Photo: Timmy96 / CC0
Nestled in the lush Southern Highlands of New South Wales, Robertson is a charming village that feels like a step back in time. Surrounded by rolling green hills, dairy farms, and temperate rainforest, this tiny settlement is famous for its ‘Big Potato’ and its proximity to the enchanting Belmore Falls. For travellers on a self-drive itinerary between Sydney and Canberra, Robertson offers a peaceful detour into rural Australia, where the air smells of eucalyptus and fresh grass.
Highlights & What to See
- The Big Potato – Australia’s quirkiest roadside attraction, this giant spud is a must-photo stop and a nod to the area’s potato-growing heritage.
- Belmore Falls – A spectacular three-tiered waterfall plunging into a deep gorge, accessible via a short walk through lush rainforest. Best visited after rain.
- Robertson Nature Reserve – A pocket of remnant rainforest with towering tree ferns and a boardwalk loop that takes you through a prehistoric landscape.
- Heritage Main Street – Wander past historic sandstone buildings, including the charming Robertson Hotel and old-fashioned general store.
- Local Produce – Sample artisan cheeses, fresh-baked pies, and cool-climate wines at nearby cellar doors and farm gates.
Suggested Time to Spend
Robertson is a perfect half-day stop. Spend a couple of hours exploring the village and snapping the Big Potato, then drive 10 minutes to Belmore Falls for a short bushwalk. If you’re a keen hiker or want to linger over a long lunch, you could easily fill a full day. Most travellers combine it with a visit to the larger Southern Highlands towns of Bowral or Moss Vale.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Bowral – The Southern Highlands’ main town, known for its antique shops, gardens, and the annual Tulip Time festival.
- Moss Vale – A historic town with a vibrant arts scene and the beautiful Cecil Hoskins Nature Reserve.
- Fitzroy Falls – A dramatic 81-metre waterfall in Morton National Park, with easy walking tracks and picnic areas.
- Kangaroo Valley – A scenic valley with a historic bridge, river activities, and the Kangaroo Valley Pioneer Museum.
- Bundanoon – A gateway to Morton National Park, famous for its glow-worm tunnels and walking trails.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.
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Image credits
- Bowral — Maksym Kozlenko / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Moss Vale — Bidgee / CC BY-SA 3.0 au
- Fitzroy Falls — Bjenks / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Kangaroo Valley — user:Grahamec / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Bundanoon — Winston M. Yang Wyp / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Southern Highlands — Photohome_UK / CC BY 2.0