Photo: Dfadden / CC BY-SA 4.0
Grazing At Gundaroo is a celebrated paddock-to-plate restaurant set on a historic 1870s farmstead in the Southern Highlands, about 45 minutes from the Hunter Valley. Chef Sean Moran’s philosophy is simple: let the garden, orchard, and pasture dictate the menu. The result is a rustic, deeply seasonal dining experience that feels like a long lunch at a friend’s country estate—if that friend happened to be an exceptional cook.
Highlights & What to See
- The Restaurant & Seasonal Menu: Book a table in the charming stone barn or on the verandah overlooking the paddocks. Menus change daily based on what’s ripe, but expect dishes like wood-roasted vegetables, house-made charcuterie, and slow-cooked meats from the farm.
- Farm Walk: Before or after lunch, wander the kitchen garden, orchard, and paddocks where the restaurant’s ingredients are grown. It’s a living larder and a beautiful example of regenerative agriculture.
- The Farm Shop: Stock up on preserves, olive oil, honey, and seasonal produce from the farm. Perfect for a picnic or a souvenir that tastes like the region.
- Chef’s Table Experience: For foodies, the chef’s table in the kitchen offers an intimate behind-the-scenes look at the cooking process, paired with matching wines from the Southern Highlands and Hunter Valley.
- Nearby Wineries: The Southern Highlands is home to cool-climate wineries like Bendooley Estate and Tertini Wines, which are just a short drive away and perfect for a pre- or post-lunch tasting.
Suggested Time to Spend
Plan for at least 2–3 hours for a leisurely lunch and a stroll around the farm. If you add a winery visit or two, make it a half-day excursion from the Hunter Valley or a full-day trip from Sydney. The restaurant is open for lunch Thursday to Monday, so book ahead—especially on weekends.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Berrima: A historic Georgian village with antique shops, the Berrima Distillery, and the excellent Eschalot restaurant.
- Bowral: The main town of the Southern Highlands, known for its boutiques, the Bradman Museum, and the annual Tulip Time festival.
- Morton National Park: Home to the dramatic Fitzroy Falls and excellent bushwalking trails through eucalypt forest.
- Kangaroo Valley: A scenic drive through the escarpment leads to this lush valley with the historic Hampden Bridge, canoeing on the river, and the Kangaroo Valley Pioneer Museum.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.
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Image credits
- Hunter Valley Wine Country — F Delventhal / CC BY 2.0
- Pokolbin — Sardaka ( talk ) 09:13, 15 December 2008 (UTC) / CC BY 3.0
- Brokenwood Wines — krossbow / CC BY 2.0
- Hope Estate — Ank935 / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Audrey Wilkinson Winery — Ben Novakovic / CC BY-SA 2.0
- Hunter Valley Gardens — CassieShepherd / CC BY-SA 4.0