It may be small, but it’s just the beginning of something big.
Tucked away on NSW’s mid-north coast, there’s a new hideaway waiting for those who crave a slower kind of escape. Fall into the gentle rhythm of rural life at Tiny Mile – the recently opened riverside cottage where country charm is elevated by life’s little (and not so little) luxuries.
The location
Open a detailed map of NSW and you’ll easily spot the picturesque mid-north coast. It’s a region known for its quiet pace, laid-back lifestyle and untouched natural beauty, with both the beach and the bush at its fingertips. But zoom in a little closer and you’ll find Old Bar, a sleepy coastal town 40 minutes north of Forster.
The opening of Tiny Mile marks the first chapter of What’s Beyond the Mile.
It’s often overlooked by travellers, who unknowingly zoom past its exit on the Pacific Highway with their sights set on places like Newcastle (two hours south) or Port Macquarie (an hour north). It’s a happy accident for Old Bar though, which remains cocooned in the same unhurried and easy-going rhythm it’s always known.
It’s this quiet magic that lends itself to Tiny Mile, an all-new stay just a short drive out of town. Nestled on 40 hectares of private farmland, the peaceful property is framed by towering trees and opens onto its own secluded bend of Berady Creek.
The experience
The hideaway is named after the mile-long drive up to the property.
In line with the rise of wellness tourism, Tiny Mile has been designed with the quiet traveller in mind. Ideal for couples or those going solo, the one-bedroom retreat is all about unwinding and reconnecting – whether with nature, your partner or yourself.
Owner Sherinah Peck has carefully curated Tiny Mile to strike the right balance between country living and contemporary style, blending modern amenities with rural simplicity.
This philosophy is evident throughout the space – its rustic exterior, timber floorboards and industrial fixtures softened by an earthen palette, soft linens and paintings by local artist, Monique Fodor.
Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.
AI Prompt
Industrial fixtures are softened by an earthen palette.
The kitchenette is equipped with a fridge, gas cooktop and coffee machine.
The riverside retreat has one king-size bedroom, perfect for couples and solo travellers.
It’s an ethos that has been effortlessly interwoven into the fabric of life here. Mod-cons like an automatic projector screen, fireplace, luxury Sans Ceuticals products and a fully equipped kitchenette complete with a coffee machine keep modern travellers happy. But it’s the outdoor amenities that steal the show, inviting guests to slow down, switch off and fully immerse in the landscape.
A covered balcony becomes the perfect perch for slow mornings with a brew, while the fire pit, sunken outdoor bath and custom-built western red cedar sauna create a string of cosy rituals – all with uninterrupted river views. Guests also have unlimited access to canoes and fishing poles for lazy afternoons on the creek.
The vision
Tiny Mile sits on a private bend of Berady Creek.
While the opening of Tiny Mile marks a beautiful beginning, it’s only the first chapter of a broader vision. ‘What’s Beyond the Mile’ is an all-new destination experience launched by owner Sherinah Peck. The dream? A luxurious riverfront farmhouse set on the same peaceful patch of farmland.
According to Peck, both the recently opened cottage and developing destination project are named after the mile-long drive up to the property, an experience unto itself. And while quietly working on What’s Beyond the Mile in the background, she decided to give guests a taste of what’s to come with Tiny Mile.
Weekly travel news, experiences insider tips, offers, and more.
The sunken outdoor bath was made using a repurposed water trough.
Relax in steamy bliss with Tiny Mile's custom-built western red cedar sauna.
The outdoor fire pit is perfect for roasting marshmellows by the river.
It’s an exciting time for not only Old Bar, but this sleepy stretch of the mid-north coast. While its laid-back lifestyle is enticing, tourism ventures remain modest – especially on a luxury level. So while it may be tiny, the future of this riverside retreat is anything but.
The details
Reservations for Tiny Mile are open now and can be made via its website. The property can be found just a short drive inland from the town of Old Bar, with the exact address provided upon booking.
Though its location promises privacy and seclusion, everyday essentials and regional drawcards are still conveniently close. Prices vary depending on check-in dates and length of visit, with exclusive rates for extended stays.
Want to see more stories from Australian Traveller in your Google search results?
Tick the box next to "Australian Traveller". That's it.
Taylah Darnell is Australian Traveller's Writer & Producer. She has been passionate about writing since she learnt to read, spending many hours either lost in the pages of books or attempting to write her own. This life-long love of words inspired her to study a Bachelor of Communication majoring in Creative Writing at the University of Technology Sydney, where she completed two editorial internships. She began her full-time career in publishing at Ocean Media before scoring her dream job with Australian Traveller. Now as Writer & Producer, Taylah passionately works across both digital platforms and print titles. When she's not wielding a red pen over magazine proofs, you can find Taylah among the aisles of a second-hand bookshop, following a good nature trail or cheering on her EPL team at 3am. While she's keen to check out places like Scotland and North America, her favourite place to explore will always be her homeland.
With more than 60 nationalities calling it home and a century of Italian influence shaping its paddocks and plates, Griffith is a regional Australian town with serious culinary cred.
It might feel surprising to learn that Griffith is one of Australia’s leading food destinations. In-the-know Italians have understood this for generations, drawn to the Riverina region’s fertile soils that reminded them of the terrain they’d left behind more than a century ago. These days, Griffith supplies much of the nation’s pantry: 95 per cent of Australia’s prunes come from the region, it’s the country’s largest citrus-growing area, and it’s a leading producer of almonds and walnuts. Even the pickles in every McDonald’s burger nationwide are produced in Griffith. This is not just a farming town; the Griffith food scene is leading the way.
Here, culinary confidence is rooted in migration. Italian families began arriving from 1913, with a second wave settling after the Second World War. Today, Griffith has the highest proportion of Italian ancestry of any Local Government Area in Australia. Add to that more than 60 nationalities represented across the community and you have a town where food is driven not by trends, but by tradition. Griffith’s motto, ‘Taste our culture’, isn’t marketing spin; it’s the reality.
Where the vines tell a story
Uncover the stories behind every glass. (Image: Destination NSW)
The Riverina has long been dubbed the food bowl of Australia, but it’s also a wine region that remains largely under the radar. What sets Griffith apart is that every one of its wineries is family-owned, many spanning generations.
Calabria Family Wines is one of the region’s standard-bearers. The Calabria story began in 1945 when Francesco Calabria planted his first vines; today, the family continues to shape the region’s identity while also stewarding the historic McWilliam’s Wines brand. McWilliam’s was the first winery to plant vines in the area, and its barrel-shaped cellar door – complete with a soaring stained-glass window – remains one of the most distinctive in regional NSW.
Yarran Wines, run by the Brewer family, showcases estate-grown fruit across Mediterranean varietals that thrive in the warm climate. Expect bold reds and textured whites that reflect both heritage and innovation.
Set inside the old ambulance station, Harvest HQ is owned and operated by the Riverina Winemakers Association and pours a rotating selection of local wines under one roof. It also features spirits from The Aisling Distillery, reinforcing the region’s collaborative approach to craft.
At the table
Dine where tradition meets a bold new generation. (Image: Visit Griffith)
If the vineyards tell one story, the dining rooms tell another. Griffith’s restaurants are where tradition and next-gen confidence meet.
Zecca Handmade Italian occupies the former Rural Bank building, an imposing Art Deco landmark from the late 1930s. ‘Zecca’ means money print, and the name is a nod to the Zecca di Venezia in Venice. Here, find the Riverina’s only producer of dried artisan pasta and traditional Italian recipes. Importantly, the growers and producers supplying the kitchen are listed on the menu as a transparent expression of the region’s farm-to-table ethos.
Established in 1977 and still run by the Vico family, La Scala puts authentic Italian cuisine on centre stage. Expect handmade pasta, traditional wood-fired pizzas, slow-cooked sauces and dishes that follow recipes guarded like family heirlooms. For something more contemporary, Bull & Bell in Gem Hotelis a shrine to the Euro-style steakhouse that works closely with local farmers and artisans to showcase Riverina produce.
And then there are the institutions. Bertoldo’s Pasticceria, now in its third generation, draws locals daily for cannoli, biscotti, crostoli and house-made gelato, alongside classic sausage rolls and potato pies. La Piccola Grosseria feels like stepping into an Italian alimentari, its shelves lined with continental goods that wouldn’t feel out of place in Puglia.
Meanwhile, Limone celebrates local and seasonal produce across breakfast and lunch menus, enriched by the produce and stories of Piccolo Family Farm. Find pastries and sourdough baked daily, and pop into the onsite retail pantry for products from regional producers – including the Piccolo family’s own wine range, Caro Piccolo.
From the source
Taste world-renowned Aquna Sustainable Murray Cod, straight from its source. (Image: Visit Griffith)
Behind every menu is a producer. Aquna Sustainable Murray Cod is perhaps Griffith’s most high-profile export; the brand’s Murray cod and Aquna Gold Murray Cod Caviar have achieved global recognition. In October 2024, Aquna presented its products to King Charles III and Queen Camilla at the NSW Premier’s Community BBQ in Parramatta. Impressed by the producer’s sustainable farming practices, the King requested the cod be sent to Buckingham Palace – not bad for a fish farm in regional NSW.
Mandolé Orchard champions almonds grown on a family-run farm, transforming them into almond milk and value-added products. At Morella Grove, olives are pressed into premium olive oil and pantry staples that speak to Griffith’s Mediterranean heart. These producers are not peripheral; they are central to the town’s culinary ecosystem. Learn about local sustainable farming practices during a farm tour.
Mark your calendar
Plan your visit around A Taste of Italy Griffith. (Image: Visit Griffith)
For a town that helps stock Australia’s supermarkets, Griffith has remained curiously absent from the national dining conversation. That’s beginning to change. If you’ve been searching for a regional food destination with substance, heritage and a clear sense of identity, you’ll find it here in the Riverina, right under your nose.
Time your visit to the Riverina region to coincide with A Taste of Italy Griffith, held every August. This week-long celebration of Italian heritage and culture offers a wide range of Italian-inspired events and experiences to enjoy. Expect long-table lunches, wine tasting experiences, cooking classes and a Makers in the Piazza market. The headline event is a ticketed long lunch – Festa delle Salsicce (Salami Festival) – where winners of the best salami are announced.
