Southern Highlands · Travel guide · Updated 2026

Southern Highlands: Australia's Enchanting Countryside

Discover the Southern Highlands in Australia: a charming region filled with rolling hills, historic villages, stunning gardens, and gourmet delights.

Nestled between Sydney and Canberra, the Southern Highlands offer a serene escape from the bustling city life. This picturesque region is renowned for its rolling green hills, charming villages, and stunning gardens. The cool climate and rich soil make it a haven for vineyards, producing some of the finest wines in the country. Explore the quaint towns of Bowral, Berrima, and Mittagong, each with its own unique charm. Wander through antique shops, art galleries, and local markets to discover hidden treasures and local crafts. Don't miss the Bradman Museum in Bowral, dedicated to cricket legend Sir Donald Bradman. Nature lovers will be captivated by the many walking trails and national parks. Fitzroy Falls offers breathtaking views and cascading waterfalls, while the Illawarra Fly Treetop Walk provides a unique perspective of the lush rainforest canopy. For a more leisurely experience, visit one of the region's beautiful gardens, such as the Corbett Gardens or the Southern Highlands Botanic Gardens. The Southern Highlands is also a food lover's paradise. Indulge in fresh, local produce at farm-to-table restaurants, or sample gourmet treats at a weekend market. With its blend of natural beauty, rich history, and culinary delights, the Southern Highlands is a must-visit destination for any traveler.

Bowral

Corbett Gardens

Discover the Southern Highlands in Australia: a charming region filled with rolling hills, historic villages, stunning gardens, and gourmet delights.

Thirlmere

NSW Rail Museum

Discover the Southern Highlands in Australia: a charming region filled with rolling hills, historic villages, stunning gardens, and gourmet delights.

Fitzroy Falls

Fitzroy Falls Visitor Centre

Discover the Southern Highlands in Australia: a charming region filled with rolling hills, historic villages, stunning gardens, and gourmet delights.

Knights Hill

Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures

Discover the Southern Highlands in Australia: a charming region filled with rolling hills, historic villages, stunning gardens, and gourmet delights.

Fitzroy Falls

Fitzroy Falls Lookout

Discover the Southern Highlands in Australia: a charming region filled with rolling hills, historic villages, stunning gardens, and gourmet delights.

Beaumont

The lookout Cambewarra Mountain

Discover the Southern Highlands in Australia: a charming region filled with rolling hills, historic villages, stunning gardens, and gourmet delights.

Jamberoo

Minnamurra Rainforest Centre

Discover the Southern Highlands in Australia: a charming region filled with rolling hills, historic villages, stunning gardens, and gourmet delights.

Robertson

Carrington Falls

Discover the Southern Highlands in Australia: a charming region filled with rolling hills, historic villages, stunning gardens, and gourmet delights.

Sutton Forest

Red Cow Farm Garden

Discover the Southern Highlands in Australia: a charming region filled with rolling hills, historic villages, stunning gardens, and gourmet delights.

When is the best time to go to Southern Highlands?

Weather at a glance

Use the monthly temperature and precipitation trends to compare typical conditions across the year before planning countryside walks, town visits, and heritage days.

Temperature

°C

Precipitation

mm
Warmest monthsDec–Feb
Longest daylightNov–Feb
Driest periodApr–Oct

Explore places in Southern Highlands

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    Iconic landmarks you can't miss

    Classic Southern Highlands sights that mirror the landmark pins above, with a little more context before users explore further.

    Corbett Gardens

    Discover the beauty of Corbett Gardens in Bowral, a lush floral paradise perfect for relaxation, picnics, and unforgettable memories.

    Corbett Gardens

    Bendooley Estate

    Discover the enchanting Bendooley Estate, where fine wines, exquisite dining, and a love for literature intertwine in the stunning Southern Highlands of New South Wales.

    Bendooley Estate

    Centennial Vineyards

    Experience the exquisite wines and stunning landscapes at Centennial Vineyards, a must-visit destination in Bowral's Southern Highlands.

    Centennial Vineyards

    Red Cow Farm Garden

    Experience the enchanting beauty of Red Cow Farm Garden in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales, a must-visit haven for nature lovers and tranquility seekers.

    Red Cow Farm Garden

    The Big Potato

    Explore The Big Potato in Robertson, a whimsical roadside attraction celebrating the agricultural heritage of New South Wales with fun photo opportunities.

    The Big Potato

    Berrima Market Place Park

    Experience the beauty and tranquility of Berrima Market Place Park, a perfect family-friendly destination with lush landscapes and playgrounds.

    Berrima Market Place Park

    Southern Highlands Winery

    Discover the beauty and flavors of Southern Highlands Winery, where exquisite wines meet stunning landscapes in New South Wales' premier wine country.

    Southern Highlands Winery

    Twin Falls Lookout

    Explore the stunning Twin Falls Lookout in Fitzroy Falls, where breathtaking views and natural beauty await every traveler.

    Twin Falls Lookout

    Bowral Lookout

    Explore Bowral Lookout, a breathtaking historical landmark in New South Wales, where stunning landscapes and rich heritage come together.

    Bowral Lookout

    Unmissable attractions to see

    These cards mirror the attraction list in the map, while adding enough context to help users prioritise.

    Fitzroy Falls Visitor Centre

    Explore the stunning Fitzroy Falls Visitor Centre, your gateway to the breathtaking landscapes and rich biodiversity of New South Wales' Morton National Park.

    Fitzroy Falls Visitor Centre

    NSW Rail Museum

    Explore the captivating history of railways at the NSW Rail Museum, showcasing vintage trains and interactive exhibits in Thirlmere, New South Wales.

    NSW Rail Museum

    Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures

    Discover breathtaking views and exhilarating adventures at Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures, the ultimate destination for nature lovers in New South Wales.

    Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures

    Corbett Gardens

    Explore the breathtaking beauty of Corbett Gardens in Bowral, where vibrant floral displays and serene pathways await every visitor.

    Corbett Gardens

    The lookout Cambewarra Mountain

    Experience the stunning scenery and serene atmosphere at Cambewarra Mountain Lookout, a must-visit destination in New South Wales.

    The lookout Cambewarra Mountain

    Minnamurra Rainforest Centre

    Discover the breathtaking Minnamurra Rainforest Centre, a natural paradise perfect for hiking, wildlife spotting, and unforgettable events in New South Wales.

    Minnamurra Rainforest Centre

    Carrington Falls

    Explore Carrington Falls in NSW, a captivating blend of serene waterfalls and lush landscapes, perfect for your next nature getaway.

    Carrington Falls

    Lake Alexandra Reserve

    Explore the serene beauty of Lake Alexandra Reserve in Mittagong - a perfect blend of nature, recreation, and relaxation for every traveler.

    Lake Alexandra Reserve

    Fitzroy Falls Lookout

    Discover the breathtaking Fitzroy Falls Lookout in New South Wales, where stunning waterfalls meet lush landscapes for an unforgettable nature experience.

    Fitzroy Falls Lookout

    Essential places to dine

    The dining ideas below match the food pins above, making the map and editorial recommendations work together.

    Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

    Each shopping card aligns with a mapped browsing area, from major retail streets to market-led detours.

    Dirty Janes Bowral

    Explore a treasure trove of antiques and vintage finds at Dirty Janes Bowral, a must-visit for collectors and casual shoppers alike.

    Dirty Janes Bowral

    Highlands Hub

    Explore the Highlands Hub in Mittagong, a vibrant outlet mall offering diverse shopping, dining, and entertainment experiences for every tourist.

    Highlands Hub

    Highlands Marketplace

    Experience the charm of Highlands Marketplace in Mittagong: a vibrant shopping hub with unique stores and delightful eateries in the stunning Southern Highlands.

    Highlands Marketplace

    High Street Bowral

    Discover the vibrant shopping experience at High Street Bowral, where local charm meets a variety of stores and dining options in the heart of Bowral.

    High Street Bowral

    Grandpa's Shed

    Explore Grandpa's Shed, a hidden gem in Fitzroy Falls, offering a delightful array of collectibles and unique treasures for every visitor.

    Grandpa's Shed

    Suzie Anderson Home | Moss Vale

    Explore Suzie Anderson Home in Moss Vale, where vintage charm meets modern elegance in exquisite homewares and decor.

    Suzie Anderson Home | Moss Vale

    Barbara's Storehouse Bowral and Mittagong

    Explore Barbara's Storehouse in Bowral and Mittagong for unique homewares and locally crafted gifts that embody the charm of the Southern Highlands.

    Barbara's Storehouse Bowral and Mittagong

    Made By Others

    Explore Made By Others in Moss Vale for a unique shopping experience filled with handcrafted gifts and local artisan treasures.

    Made By Others

    Ecolena

    Discover unique fashion and accessories at Ecolena, Bowral's charming boutique that captures the essence of Australian style.

    Ecolena

    Essential bars & hidden hideouts

    The evening cards below match the bars layer in the map, so browsing and orientation stay connected.

    Mittagong RSL Club

    Experience the welcoming charm of Mittagong RSL Club, where great food, family fun, and community spirit come together in a vibrant setting.

    Mittagong RSL Club

    Harry’s on Green Lane Bowral

    Discover the culinary delights of Harry's on Green Lane in Bowral, offering exquisite dining and an impressive selection of wines in a charming atmosphere.

    Harry’s on Green Lane Bowral

    Scottish Arms Hotel

    Discover the Scottish Arms Hotel: A perfect blend of traditional pub charm and modern dining in beautiful Bowral.

    Scottish Arms Hotel

    Robertson Public House & Kitchen

    Discover the warm hospitality and local flavors at Robertson Public House & Kitchen, your perfect stop in the Southern Highlands.

    Robertson Public House & Kitchen

    Glass Cafe & Bistro Mittagong

    Experience the flavors of Mittagong at Glass Cafe & Bistro, a perfect blend of fresh ingredients, breathtaking views, and a welcoming atmosphere.

    Glass Cafe & Bistro Mittagong

    The Surveyor General Inn

    Experience the charm and history of The Surveyor General Inn in Berrima, a perfect blend of hospitality and heritage in the Southern Highlands.

    The Surveyor General Inn

    Bendooley Estate

    Discover the enchanting Bendooley Estate, where fine wines, exquisite dining, and a charming bookshop await in the heart of New South Wales.

    Bendooley Estate

    Briars Country Lodge (MOTEL)

    Experience comfort and tranquility at Briars Country Lodge, a serene motel in the heart of New South Wales' breathtaking landscapes.

    Briars Country Lodge (MOTEL)

    PepperGreen Estate

    Experience the best of New South Wales at PepperGreen Estate, where gourmet food, fine wines, and olive oil craftsmanship come together in a picturesque setting.

    PepperGreen Estate
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    Explore Southern Highlands in Photos

    A quick visual route through countryside views, towns, gardens, and regional day-trip atmosphere.

    File:FitzroyFalls.jpg - Wikipedia
    File:Boston Ivy Building, Mittagong New South Wales 01.jpg - Wikimedia  Commons
    File:Bowral NSW 2576, Australia - panoramio (50).jpg - Wikimedia Commons
    File:Bradman Museum 2.JPG - Wikimedia Commons
    Hume Highway – Wikipedia
    File:My Favourite Valley - panoramio.jpg - Wikimedia Commons
    File:Looking up Argyle Street (Illawarra Highway) in Moss Vale.jpg -  Wikipedia
    File:Robertson City Hall & Municipality. Church Street. 01.jpg - Wikimedia  Commons

    Planning another trip?

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