Any discerned traveller who has revelled in the delights of the Southern Highlands will know that there’s a lot to love about the historic NSW region.
From its charming display of heritage architecture, postcard-worthy landscapes, city-like culinary scene, exquisite boutiques and collection of world-class wineries, the Southern Highlands has been charming its visitors for decades now and it’s a charm that gets better with age.
Located just 90 minutes south of Sydney and two hours north of Canberra, the Southern Highlands is made up of a cluster of historic villages that are each as inviting and picturesque as the next.
Pencil in a weekend and make your way to the Southern Highlands for an unforgettable country escape — here’s where to stay, eat, drink, shop and do in this must-see region.
STAY
Black Barn Bowral. Photography by Felix Forest.
Unsurprisingly, the Southern Highlands is brimming with boutique stays that boast as much beauty as the region itself. For your very own home away from home, the collection of cottages, barns and properties available to book on Airbnb will have you living like a local as soon as you arrive.
Collette Dinnigan’s newly restored three-bedroom property Black Barn Bowral is as chic as you’d expect with recycled Danish floorboards, French marble bathrooms, Italian bed linens and impeccable styling. And if you’re a fan of Pinterest-worthy styling, you will love The Cottage Kangaroo Valley which has just undergone a loving restoration to give the white-washed 1880’s cottage a fresh, modern makeover while maintaining its heritage appeal.
For a combination of location, style and affordability, The Potting Shed might be your property pick — located in the heart of Bowral the studio apartment is cosy and chic, and perfect for a romantic weekend or a fun few days away with a girlfriend. Alternatively, go all out and stay at beautiful Bunya House, which has been exquisitely reimagined and is great for families or a ‘Big Chill’ weekend away.
Image courtesy of The Cottage Kangaroo Valley.
Bunya House. Photography by Abbie Melle.
The Potting Shed. Photography by Abbie Melle.
EAT
Image courtesy of The Press Shop.
The culinary offering in the Southern Highlands would rival that of any major Australian city. Whether your inner-foodie is craving a bountiful brunch, a gourmet snack to go, or a lavish long lunch, there is something to satisfy every appetite.
For the brunch, breakfast and brew lovers, The Press Shop and Plantation are both a must on your culinary to-do list. The Press Shop’s diverse all day menu, picture-perfect heritage facade and printing press inside; and Plantation’s equally pretty fit-out is matched with great coffee, fresh bakery goods, and fast, casual breakfast. If you’re looking for a quick and easy alternative to start your day, Flour Water Salt bakery is a baked goods haven. And for something fun and casual, you can’t go past Bernie’s Diner in Moss Vale for a quintessential American diner experience complete with the classics — hamburgers, sliders and milkshakes or across the road there’s Southern Highland Merchants, who have a delicious selection of sweet treats and yummy sandwiches.
In the evenings, the options are a diner’s delight. Birch Restaurant in Moss Vale is one of the Highland’s newest culinary players and is already one of the highlights thanks to its innovative menu and welcoming hospitality.
If you like the sound of fresh Australian ingredients being used to re-imagine ancient Thai recipes, then make sure you make a booking at Paste in Mittagong.
Image courtesy of Birch Restaurant.
SHOP
Image courtesy of Dirty Janes.
One thing you can be sure of during a visit to the Southern Highlands is that you’ll become acquainted with some seriously chic boutiques. In Bowral, visit The South Store for a curated collection of local and international fashion; Dirty Janes for an eclectic collection of bric-a-brac and vintage; and The Potting Shed and it’s next-door neighbour and sister store The Orangery for all things plants, gardening and greenery.
If you haven’t dropped after a shopping stint in Bowral, make your way over to Moss Vale for a browse in Suzie Andersons Home and Hunter & Gatherer Collections where you’ll find a fabulous selection of homewares and furniture from all corners of the globe.
Image courtesy of The Orangery.
DRINK
Image courtesy of Harry’s on the Green.
With an array of wineries dotted throughout the region, it’s easy to find yourself a top-notch drop in the Southern Highlands. The whole region is home to over 60 vineyards and 15 cellar doors specialising in cool-climate wine varieties like Pinot Gris and Cabernet Sauvignon. Navigate your way through the vineyards with this insightful wine trail map and be sure to make your way to Mount Ashby Estate where the wine is best enjoyed with a charcuterie board on the lawn by the fountain; and to the seventh generation wine-making family at Artemis Wines best known as the “Pinot Noir Pioneers”.
No trip to the region is complete without enjoying your drink of choice in a cosy corner at the iconic Burrawang Village Hotel. This historic charming country hotel is famed for its beautiful highland views and gardens and it’s simple, yet scrumptious menu. To secure a spot, make sure you book ahead.
For the wine bar-types, get ready to fall in love with Harry’s On the Green in Bowral. The café by day and wine bar by night is set inside Bowral’s Acre complex — which also houses Dirty Janes,The Potting Shed, and the Orangery — and is an eclectic, art-filled and joyful space that is the quintessential way to end any day spent in the Highlands.
Image courtesy of Mount Ashby Estate.
DO
Fitzroy Falls.
After you’ve wined, dined and shopped your way through the region, it’s time to get your nature, culture and local produce fix. If you time your visit right, a local produce and makers market at Bowral Primary School falls on the second Saturday of each month and is where you can find some of the finest produce and creatives in the Highlands.
Art aficionados can get their gallery fix at Bowral Art Gallery — which offers a frequently rotating line-up of exhibitions, painting workshops and events — and The Milk Factory, where you can explore contemporary exhibitions and a gallery shop selling resin jewellery and blown glass.
The Southern Highland's boasts some spectacular natural sights including waterfalls and an abundance of hiking tracks. No matter the length of your trip, be sure to experience the famed Fitzroy Falls — one of the country’s most impressive waterfalls falling 81m into the untouched bushland of Morton National Park — and Mount Gilbratar Reserve for breath-taking views and walking trails.
Image courtesy of Bowral Art gallery.
