We know we’ve already covered the Southern Highlands, but we have been back a couple of times over the last two years - and we love it! New cafes, hotels and restaurants have been added to our updated itinerary.
Having stayed here a couple of times, Bendooley Estate comes highly recommended! With luxurious cottages, you can really escape and relax. The cottages come with views of the lake, valley and groomed gardens of the Estate.
After breakfast at Bendooley, you’ll be due for a caffeine hit. Our favourite is Nick’s Bowral. Great coffee, and bonus artworks.
If you don’t have breakfast at Bendooley, we recommend grabbing a bite to eat from The Press Shop. As well as being a cute cafe, it is actually a press shop, selling beautiful cards, wrapping paper and stationary, with the old-school embossing machines as the backdrop.
Heading from Bowral to Berrima, Josh’s Cafe is the place to lunch. You’ll require a booking, so make sure to ring ahead. If you can’t get into Josh’s, or don’t have a car to travel to Berrima, Harry’s on Green Lane in Bowral is another favourite. It’s just down the road from The Press Shop, and is the entrance to a gorgeous arcade with interior shops, antiques and beautiful gardens.
Walk off lunch with a wander around Bowral’s best shops. Our favourites are:
If you find yourselves shopped out, we can highly recommend the Bradnam Cricket Museum. Did you know we’re cricket tragics? Well, our secret is out!
Dinner that night should be at Eschalot in Berrima. A quick drive from Bowral, and worth it!
The following day, head to Osborne House for lunch. Dining, accommodation and event spaces make up Osborn House, and it’s worth a trip just to admire the interiors and artwork.
The tranquil Fairy Falls are also in Bundanoon and a short round trip walk.
After your reset with nature, drive back to Bowral via Moss Vale to admire the shops, or grab some gourmet supplies to cook dinner back at Bendooley Estate. Alternatively, The Larder is a great option for a light meal.
Day Trip from Bowral:
If you have a few days in the area, a day trip to Kangaroo Valley is a must. It’s down towards the coast and provides some of the most beautiful scenery we’ve seen along the eastern seaboard.
Head in the direction of Berry to explore this cute town. Visit Few & Far Home, Shady Fig Florist and Shop, and the donut van is a must!
Drive home via Robertson and Burrawong to visit Moonacres Kitchen in Robertson, a cafe, food school and farm.
