In this sponsored post “CityNews” highlights some of the picturesque landscapes, historic communities and fascinating events, on Canberra’s doorstop.

THE taste of a morning coffee, loading up the car, pulling out of the driveway – it all adds to the magical feeling of heading out on a road trip.

And, luckily for Canberrans, surrounding the nation’s capital are picturesque landscapes, historic communities and fascinating events.

But before heading out to nearby locations (that feel a world away), make sure the car’s serviced and ready to go!

Unforgettable experience, not far from home

JUST further than two hours from Canberra lies the Snowy Valleys, says tourism and marketing officer Miki McPherson.

“The perfect destination for your next weekend getaway,” she says.

“If you are after an authentic experience filled with food, wine and outdoor exploration, then the Snowy Valleys is the destination for you.”

Miki says people can taste the best that nature has to offer with farm-gate experiences, alpine apples, and cool-climate wines!

“Enjoy a unique farm to plate dining experience and take advantage of the finer accommodation options, or you could camp outdoors to marvel at the stars,” she says.

“There is an abundance of picturesque touring routes in the area if you’re driving, on bike, walking or even on the water.

“Explore some of our secret gems such as Adelong Falls Gold Mill Ruins, a heritage-listed site. This place is a popular swimming spot during the warmer months, while also boasting a great hiking trail along Adelong Creek for those visiting in the colder months.”

Or, Miki says people can admire the wonderful art within the region that forms part of the Snowy Valleys Sculpture Trail.

“Pick your own apples and enjoy other apple inspired sweet treats in Batlow, or enjoy the countryside drive to local favourite Paddy’s River Falls near Tumbarumba, or bring your bikes along to take on the very popular Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail,” she says.

“There are also multiple award-winning, cool-climate wines to sip and savour while in the area, and don’t miss a visit to the Yarrangobilly Caves and thermal pool, with eucalyptus trees towering overhead. A dip in the natural thermal pool – which stays 27°C all year round – will be an unforgettable experience.”

Snowy Valleys. Call 6941 2509, or visit visitsnowyvalleys.au

Getting close-up and personal with animals

MORE hands-on than any zoo or park, Taralga Wildlife Park offers close-up and personal animal experiences, making it the perfect outing for the whole family, says owner John Stafford.

“Meet all our regular visitors’ favourites like Wilma the wombat,” he says.

“You’ll find Wilma wandering the grounds just waiting for a pat and some attention.

“Or get up-close with Rinnie, our super friendly dingo, or visit the friendship farm area that also features rabbits, guinea pigs and sheep.”

The park also has numerous species of kangaroos and wallabies, including two spectacular white kangaroos, more than 100 species of birds, including macaws, curlews, parrots, finches and endangered freckled ducks, as well as free-ranging peacocks.

With more than 50 exhibits featuring animals such as dingoes, deer, antelope, camels, llamas and alpacas, John says there are plenty of animals and birds to see and feed.

Visitors can make a day out of the park, too, finishing it off at its cafe, which John says serves great coffee and cake or light lunch options until 3pm.

He says there’s also a good range of cafes and hotels in the area to enjoy a variety of food.

Taralga Wildlife Park is open 10am to 4pm, Thursday to Monday, and is open every day during school holidays.

Taralga Wildlife Park, 257 Bannaby Road, Taralga. Call 0419 014540 or search Taralga Wildlife Park on Facebook.

Visit the ‘ultimate hub’ of Parkes

NESTLED in the heart of NSW, only a three-hour drive from Canberra, the Parkes region is a destination for picturesque landscapes and serene bushland, says Lisa Moon, visitor services and tourism co-ordinator.

“It’s the perfect spot to unwind, and recharge,” she says.

“Parkes region is dynamic and vibrant, full of energy and plenty of cool spots to explore. It’s the home of Australia’s iconic landmark, the CSIRO Radio Telescope, or ‘The Dish’, as it is affectionately known for its starring role in the film of the same name.

“Also, the world-renowned Parkes Elvis Festival held in January and the Trundle Abba Festival only a few weeks away in October.”

Lisa says Parkes is also centrally situated among other rural towns, making it the ultimate hub for experiencing the many unique treasures of NSW’s central west region.

“For enthusiasts of gravel cycling, Parkes stands out as an unrivalled destination,” says Lisa, who expresses her pride in collaborating with renowned cycling heroes Two Wheel Tours, who have expertly created 14 trails that, in their own words, “feature some of the country’s most exceptional gravel roads to ride”.

Lisa says Parkes is “truly delighted to have partnered with the team at Two Wheel Tours, who have meticulously uncovered and mapped out these gems that meander through the most enchanting rural backdrops”.

Parkes Shire Council. Call 1800 624 365, or visit visitparkes.com.au

Sweet treats that span the generations

LOLLY Swagman has been exploring new tastes for nearly three decades, says owner Ian Richardson.

Located in the heart of the Southern Highlands, the lolly shop stocks all-time favourite treats and the latest-trending tastes from around the world.

“We’ve got American Reese’s, Hershey’s and candy corn, English bon bons and chocolates, sours and super sours, Dutch liquorice, Scottish tablet and our own Mrs Swag’s Fudge,” says Ian.

“We lost count at 1300 different treats and we know it’s more than that.”

Ian says the store is a common stop on people’s trips to Berrima.

“It’s a happy place with kids excitedly exploring new tastes, older people reminiscing and sharing in the thrill of finding a favourite and the great stories that go with them,” he says.

“We often see people who’d come as children now bringing in their own children and sharing their experiences, which is lovely to be allowed to join in on. It’s nice to have that history.”

Lolly Swagman, 11 Old Hume Highway, Berrima. Call 4877 1137, or visit lollyswagman.com.au

The sock makers that span 10 generations

CO-DIRECTOR of Lindner Quality Socks Andrew Lindner couldn’t believe it when he discovered his family business of sock makers stretched as far back as 1730.

His research found that he’s the latest in a line of 10 generations of sock makers originally from Germany, and while the business moved to Goulburn in 1987, he says since 1997 it has proudly operated in the main street of Crookwell.

Today, he says it provides a range of quality crafted socks for a huge range of purposes.

“The range is very wide, from thin socks right through to socks for heavy work, adventure wear as well as cotton and cosy types,” says Andrew.

“Our local farmers are renowned for the quality of their merino wool and we source most of our fibres from them.”

Andrew says that when people buy quality, handcrafted socks most will immediately notice the difference.

“We take the time to ensure every pair of socks is made to our high standards, including hand finishing each pair, and our attention to detail is second to none,” he says.

“You’re assured of superior warmth, comfort and durability and it’s a way to support Australian business.”

Being on the main street of Crookwell, Andrew says they love to welcome visitors interested in visiting the historic business.

“As you’re driving through you can visit us, come through the front door and look through the window and see the machines running that may very well be making your socks,” he says.

Lindner Quality Socks, 6 Goulburn Street, Crookwell. Call 4832 0202 or visit lindnersocks.com.au