Southern Highlands Travel Guide

Explore the must-visit places, best things to do, food and drink scene, local culture, transportation options and more in Southern Highlands, New South Wales, Australia.


Introduction to Southern Highlands

Located in New South Wales, Southern Highlands is a paradise for nature lovers and history enthusiasts. This charming region is known for its scenic landscapes, beautiful gardens, and colonial architecture. Set amidst rolling hills and lush greenery, Southern Highlands is a great escape from the bustling city life. In this comprehensive travel guide, we will explore the must-visit places, best things to do, food and drink scene, local culture, transportation options and more in Southern Highlands.

List of Places to Visit in Southern Highlands

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Bradman International Cricket Hall of Fame: A must-visit for all cricket enthusiasts, this museum showcases the history of Australian cricket through interactive exhibits, audio-visual displays, and memorabilia.
  • Berrima Courthouse: Built in 1838, this historic courthouse offers a fascinating glimpse into the colonial justice system and the early days of the Australian settlement.
  • Harper’s Mansion: This beautiful colonial-era mansion is a testament to the region’s rich historical heritage. The estate provides stunning views of the surrounding countryside and hosts regular exhibits and events.

Natural Attractions of Southern Highlands: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Fitzroy Falls: This stunning waterfall is located in Morton National Park. The 100m drop is a sight to behold and the surrounding trails provide picturesque hikes for visitors.
  • Mount Gibraltar: At an elevation of 863m, this mountain provides panoramic views of the Southern Highlands and the coastal plains. There are several hiking trails available for visitors to enjoy the scenic surroundings.
  • Gibbergunyah Reserve: This reserve is home to several ancient Aboriginal rock paintings and provides an opportunity for visitors to learn about the region’s fascinating indigenous history.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Southern Highlands

  • The Grand Canyon Walk: This 15km trek offers gorgeous views of the Blue Mountains, the Grose Valley, and the Jamison Valley.
  • Mount Alexandra Walk: A 4km return hike with incredible views from the top of Mount Alexandra
  • Boxvale Track: An 8.5km moderate walk through the bushland and creek.

Best Things to Do in Southern Highlands: Activities and Tours

  • Wine Tasting: Southern Highlands is famous for its vineyards, and visitors can enjoy wine tasting sessions at local wineries.
  • Hot Air Balloon Rides: Enjoy an early morning hot air balloon ride over the Southern Highlands for breathtaking views of the region.
  • The Historic Villages Art Trail: This self-guided tour takes visitors through the charming historic villages of Southern Highlands and showcases the works of local artists.

Week-Long Itinerary for Southern Highlands

Day Activity
Day 1 Visit Bradman International Cricket Hall of Fame, Berrima Courthouse, and Harper’s Mansion
Day 2 Hike to Fitzroy Falls and explore the surrounding Morton National Park
Day 3 Take a hot air balloon ride over the Southern Highlands and visit the Historic Villages Art Trail
Day 4 Explore Mount Gibraltar and its hiking trails
Day 5 Enjoy a wine tasting session at local wineries
Day 6 Learn about indigenous history at Gibbergunyah Reserve
Day 7 Visit local farmers’ markets and take home some souvenirs on the way back

Food and Drink Scene of Southern Highlands

Must-Try Dishes

  • Meat Pie: This quintessential Australian dish is baked with beef, vegetables, and gravy, and is a must-try in the Southern Highlands area.
  • Kangaroo Sausage: A unique Australian delicacy made from lean kangaroo meat. It is a great option for adventurous foodies.
  • Pavlova: A classic dessert that consists of baked meringue, whipped cream, and fruit. It’s a perfect way to end your meal!

Local Beverages

  • Wine: Southern Highlands is home to several vineyards, and produces some of the best wines in the country. Be sure to try some of the local wines during your visit!
  • Beer: The region is home to a few microbreweries, and visitors can enjoy the locally-brewed beer during their stay.

Where to Stay in Southern Highlands: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Peppers Craigieburn: A luxurious heritage hotel set amidst a beautiful garden landscape.
  • Fitzroy Inn: A boutique hotel with colonial architecture and modern amenities.
  • Bundanoon Hotel: A budget-friendly option for travelers with comfortable rooms and a friendly atmosphere.

What to Buy in Southern Highlands: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Locally-made wines: perfect for a special gift or souvenir.
  • Handcrafted pottery: created by local artists, adding a personal touch to your souvenir.
  • Local honey: high-quality honey produced by bees in Southern Highlands.

Local Culture and Customs of Southern Highlands

The Southern Highlands region has a rich colonial history and is home to several indigenous clans. Visitors can learn about the local cultures and customs by visiting museums, participating in cultural events or talking to the locals. It’s important to be respectful of cultural traditions and the region’s natural environment.

Best Time to Visit Southern Highlands

The best time to visit Southern Highlands is from September to November and March to May. The weather during this time is pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Southern Highlands

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and customs.
  • Enjoy the scenic landscape of the region.
  • Try the local cuisine and wines.

Don’t:

  • Litter in the natural environment.
  • Be disrespectful towards local cultures or customs.
  • Trespass on private property.

Safety and Health

Safety in Southern Highlands

Southern Highlands is generally a safe place, but visitors should exercise common sense and take safety precautions while hiking, exploring natural areas or visiting unfamiliar locations.

Health in Southern Highlands

The main health issues visitors might experience are dehydration and sunburn due to the outdoor activities to be indulged amidst natural reserves of Southern Highlands. Be sure to drink plenty of water and apply sunscreen regularly.

Getting to Southern Highlands: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Southern Highlands

  • Sydney Airport: The major international airport in New South Wales, located 120 km away from Southern Highlands.

Bus Stations Near Southern Highlands

  • Bowral Bus Stop: Local and regional buses are available and can be taken from this stop.

Other Options

  • Car: Renting a car may be the easiest and most convenient way to explore Southern Highlands.
  • Train: Visitors can take a train from Sydney to Bowral or Moss Vale, which are the major stations near Southern Highlands.

How to Get Around in Southern Highlands

The best option for getting around Southern Highlands is by car as it provides the flexibility to explore destinations at your own pace.

Where to Go Next from Southern Highlands: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Sydney: Head north of Southern Highlands to explore the bustling city of Sydney and its iconic landmarks.
  • Canberra: Located to the south of Southern Highlands, visitors can explore Australia’s capital and its many museums, galleries and attractions.

Conclusion

Southern Highlands is a perfect destination for a relaxing getaway, offering a blend of history, culture and natural beauty. Whether you’re an adventure seeker or a laid-back traveler, Southern Highlands has something to offer for everyone. Plan your trip to explore this charming region and immerse yourself in its unique experiences and culture.

Belmore Falls, Southern Highlands Belmore Falls, Southern Highlands Moss Vale's historic railway station, and Endeavour Railcar that services the Southern Highlands Line Moss Vale's historic railway station, and Endeavour Railcar that services the Southern Highlands Line Tulip at Corbett Gardens, Bowral Tulip at Corbett Gardens, Bowral


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