10 reasons to visit the Southern Highlands this weekend
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With lush landscapes, award-winning eateries, and oozing quiet charm, the Southern Highland is the ultimate cosmopolitan getaway.
Home to the townships and villages of Bowral, Mittagong, Moss Vale, Berrima, and Bundanoon – and just two hours from Canberra – it’s well worth planning a road trip or staycation.
We found 10 reasons to visit the Highlands this weekend for a relaxing and rejuvenating getaway.
Brunch at The Press Shop
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Is there anything better than brunch? We think not – and that’s why stopping at The Press Shop in Bowral should be at the top of your bucket list. With a menu that changes seasonally, expect the best of local and organic produce – like a big breakfast that includes free-range eggs from Taluca Park in Exeter and Li-Sun exotic mushrooms.
5/391-397 Bong Bong Street, Bowral | thepressshopbowral.au
Go shopping at the OG Dirty Janes
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Yeah, okay, we have Dirty Janes here in Canberra – but there’s nothing like visiting the place where it all began. From furniture to jewellery, homewares, and clothing, don’t be surprised if time passes by in the blink of an eye as you peruse the shelves. Promising the best in vintage, it’s heaven for anyone who loves to look for antiques.
13 Banyette Street, Bowral | dirtyjanes.com
Indulge in baked goods from Gumnuts Patisserie
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A trip to the country means indulging in award-winning pastries, cakes, and pies. Located in Berrima, Bowral, and Mittagong, expect lines at every location that stretch down the street. Choose from eclairs, cakes, lemon meringue tarts, cannoli, croissants, sausage rolls, quiches, and more—you won’t be leaving hungry.
Shop lush homewares at Hunter and Gatherer Collections
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Looking to add something new (and unique) to your home? Hunter and Gatherer Collections is the place to go. Located in Moss Vale, this boutique has a focus on collecting earthy organic homewares from around the world. Be prepared – you’ll walk into the showroom to discover an abundance of lounges, armchairs, tables, pots, vases, books, and soaps (just to name a few of their offerings).
542 Argyle Street, Moss Vale | hunterandgatherercollections.com
Relax at Osborn House
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The newest addition to the Southern Highlands’ boutique hotel scene is worth the road trip for some well-deserved ‘me time’ (even if it’s only for one night). Surrounded by rolling hills, sweeping bushland, and lush gardens, check-in to enjoy the ultra-luxe wellness facilities – including a 25m lap pool with a retractable roof, spa with four treatment rooms, a sauna, steam room, cool plunge, and fully equipped gym. It’s the perfect escape.
96 Osborn Avenue, Bundanoon | osbornhouse.com.au
Try Michelin-star-winning Thai
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If you’re taking a trip to Mittagong, stopping at Michelin-starred culinary institution Paste Bangkok is a must. Expect a fusion of age-old customs and contemporary, creative twists that will deliver to your plate, authentic flavour-filled dishes. Your tastebuds will thank you for treating them to the award-winning bold and punchy Thai flavours.
105 Main St, Mittagong | pasteaustralia.com
Visit the Roberston Cheese Factory
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Consider yourself a cheese connoisseur? This iconic – and historic venue – has an incredible range of gourmet local and imported cheese, as well as clothing, homewares, and a café on site. And if that’s not enough, there’s also a boutique florist and nursery located at the top end of the factory, stocking a wide range of unique gifts, knick-knacks, and plants to choose from.
107 Hoddle Street, Robertson | robertsoncheesefactory.com.au
Cross Eschalot off your bucket list
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This award-winning eatery on the Old Hume Highway is a must-try for any foodie. Using high-quality produce – most of it grown on-site at the restaurant’s gardens and greenhouses – expect mouth-watering morsels that are honest, authentic, and creative (and perfectly paired with matching wines).
24 Old Hume Highway, Berrima | eschalot.com.au
Stop and read a while at the Berkelouw Book Barn
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A paradise for book lovers, this iconic book barn is home to one of the most beautiful bookstores in Australia. Showcasing endless rows of rare books, cathedral ceilings and king-sized iron chandeliers, spend a day curled up by the stone fireplace escaping reality. Then, if your reading sparks an appetite, head to the much-loved Bendooley Estate restaurant, café, and winery.
3020 Old Hume Highway, Berrima | bendooleyestate.com.au
Sip your way through several cellar doors
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The Southern Highlands is a wine lovers’ paradise. The high altitude of the region makes it the perfect place to produce cool-climate wines, and there’s an abundance of cellar doors to visit – 15 in fact. Need some examples? Think Artemis Wines and Tertini Wines near Mittagong, Eling Forest Winery, and Southern Highland Winery near Sutton Forest, and St Maur Wines near Exeter.
Feature image: Osborn House. Supplied.
