and focused on ethical and sustainable food, that you'd like to share, drop us a line below!