For those who were hoping to partake in the annual Pie Time festival in the nearby NSW Southern Highlands, worry not!

With travel restrictions easing to allow visitors to the Southern Highlands, there’ll be something for in-person visitors, as well as a range virtual events taking throughout the week so you can get your pie-fix.

Today (1 June) is National Pie Day, which marks the beginning of celebrations of all things pies, with the ‘Southern Pie-lands’ region ready and waiting to welcome those who have made the trek.

“The first of June, by an interesting turn of events after what we have all experienced over the last few months, is the first day of eased travel restrictions for NSW,” says Destination Southern Highlands’ group manager tourism and economic development, Steve Rosa.

“So, we are looking forward to welcoming visitors back to the Southern Pie-lands for the best pies in Australia.

“All our local pie makers, bakeries, cafes and restaurants have really missed the trade over the last few months, first with the summer bushfires, and more recently due to the Covid-19 pandemic. They look forward to giving visitors a taste of Southern Highlands’ famous pies and hospitality,” he said.

“But if they can’t get to the Highlands, as we know that many of us are just starting to emerge from hibernation, they can still take part in our ‘Pie Time in Pie-solation’ online virtual events taking place every day through until 7 June.”

Virtual events will include, among others: ‘Cricket and Pies’ – behind the scenes at the Bradman Centre; ‘The Ultimate Pie Trail’ – a search for the best pie in the Southern Highlands; ‘Friday Night Happy Hour Pies’ – comedy with Thomas Farquar and Michael Turczynski; and a ‘Pie and Pinot’ masterclass with SH Winery.

This year, the event even has its own dedicated ‘Pie Minister’: Robert ‘Dipper’ DiPierdomenico.

“On Australia’s National Pie Day, get your pies out for breakfast, smash a pie for lunch and pull your pies out for dinner,” Dipper said.

“If you’re stuck at home in pie-solation, get the local bakery or café to deliver you a pie, pick one up from your local shop or favourite bakery, or pull out the big guns and bake a pie.”

For more information and to check out the ‘pie-solation’ virtual events, head to the Visit Southern Highlands website.

Check out CW’s recipe files for pie recipes and more.