Golden Valley’s spectacular neighbour: The Southern Highlands
A life in Jamberoo means you’re perfectly positioned to enjoy the best of multiple worlds. Its centrality is so unique that you’ll have to search far and wide to find another village quite like it.
We often talk about our proximity to beautiful beaches and Sydney’s urban buzz. But today let’s explore another absolute gem right on our doorstep: the magnificent Southern Highlands.
Just a short 30-minute drive from Golden Valley, the Southern Highlands feels like stepping into another world. This region has captured the hearts of city dwellers for generations, drawing them for weekend escapes, day trips, and increasingly, permanent tree-changes.
And the history of the highlands runs very, very deep. Buckle up.
Rich in history and landscapes that make you gawk
The Southern Highlands rose to prominence in the 19th century when wealthy Sydney residents built country estates to escape the summer heat. This legacy lives on in the region’s gorgeous heritage buildings and manicured gardens.
Early settlement in the Southern Highlands was concentrated around towns like Berrima, Bowral, and Mittagong. Berrima, in particular, became a focal point due to its strategic location on the Great South Road (now the Hume Highway), which connected Sydney to the southern regions. Bowral later gained popularity as a retreat for Sydney’s elite, cementing its reputation as a hub for grand estates and picturesque gardens.
Autumn in the Highlands transforms the landscape into a breath-taking canvas of red, orange and gold. You’ll see the Highlands coming to life during April and May when the colours start popping and the cool winds cleanse the air. Speaking of cool – the cool climate allows European trees to thrive, creating scenery that feels more like parts of England or New England than typical Australian bushland. Jaw-dropping, eye-watering beauty.
During spring, towns like Bowral come alive with vibrant tulip displays during the famous Tulip Time Festival at Corbett Gardens, attracting thousands of visitors annually.
Character-filled towns where historical charm still lives
Each Highland town has its own distinct personality, making the region perfect for leisurely exploration.
Bowral, the largest town, blends sophisticated shopping and dining with natural beauty. It’s home to the Don Bradman Cricket Museum, celebrating Australia’s greatest sporting hero. Dirty Janes antique market has become a must-visit for treasure hunters and visitors looking for a fun day out.
Moss Vale has transformed in recent years from a quiet country town into a hub for creative entrepreneurs. The restored heritage buildings now house artisanal bakeries, homeware stores and craft breweries. The town’s uplifting, community feel is largely thanks to the many sporting and cultural activities available for kids. Each afternoon buzzes with parents and their children heading out to footy, hockey, cricket, martial arts and music lessons… which gives the parents a great opportunity to catch up over a takeaway coffee. We absolutely love this sense of community that thrives in Moss Vale!
Berrima stands as one of Australia’s best-preserved Georgian villages, with sandstone buildings dating back to the 1830s. The historic Berrima Courthouse and Surveyor General Inn (Australia’s oldest continuously licensed pub) provide fascinating glimpses into colonial life.
Mittagong offers a perfect blend of history and natural beauty, surrounded by extinct volcanoes and featuring beautiful Lake Alexandra. Its antique stores and second-hand bookshops can keep browsers busy for hours.
Robertson, famous for its rich red soil and potato farming heritage, now draws visitors to The Big Potato – which has now been turned into a big Babe painting to celebrate the 30th anniversary since the local filming of the movie Babe, the Robertson Cheese Factory, and stunning rainforest walks nearby.
Food and wine paradise
The Highlands has emerged as one of Australia’s most exciting food and wine destinations. The cool climate produces exceptional wines, particularly Pinot Noir and Chardonnay varieties. Centennial Vineyards and Artemis Wines offer cellar door experiences where you can sample local vintages while enjoying spectacular rural views.
Food lovers will find paradise in the Highlands’ farm-to-table ethos. Restaurants like Eschalot in Berrima and Moonacres in Roberson and Bowral, showcase seasonal local produce with innovative menus. The region hosts farmers’ markets throughout the year, with weekend markets keeping the farming lifestyle very much alive across the region.
For sweet tooths, the famous Robertson Pie Shop and Gumnut Patisserie in Bowral, Mittagong and Berrima offer baked treats worth the drive alone.
Get back to the great Southern Highland outdoors
The Southern Highlands offers endless opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Budderoo National Park features the breathtaking Fitzroy Falls, where water plunges over 80 meters into the valley below. The surrounding walking tracks cater to all fitness levels.
Morton National Park provides dramatic escarpment views and diverse ecosystems to explore. The Berrima River Walking Track is great for families and combines a love for the outdoors with a bit of history along the track.
For golf enthusiasts, Bowral Golf Club and Gibraltar Country Club offer challenging courses in picturesque settings. Equestrians enjoy extensive trails and world-class facilities throughout the region.
A comfortable and unforgettable day trip from Golden Valley
From Golden Valley Jamberoo, a perfect day in the Highlands might start with breakfast at The Press Shop in Bowral, followed by shopping along Bong Bong Street’s boutiques. You could enjoy a wine tasting at Artemis Wines before lunch at Harry’s on Green Lane. Spend the afternoon exploring the stunning Retford Park gardens or hiking to Fitzroy Falls, then finish with dinner at the Robertson Pub before the easy drive home.
Position yourself perfectly in Jamberoo
Golden Valley’s central location makes it ideal for both young families and retirees looking to up-size or down-size. Sydney is just 90 minutes north, pristine South Coast beaches lie 20 minutes east, and as we’ve explored, the Southern Highlands wait just 30 minutes west.
This accessibility creates a lifestyle where you can enjoy coastal swims in the morning, tend to your garden in Golden Valley’s ideal climate by afternoon, and dine in a sophisticated Highland restaurant by evening.
For young families, this means children can experience diverse environments and activities while growing up in Jamberoo’s safe, nurturing community. For retirees, it means never running out of new places to explore without extensive travel.
The Southern Highlands represents just one of many spectacular regions within easy reach of Golden Valley Jamberoo. Our residents enjoy the peaceful village lifestyle while remaining connected to the very best of what southern New South Wales offers.
And that’s what makes Golden Valley special. You’re securing a lifestyle that connects you to beaches, countryside, wilderness, and sophisticated cultural experiences—all while living in a community that feels like home. We honestly don’t think it can get better than this.
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