If you are coming to the area for a workshop, an open studio or just to explore, here are some of our most loved things to do in the Southern Highlands.
The Southern Highlands are a great place to explore for a day or the weekend! We are located in Colo Vale just at the doorstep to all that the area has to offer. With Mittagong just 10mins away and Berrima or Bowral 15mins away, its easy to plan your time around your visit to the studio. Whether you want to get out in Nature or have a glass of wine by the fire, below are some recommendations of things to do in the area to enjoy your time in the Highlands!
Please note: Colo Vale itself is a small village and does not have any eateries.
NATURE:
Lake Alexandra: A great place to have a little picnic, do a walk around the lake and sit and relax, or carry on to the Forty Foot Falls (2.5hr return).
Box Vale Walking Track: A diverse track that is approachable for most and can take you all the way to Forty Foot Falls.
Berrima River Walk: A lovely track that leads you alongside the river with notable historical information along the way.
Mount Gibraltar Lookouts: Perfect for Sunset. There is Mittagong, Bowral and Jellore Lookouts. My favourite is the Jellore Lookout.
FOOD:
Mittagong: There are plenty of good cute cafe’s in Mittagong so you can’t go wrong. My favourites are Lil Piggy (gluten free), Station Coffee House and Chapter One. For dinner, the pub and Paste (thai) are good go to’s.
Bowral: Again, this location boasts a range of great eateries and is great to walk up the main street to check them all out. My favs are The Mill, Letterpress Cafe, Larder, Leila’s and pubs Royal or Imperial Hotels.
Berrima: This quaint historic village has great cosy vibes especially in the Pub, Josh’s Cafe, the General Store and new fav Willow and Chai.
Gumnut Patisserie: Award winning cakes, pies and treats. Located at Mittagong, Bowral and Berrima.
WINERIES:
Artemis Winery: Great for tastings and Weekends have Cheese Boards and Woodfire Pizzas.
Joadja Distillery: Great choice of Gins and Whiskeys
Also check out: Cherry Tree Hill, Centennial and Bendooley Wineries.
GALLERIES:
Sturt Gallery/Shop: Great selection of Australian artworks with a beautiful shop and cafe.
Ngununggula: Beautiful building mixing old and new with Contemporary art and amazing food at the Cafe.
Bowral District Art Gallery: Great range of local artists, close to main road of Bowral.
Michael Reid Berrima: Contemporary Gallery right in the heart of Berrima.
SHOPPING:
Mittagong: A little array of boutiques amongst cute cafes and quilting stores.
Bowral: Lots of homewares and boutique stores. Barbara’s Storehouse, Equalibrium, Few and Far, Dirty Janes and Touch of Tea are a few favourites.
Berrima: Cute little shops with charm – Mrs Oldbucks, Six Impossible Things, Willow and Chai, The Village Potter.
EVENTS:
Markets: Each suburb has its local monthly market. Each one having a unique mix of local makers, growers and food.
Exeter and Colo Vale: 1st Saturday of the Month
Bowral: 2nd Saturday of the Month
Mittagong: 3rd & 5th Saturday of the Month
Berrima: 4th Sunday of the Month
Bowral Tulip Festival: Usually in September, a great time to enjoy the Tulips with a nice cup of coffee.
RESOURCES:
The Fold Southern Highlands: Is the best place to check week by week what’s on.
Mittagong Information Centre: The best stop off to see all that there is to do in the area.