Destination focus: Southern Highlands
Home to the beautiful towns of Bowral, Mittagong, and Bundanoon, just to name a few, the picturesque New South Wales Southern Highlands is the perfect destination for a weekend getaway. Here’s our guide on how to spend your time in the Southern Highlands.
Do
The rolling hills of the Southern Highlands are perfect for bushwalkers of any ability. Fitzroy Falls has timber boardwalks leading to spectacular lookouts and rainforest waterfalls. The Box Vale track runs along a historic railway line, through rock cuttings and a long tunnel. As the sun sets, head to Bundanoon in the Morton National Park for a walk through Glow Worm Glen. Turn off your torch and you’ll see thousands of the tiny larvae glowing brightly against the darkness of the night.
Shop
Leave some room in the car – you will need the space for all the homewares, antiques and garden goodies you’re going to pick up. Suzie Anderson Home in Moss Vale is styled like the country house of your dreams, filled with plush throws, woven rugs, sculptural vases and stone serving ware. Lydie Du Brae Antiques is a huge barn in Braemar that’s a favourite of A-list designers and is stuffed full of furniture, chandeliers and tapestries. For the garden, try The Potting Shed in Bowral, Roundabout the House in Mittagong and Mount Murray Nursery.
Drink
The Hunter Valley gets all the press for New South Wales wine regions, but the Southern Highlands can hold its own. There are more than 50 vineyards and a dozen wineries in the region producing excellent cool climate varietals, especially pinot noir, pinot gris and sparkling. Many are small and you’ll be able to sample wines you won’t find in your local bottle shop. Hit the cellar doors at Tertini and Centennial Vineyards (both awarded five stars in the prestigious James Halliday guide), the family-friendly Banjo’s Run or the beautiful Diamond Creek Estate.
Stay
The charming country nature of the Southern Highlands calls for an equally charming cottage stay. There are plenty of B&Bs in the towns of Bowral, Sutton Forest, Mittagong and Robertson, or get away from it all with a farm stay. Luxury lovers can choose the stylish Gibraltar Hotel, complete with golf course and indoor heated pool, or the stately Peppers Manor House, a grand country house dating back to 1926.
What’s your favourite thing to do in the Southern Highlands? Share your tips in the comments below.