5 Things to Do in Southern Highlands

There are plenty of incredible things to do in the Southern Highlands! You’ve come to the right place, with a guide from Kress, yours truly, owner of Pinot & Picasso South Coast studio turned Southern Highlands mobile studio!

Tips and tricks from a local don’t come much better than this, so here’s what to do in the Southern Highlands.

Attend a Paint & Sip Class

Wherever you go, a paint and sip class is a fantastic experience and the Southern Highlands is no exception! Pinot & Picasso delivers the premier entertainment experience with a mobile paint and sip across the Southern Highlands throughout Mittagong, Moss Vale, Bowral, Robertson, and Bundaoon. Gather your nearest and dearest, BYO your favourite drinks, and get ready for a creative experience to remember!

Visit the Wineries 

You can’t mention things to do in the Southern Highlands without highlighting its amazing wineries! The region produces a wide variety including chardonnay, riesling, and pinot noir just to name a few! With over 60 vineyards, an incredible Southern Highlands wine trial, a warm country welcome, and amazing food to accompany each sip – you’re in for a treat!

Centennial Vineyards

A gracious estate filled with cool-climate wine over 30 hectares, you’ll be tasting your way through all kinds of different styles seen throughout the region! A winery walk or a relaxed lunch at Centennial Restaurant will complete your day.

Joadja Estate

The family-owned Joadja Estate is the Southern Highlands’ oldest vineyard and winery and is now run by a dynamic young couple with some of the funkiest bottles in the region. Amazing wood-fired pizzas and local cheeses, along with live music, make this one an easy choice.

Artemis Wines

Another family-run winery just five minutes from Mittagong and eight minutes from Bowral! Artemis Wines was the first to plant pinot noir grapes in the region – so they’re a bit of a pioneer! Personalised service from their cellar door staff awaits your arrival with the winery packing plenty of atmosphere for your stay!

Bendooley Estate

If you’re looking for things to do in the Southern Highlands, then the Bendooley Estate has plenty to offer for you! With incredible Southern Highlands views, the estate is home to a renowned eatery with Bendooley’s Restaurant, luxurious cottage accommodation, and the famous Berkelouw Book Barn. 

Don’t forget the wine, with the cellar door and tasting combining modern art with classic cuisine. It’s the perfect location for a function, whether that be a wedding or a work conference!

Bradman Museum 

Sports fan? The Bradman Museum is an incredible homage to the sport of cricket, holding Sir Donald Bradman at its heart. The interactive exhibitions will have you immersed as you feel the magic of cricket and learn more about the ‘Boy from Bowral’. Witness Bradman Oval and take the Bradman Walk as you follow the footsteps of the great cricketer!

Corbett Gardens

In the centre of Bowral is the amazing Corbett Gardens, a public park that’s open year-round for locals and visitors alike. Its amazing array of tulips, bulbs, shrubs, and trees provides a huge burst of colour and life and is a centrepiece in the region!

Tulip Time, Corbett Gardens

The Bowral Tulip Time Festival is held annually in Spring in the Southern Highlands with an incredible display of 80,000 tulips in Corbett Gardens. With community stalls, amazing tulip trail walks, and a special ‘Tulips After Dark’ event, this Bowral Garden Festival is not to be missed on your visit!

Mount Gibraltar Reserve 

Take in an amazing view of the Mount Gibraltar Reserve. Unique things to do in the Southern Highlands don’t come more unique than this! Mount Gibraltar in Mittagong NSW, at 863 metres, is a collapsed volcanic core that is the highest point between Sydney and Canberra. A day trip here will bring you Mount Gibraltar reserve walks and numerous lookouts to take in the incredible view of the iconic landmark.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Southern Highlands located?

The Southern Highlands is a region located south-west of Sydney and is considered an amazing wine region – the perfect pairing for Pinot & Picasso!

The Southern Highlands is around a 90-minute drive from Sydney and less than a 2-hour drive from Canberra. You can also catch a train from Sydney to Bowral which takes about two hours!

When should I visit Southern Highlands? 

All year-round and for all seasons, the Southern Highlands experience is amazing no matter when you visit! From cold winters and warm summers, the region is just waiting for you to visit – the same way that Pinot & Picasso is for all seasons as well! If we had to pick just one time, then go with Spring – with the mild, clear weather and a range of culinary and community events in the region.

How do I spend a day in Bowral?

Take your pick from the amazing suggestions throughout this blog, and mix up your day with both nature and creativity! Take a hike through the Southern Highlands’ amazing scenery options, visit some wineries and local restaurants, and finish your day with a paint and sip session with Pinot & Picasso as we pop up all over the region!