Southern Highlands Food And Wine Trail

Rolling green hills, crisp country air, and a landscape dotted with cellar doors, artisan bakeries, and farm gates — the Southern Highlands Food and Wine Trail is a gourmet road trip that weaves through one of New South Wales' most productive cool-climate regions. Just 90 minutes from Sydney, this trail is a treat for self-drivers who want to pair exceptional cool-climate wines, local cheeses, and truffle-infused dishes with a backdrop of historic villages and eucalyptus forests. Whether you're a dedicated foodie or a casual traveller, the trail offers a genuine taste of regional Australia.

Highlights & What to See

• Bowral – The trail's hub, with the bustling Dirty Janes antiques market and the acclaimed Biota Dining, where native ingredients get a modern spin.
• Artisan producers – Stop at the Robertson Pie Shop for flaky meat pies, or the Southern Highlands Farmers Market (first Saturday of the month) for seasonal bounty.
• Wineries – Taste at Tertini Wines (known for its riesling and pinot noir), Centennial Vineyards (with a restaurant overlooking the vines), and Bendooley Estate, where the cellar door sits inside a second-hand bookshop.
• Moss Vale – Don't miss the Harness Maker for woodfired sourdough and the local cheese selection at The Cheese Factory.
• Berrima – Australia's best-preserved Georgian village, with the historic Surveyor General Inn and the Berrima Cheese Shop.
• Stargazing & gardens – After dark, the clear skies around Exeter make for superb stargazing; by day, wander the cool-climate gardens at Retford Park.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow at least a full day to drive the loop from Bowral through Berrima, Moss Vale, and Robertson. For a relaxed pace that includes a long lunch and a few cellar door tastings, two days is ideal — base yourself in Bowral or Berrima and explore the side roads at leisure. The trail is well signposted, but a GPS is handy for linking the scattered producers.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Kangaroo Valley – A scenic 30-minute drive east, with a historic hamlet, the Hampden Bridge, and kayaking on the Kangaroo River.
• Fitzroy Falls – In Morton National Park, a spectacular waterfall just 20 minutes from Robertson, with walking trails through rainforest.
• Mittagong – The northern gateway to the Highlands, with the charming Bradman Museum & International Cricket Hall of Fame.
• Sydney – The trail is an easy day trip from Sydney, but overnighting in the Highlands lets you experience the region's cosy pubs and B&Bs.

Please check official sources for current details.