Southern Highlands

Just 90 minutes south of Sydney, the Southern Highlands unfurls as a patchwork of rolling green hills, historic villages, and cool-climate gardens. This is where Sydney-siders escape the summer heat, swapping the coast for misty mornings, roaring fireplaces, and award-winning wineries. The region’s main towns – Bowral, Moss Vale, and Berrima – are dotted with antique shops, bookstores, and cosy cafés, while the surrounding countryside offers walking trails, waterfalls, and charming country pubs.

Highlights & What to See

• Bowral: The Highlands’ hub, famous for its tulip festival (spring) and the retro Bradman Museum. Don’t miss the bustling Bowral Markets on the second Saturday of the month.
• Berrima: A beautifully preserved Georgian village with sandstone buildings, the historic Surveyor General Inn, and artisanal shops like the Berrima Vault House.
• Fitzroy Falls: A spectacular 81-metre waterfall in Morton National Park, with an easy boardwalk offering panoramic views over the escarpment.
• Southern Highlands Wineries: Tastings at cellar doors like Centennial Vineyards and Bendooley Estate, where you can pair cool-climate wines with cheese platters.
• Morton National Park: Bushwalks through ancient rainforest, including the Wildflower Walk and the more challenging Belmore Falls track.

Suggested Time to Spend

You can get a taste of the Highlands in a day trip from Sydney, but a weekend is ideal. Spend one day exploring Bowral and Berrima, and another hiking in Morton National Park and visiting wineries. If you have three days, add a visit to Kangaroo Valley (just east) for river activities and scenic drives.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Kangaroo Valley: A lush valley with the historic Hampden Bridge, canoeing on the Kangaroo River, and walks to the Fitzroy Falls.
• Mittagong: A quieter town with the Lake Alexandra Reserve and the charming Briars Country Lodge.
• Moss Vale: Known for its antique stores and the beautiful Leighton Gardens, plus the monthly Moss Vale Markets.

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