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| Scenic and Romantic Mountain Country |
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To the south, the Southern Highlands are rich in history and were a popular country resort area for early Sydneysiders. Many fine historic homes still exist and can be visited. Today it is a rich rural productive area with many National Parks and some spectacular scenery. You can reach this scenic area of the state by taking the A31 or South Eastern Freeway from Liverpool, through the early settlement towns of Campbelltown, Camden and Picton, and via the Freeway to Mittagong, where you turn onto the old highway. The principal towns are Mittagong, Bowral, Moss Vale, Bundanoon and the historic town of Berrima. The Southern Highlands are one of my favourite getaway destinations and I have friends there who operate a 5,000 acre horseriding property high in the mountains at Tugalong Station. To see more detail on the main towns follow the links below. There is much to see and do in this wonderful area of the state. For cricket followers, you can visit the Sir Donald Bradman Museum and Oval at Bowral. Sir Donald lived in, and played for, Bowral and this museum has an enormous range of memorabilia about the world's greatest batsman. To the south the gigantic Mortlake National Park is a series of waterways, walks, climbs and lookouts offering a wide range of picnic spots, activities, scenic walks and photo opportunites to keep you entertained for at least a couple of days. On the eastern edge of the park are the Fitzroy Falls, easily accessible and with a well appointed Information Centre and cafe. Nearby is Robertson, noted for its pies and pasties, and made internationally famous as the venue for filming of 'Babe' in the mid 1990s. Berrima, just north of the three principal towns is one of Australia's most historic towns and contains Australia's oldest continuously licensed hotel in The Surveyor General Inn, has an historic gaol and courthouse, and a hosts of well equipped and interesting craft shops, cafes, and fascinating bric-a-brac and souvenirs. To the west, Joadja Winery is a nice stop-off on the way to Old Joadja, a World Heritage listed ghost town where kerosene was once leached from shale rock in the cliff face. You can visit the old cemetery and see the works from the entry point. Everywhere you look in the Southern Highlands there are horses and many equestrian centres and stations offer horse-riding, agistment and trail rides. For the golfer there are several well presented courses and you will find bowling greens and other sporting facilities in all towns. The area is most recognised for its rural atmosphere and there are several mansions open to the public, but one of the best ways to spend a few days is just wandering along the main shopping precincts of each of the towns and soaking up the atmosphere. A large range of accommodation is available including motels, hotels, caravan parks, B&B and guest houses and you can stay in sumptuous luxury or more economical lodgings. The Southern Highlands are only 1.5 hours from Sydney by road and there is a regular XPT rail service to Moss Vale which will drop you in the centre of the township. A wonderful place to spend a few romantic days and take in some of the state's history. |
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MAPS
Full clickable map including all towns. Clickable area map with all towns. |