Robertson Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Robertson, New South Wales with our comprehensive travel guide. Explore the town's natural wonders, cultural attractions, food and drink scene, and more.


Introduction to Robertson

Robertson is a small town located in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales, Australia. Known for its stunning natural beauty, Robertson offers visitors an idyllic countryside setting that is perfect for relaxation.

Although Robertson is a small town, it is a popular destination for tourists who want to explore the charming villages, lush greenery, and rolling hills of the Southern Highlands. In this comprehensive travel guide, we will take you on a journey through Robertson and help you plan your perfect vacation.

List of Places to Visit in Robertson

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Historical Aircraft Restoration Society Museum: This museum was founded in 1979 and has become a must-visit attraction in Robertson. It features a collection of historic aircraft, including a Lockheed Super Constellation, which visitors can explore.

  • Robertson Heritage Railway Station: This restored railway station dates back to the early 1900s and is a great spot to learn about the history of the region. Visitors can take tours, attend events, or simply admire the beautiful architecture of the station.

  • Burrawang School Museum: Located in the nearby village of Burrawang, this museum provides an insight into the schooling practices of the early 20th century. Visitors can explore the restored schoolhouse and learn about the lives of the students who attended it.

Natural Attractions of Robertson: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Fitzroy Falls: One of Australia’s most stunning natural wonders, Fitzroy Falls is a must-visit attraction for nature lovers. Visitors can take scenic walks along the various trails and enjoy the breathtaking views of the waterfall.

  • Illawarra Fly Treetop Walk: This attraction offers visitors the chance to explore the beautiful rainforest canopy from above. The treetop walk is 500 metres long and provides stunning views of the Southern Highlands.

  • Robertson Nature Reserve: This reserve is a popular spot for picnics, hiking, and birdwatching. Visitors can explore the natural beauty of the area and enjoy the fresh air and peaceful surroundings.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Robertson

Robertson offers visitors a range of hiking and biking trails, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Some of the most popular routes include:

  • Robertson Nature Reserve: As mentioned, this area offers several walking tracks that provide stunning views of the countryside.

  • Bundanoon to Nowra: This track is part of the Great Dividing Trail and offers a challenging walk through the Morton National Park.

  • Wingello State Forest: This forest offers several mountain biking trails for visitors to enjoy.

Best Things to Do in Robertson: Activities and Tours

  • Explore the local wineries: Robertson is home to several world-renowned wineries, including Centennial Vineyards, Artemis Wines, and Mount Ashby Estate. Visitors can take tours of the vineyards and enjoy wine tastings.

  • Take a scenic drive: The town and its surrounding areas are known for their picturesque countryside, and a scenic drive is a perfect way to explore the beauty of the region.

  • Visit the local markets: Robertson and its neighbouring towns have several markets that offer visitors the chance to shop for local produce and handmade crafts.

Week-Long Itinerary for Robertson

Day 1: Explore the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society Museum and enjoy a wine tasting at Centennial Vineyards. Day 2: Take a scenic drive to Fitzroy Falls and explore the various walking trails. Day 3: Visit Robertson Nature Reserve and enjoy a picnic. Day 4: Take a tour of the beautiful Mount Ashby Estate and enjoy a wine tasting. Day 5: Explore the charming village of Burrawang and visit the Burrawang School Museum. Day 6: Go on a mountain biking adventure in Wingello State Forest. Day 7: Relax and unwind in one of Robertson’s many cafes and restaurants.

Food and Drink Scene of Robertson

Must-Try Dishes

  • Meat pies: Australia is known for its delicious meat pies, and Robertson is no exception. Be sure to try a pie from the Robertson Pie Shop, which has been serving up tasty treats for over 50 years.

  • Local seafood: Robertson is located near the coast, and as such, there is a wide variety of delicious seafood available. Be sure to try the fresh oysters and prawns.

  • Bread and pastries: Robertson has several bakeries that offer delicious baked goods, including sourdough bread, croissants, and pastries.

Local Beverages

  • Wine: As mentioned, Robertson is home to several world-renowned wineries, and visitors can enjoy a range of delicious wines.

  • Coffee: There are several cafes in Robertson that serve up delicious coffee, perfect for a morning pick-me-up.

Where to Stay in Robertson: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Robertson offers visitors a range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels. Some of the most popular options include:

  • Robertson Hotel: This historic hotel dates back to 1924 and offers visitors a luxurious and comfortable stay in the heart of the town.

  • The Robertson Inn: This budget-friendly option offers clean and comfortable rooms and is located in a central location.

  • The Old Bakery Inn: This charming guesthouse is located on the outskirts of town and provides visitors with a unique and authentic experience.

What to Buy in Robertson: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Local honey: The Southern Highlands are known for their delicious honey, which is available for purchase at several local stores.

  • Handmade crafts: Robertson and its surrounding towns have several markets that offer visitors the chance to shop for handmade crafts and souvenirs.

  • Wine: Visitors can purchase wine from the local wineries to take home and enjoy.

Local Culture and Customs of Robertson

Robertson and its surrounding towns have a rich cultural history, with a strong focus on agriculture and farming. Visitors are encouraged to explore the culture and traditions of the area, which include:

  • Country fairs: Robertson and its neighbouring towns regularly host country fairs, which are a great way to learn about the region’s agricultural history and traditions.

  • Local produce: Visitors are encouraged to sample the local produce, which includes fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, and dairy products.

Best Time to Visit Robertson

The best time to visit Robertson is during the spring (September-November) or the autumn (March-May). During these seasons, the weather is mild, and the countryside is in full bloom with beautiful flowers and greenery.

Do’s and Don’ts of Robertson

Do:

  • Respect local customs and traditions: Robertson and its surrounding towns have a rich cultural history, and visitors are encouraged to respect the local customs and traditions.

  • Explore the great outdoors: Robertson is home to some of Australia’s most beautiful natural wonders, and visitors should take advantage of the area’s many hiking and biking trails.

Don’t:

  • Litter: Visitors are reminded to dispose of their rubbish properly and keep the beautiful countryside clean and pristine.

  • Disturb the wildlife: Visitors should respect the natural habitat of the local wildlife and refrain from interfering with their natural behaviour.

Safety and Health

Safety in Robertson

Robertson is a relatively safe town, but visitors should take precautions to ensure their safety, including:

  • Stay aware of your surroundings: Visitors should be aware of their surroundings at all times and avoid walking alone at night.

  • Secure your belongings: Visitors should keep their belongings secure and not leave them unattended.

Health in Robertson

Robertson has several medical facilities, including a hospital and several clinics. Visitors are reminded to take precautions to ensure their health, including:

  • Protect yourself from the sun: The Australian sun can be harsh, and visitors should protect themselves by wearing sunscreen and staying hydrated.

  • Watch out for snakes: The countryside surrounding Robertson is home to several species of snake, and visitors should be cautious when exploring the great outdoors.

Getting to Robertson: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Robertson

The nearest airport to Robertson is the Illawarra Regional Airport, which is located approximately 45 minutes’ drive away. The airport offers domestic flights to several major Australian cities, including Sydney and Melbourne.

Bus Stations Near Robertson

Robertson is easily accessible by bus, with several services running daily from Sydney and other major cities.

Other Options

Visitors can also hire a car or take a taxi to Robertson.

How to Get Around in Robertson

The best way to get around Robertson is by car, as the town and its surrounding areas are spread out. However, visitors without a car can also take advantage of the local bus services or hire a taxi.

Where to Go Next from Robertson: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Bowral: This charming town is located just 15 minutes’ drive from Robertson and is known for its beautiful parks, gardens, and galleries.

  • Kangaroo Valley: This scenic valley is located just over an hour’s drive from Robertson and offers visitors the chance to explore the beautiful countryside and native wildlife.

Conclusion

Robertson is a hidden gem in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales, offering visitors an idyllic countryside setting to explore. With a range of natural wonders, cultural attractions, and delicious food and drink, a trip to Robertson is sure to be an unforgettable experience. We hope that this comprehensive travel guide has provided you with all the information you need to plan your perfect trip to Robertson.