Just minutes from the coast, this hinterland gem may just be NSW’s best-kept secret.

As most great finds do, it starts with a spontaneous pit stop just outside of town. My partner and I are cruising down the Princes Highway on NSW’s South Coast when my second caffeine craving hits. Pulling over, I punch “nearby cafes" into Google Maps and absent-mindedly select the top result.

Little do we know, this seemingly quick detour has much more in store for us. While waiting for our order, my ever-curious mind (or lack of patience) sends us wandering – and what we find revives my senses faster than any good coffee could.

Just beyond the back door, a full-blown hinterland escape unfolds. Here, guests wake up to views of rolling hills. Breakfast, and the kitchen garden it’s sourced from, is just steps away. Simple pleasures wait around every corner. Hidden in plain sight, this pastoral paradise proves that those who venture a little further will always be rewarded.

Milk Haus: the cafe

Housed in a 19th-century converted cheese factory on sprawling farmland, Milk Haus sits on the outskirts of Milton, a heritage town on NSW’s South Coast. Owned and operated by local couple Kitty and Nat, the country-style cafe and restaurant is built on the belief that good food starts with good produce.

Upon arrival, we’re welcomed by three fat chickens lazing in the sun, before entering a spacious courtyard shaded by wild wisteria. Heading inside, we find rustic wooden tables spread among antique furniture and fresh flowers in full bloom.

Soft rugs are slung over chairs. Jars of jam line the shelves. Books penned by local authors are stacked proudly alongside tables. And friendly staff are ready and waiting to take our order. Caffeine cravings forgotten, we decide to settle in for brunch instead.

Underscored by a farm-to-table philosophy, the hyperlocal menu evolves around whatever is growing outside, designed to shift gently with the seasons. At the time of our visit, most dishes centred around ingredients like fennel and fig, peaches and pomegranate, almonds and alto olives.

I opt for the autumn galette, a buttery pastry filled with roast pumpkin, leek, goat cheese, sage and pine nuts. But the few forkfuls of slow-cooked lamb I manage to steal from my partner tempt me to order seconds.

Full to the brim but not ready to leave, we take our self-titled ‘digestion walk’ through the kitchen garden. Here, vines are weighed down by plump cucumbers, herbs grow in abundance and tomatoes ripen in a rainbow of greens, yellows and reds. It’s enough to convince me that I’ve stumbled upon one of Australia’s true hidden gems.

Farm Haus: the stay

Beckoning just beyond the veggie patches is Farm Haus, the property’s adorable onsite accommodation offering. Overlooking the kitchen garden on one side and dairy farm pastures on the other, the 1930s weatherboard cottage epitomises country charm.

It may date back to the 1930s, but Farm Haus is fully equipped for a comfortable stay. Four spacious bedrooms draped in earthy hues sleep up to eight guests, complete with soft linens and wooden fixtures.

The open-plan kitchen is any cook’s dream come true, while two bathrooms mean no waiting around for the shower. A fireplace in the living area makes curling up with a good book easy, where bay windows let in natural light and trees on all sides ensure complete privacy.

Outside, a neat little patio is the perfect spot for a morning coffee – or a glass of local wine later on. Admire butterflies and birds as they flit about the garden during the day, before watching the sun dip below the hinterland hills come evening. Barbecue facilities, board games and a record player (impressive vinyl collection included) put this cosy cottage up there with some of the country’s best farm stays.

But wait – there’s more

Just when it feels like we’ve seen it all, we stumble upon the retail barn. Tucked towards the back of the property, this thoughtfully curated space is a hub for the region’s talented makers, including florist Fred Made and ceramics brand, Motion.

Both local labels bring a unique style to the table, showcasing (and selling) custom pieces and handcrafted wares. Though closed at the time of our visit, we made a note of the opening hours, vowing to return for a proper browse.

Back in the car, I check my phone – shocked to discover that two hours have passed and we’re late for our hotel check-in. But as we pull out of the car park to continue our coastal road trip, it’s hard to feel anything but happy.

Usually one to stick to the itinerary, I find myself embracing small acts of spontaneity throughout the rest of our trip. Coincidentally, it turns out to be one of my favourite holidays yet.

Address: 170 Woodstock Road, Milton NSW

Overnight stays can be booked via the Milk Haus website, starting at $500 for a minimum of two nights.