After the devastating fires of two years ago and the restrictions of the Pandemic surely time to safely explore the outdoors and support some regional areas and local towns that have been doing it tough. The Hunter Valley beckons – several ways to get there – via Windsor and up the Putty Road and return via the M1 Motorway and through Cessnock. NSW’s premier wine-growing region offers much with good roads and a lot of coal-mining history, period buildings and great wineries, restaurants and cafes.

Take in the Hunter Valley Gardens, there’s some great areas for picnics with the kids, and close by the Hunter Valley Zoo, it’s all within a relaxed days drive from Sydney with plenty to see and do, not to mention some great wine as well. Heading south, why not visit the coastal town of Kiama, its Blowhole attractions, cliffside caverns where seawater shoots up to 20 metres into the air, a firm favourite, while the Kiama Coast Walk trail links the blowholes to the columns of Cathedral Rock, beautiful beaches nearby while the fascinating Pilots Cottage Museum traces the town’s maritime history.

And don’t forget canoeing and kayaking on the nearby Minnamurra River. All within a two-hour drive from Sydney on the A1. Take a day drive and put a smile on a local’s face along the way – time to hit the road and support some hard done regional communities.

I’m David Berthon

(PS. Hope everyone had a great Christmas)

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