The locals are out soaking up the glow [and probably busy sweeping up those leaves], visitors are swooning over the scenery, and let’s be honest, doesn’t everything just look better in that golden light?
So, grab your comfiest jumper, crunch through some leaves, and fall in love with all the good stuff the region serves up this time of year.
Eat, Sip, Forage, Repeat
Ready to take your tastebuds on a wild autumn adventure? We don’t mean to toot our own horn, but the Highlands knows how to do seasonal produce right. If you’re after restaurants that dish up the best our region has to offer, book a table at Eschalot Restaurant in Berrima, Bistro Sociale [they do an awesome mid-week lunch], and Ethos, which are at the top of our list.
Prefer to be your own chef? Grab your shopping basket and hit up of our awesome local markets for the freshest seasonal goods.
If you’re looking for something a little different, autumn’s the perfect season for mushroom foraging, and we’ve got the perfect underground tour [literally!] at a former Victorian-era train tunnel in Mittagong that’s now home to a thriving gourmet mushroom farm. Find your fungi, then whip up a feast to impress your mates. Throw in a glass [or two] of local wine, and you’ve got the perfect autumn afternoon if you ask us!
Speaking of wine… those crisp, cool days and golden foliage are basically begging you to visit our local vineyards. Stop by Centennial Vineyards, Bendooley Estate, and Artemis Wines for stunning views and exceptional cool-climate wines. For something more boutique, try Joadja Estate [the oldest in the region!], or get your eco on at Tractorless Vineyard.
If you’d rather skip the driving and just sip your way through the vines, let The Highlands Tour Co show you the Highlands like a true local. Trust us, it’s the best way to experience the region!
Add a little art + history to your autumn itinerary
Feeling a little fancy? Go on and treat yourself to a day of wandering through some of the Highlands most inspiring galleries, each set against the backdrop of golden leaves.
Whitewall Art Projects Gallery and Michael Reed Southern Highlands bring the cool to the heart of the quaint historic village of Berrima.
Jump in the car and cruise over to Robertson for a dose of arty goodness. Start your gallery hop at the SHAC, then swing by Jennings Kerr, Spud Lane, The Printmaking Sisters and Bronwyn Berman Studio. And hey, while you’re in town, snap a selfie with the giant pig [aka the Big Potato]. It’s had a makeover, being freshly painted into a pig in honour of Babe’s 30th anniversary. As far as roadside icons go, this pig’s taking centre stage.
Be sure to visit Ngununggula in Bowral. The art is awesome, the setting is stunning, and they even have a gorgeous cafe, Moonacre’s, serving up some scrumptious bites. Trust us, it’s worth the detour out of town.
For history buffs, the Bradman Museum pays tribute to cricket royalty [go Don!]. The Berrima Courthouse Museum dives into the region’s colonial past. And for a bit of nostalgia, catch a flick at the Empire Cinema, where they’ve been rolling reels since 1915.
Keen to build your own cultural trail? We’ve rounded up a list of galleries, historic spots and iconic locations you’ll want on your list.
Meander through stately homes and cool-climate gardens
Autumn is the ideal time to discover beautiful cool-climate gardens and heritage properties [like the ones you see on the gram… or maybe that’s just our algorythm?].
Red Cow Farm, Retford Park, Corbett Gardens, Harpers Mansion [ Australia’s largest hedge mazes] and The Southern Highlands Botanic Gardens are all worth a visit right now. Charge those phones, because you’ll be snapping away all day!
Image Credit: The Bookshop Bowral
Seek out a good read on the shelves of one of our many charming bookshops
There’s something about autumn and the cooler days that makes it the perfect time to curl up with a good book, and luckily for you, the Southern Highlands is home to some fantastic independent bookstores where you can do just that.
Start at The Bookshop Bowral where the shelves are packed with new reads just waiting to keep you up past bedtime. If you’re in Berrima, you must visit Berkelouw Book Barn, it’s one of Australia’s largest sellers of rare and antiquarian books [very impressive]. For those who love a good treasure hunt, check out The Phoenix Bookstore in Bowral, full of quirky finds. And if you find yourself at the Courthouse Museum in Berrima, you’ll discover fascinating reads on Australian colonial history.
For the ultimate bookish experience, check out our Book Lover’s Guide to the Southern Highlands for a deeper dive into the literary treasures to satisfy your inner book nerd.
Image Credit: Georgia Meretta
Take in the colour, crunch and cool change of the great outdoors
Autumn in the Highlands is nature’s way of showing off. With the beautiful golden leaves and crisp air, it’s the perfect time to throw on a jumper and head outside for a bit of leaf-kicking and adventuring.
Start at Fitzroy Falls Visitor Centre, where walking tracks like the West Rim and East Rim walks serving up waterfalls, lush forests, and sandstone escarpments. While you’re there, swing by The Burrow Cafe for one of their legendary sausage rolls. For a peaceful retreat, Lake Alexandra Reserve in Mittagong dishes up autumn gorgeousness in every direction.
This time of year is prime time for a stroll! The Highlands has stacks of stunning walking tracks that are perfect for families. Check out this list of the best family-friendly walks in the Highlands.
If you love a good view but are not too keen on the uphill situation, don’t worry. We’ve got lazy-lookout lovers sorted. Autumn is the perfect time to take in the Highlands from above, with all those colours it makes those views even more breathtaking. Visit Mount Gibraltar Reserve in Bowral for stunning lookouts like Mount Jellore, Mittagong, and Bowral. In Bundanoon, Bonnie View and Beauchamps Cliffs Lookout are dramatic [in the best way], just a short stroll from Echo Point along the Lovers Walking Track.
Fiery leaves, lip-smacking food, and misty mornings… autumn in the Highlands is unapologetically extra, and frankly, we’re here for it, folks! This is the season when the region really does show her beauty.
So light that fire, pour the pinot, and make the most of these golden days before the last leaf hits the ground. There’s no better time to be here.
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