This NSW town feels like Gilmore Girls meets Wuthering Heights. And it's so close to Sydney.

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If you've ever muttered, "I need to get out of this city," while staring at your damp socks and a BOM forecast that just says "dreary," let me offer a winter weekend solution.

It's cold.

It's foggy.

It's deeply atmospheric in a Wuthering Heights meets Gilmore Girls kind of way.

And it's only two-and-a-half hours from Sydney.

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Welcome to Oberon: the kind of NSW town where you'll find misty paddocks, fairytale gardens, and kangaroos that absolutely do not care about your personal space. It's ideal for a slow, soul-warming staycation, whether you're travelling with a big group, wrangling the kids, or ducking away for a quiet couple's weekend.

Here's where to stop, stay, eat, explore, and marvel at the fact that someone built a literal hedge maze in the middle of regional New South Wales.

Image: supplied.

Where to stop on the way: Bilpin pies, orchards and cider.

About 50 minutes into the drive from Sydney, you'll hit Bilpin — and if Gilmore Girls had been set in an apple orchard instead of a Connecticut diner, this would be it.

Think misty mountains, roadside cider stands, and the smell of warm pies wafting from The Grumpy Baker. We pulled in for brunch and left with flaky parcels of happiness: slow-cooked lamb roast was the group favourite, closely followed by chicken harissa, with the seafood medley a divisive third. The apple pies, obviously, are essential. You're in apple country. It would be rude not to.

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There's also Hillbilly Cider, a bunch of you-pick fruit orchards (in season), and enough rustic signage to make you believe you could open an artisanal jam stall and start a new life here (Is this where Meghan Markle had her jam awakening?).

Where to stay in Oberon: Cosy lodges, cabins and Airbnb options.

Oberon has no shortage of stays that tick the wholesome winter box. There's Duckmaloi Park Lodge (log fires, bushwalks, trout fishing) or Stone Hedge, set on 140 acres with fireplaces, board games, and its own private stream.

We stayed at a private Airbnb that felt like stepping into a real estate fantasy — all modern comforts and country charm, complete with a paddock full of kangaroos who very much thought they owned the lease.

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Inside: big communal kitchen, plush lounges, toasty fireplace, sweeping views. Outside: stars, silence, and the kind of frosty air that makes you crave tea, socks, and a your favourite murder mystery podcast. It was a luxe base for our muddy adventures, and the perfect place to come home to.

Better still, it was under 15 minutes from every activity we did, and just a five-minute drive from the Oberon town centre, which has all the essentials: an IGA, takeaway spots, and a surprisingly good kebab shop. Add to that the friendliest locals, and you've got the makings of a trip that feels remote without the inconvenience of actually being remote.

Here's the exact listing if you want to copy-paste the whole vibe.

Exploring Mayfield Garden in winter: What to see and how long to spend.

If you only do one thing while in Oberon, make it Mayfield Garden. Originally designed as a private estate for the owner's daughter's wedding, the 65-hectare grounds have since grown into one of the most elaborate cool-climate gardens in the Southern Hemisphere, and it shows.

After paying the $33 entry fee and picking up a charmingly vague map, we wandered in and immediately forgot where we were. Paths snake off in all directions, past rolling hills and flower beds still blooming (even in July), ducks glide across the ponds, and there's a general air of, "Did I just enter a period drama, or am I just cold and delusional?"

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Top highlights:

• The Hedge Maze: Officially the largest in regional NSW. I found the centre in record time, then spent what felt like a small eternity trying to escape. It's all part of the fun. Humiliating. But fun.

• The Waterfall Grotto: A moody stone cave where you can walk under a rushing waterfall and peer out from behind the stream. Wet shoes, worth it.

• The Flying Fox: A full-on flying fox. We took turns on it like excitable kids. Zero shame.

• The Rope Swing Crossing: Picture a moat, some ropes, and the kind of challenge that screams Bridge to Terabithia (RIP Leslie). It's ridiculous, joyful and slightly dangerous — the holy trifecta of holiday fun.

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Even after three-and-a-half hours, we only made it through about two-thirds of the garden. It's kid-friendly, but fair warning: the walking can be a lot for little legs. Many families bring picnics to take breaks, rest on the lawn, and regroup before tackling another hedge.

Mayfield Café: Food, pricing and what to order.

Once our feet staged a protest, we collapsed into the charming Mayfield Café — warm, fresh, and not shy with its pricing.

I had the honey mustard salmon with coconut steamed rice and sautéed greens. It was comforting, elegant, and very welcome after all the exploring. The passionfruit curd slice for dessert was bright, buttery, and deceptively light.

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Also, the tea came in a bright pink kettle, which felt perfect, if a little unnecessary — but who doesn't love a little drama for your Earl Grey!

Buggy rides in Oberon: What to know before you book.

A few things to know before you go:

• It gets very muddy — wear clothes you're okay with sacrificing to the earth.

• They only run six buggies per session, so book ahead.

• Height matters: If you're over 6 foot, only three buggies will be a comfortable fit. One is best for someone around 5'1. The rest are fine for anything in between.

We split into solo and duo rides and headed off across wide stretches of farmland: paddocks, rolling hills, winding tracks. Along the way, we passed cows lounging, chickens darting, horses trotting, and a few llamas throwing serious shade. It's not a petting zoo — more of a farm safari to be viewed from your muddy little off-roader.

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If you're travelling with teens, they'll love either option. For younger kids, some farms offer gentle animal safaris instead. And if you're here for a couples weekend, tearing across a paddock in a two-person buggy is shockingly romantic in a "we survived this together" kind of way.

Evenings in Oberon: Stargazing, group dinners and downtime.

Oberon is not the place for late-night cocktails or rowdy bars. It's the place for home-cooked pasta, slow sips of wine, and card games that turn unnecessarily competitive.

Each night we cooked dinner as a group, played board games, and took turns being dramatically bad at charades. Then we'd bundle up, drive a few minutes out of town, and sit under fairly clear skies. If you've never properly stargazed, this is your moment — just bring a blanket and a thermos.

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More things to do in Oberon (that we didn't get to, but you absolutely can).

If you want to stretch your stay or swap in something new, try these:

• Jenolan Caves – These limestone caves are world-famous for a reason. Book ahead for the Chifley or Lucas cave tours, located about 45 minutes from town.

• Tarana Village – A tiny historic town nearby with a country pub, local bakery, and the kind of scenery that makes you want to write a bush ballad.

• Mushroom Foraging and Trout Fishing – Seasonal, but popular with local lodges like Duckmaloi Park.

• Truffle Hunting (June – August) – Check with nearby farms for tours during truffle season.

Final thoughts

Oberon isn't trying to be trendy — and that's its charm. It's the kind of quietly beautiful place that sneaks up on you: full of foggy mornings, secret gardens, and group dinners that turn into laughter marathons. It's underrated, unhurried, and just the right amount of weird.

If you're after a winter getaway that feels cosy, curious and a little bit enchanted — Oberon's got you. 

Mud and all.

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Feature: Supplied.

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