Top Things to do in Southern Highlands
Countries
The 10 Best Sights & Landmarks in Southern Highlands, New South Wales
Discover the best top things to do in Southern Highlands, Australia including Bowerbird on Argyle, Red Cow Farm - Open Garden, Harper's Mansion, Berrima River Walk, Retford Park, Erith Coal Mine, Twin Falls Lookout, Mittagong Lookout, Mary Poppins Statue, The Big Potato.
Restaurants in Southern Highlands
1. Bowerbird on Argyle
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By Keithsgillan - Sydney, Australia
I use the Southern Highlands to break up the drive between Sydney to Canberra. What a pleasant surprise it was when I stumbled across this gem of a shop. The moment you walk through the doors you see the exquisite displays and you're greeted by their warm and welcoming staff. With such a wide range pieces available there is literally something for everyone. My comment won't do this shop justice, you must see for yourself. It's easy to see why it's so popular with the locals, Bowerbird on Argyle is arguably the best shop in the Southern Highlands.
2. Red Cow Farm - Open Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 144 reviews
Reviewed By 885candicek
It really was like walking through a story book. Well worth the visit and the entry fee. Would visit again.
3. Harper's Mansion
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 44 reviews
Reviewed By Dodger52 - Wollongong, Australia
The friend I was with had to quickly rush outside as she felt something strange that made her feel ill. Once outside she was OK, but was not prepared to go back in. She said she is very sensitive to phenomena. Apparently 3 children had died in the house over 100 yeas ago and 1 particularly gruesome death with a child dying when he fell into an open fire. So, the place is very interesting and worth a visit during their open days. It is historic over 135 years old and well restored and looked after. Is it haunted? I did not experience anything, who knows?
4. Berrima River Walk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 45 reviews
Reviewed By nikkirb2021 - Leeds, United Kingdom
Visited in Sept-2018. This little walk was spectacular! Really great walk for a sunny day, all the colours were beautiful! Managed to spot an Australian water dragon by the river which was fantastic! Very tranquil and peaceful.
5. Retford Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14 reviews
Retford Park is a place of great heritage significance. Its European history extends back to grants of land promised to Edward Riley senior by Governor Macquarie in 1821. Retford Park was gifted to National Trust (NSW) by owner James Fairfax AC in 2016. The gardens and house are open at advertised times for tours, visit the National Trust website to learn more and book your ticket.
Reviewed By barbaratR5307PR
This may not be everyone's cup of tea, but I do believe there is nothing else like it in Australia. This former home of James Fairfax of THE Fairfax Family (media) was gifted to the National Trust for all to see and be kept as part of our history. The architecture is unusual and the house is a home not a museum, it is modest in some ways but has interesting contents and has wonderful views over old gardens with amazing trees. It is a peaceful area with plenty of space to wander around safely and enjoy. A good day trip or visit as you may keep your distance from others and enjoy it without crowds or bother. Drive to the end of Merrigang St Bowral and turn right and left into the red gravel drive, the National Trust office and parking are at the end of the road. Check the website before going, book tickets.
6. Erith Coal Mine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By Emanpee - Sydney, Australia
This was a real surprise in terms of wonderful plant life and information along the path from Gambell picnic area (first carpark on left as enter national park), the historic coal mines, and the wonderful waterfall and almost grotto area beneath the mine entrances (the entrances are blocked by steel wire but can peer in). It is only 1km walk from the Gambell carpark on a very easy defined path, predominantly downhill but not excessively steep. On arriving at the creek, which is above the falls, you need to cross to a steel walkway and staircase down to the mine entrances and then a short scramble on less defined path to the pool below the falls. A very picturesque spot. For the return journey you can go back the same way, or if wanting to get the heart rate up, once back up the stairs to top of falls, go to the right and follow the firetrail back to the national park entrance roadway, similar 1km but 700m of steep and rocky uphill exertion.
7. Twin Falls Lookout
8. Mittagong Lookout
9. Mary Poppins Statue
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By SvetlanaT237 - Melbourne, Australia
Mary Poppins is one of my most favourite fictional characters. I love her to bits, in whatever language I read or watch her. This holiday the stars have aligned in such a way that on our check out from Sydney hotel I was watching 'Sunrise'. There was segment on two Australian towns competing whose Mary Poppins statue was the best. One of those towns was Bowral. Bowral was on the way for me. So off we went. 1) Bowral is a very nice little town. Great to visit. Very welcoming, green, relaxed. 2) There is Bradman museum in Glebe Park as well. So, men can go left, women and girls can go right. 3) The statue is amazing. For the fans of Mary Poppins this visit would be just what doctor ordered. Must see. Must take millions of photos. Must have a picnic in the park. Enjoy
10. The Big Potato
Overall Ratings
2.5 based on 90 reviews
Reviewed By mikeishappy
I absolutely loved the big potato. It was everything I was expecting and more!! Can’t believe people are disappointed by this work of art, even bought potato overalls nearby so I could remember this moment forever! If you don’t like the big people you just don’t have a heart... very disappointing that this lovely innocent potato can get so much hate. Will be back soon ????????????
