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Guide to Southern Highlands

Welcome
Getting to the Southern Highlands
When to visit

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.

The Southern Highlands, a region located south-west of Sydney, is home to several cute townships and villages. Though a train is available from Sydney’s Central Station, the easiest way to reach the highlands is by hiring a car.

Bowral, a main hub of the Southern Highlands, is located just under a two-hour drive from both Sydney and Canberra. Generally, you can expect to drive about 30 minutes between highland towns.

Car hire is available at Sydney and Canberra airports as well as within each city.

The Southern Highlands experiences four distinct seasons with cold winters and warm summers. Spring is the perfect time to visit; the weather is mild and the region hosts a range of culinary and community events.

High season: Summer (December to February)
Low season: Autumn (September to November)

Top things to do in the Southern Highlands

St. Maur Wines, Southern Highlands, New South Wales © Destination NSW

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.

Fitzroy Falls, Morton National Park, New South Wales © Kramer Photography; www.kramer.photography

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.

Bendooley Estate, Southern Highlands, New South Wales © Destination NSW

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.

Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures, Knights Hill, New South Wales © Destination NSW

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.

Bradman Museum and International Cricket Hall of Fame, Bowral, NSW

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.

Tulip Time, Bowral, New South Wales © Destination NSW

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.

Dirty Janes, Bowral, New South Wales © Destination NSW

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.

Mount Ashby Estate, Moss Vale, New South Wales © Kramer Photography

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.

Paste Australia, Mittagong, New South Wales © AJL PHOTOGRAPHY LTD

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.

Eastern-grey Kangaroos in Southern Highlands, New South Wales © Boutique Wildlife Tours

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.