Much more than just a stopover for travellers bound for the South Coast, Berry – an enticing little town two hours from Sydney – is a destination in its own right. You’ll find old-world charm thanks to heritage architecture, sympathetic development and a wealth of eateries including the famous Milkwood Bakery, the Berry Tea Shop and Il Locale. Any – or all – are perfect for a quick pit stop while browsing the gorgeous homewares stores and galleries and, did somebody say ‘donuts’?!
Stop 1: Haven & Space
You could furnish your entire home within the walls of this spacious emporium, launched over 20 years ago by owner Barbara Slatyer and more recently joined by Joanna as General Manager. Soft furnishings, artwork, furniture, lighting and a vast range of tableware complement the pretty French- and Asian-inspired furniture.
Open: Mon-Sun 9:30am-4pm
Visit: Shop 1, 58 Albert Street, Berry (02) 4464 1646
Bookmark: @havenandspace on Instagram
Stop 2: Candleberries
Raimund and Kathleen Schornegg focus on two main lines – candles and bedding, so it’s hardly surprising that they do both very well. Half the store is given over to a huge collection of scented candles from brands like Glasshouse, Voluspa and Circa Home, while the remainder is packed with beautiful throws and quilts.
Open: Mon-Sun 9am-5pm
Visit: Shop 6, Stan Burt Arcade, 94-96 Queen Street, Berry (02) 4464 3487
Bookmark: candleberries.com.au
Stop 3: Emporium Food Company
Locals and regulars of this relaxed, combined cafe and deli know to bag a table before ordering a fair trade coffee and cake or lunch. New owner Holly Khodr and her family have hit the ground running, taking the helm in January after a tree change from the big smoke. Holly will continue to serve up all sorts of homemade goodies including fresh-made rolls, savoury tarts, scones and salads, with a view to honing the offering and adding a Mediterranean flair. The warm welcome Holly has received from the Berry community has fuelled the fire in her caterer’s belly to open on Friday and Saturday nights down the track. Watch this space.
Open: Mon-Sun 8am-2:30pm
Visit: 127 Queen Street, Berry (02) 4464 1570
Bookmark: @The Emporium Gourmet Cafe And Deli
Stop 4: Juniper Hearth
Walking into Juniper Hearth is like a warm hug for the senses. With an elegant and quirky mix of imported and Australian textile-inspired fashion accessories, dress yourself and your home with pieces owner Catherine Bollen has sourced locally and from around the world. If there is a touch of the nomad in you, the ambience of your home and what you wear, you’ll feel right at home here.
Open: Mon-Sun 10am-4pm
Visit: Corner Alexandra & Princess Streets, Berry (02) 4464 3367
Bookmark: juniperhearth.com.au
Stop 5: Shady Fig
Shady Fig is a shop dedicated to eclectic and exquisite things. You will find a perfectly conceived mix of fresh flowers, homewares and gifts hand-selected by owner Michelle Collison.
Open: Mon-Sun 10am-4pm
Visit: 12/16 Alexandra Street, Berry (02) 4464 2444
Bookmark: @shadyfig on Instagram
Stop 6: Few & Far
A beautiful store to get lost in, wandering through enticed by sweet aromas, soft music and hand-picked furniture and decor from around the world.
Open: Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 10am-4pm
Visit: 133 Queen Street, Berry (02)44641684
Bookmark: fewandfar.com.au
Stop 7: Co.LAB
A fresh and exciting collective of ethical and local businesses and makers producing beautiful homewares, gifts and accessories. Created by two sisters who spent their childhood visiting family in Berry, which they have now made their home.
Open: Mon-Sun 10am-4pm
Visit: 97 Queen Street, Berry 0460 288 848
Bookmark: colabcollective.com.au
Stop 8: Milkwood Bakery
Established in 2012, The Berry Organic Sourdough Bakery breads live on at Milkwood Cafe – now located in the heart of Berry. Join the queue for signature European-style pastries, cakes and savoury treats every day, plus coffee. Trust us, it’s worth the wait.
Open: Mon-Sun, 6am-3pm
Visit: 109 Queen Street, Berry (02) 4464 3033
Bookmark: @milkwoodberry on Instagram
Stop 9: Il Locale
Il Locale Gelato exclusively serves locally produced gelato from The Pines Kiama. Feel at home while you sit among Amara Home homewares while having a delicious gelato.
Open: Mon-Fri 6am-5 pm, Sat-Sun 8am-5pm
Visit: 85 Queen Street, Berry (02) 4464 3355
Bookmark: @Illocale on Instagram
Stop 10: Moss Nest
Located in a 19th-century historic building, Moss Nest brings together a collection of eclectic home furnishings. Women’s fashion and accessories, and a few choice men’s selections, can be found here, along with fresh flowers by their in-house florist.
Open: Mon-Sun, 10am-5pm
Visit: 69 Queen Street, Berry (02 4464 2203)
Bookmark: mossnest.com.au
Stop 11: Berry Donut Van
Even if you’re hell-bent on getting to the coast before dinner time, a pitstop at the Berry Donut Van is hard to resist. Freshly made and served piping hot with a dusting of classic cinnamon sugar, your weekend escape starts here.
Open: Mon-Sun, 8:30am-4:45pm
Visit: 73 Queen Street, Berry (02) 4464 1968
Bookmark: @berrydonutvan
For more shopping inspiration, take a look at our picks of Wahroonga in NSW, or Albion and Coorparoo in Queensland.
