Southern Highlands Self Drive

Rolling green hills, misty mornings, and a patchwork of vineyards and heritage towns — the Southern Highlands is a classic self-drive escape from Sydney. Just 90 minutes south, this cool-climate region feels a world away, with antique shops, cellar doors, and national parks beckoning. The loop from Mittagong to Bowral, Moss Vale, and Berrima makes for a perfect day or weekend itinerary.

Highlights & What to See

• Bowral – The beating heart of the Highlands, with the retro Bradman Museum, the quirky Dirty Janes vintage market, and an excellent café and bookshop scene.
• Berrima – Step back in time in this beautifully preserved Georgian village, home to the historic Surveyor General Inn and the Berrima Courthouse.
• Morton National Park – Dramatic sandstone cliffs and waterfalls like Fitzroy Falls and Belmore Falls; easy walks with lookout platforms.
• Southern Highlands Wine Trail – Cool-climate pinot noir, chardonnay, and bubbly at cellar doors like Centennial Vineyards, Bendooley Estate, and Tertini Wines.
• Mittagong – Gateway town with the lovely Lake Alexandra Reserve and the charming Oxley Hill Lookout.
• Bangadilly National Park – Wildflower displays in spring and the scenic Wild Dog Mountain lookout.

Suggested Time to Spend

Two days is ideal — one to explore Bowral and Berrima, the second to tackle walks and wineries. If you have only a day, focus on Bowral’s main street and a couple of cellar doors, then a quick stop at Fitzroy Falls. Drivers will appreciate the easy, well-signposted roads and ample parking in each town.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Canberra – 90 minutes southwest, Australia’s capital with world-class museums and galleries.
• Kangaroo Valley – A scenic drive from the Highlands, with the historic Hampden Bridge and lush river walks.
• Jervis Bay – Two hours east, home to some of the whitest beaches on earth and dolphin-watching cruises.
• Sydney – The journey starts here; consider extending to the Blue Mountains or the South Coast.

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