Hike through the Highlands

One of the best ways to explore the verdant surrounds of the Southern Highlands is on two feet. Start with an easy climb to the 863-metre summit of Mount Gibraltar, a 150-million-year-old collapsed volcano that’s now the highest point between Sydney and Canberra. There are multiple trails that wind around the mountain, all with spectacular lookout points over the valleys and villages. The pretty Berrima River Walk combines nature and history, with 17 interpretive signs that explore the village’s past.

Berrima River Walk, Berrima

In Morton National Park near Bundanoon, the Lovers Walking Track is a short trail that winds through open forest and native flowers to scenic views at Echo Point. The Box Vale Mine walking track follows an old railway line through a tunnel to breathtaking views of the Nattai Gorge. If you’re up for a challenge, tackle the Starlights Trail in the NatTai National Park, which takes you through untouched bushland and unique native forest.

Lovers Walking Track, Bundanoon - Credit: Michael Van Ewijk

-

Copyright: DCCEEW

Bird watchers will love the Barren Grounds Nature Reserve near Robertson, where trails ranging from two to 20 kilometres wind through fields of wildflowers, and the nearby Rainforest Walking Track in Robertson Nature Reserve. The Cecil Hoskins Nature Reserve in Moss Vale is perfect for spotting waterbirds. For something different, walk from Bundanoon into Glow Worm Glen at night to see millions of these tiny insects light up the darkness.

Cecil Hoskins Nature Reserve, Moss Vale

Admire spectacular waterfalls

Plunging more than 80 metres to the valley below, the magnificent Fitzroy Falls is a breathtaking spectacle in the Morton National Park. Get a birds’ eye view from the accessible lookout near Fitzroy Falls Visitor Centre or follow one of the two trails that lead around either side of the escarpment along the West Rim and East Rim. In Budderoo National Park, Carrington Falls tumbles 50 metres through the thick greenery into the Kangaroo River below. Nearby, the falls at Nellies Glen are smaller but just as charming and the calm pool beneath is a popular swimming spot in the warmer months.

Fitzroy Falls, Kangaroo Valley

You can walk to the magical Fairy Bower Falls, close to Bundanoon. The trail takes you to the top of the escarpment with a ladder leading down to the bottom of the falls. A short drive east you’ll find the spectacular Belmore Falls with views of sandstone flora. Near Robertson on the Illawarra escarpment, explore the Macquarie Pass National Park and follow the Cascades Walk through lush rainforest and towering eucalypts to the beautiful Cascades Falls.

Belmore Falls, Morton National Park - Credit: Above Down Under by Kramer Photography

Stroll through gorgeous gardens

The Southern Highlands is home to some of Australia’s most stunning gardens. In Bowral, the beautiful Corbett Gardens is more than 100 years old and the hub of the annual Tulip Time Festival (more on that later). The Southern Highlands Botanic Gardens is a community-funded project run by volunteers who maintain the 15-hectare gardens filled with a mix of exotic and native species, including 22 species of silver birch, plus sculptures, picnic areas, a nursery and playground.

Corbett Gardens, Bowral 

Many of the region’s historic country manors are surrounded by immaculately landscaped grounds, inspired by traditional English gardens. The National Trust-listed Harper’s Mansion is famed for its cool-climate plants and huge hedge maze. Retford Park is a frothy pink Italianate masterpiece, built in the 1880s and surrounded by lovely gardens dotted with sculptures and artwork. Both are dog friendly. Take a gentle stroll around the 20 landscaped garden rooms at Red Cow Farm in Sutton Forest, made up of woodlands, rose gardens, kitchen gardens, orchards, lakes and more.

Red Cow Farm, Sutton Forest

Stop to smell the flowers

The Southern Highlands’ most famous blooms can be found at the annual Tulip Time Festival, which celebrates the arrival of spring in Corbett Gardens. More than 80,000 tulips and annuals burst into life, creating fields of colour and intricate patterns. If you are looking to get your hands dirty, pick seasonal flowers at Southern Highlands Flower Farm, join a creative workshop at Oxley Hill Farm Flowers or learn how to grow and harvest your own blooms at The Dahlia Patch.

Tulip Time Festival, Bowral

Enjoy a slice of rural life

The rolling green hills of the Southern Highlands are home to some of the richest farmland in Australia. It began as grazing land for cattle in the early 19th century and today supports a diverse range of agriculture from dairy farms and orchards to vineyards, beehives, vegetable farms and much more. Mussett Holdings Regenerative Farm is one of many in the region with a focus on sustainability. Join a guided tour to meet the owners, learn about off-grid living, meet the animals and see what’s in season.

Farm Tours at Mussett Holdings Regenerative Farm, Colo Vale - Credit: Mussett Holdings

More adorable animals await at The Swallows Nest, a working farm with highland cows, horses, chickens, peacocks and more in the paddocks. Moonacres Kitchen is a popular restaurant in Robertson that sources much of its produce from their own organic farm. Take a tour with the owner to see how their regenerative practices create healthy soil and nourishing food. At Bowral Honey Farm, don a beekeeping suit for a fascinating insight into the world of bees and a tasting of their liquid gold.

Bowral Honey Farm, Bowral

Forage beneath the ground

Some of the most interesting natural wonders are hidden beneath the ground in the Southern Highlands. The Mittagong Mushroom Tunnel is a Victorian-era railway tunnel that has been transformed into an exotic fungi farm. Mycologist farmers will guide you through the tunnel as they explain how they have created the ideal environment. In winter, head for Robertson Truffles to see the well-trained dogs unearth rare Perigord truffles from beneath oak and hazelnut trees.

Mittagong Mushroom Tunnel Tour, Mittagong - Credit: Little Mountain Mushrooms

Hop on your bike

Whether you’re looking for a peaceful Sunday cycle or some challenging hill climbs, the Southern Highlands has a biking experience for you. The Bundanoon Cycling Route is an easy, 14-kilometre path winding through the national park with lots of picnic areas and scenic lookouts along the way. The Best of Bowral and the Bong Bong Track is a 26-kilometre route of on and off-road cycling passing through villages and along the Wingecarribee River. Mountain bikers can test their skills on the Wingello Forest Trails and the Welby Mountain Bike Path.

Bundanoon Cycling Route, Morton National Park - Credit: Michael Van Ewijk | DCCEEW