The Southern Highlands is a beautiful region just two hours from Sydney, filled with charming villages, rolling hills, and plenty of attractions. Whether you’re planning a quick getaway or a longer stay, this area offers something special for everyone. From historic museums to scenic gardens, the region welcomes visitors year-round with its cool climate and friendly atmosphere.
Museums
The Southern Highlands has fascinating museums that tell stories of Australian heritage and creativity. These spots are perfect for rainy days or when you want to learn something new about the region’s past.
The Bradman Museum
Cricket fans go crazy for this place because it’s all about Don Bradman, the guy who basically owned cricket back in his day. There’s old equipment, photos everywhere, and videos of his matches playing on screens. It’s easy to get stuck watching footage for way longer than planned. They’ve got a café too where you can grab coffee after walking around.
The Bradman Museum is open daily from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Tickets are $30 for adults, $23.50 for concessions, $16.50 for children 5–17, and free for kids under 5.
Milk Factory Gallery
This contemporary art space sits in a converted dairy factory in Bowral. The gallery features rotating exhibitions from Australian and international artists working in various media. Workshops are available for those wanting a more hands-on experience during their visit. The building itself is worth seeing, with its industrial charm and modern design elements blending perfectly.
The Milk Factory Gallery is open from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, but closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Entry is free for all visitors
Bowral Art Gallery
This gallery sits in an old heritage building and shows off work from artists around the area. You’ll see paintings of the countryside, pottery, and all sorts of creative stuff. Best part? Getting in costs nothing, making it perfect for anyone watching their budget. The people working there actually know their stuff and love chatting about the art.
The Bowral Art Gallery is open Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Entry is free, offering visitors a chance to enjoy local and regional art without any cost.
Local Experiences
Getting involved in local activities gives you a real taste of Southern Highlands life. These hands-on experiences connect you with the land and the people who call this region home.
Farm Tour
A bunch of farms let visitors come through for tours. You get to pat animals, see how farms actually work, and learn about growing food the right way. Feeding sheep on one of these tours is a joyful experience that’s hard to forget. Lots of farms sell fresh eggs and honey right at the gate if you want to take something home.
Bowral Beekeeping
This unique experience teaches you about honeybees and their importance to our ecosystem. You’ll suit up in protective gear and get close to working hives with an expert beekeeper. The session ends with honey tasting, where you can sample different varieties produced locally. It’s educational and surprisingly calming to watch the bees work together so efficiently.
Southern Highlands Pie Trail
Basically you drive around to different bakeries trying their pies. Each bakery reckons they make the best pies and they’ve all got secret recipes. With four or more bakeries to visit, expect to try everything from regular beef to fancy chicken varieties. Bring stretchy pants and good walking shoes because you’ll need both.
Outdoor Adventures
The natural landscape of the Southern Highlands creates perfect conditions for outdoor activities. Whether you prefer gentle walks or more challenging pursuits, the fresh country air and stunning views make every moment memorable.
Fitzroy Falls
This spectacular waterfall drops 81 meters into the valley below, creating a powerful sight and sound. Walking tracks of varying difficulty wind through the surrounding rainforest and offer multiple viewing platforms. The visitor centre provides information about the local wildlife and geology. On clear days, you can see all the way to the coast, though it’s quite different from the beaches in NSW.
Mount Gibraltar Reserve
Known locally as “The Gib,” this extinct volcano offers panoramic views of the entire region. The walking tracks take you through unique basalt rock formations and cool-climate rainforest. Bird watchers bring their binoculars to spot rare species that live in the canopy. The summit lookout is especially beautiful during spring in Australia when wildflowers bloom along the paths.
Cycling the Rail Trail
The disused railway line between Robertson and Moss Vale has been converted into a smooth cycling path. The flat terrain makes it suitable for all fitness levels and families with children. You’ll pass through farmland, cross historic bridges, and see the countryside from a different perspective. Bike rental shops in town can set you up with everything you need for this adventure.
Shopping and Markets
The Southern Highlands has charming shops and markets where you can find unique treasures. Local artisans and producers sell everything from handmade crafts to fresh organic produce, making shopping here feel special.
Bowral Street Markets
These Southern Highlands markets happen often in the town centre and are loved by Southern Highlands residents. They have more than 100 stalls. Vendors sell antiques, vintage clothing, homemade preserves, and artisan crafts. Beautiful handmade pottery and other one-of-a-kind pieces make for great souvenirs. The atmosphere is lively and friendly, with live music often playing in the background.
Mittagong Antiques
This collection of antique shops lines the main street, offering treasures from different eras. You can spend hours browsing through furniture, jewellery, books, and collectibles. The shop owners are passionate about their stock and love sharing the history behind special pieces. Even if you don’t buy anything, window shopping here is entertaining.
Berrima Village Shops
The historic village of Berrima has preserved shops in sandstone buildings dating back to the 1830s. Browse through galleries, bookshops, and specialty stores selling local products. The old-world charm makes shopping feel like stepping back in time. Many shops offer items you won’t find anywhere else in the region.
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Gardens and Parks
Beautiful gardens flourish in the cool climate of the Southern Highlands. These carefully maintained spaces showcase different gardening styles and provide peaceful places to relax among the flowers.
Corbett Gardens
These public gardens in Bowral burst with colour during tulip season each September and October. Thousands of tulips in rainbow colours create a stunning display against the historic trees. The gardens also feature a playground, making them perfect for families. Pack a picnic and spend an afternoon enjoying the scenery and fresh air.
Red Cow Farm
This private garden only opens sometimes during the year. The owners created different garden areas, each one totally different from the others. The cottage garden with roses and lavender is a particular highlight for many visitors. There’s a plant nursery too for those wanting to take a piece of the garden home.
Dirty Janes Antiques Garden
Behind this famous antique shop there’s a garden most people don’t know about. Stone paths go between flower beds, fountains, and random old garden decorations. Everything changes depending on what season you visit. If you like taking photos, you could spend ages here finding cool shots.
Tips for Visiting Southern Highlands
- Download the Southern Highlands NSW map before your trip to navigate the winding country roads easily
- Book your Southern Highlands accommodation in advance, especially during peak seasons and festivals
- Pack layers of clothing, as the weather can change quickly throughout the day
- Start your day early to avoid crowds at popular attractions
- Ask locals for their favourite spots – they often know hidden gems not listed in guidebooks
- Consider a Southern Highlands day trip if you’re short on time, but a weekend stay is better
- Try to visit during weekdays when attractions are less busy
- Bring a reusable water bottle and refill it at cafés to stay hydrated while exploring
- Check opening hours before visiting smaller museums and galleries
- Leave time for spontaneous stops at roadside farm stalls and scenic lookouts
- Visit the Australia City Guide for more detailed information about unique things to do in Southern Highlands
FAQs
Where to go in the Southern Highlands?
Start with Bowral for its museums and gardens, then explore Berrima’s historic village. Moss Vale offers great shopping, while Mittagong has excellent cafés and antiques shops nearby.
Which celebrities live in the Southern Highlands?
Several Australian actors and musicians own properties here, valuing the privacy and natural beauty. The region attracts creative people seeking inspiration away from city life’s constant pace.
What is the Southern Highlands famous for?
The area is renowned for beautiful gardens, especially tulip displays, and cricket legend Don Bradman. Cool-climate wines, artisan food producers, and well-preserved heritage villages also draw many visitors here.
How far is Southern Highlands from Sydney?
The drive takes approximately two hours via the Hume Highway. Regular train services also connect Sydney to Bowral, Moss Vale, and other towns throughout the entire region daily.
What are things to do in Southern Highlands during winter?
Visit cozy cafés, explore museums indoors, and enjoy crisp bushwalks through misty forests. Many venues have fireplaces, creating perfect conditions for wine tasting and enjoying hearty country meals together.
Conclusion
The Southern Highlands offers diverse attractions that make it one of New South Wales’ most appealing destinations. From world-class museums to hands-on farm experiences, there are countless things to do in Southern Highlands for every type of traveller. The region’s natural beauty, combined with its rich history and thriving arts scene, creates an atmosphere that keeps visitors coming back year after year.
Whether you’re interested in outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or simply relaxing in beautiful surroundings, this region delivers. The friendly local community, excellent food scene, and well-maintained attractions ensure your visit will be memorable. Plan your trip to discover why so many people fall in love with this special corner of Australia.
