The Fold
The ultimate local resource for food, wine, kids’ activities, bushwalks, markets, events, and more. thefoldsouthernhighlands.com.au
Guest GuideYour Local Guide
The Southern Highlands is where rolling green hills meet elegant villages, award-winning wines, and seasonal produce straight from the farm. Located just 90 minutes from Sydney or Canberra, this region blends country charm with sophisticated dining, boutique shopping, and an abundance of outdoor adventures.
Whether you’re here for a long lunch and a lazy weekend or a week of exploring, this guide will help you discover the best the Highlands has to offer.

Plan your stay
Local resources and transport contacts to help you plan your time in the Highlands.
The ultimate local resource for food, wine, kids’ activities, bushwalks, markets, events, and more. thefoldsouthernhighlands.com.au
Magazine-style inspiration with stunning photography and travel features. escapesouthernhighlands.com.au
The official tourism site with comprehensive listings. www.visitsouthernhighlands.com.au
Some service operating across the Highlands
(02) 4872 4800
0400 505 113
(02) 4872 3038
Eat & drink
Experience a food and wine lover’s fantasy. From elegant fine dining to historic pubs and gourmet farm cafés, the Southern Highlands offers one of Australia’s most enticing regional dining scenes. This isn’t a complete list of cafés and restaurants in the Highlands - just a selection of places we’ve personally enjoyed and happily recommend. There are plenty more local gems waiting to be discovered during your stay.
Beautiful restaurant, cellar door and book barn serving fantastic food. Great for long lunch, family lunch, wine tasting, group dining, special occasion dinner. Gets very busy - will need to book.
Beautiful food in a historic sandstone building. Much of the produce grown on site. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner - including various tasting menu options.
Intimate, relaxed & cosy setting serving consistently good food - breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Stylish cellar door and restaurant serving modern Australian dishes with a Mediterranean twist, alongside their cool-climate wines and estate-grown olives. Indoor and outdoor dining with vineyard views. Open daily for breakfast and lunch, with tastings available.
Australia’s oldest continuously licensed inn, now serving hearty pub classics in a beautifully restored interior.
Large, character-filled pub with beer garden and swimming pool. Pub classics and wood-fired pizza.
Warm, rustic Italian in Bundanoon, ideal for a long lunch with friends over generous pasta and good wine.
Chic, design-forward dining in a beautifully reimagined country estate. Sleek contemporary interiors, seasonal menus and an effortlessly stylish atmosphere make it a destination in itself.
Friendly bowling club with a deck conveniently overlooking the kids’ playground! Haven’t eaten there since new chef, Anthony Pellegrino, (ex-Rockpool) joined - but reports look good!
Great old-style pub with huge outdoor deck and children’s play area. Beautiful new fit-out inside. Drinks are a bit pricey as are some of the items on the menu.
Produce-led dining within Burradoo Park Farm, with a relaxed Farmhouse and Bakehouse as well as the flagship restaurant. A lovely choice for breakfast, lunch or a longer farm-to-table meal. Restaurant bookings are recommended; the Farmhouse is walk-in, and a farm admission ticket does not guarantee a table.
Gorgeous, refurbished pub, huge, beautiful garden with views, standard pub food, awesome tree for the kids to climb.
Lunch on weekends only, limited menu but great woodfired pizzas eaten on the rolling lawns, lots of space for the kids to roll around.
Good Thai food in a beautiful old sandstone building.
Our favourite Indian - great value too.
Refurbished pub serving good quality pub food - check the specials menu.
Great value Vietnamese.
Elevated Thai food from Michelin starred chef Bee Satongun.
Bright café serving generous breakfasts, fresh sandwiches, and friendly service.
Warm and welcoming Indian with beautiful interiors, classic curries and tandoori, great for dine-in or takeaway.
Fresh pastries, cakes and sandwiches; relaxed bakery-café perfect for a sweet or savoury treat.
Amazing breakfast and lunch, beautiful fit-out, shelves of lovely goodies to take home.
Country pub with hearty classics, friendly bar, and a relaxed local vibe.
Historic pub with generous portions, family-friendly atmosphere, and casual dining.
Charming heritage building, great coffee and hearty brunches, sunny spot for a slow start.
Amazing breakfasts and lunches, with occasional pop-up restaurant for evening dining (Jimmy Nardello's). Bakery on premises - their sourdough is a must. Award winning Barista.
Great family pub newly completed huge undercover deck outside and huge dining area inside too.
The Highlands is home to truffles, Angus beef, Wessex saddleback pork, berries, cherries, cheeses, olives, and more.
1st Sunday & 3rd Saturday monthly
4th Sunday monthly
1st Saturday monthly (except Jan)
3rd & 5th Saturdays monthly (except Jan)
3rd Sunday monthly
2nd Sunday monthly
With over 60 vineyards and 15 cellar doors, the Southern Highlands is a cool-climate wine haven. Pinot Noir is the star here, alongside elegant Rosé, crisp Pinot Gris, and aromatic Pinot Grigio - perfect for our cooler summers. Most wineries are within 10-20 minutes’ drive of Bowral, Mittagong, Berrima, and Moss Vale, so it’s easy to visit a few in one day.
Cellar Door: Open daily, 11 am-4 pm
Wines: Pioneering growers of cool-climate classics, with biodynamic Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Gamay, Shiraz-Viognier blend, Sauvignon Blanc, and Red Blend cocktails. Praised for their fruit aroma, elegant structure, and spirit expressions.
Experience: Thoughtful hospitality in a contemporary recycled redgum cellar, with occasional wood-fired pizzas and cheese boards.
Cellar Door: Daily from 10 am; tastings until 3 pm
Wines: Regionally esteemed Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and cool-climate Shiraz
Highlights: Relaxed seasonal lunches, elegant “Leo’s by Night” dinners, and the famous Book Barn bookstore to explore.
Cellar Door: Daily, 10 am-5 pm
Wines: Sparkling varieties, aromatic whites, and fine Pinot Noir
Dining: Refined yet inviting restaurant open for lunch (Wed-Mon), with high tea and glorious winter fireside charm.
Cellar Door: Daily, 10 am-5 pm (booking advised on weekends)
Wines: Rosé, crisp whites, and Pinot Noir, all crafted for easy enjoyment
Experience: Tranquil outdoor seating with local cheeseboards and vineyard serenity.
Cellar Door: Thu-Sat 11 am-5:30 pm; Sun 1 pm-5 pm; book ahead for other times
Varietals: Cool-climate Chardonnay, Pinot Noir (including Yalumba clones), and Gamay-plus handcrafted limoncello, preserves, pickles, and boutique spirits
Experience: Fireside tastings when it's chilly or lawn picnics in summer. Pets welcome. Farm-style produce, and rustic charm included.
Cellar Door & Café: Wed-Sun, 11 am-5 pm; lunch from ~11:30 am, dinner on Friday & Saturday
Wines: Delightful Pinot Gris and Merlot, crafted with French country charm
Dining: Gather around a rustic table with charcuterie and antiques, with sweeping vineyard outlooks.
Cellar Door: Daily 10 am-5 pm (closed Tuesdays)
Wines & Offerings: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, plus olives and olive oil from their estate
Dining: Tasting experiences with pizzas, vineyard picnic boards, and sommelier-led tastings.
Cellar Door: Weekends, 10:30 am-4:30 pm; groups welcome by appointment
Wines: Estate-grown Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Chardonnay-classic cool-climate expressions
Experience: A peaceful, rustic tasting room tucked within a converted farm building, perfect for lingering.
Gourmet pantry goods, wines, and fresh local produce.
Open: Daily 8 am-5 pm
(02) 4868 8700
3020 Old Hume Hwy, Berrima
Locally sourced meats and gourmet smallgoods. Excellent Biltong.
Open: Mon-Fri 7 am-5 pm, Sat 7 am-1 pm
(02) 4862 2089
Shop B1, 32 Bowral Street.
Bowral, NSW 2576
Growers of premium raspberries and blackberries, plus jams and sauces.
Open: By appointment
(02) 4884 4306
80 Sallys Corner Rd, Penrose
Artisan sourdough bread, pastries, and Italian specialties.
Open: Wed-Sun 7 am-3 pm
Shop 2, 391-397 Bong Bong St, Bowral
Authentic Italian smallgoods, cheeses, and pantry staples and cafe.
Open: Tue-Sun 9 am-4 pm
210-224 Bong Bong St, Bowral
Traditional lolly shop selling nostalgic sweets and treats.
Open: Daily 10 am-5 pm
(02) 4877 1977
Shop 1, 116 Old Hume Hwy, Berrima
Old-fashioned sweet shop in the heart of Bowral.
Open: Daily 10 am-5 pm
(02) 4861 6222
Station St, Bowral
Butcher specialising in grass-fed local beef and lamb.
Open: Mon-Sat 8 am-5 pm
(02) 4886 4374
11 Church St, Burrawang
Award-winning sheep milk cheeses and yoghurt.
Open: Fri-Sun 10 am-4 pm
(02) 4885 2393
3300 Illawarra Hwy, Robertson
Explore
Double-drop waterfall with two lookouts, great picnic spot. No facilities, so bring supplies.
Open daily, daylight hours. Belmore Falls Rd, Robertson
Scenic bushwalk through old railway cuttings and a tunnel, finishing at a spectacular lookout. Allow 3-4 hours return. End of Box Vale Rd, Mittagong
Beautiful swimming holes upstream from the falls in Budderoo National Park.
Open daily. Jamberoo Mountain Rd, Robertson
80m waterfall in Morton National Park with boardwalk lookouts and walking tracks.
Visitor Centre daily 9 am-5 pm. Free entry, parking fees apply. 1301 Nowra Rd, Fitzroy Falls
Drive to multiple lookouts with views over Mittagong and Bowral. Best at sunrise or sunset. Oxley Dr, Bowral/Mittagong
Beautiful private garden in Sutton Forest with 20 themed “rooms” to wander.
Open Sept-May, Fri-Mon & public hols 10 am-4 pm. Entry fee applies. 7480 Illawarra Hwy, Sutton Forest
Peaceful gardens with themed plantings and walking paths.
Open daily 8 am-5 pm (later in summer). 1 Old South Rd, Bowral
Native gardens, education trails and a nursery, ideal for nature lovers and quiet reflection.
Open daily daylight hours. Bargo area
Check online for visitor details.
A 250-hectare regenerative farm with garden walks, farm experiences, educational spaces and seasonal food venues. Open daily 7 am-5 pm at 6 Railway Rd, Burradoo. Entry is free; arrivals between 8:30 am and 3:30 pm on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays require a free General Admission booking. Some tours and activities are separately ticketed.
Educational hive tours with morning tea on the terrace and honey tastings. By appointment for groups. Bowral area
Contact their site to enquire.
Country café, bakery, pies and horsemanship programs on a family farm.
Wed-Sun 7 am-3 pm. 1 Werai Rd, Werai
0484 038 535
Locally guided tours of cellar doors, artisan producers, and gourmet highlights. Custom itineraries. Pick-up from your accommodation.
0404 466 004
Learn about ethical meat production and sustainable farming. Tours by appointment. Maugers Meats, Burrawang
(02) 4886 4374
Regenerative, off-grid farm tours led by the owners; pick vegetables, meet hens, cows, goats, and taste raw honey.
Saturdays 10-11:30 am (bookings essential). McCallums Rd, Colo Vale
0421 735 344
Meet heritage-breed pigs, Highland cows, alpacas and more on a 1.5-hour guided farm walk.
Bookings essential. Redleaf Farm, Highlands region
0411 763 373
Bespoke wine, food, and beer tours with flexible itineraries and local insights. Pick-up from your accommodation.
0412 703 357
Signature “Canoes, Champagne & Canapés” in Kangaroo Valley, plus seasonal paddock-to-plate tours.
Book online.
0419 905 418
Cricket history at its finest, with interactive exhibits and memorabilia celebrating Sir Donald Bradman. Kids will love the Bradman Oval Playground next door. St Jude St, Bowral
Open daily 10 am-5 pm
(02) 4862 1247
Riding lessons, pony picnics, and holiday programs for all ages. Ashton Park, 74 Yarrawa Rd, Moss Vale
By appointment
0432 617 739
Indoor trampoline centre with foam pits, wall runs, and ninja courses. Great for rainy days. 205 Old Hume Hwy, Mittagong
Open daily 9 am-6 pm
(02) 4855 1188
Work together to solve puzzles and escape themed rooms before time runs out. Fun for teens and families. 5/274 Argyle St, Moss Vale
Open Wed-Fri 4 pm-9 pm, Sat-Sun 10 am-9 pm
0432 655 036
Ten-pin bowling, crazy golf, arcade games, and casual dining in a family-friendly venue. Highlands Hub, 205 Old Hume Hwy, Mittagong
Open Mon-Thu 10 am-9 pm, Fri-Sat 10 am-10 pm, Sun 10 am-8 pm
(02) 4872 1555
Canopy walk, zipline, and the Knight’s Tower lookout over the escarpment. 182 Knights Hill Rd, Knights Hill
Open daily 9 am-5 pm (last entry 4 pm)
(02) 4885 1010
Weekly puppet shows and workshops for kids. Sutton Forest Hall, 7414 Illawarra Hwy, Sutton Forest
Shows Sun 11 am
0438 218 217
Large water park with slides, wave pool, lazy river, and kids’ play areas; about a 50-minute drive from Bowral. 1215 Jamberoo Rd, Jamberoo NSW
Seasonal opening (Sep-Apr), 10 am-5 pm
(02) 4236 0114
Indoor and outdoor pools in Bowral, Moss Vale, and Bundanoon. Seasonal outdoor pools open Nov-Mar, indoor heated pools available year-round.
Bowral Pool - (02) 4861 2599
Moss Vale War Memorial Aquatic Centre - (02) 4868 1967
Bundanoon Pool - (02) 4883 6999
Working farm experience with animal feeding, tractor rides, pony rides, and hands-on activities. 745 Barkers Lodge Rd, Mowbray Park NSW
Open daily (book ahead)
(02) 4680 9243
Huge collection of heritage trains with interactive exhibits. Steam train rides on select days. 10 Barbour Rd, Thirlmere
Open daily 9 am-5 pm
(02) 4683 6800
Bradman Oval Playground (Bowral) - Beside the Bradman Museum.
Lake Alexandra Reserve (Mittagong) - Large adventure playground, bike paths, BBQs, duck pond, and open grass.
Berrima Marketplace Park (Berrima) - featuring a flying fox (zipline), climbing castle, in-ground mini trampolines, swings, seesaw, toddler play ship, play net, carousels, picnic tables & BBQ
Bundanoon Oval - Adventure-style playground plus plenty of open space.
Renwick Playground (Renwick) - Climbing structures, slides, and shaded tables.
David Woods Playground (Bowral) - Inclusive equipment, sensory play, pump track and accessible paths.
Skate Parks - Bowral, Moss Vale, and Bundanoon skate parks for scooters, skateboards, and BMX.
Moss Vale to Bowral Cycling Track - Flat, family-friendly ride along the old rail corridor, perfect for bikes, prams, and walking.
Cecil Hoskins Nature Reserve (Moss Vale) - Open grasslands and wetlands with play equipment, picnic areas and walking paths; ideal for birdwatching and gentle play.
Library meets gallery, with rotating exhibitions by local artists alongside the famous Book Barn and cellar door.
Open daily 10 am-5 pm
(02) 4868 8700
3020 Old Hume Hwy, Berrima
Community-run gallery showcasing exhibitions by local and regional artists.
Open daily 10 am-4 pm
(02) 4861 4093
bdasgallery.com 1 Short St, Bowral
Local gallery featuring fine art, photography, and sculpture from Southern Highlands artists.
Hours vary - check ahead
0414 468 967
facebook.com/galleryrrobertson
74 Hoddle St, Robertson
Contemporary Australian and international art in a chic rural setting.
Open daily 10 am-5 pm (Sun until 4 pm)
(02) 8353 3535
11b Old Hume Hwy, Berrima
Contemporary gallery in a converted dairy, with art, sculpture, jewellery, furniture, and a café.
Open daily 10 am-5 pm
(02) 4862 1077
33 Station St (rear), Bowral
State-of-the-art gallery in the historic Retford Park dairy, showcasing contemporary exhibitions and events.
Open daily 10 am-4 pm
(02) 4861 5348
1 Art Gallery Ln, Bowral
Mix of traditional and contemporary art, plus local crafts and décor.
Open Mon & Thu-Sun 10 am-4 pm, closed Tue-Wed
0274 325 914
2C Station St, Mittagong
Browse & discover
Curated women’s fashion and accessories with a focus on sustainable labels.
Open: Mon-Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 10 am-4 pm
316 Bong Bong St, Bowral
Boutique fashion, accessories, and gifts with a coastal-meets-country vibe.
Open: Mon-Sat 9:30 am-5 pm, Sun 10 am-4 pm
Shop 5, 347 Bong Bong St, Bowral
Luxury women’s knitwear and ready-to-wear fashion.
Open Mon-Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 10 am-4 pm
346 Bong Bong St, Bowral
Fashion and accessories blending Australian design with Colombian craftsmanship.
Open:
Mon-Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 10 am-4 pm 326 Bong Bong St, Bowral
Classic country and outdoor wear for men and women.
Open: Mon-Sat 9 am-5:30 pm, Sun 10 am-4 pm 302 Bong Bong St, Bowral
Stylish women’s fashion and accessories from Australian and European labels.
Open: Mon-Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 10 am-4 pm
331 Bong Bong St, Bowral
Carefully curated women’s clothing and accessories.
Open: Wed-Sat 10 am-4 pm
Unit 4/227 Old Hume Hwy, Bowral
Designer shoes and accessories at discounted prices.
Open: Mon-Fri 9:30 am-5 pm, Sat 9:30 am-2 pm Shop 4, 348 Argyle St, Moss Vale
Premium menswear and leather goods inspired by New Zealand heritage.
Open: Mon-Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 10 am-4 pm
318 Bong Bong St, Bowral
Furniture and décor with a global flair. Open: Mon-Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 10 am-4 pm
350 Bong Bong Street, Bowral & 31 Old Hume Highway, Mittagong
Curated homewares, gifts, and accessories.
Open: Mon-Fri 9:30 am-5 pm, Sat 9:30 am-2 pm
416 Argyle Street, Moss Vale
Eclectic home décor and global treasures.
Open: Mon-Fri 9:30 am-5 pm, Sat 9:30 am-3 pm
542 Argyle Street, Moss Vale
Contemporary art, design, and artisan homewares.
Open: Wed-Sat 10 am-4 pm
2/366 Argyle Street, Moss Vale
Warm, rustic homewares and gifts. Shop 2,
Open: Mon-Fri 9:30 am-5 pm, Sat 9:30 am-2 pm
420 Argyle Street, Moss Vale
Refined interiors and statement homewares.
Open: Mon-Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 10 am-4 pm
409-411 Argyle Street, Moss Vale, 396 Argyle Street, Moss Vale & Shop 101, 13-15 Banyette Street, Bowral
Contemporary furniture, lighting, and design pieces.
Open: Mon-Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 10 am-4 pm
33 Station Street, Bowral
Orchids, indoor plants, and botanical gifts.
Open: Mon-Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 10 am-4 pm
21 Banyette Street, Bowral
Garden furniture, fire pits, and outdoor accessories.
Open: Mon-Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 10 am-4 pm
Dirty Janes Antique Market, 15-17 Banyette Street, Bowral
Sprawling market of antiques, vintage furniture, and collectables.
Open: Mon-Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 10 am-4 pm
15-17 Banyette Street, Bowral
French and European antiques, lighting, and decorative items.
Open: Thu-Mon 10 am-4 pm
72 Old Hume Highway Welby
Large collection of antiques, vintage, and collectables.
Open Daily 10 am-5 pm
85-87 Main St, Mittagong
Elegant antiques and interiors store with a European touch.
Open: Wed-Sun 10 am-4 pm
379 Bong Bong Street, Bowral
Restored vintage fashion and accessories from around the world.
Open: Thu-Sun 10 am-4 pm
20B Bowral Road, Mittagong