Sunny and cold! Just the way we like it on a long weekend in winter in the Highlands. So, grab your beanies, scarves, gloves and puffer jackets, people. It’s time to head out and about and enjoy the loooooong weekend.
Not sure where to start? Our Event Directory is a good place!
And here’s some ideas from The Fold of what to do, where to go, who to see and how to do it!
Or you could just snuggle under a blankie on the couch in front of the fire…. we’re so there for that, too… until we get a case of FOMO!
Get your brunch fix
We love a bit of brunch action and can’t resist the pop of a perfectly poached egg or a zingy freshly made juice or alllll of the pancakes!
Head out to a local café – here’s a list to get you started – for a lazy, long weekend brunch with friends or the fam bam.
Celebrate with a bang
How does Bonfire Night at Kangaroo Valley’s The Friendly Inn sound? Complete with fireworks, fire dancers, hot choccies, soups, live music and more….it’s a fun way to make the most of a long weeked.
Burrawang Village Hotel will also be hosting their annual village fireworks on Sunday night [the 9th], so rug up and look up!
Treat yourself to some retail therapy
It’s ALWAYS a good time to support our local stores and this tricky economy isn’t doing them any favours at the mo, so head out to our high streets and get something for yourself, the house, the kids and more.
If this weather has got you thinking about adding to the winter wardrobe, head to Berrima’s Natural Australia, or if you’re in Bowral, swing by Mrs Pete’s Shed, EcoLena Boutique, Highlands Emporium and more fab fashion shops in Bowral for some stylish [+warm] threads!
Oh, and Cotswold Furniture is hosting their Annual Warehouse Sale at their Mittagong warehouse and showroom – snap up some biiiiiiiig furniture bargains with up to 70% off floor stock.
Celebrate sewing
To mark their 10th birthday, Loom Fabrics in Bowral is hosting a two-day celebration over the long weekend, and everyone’s welcome to join in the fun!
There’s a wonderful lineup of fun workshops and discussions, plus the super exciting sounding “Frocktails Style High Tea.” Show off your style and skills by wearing or bringing something you’ve made while indulging in cakes, tea, and bubbles. Sounds like a blast, right?
You can book yourself in for one or multiple sessions, and don’t forget, the store will also be open for regular fabric sales.
Date night [or day]
Call in the babysitter because we have some pretty fabulous fine dining establishments in the Highlands and their menus are looking pretty scrumdiddlious! [is so a word!].
How about some tasty burgers from Boozy Burgers alongside some top-notch sips from Eden Brewery with friends?
Right now there’s still some availability at Osborn House for their incredible June Fire Feast on the 9th but we’re not sure how long spots will last so book yours ASAP.
If you’re keen to get a little “ooh la la” then make your way to Franquette Creperie for their incredible-looking crepes and bountiful wine and cocktail menu.
Our local restaurants will book out pretty quickly on a long weekend (in fact, tables are starting to move already!) so book your table as soon as you can to avoid disappointment.
Explore our cellar doors
We love our local wineries and here’s a fab list of cellar doors across the Southern Highlands that are definitely worth a visit. If you’re planning on grabbing some lunch [or settling in for a delightful wine-infused long weekend lunch while you’re wine tasting], here’s a list of gorgeous wineries that also serve up delicious food.
If you’re more of a red wine fan – who isn’t at this time of year?? – have a look at this super helpful article on red wines of the Southern Highlands. You can use it like a map and stock up!
Visit a local village
We love the gorgeous villages in the Highlands!
From Robbo to Colo Vale, Wingello to the Wang, Bundy to Berrima and everywhere beyond and in between, the long weekend gives you all the time in the world to explore a fab Highlands village.
Reach new heights
There are some spectacular views from some awesome local bushwalks. If you’re the sort of walker who needs a crackin’ view as a reward for all your huffing and puffing, take on these walks this long weekend:
Mount Katoomba Lookout Loop Walk
Get your arts + culture fix
We have such an amazing community of creators and artists in the Highlands and there is ample opportunity to get out and about this weekend to view, support and buy local art!
The Pop Up Project gives you the opporutnity to visit the studio’s and sacred spaces where local artists dream up and then create their amazing pieces. Check out who’s involved and the map here.
Our wonderful collection of local art galleries are open with so many different exhibitions on show. Start with The Art of Playing with Pattern exhibition by Julie Patterson at the Sturt Gallery + Studios in Mittagong and work your way through the list of local galleries for more.
Boogie down at Bundanoon
Spend the weekend cutting a rug at the Bundanoon DanceFest. The festival kicks off on Friday night with the opening bush dance before three full days of Scottish, Irish and even Bavarian dancing, plus more! Weekend ticket sales and registration will start from 5pm at the Memorial Hall on Friday 7th.
Take a trip to Bundanon
Just a quick road trip away from the Highlands is one of the coolest art spots in the entire country—Bundanon.
Forget your typical gallery visit; this place is an all-out adventure waiting to unfold. With so much to see and do, you could easily lose yourself there for a day [or more]. Perfect for a long weekend adventure!
Here’s all you need to know before you go.
Plenty for you to pack in, but that’s why it’s a three-day weekend and not a two day one, right? Have fun, Highlanders!
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