Southern Highlands is the ideal weekend escape for Sydneysiders and Canberrans. The picturesque Country NSW destination boasts spectacular waterfalls and national parks, cool-climate wines and an array of impressive dining options, plus antique shopping and boutiques for a memorable weekend break or midweek escape.
Explore the Southern Highlands’ charming country towns and villages including Mittagong, Moss Vale, Bundanoon, Robertson, Berrima and Bowral – the largest town in the Southern Highlands.
Bowral is home to the annual Tulip Time Festival and the Bradman Museum, commemorating the legendary Australian cricketer Sir Donald Bradman. Bowral boasts a plethora of cafes, restaurants and shops, making it a great base to explore all the Southern Highlands has to offer.
Getting to the Southern Highlands
Southern Highlands is just 1 ½ hour’s drive south of Sydney and 2 hours north of Canberra, making it the ideal weekend getaway. Train and coach services are also available.
Top Things to do in the Southern Highlands
Museums
For sport fanatics, The Bradman Museum is a must-visit in Bowral, established in the small town from which Don Bradman hailed. The Museum takes visitors on a fantastic cricketing journey, reliving great moments with rare film footage, photos and memorabilia. Tours of his childhood house at nearby 52 Shepherd Street are also available by prior arrangement.
Vineyards and Wine Tasting
The Southern Highlands cool climate is ideal for grape growing and the region produces some exceptional wines and is known for varieties such as Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris. With over 60 vineyards in the Southern Highlands region, the most picturesque cellar doors where you can indulge in some local tastings and also grab a bite are Bendooley Estate in Berrima and Mount Ashby Estate in Moss Vale.
Southern Highlands Festivals and Events
Southern Highlands has a packed calendar of festivals events including the annual Tulip Time where the town of Bowral bursts into bloom with tulips in Corbett Gardens and private gardens across the region. The quirky PieFest is a celebration of all things ‘Pies’ in the Southern Highlands including pie competitions, cooking demonstrations, entertainment and more.
Shopping and Antiques
Each village within the Southern Highlands has its own unique street appeal and style when it comes to shopping and boutiques. Bowral is the region’s hub, with a thriving main street, plus two developments that top and tail the street filled with creatives. The Mill with its artisan food stalls and Ms Peacock Fine Chocolates is at one end and The Acre including Dirty Jane’s for vintage and antiques and the ultra-pretty Bespoke Letterpress at the other. Nearby, Moss Vale is the mecca for homewares including renowned Suzi Anderson Home for a curated collection of country chic homewares and gifts.
Best Places to Stay in the Southern Highlands
Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway or winter escape you’ll find the perfect Southern Highlands accommodation to suit your style and budget. From Southern Highlands cosy cottages, B&B’s, luxury accommodation, hotels, resorts to pet-friendly and budget accommodation, there are plenty of options available to plan your Southern Highlands holiday.
Luxury Accommodation
Book luxury Southern Highlands accommodation for a romantic getaway or indulgent mini-break away from Sydney or Canberra. Bendooley Estate offers sophisticated cottage accommodation with bespoke wallpaper, designer interiors and rustic glamour. For traditional country style and 5 star hotel facilities, Milton Park Country House Hotel & Spa offers luxurious rooms and suites surrounded by tranquil gardens.
Hotels
There are plenty of boutique hotels located in the Southern Highlands providing a comfortable and affordable stay in the region. Peppers Manor House, adjacent to Mt Broughton Golf Club has the charm of an elegant country retreat, while Berida Hotel radiates history and character from its beautifully restored rooms conveniently located just moments from the main street of Bowral.
Self-contained Accommodation
Feel at home with self-contained accommodation in the Southern Highlands. The Hidden Door Bowral offers a stylish cottage and villa accommodation in the heart of Bowral. Ideal for group getaways of family celebrations, Manor House Moss Vale is a rare find. The historic gothic revival house has been lovingly restored and can comfortably accommodate 12 guests in style.
Where to eat in the Southern Highlands
You’re spoilt for choice with the best restaurants and dining options in the Southern Highlands. For coffee and casual eats, try The Press Shop in Bowral or Highlands Merchant in Moss Vale.
Settle in fireside for a glass of wine at Harry’s on Green Lane a cosy wine bar in ‘the Acre’ precinct in downtown Bowral. For dinner, head to Bistro Officina for hearty Italian fare.
Getting to the Southern Highlands
Southern Highlands is just 1 ½ hour’s drive south of Sydney and 2 hours north of Canberra, making it the ideal weekend getaway. Train and coach services are also available.
Top Things to do in the Southern Highlands
Museums
For sport fanatics, The Bradman Museum is a must-visit in Bowral, established in the small town from which Don Bradman hailed. The Museum takes visitors on a fantastic cricketing journey, reliving great moments with rare film footage, photos and memorabilia. Tours of his childhood house at nearby 52 Shepherd Street are also available by prior arrangement.
Vineyards and Wine Tasting
The Southern Highlands cool climate is ideal for grape growing and the region produces some exceptional wines and is known for varieties such as Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris. With over 60 vineyards in the Southern Highlands region, the most picturesque cellar doors where you can indulge in some local tastings and also grab a bite are Bendooley Estate in Berrima and Mount Ashby Estate in Moss Vale.
Southern Highlands Festivals and Events
Southern Highlands has a packed calendar of festivals events including the annual Tulip Time where the town of Bowral bursts into bloom with tulips in Corbett Gardens and private gardens across the region. The quirky PieFest is a celebration of all things ‘Pies’ in the Southern Highlands including pie competitions, cooking demonstrations, entertainment and more.
Shopping and Antiques
Each village within the Southern Highlands has its own unique street appeal and style when it comes to shopping and boutiques. Bowral is the region’s hub, with a thriving main street, plus two developments that top and tail the street filled with creatives. The Mill with its artisan food stalls and Ms Peacock Fine Chocolates is at one end and The Acre including Dirty Jane’s for vintage and antiques and the ultra-pretty Bespoke Letterpress at the other. Nearby, Moss Vale is the mecca for homewares including renowned Suzi Anderson Home for a curated collection of country chic homewares and gifts.
Best Places to Stay in the Southern Highlands
Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway or winter escape you’ll find the perfect Southern Highlands accommodation to suit your style and budget. From Southern Highlands cosy cottages, B&B’s, luxury accommodation, hotels, resorts to pet-friendly and budget accommodation, there are plenty of options available to plan your Southern Highlands holiday.
Luxury Accommodation
Book luxury Southern Highlands accommodation for a romantic getaway or indulgent mini-break away from Sydney or Canberra. Bendooley Estate offers sophisticated cottage accommodation with bespoke wallpaper, designer interiors and rustic glamour. For traditional country style and 5 star hotel facilities, Milton Park Country House Hotel & Spa offers luxurious rooms and suites surrounded by tranquil gardens.
Hotels
There are plenty of boutique hotels located in the Southern Highlands providing a comfortable and affordable stay in the region. Peppers Manor House adjacent to Mt Broughton Golf Club has the charm of an elegant country retreat, while Berida Hotel radiates history and character from its beautifully restored rooms conveniently located just moments from the main street of Bowral.
Self-contained Accommodation
Feel at home with self-contained accommodation in the Southern Highlands. The Hidden Door Bowral offers a stylish cottage and villa accommodation in the heart of Bowral. Ideal for group getaways of family celebrations, Manor House Moss Vale is a rare find. The historic gothic revival house has been lovingly restored and can comfortably accommodate 12 guests in style.
Where to eat in the Southern Highlands
You’re spoilt for choice with the best restaurants and dining options in the Southern Highlands. For coffee and casual eats, try The Press Shop in Bowral or Highlands Merchant in Moss Vale.
Settle in fireside for a glass of wine at Harry’s on Green Lane a cosy wine bar in ‘the Acre’ precinct in downtown Bowral. For dinner, head to Bistro Officina for hearty Italian fare. We’ve also got you covered and compiled the definitive list of best places to eat in Bowral for any occasion.
