Southern Highlands

The Southern Highlands, a lush, cool-climate escape just 90 minutes southwest of Sydney, feels like a different world. This region of rolling green hills, historic villages, and world-class gardens is a haven for foodies, wine lovers, and anyone craving a slower pace. With its crisp air and seasonal colours—especially in autumn—the Highlands offer a quintessentially Australian country experience, complete with cosy pubs, artisan producers, and a thriving café culture.

Highlights & What to See

• Bowral – The Highlands’ stylish hub, home to the famous Dirty Janes antiques emporium, the Bradman Museum for cricket fans, and a superb lineup of cafés and restaurants. Don’t miss the tulips at Corbett Gardens in spring.
• Berrima – A beautifully preserved Georgian village with sandstone buildings, the historic Berrima Courthouse, and the legendary Berrima Pie Shop (try the beef and burgundy pie).
• Mittagong – The gateway town, with the Mount Gibraltar Reserve offering panoramic views, and the Sturt Gallery showcasing contemporary craft and design.
• Gardens & Nature – Explore the sprawling Harper’s Mansion garden, the rhododendron-filled Mayfield Garden, or the cool fern gullies of Fitzroy Falls in Morton National Park.
• Wineries & Producers – The Highlands are known for cool-climate wines (pinot noir, chardonnay) at cellar doors like Artemis Wines and Bendooley Estate, plus farm gates selling cheese, truffles, and berries.

Suggested Time to Spend

With a car, you can cover the main villages and a couple of gardens in a day trip from Sydney, but the region truly rewards an overnight or two. A weekend allows you to explore Bowral and Berrima at leisure, tackle a bushwalk, and fit in a winery lunch. If you’re self-driving from the Hunter Valley, the Highlands make a natural stopover on the way to or from Sydney, adding a couple of days to your itinerary.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Kangaroo Valley – A scenic drive through lush farmland and the historic Hampden Bridge.
• Morton National Park – Dramatic sandstone cliffs, waterfalls, and excellent bushwalking.
• Sydney – The Highlands are an easy day trip or weekend escape from the city.
• Hunter Valley – Continue north for more wine country, a 3-hour drive via Sydney.
• Canberra – The national capital is about 1.5 hours south, perfect for a longer road trip.

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