A (Southern) HIGHLAND FLING

Just a 90 minute drive from Sydney is New South Wales’ best-kept secret — heritage villages, old world charm, markets and more

The Southern Highlands is postcard pretty with beautiful flower gardens and ivy-covered country manors set amongst the backdrop of rolling hills and unspoilt bushland. This delightful region — just a 90-minute drive south of Sydney — is a popular destination for its heritage villages, old-world charm and a mild climate.

Although the area is beautiful all year round, the region really comes to life in autumn when the leaves transform into brilliant hues of yellow, orange and red. Then there’s the spectacular Tulip Time Festival in spring. Good food, luxurious retreats and vineyards can also be found throughout the region in the towns of Bowral, Berrima and Mittagong.

ABOVE: Bendooley Estate, Berrima. Credit: Destination NSW.

Fitzroy Falls, Wingecarribee Shire

Credit: Destination Southern Highlands

1. DINING

Dining out in the Southern Highlands can be a simple or an elaborate affair. Fresh produce, great eateries, markets and produce stores are scattered throughout the Southern Highlands, giving diners plenty of options to choose from. Long-time favourite Eschalot, set in an old sandstone cottage at Berrima, is a hatted restaurant offering contemporary French-accented cuisine, fine local wines and an elegant ambience. In Mittagong, renowned chefs Bee Satongun and husband Jason Bailey opened Paste Australia.

The stunning restaurant takes diners on a palate-tantalising adventure that showcases a bold and masterful approach to Thai cuisine. For a magical experience, visit beautiful Bendooley Estate. The charming Berkelouw Book Barn is a multi-functional space that also houses the estate's restaurant, bar and cellar door. It’s a multi-functional space, operating as a bookshop by day, as well as housing the Bendooley Estate Restaurant and Cellar Door where you can enjoy coffee, lunch or a glass of wine.

Celebrate Pie Time in 2021, which launches on Australia's National Pie Day on June 1. Embark on the delicious ‘Pie Trail’ and taste a variety of pies from award-winning pie makers. With over 30 pie outlets in the region, the Southern Highlands is quickly becoming known as the ultimate pie destination in Australia.

Chef Matthew Roberts placing the finishing touches to a dish at Eschalot

Credit: Destination NSW

2. HUNT FOR TRUFFLES

As winter descends upon the Southern Highlands so does the opportunity to enjoy fresh truffles. There are a number of truffle hunting tours available. Wild Food Adventures offers a truffle hunt, paired with a delicious truffle-inspired lunch and wine tasting. Scheduled weekly Saturday tours are bookable now for the winter season running June 26 to August 7.

Bendooley Estate, Berrima

Credit: Destination NSW

3. STAY IN QUAINT VILLAGES

This region has a long list of beautiful places to stay in lovely locations. In the Southern Highlands, Gibraltar Hotel, along with Milton Park Country House and Links House Bowral are popular for a country retreat. Peppers Manor House at Sutton Forest resembles a refined country house estate set in spectacular gardens. Built in 1926, the charm of the homestead has been retained and enhanced by tasteful decoration. Nearby, Peppers Craigieburn in Bowral is an impeccably maintained estate, offering rural luxury, with a casual atmosphere, and a private nine-hole golf course.

This region has a long list of beautiful places to stay in lovely locations

The Book Barn Cottage on Bendooley Estate is a self-contained two-bedroom, two-bathroom cottage only a short stroll from the renowned Berkelouw Book Barn, near Berrima. For those who prefer a B&B experience, there are several stylish choices in Mittagong, while The Sebel Bowral Heritage Park in Bowral is ideal for those who wish to self cater.

Bendooley Estate, Berrima

Credit: Destination NSW

4. IMMERSE YOURSELF IN NATURE

From spectacular waterfalls to sprawling national parks and picturesque vineyards dotted over the landscape, the Southern Highlands is brimming with natural beauty. Walking in the area is popular at any time of the year with a choice of great bush tracks.

For breathtaking views, visit the dramatic Fitzroy Falls in the Morton National Park or head to Bowral Lookout on Mt Gibraltar for a scenic view overlooking Bowral, the Wingecarribee River Valley and Moss Vale. Wildlife lovers should head to Gibbergunyah Reserve near Bowral: native wildlife such as kangaroos, wombats and echidnas are often seen on the Gibbergunyah Walking Track.

Berrima sunset

Credit: Kramer Photography

INSPIRED TO VISIT THE SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS? Check out our tour here:

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5. ANTIQUE SHOPPING

The Southern Highlands is renowned for its antique shopping. Stroll through the streets of Bowral to admire the gorgeous stores and boutiques. Dirty Janes is an emporium of more than 60 shops with everything from cane furniture to old signage and taxidermy. Uncover a treasure trove at Sticky Beaks Vintage Emporium and Village Antiques in beautiful Berrima (both are located on Jellore Street close to town). Alternatively, try Sutton Forest’s The Everything Store. Operating since 1830, it has become an institution for those who enjoy seeking out unique pieces.

6. FLOWER FESTIVAL

In 1958, the first Tulip Time Festival was staged in Bowral. Since then, the momentous tulip display in Corbett Gardens has evolved into the centrepiece of the festival that has made the region a popular springtime destination. Experience a kaleidoscope of tulips at the next event, which will be held from September 17 to October 4. The Instagrammable festival features 75,000 blooming tulips.

Dirty Janes, Bowral

Credit: Destination NSW

7. WINE TASTING

Family owned and operated since 1983, Joadja Estate is the oldest vineyard and winery in the Southern Highlands. It’s situated in the picturesque hills north of Berrima and produces distinctive cool-climate wines. Enjoy the rustic atmosphere at this beautiful boutique estate as you taste hand-crafted wines and fortifieds.

Tractorless Vineyard & Bowral Brewing Company has a winemaking philosophy to create sustainable and diverse food and wine experiences from locally sourced, grown and produced foods guided by biodynamic principles. Their cellar door offers an opportunity to try their selection of award-winning wines, ciders and beers. Visit Artemis Wines, a familyrun winery in Mittagong, to taste their award-winning drops. Winemaker brothers Anton and Mark Balog began making wine in 1996.

Bendooley Estate, Berrima

Credit: Destination NSW