That’s right, folks! It’s time to show your love for our very own Robertson and the Highlands by casting your vote in the 2025 NSW Top Tourism Town Awards. Voting closes on 4th May, 2025, so get those fingers tapping.
Presented in partnership with NRMA, this annual award celebrates the charm, character and visitor appeal of regional towns across NSW. Voters can back their favourites in three categories: Tiny Town [under 1,500 residents], Small Town [1,500 to 5,000], and Top Town [over 5,000].
This year, Robertson is in the running, and we reckon it’s got what it takes. It’s gorgeous rolling hills and local legends to iconic roadside pigs and mouthwatering pies, there’s a whole lot to love.
Let’s give Robertson the recognition it deserves!
What’s to love?
We’re glad you asked. Because the answer is ‘SO MUCH’. There’s just so much to love about our beloved Robbo….
Perched on top of the Illawarra Escarpment, Robertson has a whole lot of country character mixed in with strong, farming foundations.
A wide main street is lined with sweet shops, relaxed cafes and restaurants and a kick-butt local pub.
There is also a really strong creative community in Robbo with hubs like the SHAC and The Highlands Hive providing a space for artists and designers to create, teach, exhibit and sell their work.
So, come with us on a stroll through town….!
Great Outdoors
Let’s start with some of Mother Nature’s best work!
A short drive from the centre of town are two of the most gorgeous waterfalls you’ll find in NSW and they’re right here in Robbo’s backyard! Carrington Falls and the Nellie’s Glen swimming hole is a top spot to spend the warmer months.
Belmore Falls is not far from town too and is the tallest waterfall in the Southern Highlands – not one for those who get a little bit of vertigo!
Belmore Falls.
Retail Therapy
The main street of Robertson is lined with a selection of super quaint shops.
We love popping into The Cool Room Emporium [more on this fab space later] and stocking up on gorgeous homewares at Trotters Lane.
Visit Petals & Paddocks for lovely pots and plants and a flower explosion, and swing by Pecora Cheese & Wine to stock up on their delicious locally made cheese.
And if you’re a candle fan like us, Memory Lane is worth a visit too.
Oh, and the Robertson Country Market is held on the second Sunday of every month – just head to the School of Arts.
See? No probs filling up your shopping basket in this town!
Beautiful homewares and fresh flowers at Trotters Lane.
Wining + Dining
For a small country town, Robertson is kicking some serious foodie goals.
There’s plenty of cafes and restaurants to keep you fed from dawn to dusk and beyond.
Let’s start with the Dining Room at the Robertson Hotel on Fountaindale Road. Housed inside this beautiful boutique hotel, the food is amazing, the atmosphere is cosy, and the location is sooooo Highlands.
We love the Robertson Public House [lovingly known to locals as the Robbo Pub] and it’s fab pub food. Try the barramundi if it’s on the specials board – you WON’T be disappointed.
Vito’s The Rustic Table at Robertson Bowling Club serves up great value meals and drinks at club prices [winning!]
Pecora Cheese & Wine is a little escape from all the busyness, opening in 2021. This little wine bar has been serving up both dairy AND grape goodness ever since.
And we do love swinging by Moonacres Kitchen for brekkie or lunch or both! An ever-changing menu makes the most of seasonal and local produce grown on their own farm up the road and sourced from other local producers. Cool, hey?
You’ll find a mix oc pub classics and contemporary dishes at Robertson Public House.
Movers + Makers
The SHAC [Southern Highlands Artisans Collective] has made it’s way back to Robertson and we’re excited.
Home to a seriously talented bunch of artists and artisans and spaces – there are regular exhibitions and loads of lovely pieces to shop- this is one vibrant creative hub.
The Moonacres School is another creative hub in Robbo, but for those who love their food, bevvies and stretchypants!
The Highlands Hive on Hoddle st also hosts loads of fun and creative business to check out.
Fun in the kitchen at Moonacres Cooking School
Step Back In Time
If the walls of the Robertson Hotel could talk, they’d probably share stories of glamourous parties, day trips and weekends away.
Built in 1924, this building and it’s beautiful grounds [hydrangea season is stunning here!] is worth a visit for sure.
Why not relive the glamour and delicacies of yesteryear and take in a high tea – with bubbles of course – sitting in the shade of a glorious old oak tree.
Or if moving history is more your thing, take a ride on the Cockatoo Run, a heritage train trip run by East Coast Heritage Rail – or go trainspotting and keep an eye out for when it chugs through Robertson.
Their timetable changes a little bit so get in touch with them to find out more.
The stunning Robertson Hotel est 1924.
Rainy Days
One thing Robertson is never short of is cool, misty, rainy days – that’s why it’s so lush and green!
So, how do you keep busy on a rainy day?
Head to the Robertson Cheese Factory! Housed in this beautiful old building, you’ll find plenty to keep you busy.
Start by browsing and bargain hunting your way through the Cool Room Emporium – two levels of fashion, art, home décor, toys, books, furniture and heaps more.
Head next door for a bite to eat at Mumma’s Country Kitchen Cafe + Farm Store. Load up on delicious cheese, honey, sauces and more while you’re there.
Finding treasure at The Cool Room Emporium in the Robertson Cheese Factory building.
Special Events
This is one of our favourite events on the Highlands event calendar!
The Robbo Show held every year in March is the quintessential country show and fun for all ages.
Wood chopping, sideshow alley, cake comps, art exhibitions, demolition derby, chook washing, potato races, fireworks and more….it really is one fun event!
The famous potato sack race at the Robbo Show.
Let’s rally behind our very own Robertson and give this charming little town the crown it deserves.