Exeter, NSW

A quintessential English countryside village set perfectly in the beautiful Southern Highlands. This lovely village is small but mighty – with the perfect General Store at its heart, Exeter is surrounded on all sides by picturesque countryside views. The centre of the village itself has a couple of stores and a quaint (but fully-functioning) railway station, but enjoy a drive around the side roads, wander up to the church or partake in some incredible cool-climate wineries, and you’ll be looking on realestate.com.au in no time!

“This lovely village is small but mighty… surrounded by picturesque countryside views.”

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The heart and soul of Exeter is the superb Exeter General Store. Cosy and wholesome, with great coffee and delicious food – it’s divine. Cosy up inside with book-lined walls and enjoy the flurry of activity in this busy hub, or perch outside in the spacious garden area and soak up some sunshine. Don’t forget to pick up a few homemade meals and some yummy baked goods for later!

Any country town with a good winery certainly has my heart – and in this case, there are two excellent wineries and cellar doors to visit.

Dawning Day Farms is the actual dream. Mike and Katrina own and operate this micro-vineyard, just 5 minutes from the centre of Exeter. With an incredible range of interesting wines to choose from – the experience at the cellar door is just heaven. Housed in a beautiful designer barn with views out to the vines, settle in next to the fire for a tasting and a grazing board with a selection of local cheeses and their famous Dawning Day Farmhouse pickles (made by Katrina herself!). They also have accommodation onsite – a two-bedroom farmstay experience only a stumble away from the cellar door.

The small-batch, handcrafted wines of St Maur Wines are seriously good. Cool-climate and classic wines ranging from Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot to Chardonnay and Pinot Gris. Their rustic and beautiful cellar door has sweeping views and is filled with the history and the Italian heritage of this label – definitely worth a visit!

WOODLAND STUDIO & FARM

And what better way to immerse yourself in the idyllic countryside than a stay at the sublime Woodland Studio & Farm.  

This is the farm-stay experience of dreams – filled with picture-perfect sheep, Audrey the Alpaca, acres of bushland and the warmest hospitality you’ll ever find. The Studio itself is flooded with light, and has views to the orchard on one side, and the farm on the other. Stocked with local treats (including a local breakfast hamper!), Margot is the ultimate hostess, and will happily lure the sheep for you to meet (probably the highlight of my life!).

Only a short drive into Exeter, Woodland Studio is the perfect spot for a quiet weekend in the country, or as a jump off spot to explore the rest of the Highlands and surrounds.

Highlights

Stay

Woodland Studio & Farm

Coffee

Exeter General Store

Eat

Exeter General Store

Shop

Elph Ceramics, Quintessential Exeter, Village Pump Antiques

Drink

Dawning Day Farms, St Maur Wines

Walk

Enjoy a wander around the village, or explore Woodland Farm