Southern Higlands
The Southern Highlands, located on the Sydney to Melbourne (via Canberra) route, has a distinct "English" feel, with rolling hills and giant pine trees.
One of the claims to fame of the region is that the original "Babe" film was located in Robertson whose occupants are more than proud of their accolade as well as their famous pies.
Like the Blue Mountains to the north west, The Southern Highlands are only around an hour and a half south of Sydney and are another popular 'weekender' destination with a good range of accommodation.
English Resemblance
Governor Macquarie, often described as The Father of Australia, remarked that The Southern Highlands resembled beautiful English pleasure grounds.
This is still true today and the comparison is justified as you drive through the softly rolling hills and quaint towns.
There are well groomed English style gardens, antique shops, art galleries, cosy tea shops, large country mansions and ivy covered buildings.
Bowral-Home of Don Bradman
This is a 'get away from it all' region and its relaxed atmosphere is as apparent as the Devonshire Teas sold in the quaint teahouses.
The other main towns in the area are Berrima, Robertson, Mittagong, Moss Vale and Bundanoon which was once a honeymoon resort.
Bowral, voted one of the prettiest towns in NSW, is the biggest centre in The Southern Highlands. It is known for its boutiques, antique and specialty shops and floral displays-The Floral festival 'Tulip Time' is held in September-October.
Bowral was also the home of the legendary cricketer Don Bradman and his life is celebrated at 'The Bradman Museum', located on Bradman Oval, St Jude Street.
Don Bradman is considered the greatest cricketing batsman to have ever lived and his average of 99.94 has not been equaled to this day .Bradman was born in 1908 and his Test career lasted from 1928 to 1948. During this time he played in the infamous "Bodyline" tour, which perhaps is cricket's most controversial episode.
Don Bradman died on the 25th February 2001 at the age of 92.
Berry
Berry is located on the Princes Highway, a few minutes north of Nowra and is a popular stop off point on the journey between Sydney and Canberra.
This charming town which is on the border of The Southern Highlands and Shoalhaven is best known for its tree lined streets, the ivy-clad antiques shop and its art and craft shops.
There is a unique Australian pub at the end of the street (The section of the Princes Highway)
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Southern Highlands accommodation
For a list of places to stay please visit our Southern Highlands Accommodation
The close proximity to Sydney makes the Southern Highlands a popular weekend getaway.
Location
The Southern Highlands is located in eastern New South Wales and has an approximate Latitude of 345°S and a Longitude of 150.7° E.
Driving To The Southern Highlands
Some approximate driving times to Sydney are:
1.5Hrs From Sydney (110Km)
8Hrs From Melbourne (750Km)
12.5Hrs From Brisbane (1050Km
See Route and Distance Calculator for more accurate driving times and routes from additional locations.
Southern Highlands Climate
These figures are for guidance only:
Approximate Max Average Temperature
Deg C/ Deg F
Winter(June-Aug):12 / 53
Spring(Sep-Nov):20 / 67
Summer(Dec-Feb):25 / 77
Autumn(Mar-May):19 / 66
Approximate Average Monthly Rainfall - mm
Winter(June-Aug): 62
Spring(Sep-Nov): 76
Summer(Dec-Feb): 83
Autumn(Mar-May): 89
Fitzroy Falls
The beautiful Fitzroy Falls, a plunging 80 metre high waterfall in The Morton National Park, is a unique attraction located next to Fitzroy village (between Kangaroo Valley and Nowra).
There is a Visitors Centre and lookouts over the falls which are controlled by the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.
The falls flow into the Kangaroo River which winds its way to the beautiful Kangaroo Valley. Canoe camping tours can be enjoyed on the reservoir which has flooded the valley.
The small quaint town of Kangaroo Valley is also worth a visit.
