Moss Vale
Mount Ashby Estate, Moss Vale - Credit: Kramer Photography
Moss Vale
Surrounded by rolling farmlands, neat vineyards and meandering waterways, Moss Vale in the Southern Highlands is one of NSW's most charming country escapes. A great base for exploring the region, its leafy streets are lined with colonial buildings, chic boutiques and delicious restaurants.
Highlights
Heritage & local charm
Many of Moss Vale's 19th century buildings still stand in the centre of the town, from the grand railway station to the famed 'Pink Pub' (Moss Vale Hotel), charming shop fronts and striking churches. Follow the 3.5-kilometre Moss Vale Historic Walk to see the best of them. On the main street, Leighton Gardens is a popular spot for picnics and comes alive with colourful tulips in spring.
Leighton Gardens, Moss Vale - Credit: Destination Southern Highland
Pick up a one-of-a-kind piece of furniture, luxe homewares or a special souvenir at one of Moss Vale's boutiques. Suzie Anderson Home has 10 beautifully styled rooms stocked with sofas, leather goods, lighting, linen and more. The Mossy Store is the place for bespoke furniture handcrafted locally or find a unique piece from around the world at Hunter & Gatherer Collections. Grab a cute gift from Nest & Burrow or something new for the garden at Mt Murray Nursery.
Suzie Anderson Home, Moss Vale - Credit: Destination Southern Highlands
Gourmet journeys
From gourmet restaurants to casual eats, Moss Vale makes the most of its rich seasonal flavours. Oliver's is a European-style brasserie with an all-day menu of French and Italian inspired classics. Divaa is elegant Indian fine dining serving dishes from across the continent. Award-winning Flour Bar has an exceptional wine list of NSW drops and a bottle shop so you can take some home. For authentic country pub dining, the Porterhouse Bistro inside the Moss Vale Hotel serves award-winning steaks, wood-fired pizzas and a kid's menu.
Flour Bar, Moss Vale - Credit: Chris Pearce
The What If Society is a food-focused cooperative of local chefs, creatives and enthusiasts, working together to champion self-sufficiency, sustainability and seasonality. Visit The Studio, their coffee shop/wine bar, or find fresh produce and gourmet treats at The Exchange, their specialist grocer and providore. If you prefer to get your hands dirty, join chef Stefano Marvello for an Italian Cooking Experience. Learn to make pasta, cook over an open flame or prepare and enjoy a long lunch.
Natural beauty
Home to an array of thriving birdlife, the Cecil Hoskins Nature Reserve is a gorgeous wetland perfect for birdwatching, walking and picnics. Take a tour of The Pines Pastoral, a 700-acre Angus cattle farm, where you can learn about their farming practices and meet the adorable calves, or join a creative workshop at Ashton Park, one of Moss Vale's original farms. You'll also find one of the prettiest golf courses in NSW at the Moss Vale Golf Club.
Cecil Hoskins Nature Reserve, Moss Vale - Credit: Nick Cubbins | DCCEEW
Where to stay
Places to stay in Moss Vale include cottages, guesthouses, country pubs, a holiday park and a luxurious boutique hotel. Moss Manor is an eight-suite hotel set inside the 150-year-old former mayor's residence, decked out with period-style furnishings, ornate fabrics and abundant artwork. Two century-old train carriages have been converted into stylish accommodation at Redleaf Farm.
Moss Manor, Moss Vale - Credit: Moss Manor
Getting there
Moss Vale is less than two hours' drive from both Sydney and Canberra. You can also catch a train direct from Sydney, which takes just over two hours, and a train or bus direct from Canberra, which takes around two hours.
