Pushing into the Upper Hunter? Pull into sleepy Murrurundi. The population may be under 900, but there’s plenty to see here. Take Mayne St, a cafe, homewares shop and pantry run by husband and wife team Kieran French and Emma Taylor, who transformed a run-down building into a local favourite, offering avocado and whipped ricotta toast, cult chilli scrambled eggs, flaky pastries and St Ali coffee.

In the homewares and pantry sections? Linen napery, Maison Balzac glassware, and condiments galore. Take away, or perch in the leafy courtyard out back. (And don’t skip retro-style Fox’s Store nearby for a milkshake or spider.)