AS FAR FROM ORDINARY AS YOU CAN POSSIBLY TRAVEL
The picturesque Southern Highlands is an easy 90-minute drive south-west of Sydney.
Join us on the quintessential weekend in the Highlands!
Depart Sydney, on route to the beautiful township of Berrima, the best-preserved Georgian village in Australia, nested in the lush, green surroundings of the Southern Highlands. If you prefer to take to the skies, enjoy a scenic 35 minute flight from Sydney, taking in the beautiful coastline of Sydney‘s South, before reaching Berrima. On arrival, stop for a coffee or tea at one of the quaint local coffee shops. The General Store & Café in Berrima offers everything from coffee, cakes and scones to delectable homemade pies and quiche.
Take some time to stretch your legs, enjoying the tranquility of this colonial township. You will have the chance to visit one of the most historical buildings in Berrima, Harper’s Mansion. Recognised for its Georgian design and history relating back to 1834, the house was built by James Harper and is known for its gardens and maze. Set in two acres of garden, take the time this morning to explore the spectacular hedge maze overlooking the village.
Your next stop will have you gliding downstream on the Kangaroo River from Beehive Point to the mouth of Yarrunga Creek with the backdrop of the Morton National Park in Kangaroo Valley. Take a seat in a custom-built double-canoe rigs and immerse your senses in its sheer beauty. With a perfect combination of food, wine and wilderness, indulge your taste buds with wild native canapés, a scrumptious lunch and local award-winning cold-climate wines. Take this opportunity to discover what is undeniably, one of the most beautiful waterways in the state. Explore the sunken forest and its eerily beautiful backdrop of a convict-built sandstone road, winding uphill and linking the rainforest with our colonial past. This is wilderness at its best, a home the majestic azure kingfisher, wedge-tail eagle, diamond python and many more.
On to the next stop, Burrawang Village, a picturesque historic town well known for it’s famous pub, breathtaking views and lush landscape. Popular with foodies and nature lovers alike, the area is surrounded by national parks with an abundance of bushwalking trails, wineries, and delicious local food. Unleash your intrepid tastebuds by embarking on a sensory journey to discover the abundance of tasty edibles, literally at your feet and within arms reach. A urban foraging walk followed by a creative cocktail making class, introducing you to the inspirations behind the freshly foraged flavours and aromas.
Conclude the day with history and fine dining at Berrima Vault House, a delectable paddock-to-plate dinner in an old convict cell. Berrima Vault House is a charming venue in the heart of Berrima that has been transformed into a contemporary, heritage preserved, 5-star hospitality venue and private members club.
Whether this is a romantic getaway or winter escape with friends, we will be able to match you to the perfect Southern Highlands accommodation to suit your style and budget. From cosy cottages, luxury hotels to pet-friendly accommodation, there many options to accommodate for your getaway.
Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your accommodation before setting off to reconnect with nature.
There has never been a better time to explore opportunities to embrace the benefits of slowing down and putting your health first. Forest bathing is a wonderful way to recharge, connect with nature and regenerate your soul, as the practice involves a series of guided methods to help you relax, become more present and connect with the natural world. Forest bathing, simply refers to taking in the forest through our senses, mastering the practice of creating physical and psychological wellness through immersion in the natural environment.
Scientific studies show that time spent in nature positively alters the biomarkers of stress and wellbeing. Our heart rates slow, blood pressure decreases, cortisol levels decline and our parasympathetic nervous system is improved.
Shifting the focus back to your palette, continue on to an olive degustation at Kangaroo Valley Olives. Set above the valley, this boutique olive producer grows, and naturally produce their range on-site to preserve the quality of the product. Enjoy a taste sensation, featuring their oils, olives, vinegars and tapenades. A chance to learn the difference between oils and how to recognise the different varieties, along with local wines, this creates a unique experience.
On the way to lunch, take a short stop to discover magical waterfall views at Belmore Falls in Budderoo National Park. Nurtured and conserved for over a century, the rainforest is exceptionally precious with rare birds, native mammals and reptiles. You will also have the opportunity to swim in Nellie’s Glen.
Continue to PepperGreen Estate and indulge your taste buds in the delights and passion that Head Chef Mark Chance and his team channel into every dish to create a modern French inspired menu. Premium quality is what they consistently offer from their Canyonleigh wines to their own extra virgin olive oil which is featured throughout the menu.
After lunch, discover a secret hideaway, only the locals know, to get a glimpse of some native animals in the wild. You can expect to see kangaroos and a few wombats grazing on the grass of the highlands.
Heading back north to Berrima, to the awarded “Best Tasting Experience” at Tertini Wines. A vineyard dedicated to producing premium cool climate wines with a focus on alternative varieties. Since their first harvest, this wine maker has won award after award, bringing in multiple medals from Australia’s leading wine writers.
No visit to the Highlands is complete without stopping at Dirty Janes. Named after a renowned 19th-century Irish storekeeper, it’s a treasure hunter’s paradise. Browse the main street of Bowral taking in village life with all its small town charm and big city sophistication.
Alquemie partners with Experience Nature Group to deliver creative adventures connecting with people, place and produce. Amanda Fry is the founder of the Experience Nature Group, with a mission to connect our guests with nature in unique and compelling ways. Delivering the most memorable and unique experiences, Amanda is our go-to expert in the region. With her incredible passion, she has undeniably put the beautiful Southern Highlands on the map, and on the must-experience list for many of our guests.
Insider Tip; Amanda says “Spring is the best time to visit the region due to the regrowth and sheer beauty of the area. As nature and wildlife emerge from the winter cold, the Southern Highlands comes to life… Just Perfect”.
Trave travel on your mind?
un-Googleable! ‘Never-had-before, never-to-be-repeated-again’ experiences.