Southern Highlands

Just a 90-minute drive southwest of Sydney, the Southern Highlands unfurl as a patchwork of rolling green hills, cool-climate vineyards, and historic country towns. This is a region that rewards slow exploration: think misty mornings over paddocks, antique shops packed with treasures, and cellar doors pouring award-winning cool-climate wines. The main towns – Bowral, Mittagong, Moss Vale, and Berrima – each have their own character, yet share a relaxed, refined energy that makes the Highlands a beloved weekend escape for Sydneysiders and international travellers alike.

Highlights & What to See

• Bowral – The region's stylish hub, known for its boutiques, bookshops, and the annual Tulip Time festival. Don't miss the Bradman Museum & International Cricket Hall of Fame, even if you're not a cricket fan – it's a beautifully curated slice of sporting history.
• Berrima – A perfectly preserved Georgian village with sandstone buildings, the historic Surveyor General Inn, and the atmospheric Berrima Gaol. It feels like stepping into the 19th century.
• Cool-climate wineries – Wineries such as Bendooley Estate, Tertini Wines, and Artemis Wines specialise in pinot noir, chardonnay, and sparkling. Many have cellar doors with fireplaces and vineyard views – perfect for a lazy afternoon.
• Morton National Park – For walkers, the Fitzroy Falls and Belmore Falls plunge dramatically into deep gorges. The lookouts are easily accessible and offer classic Highland views over eucalypt forests.
• Dirty Janes – A sprawling antiques and vintage emporium in Bowral that's a destination in itself. Allow an hour to rummage through retro furniture, collectables, and curious finds.

Suggested Time to Spend

The Southern Highlands work perfectly as a long weekend (three days) or as a relaxed stopover on a Sydney-to-Canberra road trip. With two days you can explore Bowral and Berrima, visit a couple of wineries, and do one short walk. For three days, add a second wine region like the Kangaroo Valley or linger in the national park for a full-day hike. If you're short on time, a day trip from Sydney is feasible but you'll only scratch the surface – better to stay overnight in a B&B or country pub.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Kangaroo Valley – A lush, pocket-sized valley with a historic hamlet, the iconic Hampden Bridge, and excellent kayaking on the Kangaroo River. It's a 40-minute drive east of Moss Vale.
• Morton National Park (Bundanoon) – The charming village of Bundanoon is the gateway to the park's southern section, with walks to the stunning Erith Coal Mine and the glow-worm-lit Fairy Bower.
• Goulburn – The historic inland city (45 minutes north) is known for its grand cathedral, the Big Merino, and the excellent Goulburn Brewery – a good lunch stop.
• Sydney – The Highlands are an easy escape from the city, and many visitors combine a few days here with time in the Blue Mountains or the South Coast.

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