Meet the perfect country weekend getaway experience, escape from the city to the perfect “multi-seasonal regional sanctuary”.
Sitting on the border of New South Wales and Victoria is the first-of-its-kind lifestyle precinct, Wildergreen.
Just under three hours from Melbourne and an eight hour drive from central Sydney, I was invited to indulge in an eat, sip and play experience.
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The experience had a bit of everything, from Woodfired pizza to great cocktails and even better live music.
It felt like stepping into a world of luxury and elegance in the quiet escape of a country town — let me convince you to bite the bullet and make the journey in-land to discover great food and even better people.
Escape from the city to the perfect mix of “multi-seasonal regional sanctuary” Credit: 7NEWS
Wildergreen is home to Embr, a wood-fire Italian restaurant that intersects fine dining and the warmth of family style meals.
At the heart of the menu is seasonal Italian favourites, from Neapolitan-style pizzas to hand stretched pasta.
Whether you’re a lover of fish, fresh meat or antipasti, Embr caters to all.
With dishes designed for shared feasts, Sardinian-born Head Chef Daniel Girau, is bringing a little slice of Italy to each table.
Blending cooking methods straight Europe with distinctly Australian tasting notes, Girau says that the best dishes always come with a twist.
“At Embr, fire is at the heart of everything we do. It shapes the flavour, pace, and personality of the dishes, highlighting the smoky depth of our wood-fired oven while bringing simplicity, honesty, and a touch of theatre to every dish.” Girau told Best Picks.
Mixing the familiar flavours of native ingredients, the dishes Giaru brings to the the wider Moama community are opening up everyone’s tastebuds.
Head Chef Daniel Girau brings a little slice of Italy to each table Credit: 7NEWS
Let me get your tastebuds going with a walk through some of my favourites on Embr’s menu.
Starting with the classic Margherita with a rich tomato base and creamy burrata centre, the hand stretched wood-fired dough brings the entire pizza together as the flavours compound into the perfect blend of smokey and indulgent.
Take a look at the Gigli Alla Norcina, made Dairy Free for myself and my funky tummy.
The mushroom soaked with dry base made up for the missing creamy sauce in more ways then one.
With notes of black pepper, this dish was the highlight of my entire experience — I even wanted to bring it home to Sydney with me.
If pasta and pizza isn’t your style then why not a one-kilogram, fire-roasted Fiorentina steak for two or a plant-based cauliflower steak with romesco for our vegan friends.
To round out an evening at Embr, indulge in a classic desert with a twist, try the Limoncello Tiramisu or the refreshing Lemon Myrtle Panna Cotta.
Unwind after an Italian feast in The Playground Credit: 7NEWS
Unwind in The Playgrounds after a belly full of good hearty food with a glass of wine or cocktail and live music.
The extensive drinks menu brings the energy from the kitchen out into the bar, with a carefully selected range of Italian and Australian Wines or feisty and festive seasonal cocktails.
The bar menu has been designed to keep the good times rolling even after hours.
Paul Barnes, Moama Bowling Club CEO says: “With Embr leading the way, Wildergreen becomes more than a precinct — it’s a destination for dining, connection, and everyday good times”.
For the whole family to enjoy a night out, it sometimes requires some pre-organisation — parents, I’m talking to you.
Take the stress of securing a babysitter or setting up brain numbing devices and take your kids to Treehouse.
Designed to enrich curiosity and creativity, this eco-learning sensory zone is somewhere where children aged five and over can also enjoy a night out of the house.
With supervised play, complimentary to those dining at Embr, parents can relax and unwind knowing that their little ones are in good hands.
Crafted by the locals, for the locals, the space stimulates natural textures to encourage discovery.
Children aged five and under are also encouraged to join in on the fun but must have a parent or guardian present for when they may require extra attention.
Kids above 5 are welcome at the supervised play club, Treehouse Credit: 7NEWS
Paul Barnes, Moama Bowling Club CEO, said: “With Wildergreen, we wanted to create more than just a venue — we wanted to create a sanctuary”.
Barnes continued: “It’s a place where design meets nature, where families and friends can gather with ease, and where every season brings a new story to discover.”
“Our vision was to build something the community can be proud of — a destination that puts Echuca–Moama on the map for regional escapes.”
With a focus on gathering the community Embr is sure to be the talk of the town coming into the festive season.
So if youre still stuck on a Christmas gift, why not make some memories over something materialistic, make the jump and book a weekend away in Moama.
Quest Echuca Apartment Hotel Credit: 7NEWS
The Quest Echuca Apartment Hotel was the perfect overnight stay after our dining experience at Wildergreen.
In the centre of my Studio Executive Apartment was a beautiful king bed, where I had one of the best sleeps of my life.
The fully serviced kitchenette allowed me to unwind after a full day at Embr with a cup of tea and a Tim Tam.
Slipping into the large bathroom for a hot shower before bed, I was skeptical about the typical unreliability of hotel water pressure and temperature. Yet I was left pleasantly surprised with a both the water pressure and temperature that I felt right at home.
What I once considered to be a out of the way small country town has significantly exceeded my expectations, coming home to tell all my friends about the adventures I had with the Wildergreen team and convincing them to make the journey to the full of life country town of Moama.
If you’re looking forward to also indulging in a Wildergreen experience then make a reservation on their website here.
This journalist was a guest of Wildergreen.
Dining and Cooking