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25 Awesome Ways To Spend October In The Southern Highlands

October is here, and it’s giving fun times, spring goodness, live entertainment, and plenty of memory-making moments.

 

Here are 25 amazing things to do this month in the Highlands.

A large pink rock sculpture painted as a pig with the text "La La La! Babe Turns 30" in white and red lettering. Surrounded by trees, the tone is cheerful.
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Tulip Time Flower Festival – Bowral

Spring magic keeps blooming all the way up until the 6th at Corbett Gardens, so don’t miss your chance to see more than 80,000 tulips in full colour. Check out the live music, market stalls, and community fun before it says bye-bye for another year.

When: 12 September – 6 October

Where: Corbett Gardens, Bowral

Spring Pole Camp

Fancy mixing things up a bit? Phoenix Studios is hosting a pole masterclass that’ll have you trying new tricks, building confidence, pushing yourself and having an absolute blast while you’re at it.

When: 4 October

Where: Braemar

Horizontal Festival ​

We’re beyond pumped for this festival focusing on some of NSW’s best food, drinks, art, and music. From DJs and jazz to oysters, wine flights, gooey cheeses, and hands-on masterclasses with top chefs, it’s all about tasting, learning, and having an epic, flavour-packed afternoon.

When: 4-5 October

Where: Centennial Vineyards

Robertson Public House 2025 Open Day 

​Robbo pub is opening its doors again for the 2025 Wedding Open Day. Head over to check out the venue, meet local vendors, nibble on tasty treats, and picture your dream Southern Highlands wedding right in the centre of Robertson. It’s free to come along, just register first.

When: 4 October

Where: Robertson Public House

Robertson Country Fair Celebrating 30 Years of Babe The Movie

Can you believe it’s been 30 years since that cute piggy graced the screens and won our hearts? Celebrate the fact that this iconic film was filmed in Robertson and is now 30 years old at the Robertson Country Fair. Rides, local produce, photo booths, food stalls, and a chance to snap a selfie in front of the Pig Potato.

When: 5 October

Where: Robertson Public School & Robertson School of Arts

The Cockatoo Run 

Also, to coincide with the anniversary of Babe, the Cockatoo Run will be making its way to town that weekend. Get a taste of heritage as you ride aboard this legendary steam train. Toot toot!

When: 5 October

Where: Various locations

​Waratah Weekend

Phew, the first weekend in October is really set to be a massive one in Robertson with another awesome event happening. Lay eyes on Waratahs in full bloom at Robertson Heritage Railway Station, with flowers, plants, and seeds for sale. There’ll be a sausage sizzle, model railways, and the Fettlers Heritage Art Prize exhibition in the gallery.

When: 5-6 October

Where: Robertson Heritage Railway Station

Family Come and Try Day at Highlands Golf Club

Looking to get your kiddos into golf? Highlands Golf Club is hosting a free Family Come and Try Day packed with chipping and putting challenges, inflatable nets, prizes, and a BBQ. Their friendly staff will be on hand with tips and gear to help everyone have a fun day on the course. Spaces are limited, so be sure to reserve yours.

When: 12 October 2025

Where: Highlands Golf Club

Bowral Classic 2025

It’s that time of year again! Bowral comes alive with all things two wheels as riders and spectators head out to race, cheer, and take in the fun-filled atmosphere. Registrations are closing soon for riders, and if you’re staying off the wheels but still want to get in on the good times, make sure to hit up the Event Village.

When: 19 October

Where: Various locations

Bowral Long Lunch

Marking its 20th year, the Bowral Long Lunch will be serving up amazing food, wine, live music, and art, all while supporting local kids and youth. Over the years, it’s raised $1.7 million for health and wellbeing programs in the Southern Highlands, and this year’s event is set to make an even bigger impact.

When: 19 October

Where: The Stables – Bendooley Estate

Bundanoon Garden Ramble

Mark the calendars for a weekend wandering through eight gorgeous gardens, checking out market stalls, and exploring the gorgeous Bundanoon village. Tickets are available for individual gardens or for all 8.

When: 25 – 26 October

Where: Bundanoon

​The King’s School, Tudor House: Campus Tours Term 4

The King’s School, Tudor House, will be hosting its last school tour for 2025 this month. These tours are a great chance to get a real feel for life at the school. The staff showcase the innovative teaching approach and give a glimpse of how their passionate teachers inspire students to grow, learn, and thrive.

When: 25 October 2025

Where: The King’s School, Tudor House

Infamous Circus Cabaret – Mossvale

Roll up, roll up, the circus is in town. And to make things extra jovial, it’s a cabaret circus. Dancers, acrobats, other exciting live acts, and a cocktail bar to boot.

When: Various dates

Where: Mossvale Showgrounds

Wingecarribee Animal Shelter Official Opening 

The new Wingecarribee Animal Shelter is officially opening its doors with a special community day, giving everyone a first look at the facility. Meet the team, explore the shelter, learn about adoptions and services, and book a guided tour to secure your spot.

When: 9 October

Where: Wingecarribee Animal Shelter

Garden of Earthly Delights – Bundanoon 

Picture the wild and surreal world of Bosch’s 500-year-old Garden of Earthly Delights, where bizarre creatures, shocking scenes, and tempting chaos meet. Luminescence Chamber Singers will bring this feast to life with a mix of Renaissance, Medieval, and modern sounds.

When:11 October

Where: Soldier’s Memorial Hall

Kangaroo Valley Folk Festival

This year marks the 18th Kangaroo Valley Folk Festival, and we’re just as keen as ever. A whole weekend of music, poetry, and dance in a stunner of a spot. Make sure to grab your pass before they sell out.

When: 17 – 19 October

Where: Kangaroo Valley Showground

​Lawrence Mooney – Dead Set Country 

Lawrence Mooney’s new show, Dead Set Country, is about his adventures trading city life for country, featuring stories about dead wombats, horse chats, and a very serious tractor affair. Hmmm interesting!

When: 17 October

Where: Bowral Bowling Club

Gardens and Landscapes of the Southern Highlands – Then and Now ​

A digital exhibition exploring almost 200 years of Southern Highlands gardens and landscapes. Ten themed screens share everything from historic photos to Tulip Time highlights and well-loved local gardens.

When: 3,4,5,10 + 11 October

Where: Berrima District Museum

The Official Release Party of a Showgirl

Swifties rejoice, the Official Release Party of a Showgirl is coming to Empire Cinema. The screening includes the world premiere of “The Fate of Ophelia” music video, behind-the-scenes footage, new lyric videos, and Taylor’s own reflections on her 12th studio album.

When: 4 – 5 October

Where: Empire Cinema Bowral

​Social Sit & Stitch 

A relaxed crafting catch-up where makers bring along their projects, stitch away, and have a good natter with like-minded creatives. Held in-store with plenty of inspiration around, your ticket includes complimentary morning tea plus a $10 voucher to spend on the day.

When: Various dates

Where: Castle Handmade

Spring Holiday Circus Workshops 

No more bored kids these hols if you sign ‘em up to this workshop. They’ll learn to spin, juggle, hula, as well as invert, balance, climb, spin, and twizzle on the aerials.

When: 2 + 9 October

Where: Zero Central Circus

The Sorcerer

Love, laughs, and a splash of chaos take the stage in The Sorcerer, as a love potion sends an English village into total mayhem. With a big cast, a live orchestra and plenty of cheeky Gilbert & Sullivan fun, it’s set to be a magical hoot!

When: 4 October

Where: Soldiers’ Memorial Hall, Bundanoon

Spring High Tea at Katers Restaurant, Peppers Manor House

We’re down for High Tea all year round, but we reckon there’s an extra somethin-somethinn about a spring High Tea moment. With delish bites like kiwi tarts, salmon gravlax, and of course scones, this one has our mouths watering.

When: Select dates in October

Where: Peppers Manor House

Floral Wreath Making Workshop

Country Crafteas is hosting a wreath-making workshop complete with flowers, foliage, and two hours of creativity. With all materials and tasty nibbles included, it’s perfect for beginners and makes a great day out.

When: 12 October

Where: Eling Forest Estate Winery

Rick Price Tambourine Mountain Tour

Rick Price is bringing his Tambourine Mountain 30th anniversary tour to the Highlands, celebrating hits like River of Love and Trust Me This Is Love. Settle in for an unforgettable night of tunes and plenty of toe-tapping.

When: 31 October

Where: Robertson Public House

And that’s just the beginning. October is bringing heaps more to taste, sip, and wander through, so make some room in the diary and check out the full lineup here.

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