Southern Highlands, Capital Country Region — New South Wales

Southern Highlands is a designated geographical area of New South Wales, comprising the towns of Mittagong, Bowral, Moss Vale, Bundanoon, and the smaller villages surrounding them. This area, with its cool climate and abundant natural resources, is a known tourist destination of those living in Sydney and in the rest of the state.

For an unusual mode of seeing the Illawarra escarpment, visitors should stop by the Illawarra Fly Treetop Walk, which features an elevated steel walk. This provides numerous vantage points for viewing the nearby Illawara Lake and the coast.

Along Remembrance Drive, in Bargo, is the Wirrimbirra Sanctuary, owned and operated by the National Trust. This area is ideal for picnics, bird watching, and animal viewing. Accommodations are also offered for overnight stays.

Another natural attraction well worth a visit is the Wombeyan Caves, where tours are offered within its interiors. Camping facilities are also offered in the surrounding areas. The caves are accessed through the road bearing the same name, which is connected to the Old Hume Highway. A road trip from Sydney to this area would last about three hours.

At Budderoo National Park, visitors are treated with spectacular views of two waterfalls, the Minnamurra Falls and the Carrington Falls. The park features walking tracks that will take visitors through heaths and woodlands. The park is accessible through the Jamberoo Mountain Road.

Bushwalking can also be enjoyed at the Bungonia State Conservation Area, which features views of canyons and rivers, a sure delight to nature lovers. Located on Lookdown Road, this area also allows camping.

At the Cecil Hoskins Nature Reserve, bird watching is its primary attraction. This wetland has walking tracks as well as amenities for picnics and barbecues. This attraction is situated in Moss Vale, accessed through The Highlands Way.

Another spectacular attraction in the Southern Highlands is the Morton National Park, where lookouts afford views of the Tianjara Falls, the Fitzroy Falls, and the Belmore Falls. Breathtaking views of the coast can also be enjoyed, and camping facilities are offered to those wishing to stay the night.

Apart from these natural attractions, there are also several destinations within the Southern Highlands that geared mainly for family fun. The Bradman Museum of Cricket is one of these attractions. Located on St. Jude Street in Bowral, this museum showcases items related to the sport and how it influences the Australian way of life. Cricket lessons and games are also offered.

Children will also derive immense enjoyment in exploring the garden maze located on the grounds of Harper Mansion, a popular attraction in Berrima.

Golf enthusiasts will surely be glad to know that the Southern Highlands is also home to several beautiful golf courses. Attractions of the kind include the Bowral Country Club, the Highlands Golf Club in Mittagong, the Moss Vale Golf Club, and the Kangaroo Valley Golf and Country Resort.

And for a taste of the rural life, visitors should take time to visit some of the farms in the area. There’s the award-winning Alpine Berry Farm, the Cuttaway Creek Raspberry Farm in Mittagong, and the Highlands Heritage Pork in Moss Vale.