Murrumbateman

Just a 30-minute drive north of Canberra, Murrumbateman is a sleepy wine-growing district that has quietly become one of New South Wales’ most exciting cool-climate wine regions. Think rolling hills dotted with sheep, rustic cellar doors, and a palpable sense of discovery — this is the Southern Tablelands at its most bucolic. The village itself is little more than a general store and a pub, but the real draw is the string of family-run wineries and vineyards that hug the winding country roads.

Highlights & What to See

• Wine tasting at Clonakilla: This pioneering winery put Murrumbateman on the map with its benchmark Shiraz Viognier; the cellar door is intimate and the staff are wonderfully knowledgeable.
• Lerida Estate: A stunning lakeside setting with a café serving woodfired pizzas and estate-grown wines — perfect for a long lunch.
• Brindabella Hills Winery: A small, family-run operation where the owner often pours the wines himself; the Riesling and Sangiovese are standouts.
• Four Winds Vineyard: A relaxed, family-friendly spot with a popular weekend barbecue and a play area for kids; their Chardonnay is a local favourite.
• Murrumbateman General Store: Grab a coffee and a homemade pie — it’s the heart of the village and a great place to pick up local produce.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors explore Murrumbateman as a day trip from Canberra, allowing four to five hours to visit three or four wineries and enjoy a leisurely lunch. If you’re a serious wine enthusiast, an overnight stay lets you pace your tasting across two afternoons and also enjoy the sunset over the vineyards. A weekend is ideal if you want to combine wine tasting with bushwalking in nearby Namadgi National Park.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Canberra: Australia’s capital is just 30 minutes south, with world-class museums, galleries, and restaurants.
• Yass: A historic town with beautiful sandstone buildings, antique shops, and a thriving food scene, 15 minutes north.
• Lake George: A vast ephemeral lake that often appears as a grassy plain; the Weereewa Lookout offers sweeping views.
• Gundaroo: A charming village with a renowned pub (the Gundaroo Colonial Inn) and a slow-paced rural vibe, 20 minutes east.

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