Southern Highlands in Autumn: The Perfect Getaway from Sydney
LOOKING TO EXPERIENCE AUTUMN COLOURS IN NSW?
Then this is the only guide you need for a Southern Highlands Getaway this Autumn! Less than 1.5 hours away from Sydney, you will be surrounded by stunning autumn leaves, get a chance to ride a historic 120-year-old steam locomotive, and enjoy the best food and wine experiences in the region.
We know Blue Mountains’ Autumn colors typically get a lot of attention this season, but the underrated Southern Highlands region, including Mittagong, Moss Vale, and Bowral, should not be missed either!
🍂 Still need convincing? Check out our Instagram reel here to see what it’s like!
PLAN YOUR TRIP WITH MY FAVORITE RESOURCES
– Best accommodation site: Agoda.com
– Book day tours here: GetYourGuide.com
– Purchase Travel Insurance here: SafetyWing
– Cheapest Car Rental: DiscoverCars
Day Trip From Sydney to Southern Highlands in Autumn
While you can easily spend a weekend or longer in the Southern Highlands, we highly recommend at least one dedicated day to explore the region in autumn!
Getting to Southern Highlands from Sydney 🚘
While you can visit the region by train, most of the Southern Highlands autumn gardens are slightly inconvenient to reach via public transport and bus routes in the region, so if you can drive, we highly recommend renting a car for this Sydney getaway (unless you have one, of course).
The cheapest car rental company we use and recommend in Sydney is Discover Cars. This online company compares the rates of all local and international companies such as Budget, Sixt, Hertz, etc, to give you the best price available!
By car, the most direct route is via the M7 or M5 motorways south of Sydney, which will take you to Bowral in around 90 minutes. We left Sydney around 7.30 am to make the most of the day!
Visit the NSW Rail Museum 🚂
The NSW Rail Museum is located in the historic town of Thirlmere and is one of the best places in Australia to experience rail heritage up close. Even though this stop is optional, we had the best time and strongly encourage you to visit! Trust us, your inner child will thank you!
As you enter the gates, you will find a booking counter (with chocolates) to your right and collectibles (books, T-shirts, toys) over to your left. If you love maps like we do, we highly recommend getting one so you have context of the various displays but you’ll also find plenty of staff throughout the museum to help.
🚂 DAY OUT WITH THOMAS
15th-23rd March ’25
Every year, the NSW Rail Museum celebrates Thomas’ birthday! From mini train rides and face-paintings to scavenger hunts and games, this is one of the best times to visit with kids!
Don’t forget to board a 120-year-old steam locomotive from Thirlmere Station to Buxton (and back), and see the lovely Governor-General’s carriage, among other hands-on activities for kids and adults throughout the museum!
There is also the Great Train Hall, where you can see an impressive collection of locomotives, carriages, and wagons, and you cannot miss a day out with Thomas here! It’s a ride from Sodor Station on our favorite train!
Treat Yourself to High Tea at Milton Park Country House
Dearest gentle traveler, prepare to be swept off your feet! Miton Park Country House hosted the Bridgerton crew last year for a screening of the first few episodes of Season 3 and you can see why! A visit here will have you feeling as though you have stepped into a world of romance and grandeur!
Milton Park is located in Bowral and is one of the best autumn gardens in the Southern Highlands! If you’re feeling fancy, you can also book an authentic high tea experience overlooking their heritage-listed gardens as you take in the historic charm and natural beauty! The gardens have over 10,000 trees, a collection of Cypresses & Pines, Maels, Rose bushes, and an Avenue of 40 Giant Elms! You can totally see why this garden from the 1800s is a stunning wedding venue and known to be one of the greatest gardens in all of Australia!
The Milton Park typically host the Open Gardens such as this one during autumn, where they raise funds and offer access to the grounds including tours for a small admission fee.
Visit the local Boston Ivy cafe! 🍁
Nestled in the heart of Mittagong, The Boston Ivy 1880 is a cozy café known to be a local favourite with its vibrant Boston Ivy facade. Housed within a historic building, this café serves fresh, locally sourced produce, with great coffee and a variety of menu options.
If you’re here for a bite, we highly recommend their classic egg & bacon roll (comes with relished tomatoes) and taking a pic with the iconic red door!
Beyond its culinary offerings, The Boston Ivy 1880 also offered a stay experience at “The Residence”, a bed and breakfast located within the picturesque historical building. Even though it doesn’t seem to be available anymore, we would absolutely still stop by for the gorgeous display of Boston ivy!
Enjoy the Autumn Leaves at the Memorial Park 🍂
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Around 7 minutes away from Bowral is Mittagong, the cindrella of Southern Highlands (yes, that’s what it’s known as)! The town lies between two volcanic peaks – the famous “Gib” (Mount Gibraltar) and Mount Alexandra! The trails in this 2-acre park bloom with yellow & red colors during autumn in Southern Highlands and are perfect for a short stroll amidst the colorful foliage.
One of our favourite parts of the park is a small wooden bridge, draped by the cascading branches and surrounding autumn hues. And if you come a bit later in the season, you will see plenty of vibrant autumn leaves on the garden floor to play with!
Whether you’re stopping for an autumn picnic (there are picnic tables) or looking for a picturesque backdrop, Memorial Park is a must-visit on your Southern Highlands autumn road trip!
Wine Tasting at Centennial Vineyard 🍷
The wineries of the Southern Highlands are renowned for their exceptional quality, thanks to the region’s cooler climate. So we decided to join a guided wine tasting at one of the best vineyards in the region, Centennial Vineyard!
Their Cellar Door offers an intimate introduction to their diverse range of cool-climate wines for $15 per person (partially redeemable if you buy a bottle), where you can sample 8 wines during the 45-minute guided tasting experience. If you’d rather enjoy some food along with the wine, you can head up to their terrace or grab a wholesome meal at their restaurant.
Bendooley Estate is another popular alternative where the Cellar Door overlooks the vineyard, offering a picturesque backdrop while you sample their carefully crafted selections.
Sunset at Jellore lookout for Views of Southern Highlands in Autumn!
If you think the day’s adventures are over, think again! You know how much we love sunsets and would never end an itinerary without at least one sunset spot so here come two!
Nestled within Mount Gibraltar Reserve in Bowral, Jellore Lookout, offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Southern Highlands, especially stunning between March and May when the landscape is ablaze with autumn colors. This spot is a haven for birdwatchers, with many native species frequently spotted here. As the sun sets, the lookout transforms into a perfect backdrop for silhouette photography, making for truly spectacular shots!
Alternatively, you can visit the Wollondilly Lookout Point in Bullio. The views of the mountains and Nattai National Park are magnificent from here! You can enjoy bird-watching and spot some native eastern grey kangaroos (rare), wallaroos, koalas, and owls!
We love catching sunsets; do you too? Have you heard of the Palm Beach Lighthouse Walk? It’s just a 50-minute drive from Sydney and offers some of the most incredible views, especially during sunset!
FAQs: Southern Highlands in Autumn
Now that you know how fun a Southern Highlands getaway sounds, we have answered a few common questions people have about Southern Highlands:
1. Where to See Autumn Leaves in Bowral?
Milton Park Country House is our favorite pick. It’s famous for the autumn leaves in NSW!
There are over 10,000 trees, a collection of Cypresses & Pines, Maels, Rose bushes, and an avenue of 40 Giant Elms!
2. Does it Snow in Southern Highlands, NSW?
Significant snow events are rare, but have occurred. For instance, in July 2015, towns such as Berrima, Bowral, and Mittagong experienced notable snowfalls.
Additionally, in 1947, a dusting of snow was observed on the Macquarie Pass road.
Overall, while snowfall is not a common occurrence in the Southern Highlands, the region’s higher altitudes can occasionally experience snow during the colder periods.
3. What is the Southern Highlands known for?
The Southern Highlands is recognized for its historic character and upscale accommodations, such as Craigieburn, Briars, Berida Manor House, and Peppers Manor House.
These properties are historically significant as they were once prominent country estates or homesteads from the 19th century, showcasing the area’s early European settlement and agricultural roots.
The region is also famous for its beautiful landscapes, wineries, and outdoor activities.
Wrap Up: Autumn in Southern Highlands
A Southern Highlands day trip is one of the best things to do in Sydney in April. Various places from Wollondilly, to Mittagong and Bowral all have plenty of beautiful roads you can drive through for all the autumn feels. Now that you know exactly how to plan your day, check out this Blue Mountains autumn itinerary to plan your next autumn road trip.
