Your Southern Highlands Village Guide
Highlands Property | September 2026
The Southern Highlands isn’t one place. It’s a collection of towns and villages, each with its own pace, character and sense of community. From the cafés and boutiques of Bowral to the quiet country lanes of Burradoo, there’s plenty to explore, and you don’t have to go far to feel like you’ve left the city behind.
As locals, we’ve put together this guide to help you get to know each village, whether you’re here for a weekend or wondering if the Highlands could be home.
Bowral
Bowral is the best-known town in the Southern Highlands and a natural starting point for exploring the region. You’ll find a wide choice of cafés, restaurants, boutiques, galleries and everyday services, along with plenty of green space.
The Bradman Museum and Cherry Tree Walk are local favourites, and the cherry blossoms make spring a particularly lovely time to visit.
Good for: cafés, shopping, gardens, dining and weekend exploring.
Moss Vale
Moss Vale has a relaxed country-town atmosphere and a strong connection to the surrounding rural landscape. Independent shops, cafés and local businesses give the town plenty of everyday character.
When you want some fresh air, Cecil Hoskins Nature Reserve is close by, offering open space, easy walks and plenty of local birdlife.
Good for: everyday living, cafés, nature and a slower pace.
Mittagong
Mittagong is one of the main gateways to the Southern Highlands, with a fascinating connection to the area’s railway and industrial past.
Lake Alexandra is an easy place to stretch your legs or enjoy a picnic, while the surrounding bushland offers plenty of opportunities to explore further. The Box Vale Walking Track, which follows the route of an old tramway, is a local favourite for keen walkers.
Good for: history, nature, families and exploring the Highlands.
Berrima
Berrima is one of the Highlands’ best-known historic villages, with beautifully preserved buildings and a strong sense of its past.
Take your time wandering through the village, browse the independent shops and galleries, and stop for something to eat. Berrima is best enjoyed at an unhurried pace.
Good for: history, galleries, independent shops and long lunches.
Robertson
Robertson sits among lush farmland and rolling countryside, giving it a noticeably green, cool-climate feel.
It’s a great place to discover local produce, with waterfalls, walking areas and scenic drives all close by.
Good for: local produce, waterfalls, scenic drives and wide open countryside.
Burrawang
Burrawang is a small village with plenty of old-world charm. Historic buildings, rural views and the village pub give it a distinctly country atmosphere.
It’s the place to visit when you want to slow down, wander and take in the scenery rather than follow a busy itinerary.
Good for: country pub charm, rural views and slowing down.
Exeter
Leafy and peaceful, Exeter has a strong village identity and a collection of heritage buildings that give it plenty of character.
The village is small enough to explore at an easy pace, making it a lovely stop as you travel through the southern part of the Highlands.
Good for: heritage character, peace and quiet and village life.
Burradoo
Just outside Bowral, Burradoo has a quieter residential feel, with larger properties, established gardens and plenty of open space.
You’re close enough to Bowral for cafés, shops and everyday conveniences, yet Burradoo itself feels peaceful and tucked away. For families, Burradoo Park Farm is another local spot to enjoy time outdoors and make the most of the area’s country setting.
Good for: space, established gardens and family living.
A region that keeps evolving
The Highlands villages have never stood still. Historic main streets now sit alongside specialty coffee, new eateries, co-working spaces and a growing calendar of markets and community events.
More and more young families and individuals are choosing to step away from the CBD in search of a more connected, community-minded way of life, without giving up modern conveniences. With hybrid and remote work now part of everyday life, rail links to Sydney and quality schools and services close to home, many are finding they no longer have to choose between career and community.
Here, you can know your barista by name, let the kids enjoy the local park after school, and still stay connected to the wider world.
How far is the Southern Highlands from Sydney?
Around 90 minutes to two hours by car, depending on where you’re travelling from, with regular train services connecting the main towns to Sydney.
Which village is best for families?
Bowral, Moss Vale and Mittagong offer easy access to schools, services and everyday amenities, while Burradoo suits families looking for more space and a quieter setting.
Should I rent before I buy?
Renting is a great way to experience the region through the seasons, explore different villages and get a feel for the lifestyle before making a longer-term decision.
Which Southern Highlands village is right for you?
There’s no single Southern Highlands experience. Bowral suits those who like having cafés, shops and restaurants close by, while Moss Vale and Mittagong offer a more everyday country-town feel. Berrima, Burrawang and Exeter are ideal for slowing down and enjoying village character, while Robertson and Burradoo offer a stronger connection to gardens, open space and the surrounding countryside.
The best way to get a feel for the Highlands is to explore a few villages for yourself. Take the scenic route, stop for coffee, wander a main street and see which one feels like your kind of place.
Ready to experience Highlands living?
Looking to try the Southern Highlands on for size? Renting is always a great short-term option. It gives you time to get to know the region, meet the locals and see whether the lifestyle fits.
If you’re ready for a tree change, call Highlands Property today on 02 4861 0666 to speak with one of our local agents, or property managers. We’ll help guide you towards the village that best suits you, your family and the way you want to live.