Cool-climate country an hour from Sydney — cellar doors, historic villages, high teas, farm gates and hatted restaurants around Bowral and Berrima.
The Southern Highlands is Sydney’s closest cool-climate gourmet escape — just 90 minutes south, yet a world away in the green hills around Bowral, Berrima, Moss Vale and Bundanoon. The trail links elegant cool-climate wines (Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, sparkling) with historic villages, English-style high teas, farm-gate produce, cheese and a string of hatted country restaurants.
What to taste
Visit the cellar doors around Sutton Forest and Exeter, take high tea in a grand country house, browse the Bowral and Berrima providores, and stop at farm gates for berries, cheese and cool-climate produce. The region’s cafes and bakeries are destinations in their own right.
How to do the trail
Base in Bowral or Berrima and explore by car. It’s an easy weekend or even a day trip from Sydney. Pair with more wineries and small towns across NSW.
🏅 Own or manage this place? Get your “Featured on AustralianSecret” badge
Show visitors you're featured in our independent directory — copy this snippet into your website. The badge links back to your listing here.
Watch
Photo Gallery
Facilities
Cellar doors, restaurants, cafes, providores and accommodation across the villages
Insider Tips
Come in autumn for the colour or spring for Bowral’s Tulip Time. Book high teas and hatted restaurants ahead, and combine tastings with village browsing.
Getting There
About 90 minutes’ drive south of Sydney via the M31, or by train to Bowral/Moss Vale. Drive between cellar doors with a designated driver.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the Southern Highlands?
About 90 minutes’ drive south of Sydney in NSW, centred on Bowral, Berrima, Moss Vale and Bundanoon.
What food and wine is the region known for?
Cool-climate wines like Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and sparkling, plus high teas, artisan cheese, berries and farm-gate produce.
Can you visit the Southern Highlands as a day trip?
Yes — it is close enough for a day trip from Sydney, though a weekend lets you enjoy the villages and restaurants properly.
When is the best time to visit the Southern Highlands?
Autumn for the leaf colour and vintage, or spring for gardens and Bowral’s Tulip Time festival in September–October.
