"June first is the first day of winter and it's time for our country to reunite for Australia's National Pie Day," said Steve Rosa, group manager of tourism and economic development, Destination Southern Highlands.

"For the first time ever, regions throughout NSW have jumped on the pie train to celebrate, creating the most unique and mouth-watering pies, and inviting visitors to their regions to stop in for a gourmet pie on their foodie travels.

"Aussies love a good pie and will travel far for a really magic one.

"Travelling not only to Australia's home of pies, the Southern Highlands of NSW, but for pies in really pie-conic locations around our state - such as 'The Wharfie', a seriously tasty flathead and ling, mussel and mornay pie from our friends on the Sapphire Coast's seaside Merimbula Wharf Restaurant.

"It's a good time to love NSW, and to share that love right across our pie state."

NSW regional areas raising a pie for Australia's National Pie Day include Bermagui, Pambula, Merimbula, Kiama, Bungendore and Braidwood.

The Sapphire Coast has been working with local foodie Paul West of River Cottage Australia fame, to showcase the region's best pies.

"Paul West has been pretty pumped about meeting our local pie makers and seeing the high-quality local ingredients and the amount of love that goes into their flavoursome pie offerings," said Anthony Osborne, managing director for Sapphire Coast Destination Marketing

"Out and about enjoying great locations, nice wine and fantastic pies, naturally Paul appointed himself our region's Pie Minister, wanting to give his national counterpart, Robert "Dipper" DiPierdomenico, a run for his money."

Mr Osborne said "Pie Time" was a fantastic initiative that Destination Southern Highlands started back in 2017 and the Sapphire Coast "jumped at the chance to be involved" and showcase amazing offerings from around the region including Pambula, Bermagui and Merimbula.

"Together with other regions of NSW, we all can't wait to raise a pie on Australia's National Pie Day," he added.

Australia's National Pie Day takes place on Tuesday, June 1. Pie Time 2021 runs for the entire month of June.

"We're thrilled that the Pie Time brand has gained traction outside of the Highlands. It's about regions supporting each other, breaking down borders with quality food offerings, and encouraging tourism back into our regional areas. NSW really is the premier pie state after all," Mr Rosa said.

For more information on Pie Time visit www.pietime.com.au, follow on Facebook for updates and information on events.

Australians sharing their pies for Pie Time and Australia's National Pie Day can hashtag #pietime #visitsouthernhighlands.

Eat Drink Neighbourhood at Bermagui - The Beer & Steer - Bega Valley beef and kidney, garlic and tomatoes with Dark Ale from Longstocking Brewery.

Wild Rye's Baking Co in Pambula - The Pambula Pierdro - local Bombala lamb, local herbs and Merimbula Chorizo from Goodalls Butchery, topped with herb sourdough crumb.

Wharf Restaurant in Merimbula - The Wharfie - Locally sourced flathead and ling, Eden mussels, Bega Cheese mornay all topped with creamy cauliflower mash.

Parfait Patisserie in Kiama - The Winter Warmer - slow cooked mint-infused lamb, peas, carrot, gravy and creamy mash potato with a sweet mint jelly.

Harvest Fresh in Bungendore - Beef Bourguignon - slow cooked beef.

Dojo Bread in Braidwood - Loads of delicious pies.