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

Though New Berrima might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Berrima Gaol and Berrima Courthouse.

New Berrima
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Aylmerton

When in Aylmerton, you can plan a visit to Destination Southern Highlands and Mount Jellore Lookout, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Aylmerton
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Willow Vale

Notable for its golf courses, bars, and gardens, Willow Vale is a sought-after destination for many travelers visiting Mittagong. If you want to see some sights in the area, check out Destination Southern Highlands or Mount Jellore Lookout.

Willow Vale
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Welby

Though Welby might 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 P5,697 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
P5,697
P6,267 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
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 Aug 18, 2025

Berrima Bakehouse Motel
Links House

Links House

4 out of 5
17 Links Road, Burradoo, NSW
The price is P7,809 per night from Aug 26 to Aug 27
P7,809
P8,589 total
Aug 26 - Aug 27
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 Aug 17, 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 P5,697 per night from Aug 21 to Aug 22
P5,697
P6,267 total
Aug 21 - Aug 22
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! (632 reviews)
"Rooms nicely refurbished and comfortable"

Reviewed on Aug 19, 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.
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 Jul 22, 2025

The Sebel Bowral Heritage Park
Mantra Wollongong

Mantra Wollongong

4.5 out of 5
6-10 Gladstone Ave, Wollongong, NSW
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Wollongong. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and onsite car rentals. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,576 reviews)
"Accomodation is very tired and run down. Needs a thorough deep clean"

Reviewed on Aug 16, 2025

Mantra Wollongong
Quest Nowra

Quest Nowra

4.5 out of 5
130 Kinghorne Street, Nowra, NSW
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Nowra. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and a 24-hour fitness center. Popular attractions Nowra Museum and Stockland ...
9/10 Wonderful! (440 reviews)
"Great place to stay. Will come back."

Reviewed on Aug 2, 2025

Quest Nowra
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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