When many Americans dream of visiting Australia, they often picture the iconic skyline of Sydney, the beaches of the Gold Coast, or the colorful reefs of Queensland. While those destinations certainly deserve their fame, one of the greatest surprises of my Australian travels was discovering the country’s rural heartland.

Just a couple of hours southwest of Sydney lies a completely different side of Australia—one filled with rolling farmland, authentic cattle ranches, charming villages, and some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet.

Australia’s rural countryside offers a peaceful escape beyond the country’s iconic cities. Video Marika Flatt.

You can easily take a train from Sydney to the Southern Highlands town of Moss Vale, but if you truly want to explore the region, renting a car is the way to go. The winding country roads lead through picturesque landscapes that feel worlds away from the bustling city.

One of my favorite discoveries was Farm Club Australia, located near the tiny village of Exeter. At first glance, it’s wonderfully unassuming. But what awaits visitors is a remarkable farm-to-table (which they call paddock to plate) experience built around the renowned Snake Creek Cattle Company.

The operation is led by Alice and Hugh Clarke, whose family background includes successful ventures in hospitality, brewing, and agriculture. Their passion for quality shines through in every aspect of the business, from the cattle they raise to the meat pies they serve.

The café has become famous for its Australian meat pies, and after one bite, it’s easy to understand why. Using premium beef raised on their own property, the team creates savory pies that celebrate the best of Australian farming. Visitors can choose from a variety of fillings, including beef massaman curry, brisket jalapeno & cheese, shanghai pork, chicken (with cranberries), and other rotating specialties.

As a Texan, I was especially intrigued to learn that there’s a little bit of Texas inspiration tucked into the operation – their “pie robot” was actually designed by a Texan. The Clarkes understand that great barbecue, great beef, and great hospitality transcend borders.

One of the most fascinating aspects of their business is their innovative approach to food production. They proudly produce their own beef while also creating a vegan pie—something that perfectly reflects the modern Australian food scene, where tradition and innovation comfortably coexist.

Of course, while the meat pies may draw you in, don’t leave without sampling the desserts. The display cases are filled with beautiful cakes and sweet treats that pair perfectly with a coffee (flat white, please) while overlooking the countryside.

Beyond Farm Club Australia, the Southern Highlands offer visitors an authentic glimpse into rural Australian life. This is where you’ll find working cattle operations, real ranchers, and generations of farming families who have shaped the landscape.

During my visit, I watched cattle being worked and gained a deeper appreciation for the similarities between Australian and Texas ranching cultures. Despite being separated by thousands of miles, both places share a respect for hard work, quality livestock, and strong community ties.

The surrounding region also rewards those willing to slow down. Visitors can explore nearby national parks with beautiful waterfalls (Fitzroy Falls features a grand canyon as well), enjoy scenic drives through rolling countryside, or stop into local pubs where a chicken schnitzel and a locally brewed draft beer make for the perfect meal.

There’s a refreshing simplicity to life here. No rushing. No crowds. Just open spaces, friendly conversations, and a chance to experience Australia beyond the guidebooks.

For travelers looking to venture beyond Sydney, Farm Club Australia offers more than just a meal. It provides a window into the people, traditions, and landscapes that define rural Australia. It’s the kind of place where you arrive as a visitor and leave feeling like you’ve been welcomed into the community. And sometimes, those are the travel experiences that stay with you the longest.

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Cover photo Marika Flatt

Marika Flatt, Outstanding Austin Communicator 2021, is the Travel Editor of Texas Lifestyle Magazine. She began her travel writing career in 2002, and can be seen as a contributor on TV shows across Texas, such as Great Day Houston, San Antonio Living, Spectrum News product showcase and Spectrum News Travel (airs statewide), Good Morning Texas, KVUE, Daytime (airs statewide), and Studio 512! Marika spent five years as the voice of the “Weekend Trip Tip” on NPR’s Texas Standard pre-Covid. Follow Marika on Instagram.