Southern Highlands

Travel Guide

Southern Highlands
Southern Highlands
Photo by Chris
Photo by Chris
Photo by Michael S

From wild escarpments and ancient rainforest to manicured manor gardens and rolling vineyards, this mountain region offers diverse landscapes to explore and enjoy.

The Southern Highlands encompasses the rolling and mountainous hinterland southwest of Sydney and has wonderful national parks and gardens. Check out the area’s natural marvels, including bushland lookouts, waterfalls and ancient forests. After a day in the outdoors, settle in with a glass of regional cool-climate wine and a breathtaking mountain vista.

Explore the Southern Highlands’ charming townships, including Bowral, Bundanoon, Berrima, Mittagong and Moss Vale. Wander the towns’ historic streets and stop by boutique restaurants to savour regional produce and award-winning local wines. The region’s wellness spas offer relaxing treatments in gorgeous natural settings. In Bowral, discover a cherished piece of national history at the Bradman Museum and International Cricket Hall of Fame, which celebrates the lives of well-known Australian cricketers and the inimitable career of former Bowral local Sir Donald Bradman.

Follow the Southern Highlands’ walking trails and be rewarded with stunning views across the region’s peaks and tablelands. Find a range of walks for different fitness levels at the Morton National Park, the Mount Jellore Lookout, the Bowral Lookout, Gibbergunyah Reserve or the trail to the renowned cascade of Fitzroy Falls, which plunges through a fragrant rainforest gully. Enjoy unbeatable views of temperate rainforest and mountain ranges across the Illawarra, the Southern Highlands and Budderoo National Park from the Illawarra Fly Treetop Walk in Robertson.

Stay at Southern Highlands’ distinguished manor houses, such as Peppers Craigieburn, Berida Manor and Peppers Manor House. Stroll through the historic estates to admire manicured gardens and rustic architecture. The Corbett Gardens in Bowral is famous for its spring Tulip Time festival.

The Southern Highlands is located midway between Sydney and Canberra, within Australia’s magnificent Great Dividing Range. Reach the region within a 1-hour drive of the South Coast. Stay in historic country towns, upscale manors or beautiful forest retreats in this relaxing natural hideaway. The Southern Highlands has a cool climate with low humidity. Enjoy gorgeous native blooms in late winter or check out pretty English-style gardens in spring.

Where to stay in Southern Highlands

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Moss Vale

Moss Vale is noteworthy for its golf courses, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Moss Vale Golf Club and Leighton Gardens.

Moss Vale
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Burradoo

Bars, gardens and golf courses highlight some of the notable features of Burradoo. Make a stop by Cecil Hoskins Nature Reserve while you're exploring.

Burradoo
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New Berrima

While New Berrima may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Berrima Gaol and Berrima Courthouse.

New Berrima
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Aylmerton

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Aylmerton and surrounding area, you can visit Destination Southern Highlands and Mount Jellore Lookout.

Aylmerton
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Willow Vale

Golf courses, bars and gardens are some highlights of Willow Vale. You might stop by Destination Southern Highlands or Mount Jellore Lookout while you're in the area.

Willow Vale
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Welby

Though Welby may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Forty Foot Falls Walking Track Trailhead and Destination Southern Highlands.

Welby
Berrima Bakehouse Motel

Berrima Bakehouse Motel

3.5 out of 5
19 Old Hume Highway, (entrance via Wingecarribee St), Berrima, NSW
The price is €94 per night from 25 Aug to 26 Aug
€94
25 Aug - 26 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star motel in Bowral. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and a picnic area. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,003 reviews)
"Excellent motel and the room was spacious with a table and chairs. Best motel that I have been to"

Reviewed on 18 Aug 2025

Berrima Bakehouse Motel
Links House

Links House

4 out of 5
17 Links Road, Burradoo, NSW
The price is €129 per night from 26 Aug to 27 Aug
€129
26 Aug - 27 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star golf guesthouse in Bowral. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (725 reviews)
"Staff were excellent especially Michael, room was comfortable and warm. Ethos restaurant was exceptional and my partner and i will be back again😀"

Reviewed on 17 Aug 2025

Links House
The Dormie House - On The Golf Course

The Dormie House - On The Golf Course

3.5 out of 5
Arthur Street, Moss Vale, NSW
The price is €94 per night from 3 Sept to 4 Sept
€94
3 Sept - 4 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star golf B&B in Bowral. Enjoy free parking, a golf course, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8/10 Very Good! (631 reviews)
"The staff adnthebfood made this a highly memorable stay. The room was highly functional and check in and out was seamless."

Reviewed on 4 Aug 2025

The Dormie House - On The Golf Course
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
A unique Southern Highlands experience

A unique Southern Highlands experience

Bowral
Stay at this cabin in Bowral. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Bowral Golf Course and International Cricket Hall of Fame are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (231 reviews)
Lovely stay
"Enjoyed the stay greatly, thanks for such a pleasant place"

Reviewed on 12 Jul 2025

A unique Southern Highlands experience
The Sebel Bowral Heritage Park

The Sebel Bowral Heritage Park

4 out of 5
9 Kangaloon RoadHeritage Park, Bowral, NSW
Book a stay at this golf apartment in Bowral. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Bowral Golf Course and International Cricket ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (274 reviews)
"Everything is of the highest quality. Absolutely superbe."

Reviewed on 22 Jul 2025

The Sebel Bowral Heritage Park
Fabulous Villa in central Bowral, all  modern conveniences with fenced yard

Fabulous Villa in central Bowral, all modern conveniences with fenced yard

Bowral
Stay at this villa in Bowral. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions International Cricket Hall of Fame and Bowral Golf Course ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (171 reviews)
Snug and Cozy
"A snug and cozy property. We enjoyed our 3 night stay very much. Heartily recommended. Thank you Margot"

Reviewed on 6 Aug 2025

Fabulous Villa in central Bowral, all modern conveniences with fenced yard
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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