SMH - The area has plenty of excellent guesthouses, one of which is the classy Moss Grove run by John and Sue Eastment. "We discovered Dorrigo 20 years ago when I was looking for a venue for an office Christmas party," John says.

On many return visits the Eastments were won over by the small-town hospitality. Eventually they bought a Federation home and now keep horses and grow olives and bonsai. "We have mountain and river scenery, and the beach isn't far away," John says.