Berry is the ideal base from which to explore to the Shoalhaven and Southern Highlands regions. Heritage villages, bushwalking, waterfalls, rural landscapes and coastal vistas can all found within easy driving distance of the Homestead.
Our top driving destinations are:
Kangaroo Valley
Kangaroo Valley is just a 1/2 hour drive to the west of Berry. Vibrant green pastures, natural bushland and dramatic escarpment views surround this picturesque heritage village. There’s plenty to explore in the village itself, with lovely shops, cafes, galleries and the Pioneer Village Museum. Our favourite places to grab a meal are The General Cafe and Hampden Deli. If you are keen to learn how to cook your own you might like to participate in a cooking class at Flavours of the Valley. Beyond the village there are plenty of opportunities to explore nature with bushwalks, waterfalls and even kayaking. The Kangaroo River is a significant feature of the town and is traversed by Hampden Bridge, a heritage-listed single span suspension bridge built in 1898. There are a number of arts and food events and festivals held in the Valley throughout the year. Head to the Visit Kangaroo Valley website for more information about things to do. You can reach Kangaroo Valley via Kangaroo Valley Road over Berry Mountain, or via Woodhill Mountain Road and Wattamolla. Please take care on these roads as there is often wildlife including wombats, wallabies, kangaroos and lyrebirds about, especially in the early mornings and late afternoons.
Fitzroy Falls
Fitzroy Falls in Morton National Park can be found approximately 20 minutes drive west of Kangaroo Valley, and is one of our favourite places to stop on the way to the Southern Highlands. From the viewing platform at the Visitors Centre you can view the water plunging over 80m into the valley below. It is quite spectacular, especially after rainfall and is an easy walk from the car park, making it suitable for all levels of ability. Find out more about Fitzroy Falls.
The Southern Highlands
The Southern Highlands region is approximately 40 minutes west of Kangaroo Valley, just over an hour from Berry. Bowral is the largest town in the Southern Highlands and is home to a fantastic array of cafes, restaurants, boutique shops, markets and events including the stunning Tulip Time Festival held each spring. The town is also well known as the childhood home of the cricketing great, Sir Donald Bradman and, as a result, the Bradman Museum and International Cricket Hall of Fame has been established here. Surrounding the town of Bowral and further into the Southern Highlands, you’ll find wineries, breweries, farm shops, parklands, bushwalks and waterfalls as well as other historic villages including Berrima, Bundanoon, Burrawang, Mittagong, Moss Vale, Robertson and more. Some of our favourite things to do in the region are dine at Harry’s on Green Lane, shop antiques at Dirty Jane’s Antique Market, browse the beautiful plant selection and garden decor at The Potting Shed and The Orangery, and of course visit the wineries including Centennial Vineyard and Bendooley Estate. To find out more about the region head to the Visit Southern Highlands website.
Milton
Milton is approximately 1 hour south of Berry, and makes for a great day trip. The historic village of Milton features many 19th century buildings which today are home to bakeries, cafes, boutiques, galleries, antique stores and a theatre. Surrounded by lush farmland, it’s no surprise that Milton’s food and wine experiences are some of the best in the Shoalhaven region. Must-visit destinations include Milk Haus, Flour Water Salt, Small Town and of course Cupitt’s Estate. Here you can taste wines at the cellar door, tour the microbrewery, test the delicious cheeses from the on-site fromagerie and dine in the stunning restaurant. Cupitt’s also hold regular Sunday sessions with live music in the outdoor area, so you can take a picnic or purchase wood fired pizza and drinks from the bar and relax in the grounds overlooking the vineyard.
Image courtesy of Shoalhaven Tourism