News
Discover the Southern Highlands
July 4, 2025 | IN Together Magazine | BY AVID | 5 min read
Discover rolling hills, hidden cellar doors, charming villages and award-winning eateries just a day-trips distance from Sydney in the Southern Highlands.
A one and a half hour drive south west from the NSW capital, the Southern Highlands offers visitors rustic countryside charm with a sprinkling of high-end luxury. No matter your interest, budget or length of stay, this picturesque region has boundless opportunities for relaxation and fun.
Eat
The Press Shop
To fuel up for days filled with exploring, head to The Press Shop in Bowral for the most important meal of the day. A favourite with locals and visitors alike, this charming café focusses on seasonal, local produce and clean, healthy meals. Sit down and enjoy a wide variety of unique dishes and breakfast classics from zesty Turkish eggs to jam packed breakfast burritos.
https://www.thepressshopbowral.au
Gumnut Patisserie
Winners of the Presidents Medal at the Sydney Royal Easter Show, the pâtissiers at Gumnut Patisserie know a thing or two when it comes to mouth-watering baked goods. With outposts in Mittagong, Bowral, and Berrima, Gumnut Patisserie often boasts a line out the door with visitors eager to sample their freshly baked selection of delicate pastries, moreish meat pies, and cakes guaranteed to have you reaching for a second slice. Make sure this is one of your morning stops – the cabinets are often emptied out by midday.
https://www.gumnutpatisserie.com.au
Surveyor General Inn
With nearly two centuries under its belt, the Surveyor General Inn in Berrima is NSW’s oldest continuously licensed pub. Since 1834, they’ve been delighting visitors with classic pub meals and a wide variety of drinks on and off tap. While there, choose between dining on the veranda overlooking a historic gaol, in the beer garden, or in the cozy dining room. Their seasonally rotating menu offers gluten free, vegetarian and kid’s options, so everyone can enjoy this slice of Australian history.
https://surveyorgeneralinn.com.au/
Play
Southern Highlands Wine Trail
Home to over 60 wineries and 15 cellar doors, the Southern Highlands is the perfect destination for Australian wine enthusiasts. Luckily for us, the local tourism office has crafted a carefully selected vineyard and brewery trail bringing together the very best of the region. Non-drinkers – don’t worry! The wine trail offers spectacular scenery and delicious food at many of the stops. There truly is a drop or bite for everyone.
https://www.visitsouthernhighlands.com.au/trip-ideas/wine-trail
Redleaf Farm
Home to enough farm animals to shock even Old McDonald, Redleaf Farm makes a memorable stop for families. On this working farm, budding agriculturalists can say hello to highland cows, pigs, sheep, horses, ducks, and even a donkey! This is an amazing opportunity for city slickers to learn all about where their food comes from and how farmers are embracing more ethical practices.
Redleaf Farm 0411 763 373 – Award winning produce and unique farmstay experiences (redleaf-farm.com)
Ngunungulla Art Gallery
On the outskirts of Bowral, inside a converted dairy, sits a one-of-a-kind, award-winning regional art gallery. Created collaboratively by the National Trust and the NSW Government, Ngunungulla Art Gallery hosts an impressive roster of exhibitions that feature local and international artists. The Gallery sits on the grounds of Retford Park Estate, so be sure to take a stroll around the grounds and take in the spectacular gardens after your visit.
Shopping
Whilst it may seem unassuming at first glance, Bowral is home to a treasure trove of unique stores and boutiques for shopaholics from all walks of life. For antique enthusiasts, wander through a maze of unique finds at Dirty Janes in Bowral. If you’re looking for your new favourite outfit, visit Birdhouse by HEM for special finds sourced from around Australia. You can even embrace the Southern Highlands’ country atmosphere with a new pair of boots and an Akubra from The Countryman.
https://dirtyjanes.com/dirty-janes-bowral/
https://www.thecountryman-bowral.com.au
Mt Gibraltar Hike
If you’re looking to embrace the fresh, countryside air, head to the highest point between the Illawarra Coast and the Great Dividing Range – Mt Gibraltar. Over 150 million years old and standing 863 metres high, Mt Gibraltar has a range of accessible lookouts and walks ranging from 10 to 45 minutes. The area is teeming with native plants and wildlife, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled and soak up the natural wonders.
Stay
Berida Hotel
Inside a stately 1920’s manor lies a slice of European-style luxury. A perfect home base for visitors looking for an unforgettable stay, the Berida Hotel is arguable the chicest in town. On a cool night, guests can keep warm in front of one of many wood-burning fires in the exclusive whiskey bar or highly recommended Bistro Sociale. Plus, the friendly and knowledgeable staff can recommend the best hidden gems in and around the Southern Highlands.
Milton Park Country House Hotel & Spa
With massages, a sauna, lawn tennis and an indoor and outdoor pool all on-site, Milton Park Country House Hotel & Spa is the ultimate Southern Highlands wellness retreat. Situated right outside Bowral on a woodland topped hill and inside an English-style manor, this is an amazing spot to relax and unwind in the fresh country air. Elegantly decorated rooms offer guests a luxurious home base amidst the excitement of the region – a true treat for body and soul.
Converted Dairy in Fitzroy Falls
You’re not going to find a stay like this anywhere else. Set on a stunning 29-acre property, this charming cottage is surrounded by beautifully manicured gardens and fronts a lily pad-dotted pond. The converted dairy is light and bright with a fireplace, air conditioning, and amazing views throughout the property. When you book this stay you have it all to yourself, meaning more space for families and plenty of room to roam.
