Murrumbateman

Murrumbateman is a sleepy village in the Southern Tablelands of New South Wales that has become a surprising heavyweight in the cool-climate wine scene. Just 30 minutes north of Canberra, this pocket of rolling hills is dotted with cellar doors, olive groves and artisan producers. The real draw here is the unhurried pace: you can taste a dozen wines by lunch, graze on a paddock-to-plate lunch, then wander back to your B&B with a bottle of shiraz viognier under your arm. It’s the perfect antidote to the city, and a detour that will linger in your memory long after the last sip.

Highlights & What to See

• Wine tasting at Brindabella Hills: A family-run cellar door with a sweeping verandah overlooking the vines – try their award-winning shiraz and the lesser-known sangiovese.
• Helm Wines: A sleek, modern tasting room set among sculptures and an olive grove; their riesling and tempranillo are standouts.
• Olive oil tasting at Murrumbateman Olive Company: Sample estate-grown oils and vinegars, and grab a jar of their garlic-infused olive oil for the road.
• Lerida Estate: A stunning lakeside vineyard with a restaurant that does wood-fired pizzas and long lunches – book ahead for the weekend.
• Murrumbateman Village Store: A charming general store selling local jams, pickles and artisan bread – perfect for a picnic.
• The local sculpture trail: A self-guided walk past quirky metal and stone artworks dotted around the village.

Suggested Time to Spend

Murrumbateman is best savoured over a full day or an overnight stay. Arrive mid-morning, visit three or four cellar doors before lunch, then enjoy a leisurely meal at one of the vineyard restaurants. Spend the afternoon exploring the olive groves and village shop, then check into a nearby B&B or cottage. If you’re on a self-drive itinerary from Sydney to Canberra, it’s an ideal overnight stop – you can continue south the next morning, refreshed and with a boot full of wine.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Canberra: Australia’s capital is 30 minutes south, with world-class museums, galleries and the Parliament House.
• Hall: A tiny historic village just over the border in the ACT, with a pub and a handful of wineries worth a quick stop.
• Gundaroo: A lovely 15-minute drive north, home to the famous Grazing restaurant and a historic pub.
• Yass: A larger town with a main street lined with heritage buildings, antique shops and a good farmers’ market on Saturdays.
• Lake George: A vast, ephemeral lake that sometimes appears after heavy rain – a starkly beautiful landscape.

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