| Here, along with the renowned Bradman Museum and historic Berrima, you’ll find a wine trail that will lead you throughout the district tasting locally-produced cool climate wines. Highlights of the Southern Highlands include the much loved small colonial town of Berrima which is a living example of early colonial architecture dating back to the 1830’s. Built around the idea of an “English Village Common”, Berrima captivates all who visit. The town of Bowral, the commercial centre of the Southern Highlands, nestles in the shadow of Mt Gibraltar. Founded in the 1860’s it soon became a summer retreat for wealthy Sydney residents who have left a legacy of stately mansions and spacious grounds of manicured gardens. The area is blessed with an English climate with four distinct seasons giving spectacular colours in autumn and spring. Tulip Time, held every September/October, is one of Australia’s leading floral festivals.
Bowral also is the home town of cricketing legend Sir Donald Bradman. Here you can relive the glories of Australian cricket and follow Sir Donald Bradman’s footsteps as he grew up in Bowral and went on to become a cricketing legend.
Bundanoon is the southern gateway to the 130,000 hectare Morton National Park which features numerous scenic walks and picnic spots, breathtaking views and waterfalls, magnificent sunsets, an abundance of native flora and fauna and for the truly adventurous, the nocturnal delights of Glow Worm Glen. For those who like to explore, there’s a truly spectacular drive from Mittagong to Wombeyan Caves. The mountainous road covers farmland, mountains, valleys and rivers, a man-made tunnel, spectacular views over the Burragorang Valley with a delightful picnic spot and swimming hole at Goodman’s Ford. At the end of the drive is the underground world of Wombeyan Caves.
One of the many special things about the Southern Highlands is that you don’t have to travel far to discover many picturesque towns and villages, each with its own history and identity. The villages which surround the major towns have an aura of peace, tranquillity and seclusion with quaint country lanes, rolling hills, mist, birds and trees. If you enjoy Australian colonial history and architecture, the ‘bush' general stores which double as post offices, barbers, greengrocers, people who have time to talk to you (and know what they’re talking about), arts and crafts which have a real country feel, homemade preserves, honey and confectionery, galleries, antique stores and old ware establishments, stone churches and real Aussie pubs, you’ll love the Southern Highlands.
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