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Wauchope & Hinterland
Bago Maze & Wine, Image credit Destination NSW
Wauchope & Hinterland
Most visitors don’t realise how good the hinterland is until a local tells them. Port Mac’s back country is a dreamy mix of rolling hills, lush rainforest, spectacular waterfalls and genuinely welcoming little towns. It’s perfect for a day trip (and we’ve got a great itinerary for you here): but fair warning, once you get out there, you’ll want to stay longer.
Hastings River Horse Riding- Pub Ride - Beechwood Hotel
Wauchope
The hinterland, also known as the ‘Hastings Valley’ is just 15 minutes west of Port Mac. Wauchope is the main township servicing this region (pronounced ‘War-hope’). It’s a lively country town with proper main street energy. There are great cafes, boutiques, and a handful of destination-worthy bakeries, the cruffins from Baked Culture are genuinely next-level. Walk the 1.4km riverside trail from Rocks Ferry along the Hastings River, grab lunch at the Cowarra Dam Picnic Area, or browse local treasures along High Street and at the Wauchope Creative Hub (25-plus local artists in a huge country shed). For pure adventure, book in for a river ride with Hastings River Horse Riding.
On the fourth Saturday of each month, the Wauchope Farmers Markets at the Showgrounds (8am-1pm) are the real deal. Think the freshest produce and artisan goods direct from local farmers and makers.
Bago Maze and Wine is a short 20 minute drive south from here, as is the Old Bottlebutt Tree.
The Country Pub Crawl
Grab your mates (and a designated driver) and do the loop of some legendary Aussie watering holes. Start at the newly renovated Hastings Hotel in Wauchope, a classic heritage pub. Five minutes out of town is the Beechwood Hotel, a winner of Wotif’s Country Pub of the Year and with a hitching rail for your horse (seriously). Then head west on the Oxley Highway to the Long Flat Pub, a true original Travellers Rest packed with nostalgia, a great beer garden and camping on the river bank beside it.
Comboyne
Worth every kilometre of the winding drive up the escarpment. The Comboyne Plateau unfolds like a lush green patchwork quilt and the tiny village at the top has arts, crafts, a cosy cafe and access to some magnificent walks. Rawson Falls in Boorganna Nature Reserve is a 5km return trail through rainforest that’s absolutely packed with birdlife. If you’re into regenerative farming, book a farm tour at Grazed and Grown and buy meat and produce direct from the farmer.
Insider tips: Stop at Byabarra Cafe on the way up for the storybook views off the back deck. The Udder Cow in Comboyne is charming and cozy and the Comboyne Farm Store is well worth a visit.
Comboyne in Autumn by Paul Koch
Locals Love
