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Escaping the concrete jungle
There's a reason why the roads are clogged on Sundays, why the term 'Sunday driver' was coined; everyone wants to get out of the city on the weekends and petrol prices be damned. After a whole week of diesel fumes from the buses, CBD smokers fumigating the pavement and general city pollution clogging our pores, it's no wonder we crave a lungful of clean country air.
Urban sophisticates needn't worry about trading their stilettos for gumboots; there are plenty of retreats only a few hours drive away that combine rural idyll with cosmopolitan style. These places are just a few among the many destinations that have excited foodies grabbing their designated driver and saying goodbye to Surry Hills.
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Frangos & Frangos
Daylesford
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Victoria's spa capital of Daylesford is a favourite destination for worn-out Melburnians. Between the mineral baths, pedicures and massages, and the art galleries and antique stores, any visitor to Hepburn Shire is going to have a full schedule. But it's worth making the time to visit this little gourmet retreat. The attractive brasserie lures diners with modern European cuisine, while sibling restaurant Koukla offers a casual alterative of woodfired pizzas.
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27 Deakin
Mildura
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Mildura is packed with gourmet hangouts but the highlights have to be the ventures of foodie legend Stefano de Pieri at the Mildura Grand Hotel. 27 Deakin is his casual cafe, where you can have a light lunch and browse the shelves of preserves and de Pieri merchandise. If your gourmet adventure is on a Saturday night rather than a Sunday lunch, throw all restraint out the window and indulge in a degustation at the signature restaurant, Stefano's.
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Solitary
Leura
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Though it's nestled in the Blue Mountains, this fine diner probably picks up most of its trade from Sydneysiders, who are more than happy to make the trek for their modern Australian cuisine. With heritage surrounds and stunning views all the way to the Southern Highlands, lunch here is a blissful way to wrap up the weekend.
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Belgravia at Union Bank
Orange
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This heritage-listed bank building has been refurbished and reincarnated as a sleek wine bar and restaurant, serving local wines (it doubles as the cellar door for local wine label, Belgravia) and gourmet creations made with local produce. Okay, so you'd have to be pretty keen to make a day trip to Orange, but with all the wine tasting you're encouraged to do, you're probably better off making it an over-nighter anyway.
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Songbirds
North Tamborine
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Nestled amid the spectacular rainforest, you can dine alfresco here and be at one with nature. Inside, the scene is just as harmonious, with warm timber and cushioned banquettes. It's an easy drive to get here from either Brisbane or the Gold Coast, but no-one will think less of you if you're too lazy to drive home anyway. There are stylish villas to which indulgent diners can retire post-lunch.
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Meadowbank Estate
Cambridge
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Hobart's urban sprawl might not be as extensive as that of its northern neighbours, but there's still demand for the sort of accessible rural idyll that's found at Meadowbank. Though primarily a winery (our favourite sort of country destination), the estate also features a fine-dining restaurant. Here chef Simon West pairs French cuisine with local wines.
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 flagging ...
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