Best Things To Do In Moss Vale, Southern Highlands

Moss Vale is a charming country town layered with a collection of seriously stylish stores, cafes and eateries that makes for an alluring day-trip destination or long-weekend escape.

There are so many wonderful things to do in Moss Vale that I like to plug each place into my SatNav and plan a detailed itinerary. Getting to Moss Vale from Sydney is a breeze: it’s just a 90-minute drive away or two hours by train to its heritage station. The town of Moss Vale, located on the Traditional Lands of the Gundungurra and Tharawal peoples, was established in 1819. More than 200 years on, the village is firmly established as a destination for a short break.

Here are 10 of the best things to do in Moss Vale in NSW’s Southern Highlands.

In short

If you do only one thing in Moss Vale, make it dining at The What If Society. The guiding principle here is one of sustainability, with community at its heart. It’s enough to make you want to ditch your big city life and move to Moss Vale.

Pick up some provisions for a picnic

The best things to do in Moss Vale will always include food. The Exchange is the sister store to The What If Society just a short doddle down Hoddle St. And the question at the providore remains the same as the cafe: what if we cared a bit more about what we eat and where it comes from and committed to businesses that are doing the right thing? The What If Society is a cornerstone of the local community. Check the Instagram page to schedule a return visit to attend pop-ups such as Fields or Supper Club.

Shop the high street

bed furniture at Suzie Anderson, Moss Vale — Freshen up your home with elegant furniture from Suzie Anderson. (Image: Abbie Melle)

Joining the dots between shops is one of the best things to do in Moss Vale. Suzie Anderson has two stores in Moss Vale: her flagship store fitted out with elegant furniture, linens, coffee table books and chic knick-knacks; and the handsome, more rugged lad-leaning store housed in The Old Bank Atelier. Suzie’s impeccable aesthetic is also evident at her Bowral store inside Dirty Janes. Visit the emporium for European antiques, French Provençal decor and homewares. You can also hunt for homewares and gifts at Hunter & Gatherer Collections , Mossy Store , Bowerbird on Argyle , Nest & Burrow , and Made By Others .

Dine at The What If Society

Searching for the best thing to do in Moss Vale? I’ve called it: it’s dining at The What If Society . Head chef Eilish Maloney is at the helm at the rustic-chic eatery, which doubles as a community hub. Today, there’s an artistic couple; one with an Elvis quiff; the other wearing vintage glasses. And a group of bros hoofing down cheeseburgers. You can Trust the Chef with a set menu or order a righteous special such as the pork schnitzel with vodka sauce and cabbage salad. This zero-waste operation is also a co-operative and cooking school.

Have coffee and cake at Highlands Merchant

The laid-back town of Moss Vale is also home to the Highlands Merchant , which is aimed at lovers of good coffee and good food. If uncovering the best things to do in Moss Vale is your goal, then you’ll want to include coffee and cake at this cutesy cafe painted duck-egg blue; it’s always buzzing with stylish locals and out-of-towners who are drawn here for the delicious homemade treats such as cakes, cookies and slices. There’s also a rotating menu of fresh salads. Grab a table under the stripey awning outside and watch the world go by at a meander.

Go for a bike ride in the Southern Highlands

the town of Bundanoon, Southern Highlands from above — Follow the scenic route to the nearby Bundanoon and other Southern Highlands towns from Moss Vale. (Image: Destination NSW)

One of the best ways to explore Bowral, Moss Vale and beyond is on two wheels: head to The Fixed Wheel to hire a bike and tackle the loop that connects Moss Vale, Sutton Forest, Berrima and Bowral. Follow Highlands Trails on Facebook to stay across what mountain-biking tracks are open. The single-track trail that slices through Wingello State Forest is one of the most popular. Have kids in tow? Bounce along Bong Bong Common from Moss Vale to Burradoo.

Walk along the river

the Wingecarribee River, Kangaloon — The Berrima River Walk traces the Wingecarribee River. (Image: Destination NSW)

Moss Vale is on the Traditional Lands of the Gundungurra and Tharawal peoples and part of Wingecarribee Shire, named after the river that rushes through it. Close all your rings on your Apple watch with a walk around Stone Quarry, one of the musts on a list of the best things to do in Moss Vale. Go a bit beyond Moss Vale to find the Berrima River Walk, which traces the Wingecarribee River as it squiggles past old World War 2 encampments and relics that are being reclaimed by the bushland all around.

Enjoy a local brew

the al fresco beer garden at Southern Highlands Brewing, Moss Vale — Sip on refreshing ales at Southern Highlands Brewing.

Cameron ‘Camo’ James and Ben Twomey launched Southern Highlands Brewing in 2015 after forming a connection based on a shared love of rugby and beer. The local brew bros are now part of a wider group which includes five other local breweries. Over summer, we recommend the Australian Blonde Ale, while in winter, the gold medal-winning porter is perfection. The brews are on tap at many of the pubs dotted around the Southern Highlands. Or you can pick up a sixpack from a local bottl-o.

Visit a local winery

resident ducks at Mount Ashby Estate, Moss Vale — Resident geese at Mount Ashby Estate. (Image: Kramer Photography)

The French country idyll comes alive at Mount Ashby Estate when a gaggle of geese waddle across the grounds as if on cue. In winter, enjoy a tasting at the cellar door followed by lunch around a roaring fire in Sant’ Alba. In summer, a table on the terrace at Mount Ashby Estate is the place to be, sun on your neck, glass of Petit Rouge Rose in hand. Stay tuned for Mount Ashby Estate 2.0, which will include tiny homes for the ultimate getaway. The relocated 1918 Bowral Produce Store is now an events space for everything from intimate occasions to big, fat country weddings.

Stay in a cosy cabin

the Hideout cabin set on a beautiful dam of a working horse farm — Get the reset you need in an idyllic farm setting.

You will understand why Moss Vale is such a popular destination for a short break with a weekend away holed up in Hideout . Voted as a finalist in Airbnb’s Best Nature Stays category, the 56-hectare property is a working farm and horse stud with stays coordinated around its 80 resident animals. The cosy couples-sized cabins come with all the prerequisites for a gracious stay, such as sumptuous bed linen, under-floor heating, Egyptian cotton towels and wine sourced from the neighbouring Mount Ashby Estate.

Retreat to Moss Manor

a suite with a private tub at Moss Manor — Soak in pure indulgence at Moss Manor. (Image: Tom Ferguson)

There’s a worn path leading from Moss Manor to the local real estate agent’s offices in Moss Vale. The boutique accommodation is so charming my husband and I started dreaming of a tree change. Stay in a Violet Garden room, which mirrors the landscaped surrounds filled with flowers and looks like a vignette torn from the pages of Vogue Living. Here, in the highlands hamlet of Moss Vale, a two-storey terrace is considered a high rise, and the pace of life in wonderfully languid.

Make this dazzling stretch of beaches and natural wonders your home base for a grand adventure

Whether you’re setting out solo, bringing a mate, or packing in the whole family, no road trip along Australia’s East Coast is complete without at least a few days spent exploring the Coffs Coast. A stunning stretch of NSW coastline nestled between ancient high-elevation rainforests and magnificent, undiscovered beaches, Coffs offers amazing biodiversity, stunning natural beauty, and heaps of local charm, without the crowds. Pull up in Coffs Harbour , your perfect home base for these unforgettable day-trips.

1. Southern Beaches

The Coffs region boasts 30 of Australia’s most beautiful, unspoiled beaches, directly abutting a dramatic tableau of mountains and rainforests. Drive South of Coffs Harbour to find up-and-coming surf destinations where it’s still possible to catch an empty wave. First up is the picturesque Sawtell village . Wander the famous fig-tree-lined main street packed with laid-back places to eat and drink. Enjoy panoramic views and seasonal whale sightings at Bonville Headland on the Southern end of the beach.

Nearby Bongil Bongil National Park boasts seven kilometres of empty beach, along with hiking and cycling trails through beachfront rainforests – keep an eye out for koalas living in the trees. Boambee Beach and Boambee Creek Reserve are great for families, with shallow waters perfect for kayaking and SUPing, plus an off-leash dog beach.

family eating lunch in sawtell — Experience small-town charm in Sawtell.

2. Orara Valley Tourist Trail

The Orara Valley Tourist Trail has it all: hinterland bushwalks, birdwatching, horse riding, pristine swimming holes and rolling green pastures dotted with dairy farms and historic villages. And it’s only 15 minutes west of Coffs Harbour.

Sample produce at a roadside stall, stop into Coramba Hotel for a quintessential country pub lunch, or try the Idle in Cafe in Nana Glen for coffee and scones. Then spend the afternoon kayaking the Orara River or mountain biking on Mt Coramba. If you’re feeling adventurous, follow the 4WD touring route along the Orara Escarpment in Bindarri National Park , a rugged landscape with dazzling views that winds through untouched eucalypt rainforests and waterfalls.

A family sitting by the Orara Valley Tourist Trail. — Explore the green heart of Coffs.

3. Dorrigo National Park

Enjoy a classic day trip from Coffs to forest bathe in some of the oldest subtropical rainforests in the world at Dorrigo National Park, part of the World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests. These million-year-old ecosystems promise rare bird sightings, towering strangler figs, and epic walking tracks and picnic spots. Try the 6.6 km Wonga Walk to experience dreamy Crystal Shower Falls (where you can walk behind the falls) and the Skywalk Lookout, which offers spectacular views of the valley and coast. Then stop in Dorrigo town for a homey lunch. It’s worth noting that a section of the road between Ulong and Dorrigo – which dates to the 1880s – is unsealed, adding to the area’s end-of-the-earth allure but making travel difficult in adverse weather conditions. Alternatively, head to Dorrigo via the delightful township of Bellingen .

Three people standing at the SkyWalk lookout. — Wander the Skywalk.

4. Northern Beaches

For another tranquil expanse of sun, sand and surf breaks, head north to Woolgoolga (Tourism Australia’s Best Mainland Beach for 2025. Taste the coffee and local-produce breakfast at one of several cafes, then spot whales during their migration season along the Woolgoolga Whale Trail to the headland. Emerald Beach offers clear blue waters and another headland walk, perfect for taking in views of South Solitary Island, a dramatically rocky-cliffed island with a historic lighthouse. Red Rock, some 40km north of Coffs and named for its striking coastal rock formations, boasts a gorgeous estuary reserve that’s perfect for languorous days spent picnicking, swimming, fishing, and connecting with the relaxed local pace.

Freshly caught seafood by the beach, with sparkling ocean views. — Enjoy fresh seafood overlooking Woolgoolga Beach.

5. Jetty precinct

You could easily spend a whole day exploring the Jetty precinct – from its foreshores to the marina to Muttonbird Island. Start with fresh fish and chips from local institution Coffs Harbour Fisherman’s Co-op , before browsing the popular Harbourside Markets held every Sunday on the foreshores.

Take a scenic walk along the breakwall to Muttonbird Island , a cultural and ecological treasure with panoramic views and rich Gumbaynggirr heritage. The Giidany Miirlarl Education Space shares the island’s ancient stories, or join a guided moonlight tour to see the seasonal return of the muttonbirds.

Back at the Jetty Strip, find a buzzing mix of cafes, bars and restaurants with cuisines from around the world, open from morning until late. Don’t miss The Jetty Pavilion , a favourite for its unique menu blending modern Australian cuisine with vibrant world flavours.

walk to muttonbird island from coffs harbour — Walk the path where land meets sea and sky.

6. Grafton

Head inland from mid-October to early November to catch Grafton’s jacaranda season, when the town’s streets and parks are covered in purple. Even better, time your trip between 24 October and 2 November to attend the famous Jacaranda Festival, with special food items, performances and more. At any time of year, follow the self-guided Grafton Heritage Trail to discover the town’s historic buildings, landmarks and stories. Or get the blood pumping with a trip along the longest mapped white-water trail in Australia – the Clarence Canoe and Kayak Trail. Book a tour with Exodus Adventures .

woman walking through jacaranda trees in grafton — Time your Grafton trip to see the jacarandas in full bloom. (Image: @myclarencevalley)

7. Nambucca

Just south of Coffs Harbour sits Nambucca, the ideal town for a relaxed, coastal day trip. Hire a canoe, kayak or boat to explore over 80 kilometres of waterways stretching from the hinterland to the ocean. For those who prefer to stay on dry land (or double up their adventure for the day), stretch your legs along the V-Wall – a scenic coastal walk along the Nambucca River – dotted with boulders painted by the community, sharing messages, art and local stories. Stop along the way to buy Sydney rock oysters direct from local farmers, or try your own hand at fishing. Before heading back to Coffs, refuel on fresh seafood and wood-fired pizzas at Matilda’s in Nambucca .

a boat zooming through Nambucca Heads — Explore Nambucca’s waterways. (Image: Seen Australia)

Visit coffscoast.com and download the Coffs Coast Explorer App for more daytrips and trails.

A comprehensive guide to the best things to do in Moss Vale