Settled in the lush Southern Highlands countryside, Berrima is an historic town full of character and charm. Base yourself in this idyllic village and take some time to sip some delicious local wines, discover gorgeous riverside walks and explore the beautifully preserved Georgian heritage.

Highlights

Sip & savour

Berrima's elevation and cool climate is perfect for high-quality pinot noir, chardonnay and sauvignon blanc. Sample the award-winning wines of PepperGreen Estate at their cellar door in the centre of town, made from grapes grown at their Canyonleigh vineyard. There's also The Tasting Room restaurant open for breakfast and lunch and you can try olive oils made from their local grove.

People enjoying a curated aesthetically pleasing wine-tasting experience at PepperGreen Estate, Berrima

PepperGreen Estate, Berrima

Sip wine by the firepit of the cellar door at the grand Bendooley Estate on the edge of town. You can also dine here or browse the famous Book Barn, which houses thousands of old and new books in a renovated hayshed. If you prefer spirits, visit Joadja Distillery set in an abandonded kerosene mining village from the 1870s. They create authentic single malt whisky and small batch spirits using their own barley and pristine spring water.

Looking over the vineyards, Bendooley Estate, Berrima

Bendooley Estate, Berrima

Local dining

For modern Australian dining driven by a paddock-to-plate philosophy, book a table at Eschalot. This fine-dining restaurant delivers fresh, seasonal produce sourced from its own kitchen garden and local producers, served in one of the town's most beautiful heritage buildings. If you'd rather relax over a beer and a schnitzel, visit the Surveyor General Inn, the oldest continually licensed inn in Australia, dating back to 1834.

Elegant dish made from the freshest and highest quality ingredients at Eschalot restaurant, Berrima

Eschalot restaurant, Berrima

Taylor's Crown Inn is part of the exclusive members-only Citizen Kanebridge, but locals and visitors can book a table for a long lunch by the fireplace or candlelit dinner in the courtyard. For an Instagram-worthy sweet treat, classic scones or a perfectly styled high tea, visit The Cupcake Co. Josh's Cafe specialises in Middle Eastern-style cuisine, while the Berrima General Store & Cafe is the place for a coffee, light meal or to pick up some local goodies for a picnic.

Family having afternoon tea in a cafe, Berrima Village Stores and Cafe, Berrima

Berrima Village Stores and Cafe, Berrima

Heritage & local charm

Step back in time along the self-guided Berrima Heritage Walk, taking you past the Berrima Courthouse, a Regency-style sandstone-hewn building dating back to the 1830s. The Berrima River Walk is another gorgeous stroll past riverside heritage, with interpretive signs telling the fascinating story of the region's WWI internment camp. Learn more local secrets from the passionate guides who lead the 90-minute experiences with Berrima Walking Tours.

The National Trust-listed Harper's Mansion is a preserved Georgian-style residence open on Saturdays, Sundays and most public holidays. For more artefacts, exhibitions and stories of the region, visit the fascinating Berrima District Museum. The AustrAsia Cultural Centre in nearby Medway runs regular art workshops that celebrate cultural understanding and community connection.

Harper's Mansion garden, Harper's Mansion, Berrima - Credit: The National Trust of Australia (NSW)

Harper's Mansion, Berrima - Credit: The National Trust of Australia (NSW)

Stylish shopping

There are a handful of stylish boutiques dotted around the main streets of Berrima. For homewares, clothing, books, fragrances and gifts, visit Archie + Dot, Berrima's Overflow, The Brown Shutter or the Berrima Post Office. You'll find beautiful ceramic artworks and pottery at Klā Ceramics and Berrima Village Pottery, while SGR Vintage Wares is a treasure trove of antique finds. Visit Mrs Oldbuck's Pantry for gourmet jams, chutney, mustard and preserves, or load up on sugar at The Lolly Swagman.

Couple watches on as local artist and potter Paul Bruce throws one-of-a-kind pieces in his pottery studio, Berrima Village Pottery, Berrima

Berrima Village Pottery, Berrima

Where to stay

Berrima offers a range of accommodation steeped in history, including a number of restored cottages, some of which are listed on the National Trust. You can also bed down at a winery, staying in luxury cottages or the grand Homestead on Bendooley Estate. Sleep beneath the stars and surrounded by nature at the unique Scribbly Farm Premium Geo Retreat. More budget-friendly options include the Berrima Bakehouse Motel in the centre of town or a basic campsite on the edge of the river.

A welcoming bedroom with a king size bed in May Gibbs Cottage at Bendooley Estate, Berrima - Credit: Bendooley Estate

Bendooley Estate, Berrima - Credit: Bendooley Estate

Getting there

By car, Berrima is 1.5 hours from the Sydney CBD; 75 minutes from both Sydney Airport and Western Sydney International Airport (WSI); and one hour and 45 minutes from Canberra. By public transport, you can catch the train to Moss Vale from Central Station then transfer to a local bus for the 25-minute journey to Berrima. Companies like Southern Highlands Transfer and Ram's Airport Transfers offer private transfers from WSI.

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