Things do in Southern Highlands

People have always been drawn to the Southern Highlands as a paragon of natural beauty, but lately the region is relying less and less on its looks to attract tourists. Spurred on by the COVID-19 pandemic, which highlighted more sights in our own backyard, the Highlands’ one-hour proximity from Sydney has made it a popular weekend destination.

From its quaint villages to the thriving townships of Bowral, Mittagong and Moss Vale, the Southern Highlands has stepped up its offering for visitors, with trendy cafes, some great accommodation options and no shortage of things to do.

Don’t miss these Southern Highlands destinations.

Best things to do in Bowral for a weekend escape

As the cultural and geographical epicentre of the Southern Highlands, Bowral is a town of two extremes: a hub for local farmers and industry, but also a popular weekend destination for tourists.

Bowral offers the arguably best selection of cafes and restaurants in the Highlands – some old gems in sites like the Bradman Museum, plus some trendy new locations for locals and visitors to check out.

Take in the light, airy vibe at The Press Shop, or some delicious crepes from Franquette Crêperie. For those partial to a bakery treat, you can’t go past the Gumnut Patisserie, located in Bowral, Mittagong and Berrima.

You won’t be able to visit the Southern Highlands without passing an antique shop, and if you only visit one, make sure it’s Dirty Janes. In the centre of Bowral and surrounded by a fantastic array of cafes and shops, Dirty Janes brings together an eclectic mix of retro enthusiasts and collectors. It’s the perfect place to pick up a unique piece for your home, from any time period you could think of. There are a number of stalls and shop sellers inside the compound as well, so you can grab a coffee and browse the plant shop before heading inside to find yourself a vintage gem.

Elsewhere, if you look forward to the Boxing Day Test match more than Christmas, best set aside two or three hours to get through Bowral’s Bradman Museum. What was once primarily devoted to the ‘Boy from Bowral’, Sir Donald Bradman, is now a seemingly endless trove of cricket history, memorabilia and trivia with an extended section of the museum called the International Cricket Hall of Fame.

Top attractions in Mittagong for foodies and hikers

A hop, skip and jump from the Hume Highway, Mittagong offers one of the Highlands’ most convenient stopover points. And it isn’t light on attractions.

Start the day with coffee and breakfast from a selection of cafes including Chapter One, Coffee Culture or Station Coffee House. Or if you’re arriving later in the day, leave room for some delicious food or tasty beer from the Eden Brewery. The beer menu is seasonal and, if one brew from the tasting board takes your fancy, you can take home 1.89 litres of it in a large thermos known as a ‘growler’, then bring it back another time for a cheap refill.

Mittagong isn’t just about food and drink, however. Sitting on the fringe of the Nattai National Park, it offers a huge range of hiking trails and wonderful natural sights, including the Nattai River, the Hawkesbury sandstone cliffs, and the inspiring views from Mount Jellore.

The area is teeming with wildlife too, including over 160 species of birds, platypus and a natural habitat for koalas. There are attractions near and far, from the 60 Foot Falls hike through to a gorgeous road trip down to Wombeyan Caves.

If you prefer pedals to hiking boots, Mittagong has two terrific options for mountain biking. The Welby Mountain Bike trail is a short five-minute drive from Mittagong and comprises an 11km network of trails across easy, medium and difficult grades.

A little further along the Old Hume Highway, towards Berrima, resides the Boxvale Mountain Biking Trail, which offers a series of double-back trails that ought to entertain the entire family.

Historic things to do in Berrima, NSW

Berrima is a small township located on the western fringe of the Southern Highlands, celebrated for its rich history and excellent food and produce.

Many of these products are on display at the monthly Berrima Markets. Berrima also has an immensely popular row of shops, cafes and galleries. Food options are quite dense, with staples like the Berrima General Store and Gumnut Patisserie, or arguably the Highlands’ finest dining establishment in Eschalot, an upscale modern Australian restaurant run by esteemed chef, and local, Matty Roberts.

Located nearby is Bendooley Estate, which has been established almost as long as modern Australia itself. It passed through a number of hands before a fifth-generation antiquarian book dealer, Leo Berkelouw, moved his family and book collection there in 1977. These days there’s an attached winery and café, but it’s still a bookshop and you can eat amongst the brimming shelves if you like. With both new and antique books, it’s almost too much temptation for most bookworms. The Australian literature section is especially impressive.

If you’d prefer to do as the locals do, take a stroll along the beautiful Wingecarribee River, where you’ll discover everything from water rats to platypus sightings and rich bird life. Finish your evening with a wholesome feed at the popular General Surveyor Inn.

Day trip ideas from Sydney to the Southern Highlands

The Southern Highlands makes a wonderful day trip destination from either Sydney or Canberra, located more or less halfway in between the two.

An easy stop for art lovers is the Ngununggula Art Gallery, located five minutes east of Bowral on the National Trust-owned grounds of Retford Park. Established in collaboration with the State Government, the National Trust (NSW), Wingecarribee Shire Council, and donors, the gallery is home to award-winning artworks and is free to visitors.

Ngununggula, meaning ‘in the spirit of belonging, to walk and work together’ in the traditional language of the Gundungurra people, is the first regional art gallery in the Southern Highlands. It regularly hosts award-winning exhibitions and is home to an adjacent café which serves excellent food and coffee.

Located about 15 minutes from Ngununggula is the historic Fitzroy Falls. The good thing about this popular stop is, if you’re in a hurry, you can walk 200 metres to the main lookout, take a photo, and head off again. If you have more time, there are several walks that take in wildflowers, a better view of the falls, and much more. If you live in south-west Sydney, a breezy 50-minute drive down the Hume Motorway will get you to the Southern Highlands information centre in Mittagong. Not only is it a region that rewards return visits, it’s one where it’s easy to do so.

Another gorgeous scenery stop can be found at Bundanoon, located on the door step of surrounding Morton National Park. Much like Fitzroy Falls, visitors can enjoy plunging mountains, beautiful views and an abundance of flora and fauna along walks including Erith Coal Mine track at Bundanoon or the nearby Fairy Bower Falls walk.

When you’re all walked out, the Highlands has a growing staple of wineries available, taking advantage of its colder climate and elevation. Wineries are a comparatively new development in the Southern Highlands and Artemis Wines, established in 1996, was among the first. Located at the end of a short dirt road in Mittagong, it has a dog welcoming committee, none of the stuffiness that plagues bigger wineries, and some lovely spots to enjoy a tipple and tasting plate.

Plan your next Southern Highlands getaway with the NRMA – members save on accommodation, fuel, and attractions. Explore more here.