By-pass the highway major fast food chains and stop off for a cuppa and cake at the charming Long Track Pantry. Located in Jugiong, about three-and-a-half hours form Sydney – or just past the half way point in your trip down the Hume Highway. Long Track Pantry offers friendly, local hospitality, fresh, seasonal dishes and handmade wares and homemade treats.

Once your tummy is full, continue south towards Gundagai and consider booking a night at the well-appointed Kimo Estate. Kimo offers off-grid, eco huts with breathtaking sweeping views over the sheep and cattle farm and sprawling Riverina countryside. There’s also cottages or the unique shearers quarters to stay in.

If experiencing a working farm is more your style, then travel a little further down the road to Hillview Farmstay. Situated in Mt Adrah, Hillview offes interactive activities for the whole family, as well as luxury cottages and glamping safari tents to stay in.

Wake the next morning and follow the signs to Wagga Wagga on the A20. About 20minutes before you arrive into Wagga Wagga stop off at Borambola Wines and enjoy a tasting at their cellar door. This boutique vineyard specialises in wine, beer and cider. Stock up on your favourite drop or beverage to enjoy during your stay in Wagga Wagga.

A leisurely three-hour drive is all it takes to get from Canberra to Wagga Wagga. So, instead of travelling the Hume Highway, why not take the road less travelled for vineyards, views and lux accommodation.

Just before you reach Gundagai, stop in for a token fan-photo with the iconic Dog on the Tucker Box. Then take the town exit and head for Nangus Road. Follow this road through sweeping countryside for about 30 mins, then take a left along Oura Road. Once on Oura Road take your pick of Wagga Wagga vineyards. The first you will come across is The Wild Vine, a revamped and revitalised former winery and function/event space. 2020 is an exciting year for The Wild Vine bottling their first vintage from their vines.

Further along Oura Road you will also come across Eunonyhareenyha Winery – a small family-run winery producing Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, rose and fortified wine. You can also take Pattersons Road and stop in for lunch and wine tasting at Cottontail Wines. Sit on the deck and enjoy the views back towards Wagga Wagga.

Needing a place to rest your head for the night? Book in at Belisi Farmstay, a luxury cottage made from recycled shipping containers along Oura Road. Sip the local wines you’ve just purchased by your private fire pit or let your troubles slip away while relaxing in the free-standing, stone bath in the master bedroom - surrounded by floor to ceiling windows to take in the view.

Head north on the Hume Highway, taking the Holbrook exit, about four hours into your trip. Holbrook in our neighbouring Greater Hume shire in home to the land-based, 290ft HMAS Otway submarine – be sure to stop for a walk around and on this amazing vessel.

While in Greater Hume you can also explore the Woomargama National Park – a great spot for hiking and 4WD touring. There’s also Morgan’s Lookout in the nearby town of Culcairn, a location to explore Australian Bushranger history and take in some scenic views.

The Culcairn Bike and Walking Trail is great for the whole family. Visitors of all ages can embark on the 7km loop track, or there are plenty of opportunities to take on smaller sections.

If you’re still looking for more outdoor adventures, continue on the Holbrook Road towards Livingstone National Park – great for mountain biking and the incredible grass trees.

Continue further along Holbrook road, on the outskirts of Wagga Wagga and you can stop off and check out Birramal Conservation Area. A location along the Wiradjuri Trail – a 42km walking track that loops around Wagga Wagga.

The grand road trip – about 900km one way on the Sturt Highway. Take a few days to make your way east from Adelaide. Once in the Riverina region choose to stop off or stay in Narrandera. Here you can spot the resident koalas that call the town home, or during the warmer months have a splash at Lake Talbot Swimming Complex.

From Narrandera you can choose to head to the charming heritage town of Lockhart or reach new heights by hiking up Kengal (The Rock) Nature Reserve or Galore Hill.

Or, head towards the regional townships or Ganmain, Coolamon and Junee to taste cheese at Coolamon Cheese, chocolate at the Junee Licorice and Chocolate Factory or follow parts of the canola trail for iridescent yellow views during spring. On your way into Wagga Wagga from Junee on the Olympic Highway also pull into Wollundry Grove Olives. Here you can taste and purchase delicious table olives and the purest olive oil, with all fruit harvested straight from the olive trees on site.