19 Jul Southern Highlands
Welcome to Southern Highlands
The Southern Highlands, located in a region in New South Wales and claimed as a foodie’s paradise, with rich volcanic soils supporting a range of produce, including beef, dairy and truffles.
It is distinctive because of its beauty and class, a place of preserved colonial architecture, lustrous gardens, and manicured estates. It is a quiet place where you can spend your afternoon browsing antique shops, sipping from a local winery, or watching the locals go by. There are several townships to discover, each offering something unique and new. Bowral of Southern Highland is among the most famous towns because of its acclaimed restaurants, prominent boutiques, and Tulip Time Festival.
How To Get There
Visiting the Southern Highlands is a one-and-a-half-hour drive from the south of Sydney and a few hours away from the north of Canberra. In Sydney, you can take the M7 or the M5 motorways to Mittagong Exit 11. You can use the Federal and Hume Highways from Canberra and go to Southern Highlands to Berrima, Moss Vale, or Mittagong.
Places Of Interest
Bowral
Located in the town of Bowral, the Bradman Museum & International Cricket Hall of Fame is dedicated to the life and career of Sir Donald Bradman – highly regarded as one of the greatest cricket players of all time. It’s packed with interactive exhibits, multimedia displays, and rare memorabilia, making it a place to learn about the sport and its history. This museum is worth a visit, for both cricket fans and not.
Berrima & Mittagong
The Berrima is known to be the best-preserved Georgian village in Australia. The Berrima Heritage Walks moves you to all historic sites like the Surveyor General Inn, the oldest pub in the country.
During September, the Corbett Gardens are planted with 100,000 tulips for the Tulip Time Festival. Take delight in the beautiful tulips and enjoy several other festive activities that capture the hearts of all ages.
Centennial Vineyards
The Centennial Vineyard is also a must-see place in the Southern Highlands. Located near the village of Mittagong, this spectacular vineyard is set amidst rolling hills and offers breathtaking views. The cool climate and high elevation make it ideal for growing Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Riesling grapes. You can try wine tasting at the cellar door to sample some delicious wines.
The Southern Highlands has over 15 cellar doors and 60 wineries, making it a worthy place for wine hopping. So be ready to explore some superb climate wines as you pick which offers the best taste.
The Hars Aviation Museum. It’s a small museum with many interesting historical artefacts, from World War II fighter planes to ancient Roman coins. It also features an extensive collection of aircraft and aviation-related relics.
Fitzroy Falls
Fitzroy Falls is also a jaw-dropping place to visit, and we’re lucky to have witnessed the mighty waterfall. The waterfall drops 92 meters (302 ft) over a series of steps, making it one of the highest waterfalls in the state. The falls are part of the Morton National Park and can be accessed from Fitzroy Falls or Robertson villages. A walking track from Fitzroy Falls to the base passes through rainforest and Eucalypt woodland.
Kangaroo Valley
Kangaroo Valley is nestled between the Cambewarra and Barrengarry mountains and is known for its scenic beauty, natural attractions, and outdoor recreational activities. The Kangaroo River runs through the valley, providing a picturesque backdrop for outdoor activities, offering hiking, cycling, kayaking, fishing, and horse riding. The surrounding forests and national parks offer plenty of opportunities for exploration and adventure. The valley has a rich history and is home to several historic buildings, including the Hampden Bridge, New South Wales’s only surviving wooden suspension bridge. The valley is also known for its arts and crafts, with many local artisans producing unique, handmade goods. And as the name suggests, Kangaroo Valley is home to many kangaroos and other native wildlife, such as wallabies, wombats, and birdlife. Visitors can experience rural Australia’s natural beauty and cultural heritage with a beautiful landscape and a picturesque destination.
Where To Stay
Amaroo Valley Springs
Situated in a beautiful valley, this 5-star hotel in Southern Highlands offers spectacular views and plenty of peace. Accommodation options range from camping and cabins to glamping and luxury lodges. And if you’re looking for things to do in the area, there are plenty of walks to explore wineries, museums, and galleries.
Crystal Creek Meadows
I enjoyed staying at Crystal Creek Meadows, a 4-star hotel in Southern Highlands. The location is beautiful- close to Sydney but far enough away that you feel in another world. The accommodation was luxurious and comfortable, and the cabin was cosy and well-equipped. I didn’t have to worry about a thing- from firewood to towels, they had everything we needed.
Bundanoon Country Inn Motel
Bundanoon Country Inn Motel is also a great place to stay in Southern Highlands. It’s a 3-star accommodation with clean rooms and a lovely outdoor pool for guests. You can choose from various room types with excellent facilities, including tennis courts and restaurants. The hotel also boasts a beautiful country view and is close to great golf courses and wineries.
Where To Eat
Southern Highlands is a Mecca for food lovers with several wineries; it is no surprise that several fine dining establishments are also here. I have personally tried Eschalot Restaurant. They have a great selection of local and seasonal dishes; we always stay satisfied. The atmosphere is cosy and relaxed, a perfect spot for weekend fine dining with friends and family.
Birch Restaurant Moss Vale is also a must-try restaurant. They offer modern Australian cuisine like pork loin in charred peach. The food is locally sourced and delicious. We started with entrees of salmon gravlax and pork belly, which were beautifully presented and tasty. Our main course had the slow-cooked lamb shank and the day’s risotto (wild mushroom). Both dishes were superb. Dessert was also delicious- a crème Brulee with poached plum.
Another Instagrammable place to eat in Southern Highlands is Harry’s On Green Lane. Its interior is one of a kind- a wall filled with bookshelves, a lovely fireplace, and other walls covered with paintings carefully framed in antiques. From being a café, the place has become a restaurant serving lunch and dinner.
Final Thoughts
The Southern Highlands of Australia is famed for its picturesque and classy feel. Therefore, visiting the place should be a good choice if you come with families or loved ones. However, visiting during the Tulip Time Festival is also a great time to see the best colours.
Recommended Tours
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