This year, January 26 falls on a Sunday, giving us a three-day weekend.
It also gives us all a chance to connect and reflect, be grateful and also be open to the huge range of emotions this day can bring up for so many people.
Here’s our selection of ways Highlanders can do just that in our beautiful part of the world.
1 :: Berrima Village
Spending the public holiday with friends and family, neighbours and community has been a wonderful tradition for many years in the Highlands and this year we can expect the return of this special event.
The street parade is back as well as the wonderful Village Market with lots of fab local producers and artisans selling their wonderful items. There’ll also be children’s entertainment, live music and of course, the annual Citizenship Ceremony and 2025 Citizen and Young Citizen of The Year Awards.
Many local shops, restaurants and cafes will also be getting involved with special menus, delicious treats and lots of fun to be had.
Plus, there’s two easy bushwalks super close and accessible to town – the Berrima River Walk and the Stone Quarry Walk, so you can escape for a wonderful walk in nature.
Or if it’s hot, the kids love hitting the Berrima River Reserve for some summer splashin’ fun [take inflatables to maxmimise the fun and minimise the squeals when something touches your foot – or is that just us?!]
2 :: Head to your local
There’s no shortage of awesome pubs in the Highlands [and we know, we’ve tried them all – the things we do for you guys!].
Some of our faves to hit up are Sutton Forest Inn with it’s gorgeous swings and field for an impromptu game of cricket, Robertson Public House and Kitchen for their yummy food and friendly service, and Briars Inn for their excellent outdoor spaces.
Bundanoon Hotel will also be hosting live music and a farmyard nursery, fun for the whole crew!
3 :: Invite your mates over for a BBQ
Having your friends over for a barbie is a fabulous way to connect and take a breather on a public holiday.
If you’re looking for something delicious to go with the snag that you’ll be throwing on the BBQ, you’ll love these recipes from Bec at Black Hen Kitchen.
And for all you steak lovers check out these top tips for grilling a perfect steak from BBQ whiz Charlie of Pig & Pilgrim.
Load up the esky with brewskis or vino from one of our awesome local breweries, cellar doors and wineries and you’re good to go!
4 :: Chill at The Mill
Head to The Mill in Bowral’s fabulous courtyard space – such a great place for a catch-up with everything at your fingertips!
Grab an ice cream, some delicious pho, sample some tasty sips from Millsheds Distillery & Bar and just take in the cool vibes, an awesome way to spend a day off work if you ask us.
Undercover or out in the sunshine, we love it here.
5 :: Splash about at a watering hole
Splashing around a local swimming hole is a very Highlands way to spend a public holiday.
And if you love a little bit of an adventurous walk to get there, all the better! Check out our favourite swimming holes here… or if you like to see the bottom when you’re getting some hydrotherapy, here’s a list of local swimming pools to keep you cool.
6 :: Pack the picnic basket
Load up the picnic hamper, roll out the rug and relaaaaaax.
The type of picnic is up to you!
Sip some bubbles and chomp on finger sandwiches and chicken wings or if you’re feeling a bit more active, pack your bat and ball for a game of French cricket [yeah yeah, ironic we know] or throw a frisbee around.
Here’s a list of some of our fave spots to roll the rug out in the Highlands.
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