Guide to Southern Highlands
With heritage towns amid rolling hills and unspoilt bush, the Southern Highlands is one of Sydney's favourite weekend getaways.
The Southern Highlands make for the perfect country escape where you can browse through antique shops, enjoy a long lunch at a local winery or curl up with a book by a log fire. There are several townships to explore, each with its own unique offering. And you can get there in under two hours from Sydney, making it an easy destination for those wanting to enjoy a bit of the country life.
Top things to do in the Southern Highlands
Go wine tasting
With over 60 wineries and 15 cellar doors, the Southern Highlands make up a quaint yet worthy wine region. Introduce your palate to cool-climate wines as you taste your way through the countryside. Explore the Southern Highlands Wine Trail.
Hike through the bushland
Surrounded by national parks, the highlands have plenty of hiking trails winding through dappled rainforests and ancient eucalyptus forests. Marvel at waterfalls and scenic lookouts on the best walks in the Southern Highlands.
Explore historic Berrima township
Berrima is the best preserved Georgian village in mainland Australia. The self-guided Berrima Heritage Walk takes you past all the historic sites, including a drink at the Surveyor General Inn, one of the country’s oldest pubs. Check it out.
Fly among the treetops
Experience the wilderness in a whole new way at Illawarra Fly. Take in the rainforest as you float on a zipline or stroll along a walkway suspended in the canopy. Kids are catered for with suspension bridges and ‘cloud stations’. Find out more.
Visit the Bradman Museum of Cricket
Legendary cricketer Sir Donald Bradman grew up in Bowral (fans can even visit his childhood home), and the Bradman Museum houses an impressive collection of items that explore his achievements and the history of the game. Check out the museum.
Tiptoe through Bowral's tulips
Bowral is the buzzing epicentre of the highlands and each September the Corbett Gardens are planted with 100,000 tulips as part of the annual Tulip Time Festival. Wander through beautiful displays and enjoy fun for all ages. Learn more.
Go antiquing
The highlands are brimming with amazing antique stores from large warehouses to small boutiques. Shops like Dirty Janes in Bowral and Grandpa's Shed in Fitzroy Falls are full of treasures. Find more places to shop.
Experience country charm in Moss Vale
A charming town of vineyards and farmlands, Moss Vale has gained a reputation as a gourmet food and wine destination. The Mount Ashby Estate’s cellar door and French-inspired Cafe La Palette are a great place to start. Explore Mount Ashby.
Eat a meal at Paste Australia
Mittagong is the Australian home to Thailand’s famous, award-winning culinary institution, Paste Bangkok. An absolute must-visit, Paste Australia is helmed by a renowned duo that are re-imagining ancient Thai recipes with an Australian twist.
Embark on a wildlife tour
The Southern Highlands form part of the Great Western Wildlife Corridor, which makes it a great place to spot platypus, koalas, kangaroos and echidnas. Take a day trip with Boutique Wildlife Tours to witness native animals in their natural habitat.
