Travel to do: The Southern Highlands
Whether it’s a weekend away, or your life’s Tree Change, the beautiful Southern Highlands of New South Wales has so much to offer. Shonagh Walker shares her favourite spots.
Most people plan their Tree Change meticulously. For me, it was a spur of the moment decision, made after travelling through the scenic NSW Southern Highlands several times in the space of a few months.
In May of 2012 I had to travel to Goulbourn frequently. To break the monotony of the drive, I’d often take the Southern Highlands Tourist Drive exit off the Hume Highway, stopping for lunch at Bowral, Mittagong, Berrima, Robertson or Exeter. I knew that existing on a daily dose of clean air, local, organic produce and a less hectic pace, was the life I was truly meant to be living.
And so, within two months, I moved out of my tiny, overpriced Sydney apartment and into a spacious home with a yard big enough for a few dogs and a generously sized vegetable patch.
But enough about me … whether you choose the Southern Highlands as a day trip for lunch, a weekend getaway, or a Tree Change, the district will have all your needs covered.
From Mittagong to Moss Vale, Bowral to Robertson, it is a bubble of gastronomy, viniculture, relaxation, adventure and enjoyment. You’ll experience landscapes like you’ve never known, together with friendly smiles from locals and a plethora of activities. Here’s a list of my favourite haunts.
STAY
As far as accommodation goes, my hot tips are:
The Coach House at the Rift
8-10 Carlisle St
Bowral
Located almost in the heart of Bowral, this six bedroom, four bathroom house makes the perfect retreat for families or groups of friends. Keep an eye on its website, too, as The Rift frequently hosts yoga retreats, artist retreats and cooking schools.
Inala
Range Road, Mittagong
A private house located 15 minutes drive from the heart Bowral, this old-style farmhouse boasts the best views in the district. It sleeps 10 and includes a large open fire, pool/play room, swimming pool and help-yourself vegetable garden.
Milo’s Budget BNB
Oxley Drive
Mittagong
A spotless, self-contained studio with welcoming warmth, this budget accommodation is located on half and acre, where chickens and ducks roam free range and fruit trees abound. Great for up to two people, it’s five minutes walk to the heart of Mittagong and a five-minute drive to Bowral.
Biota Dining
18 Kangaloon Road
Bowral
While I don’t at all rate the restaurant (think: exorbitant prices for a morsel of foam on a spoon), the accommodation at Biota Dining is unsurpassed. There are 12 super-stylish rooms, starting at $130 per night mid week.
Milton Park
Horderns Road
Bowral
An absolute favourite of mine, this old style mansion boasts beautiful rooms and gardens that will take you back in time. Be sure to visit the spa and don’t miss a meal at the restaurant.
Fountaindale Grand Manor
1 Fountaindale Road
Robertson,
02 4885 1111
Sat proudly amongst 13 and a half acres of lush gardens and bushlands, this grand old mansion is the ideal place for a getaway for two, special occasion birthday, renewing your vows, or indeed holding a wedding. The last time I was there for a visit, entire generations of one family descended on the sprawling grounds for an 80th birthday – with every wish catered for by smiling, caring and talented staff. It was so beautiful to watch.
Eat
Dining in the Southern Highlands ranges from extremely affordable to quite high end. My favourites include (in no particular order):
Raw & Wild Café
250 Bong Bong Street
02 4861 3129
Offers organic fare, which draws inspiration from all cultures, from modern Australian cuisine, Mediterranean and even Moroccan delights. The BYO and Licensed venue is also open for dinner on Friday and Saturday nights, with share plates to savour between two, four or more people. Raw and Wild is also pet friendly, and provides dog mats and bowls for outdoor diners, with a special menu just for your furkids. Budget to Medium price range, with very hearty servings.
Red Tree Café
52 Station St
Bowral
02 4862 5417
Red Tree a killer toasted sandwich and is famed for its breakfasts, which can be enjoyed in a gorgeous outdoor, dog-friendly courtyard. The service is faultless. Budget to Medium price range, with very hearty servings.
Gumnut Patisserie Café
Shop 1, Post Office Corner
Berrima
02 48772 177
This multi-award winning patisserie and café serves such delectable fare that it’s a frequent sight to see people lining around the block to get a table. On the weekends, its storefront on Bong Bong Street, Bowral looks just like an Apple Store the day before the latest iPhone release. Seriously,