The little village of Berrima, about 90 minutes’ drive south-west from Sydney, is the perfect halfway stopping point when travelling to Canberra or the winter ski fields. Even if it’s only an hour-long stop, The Little Hand-Stirred Jam Shop is a great place to head for tasty treats before heading to the local park for a play and picnic. 

This little store offers a treasure trove of jams, honeys (featuring notes of various Australian flora from Ironbark to Leatherwood), flavoured butters – our family is especially partial to the Lemon & Passionfruit Butter – as well as mustards, chutneys, sauces, condiments as well as some cooking fare, including packets of gourmet pasta.

The espresso bar here serves award-winning Aroma Coffee – mercifully saving long-distance drivers from the petrol station stop alternatives!

There is also an ice creamery featuring the Serendipity brand of ice-cream with flavours ranging from salted caramel or super fudge brownie to hokey pokey or chocolate.

Why go Well, there’s nothing like the promise of ice cream to help kids stay their car-cabin-fever screams for just another 10 minutes! Besides, it’s a temporary respite from the ‘are we nearly there’ queries.

Who is it best for Foodie families, gourmands and those looking for some delicious gifts to give to your child’s school teacher, friends or family for Christmas. (Gift giver suggestion: buy two jars or you may be tempted to keep it rather than give the deliciousness away…)

Top tip Get there with enough time so you can buy your produce, have your picnic and revisit the store before closing time. You may well find yourself addicted to one of the delicacies from here, and you’d best grab another couple of jars whilst you are here (as well as a mail order list) as you can’t get them anywhere else.

Facilities A cafe inside with tables.

Highlights for kids: Ice cream! And all those colourful jars to peruse… not to mention the sweets.

While in the area: Allow at least an additional 40 minutes for a stop at the Berrima Marketplace Park playground 50 metres down the road, which comes complete with a castle, flying fox and nest swing.