Southern Highlands

Just 90 minutes southwest of Sydney, the Southern Highlands unfurl like a pastoral dream: rolling green hills, misty mornings, and quaint villages that feel a world away from the city. This is prime weekend-getaway territory, where you can wander through antique shops in Berrima, sip cool-climate wines, and hike through ancient rainforest at Morton National Park. For international travellers, it’s a chance to experience a classic slice of rural Australia without straying far from the urban hub.

Highlights & What to See

• Berrima Village – Step back in time in this beautifully preserved Georgian-era town, with its historic courthouse, sandstone cottages, and the legendary Berkelouw Book Barn (a bibliophile’s dream).
• Morton National Park – Home to the dramatic Fitzroy Falls, where you can walk along cliff-edge trails and spot lyrebirds and wallabies. The park also offers superb bushwalking through temperate rainforest.
• Bowral – The main hub of the Highlands, famous for its tulip festival (spring) and the Bradman Museum & International Cricket Hall of Fame. Don’t miss the bustling farmers’ market on Saturdays.
• Wineries & Cellar Doors – The region is renowned for cool-climate wines, especially pinot noir and chardonnay. Visit family-run vineyards like Bendooley Estate or Tertini Wines for tastings with a view.
• Dirty Janes – A sprawling antiques and vintage market in Bowral that’s a treasure trove of retro furniture, collectibles, and oddities.

Suggested Time to Spend

You can do a day trip from Sydney, but to truly soak up the ambiance, spend at least two nights. A three-day itinerary works perfectly: day one exploring Bowral and Berrima, day two hiking in Morton National Park and visiting wineries, and day three meandering through smaller villages like Robertson (famous for its Big Potato) and Kangaroo Valley. The drive itself is scenic, so factor in time for spontaneous stops.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Kangaroo Valley – A lush valley with a historic suspension bridge, canoeing on the river, and charming country pubs.
• Robertson – Known for its red soil and the quirky Big Potato; also a gateway to the Illawarra escarpment.
• Mittagong – The northern gateway to the Highlands, with lovely parks and the Mount Gibraltar Reserve for panoramic views.
• Sydney – The Southern Highlands are easily combined with a Sydney itinerary; consider a loop via the Grand Pacific Drive and the Sea Cliff Bridge.

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