Save some money and have some fun!
Keep the wallet in the pocket and your money in the bank with this list of fun things to do for free in the Highlands!
1 // RIDE IT
So many places to explore on two wheels.
From the family-friendly Bong Bong Track [below] that runs from Burradoo to Moss Vale, through to gravel riding at Meryla, mountain biking at Welby or hitting the tarmac on the Bowral Loop – great for getting the heart pumping.
Check out the newly upgraded Casburn Park in Wingello, with pump track, 2 playgrounds and BBQs as well!
2 // BUNDANOON SKATE PARK
This skate park is a favourite with locals of all ages.
Part of the Bundanoon Oval recreational space, you’ll find it on Erith Street.
Just follow the sounds of happy kids and a few grown-ups reliving their youth! Here are some other skate park options.
3 // SUNDAY DRIVE
We know that petrol costs money but if you fill up on Thursday, then technically this activity is sorta still free on the weekend, right?
There are lots of gorgeous country roads to explore in the Highlands.
One of our favourites is from Mittagong to Robertson. Start at Range Road in Mittagong, follow that through to Glenquarry where you turn left onto Tourist Road.
Follow that road until you get to a fork. Here you can go left to loop into Robertson from the north or left on Kirkland Road to drive through Kangaloon and end up in the centre of Robbo.
4 // CREATE YOUR OWN ART TRAIL
Who needs the Louvre (Pfft!) when you’ve got the fab galleries of the Southern Highlands?
Many of our fab galleries have free entry and regularly host amazing exhibitions.
Be sure to include the SHAC at Robertson on your list, Bowral District Art Gallery and Sturt Gallery [below] and Ngununggula, all very cool!
5 // GO BUSH
Surely one of the best things about being surrounded by glorious national parks and state forests is all the incredible bush walks available for us to do.
There’s plenty of family-friendly walks like the Berrima River Walk or if you’re more hard core and like to push the envelope a bit, there’s plenty of that too – read about our experience doing the challenging Clover Hill Trail!
Here are some of our favourite walking adventures to get you started.
6 // PLAYGROUND ADVENTURES
Who else has to run their kids around like greyhounds?? Well, there’s plenty of playgrounds in the Southern Highlands to burn off all that energy!
The flying fox at the Berrima Market Place is a fave with the ankle biters and we love the space and design of Mirren Nunguna Gulla Park in Renwick.
The playground at Seymour Park on Spencer Street in Moss Vale [below] is also another local favourite and the new one at Nattai Ponds looks fun.
Find a playground near you.
7 // PICNIC FUN
Raid the pantry, fill up the picnic hamper, grab a blanket and head out for a picnic at one of these spots.
Sure, the Highlands doesn’t know if it’s summer or winter some days but nobody does a crisp, sunny day like us!
Plus it’s awesome to get out into the fresh [in more ways than one!] air.
Nothing a beanie and a parka [or tank top and shorts] can’t sort out, right?
8 // ROLL ON
We love anything retro and it seems quite a few of us in The Fold office weren’t scared about strapping on some roller skates back in the day!
Let’s bring it back, we say!
The Bong Bong Track is perfect for getting some skating action in – remember to pad up and wear a helmet.
9 // FOREST BATHING
Got a little road rage? Been a bit stressed at work? Then try forest bathing. Yep, it’s a thing.
It’s so good for our wellbeing…. the heart rate slows down (bye bye road rage), blood pressure decreases (bye Felicia!), stress levels lower and our immune systems get stronger! Very cool.
And all you have to do is head out into one of our national parks or forests and just sit amongst the trees for however long you think is necessary.
Breathe it in, baby!
10 // FISHING
It’s peaceful, it’s easy and it’s free. Drop a line in at Berrima River, Bundanoon Dam, Fitzroy Falls Reservoir, Wollondilly River or the Wingecarribee River.
11 // GO GEOCACHING
Haven’t heard of geocaching?
It’s a family-friendly outdoor recreational activity that uses GPS to hide and seek ‘geocaches’ at specific locations marked by co-ordinates all over the world.
And there is plenty to find in the Southern Highlands, with Penrose Forest being one of the most popular geocache locations.
Head to the Geocaching Australia website and enter a place to go a-hunting!
We love sharing our awesome outdoor adventures with The Fold readers and want to make sure everyone stays safe and healthy when giving our walks and rides a crack for themselves. So, always check the weather forecast before you venture out. If you’re heading into a National Park, be sure to consult the National Parks website for up-to-date information about current alerts. Prepare yourself with the right equipment, clothing, safety items, with plenty to eat and drink if you’re going on longer hikes, and always let someone else know where you’re going and what time you are expected to be back. Have fun and stay safe!