and another one, and another one…
Anyone who says there’s nothing to do in the Southern Highlands at night clearly isn’t looking in the right places.
There’s a whole range of fun activities to keep night owls entertained, whether you’re after a cheeky drink or something a little different.
From delicious dinners and drinks to game nights and even axe throwing [yes, you heard that right!], we’ve got some fab ideas to make the most of your evenings in the Highlands.
When the sun sets, the fun kicks off, so let the good times roll!
1 :: Winner, Winner, Out For Dinner
It’s no secret we’ve got some incredible nighttime eating options all over the Highlands, so naturally, dining is right at the top of our list.
For an elevated experience, think Eschalot Restaurant, Ethos at Links House, Katers Restaurant at Peppers Manor House, George’s at Osborn House, and the newly opened Lotus Bowral at Park Proxi Gibraltar Bowral [we’re DYING to try this one!].
For a taste of Europe, head to Franquette Creperie, Onesta Cucina, or Bottega B Ristorante.
And if you’re after a full night out, Bistro Sociale at Berida Hotel is perfect, with an excellent gin bar and whiskey lounge. Berrima Vault House is another top pick with its amazing food and drink scene.
And this is just a small bite of the incredible dining smorgasbord we have across our towns and villages. Find even more in our directory here!
2 :: To The Pub
The Highlands’ pubs are totally unique. Cosy, welcoming and full of friendly locals. Here’s a list of bars and pubs around the Highlands to park yourself in for the evening.
If you’re curious about which ones are open until the wee hours, we got you!
The Argyle Hotel is open until 2am Monday – Saturday on Sunday they close at 12am.
The Bowral Hotel is open until 12am Monday – Thurs, 3am on Friday + Saturday and 11pm on Sundays.
The Imperial Hotel is open until midnight Monday- Saturday and 11pm on Sundays.
Mittagong RSL is open until 11pm Sunday – Thursday and Midnight on Friday + Saturday.
The Royal Hotel is open until 12am Monday – Thursday, 1 am on Friday + Saturday and 10pm on Sunday.
Sutton Forest Inn is open until 11pm on Thursday and Midnight on Friday + Saturday.
Bundanoon Hotel, Mittagong Hotel, Moss Vale Hotel, Robertson Bowling Club, Robertson Public House and Kitchen and Burrawang Village Hotel all say they are open until “late” every night of the week.
Bonus: If you’re looking for a boogie on a Saturday night then it’s gotta be Bowral Hotel and The Royal.
3 :: Bar Buddies
For something a little more intimate, we’ve also got plenty of excellent bars to sip a cocktail [or three] at.
Aspinalls Bar and Lounge at Berida Hotel has over 250 whiskies from around the world to sample [not all in one night, obvs] and the Gin Trading Co. also inside the hotel is a dream for anyone partial to a drop of that juniper goodness.
Speaking of gin, Millsheds Distillery & Bar has award-winning gins and vodkas and is open until 8:30 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Or if beer’s your preferred tipple of choice then Eden Brewery is open until 10pm on Friday nights.
We’re also suckers for everything on the menu [drinks + food] at The Parting Glass as well as at the wonderful Flour Bar in Mossy.
Double points for Flour Bar as they also have their coffee machine running all the way up until closing for a late-night cup of java.
Here’s a list of other choice bars, breweries, and distilleries.
4 :: Live And Loud
We love spending an evening rocking out to live local talent. Our directory is the spot to keep tabs on who’s playing where and when.
The first Friday of every month sees live music and a DJ at Bowral Bowling Club, Moss Vale Hotel has live music every Friday and Saturday and there’s live music at the Royal Hotel every Saturday night as well!
Robbo Pub hosts open mics every 3rd Monday of the month if you feel like getting up and having a go. The Bundy Club also hosts an open mic every weekend.
Or if you’re more into playing than singing check out the Traditional Irish Music Session on the third Wednesday of the month at Moss Vale Hotel, The Bowral Folk Club meetings on the fourth Tuesday of every month at The Venue or The Bundanoon session on the second and fourth Wednesday of every month at the Bundanoon club.
For other live music happenings head here.
5 :: Throw The Night Away
Literally!
Highlands Hatchets offers a super cool axe-throwing experience, and they’re open until 7pm on Sunday, Wednesday, and Thursday, with extended hours till 8pm on Fridays and Saturdays. We especially love the sound of their Date Night option, which gives you an hour of private lane throwing, followed by a booking at Eden Brewery to enjoy two drinks, two burgers, and fries courtesy of Boozy Burgers.
Aw yeah!
6 :: Catch A Flick
Watching a film at the cinema is always a classic choice for some evening fun. The Empire Cinema in Bowral offers an awesome mix of blockbuster hits, indie gems, and international films, so there’s something for every type of movie lover. And let’s not forget the real stars of the show… popcorn and choc tops! Nom, nom, nom!
7 :: Indoor Entertainment
Whether you’re with kids or going kid-free, a round of bowling or mini-golf is a super fun way to spend the evening. Highlands Entertainment Centre stays open late on Fridays and Saturdays [usually until around 9pm], perfect for some nighttime competition. And don’t forget to carve out a little extra time to take on your companions in the old-school arcade games too!
8 :: Win It All
Whether you’re a trivia whiz, reality TV buff, or just out for a laugh with mates, the Southern Highlands has plenty of trivia nights to test your smarts. Check out the local spots hosting trivia where you can show off your knowledge and maybe even snag some cool prizes.
There’s also bingo, members draws, and the classic meat raffle. For some reason, the chance to win meat turns us into fierce competitors every time!
Peruse and take your pick here.
9 :: Float On
City Cave in Bowral is open until 9 pm every night of the week. Spend your evening floating and sauna-ing in pure bliss. They even have the options for couple saunas and couples floats. What an awesome date night idea!
10 :: Move it, Move it
Unleash your inner sporty spice with some evening fun!
The Southern Highlands PCYC has a variety of nighttime sports like basketball, jiu-jitsu, pickleball, and soccer. Plus, Highlands Tennis offers exciting POP tennis and Cardio Tennis after hours.
For something a bit different, check out line dancing at Robertson Bowling Club on Tuesdays from 6:30-8:30pm, or give fencing a go with Highlander Fitness in Bundanoon on Wednesdays from 5:30pm.
Round up your friends for a team sport. The indoor soccer action with Southern Highlands Indoor Sports at Hilltop Community Centre is a local fave among many others.
Find even more sporty ideas in our event listings here!
11 :: Special Events
Life really is like a box of chocolates here in the Southern Highlands, there’s always something fun and unique happening at night, and you never quite know what you’re gonna get! [Please tell us you read that in your best Forrest Gump voice.]
Our directory is your go-to spot for keeping up with everything going on, so you won’t miss out on the next exciting event.
From Drag Queen Cabaret and comedy shows to community festivals, tribute acts, and art classes, there’s no shortage of exciting events.
Stay in the loop by following us on socials, signing up for our newsletter, and checking the directory regularly, because you won’t want to miss a thing!