We’ve hit 20k followers on Instagram (what?!), and we thought, what better way to say thank you than by sharing 20 things we absolutely love about the place that fills our feeds, and our hearts. Here’s what the team at The Fold thinks makes the Southern Highlands so special.
1. That feeling.
You know the one. When you take the Mittagong exit off the freeway, you’ll see the familiar line-up of trees. Sheep to the right, Bunnings to the left. It hits you… ahh, home! And I just relax. And smile. I first got that feeling when we made the decision to move, and spent weekends exploring the area and house-hunting (so much fun!). And then felt it every single time I drove back home.
Bec (Founder)
2. The Paddock-To-Plate.
I love knowing where my food came from. Who grew the spuds that I picked up at the weekend markets, or knowing the honey came from the guy I sat next to at the co-working office. I love knowing the story behind it.
Emma (Editor)
3. The seasons actually change here.
The Highlands wears them proudly. Starting with the frosty soccer mornings, streets bursting with blossoms in the spring, the rich reds and oranges of autumn and the sunshine of long summer days. Camellias in winter are my personal favourite. They’re cheerful pops of pink when the days are cold and grey.
Charlotte (Writer)
4. Our bookshops and libraries.
I do love a good bookshop and the Highlands has so many fab ones (plus the libraries are fantastic as well).
Shannon (Content Creator)
5. The rolling green hills.
A personal fave that might not resonate with anyone, but it reminds me of England. I get to have the best of both worlds.
Shannon (Content Creator)
6. The space.
Something I didn’t know I needed until I had it. After 20 years of city living, the open skies and views of the Highlands felt a little bit luxurious to me.
Emma (Content Creator)
7. The smells.
Woodsmoke in autumn and winter. Fresh-cut grass in spring. That earthy smell after the rain. Unexpected little joys.
Bec (Founder)
8. The walks (so many walks)!
Who needs a gym membership when you’ve got the Gib, Cherry Tree Walk and Bong Bong Common, just to name but a few!
Emma (Editor)
9. The side-line friendships.
Saturday mornings on the side-lines are a ritual around here. Soccer, netball, footy, hockey (if you know, you know). The weather might be brutal, but there’s always someone to chat to, and often, friendships are formed between quarters. There’s something about raising kids in a town where everyone turns up on and off the field.
Emily (Business Development)
10. The trees.
The crabapples, cherry trees, the birches and the radiata pines that quietly mark the edges of old properties. They give the Highlands a sense of grace and permanence.
Emma (Editor)
11. Welcoming.
They say you’re not a local until you’ve lived here for ten years. But honestly, I’ve never felt like that. Not once! I’ve found the Highlands has the warmest, most welcoming community.
Bec (Founder)
12. Local boutiques.
You never quite know what you’ll find, and that’s the fun of it for me. Our shops certainly are a reflection of the people who run them… stylish, welcoming, and sometimes, a little quirky. I love how unique they each are.
Emma (Editor)
13. The sounds.
Cows mooing, birds chirping, the hum of lawn mowers. It’s the best kind of alarm clock and background noise.
Bec (Founder)
14. Driving around.
Honestly, just go for a drive through Kangaloon or Robertson on a foggy morning... It’s some of the most stunning views you’ll ever see. And it never gets old! I always thought, ‘how lucky I am to live here?’
Bec (Founder)
15. The gardens.
We Highlanders take our gardens very seriously. And we have some of the most beautiful gardens around.
Shannon (Content Creator)
16. The people.
People talk to each other. Like, really talk. Shopkeepers, strangers on the street. There’s a warmth and openness that makes you feel seen. Life moves a little slower, and with that comes space for genuine connection.
Charlotte (Writer)
17. It’s just special.
Whether you’re a lifelong local, a returner raising your own kids where you grew up, or a newbie like me, many of us have chosen a slower, more intentional way of life here. It’s not necessarily less busy, just more manageable, more meaningful.
Charlotte (Writer)
18. The community spirit.
Go to the post office, school pickup, or Coles on a Tuesday afternoon, chances are you’ll run into three people you know and get the full scoop on what’s happening around town.
Emily (Business Development)
19. Cosy pub nights.
The Highlands just do pubs right. A cold brew in hand, familiar faces across the table. Fireplaces crackling. You can’t bottle that kind of feeling.
Shannon (Content Creator)
20. Lifelong Local.
I’ve lived here my whole life. I’ve watched this place grow and shift, but it’s still got the same grounding feeling it had when I was a kid. It’s not stuck in time, but it does hold onto all the good stuff!
Emily (Business Development)
Well there you have it! 20 things that we adore about our beautiful Southern Highlands. To our loyal followers, commenters and sharers, thanks for being here, for backing us, and for loving this place as much as we do. #lovelivinglocal
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