Southern Highlands
English-style countryside towns, antiques and cool climate gardens
The Southern Highlands feel like they shouldn't exist in Australia — cool climate, English cottage gardens, heritage sandstone towns. Bowral and Berrima are the main stops. The tulip festival in October coincides perfectly with WSA's opening month.
Highlights
- →Berrima — Australia's best-preserved Georgian village
- →Bowral — Tulip Time festival (September-October)
- →Fitzroy Falls in Morton National Park
- →Antique shops and galleries throughout
- →Robertson — the real Babe country (yes, that movie)
- →Bundanoon — peaceful village with great bushwalking
Where to Eat
- Eschalot Berrima
- White Horse Inn Berrima
Where to Stay
- Peppers Manor House Sutton Forest
- Berida Hotel Bowral
Getting There
Drive via Hume Motorway south from WSA.
Full transport guide from WSA →Best Time to Go
September-October for tulips. Any time of year is pleasant.
Compare Car Rentals
Driving yourself gives you flexibility — especially for places like the Hunter Valley and Southern Highlands.
Compare car rentalsBooking note
Tulip Time in October is extremely popular — book accommodation months ahead.
Flying in to WSI Airport? This is 60-75 min from Western Sydney International Airport (WSA) — easy to reach by car or rideshare straight from the terminal.
Book a Tour
10 options across Viator, GetYourGuide and Klook — sorted by most reviewed.
Private Sydney South Coast to the Southern Highlands Tour
Waves Waterfalls and Wineries Full-Day Southern Highlands Private Tour
Sydney Wombat Encounter & Southern Highlands With Korean Guided Tour
Southern Highlands Private Tour with Wine, Waterfall and Garden
Private South Coast and Southern Highlands Day Trip
Southern Highlands and South Coast Private Tour
Private Canberra & Southern Highlands Luxe Tour
Southern Highlands: Nocturnal Wildlife Experience
Driving yourself to Southern Highlands? Compare car rentals from Sydney Airport for the most flexibility.
Free cancellation on most bookings. 365-day price tracking via Discover Cars.