Berrima

Berrima is a perfectly preserved Georgian-era village in the Southern Highlands, just 90 minutes from Sydney. Its sandstone buildings, shady elms, and slow pace feel like stepping into a 19th-century painting. This is a place to wander historic streets, browse artisan shops, and settle into a pub that’s been pouring since the 1830s.

Highlights & What to See

• Berrima Courthouse (1838) – A grand sandstone building that once hosted bushranger trials; now houses a small museum and the local Visitor Information Centre.
• Surveyor General Inn (1834) – Australia’s oldest continuously licensed inn. Grab a counter meal or a pint in the beer garden – the atmosphere is thick with history.
• Berrima Historic Walk – Pick up a map from the courthouse and follow the self-guided trail past St Francis Xavier’s Catholic Church, the old gaol, and elegant colonial cottages.
• Berrima River Walk – A gentle loop along the Wingecarribee River, perfect for a picnic or a spot of birdwatching among willows and native bush.
• Berrima Vaulted Cellars – Visit this working winery in a historic cellar for tastings of cool-climate wines like Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

Suggested Time to Spend

Berrima rewards a relaxed half-day. Arrive by late morning, wander the main street and historic sites, then settle in for a long lunch at the Surveyor General Inn or the cosy Berrima Bakehouse. If you’re a keen walker or wine enthusiast, allow a full day to explore the river trail and nearby cellar doors. Most visitors combine Berrima with other Southern Highlands towns in a single day’s self-drive loop from Sydney.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Bowral – The Highlands’ bustling hub, famous for its antique shops, Bradman Museum, and the vibrant Tulip Time festival (spring).
• Mittagong – Gateway to the region, with the scenic Mount Gibraltar Reserve and several boutique vineyards.
• Moss Vale – Home to the historic Moss Vale Railway Station and the lovely Cecil Hoskins Nature Reserve for riverside walks.
• Fitzroy Falls – A spectacular 81-metre waterfall in Morton National Park, just a 25-minute drive east, with clifftop lookouts and bushwalking trails.
• Kangaroo Valley – A lush valley with the iconic Hampden Bridge, canoeing on the Kangaroo River, and the friendly Kangaroo Valley Pioneer Museum.

Please check official sources for current details.