Southern Highlands

Towns & villages

Home to beautifully preserved colonial architecture, colourful gardens and manicured estates, the towns of the Southern Highlands offer a definitive touch of class. Bowral is the largest, famed for elegant boutiques, acclaimed restaurants and the colourful Tulip Time Festival. You’ll also find the legendary Bradman Museum and International Cricket Hall of Fame.

A short drive southwest is the historic Georgian village of Berrima. Refresh yourself at the convict-built Surveyor General Inn. Nearby Mittagong is a picturesque town with fine colonial buildings and specialty stores. The picture-postcard village of Robertson was the setting for Australia’s hit film Babe. Stop for a delicious pie at the famous bakery.

Tulip Time Festival, Bowral

Short breaks

From magical waterfalls in magnificent national parks to boutique wineries and cellar doors, there’s plenty to explore. For jaw-dropping views visit the stunning Fitzroy Falls in Morton National Park or explore peaceful bushwalks, such as the Lovers walking track, connecting Echo Point picnic area with Bonnie View.

The region’s towns, cellar doors and natural wonders are all within easy driving distance of each other. Pick up maps and local knowledge from the Southern Highlands Welcome Centre in Mittagong. Check out the events calendar to find out what’s on, from festivals and shows to concerts and exhibitions.

Bendooley Estate, Berrima

Eat & drink

With rich volcanic soils supporting a range of gourmet produce, including beef, dairy and truffles, the Southern Highlands is a foodie paradise. Choose from classic country pub fare at the Burrawang Village Hotel or The Bundanoon Hotel or fine dining at acclaimed restaurants such as Paste, Eschalot, Birch and Onesta Cusina.

The high altitude of the region is perfect for producing cool-climate wines, with plenty of cellar doors to visit, from Artemis Wines in Mittagong and Cherry Tree Hill Wines in Sutton Forest to Cuttaway Hill Wines in Exeter and PepperGreen Estate in Berrima. Taste local handcrafted beer at the Southern Highland Brewing Taphouse.

Eschalot, Berrima

Getting there

The Southern Highlands is around 90min drive from Sydney and less than a 2hr drive from Canberra. You can also catch a direct train from Sydney to Bowral, which takes around two hours.