Sip cider made with Blue Mountain apples

For generations of growers, the cool climate and fertile soils of Bilpin have made this picturesque Blue Mountains town an apple-cultivating hotspot. Ensconced in this idyllic orchard-laden landscape, Hillbilly Cider has become a beloved fixture in the region, producing exceptional craft cider that embodies both the heritage of Bilpin and the innovation of contemporary brewing.

What’s the Hillbilly Cider story?

After spending 20 years learning his craft in the world-renowned cider regions of Normandy, Hereford and Somerset, owner Shane McLaughlin and his wife, Tessa, moved to a Bilpin orchard in 2007 to launch their brand.

From fermenting their first batch of Hillbilly in a cellar Shane hand-dug under their house to winning armfuls of international medals with their apple and pear ciders, the couple have come a long way with Hillbilly Cider in the last few decades. 

What can I sample at Hillbilly Cider?

Open to the public, the rustic Hillbilly Cider Shed showcases the brand’s forward-thinking approach to traditional cider making. Framed by beautiful orchards and a huge expanse of lawn for the kids to run around, the Cider Shed dispenses its top drops to visitors.

Season-depending, you’ll find Somerset-inspired scrumpy crafted with heritage apples and Sweet Julie – the only cider in the world that uses the Julie apple, which is the first new commercial apple discovered in the Blue Mountains. Order a few paddles and take home a case of your favourite.

Ever the alco-polymath, Shane also runs a wine company, whose zingy Chardonnay and spicy Shiraz Cabernet you can savour at the shed if cider isn’t your thing.

To soak it all up, the Hillybilly woodfired oven is always working overtime to make artisanal pizzas – there are even pizza-making workshops for the kids during the holidays.

Enough of cider, what else can I do around Bilpin?

Well, you’re in apple country, so most of Bilpin’s activities and sights are of a fruity persuasion. A few minutes down Bells Line of Road, Bilpin Fruit Bowl is a legendary local pick-your-own experience. At this family-run farm, you can take home your hand-sourced strawberries, nectarines and apples.

Make a pitstop at Mount Tomah Lookout, also on Bells Line of Road. Here, this vantage point offers a breathtaking outlook over the vast Grose Valley and beyond. Take a few moments to revel in panoramic views of the Greater Blue Mountains.

Hillbilly Cider at a glance

• Hillbilly Cider, Cnr Johnsons Road, 2230 Bells Line of Rd, Bilpin NSW 2758.
• Hillbilly Cider is 316km and three and a half hours’ drive from Canberra.
• Monday to Thursday 10am to 4pm. Friday to Sunday 10am to 6pm.
• Weekend two-hour booking slots are available at 11.30am, 1.30pm, 3.30pm.

Who is Hillbilly Cider good for?

Couples, friends, families.

About the ActewAGL evHub

There are now over 20 models of electric vehicles that can go 400kms in a single battery charge ensuring an EV fits seamlessly into your leisure lifestyle. If you need help to find an EV, finance an EV or charge an EV, then visit the ActewAGL evHub today.

For those with an EV, listed below are the three charging stations along the way to help with planning your trip.

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