There are only so many Instagram stories you can post about life in the Highlands before friends from far and wide turn from ‘we really should come down for a visit’ to ‘get your diary out right now!’
So who’s up for planning the ultimate girls weekend away where kids, partners and fur-babies stay at home so you can have a weekend that’s all about you and your girls?
HECK YES!
Now, if you’re hosting the weekend (and keeping your own house in order!), you can stay at one of the fab accomm options we have here in the Highlands – start with this list of some of our fave places to stay locally including the beautiful Eling Forest Estate which has a wonderful range of cottages and suites. Or you can pull out the sleeping bags and extra quilts and host the girls at your place.
Either / or, find a date, start a WhatsApp group, and check out our guide to get you sorted for the ultimate girls weekend in the Southern Highlands.
Friday Night: Dinner and Drinks in Bowral
You arrive on Friday evening after the busy working week, armed with a few extra layers of clothing (love autumn in the Highlands for snuggling up in something woolly and warm!) and a few bottles to pop. Enjoy a welcome drink at home before heading into Bowral for dinner.
First stop – Bistro Sociale. Imagine open fireplaces, contemporary interior design, an extensive cocktail list and handsome waiters! The European-inspired menu with a hint of French flair will kick start that ‘weekend away’ feeling. Oh, and their steaks are seriously next level delicious.
Finish the night off at the Gin Trading Co (you won’t have to move far from your table at Bistro Sociale – Gin Trading Co is in the next room!) where you have around 100 varieties of gin to choose from and try (not all at once obvs!).
Saturday Morning: Breakfast and Shopping
Get set for a morning of retail therapy with a visit to the biggest town in the region. Bowral has a quality array of clothing, homewares, antiques and local produce to browse, buy and pop in your basket!
Start at the southern end of Bong Bong Street by fuelling up at Kaffeine Bowral for a much-needed caffeine hit (that one last gin seemed like such a good idea at the time, right?) and brekkie before wandering through the antique megastore that is Dirty Janes, the perfect place to find your next unique present or mantlepiece addition. Think crystal champagne glasses, antique furniture, vintage cameras, quirky fashion and more.
Once you’ve worked your way through the treasures there, wander north up Bong Bong Street where you’ll find so many awesome shops like the Coach House Collective and Field and Potter.
Duck into the High Street Arcade and Springetts Arcade for some fab finds at Bespoke Letterpress, Castle Handmade and MRS V® Shop.
Keep heading north up Bong Bong to The Mill – a popular coffee, food and retail hub – where you can finish your retail therapy by popping into the beautiful store of local clothing designer, Zoe Georgiou. You will NOT leave empty handed, that’s for sure.
Saturday Afternoon: Wine Tasting in Berrima
It’s time to head to beautiful Berrima and Bendooley Estate, such a great place to stroll around the manicured grounds, do a wine tasting (get on the front foot and buy some bottles of wine in preparation for a girl’s night in tonight!) and check out the iconic Berkelouw Book Barn.
Finish off with some lunch and a glass of wine overlooking the vineyards. Be sure to make reservations though. Bendooley Estate offers up the quintessential Highlands weekend experience, so can book out quickly.
Saturday Night: Girls Night In
After a busy day out, there’s nothing like sliding into your Ugg boots, lounging in front of the fire with a bottle or two of wine, your favourite tunes and catching up properly. For this, we recommend your full focus on the convo rather than the cooking, and that’s where our friends from Olive Grove Grazing Co come in!
Or you can try a little DIY and pick up some goodies from local delis like Flour Bar, Il Topolino Alimentari Delicatessen and Hot Canary Gourmet Meats.
Paired with your wine finds from earlier in the day, we reckon you’ll be chatting, grazing and sipping well into the early hours of the morning.
Sunday Morning: Local Markets and Waterfall Walks
Today is all about culture and country air and that starts with the country markets! There’s no better way to support local, bag some amazing produce and browse through a collection of unique and handmade gems.
There’s plenty of fabulous local markets in the Highlands to visit, depending on when you visit – check out our Markets Guide here and make a plan.
Now for a touch of Parisian living smack bang in the middle of Bowral! Franquette Creperie serves up divine crepes and galettes in an uber chic and totally welcoming setting. We love that they’ve also got plenty of gluten free, vego and vegan options too.
Ready to breathe in some country air and walk off the pastries (and maybe a slight hangover)? Head east to chase some waterfalls. The village of Robertson is the gateway to some pretty spectacular bushwalks and falls – you’ll need your cameras and phones for this one, ladies!
Both Carrington Falls and Belmore Falls are a must visit and a short drive from Robbo – this guide to local waterfalls will help you out.
Sunday Lunch: Farewell Feast at Eling Forest
Ooooh, we love Eling Forest Winery for a celebratory farewell to your girls weekend.
Book in for a tasting at the Cellar Door, order something yummy form the café (hellooo cheeseboard) or if you’re coming with 4 or more, sign up for the “Tour, Taste and Lunch” package. It includes a guided tour of the colonial-era buildings with historical stories, followed by a winery visit to explore traditional winemaking techniques, a tasting of five popular wines and ends with a lunch at the café. Divine!
It’s such a fab place to clink your glasses and congratulate yourselves on having a super spesh and successful girls weekend in the Southern Highlands… and then start planning the next one!.
So that’s your girls weekend in the Southern Highlands, sorted. Think shopping sprees, wine by the fire, and walks that (almost) make up for the pastries. Time to rally the crew, book that stay and get your weekend away plans rolling.
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